CORRECT BREATHING IS ESSENTIAL IN MEDITATION

Articles In This Section:

· MEDITATION WITH YOGA

· DOUBTLESS IN YOURSELF

· PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF MEDITATION

· CORRECT BREATHING IS ESSENTIAL IN MEDITATION

· MEDITATION IS AN ACQUIRED ART

· PITFALLS IN MEDITATION

· PURPOSE OF MEDITATION

Traditionally the Yogis prefer to meditate while sitting in one of the classic postures, or asanas. The Padmasana, or Lotus Pose, is considered ideal (see illus. Ch. XI) but the Yoga-Mudra, which is easier for the beginner, is equally satisfactory. (Illus. page 125) Or you may sit on the floor tailor fashion. Another good position for Meditation is Savasana, the Death Pose—also assumed for Deep Relaxation, lying flat on your back on a hard surface, arms alongside the body. Deep Meditation in the Savasana pose, however, is not for those who doze off easily. It is only recommended for persons who find it too tiring or otherwise difficult to learn one of the upright positions. It goes without saying, of course, that all of these poses are only possible if you meditate in the privacy of your own room. They are obviously impossible under any other circumstances. Then too, if your time for Meditation is limited and you are unable to retire behind closed doors, you may practice it successfully while sitting comfortably in a chair; but be certain not to slump or otherwise twist your body into a position of imbalance, since this will induce restlessness and make correct breathing difficult.

Needless to say correct rhythmic breathing is essential to proper Meditation. Without it you will fail to experience that sense of well-being and ease which frees your inner self from the straightjacket of minor physical discomforts and distractions. As you breathe the Yoga way, you will be augmenting the intake of prana so essential to both peace of mind and health. However, rhythmic breathing should no longer be a problem for you at this stage, nor even a matter of conscious effort. We hope it has become a habit, but it is a good idea to check on it.

Once you are comfortably settled in the posture you have chosen, you may begin your meditation in one of two ways. You may close your eyes and concentrate on the space directly above the root of your nose—the seat of the supposedly-atrophied Third Eye; or else, keeping your eyes open, focus on some small article or spot directly in your line of vision. Be sure it is something you see clearly, without straining the eyes. Let us say you have picked a single letter in the title of a book, printed in bold type on the dust jacket. Concentrate on that letter until the rest of the title fades out of your consciousness. You do not have to stare so hard that your eyes begin to sting and water—just shut everything out except the spot of your choice. You will soon see nothing on either side, neither words nor individual letters, only what you wish to see. You will also, we might mention in passing, be benefiting your eyesight; but that is what may be termed a fringe benefit.

Now that your attention has been brought under control you are ready for the next step: Transfer your thinking gently to the subject on which you wish to meditate. Withdraw your thoughts from all outward contact, exactly as a tortoise draws its head into its shell. Thus concentration will almost imperceptibly merge into Meditation.