Meditation and concentration - #6

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Q: How is dhyana practised - with eyes open or closed?

 

A: It may be done either way. The point is that the mind must be

introverted and kept active in its pursuit. Sometimes it happens that

when the eyes are closed the latent thoughts rush forth with great

vigour. It may also be difficult to introvert the mind with the eyes

open. It requires strength of mind to do so. The mind is contaminated

when it takes in objects. Otherwise, it is pure. The main factor in

dhyana is to keep the mind active in its own pursuit without taking

in external impressions or thinking of other matters.

 

Q: Bhagavan, whenever I meditate, I feel great heat in the head and,

if I persist, my whole body burns. What is the remedy?

 

A: If concentration is made with the brain, sensations of heat and

even headache ensue. Concentration has to be made in the Heart, which

is cool and refreshing. Relax and your meditation will be easy. Keep

your mind steady by gently warding off all intruding thoughts but

without strain. Soon you will succeed.

 

Q: How do I prevent myself falling asleep in meditation?

 

A: If you try to prevent sleep it will mean thinking in meditation,

which must be avoided. But if you slip into sleep while meditating,

the meditation will continue even during and after sleep. Yet, being

a thought, sleep must be got rid of, for the final natural state has

to be obtained consciously in jagrat [the waking state] without the

disturbing thought. Waking and sleeping are mere pictures on the

screen of the native, thought-free state. Let them pass unnoticed.

 

,,,

Be As You Are - edited by David Godman

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