Meditation Discussions - Architects of a New Dawn2024-03-29T00:40:07Zhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/group/meditation/forum?groupUrl=meditation&feed=yes&xn_auth=noDo Nothing for Two Minutestag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2011-01-27:2227378:Topic:2349852011-01-27T22:28:46.427ZLubovArthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/LubovOvtchinikova
<a href="http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/">http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/</a>
<a href="http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/">http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/</a> Winter feast for the Soul invitationtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2010-01-14:2227378:Topic:1504192010-01-14T21:42:59.933ZWilliam L. Kimmel Jr.https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/WilliamKimmel
You are all invited to The Winter Feast for the Soul Meditation for world peace.<br />
It starts 01/15/2010 and goes for 40 days. Meditation periods are from 4 min to 40 min each day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.winterfeastforthesoul.com/index.html">http://www.winterfeastforthesoul.com/index.html</a>
You are all invited to The Winter Feast for the Soul Meditation for world peace.<br />
It starts 01/15/2010 and goes for 40 days. Meditation periods are from 4 min to 40 min each day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.winterfeastforthesoul.com/index.html">http://www.winterfeastforthesoul.com/index.html</a> Hard lesson - combining Ho'oponopono with Meditationtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-10-20:2227378:Topic:1328772009-10-20T14:37:57.153ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
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<b>I have had a very interesting past few days. Getting involved in things again, which made me realize again how the best things in life are not things. I was invited to a wooden boat show to sell some of my nautical collections (including some of my original illustrations such as "Divina,the golden dolphin"). It was a lot of work for not much money, and helped me realize that I have the same "dis-ease" as my collector Mother. This was dismaying,…</b>
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<b>I have had a very interesting past few days. Getting involved in things again, which made me realize again how the best things in life are not things. I was invited to a wooden boat show to sell some of my nautical collections (including some of my original illustrations such as "Divina,the golden dolphin"). It was a lot of work for not much money, and helped me realize that I have the same "dis-ease" as my collector Mother. This was dismaying, however it helped me express more forgiveness toward her. I used ho'oponopono very sincerely (very deeply I must say in my newly found awareness) - "I am so sorry, please forgive me, thank you. I love you." over and over, as I realized my attachment to things is toxic also.<br />
<br />
I am waiting now for someone to come help me un<br />
load rental truck, and my body is sore and my spirit is lifted as I learn to have equanimity ( meditating daily) despite doing something I don't like doing - moving "things". It helps me realize why I appreciate a monastery/ashram so much - being away from attachment to things. Now I will simplify my life by selling and giving away alot of my objects(and meditate even more).<br />
So I see this time as a new realization and beginning to a more simple life. Hard lessons but karma, I suppose!</b><br />
in the spirit of loving Oneness,ron<br />
<br />
<i>My love for you will always be, forevermore, throughout eternity.</i><br />
Divina the golden dolphin Encouragement to practice meditation dailytag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-10-16:2227378:Topic:1317842009-10-16T12:44:46.660ZWilliam L. Kimmel Jr.https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/WilliamKimmel
Thank you all for allowing me to join this group. I would like to share some of what meditation has done for me. I have been a Buddhist practitioner for many years. Without meditation I literally would not be alive. I was a single father to 3 wonderful children; Kaleigha, Samantha and Mikey. Unfortunately Kaleigha and Mikey were born with Cystic Fibrosis (an auto-recessive genetic disease that there is currently no cure for and is fatal). Samantha fortunately is free of the disease. Mikey also…
Thank you all for allowing me to join this group. I would like to share some of what meditation has done for me. I have been a Buddhist practitioner for many years. Without meditation I literally would not be alive. I was a single father to 3 wonderful children; Kaleigha, Samantha and Mikey. Unfortunately Kaleigha and Mikey were born with Cystic Fibrosis (an auto-recessive genetic disease that there is currently no cure for and is fatal). Samantha fortunately is free of the disease. Mikey also contracted bacterial meningitis when he was 3 months old and this left him completely deaf. I did everything I could do for them and my life revolved around the children of course. I even learned respiratory therapy and sign language. In August of 2006 Mikey got out of my aunts back door and drowned in the lake she lived on. I had to pull him from the water and did CPR but he was gone at the age of 7 years old. This all only took several minutes as I was helping my elderly aunt with her computer and my elderly uncle was supposed to have watched him but there really is no one to blame as the causes and conditions came together for this terrible tragedy to have happened.<br />
This left me completely devastated as any parent could imagine. Then one year later Kaleigha died at the age of 14 years. She was an amazingly beautiful and fiercely intelligent young girl and as with Mikey, it was a great honer to have been there father.<br />
Without my daily meditation practice, faith and the teachings I learned over the years, I would have never have survived so much suffering!<br />
I tell my story here as an encouragement for everyone to do a daily meditation practice.~Namaste'~ Bill (AKA Compassionate Rejuvenation of the Heart) Morning Meditation "Just for Today"tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-10-15:2227378:Topic:1314022009-10-15T15:48:14.781ZLubovArthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/LubovOvtchinikova
This is a message I read every morning before I start my day,<br />
It is simple but very helpful.<br />
<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problems at once.<br />
I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that,<br />
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will…
This is a message I read every morning before I start my day,<br />
It is simple but very helpful.<br />
<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problems at once.<br />
I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that,<br />
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires.<br />
I will take my “luck” as it comes, and fit myself to it.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer.<br />
I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out;<br />
if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don’t want to do – just for exercise.<br />
I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt: they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will be agreeable, I will look as well as I can: dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything, and not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will have quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.<br />
<b>Just for today</b><br />
I will be unafraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me. Interactiontag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-10-09:2227378:Topic:1298232009-10-09T16:09:24.089ZJesse Andrewshttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/JesseAndrews
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<br />
Meditation is the best way in my opinion to learn how to interact with the realities around us. I walk a Shamanic Path, and due to that I have learned to use meditation as a means to literally interact with the Nature Elements, and all else. By meditating on the breeze that gently blows by you, you can "piggy back' with it and be taken for a ride. With meditation, you can place your back up against a tree, and interact with the way the roots of the…
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<br />
Meditation is the best way in my opinion to learn how to interact with the realities around us. I walk a Shamanic Path, and due to that I have learned to use meditation as a means to literally interact with the Nature Elements, and all else. By meditating on the breeze that gently blows by you, you can "piggy back' with it and be taken for a ride. With meditation, you can place your back up against a tree, and interact with the way the roots of the tree pull in energy from the earth,, how the oxygen will leave from the leave's, how the breeze feels as it flows through the tree limb's. Even the small itch of bugs chewing through the bark. That is what meditation brings to me, a deeper connection to the elements, and the endless variety of life. Vigyan Bhairav Tantratag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-12:2227378:Topic:1221392009-09-12T01:03:07.470ZJesse Andrewshttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/JesseAndrews
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra :<br />
The masterpiece of Meditation<br />
<br />
<br />
No discussion on meditation is complete without mentioning the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra This 5000 year old ancient Indian text on meditation is considered by many as the last word on meditation.<br />
<br />
Vigyan ~~ Science ( in Hindi )<br />
<br />
Bhairav ~~ An ancient mythological God of Hindu religion.<br />
<br />
Tantra ~~ ( A mystical spiritual path. Read more)<br />
<br />
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra is an ancient text on meditation. It contains 112 techniques of Meditation. Basically…
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra :<br />
The masterpiece of Meditation<br />
<br />
<br />
No discussion on meditation is complete without mentioning the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra This 5000 year old ancient Indian text on meditation is considered by many as the last word on meditation.<br />
<br />
Vigyan ~~ Science ( in Hindi )<br />
<br />
Bhairav ~~ An ancient mythological God of Hindu religion.<br />
<br />
Tantra ~~ ( A mystical spiritual path. Read more)<br />
<br />
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra is an ancient text on meditation. It contains 112 techniques of Meditation. Basically in the form of a dialogue between lord Shiva and his wife Parvati (refer to as Devi in the book), this books discusses 112 meditation techniques which can be used for realizing our true self.<br />
<br />
The book starts with a question from Devi regarding the nature of reality. She asked Shiva about Universe, about fundamental nature of this world, how one can go beyond space and time to understand this truth.<br />
<br />
The remaining book is all about Shiva’s answers to Devi’s queries.<br />
<br />
He does not tell her what is.<br />
<br />
He tells her a method…then another method.. then another …he goes on.<br />
<br />
He tells her how.<br />
<br />
He tells her how one can realize this reality…through 112 methods of centering in the self.<br />
<br />
The methods are in their seed form. The entire book can be written in one long piece of paper. However, these methods in their seedy form point towards various powerful meditation techniques. On contemplating upon these techniques, one can find one of the most impressive and powerful collections of meditation techniques which are simple yet very effective.<br />
<br />
It is said that 112 techniques of meditation of Vigyan Bhairav Tantra are all inclusive. It is said that there is no meditation techniques which has not been covered in Vigyan Bhairav Tantra. These Meditation techniques are for people of all age and all times. These meditation techniques were for those who had lived in the pasts, for those who are living in the present and for all those who’ll born in future.<br />
<br />
This meditation techniques are for all humanity of all time. Past, present, future.<br />
<br />
It is said that it is impossible for anybody not to find a technique (out of 112 techniques) suitable to his own level of spiritual development and inner temperament.<br />
<br />
What follows next is a detailed commentary on 112 techniques of Vigyan Bhairav Tantra by Osho Rajneesh - one of the most prolific and influential spiritual guru of our time. Osho, in his life time, has been one of the most important and trustworthy authority on meditation. (Read more about Osho here) In his commentary on Vigyan Bhairav Tantra , Osho has simplified the 112 meditation techniques into a layman’s language. This lectures on Vigyan Bhairav Tantra was given by him during 1972-73 in India and were later published in a book titled ‘ The Book of Secrets’. Many considered this book as one of the most important book of Osho. It is an highly acclaimed book on meditation. There are full 8 pages of reviews alone of this book on ‘Amazon.com’ with almost all the readers giving it a five star rating.<br />
<br />
We are giving the entire text of Osho’s commentaries on ‘Vigyan Bhairav Tantra’ for the benefit of our readers. However, if you want to read this book offline you may order it from Amazon.com here.<br />
<br />
Please note : Very Important<br />
<br />
This explanation of 'Vigyan Bhairav Tantra' (and of 108 meditation techniques it contains) was originally given by Osho during a live discourse. A discourse is a continuous flow of words. However, when the discourse is published into book, one has to use paragraphs to give it a proper readable structure. Therefore, we have to break the Osho's discourse in brief paragraphs so as to make it easy-to-read and internet-friendly. Please also note that during the discourse, Osho also gave answer to various queries from the listeners. All such questionnaires have not be published here. Only meditation techniques have been provided. If you want to read those questionnaires also, please read the printed version of the book or read them online at the original source given below<br />
<br />
Source/Courtesy : Oshoworld.com, where almost all the books of Osho are available online for reading. (Both English & Hindi version)<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: These Meditation techniques are being published for educational and informational purpose only. Let me reiterate what I have already stated in home page : use your own discretion while trying them.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I sincerely hope that this series of discourses by Osho on 'Vigyan Bhairav Tantra' will also give you a wonderful opportunity to know Osho - the man who has been one of the greatest meditation master this world has ever had.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here begins the 'Vigyan Bhairav Tantra' : 112 Techniques of meditation<br />
<br />
Vigyan Bhairav Tantra<br />
<br />
Introduction:<br />
<br />
<br />
Devi Asks:<br />
<br />
O Shiva, what is your reality?<br />
What is this wonder-filled universe?<br />
What constitutes seed?<br />
Who centers the universal wheel?<br />
What is this life beyond form pervading forms?<br />
How may we enter it fully,<br />
above space and time,<br />
names and descriptions?<br />
Let my doubts be cleared!<br />
<br />
<br />
Osho says:<br />
<br />
Truth is always here. It is already the case. It is not something to be achieved in the future. You are the truth just here and now, so it is not something which is to be created or something which is to be devised or something which is to be sought. Understand this very clearly; then these techniques will be easy to understand and also to do. Mind is a mechanism of desiring. Mind is always in desire, always seeking something, asking for something. Always the object is in the future; mind is not concerned with the present at all. In this very moment the mind cannot move -- there is no space. The mind needs the future in order to move. It can move either in the past or in the future. It cannot move in the present; there is no space.<br />
<br />
The truth is in the present, and mind is always in the future or in the past, so there is no meeting between mind and truth. When the mind is seeking worldly objects it is not so difficult, the problem is not absurd; it can be solved. But when the mind starts seeking the truth the very effort becomes nonsense, because the truth is here and now and the mind is always then and there. There is no meeting. So understand the first thing: you cannot seek truth. You can find it, but you cannot seek it. The very seeking is the hindrance. The moment you start seeking you have moved away from the present, away from yourself, because you are always in the present. The seeker is always in the present and the seeking is in the future, you are not going to meet whatsoever you are seeking. Lao Tzu says, "Seek not; otherwise you will miss. Seek not and find. Don't seek and find."<br />
<br />
All these techniques of Shiva's are simply turning the mind from the future or the past to the present. That which you are seeking is already there, it is the case already. The mind has to be turned from seeking to non-seeking. It is difficult. If you think about it intellectually it is very difficult. How to turn the mind from seeking to non-seeking? -- because then the mind makes non-seeking itself the object! Then the mind says, "Don't seek." Then the mind says, "I should not seek." Then the mind says, "Now non-seeking is my object. Now I desire the state of desirelessness." The seeking has entered again, the desire has come again through the back door. That is why there are people who are seeking worldly objects, and there are people who think they are seeking non-worldly objects.<br />
<br />
All objects are worldly because "seeking" is the world. So you cannot seek anything non-worldly. The moment you seek, it becomes the world. If you are seeking God, your God is part of the world. If you are seeking MOKSHA -- liberation -- NIRVANA, your liberation is part of the world, your liberation is not something that transcends the world, because seeking is the world, desiring is the world. So you cannot desire nirvana, you cannot desire non-desire. If you try to understand intellectually, it will become a puzzle. Shiva says nothing about it, he immediately proceeds to give techniques. They are non-intellectual.<br />
<br />
He doesn't say to Devi, "The truth is here. Don't seek it and you will find it." He immediately gives techniques. Those techniques are non-intellectual. Do them, and the mind turns. The turning is just a consequence, just a by-product -- not an object. The turning is just a by-product. If you do a technique, your mind will turn from its journey into the future or the past. Suddenly you will find yourself in the present. That is why Buddha has given techniques, Lao Tzu has given techniques, Krishna has given techniques. But they always introduce their techniques with intellectual concepts.<br />
<br />
Only Shiva is different.<br />
<br />
He immediately gives techniques, and no intellectual understanding, no intellectual introduction, because he knows that the mind is tricky, the most cunning thing possible. It can turn anything into a problem. Non-seeking will become the problem. There are people who come to me who ask how not to desire. They are desiring non-desire. Somebody has told them, or they have read somewhere, or they have heard spiritual gossip, that if you do not desire you will reach bliss, if you do not desire you will be free, if you do not desire there will be no suffering. Now their minds hanker to attain that state where there is no suffering, so they ask how not to desire. Their minds are playing tricks.<br />
<br />
They are still desiring, it is only that now the object has changed. They were desiring money, they were desiring fame, they were desiring prestige, they were desiring power. Now they are desiring non-desire. Only the object has changed, and they remain the same and their desiring remains the same. But now the desire has become more deceptive. Because of this, Shiva proceeds immediately with no introduction whatsoever. He immediately starts talking about techniques. Those techniques, if followed, suddenly turn your mind: it comes to the present. And when the mind comes to the present it stops, it is no more. You cannot be a mind in the present, that is impossible. Just now, if you are here and now, how can you be a mind? Thoughts cease because they cannot move.<br />
<br />
The present has no space in which to move; you cannot think. If you are in this very moment, how can you move? Mind stops, you attain to no-mind. So the real thing is how to be here and now. You can try, but effort may prove futile -- because if you make it a point to be in the present, then this point has moved into the future. When you ask how to be in the present, again you are asking about the future. This moment is passing in the inquiry, "How to be present? How to be here and now?" This present moment is passing in the inquiry, and your mind will begin to weave and create dreams in the future: some day you will be in a state of mind where there is no movement, no motive, no seeking, and then there will be bliss -- so how to be in the present?<br />
<br />
Shiva doesn't say anything about it, he simply gives a technique. You do it, and suddenly you find you are here and now. And your being here and now is the truth, and your being here and now is the freedom, and your being here and now is the nirvana.<br />
<br />
The first nine techniques are concerned with breathing.<br />
<br />
Go here for other techniques <a href="http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/Vigyan_bhairav_tantra/introduction.htm">http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/Vigyan_bhairav_tantra/introduction.htm</a> Mantra meditationtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-12:2227378:Topic:1221342009-09-12T00:57:06.521ZJesse Andrewshttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/JesseAndrews
" Just by repeating the name,<br />
that which can not be understood<br />
Will be understood<br />
just by repeating the name<br />
that which can not be seen<br />
Will be seen"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mantra repetition is an ancient meditation technique extensively used in Tibet and India. Here is a simple explanation of Mantra Meditation:<br />
<br />
What actually is a mantra<br />
<br />
Mantra repetition simply means repeating a sentence or group of words that have a phonetic significance . just that's it.<br />
<br />
Mantra is intrinsically related to sound. Mantra is…
" Just by repeating the name,<br />
that which can not be understood<br />
Will be understood<br />
just by repeating the name<br />
that which can not be seen<br />
Will be seen"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mantra repetition is an ancient meditation technique extensively used in Tibet and India. Here is a simple explanation of Mantra Meditation:<br />
<br />
What actually is a mantra<br />
<br />
Mantra repetition simply means repeating a sentence or group of words that have a phonetic significance . just that's it.<br />
<br />
Mantra is intrinsically related to sound. Mantra is sound, and sound is reverberating in everything in this universe. When water flows, the gurgling sound it makes, is mantra. When wind blows through the trees, the rustling sound it produces is mantra. When we walk on the earth, our footsteps produce sound, and that too is mantra. Within human beings there is a self-born, indestructible sound which repeats itself constantly, along with our breathing and this sound is also a mantra.<br />
<br />
Sound has enormous power, in fact it has the power to create an entire universe. It is written that God originally manifested as sound.<br />
<br />
(In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. New Testament, John1:1-2 )<br />
<br />
According to ancient Indian belief in the beginning there was sound, which reverberated as Om and from that sound everything came into existence.<br />
<br />
Even modern scientist are beginning to recognize as our ancient sages did, that there exists a vibration which reverberates ceaselessly throughout the cosmos.<br />
<br />
When letters and syllables come together, they form words. Both our spiritual and our mundane life are possible only because of words; without language, we can not carry out any of our activities. Each word we use has its own power and produces it own reaction. A mantra is no ordinary combination of letters and syllables, but a living force. The name of God is not different from God. Mantra has been called the sound-body of God: It is God in the form of sound.<br />
<br />
In Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna says,<br />
<br />
" Among rituals, I am the ritual of mantra repetition."<br />
<br />
By this he means that while other techniques are means of attaining Him, mantra is his very being. That is why it is so easy to experience God by repeating the mantra. Mantra meditation is the repetition of a group of words which create sound vibrations that awake the love of God in our hearts and mind<br />
The influence of mantra: How it affects the meditator<br />
<br />
The mantra can completely transform our inner being. Our inner state is created by the thoughts and feelings that continuously arise in us. Outwardly we may appear to have fixed identities-one person may appear to be a lawyer, another an engineer, another a doctor, another a professor. But inside, we are a continually changing mass of consciousness. When we project the beam of mantra into this fluctuating mass, it stabilizes it and focuses it in one direction, the direction of the self. It helps us to transcend our confusion, our fantasies, and the constant changes of the mind.<br />
<br />
Repetition of the name of God causes a kind of earthquake in our inner consciousness. Whatever thoughts arise in our daily life, they are recorded within us and form impression that are difficult to remove. But when we repeat the name, all these thoughts and impressions are erased, and the name of God is recorded. At every moment, what we think is what we become. If the anger arises in the mind and we identify ourselves with it, we become angry. In the same way, if we continually repeat the mantra with great love and interest, we will become absorbed in God. By its very nature the mantra has the ability to transform our awareness into an awareness of ourselves as Self which is a part of supreme self God.<br />
<br />
How to repeat the mantra : You can repeat the mantra silently or loudly but it should be at the same speed at which you talk. You can also coordinate it with the breathing, repeating it once with the inhalation and once with exhalation. Repeat it very carefully, just as a miser looks after is wealth. Listen it as you repeat it, and in that way your mind will become permeated with mantra. If you repeat the mantra when you breathe in and breathe out, it will circulate throughout your body, permeating every one of your blood cells. then even the room in which you have been repeating become saturated with it.<br />
<br />
It is said, "Mantra is that which protects the one who repeats it." The power of mantra is beyond your imagination You can understand the meaning of the mantra, but you can not measure its strength. Mantra is the living force of God. Therefore, repeat it with respect.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you devote even half hour or an hour every day to repeating the mantra, you will function much more effectively in your worldly life, and your heart will be filled with joy. You will begin to experience the self very easily.<br />
<br />
Detailed Clarification on mantra meditation:<br />
<br />
There are many doubts and misconception among people about mantra. Even many knowledgeable persons says that mantra is nothing but a boring repetition of words that doesn't affect our consciousness and the only effect it produce is to take the chanter ( the one who repeats the mantra ) into a state of sleep. There are many other wrong notions about mantra which, I think, exist because of the fact that people are not aware of the full mechanism of mantra. So before you start mantra meditation, it is essential that you clear all your doubts about mantra:<br />
<br />
The doubt (1): Mantra will take you into sleep :<br />
<br />
Fact: Yes but only if you use it as a lullaby.<br />
<br />
The most important thing in mantra meditation is that you should repeat it with the full awareness of its meaning. However, many people repeat mantra without having full awareness of its meaning. If you repeat a mantra in such mechanical way then it will not produce any effect and will remain an ordinary word. The emotional feeling in which a mantra is chanted is the most important requisite of mantra meditation. In its absence a mantra is no more than a lullaby. So always keep in mind that whenever you repeat a mantra, you should know what is the meaning of that Mantra. Otherwise you'll not be able to draw any benefit from it.<br />
<br />
The doubt (2) : Language of most mantra is strange and difficult to understand.<br />
<br />
Fact: To some extent it is true but there is a reason for it.<br />
<br />
The entire concept of Mantra meditation began in India. That is why most of the mantras are in Sanskrit Language which is the language of the Vedas (the oldest written texts of the world). Though the language Sanskrit may be ancient & alien to you, what is still intact in various mantras written in this language is their phonetic significance and their ability to create powerful vibration of sound . All mantras were developed after painstaking research and efforts. Therefore, they are very well written tools for achieving a meditative state. You should only think about meditating- the process of achieving a state of choiceless awareness- without thinking about the language of the mantra that you will be repeating.<br />
<br />
[ Note: Sanskrit is not the sole language of mantra. In almost every religion there are some specific words related to Sound. The word 'Amen' in Christianity, 'Allah Hoo' in Islam and 'Om mani Padme Hum' in Buddhist traditions are some examples. Please keep in mind that of whichever language's mantra you repeat, you must repeat it with full awareness of its meaning. In the section Some mantra to dwell upon, I have discussed four mantra in details : Om Namah Shivay, Hare Krishna Mantra, Aum and So'ham. Please make sure to read the basic terminology before you chant them ]<br />
<br />
The doubt (3): If Mantra can create a powerful sound vibration then what is the need to repeat it. We can record a mantra on tape and can listen to it as and when we want for achieving a meditative state. easy ! Isn't it ?<br />
<br />
Fact : It seems logical but actually is not that logical.<br />
<br />
It appears logical that If mantra can produce powerful sound vibration then why not use a tape recorder and listen to it repeatedly. However, in reality it is not that easy as it appears. If you record a mantra and listen to it passively, you will fall asleep as the mantra will act as a lullaby. All those- who are really interested in mantra meditation- should keep in mind that there are two basic requirement for getting any benefit from mantra meditation-<br />
<br />
(1) the sound of the mantra; and<br />
(2) the repetition of mantra with faith and full awareness of its meaning<br />
<br />
When you play a mantra on tape, you are just a passive listener. The requirement of sound is there , but the awareness part is absent. Even if the recorded sound is of someone who has recorded the mantra with faith and full awareness of its meaning, the fact remains that you, who is just a passive listener, will not be able to draw any benefits form this sound as it is not your faith but that of someone else which is included in the recorded mantra. So unless you yourself chant the mantra with faith and full awareness of this meaning, the only thing you will get is a sound sleep.<br />
<br />
Please keep in mind that In order to obtain full fruit of mantra, we have to repeat it with full awareness of its meaning. Most of the time, we repeat the mantra with the wrong understanding, thinking that the syllables of the mantra and the object of the mantra are different from each other and from ourselves. That is why the mantra does not bear immediate fruit for us. If you think about this you will understand that the same thing is true on a mundane level. Suppose that someone calls you an idiot. If you do not accept the word "idiot" as referring to you, you will not react to it. But if you identify with it, you may become so angry that your blood heat up. If you were to identify yourself with the name of God as easily as you identify yourself with an abusive term, you would experience its effects at once.<br />
<br />
Doubt (4): Is there a difference between repeating a mantra silently and repeating it loudly ?<br />
<br />
Fact: There is a little difference but not much.<br />
<br />
As I have already explained, the main thing is that you should repeat a mantra with faith, respect and with full awareness of its meaning. This can be done in both way i.e. by silently repeating the mantra or by pronouncing it loudly. The basic difference in repeating a mantra silently and repeating it loudly lies in the intensity of sound that comes out in both the method. But these vibrations may differ in their quantity but not in their quality and both have the same effect on our inner consciousness.<br />
<br />
Doubt (5): But no sound is produced when we repeat a mantra silently?<br />
<br />
Fact: If you can't listen a sound, don't think it does not exist.<br />
<br />
Well it appears to us that no sound is produced, the reality is that every action and every thought produces a sound. That's a different thing that our senses can not detect it. Human being are capable of detecting only sound between 20 to 20,000 decibel. We can't listen sound below or above that level. However, this does not mean that such sounds do not exist. They do exists and leave their effect on us. When you chant a mantra silently, it produces a sound. Though we can't hear the sound, , it does exist and produces the vibrations which affects our inner consciousness.<br />
<br />
I hope the above clarifications have removed all your doubts about mantra meditation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
How to use mantra meditation in a busy & complex life.<br />
<br />
Well by now you must have clear knowledge of mantra meditation. In order to meditate using mantra meditation you should use following:<br />
<br />
(1) Read the general instruction on meditation (including do's and don'ts)<br />
<br />
(2) Choose a mantra. Below I have described in detail three mantras. You can use either of them.<br />
<br />
(3) Allocate 30 minutes for mantra meditation. Though early morning or late evening is best time, you can chooses any time as per your convenience. In those 30 minutes, 20 minutes will be for chanting (repeating) the mantra and the last 10 minutes for being watchful of your inner consciousness.<br />
<br />
(4) Sit comfortably at a quiet place.<br />
<br />
Close your eyes.<br />
<br />
Start chanting the mantra (either silently or loudly ).<br />
<br />
Repeat the mantra with faith and respect.<br />
<br />
Repeat it with the full awareness of its meaning.<br />
<br />
Keep chanting the mantra for 20 minutes. (You may use an alarm clock for keeping track of time).<br />
<br />
After 20 minutes....<br />
<br />
stop chanting. Be quiet. Keep sitting silently.<br />
<br />
The mantra will keep echoing in your mind for some more time. Just be watchful of what happens inside you.<br />
<br />
Don't judge, act or react. Just be aware of all that is happening inside you. Just be a witness of all your emotions, feelings, and other activities in and around you. You will feel a sense of calm and bliss. All thought activities will start decreasing and eventually come to a stand still.<br />
<br />
Slowly slowly open your eyes and move out of the meditation.<br />
<br />
When you begin meditating this way on daily basis, slowly you will start experiencing a thought free mind - a state of choiceless awareness. Your self will be revealed to you. (Please remember that the 10 minutes watchfulness after the 20 minutes of chanting is a must. )Later you may increase your timing. But the ratio between chanting and witnessing should remain as 2:1.<br />
<br />
<br />
Some Mantras to dwell upon<br />
<br />
Here I have described three powerful mantras in detail. You can choose to meditate with any of the three mantra. All of them are ancient, powerful and easy in pronunciation.<br />
<br />
But before you start:<br />
<br />
Here is a basic terminology which you should know before starting Mantra repetition as you find its presence many mantra. All these words are from Hindu Mythology.<br />
<br />
Kali yug :The last in the four eras (time periods) of creation. The other threes are Satya yug, Threta yug and Dwaper yug . These four eras are characterize by the intensity/effect of the rule of truth in them with the Satya yug having the most prominent qualities of truth and righteousness, with Treta at second, Dwaper at third and Kaliyug - the age of machines- at the fourth place. The present era is Kaliyug.<br />
<br />
Trinity of Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh: According to Hindu mythology there are three Gods who run the creation. The Brahma - who creates the universe, the Vishnu - who preserves the Universe and the Shiva- who in the end destroys the universe. Among the three deities, Shiva is considered as the destroyer. However, Shiva is also considered as the supreme reality- the inner self which remains intact even after everything ends.<br />
<br />
Please also remember that the one who repeats the mantra either silently or loudly is known as chanter and the process of repeating the mantra is known as chanting.<br />
<br />
The Mantras<br />
<br />
Here are a detailed description of 3 mantras from the traditional Indian religious stream. All these three mantras are extremely easy to pronounce and highly effective. Click to know in detail about these mantra<br />
<br />
OM or AUM is the most important and significant word of Mantra tradition. It is considered as the root mantra of all mantra. In a majority of Mantra, you will find OM.<br />
<br />
OM is the most often chanted sound among all the sacred sounds on earth. This sound is considered as the sound of the existence.<br />
<br />
it is believed that the whole universe, in its fundamental form, is made up of vibrating, pulsating energy. Om is considered as the humming sound of this cosmic energy.<br />
<br />
OM is said to be the original primordial creative sound from which the entire universe have manifested. It is also known as the 'Anahat Nada', the "Unstruck Sound". This means the sound that is not made by two things striking together.<br />
<br />
If you observe the nature of sound you'll find that all ordinary audible sound are produced by the striking of two objects : bow and strings, drum and stick, two vocal cords, waves against the shore, winds against the leaves, bat against the ball, tyers against the road etc. In short all sounds within our range of listening are produces by things visible or invisible, striking each other or vibrating together, resulting in pulsating waves of air molecules which we interprets as sound.<br />
<br />
In contrast to the above, OM is the sound which is not the result of the striking of two objects. It, rather emanates on its own. It is the primal sound of the universe that contains all sounds in itself.<br />
<br />
The meaning of OM<br />
<br />
Well unlike all other mantra, there is no meaning of OM. It is actually not a word, it is a sound. As per Hindu tradition, OM is the purest name of God. It is the sound of the supreme consciousness. So when you reapeat OM, you actualy take the name of God.<br />
<br />
Now without going into the further philosophical explanation of OM, let us learn how to meditate using OM. Repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind it its divine source. The chanting of OM several time loud, purifies the atmosphere.<br />
<br />
Sit in a comfortable undisturbed place. Take some deep breath. Now chant at least 7 times OM in succession. Make each breath last as long as possible. Teak deep breath and chant Oooooooo~~~~~hhhhhhhhhh~~~~~ Mmmmmmm~~~~~. Then again repeat this chanting of OM. Do this for 7 times. After this, stop chanting and sit for a moment of silence. You will be amazed by the inner peace you'll get in such a small chanting of OM.<br />
<br />
Listen the sound of Universe : Let us listen the sound of OM. You are requested to listen carefully. This sound of OM produces instant positive vibrations and takes the listener to a state of mental stillness.<br />
<br />
Chanting the OM mantra for 15 minutes daily can produce remarkable effect in you. This mantra will help you to calm the mind, settled the thought process and realize the self.<br />
<br />
<br />
On the meaning of: OM MANI PADME HUM<br />
<br />
"The jewel is in the lotus or praise to the jewel in the lotus"<br />
<br />
(by His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso The Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet )<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
It is very good to recite the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM, but while<br />
you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the<br />
meaning of the six syllables is great and vast. The first, OM, is<br />
composed of three pure letters, A, U, and M. These symbolize the<br />
practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the<br />
pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha.<br />
<br />
Can impure body, speech and mind be transformed into pure body,<br />
speech and mind, or are they entirely separate? All Buddhas are cases<br />
of being who were like ourselves and then in dependence on the path<br />
became enlightened; Buddhism does not assert that there is anyone who<br />
from the beginning is free from faults and possesses all good<br />
qualities. The development of pure body, speech, and mind comes from<br />
gradually leaving the impure states and their being transformed into<br />
the pure.<br />
<br />
How is this done?<br />
<br />
The path is indicated by the next four syllables.<br />
MANI, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factor of method- the altruistic<br />
intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love. Just as a<br />
jewel is capable of removing poverty, so the altruistic mind of<br />
enlightenment is capable of removing the poverty, or difficulties, of<br />
cyclic existence and of solitary peace. Similarly, just as a jewel<br />
fulfills the wishes of sentient beings, so the altruistic intention to<br />
become enlightened fulfills the wishes of sentient beings.<br />
<br />
The two syllables, PADME, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom. Just as<br />
a lotus grows forth from mud but is not sullied by the faults of mud,<br />
so wisdom is capable of putting you in a situation of non-<br />
contradiction where as there would be contradiction if you did not<br />
have wisdom. There is wisdom realizing impermanence, wisdom realizing<br />
that persons are empty of self-sufficient or substantial existence,<br />
wisdom that realizes the emptiness of duality (that is to say, of<br />
difference of entity between subject and object), and wisdom that<br />
realizes the emptiness of inherent existence. Though there are may<br />
different types of wisdom, the main of all these is the wisdom<br />
realizing emptiness.<br />
<br />
Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and<br />
wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable, HUM, which indicates<br />
indivisibility. According to the sutra system, this indivisibility of<br />
method and wisdom refers to one consciousness in which there is a full<br />
form of both wisdom affected by method and method affected by wisdom.<br />
In the mantra, or tantra vehicle, it refers to one conciousness in<br />
which there is the full form of both wisdom and method as one<br />
undifferentiable entity. In terms of the seed syllables of the five<br />
conqueror Buddhas, HUM is the is the seed syllable of Akshobhya- the<br />
immovable, the unfluctuating, that which cannot be disturbed by<br />
anything.<br />
<br />
Thus the six syllables, OM MANI PADME HUM, mean that in dependence<br />
on the practice which is in indivisible union of method and wisdom,<br />
you can transform your impure body, speech and mind into the pure<br />
body, speech, and mind of a Buddha. It is said that you should not<br />
seek for Buddhahood outside of yourself; the substances for the<br />
achievement of Buddhahood are within. As Maitreya says in his SUBLIME<br />
CONTINUUM OF GREAT VEHICLE (UTTARA TANTRA) all beings naturally have<br />
the Buddha nature in their own continuum. We have within us the seed<br />
of purity, the essence of a One Gone Thus (TATHAGATAGARBHA), that is<br />
to be transformed and full developed into Buddhahood.<br />
<br />
(Taken from a lecture given by His Holiness The Dalai Lama of Tibet at the<br />
Kalmuck Mongolian Buddhist Center, New Jersey.Transcribed by Ngawang Tashi (Tsawa), Drepung Loseling, MUNGOD, INDIA Deep breathing~mechanism~pavlov methodtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-12:2227378:Topic:1221322009-09-12T00:49:52.672ZJesse Andrewshttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/JesseAndrews
<a href="http://www.meditationiseasy.com/index.htm">http://www.meditationiseasy.com/index.htm</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Deep Breathing</b><br />
<br />
To put it simply,<br />
<br />
Deep breathing means - <i>Adopting a habit of breathing deeply.</i> From your nostril not from your mouth. That's it !<br />
<br />
Normally most people ( i.e. almost 95 % of all of us) who are leading a sedentary life style and working on jobs that requires 'using their heads' all day long, the outcome of a busy, complex and demanding life is somewhat like…
<a href="http://www.meditationiseasy.com/index.htm">http://www.meditationiseasy.com/index.htm</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Deep Breathing</b><br />
<br />
To put it simply,<br />
<br />
Deep breathing means - <i>Adopting a habit of breathing deeply.</i> From your nostril not from your mouth. That's it !<br />
<br />
Normally most people ( i.e. almost 95 % of all of us) who are leading a sedentary life style and working on jobs that requires 'using their heads' all day long, the outcome of a busy, complex and demanding life is somewhat like this:<br />
<br />
No energy in the end of the day, mental sluggishness, dilapidated bodies, greater susceptibility to germ and infections, wear-and-tear of the entire body, more work for the heart, irregular blood pressure, tensions in body and nerves etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Remember this important fact</b>:<br />
<br />
<br />
To function properly, our brain needs <i>three times more oxygen</i> than the rest of our organs; and unless this is provided it will try to appropriate its supply by drawing on the over-all allotment !<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This explains why so many city people, working at sedentary jobs, doing mental work all day long, tend to become dilapidated and have greater susceptibility to germ and infections than persons who lead active outdoor lives. Sedentary individuals are permanently oxygen-starved. Yet this situation can be avoided at will.<br />
<br />
Breathing is an activity which is indispensable for our existence. Nobody can live without breathing as the oxygen is the life blood of all organisms on earth.<br />
<br />
However, most of us breath in a shallow manner. The inhalation and exhalation of air in and out of body occurs on a very superficial level in most of us. People just don’t care to inhale deeply since they don't find any compulsive urge to do so.<br />
<br />
Though not breathing deeply does not harm us directly, it has its own long term negative effects on our body.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What happen when we do not adopt correct breathing</b>:<br />
<br />
As the average person reaches middle age, lung tissues tend to grow less and less elastic. Years of improper breathing take their toll. The chest itself has a tendency to grow rigid The consequences is an accumulation of uric acid in the blood stream which often leads to those vague syndromes of pain and discomfort that doctors in general diagnose with a shrug as the miseries of aging, which they can cheerfully advise you to learn to live with since nothing can be done about them.<br />
<br />
Backaches, headaches, stiffening muscles and joints, neuritis, rheumatism are some of the more common of these complaints. Excess fat is another, for as we begin to grow old and proper circulation is impeded by a sluggish diaphragm or hardening arteries, the red blood corpuscles become distributed unevenly and fat accumulates in spots instead of being burned up.<br />
<br />
However, all of these complaints may be avoided, or at least considerably retarded, if only we learn to breath scientifically. Deep breathing (along with Deep Contraction) also has a direct salutary effect on Obesity, Since the cleansing, stimulating action of deep breathing improves metabolism and that, in turn, transforms deposits of fat into body fuel, or added energy.<br />
<br />
Just incorporate a habit of deep breathing in your busy, complex and demanding life and all the above negative outcomes of it will vanish like a magic !<br />
<br />
<b>Air is everything</b><br />
<br />
Air is nourishment to our bodies just as much as food and drink. Air gives our blood the supply of oxygen it must have in order to feed itself so that it may, in turn, feed the tissues, nerves, glands and vital organs. Without it our skin, bones, teeth and hair could not remain in condition. Our digestion-the process of utilizing the food we eat-fails at once without a proper supply of oxygen to the blood. Even our thinking processes are slowed down without intake and exhalation of fresh air-which is the reason mental sluggishness overtakes us in an ill-ventilated room<br />
<br />
In a single day we breath about 23,000 times. The average volumes of air taken in with a single breath is about 20 cubic inches, depending on a person's size, sex, posture, the nature of the surrounding atmosphere and one's physical and emotional state. However, with proper attention given to the breathing, this volume may be increased to 100 or even 130 cubic inches per breath.<br />
<br />
In other words,<br />
<br />
Careful reorientation of your breathing habits can provide you with 5 times the oxygen and rid you of five times the carbon dioxide, with which you habitually function.<br />
<br />
Soon I shall describe how you can perform such a careful orientation of your breathing habits and start breathing deeply in an unconscious manner.<br />
<br />
But before that I want to give a simple explanation of our breathing mechanism.<br />
<br />
Here is a simple explanation of our Breathing Mechanism<br />
<br />
When you breathe properly (that is with the mouth closed so that the air is inhaled through nasal passages) oxygen travels down the pharynx (rear of the throat), the larynx (roughly in the area of Adam's apple), and the trachea or windpipe until it reaches the bronchial tubes. By then most of the dust and bacteria have been filtered out by the mucous membranes, or the moist lining of the nose. Mucous, by the way, in addition to acting as a filter substances, also has certain germicidal properties-another reason why it is so important to cultivate the habit of breathing though the nose. A third reason is that while traveling this somewhat longer road the air is warmed to proper body temperature, which means extra insurance against catching colds.<br />
<br />
After having thus filtered and warmed, the supply of air moves on from the bronchiae into the lungs. Here it enters millions of cells-600,000,000 of them to be exact, if you can visualize such an astronomic figure-each of which is a tiny air sac. Surrounding these is a network of equally tiny blood vessels or capillaries. The blood absorbs the fresh oxygen directly through the cell walls at the same time as it rids itself of the carbon dioxide from the last trip.<br />
<br />
Next the freshly oxygenated blood travels to the heart. The heart pumps it via arteries and blood vessels to every part of the body, where in turn it seeps into every tissue and bone cell. In this manner 800 quarts of blood pass through the heart and lungs every hour. Small wonder, then that the condition of your heart so closely governs you life expectancy !<br />
<br />
By now it should be amply clear why both a proper technique of breathing and the quality of the air we take in are of such vital importance to our general health.<br />
<br />
The practice of deep breathing produces immediate beneficial results. The person begins to experience lightness of body, an absence of restlessness, better digestion due to an increase in the flow of the gastric juices, clearing and smoothing of the skin. The physiological benefits I have already explained-now let the person discover for himself how quickly these will come to him once he establishes a daily routine of exercises. As for the spiritual well-being that will follow - the inner lightness, the serenity- it matters little whether you attribute them to oxygen burning out the wastes and poison in your gray matter or to more subtle influences, the important thing is that it is all yours to enjoy at will.<br />
<br />
From about fifteen breath a minute-or 21,600 each 24 hour-you will have reduced your tempo by possibly three breath a minute, which is twenty percent, or 4,320 per day. Such a slowing-down means a corresponding easing of the wear-and-tear on the entire body-less work for the heart, lower blood pressure, a relaxation of body tensions, and a quieter nerves-in short, still another way to lengthen the years of your life and make them enjoyable !<br />
<br />
<br />
The main problem with most of us is to learn how to keep breathing deeply continuously. We are so much accustomed to normal shallow breathing that it seems very difficult to adopt a habit of deep breathing. Since we start taking breath from the moment we come into this world, breathing has become an old habit. And if we are taking shallow breath (which in all likelihood we do), it is really difficult to alter this habit of shallow breathing and replace it with a new habit of deep breathing. However, it is not impossible and can be done. All that you need to make deep breathing a habit is a persistence effort.<br />
<br />
Now I shall describe two very effective and easy methods for learning deep breathing . By using these simple exercises of breathing and awareness, which can be done anywhere, you can instantly learn how to breath deeply without a conscious effort. Just from the very first attempt, you'll start breathing deeply)<br />
<br />
Two extremely easy methods to automate the deep breathing unconsciously.<br />
<br />
There are many benefits of Deep breathing. However, very few of us are able to draw these wonderful benefits for the simple reason that most of us breathe in a staccato jerks, shallow and aimless manner.<br />
<br />
We have become so used of this shallow breathing that it seems very natural to breath in this aimless way. Since barring a rare few among us, almost everybody of us breathe in this shallow manner, it is difficult to believe that we can easily adopt a continuous, unconscious habit of deep breathing very easily.<br />
<br />
Whenever we give attention to our breathing and make some conscious effort to lengthen it, we easily start breathing deeply. However, as soon as our mind wanders in some other mental activity ( i.e. as soon as we become unconscious of the breathing process which happens almost always), we return to the 'shallow breathing mode'. This is the main problem among those who want to make deep breathing a part of their life. Let us discuss this problem and then its remedy:<br />
<br />
The problem:<br />
<br />
" We have an habit of shallow breathing. As a result of which we are not able to inhale enough oxygen and exhale enough Carbon Dioxide from body. This resulted into a situation known as 'permanent oxygen starvation' resulting in 'permanent lack of energy' "<br />
<br />
This problem is very old and has been rooted very deeply in our unconscious mind. Since we spend most of our time totally oblivious of the breathing process (which goes on its own just like other vital activities of body such as pumping of blood by heart, the digestion and other internal metabolism etc ) it is difficult to change this unconscious process of shallow breathing. However, it is not impossible and can be done easily if we make some sincere effort for it.<br />
<br />
The Solution:<br />
<br />
Two extremely easy method to automate the deep breathing unconsciously.<br />
<br />
Here I will tell you how you can learn to assimilate on a permanent basis the habit of deep breathing so that you can breath deeply even in the unconscious state.<br />
<br />
There are two methods by which you can learn deep breathing : The first is Pause Breath Method and the other is Pavlov Method<br />
<br />
(1) The Pause Breath Method : This is a super powerful and extremely easy technique for start learning deep breathing - continuously and unconsciously ! This method is not only an extremely useful way of learning deep breathing, it is also an excellent meditation technique by itself By using this technique, you can start breathing deeply right now !<br />
<br />
(2) The Pavlov Method : I call this method 'Pavlov Method' after the name of Great Russian Scientist Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936). Pavlov introduced to the world the concept of 'conditioned reflexes' . We will take the help of these 'conditioned reflexes' to make an unconscious habit of deep breathing.<br />
<br />
Both the above two methods are equally effective and useful in learning Deep breathing. We shall learn them one by one.<br />
<br />
The Pause Breath Method<br />
<br />
The whole method can be summarized in the following two sentences:<br />
<br />
" Focus your attention on the two pauses that occur while breathing. First - between inhalation and exhalation and then - between exhalation and inhalation. Just by doing this you will start taking deep breath automatically and unconsciously."<br />
<br />
Explanation:<br />
<br />
In order to understand what is the meaning of focusing our attention on the two pauses that occur between inhalation and exhalation and then between exhalation and inhalation, let us have a close look at our breathing process itself.<br />
<br />
whenever we take breath - we inhale air and exhale air.<br />
<br />
During inhalation, we inhale the air through our nostril and it (the air) goes inside our body via our nasal passage. And on reaching a certain depth in our body, it comes out as exhalation through the same nasal passage. After exhalation, the air again goes inside for inhalation. then comes out for exhalation....then again goes inside for inhalation....then comes out for exhalation....and this process keeps repeating itself. .<br />
<br />
During these two continuous process of inhalation and exhalation, the air stops for a tiny moment. When we inhale air, it comes inside and travels a certain distance inside the body. Then at a particular point, somewhere inside the body, it stops for a fraction of second and return for exhalation. For an infinitesimally small moment it stops and then returns for exhalation.<br />
<br />
See for yourself. Stop reading further and observe your own breath. As you breath, the air goes inside during inhalation and at a certain point, it takes a pause i.e. it stops for a small fraction of second and then returns for exhalation. The logic is simple - if something is going inside you ( the air in this case) then it can only come outside when it stops at a point and change its direction.<br />
<br />
A good analogy is to imagine a running Car which wants to take U turn. When it'll reach at the U turn, it will stop and then take the U turn. similarly, when the air reaches inside the body, it stops somewhere for a moment and then turn back for exhalation. The moment when air stops for a very small duration inside our body and then turn back for exhalation is the first pause. This is the pause when inhalation stops and the process of exhalation is yet to start. Notice this pause.<br />
<br />
Similarly when we exhale air, it passes through our nostril and moves outside our body. Then at a particular point it stops for a short moment and then returns for inhalation. The moment when air stops for a very small duration outside our body and then turn back for inhalation is the second pause. This is the pause when exhalation stops and the process of inhalation is yet to begin. Just notice the pause. Observe your breathing now and notice this second pause.<br />
<br />
Let me repeat briefly: :<br />
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Whenever we inhale air, it goes inside our body and at a certain point it stops for a moment. There is a pause. At this pause the process of inhalation stops but the exhalation is yet to begin. It is an infinitesimally small but a definite pause. Similarly when we exhale air, it goes outside our body and at a certain point it stops. Again there is a pause. At this pause the exhalation stops but the inhalation is yet to begin. It is also an infinitesimally short but a definite pause.<br />
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For making your breathing deeper you have to focus your attention on these two pauses : the first that occur just after the inhalation (and just before the start of exhalation) and the second pause that occur just after the exhalation (and just before the start of inhalation).<br />
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Please remember that you are not required to focus your attention on any particular points inside or outside your body where these two pauses occur. The exact physical location where these pauses occur does not matter. It is not necessary. Just keep in mind that the main thing is not the location of pause but the pause itself. The fact is that while inhalation or exhalation, your breath pause for a moment before shifting from inhalation to exhalation or vice-versa. You have to aware yourself of that pause. Your aim should be to be aware of these two pauses. That's all ! .<br />
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Now as you read this, you can do this right now. No matter where you are, or who you are, one thing is certain. You are breathing right now ! So you can try it right now. Just observe your breath. The air is going inside and coming outside. Look for those two pause. Notice the air as it goes inside your body. Be aware of path it take inside your body. Notice how it stops somewhere in your body ( though for a very small short lived moment) Notice the pause which occurs when the inhalation stops and the exhalation is yet to begin. Just be aware of that pause. With a little observation, you can easily recognize these two pause. Similarly when the air goes outside, observe it carefully. Observe as the air moves outside your body and stops at a particular point before returning. Observe this external pause which occur when the exhalation stops and the inhalation is yet to begin. With a little attention you can easily recognize this external pause.<br />
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What will happen when you focus your attention on this two pause ?<br />
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Friend, as you focus your attention on these two pauses during breathing, soon you'll notice that your breathing has started becoming deeper and deeper. You will be astonished to experience the effect of this miraculous method yourself. Do this for five minutes right now. Close your eyes. Sit comfortably and observe your breathing. Notice those two pause.<br />
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Don't try to control your breathing.<br />
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If it slow let it be.<br />
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If it is moderate or fast, let it be.<br />
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Just focus your attention on the two pause that occurs : first - between inhalation and exhalation and then - between exhalation and inhalation.<br />
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Do it for 5 minutes now.<br />
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You will be surprised to see that just by focusing your attention on these two pause, your breathing is becoming deeper and deeper. You will instantly start breathing deeply just by being aware of these twp pauses.<br />
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Initially start focusing on these breathing pauses twice a day for 15 minutes each. Morning and evening are best time for this. These two 15 minutes session of pause breathing will prove very beneficial for you. In order to avoid distraction, try to perform these pause breathing session in a peaceful, lonely place if possible . As you perform this method of focusing your attention on pauses, you will find that even when you stop focusing your attention on pause ( that is after a 15 minute session), your breathing is still deeper and relaxed. It is the most wonderful effect of this method. It leaves a sort of cascading long lasting effect. A tiny 15 minute session of pause breath will make your breathing deeper and relaxed for more than one hour !<br />
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Slowly-slowly as you practise this 'pause breath' method, your ability to take deep breath will increase on its own. By using this simple technique of pause breathing with perseverance, you will soon develop an unconscious habit of deep breathing that will go on automatically. Give a try to this method...This is the easiest and most effective method of learning deep breathing.<br />
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Also Read : Soham : The mantra that repeats itself (The use of 'pause breath' method as a meditation technique.)<br />
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The Pavlov Method of Deep Breathing : This method of deep breathing is based on the technique used by Great Russian Scientist Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) while introducing the concept of 'conditioned reflexes' .We will take the help of these 'conditioned reflexes' to make an unconscious habit of deep breathing.<br />
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First of all, let us see what are these 'Condition reflexes'<br />
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There are many actions (process) in our body which are not in our control. They happen on their own. Like beating of heart, digestion, circulation of blood etc. Breathing is also a process which is beyond our control. 'Conditioned reflexes' are the tools with the help of which we can control some of these seemingly uncontrolled process.<br />
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Let us understand these 'conditioned reflexes' in some more detail.<br />
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Pavlov did an interesting experiment on dogs. He noted that whenever he gave food to dogs, they started salivating( the secretion of salivary glands in mouth in the anticipation of food) and their digestion process started. He noted that whenever dogs saw that food is coming, the salivation started in their mouth.<br />
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Pavlov wanted to know whether this process of salivation and digestion in dogs can be influenced by any external factor (stimuli).<br />
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So he did a little experiment. He started ringing a bell while giving food to dogs. Whenever, he gave food to dogs, he rang a bell. He repeated this process regularly for sometime. Slowly dogs become accustomed to this habit. Whenever they heard the sound of bell, they took it as the sign of food coming.<br />
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One day, at the time of food, Pavlov rang the bell. The dogs became attentive in anticipation of food. However, Pavlov didn't gave them food. He just rang the bell. However, he noted that dogs still started salivating and their digestion process started even in the absence of food.<br />
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Now salivation is a process which is not in our control. It happens on its own whenever we saw or eat food. However, in this experiment, the sound of bell started the salivation process in dogs. What actually had happened was that the brains of dogs began to associate the two incident of 'ringing a bell' and 'serving of food' together. Since they are occurring simultaneously, the brain of dogs took the mere sound of bell as the indication for food even when no food was served.<br />
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This process in which the brain began to associate the ringing of bell with food is known as conditioning.<br />
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We will use this conditioning to make a habit of deep breathing.<br />
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Using 'Conditioned Reflexes' for Deep Breathing<br />
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There are many physical and mental activities which we perform almost daily. Like walking, eating, drinking, bathing, driving, cleaning our teeth, driving, reading newspapers & books, surfing the net, playing an indoor or outdoor game etc . The list is endless. The main thing is that we perform these activities almost daily. Right ?<br />
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We will use these activities as external stimuli to train our nervous system (mind) to automate the process of deep breathing.<br />
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Let us take 'Walking'. Everyday we walk. We walk for different purposes in different places. We walk in a park in the morning, we walk to the market, we walk in our house, to the bus stand, to our boss's room, to attend a meeting or prayer, to meet someone somewhere and in many many other circumstances of life. We may use this walking activity to learn deep breathing.<br />
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Whenever we walk, it is for a purpose. We walk in the Garden early morning basically for the purpose of good health. We walk to the market for the purpose of buying something. We walk to bus stand or Railway Station for the purpose of reaching somewhere. We walk in our home for many purpose. We walk to our boss's room for some official purpose, we walk to meet someone, somewhere for a purpose. We walk into the bathroom for the purpose of bath. In short almost always whenever we walk it is for a small or big purpose. Agree ?<br />
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So what you have to do is to choose any purposeful walk. Just one. It may be the walk in the morning, or walk in the office, walk to the bus stop or any other purposeful walk. Now, whenever you walk for that particular purpose, breath deeply. I mean whenever you walk for that purpose , give proper attention to your breathing and be aware of the inhalation and exhalation process. While walking for that specific purpose, try to breath as deeply as you can.<br />
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The important thing is that breath deeply only (and always) when you walk for that particular purpose. For all other occasions of walking (and for other physical and mental activities) forget about this deep breathing and take breath in the way you normally do. However, whenever you walk for that particular purpose, breath deeply.<br />
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Understand it with an example. Suppose you choose to breath deeply while walking to the bus stop for the purpose of catching the bus. Now whenever, you walk to the bus stop, breath deeply while walking. Give proper attention to your breathing while you walk and breath as deeply as you can. After catching the bus, restore the normal breathing and forget about this deep breathing. Repeat this process daily. Initially, it will be difficult. Often you'll forget about deep breathing. However, please remember that you are not required to breath deeply throughout the day. Only when you walk to the Bus-Stop for catching the bus, you have to take deep breathing. It's not that difficult. Is it ? All of us can do it easily. It is true that initially you'll have to make conscious efforts for breathing deeply while walking to the bus stop, but soon your mind will be conditioned for this automatically.<br />
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Just as in Pavlov's experiments the dogs started salivating on hearing the bell, in the same way soon you will start breathing deeply automatically as you walk to the bus-stop.<br />
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Please don't think that I am comparing you with dogs (if some of you are thinking that way) I am just trying to tell that this Pavlov experiment can be very very useful for us in controlling the unconscious process of deep breathing.<br />
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The automatic arrival of Conditioned reflex<br />
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Do you know what you will be doing while you choose to take deep breath while walking for the purpose of catching a bus? You unconsciously train your mind to start associating the 'process of deep breathing' with 'walking to the bus stop'. Slowly the simultaneous process of 'walking to catch a bus' and 'deep breathing' will become automatic. You'll see that even when you forget to breath deeply while walking to bus stop, your mind reminds you automatically to breath deeply. In other words a 'conditioned reflex, will be created in the form of that 'purposeful walk to the bus stop. Whenever you take a walk to catch a bus, you'll start breathing deeply on your own.<br />
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Now this is just one example involving a very small portion of your daily activities. Once you perfect this small deep breathing lesson, you can apply it in your other regular activities also. For example you can choose another purposeful walk. Let's say - choose the walk in the morning or 'an after meal walk' in the evening. Whenever you go for this walk, breath deeply and slowly an association will be created between this walk and deep breathing. You can try other activities also. For example you can choose eating. Whenever you eat anything, breath deeply. Give attention to your inhalation and exhalation process while eating. Slowly an association will be formed between the process of 'eating' and 'deep breathing' and you'll start breathing deeply as soon as you start eating anything. Apply this experiment of association on other activities of your daily routines. After a practice of two -three months, you will be able to create many association between deep breathing and your daily activities which in turn will add up to yours taking 3-4 hour of deep breathing daily. Taking such a good amount of pure oxygen than the amount you would take normally ( i.e. without breathing deeply) will give you an unbelievable jest and energy. Not only your internal metabolism will improve but your overall physical and mental efficiency will improve greatly. This means less wear and tear of body, less exhaustion, less weakness and more vitality along with an enhanced capacity to work more.<br />
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Of all the yogic arts, deep breathing is the simplest and most efficient. It can be done anywhere, anytime with no restriction. Ten Days of Silence for Peace of Mindtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-07:2227378:Topic:1211792009-09-07T21:43:57.432ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
<i><b>Ten Days of Silence for Peace of Mind<br />
Ron Alexander<br />
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After I returned from a ten day silent Vipassana Retreat, I have been asked "Why would you even want to be in silence for ten days?" That was a good question. I would have thought it crazy, if I had not seen the "Dhamma Brothers" documentary, about the amazing transformation of lifer prisoners (some convicted murderers), after they spent ten days of silent Vipassana Meditation.<br />
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Vipassana means to see things as they really are, and was…</b></i>
<i><b>Ten Days of Silence for Peace of Mind<br />
Ron Alexander<br />
<br />
After I returned from a ten day silent Vipassana Retreat, I have been asked "Why would you even want to be in silence for ten days?" That was a good question. I would have thought it crazy, if I had not seen the "Dhamma Brothers" documentary, about the amazing transformation of lifer prisoners (some convicted murderers), after they spent ten days of silent Vipassana Meditation.<br />
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Vipassana means to see things as they really are, and was started by Gautama Buddha 2600 years ago. "...Buddha taught: an art of living. He never established or taught any religion, any 'ism'. He never instructed those who came to him to practice any rituals, any empty formalities. Instead, he taught them just to observe nature as it is, by observing the reality inside. Out of ignorance we keep reacting in ways which harm ourselves and others. But when the wisdom arises-the wisdom of observing reality as it is-this habit of reacting falls away. When we cease to react blindly, then we are capable of real action-action proceeding from a balanced mind, a mind which sees and understands the truth. Such action can only be positive, creative, helpful to ourselves and to others." S.N. Goenka "The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation".<br />
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Science also supports the premise behind the Buddha’s meditation, as can be read about in Tolle’s books –specifically identifying with space instead of form.<br />
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Daily eleven hours of meditating was not easy, many times I felt like just bolting. However, I am glad I didn’t. I am meditating more and more effectively experiencing much more peace and joy.<br />
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Goenka advises practice – “persistence, and you will succeed>" Also we are instructed to end each sitting with a ‘Metta’ (Loving Kindness) prayer:<br />
May all beings be happy, be peaceful and be free!”</b></i>