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MEDITATION
"We
still the body to quiet the mind
and
we quiet the mind to find the soul"
Meditation is the state achieved from deep concentration on a single
object until all other thoughts vanish and all that is left is an intense
awareness of that object. It is the ultimate goal of all our Yoga
practices to reach this state of bliss.
However, there are many stages before this can be achieved. In
Yoga we have a system of 'steps' that were taken from the ancient Sutras
and transcribed by a man called Patanjali. for the people of his time. He
talks about the 'Eight Limbs (or steps) of Yoga' : |
Photo:
Steve Willey
Whatever your
purpose for practicing meditation the process itself can put you in
touch with a deeper, more profound understanding of yourself and the
world around you. |
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The 6th limb is
Concentration (dharana), which is holding the mind on a primary focus
either within the body or outside of it. The 7th is Meditation (dhyana), which is an unbroken flow of thought
toward the object of concentration. The 8th is achieved when absorption
and understanding takes place, not distorted by the mind of the
perceiver. This is called samadhi.
To reach a state of Meditation
requires regular practice. With training you can start to develop a
greater awareness of your thought processes through various exercises,
using a primary focus. This state of concentration and watching your own
thought processes are themselves recognized today as being very
beneficial to improved good health. Some of the benefits can be: reduced
stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improved concentration, clarity
and creativity.
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"Active
meditation can occur when one performs ones daily duties, walking,
talking eating etc. Passive meditation is the aim of sitting in one pose
and performing a meditational practice. Its aim is to still the ever
restless and wandering mind and make it one-pointed."
Swami
Satyananda
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“There are many remarkable psychological and healing
processes currently available, but none will do what a meditation
practice can to lead you toward your deepest truth . . . . Meditation is
a means to an endlessness. It
allows us to directly experience our true nature.
From that vastness and clarity comes the peace and wisdom that we
so long for. The
space to accept ourselves “as is”. Stephen Levine.
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“Meditation is a state of consciousness that can be
understood only on a direct intuitive level.
Ordinary experiences are limited by time, space and the laws of
causality, but the meditative state transcends all boundaries”.
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
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“Sportsmen & women know this space, artists
& musicians know it and we may sometimes have experience of
it through gardening, walking on a beach or making love.
Even as children we may have had experiences of it.
Meditation is a natural state and one that you have almost
certainly tasted, although perhaps without knowing the name of the
flavour” Osho
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