Am I Meditating Effectively
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Let’s go over the questions one at a time and see what we can learn about our mediation practice:
1. Do you close your eyes and watch the space in front of your closed eyes?
If you answered “almost always”: Yes, this is an important start! Just close your eyes so the attention can be turned inward, away from all the things and forms. Then, as you watch what’s in front of your closed eyes, you know the space of the pure being – your true nature. As you observe the space in front of your closed eyes you recognize the source from where all thoughts come from and return to. You are watching the space behind the thoughts. Space appears like an artist’s canvas with thoughts superimposed on it like paint on a canvas. And you become aware that you are the Knower. You know the thoughts and the space through the power of your knowingness. Then, whether your attention is on the Knower, the knowingness or that which is being known, you begin to see it is all pure consciousness.
If you answered “sometimes”: Closing your eyes and watching the space in front of your closed eyes is the most essential part of meditation practice! When you close the eyes you turn off all the outward flow of the senses. You start to cultivate awareness of the source, to know your true Self, the space that you experience in meditation. Therefore, remember this each time you sit to meditate – just close the eyes and watch. Even if this is all you do you will get great benefits! As you observe the space in front of your closed eyes you recognize the source from where all thoughts come from and return to. You are watching the space behind the thoughts. Space appears like an artist’s canvas with thoughts superimposed on it like paint on a canvas. And you become aware that you are the Knower. You know the thoughts and the space through the power of your knowingness. Then, whether your attention is on the Knower, the knowingness or that which is being known, you begin to see it is all pure consciousness.
If you answered “never”: Closing your eyes and watching the space in front of your closed eyes is the most essential part of meditation practice! When you close the eyes you turn off all the outward flow of the senses. You start to cultivate awareness of the source, to know your true Self, the space that you experience in meditation. Therefore, remember this each time you sit to meditate – just close the eyes and watch. Even if this is all you do you will get great benefits! If closing your eyes is difficult then you can use a candle or spiritual picture to focus your attention on. After sometime your eyes will automatically close by themselves. As you observe the space in front of your closed eyes you recognize the source from where all thoughts come from and return to. You are watching the space behind the thoughts. Space appears like an artist’s canvas with thoughts superimposed on it like paint on a canvas. And you become aware that you are the Knower. You know the thoughts and the space through the power of your knowingness. Then, whether your attention is on the Knower, the knowingness or that which is being known, you begin to see it is all pure consciousness.
2. Do you have a lot of thoughts?
If you answered “almost always”: The nature of the mind is to think, so it’s totally natural and normal for the mind to generate thoughts. Thinking is never a deterrent to meditation. When you meditate and turn your attention to the one who knows the thoughts, you begin to see that thoughts come from the creative intelligence or source – pure consciousness – and, after sometime, return again to that very same source. Thoughts are, therefore, waves of perception that you, the Pure Being, uses to perceive the
If you answered “sometimes”: The nature of the mind is to think, so it’s totally natural and normal for the mind to generate thoughts. Thinking is never a deterrent to meditation. When you meditate and turn your attention to the one who knows the thoughts, you begin to see that thoughts come from the creative intelligence or source – pure consciousness – and, after sometime, return again to that very same source. Thoughts are, therefore, waves of perception that you, the Pure Being, use to perceive the world. As you tune-in to this perspective you are not bothered by your thinking. Sometimes you’ll be aware only of thoughts then you’ll become aware of the knower of the thoughts and, ultimately, you’ll remain established in the very knowingness, your true nature, omnipresent – pure consciousness.
If you answered “never”: The one who never has a lot of thoughts knows the Knower of the thoughts. They are not seen as anything separate from that very Knower or pure being. When you are aware of the Knower then you are established in meditation or samaadhi – mind absorbed in Self. Continue meditating and all else will be revealed to you. You will directly know your original source as the very knowingness meditating on itself, the knowingness, and mind is not ‘doing’ anymore. You are being-ness pure!
3. Do you watch your thoughts?
If you answered “almost always”: This is an important aspect of meditation: to become aware that there is a You who is able to watch the thoughts. And, therefore, you are not your thoughts. By continually bringing your attention back to this watchfulness, that realizes each thought as temporal and, therefore, not true, you gain the ability to master your thought and thinking. You are Master Pure, the very knower who is always totally in tune with the watcher of your thoughts – the free Being!
If you answered “sometimes”: This is an important aspect of meditation: to become aware that there is a You who is able to watch the thoughts. And, therefore, you are not your thoughts. By continually bringing your attention back to this watchfulness, that realizes each thought as temporal and, therefore, not true, you gain the ability to master your thought and thinking. You are Master Pure, the very knower who is always totally in tune with the watcher of your thoughts – the free Being! The more you tune-in to the Watcher and Knower, the more you progress in your practice.
If you answered “never”: This is an important aspect of meditation: to become aware that there is a You who is able to watch the thoughts. And, therefore, you are not your thoughts. By continually bringing your attention back to this watchfulness, that realizes each thought as temporal and, therefore, not true, you gain the ability to master your thought and thinking. You are Master Pure, the very knower who is always totally in tune with the watcher of your thoughts – the free Being! The more you tune-in to the Watcher and Knower, the more you progress in your practice.
4. Do you repeat a mantra or watch your breath?
If you answered “almost always”: When you repeat a word or a phrase with a certain vibration and deeper meaning then you actually become that mantra. It releases your mind and allows you to know yourself as pure. At some point you will be in samaadhi and dissolved into your true Self. Then mantra will not be always be needed. You have become the very mantra, meaning and vibration realized together as one immortal and blissful being.
If you answered “sometimes”: When you repeat a word or a phrase with a certain vibration and deeper meaning then you actually become that mantra. It releases your mind and allows you to know yourself as pure. At some point you will be in samaadhi and dissolved into your true Self. Then mantra will not always be needed. You have become the very mantra, meaning and vibration realized together as one immortal and blissful being. When you were given a name, such as John or Alice, and, first, your parents repeated it and, then, you repeated it when you were asked your name, you became that name and form, never to forget it. In the same way when you repeat a mantra, such as I am immortal, I am blissful, you begin to know yourself as that immortal and blissful Being.
If you answered “never”: When you do not use an object of focus in your meditation your mind’s attention will continue going into all of your thoughts: your actions, problems and events in the past and future. It’s perfectly natural for the mind to wander and process these thoughts to gain clarity on what’s going on. But, for meditation to happen, you need to bring the mind on to one point or practice such as watching your breath or repeating a mantra. When you forget and go back into your thinking process just gently take your focus back on mantra or breath. By practicing this you will dissolve the conditioning of your mind and begin to observe thoughts as appearances on the canvas of pure consciousness. This canvas of pure consciousness exists forever as the screen upon which all thoughts manifest – appearing, passing and disappearing.
5. Do you return your attention back to the mantra or breath whenever you remember?
If you answered “almost always”: You have developed keen concentration to be able to bring your attention back to the mantra or breath whenever you remember. That is an important step in your meditation. You are now practicing dhaaranaa – cultivating the power of attentiveness. From this attentiveness you will easily move into the next stage of your meditation called dhyan, which allows your attention to flow towards the source or Knower.
If you answered “sometimes”: You are beginning to develop the concentration to be able to bring your attention back to the mantra or breath whenever you remember or chose to. That is an important step in your meditation. Through this dhaarana or cultivating the power of attentiveness you will get freed from always attending the changing thoughts in your mind. Even though thoughts may continue to come and go you do not have to attend or believe in them. As attention on mantra or breath continues, you will easily move into the next stage of your meditation called dhyan, which now allows your attention to flow towards the source or Knower.
If you answered “never”: The mind is a powerful instrument. It can control you or you can master it but you have to know how. You can’t master it through control as thoughts come without your invitation or your controlling them. You can begin to master the mind through the awareness that you are the one who is watching the mind. Therefore, you are not just your mind. Through sitting and watching your thoughts for a few minutes you will begin to go to the next stage where you can then bring your attention back to the mantra or breath. With continued practice your mind will settle and you will see the thoughts as if you are watching children playing in the yard. You are not involved with or bothered by them.
6. Do you become aware that you are the Knower of your thoughts?
If you answered “almost always”: You have got it! When you know yourself as the Knower of your thoughts then you can easily move into samaadhi, the vision of oneness. That Knower is the same Knower in all beings so you can now rest in that awareness that your I is no longer the individual I-sense or ego sense, but is the very space of pure consciousness itself.
If you answered “sometimes”: If you have begun to attend the Knower of your thoughts you are gaining the insight that you are not your thoughts but the one who is watching or knowing the thoughts. By repeating your name you began to associate it with your body. In the same way you will start to know, through repetition of awareness of Knower, that you are Knower! And that Knower is the same Knower in all so you can now rest in the awareness that your I is no longer the individual I-sense or ego sense, but is the very space of pure consciousness itself.
If you answered “never”: If you never put the attention on the Knower you will remain in the waking state of consciousness and never come to know yourself as pure, free and forever. Therefore, it is essential that you start to ask yourself the question: who is the one who is knowing the thoughts and the mantra being repeated? That is you, the very Knower. Then you will gain the insight that you are not your thoughts but the one who is watching or knowing the thoughts. Through continued practice of attending the Knower you will become the very Knower that you are. Just like by repeating your name and attending that it means that you answer when someone calls your name, you will start to know through this attending the Knower as your name, that you are the Knower. Then you can easily move into samaadhi, the vision or oneness. That Knower is the same Knower in all so you can now rest in that awareness that your I is no longer the individual I-sense or ego sense, but is the very space of pure consciousness itself.
7. Do you fall asleep?
If you answered “almost always”: For one new to meditation the sleep state is the closest experience to the meditative state. Therefore, it is common to conclude that one has fallen asleep during meditation when, in fact, one has actually transcended. During sleep one is free from thoughts and worries, which is also true in the meditative state. So, even though one feels like one slept during meditation, you are experiencing the relaxing benefits of the fourth state – the meditation state. Human beings are either awake and engaged or asleep and relaxed but never awake, relaxed, asleep and engaged, all at the same time. In meditation practice this state exists as yog nidra or yogic rest. And as your meditation practice develops you gain the energy and vitality that come from alert awareness and total relaxation. If the body is tired, when you sit to meditate, it needs some rest, so entering a restful state is natural and beneficial. When the body is sufficiently rested your attention will, naturally, return to alert, aware meditation. Yog nidra is very beneficial, natural and totally restorative!
If you answered “sometimes”: For one new to meditation the sleep state is the closest experience to the meditative state. Therefore, it is common to conclude that one has fallen asleep during meditation when, in fact, one has actually transcended. During sleep one is free from thoughts and worries, which is also true in the meditative state. So, even though one feels like one slept during meditation, you are experiencing the relaxing benefits of the fourth state – the meditation state. Human beings are usually either awake and engaged or asleep and at rest. In yogic practice a state exists called yog nidra or yogic rest. As your meditation practice develops you gain the energy and vitality that comes from alert awareness and total relaxation. If the body is tired, when you sit to meditate, it may need some rest, so entering a restful state is natural and beneficial. Yog nidra, or deep relaxation, is very beneficial–natural and a totally restorative state. When the body is sufficiently rested your attention will automatically return to alert, aware meditation.
If you answered “never”: Your energy has risen to your spiritual centers and you are able to remain alert in your meditation! You do not have too much inertia in your system or tiredness that will cause you to fall asleep or go into yog nidra, the deeply relaxed yogic sleep. Meditation and samaadhi will happen now more easily and effectively.
8. Do you practice for at least 5-7 minutes once or twice a day?
If you answered “almost always”: Just as you’ve repeated your own name for so many years and completely identify with that sound as who you are, when you repeat mantra and its meaning (e.g., I am immortal, I am blissful) you begin to know yourself as that immortal and blissful being – pure, free and forever!
If you answered “sometimes”: Just as you’ve repeated your own name for so many years and completely identify with that sound as who you are, when you repeat mantra and know its meaning (e.g., I am immortal, I am blissful) and begin to know yourself as that immortal and blissful being – pure, free and forever! Meditation takes regular practice and you are doing it sometimes and getting some results! Why not practice more often and take a few extra moments to sit and experience your own bliss. I know that life can get very busy at times and even finding five minutes to practice may seem impossible. When you really value and enjoy doing an activity you make the time for it! Remember the value of your meditation practice and enjoy it every day! It really helps to read and hear inspiring information regularly, such as reviewing the Transformation Meditation course materials and newsletter articles, and listening to the Essence of Patanjali and Infinite Peace CDs. Doing this will facilitate meditate easily – the inspiring ideas and sound vibrations quickly bring you into meditation. This is much easier and wiser then just sitting in silence to deal with a busy and agitated mind. Enhance your meditation time and you’ll want to practice more often!
If you answered “never”: Just as you’ve repeated your own name for so many years and completely identify with that sound as who you are, you can repeat mantra and know its meaning (e.g., I am immortal, I am blissful) and know yourself as that immortal and blissful being – pure, free and forever.Meditation takes regular practice and you can do it and get results! Why not practice and take a few moments to sit and experience your own bliss.\n I know that life can get very busy at times and even finding five minutes to practice may seem impossible. When you really value and enjoy doing an activity you make the time for it! Remember the value of your meditation practice and enjoy it every day! It really helps to read and hear inspiring information regularly, such as reviewing the Transformation Meditation course materials and newsletter articles, and listening to the Essence of Patanjali and Infinite Peace CDs. Doing this will facilitate meditate easily – the inspiring ideas and sound vibrations quickly bring you into meditation. This is a much easier and wiser way to deal with a busy and agitated mind. Enhance your meditation time and you’ll want to practice more often!
9. Do you feel calmer or more peaceful after you practice?
If you answered “almost always”: Congratulations on receiving these wonderful benefits from your practice. Meditation unfolds a transformation of consciousness from the waking state, which is filled with troubles, worries and agitation, to the fourth state, which is free from the waves or thoughts in the mind. Everything seems brighter and problems are no longer seen as permanently real – they are changing. You directly know the peace or bliss that is forever unchanging – the source of all change.
If you answered “sometimes”: Yes, when you experience a sense of peacefulness you are tuning-in to your true being which is forever peaceful. The mind is filled with so many thoughts, ideas, concerns, worries, desires and thoughts. It will continue as it always has in the waking state. Through meditation you come to know the fourth state of consciousness, which is forever peaceful and unidentified with the mind. The mind can continue to experience thoughts, like waves rising and falling in the ocean, but your attention goes to the source of your mind, the infinite, eternal ocean of existence – forever unchanging and peaceful. Mind will never be completely and permanently peaceful – it doesn’t function that way. It’s sometimes peaceful and happy and other times disturbed and unhappy. But you, the pure, eternal being, is forever at peace. The more you repeat the mantra and practice I am immortal, I am blissful, the more you will become it!
If you answered “never”: If you are not feeling calmer and more peaceful during and after your meditation then you are having trouble meditating correctly. Often, when beginning meditation, the thoughts in the mind are so active and moving with such force, one has a hard time even sitting still. Right? But, not to worry, the system of hatha yoga exercises, when practiced regularly, allows the physical body and mind to become settled. By performing yog aasans, the various postures, all the systems of your body will become balanced and relaxed. Then you can practice praanaayaam, the breathing exercises, to balance and calm your nervous system. Your mind will become still and you’ll be able to bring your attention to the source or your thoughts. Then you can discriminate between what is changing – mind and what is unchanging – Self. Through this practice of vivayk khyati, perfect discrimination, you will experience peace, forever shining within!
10. Do you experience more ease in you life while dealing with difficult situations?
If you answered “almost always”: Meditation transforms the waking state of consciousness into the fourth state of consciousness. In the fourth state of consciousness you are free from the endless desires and troubles of the mind. You experience the peace of your own being. As you find ease in dealing with life’s changing situations you are living more in the fourth state and less in the waking state of consciousness. In the fourth state you communicate more effectively with others – you see everyone as your own Self. You observe whatever is happening in your daily life, yet, realize you no longer need any particular worldly experience to feel inner satisfaction and happiness. You have a wealth of happiness inside that you are now tuned-in to. That inexhaustible wealth is completely fulfilling and satisfying! You are no longer fearful of even death – you know the pure being never changes!
If you answered “sometimes”: Meditation transforms the waking state of consciousness into the fourth state of consciousness. In the fourth state of consciousness you are free from the endless desires and troubles of the mind. You experience the peace of your own being. As you find ease in dealing with life’s changing situations you are living more in the fourth state and less in the waking state of consciousness. In the fourth state you communicate more effectively with others – you see everyone as your own Self. You observe whatever is happening in your daily life, yet, realize you no longer need any particular worldly experience to feel inner satisfaction and happiness. You have a wealth of happiness inside that you are now tuned-in to. That inexhaustible wealth is completely fulfilling and satisfying! You are no longer fearful of even death – you know the pure being never changes! Continue meditation practice and knowing yourself as the Knower. The more you are in touch with Knower the more you will transform waking state into the fourth state.
If you answered “never”: Not experiencing more ease in your life is the result of missing the fourth state of consciousness. The normal human condition exists in three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming and deep sleep. As you turn your attention to the Knower of these three states, through meditation, you begin to experience the fourth state or meditation state. As you practice Ashtang Yog, the eight limbs of Yoga, you systematically move into the meditative state by purifying the body and mind, cultivating physical easiness in hatha yoga exercises, and relaxing the nerves channels though praanayam or breath regulation. Through this practice your mind will become still and you can bring the attention to the source of your thoughts. Then you can discriminate between what is changing mind and what is unchanging Self. Through this practice of vivayk khyati, or perfect discrimination, you will experience your own peace forever shining within. When the attention moves inward and leaves the level of the gross senses you realize that your inner sense of enjoyment is not coming completely though the outer sensual experiences. You turn your attention to the source of your thought and sensation and begin to live more in the fourth state of consciousness. If you have difficulty doing this in silence then listen to the Transformation Meditation CD and mp3 recordings. They’ll lead your attention to the fourth state through the quality of the sound and thought vibrations. This will allow you to easily meditate and get the benefits of ease, peace and relaxation. As you find ease in dealing with life’s changing situations you are living more in the fourth state and less in the waking state of consciousness. In the fourth state you communicate more effectively with others – you see everyone as your own Self. You observe whatever is happening in your daily life, yet, realize you no longer need any particular worldly experience to feel inner satisfaction and happiness. You have a wealth of happiness inside that you are now tuned-in to. That inexhaustible wealth is completely fulfilling and satisfying! You are no longer fearful of even death – you know the pure being never changes! Continue meditation practice and knowing yourself as the Knower. The more you are in touch with Knower the more you will transform waking state into the fourth state.