STEPS TO MANTRA MEDITATION

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Hi Siddharth,

 

Its really great information about Mantras. Thanks to post it. May I know the

source of this information?

 

Regards,

 

http://hindudevotionalpower.blogspot.com/

 

 

--- On Wed, 11/25/09, Siddharth wrote:

 

Siddharth

RBSC : STEPS TO MANTRA MEDITATION

 

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 2:56 PM

 

i would like to share this information with everybody-

 

 

Steps to Mantra Meditation

 

 

Mantra is one of the simplest, yet a very powerful method to achieve meditation.

 

Why?

 

Mantra involves the rhythmic invocation of a sound. This provides a foundation

for the aspirant so that his practice is just not " in the air " . This anchor or

foundation helps the mind to gradually disconnect with the external experiences

provided through the 5 senses, which is the first step to successful meditation.

 

 

The Nature of Mantra

 

Mantra is a sound form. It is a Sanskrit word which etymologically means " by the

repetition of which the mind becomes free of external experiences " . That is how

it is to be seen and experienced.

 

Sound has a form; sound has a color. Every sound creates patterns of forms and

color in the mind. Vibrations of different frequency create different patterns.

These patterns result in withdrawal from sensory experiences. As you proceed

further successfully, they would result (transiently) in deeper experiences such

as ESP, mystical experiences etc. Eventually, they will help the sincere

practitioner to even surpass these inner experiences and distractions and move

towards eternal bliss.

 

Now, sound of mantra is not to be seen in the context of the written word. In

fact, the sound formed by following the written word could be severely limiting

for higher experiences. The nature of mantra is that of a cosmic sound and

should preferably be HEARD from a teacher. Mantra repetition could be done as 3

ways - audible, whisper or silent (in the thought). Each method of repetition

has different frequencies, different forms and has different effects. The most

powerful is the silent method, because it has the highest frequency. Louder the

sound, greater is the velocity but lower is the frequency.

 

 

Preparations for Practice

 

Get yourself a mantra -Once a mantra is chosen, it should NEVER be changed,

however much you may like to. Often people change their mantra because it is too

common - they wish to get something unique as a kind of a rare elixir. Be warned

that this is a mistake and will result in complications at higher levels in your

spiritual journey. So be careful in selecting a mantra. Go find yourself a

teacher and if you can't, mentally recite a selection of mantras, each for some

stretch of time and see which 'feels' right for you - which one creates the

right vibrations and then stick with it.

 

Have a symbol to focus upon -A symbol could be mental - the sun, a star, a

candle flame, a crescent, a cross, symbol of Om, a lotus flower, your personal

deity etc. Or you could have a physical point of focus such as the nose tip or

the pulsation in any particular part of the body etc.

 

Place of practice -Have a designated area of your house - a room or a corner for

your mantra practice. It is important that you use the same area for your

regular practice. You will find that over time this area will be charged with

the favorable energies of mantra and spur you onto spontaneous meditation.

 

Posture -The posture for your mantra practice should be a seated one with spine

erect. Siddhasana and Padmasana are especially suited for the purpose as they

provide the maximum stability to the body preventing it from drooping or

falling. These postures, when perfected, enable the practitioner to sit for long

spells without tiring, something very essential in meditation practice.

Siddhasana also exerts the right pressure on the mooladhara chakra (energy

center), the seat of kundalini and is recommended as a meditation pose.

 

Breath flow -Before proceeding with mantra meditation, it should be verified

that the predominant flow of the breath is from the left nostril (as opposed to

the right). Or then, the flow should be balanced between the nostrils. Mantra

meditation is not advised with the right nostril more free flowing than the

left. This is because the left nostril corresponds with the lunar (mental)

forces and the right for the physical forces. It would be difficult to have

successful meditation with the right flowing predominantly.

 

If necessary, breath flow between nostrils can be altered using a Yoga Danda.

 

 

Role of a Mala -Often, as you proceed in mantra repetition, you will find the

mind drifting involuntarily from the physical point of focus - to a dreamy state

or then swamped by thoughts. If you are practicing Mantra in coordination with

the turning of mala beads, this drift is stopped whenever you reach the head

bead (sumeru). The sumeru provides the disconnect and you are reminded to turn

the Mala around for the next round of repetition. This brings back the awareness

and prevents it from going out of hand for long periods of time. That is the

first point.

 

The second point is that the Mala provides the " physical " anchor which is so

necessary as you proceed to higher levels of the practice. At the higher levels,

as you are disconnected from the external world, it may be quite an experience -

sometimes even terrifying. The mala serves as your connection with this world to

bring you back. This coupled with your symbol as the mental anchor, makes for a

successful journey.

 

 

The Practice

 

Once you are equipped and prepared as outlined above, be seated in the posture

advised. Start turning the beads in synchronization with the mantra, with the

mantra being repeated with every bead turned. To know more on how to turn the

beads, read the " How to Use " section.

 

Rhythmic Repetition of the Mantra -the mantra should be repeated with a certain

rhythm of your choice. The rhythm could be synchronized with the breath or with

the pulsation in any part of the body or in any way you wish. The mantra should

be repeated with every bead turned.

 

Method of Recitation -As mentioned earlier, the mantra may be repeated audibly,

as a whisper or then silently. This depends upon your mental state. If the mind

is disturbed or you are drowsy, it is best to repeat the mantra audibly and then

progress towards whispering and then to the silent thought of mantra. Beginners

may also proceed from audible repetition to the more powerful silent repetition.

 

Speed of Recitation -Repeat the mantra at a speed that feels right. The slower

the recitation, the greater is the frequency and the power behind the mantra.

Conversely, a faster repetition implies a lower frequency and reduced power

behind the mantra. However, you may have to alter speeds depending upon the

state of your mind. A dissipated and drowsy mind may require a faster repetition

of the mantra - a slower repetition may put you off to sleep!

 

Eyeball movement -For successful mantra meditation practice, it is important

that the eyeball movement is absent. Eyeball movement is always there (even when

we are asleep in the form of REM), but for this practice it is essential that

the movement is stalled for desirable results. This movement is gradually

eliminated by constant focus on your symbol at an imagined place on the eyebrow

centre.

 

Also, it often helps to imagine the vibrations of the mantra converging at the

eyebrow center.

 

Mind focus - be aware of the Mantra at all times. The mind will waver; you will

find it drifting to other thoughts. As you realize this, gently bring back your

awareness to the Mantra. Don't feel frustrated by the oscillating mind - this is

normal, and is part of the process itself!

 

Important:Don' t make the mistake of correlating the mantra sound with its

written form. As mentioned earlier, this could be limiting its potential

greatly.

 

Practice in this manner for as many rounds of the mala as you feel the need or

have the time for. You must start the practice at the head bead (sumeru) and

also end it at the sumeru.

 

Regularity of Practice -It is essential that Mantra meditation is practiced

everyday without a break. It may be just 5 minutes but regularity is a must. It

is preferable to do it at a designated time - in the morning or then in the

night, before going to bed at least an hour after meals.

 

Over time, you will find the effect of the mantra on the subconscious through

its unique calming influence at any time of the day and in any situation. You

are then truly on your journey to spiritual growth.