Some frequently asked questions about our meditation courses.
“What Type of Meditation do you Offer.”
Our meditation is based on the teachings of Sri Chinmoy
There are aspects common to other types of meditation, but a
distinctive feature is that we meditate on the spiritual heart. Music
also plays an important role.
“Do you Have to Sit in the Lotus Posture?”
It is not necessary to learn hatha yoga for meditation. It is fine
to meditate in a chair. The important thing is to meditate with the
spine erect and straight. Beginners should not meditate lying down as
you are liable to fall asleep!
“My mind seems very busy, and it is very difficult to control my thoughts.”
Firstly, you are not alone. We are so used to using the mind that
when we try to silence it it proves quite difficult. We cannot
expect to be an expert piano player at our first attempt. It is the
same with meditation. We cannot expect to be an expert in a short week.
If we practise with regularity and perseverance, it becomes easier. We
also advise using the power of the heart to lift our consciousness away
from the intellectual mind.
“How Long Should I meditate for?”
There is no correct answer. It depends on the experience of the
seeker. For complete beginners 10 minutes is a good starting point.
However, the important thing is to meditate with focus and
concentration. There are no prizes for sitting still in a chair for a
long time. As you meditate more, you may feel it is appropriate to
extend the length of your meditation. Over time, you will develop the
capacity to meditate longer. This is something you will intuitively
feel. If you feel tense and pressured, it is a sign you are meditating
in the wrong way or too long.
“Can I meditate on my own?”
Yes, you can meditate on your own. However, if you meditate with
other people, you will gain added inspiration and encouragement. Others
may not be able to tell you how to meditate, but meditating in a group
can definitely help your own aspiration. It can be difficult to
meditate on your own.
How Do I Know Whether I am Meditating Well?
If you are meditating well, you will have a good feeling for the
world. There will be no inner disturbance or worry; you will feel inner
peace and happiness no matter what is happening in the outer world.
What Exactly Is Meditation?
“When we meditate, we have to feel that we are entering into something vast and infinite: the vast ocean or the infinite blue sky. We are trying to plunge into something boundless and measureless. All around us is the infinite blue sky where Peace is reigning supreme.”
Sri Chinmoy
Meditation is the subtle art of calming the mind and going deep into one’s innermost self. It is going beyond the thinking process and entering into the experiencing process. Once we are able to go beyond the mundane thoughts that make up our everyday life, we begin to feel that there is a deep source of peace and joy patiently waiting to be discovered and utilised. This newly discovered peace begins to permeate all our daily activities and soon, we see life in a much brighter manner.
How do I get Started?
A few basic ABCs will help you get started.
- Find a quiet place that will be your special peaceful place. It could be a corner of a room. Place a small table there with objects on it that inspire you or make you feel peaceful. The best are candles and flowers. If you are lucky enough to be in nature, use the sunrise or a still lake to inspire you.
- Get up early when the world is quiet and before your family might start making too many demands on you. This is your peace time.
- Wash your face or better take a shower. This wakes you up!
- Sit at your spot and keep your spine very straight. Use a chair, or if you sit on the floor, have a good cushion.
- Gaze at the candle flame. Think of what the flame represents for you- warmth, light, peace etc. As you gaze at the candle flame, feel those qualities are emerging from within your deepest self.
- If you have thoughts ( and you will !), try not to follow them, and try to let the candle flame symbollically illumine them.
- Breathe quietly and evenly and feel tension leaving your body with each outgoing breath. Relax!
- Feel light and peace entering into you with each incoming breath.
- Note: Don’t eat a heavy meal before meditating as it will be harder to concentrate. Drink some water or juice or whatever you need to be awake.
- Try to meditate for at least 10-15 minutes each morning and a few minutes before going to sleep.
- If you do this regularly for even a week, you will feel so much better.
- For additional and more specific techniques, come to our classes!
Remember- Regularity is the key!
