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10 search results for: Ramana Maharishi

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A Simple Mind the Key to Meditation

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Meditation and Simplicity

Meditation and Non-Attachment

If one looks at all the great meditation masters in the history of man, one sees some very interesting traits that they all had in common.  These traits can give us great insight in their spiritual success and point us in the direction we need to go in order to evolve spiritually as well.  In this article I will look at 2 of these aspects of the great masters.  These are simplicity and the power to stand apart from the world (aloneness).

Whether it is Ramana Maharishi, Jesus, Buddha or Krishnamurti, what they all had in common was being free of society and having a simple, innocent heart and mind.  The following quote from J. Krishnamurti really drives home the point of why simplicity and freedom are so essential for meditation to take place.

Key to Meditation

 

Krishnamurti Quote on Simplicity and Meditation:

Author:      J. Krishnamurti
Book:        Meditations

 

The words “you” and “I” separate things.  This division in this strange silence and stillness doesn’t exist.  And as you watched out of the window, space and time seemed to have come to an end, and the space that divides had no reality.  That leaf and that eucalyptus and the blue shinning water were not different from you.

Meditation is really very simple.  We complicate it.  We weave a web of ideas around it – what it is and what it is not.  But it is none of these things.  Because it is so very simple it escapes us, because our minds are so complicated, so time-worn and time-based.  And this mind dictates the activity of the heart, and then the trouble begins.  But meditation comes naturally, with extraordinary ease, when you walk on the sand or look out of your window or see those marvelous hills burnt by last summer’s sun.  Why are we such tortured human beings, with tears in our eyes and false laughter on our lips?  If you could walk alone among those hills or in the woods or along the long, white, bleached sands, in that solitude you would know what meditation is.

The ecstasy of solitude comes when you are not frightened to be alone – no longer belonging to the world or attached to anything.  Then, like that dawn that came up this morning, it comes silently, and makes a golden path in the very stillness, which was at the beginning, which is now, and which will be always there.

The Simple Mind and Meditation Analysis:

Below I will discuss this excerpt, especially the importance simplicity plays in meditation.

Simplicity and Meditation:

The key to meditation, is the statement which explains that it happens when you are essentially free of the world.  That is what Krishnamurti means by the “ecstasy of solitude”.  That you are no longer entangled in the world of man, that you are able to stand apart, stand alone.  What this means is that you have managed to free yourself from the monstrosity of society and have broken away from its clutches.  You have become your own person, original and first hand.  This is a very important thing to understand well, so let’s go into it a little further.

Essentially, the more you want, the more ensnared you will be in the world of man.  For example, wanting to be wealthy, might lead you to choose professions that pay well, but are not in line with your passions or interest.  You will then be in fear of losing that job, as with it you would lose the money you are attached to.  So you will conform and struggle to keep the job.  What this means is that you will not be able to remain untouched and unbothered by the world, but would instead be immersed and affected by it. 

In the same way our other endless desires and attachments, keep us more and more tightly bound to the world, and ensure that our life is nothing more that a movement from struggle to struggle.  So the first step is to inspect carefully the value of having so many desires.  The more one studies oneself, the more one realizes that there is no lasting happiness to be achieved by the pursuit of material desires.  That finally, such an approach leads to nothing but more pain and suffering.

So why not simplify your mind, simplify your life and follow your heart instead?  Just drop all your struggling right now, immediately and just trust life.  This is what is meant by going with the flow.  Don’t worry about the future and what will happen, instead just relax and do what needs to be done in any given moment.

This dropping of your ambitions is the act of simplification and purification.  It is ambitions and desires that keep you constantly in pursuit and prevent you from being simple and being with life in the moment.  Drop them and you drop the world along with it.  

Simplifying and freeing your mind in this way is what makes meditation possible.

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True Inspirational Stories of God Realization

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Real Inspiring Stories

Experiences of God Realization

Previously I provided real life testimonials from readers who were practicing the techniques on the website and making progress towards health, happiness and God Realization, but in this series I will provide some truly inspirational stories of some mind blowing experience readers have written to me about.

One of the great blessings and privileges of running a large spiritual blog is that I get to befriend some truly remarkable people, whose experiences and life stories are not just astonishing, but also incredibly inspiring and enlightening.  With their permission I am honored to share with you the great insights they have acquired and I hope you are as equally encouraged by these testimonials as I am.

Real Inspiring Stories

One of the key challenges in spiritual progress, is to keep going and see it through to the very end, and to help us stay on the path, such inspiring people and inspiring stories are very helpful.  All I can say after reading so many incredible tales is that life is a great mystery, and that our self-indulgent, endlessly busy mind only sees a very small fraction of the great wonder that this Universe holds.  I can also say that the more I realize, the more I am awed by the unfathomable power and grace of God.

The experience described below is from just such a friend I have made through the blog, who thankfully takes the time out to share with me some of the sights and sounds of his spiritual journey. 

How special is he?  He will say he is not special, only God is.  How do I know this?  When I asked him if I should credit him with the quote, his reply was the following:

There is no need to use my name for the article because God deserves all the credit.  He is all and He is in all, nothing is separate from Him.

Not even a single breath belongs to us, we are alive and the whole creation is running due to His grace.

But sadly most of us have forgotten Him because we are so busy with our little “I”.

Forget his story about God Realization, that reply in itself is inspirational .  In any case, below you find a description of some true spiritual experiences that my friend has generously shared with us.  His real life story is full of great insights and below the excerpt, I highlight some of them in the summary section.

My friend writes:

Since my spiritual practice I have progressed well and wanted to share with you one of my spiritual experiences during meditation.  I hear the sound “OM” coming from my heart chakra, sometimes during and after meditation I feel tremendous happiness without any reason and I am in that blissful state for hours or days.

During meditation I become thoughtless.  There is no thoughts, no mind, no physical body and there is me who is just an awareness watching the whole process.  I see that I am not the body and mind, and that my own personality is just a fake illusion of mind and ego.

One of the most interesting experiences I had was that one day during meditation first I started to see some white and golden lights in my forehead.  After that the lights where everywhere.  Then a very beautiful and radiant lady appeared before me and her presence was very peaceful.

She looked like an Indian deity but I could not recognize her then she chanted some mantras and at that moment my state of consciousness was pushed to a very high state.  Its difficult for me to explain in words that high state of consciousness, only through experience one can understand it.

When I was in that high state of consciousness I could see the whole universe as me.  I could feel that the whole universe and every living being is part of me.  I was every animals, insects, mountain, plant, water, sea etc.  Practically I was part of everything.

During that high state of consciousness I realized that I am immortal.  I am not the body or mind, I am Atma all transcending eternal being.

This experience has changed and taught me many things.  Now I have a lot of respect for every living being and there is no fear of death.

In this world, people run after their desires like money, name, fame etc.  And the list of their desires is endless.  Even if a person achieves their material goals, after a little time he becomes unhappy like before and wants more and more.

People don’t realize that desires will only lead to more suffering and unhappiness.

We all know that when we come and go from this transitory world we never take with us the material things, name, fame etc.  So why are we running behind all these things which will perish with time.  The root cause of all this is our desires and attachments, which are created by our own mind.

It is very true that the mind creates bondage and also, the mind leads one to true liberation.  But for that one has to bring the mind under control with arduous spiritual practice and the most important thing is the purest longing to realize God.  Only then God will reveal himself to that soul.

We should all give thanks to God for giving us the greatest gift of life because now we are born like human beings.  Who knows how many incarnations we have to go through before taking birth as a human being and so we should use this life very wisely.

I bow to the lotus feet Lord for bestowing his grace upon me.

Om Namah Shivaya

True Inspirational Story Highlights:

I don’t know what not to highlight from the above note .  It is so packed with wisdom and inspiration that it is hard to pick and choose.  But, in any case, here are some points from the experiences that are worth reiterating.

1. Witnessing Consciousness:

Develop your witnessing consciousness, be constantly Mindful.  Learn to simply be a witness to all that is taking place.  I have written about this many times, most recently in the article Shri Ramana Maharishi Teachings on Meditation.  In my view, this is the most important spiritual practice of all. 

2. Live in Peace and with Compassion:

This is something you can aspire to, regardless of whether you have mind blowing enlightenment experiences or not.  Respect all of life and please stop fighting with each other.  This whole world is yours.  It is a integral part of you.  It is you. 

The following 3 article delve into this more deeply.  But for starters, live in peace.

The Miracle of Self Awareness – I AM ALL

The Secret to Compassion

How to Live Life

3. God Realization – Self Realization:

The greatest blessing one can have is an abiding passion for the Truth or God.  If you have this, you have all you need to fulfill your purpose on Earth.

More on the importance of this passion in the following article:

Silent Mind Meditation Program – Passion

4. Suffering:

As my friend points out clearly above, the root cause of all suffering is desire and attachments, and there are no end to desires.  So evaluate how you wish to spend your energy and time in this precious life God has blessed you with.

The articles below discuss this topic further:

Money Money Money Mantra and the Path to Enlightenment 

Role of Money, Pleasure and Career in Spirituality

5. Inspiration:

The reason I have started this series is to help inspire you and keep your passion for God Realization burning bright.  I hope you find it motivating and stay tuned for more true stories from readers just like you.

If you have some stories of yours you would like to share, please feel free to email me at anmol@anmolmehta.com.

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How to Be Free | Osho on Krishna, Buddha and You

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Osho Quote on Krishna, Buddha and You

How to Be Free 

Today I would like to share with you an excerpt from Mystic Master Osho, in which he urges you to just be yourself, be original and follow your heart’s whispers.  It is always inspiring to visit the teachings of the masters from time to time, as I find the vibrations of their words and insights to often be catalysts for spontaneous and sudden inner transformation.  I hope you find the words below to be equally inspiring, liberating and transforming.

Free Osho on Krishna, Buddha

Osho Quote on Krishna, Buddha and You:

Book: Courage – The Joy of Living Dangerously

The whole art for the new humanity will consist in the secret of listening to the heart consciously, alertly, attentively.  And follow it, to wherever it takes you.  Yes, sometimes it will take you into dangers – but remember, those dangers are needed to make you ripe.  Sometimes it will take you astray – but remember again, those goings astray are part of growth.  Many times you will fall – rise up again, because this is how one gathers strength, by falling and rising again.  This is how one become integrated.

…

Never be an imitator, be always original.  Don’t become a carbon copy.  But that’s what is happening all over the world – carbon copied and carbon copies.

Life is really a dance if you are an original – and you are meant to be an original.  Just look how different Krishna is from Buddha.  If Krishna had followed Buddha, we would have missed one of the most beautiful men of this earth.  Or if Buddha had followed Krishna, he would have been just a poor specimen.  Just think of Buddha playing on the flute! – he would have disturbed many peoples sleep, he was not a flute player.  Just think of Buddha dancing; it looks so ridiculous, just absurd.

And the same is the case for Krishna.  Sitting underneath a tree with no flute, with no crown of peacock feathers, with no beautiful clothes – just sitting like a beggar under a tree with closed eyes, nobody dancing around him, nothing of the dance, nothing of the song – and Krishna would look so poor, so impoverished.  A Buddha is a Buddha, a Krishna is a Krishna, and you are you.  And you are not in any way less than anybody else.  Respect yourself, respect your inner voice and follow it.

And remember, I am not guaranteeing you that it will always lead your to the right.  Many times it will take you to the wrong, because to come to the right door one has to knock first on many wrong doors.  That’s how it is.  If you suddenly stumble upon the right door, you will not be able to recognize that it is right.  So remember in the ultimate reckoning no effort is ever wasted; all efforts contribute to the ultimate climax of your growth.

Analysis of Osho Quote on Krishna, Buddha and You:

There are few points I want to highlight from the above excerpt which I think are very helpful to one’s spiritual evolution.

1. Embrace the Unknown:

Hidden in the above message, is the profound guidance that you should be open to life and be willing to go where she wants to take you.  That is what it means to follow your heart.  It means to not always take the safe, secure route, but be willing to try new things and new adventures, despite having no guarantees of success. 

This will allow you to move into the new, and not be imprisoned by the insecurities of the ego.  For the ego is of the past and is ever seeking security and safety.  So to move into the new, is to move into life, is to move into insecurity,  it is to move into the now, it is to move away from the entrapments of the petty self, and ultimately you will discover, that it is to move into love. 

Be open to going with the flow, else you will stagnate and be dead, even while being alive.

2. You are not less:

This is really a remarkable lesson to learn and fully embracing this Truth is liberating and empowering.  Don’t compare or try to be like anyone, you are unique and wonderful, just come into your own.  Just be yourself.  Then everything you do will come from the depths of your being.  You will contribute in your own unique way.  That is the responsibility of those who have tasted the Truth.  To contribute to spreading the light in their own way and in their own words.  As Krishnamurti advises those who are teachers and spiritual guides, “You Speak.”  That is enough.

As Ramana Maharishi points you, feeling incomplete is the essence of the problem and this incompleteness has its roots in comparison.  Comparison between you and the “great ones” and comparisons between “what is” and “what should be”.  This is the root cause of missing the inherent perfection of the here and now.  The answer is to simply let go.

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Mastery of Meditation & Yoga Testimonials | Customer Reviews of Products & Services

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TESTIMONIALS

Please find below some of what others have had to say about the Mastery of Meditation & Yoga Website, the free online yoga and meditation classes and the great yoga & meditation products I offer to help you live your life at your maximum potential.

Rebecca says,

WOW, this was an excellent reading and intuitively I knew there was greatness within and that is why I am feeling so eager to reach it.  Thanks again for the tools to help me along my path and I am so blessed to have been presented to you as a guide for me, you will always be in my thoughts as a teacher and coach on my path.

Gurtej says,

I cant thank u enough to have WOKEN ME UP with ur reading about me…… i am STUNNED to say the least……. i didnt expect this numerological reading to be so precise. U have told me exactly what i needed to know to grow and glow in my life…….. Thank u so very much …. i have started my transformation programme from 1st of this month.

Anca Says:

Thank you so much for this (numerology) analysis, the words sounded so deeply inside me that it made me cry :-).  I definitely could use the Zen Meditation :-).  I started your program today and I am very confident in my path now. 

Chris Says:

Thank you for the wonderful reading (numerology).  It was astonishing and not surprising my work is the pranic body…  I love your e-book…  I thank you so much for your wisdom and presence in my life.

Falguni says:

The (numerological) reading you sent me has motivated me to do the 40 day program and have a more disciplined spiritual life… I hope you know how much you help people liberate their souls.

Falguni Adds,

I wanted to follow up on my transformation program you prescribed me based on my numerology reading. Today is my 40th day of the program and am happy to report that I have completed at least the initial phase. :-) I definitely feel more confident after starting the program. The meditation has helped bring more awarenes into my life especially when I am off the mat.

Gail Says:

hi anmol,
i ordered and received a wonderful numerological report from you recently, which includes the 40 day transformational program.

Rishi Says:

I just purchased your Pranayama Video Series and find them to be an amazing source on these wonderful exercises. Any chance you will release them on DVD? Also, thank you for providing your Amazing Insights E-book for free with this purchase. I have been finding out more about myself from reading your book.

Peter Says:

I loved your amazing insights e-book and always get more insights from the stories each time I read it.

Dr. Rajiv Pathri M.D. Says:

I finished reading you e-book.  It has depth, not just of knowledge, but authentic from your own experience.  You should seriously write a book.  I know you are not attached to results, but from what I see, it will be a bestseller.

Pat Says:

I love your Mind Expanding Guided Meditation.

Chris Says:

I’ve been reading the Insights e-book and it is full of good stuff, loving it.

Bobby Says:

Incredible Blog. Several lifetimes of knowledge fill this site. Great for beginners and experts interested in yoga, mind development, meditation, etc. Masterfully written and one of the best on the web. I recommend everybody read this!!!!!

Ramesh Says:

First of all, let me say what I’ve been saying to myself as I go through the articles on this blog… This is a simply fantastic site… so much information, so many insights, and… it’s all free???

Albert Says:

He has got some awesome stuff on Meditation and Enlightenment. Definitely a – can’t – leave – the – screen – till – you – devour – everything – blog.

Bridget Says:

I just want to say thank you for this website. It is one of the most comprehensive and helpful yoga websites I have found anywhere on the internet. I appreciate your wisdom and your willingness to share it so easily with others. Thank you.

Kara-Leah Grant Says:

Many blessings to you Anmol – your generosity has greatly informed both my own practice and my teachings.  I hope that via my blog, I do my best to spread the word about this wonderful site – by far the best yoga site I have ever come across.

Vinod Says:

First of all, let me say that this entire site is great. Its truly a labor of love. Each time I find an article that I think is great, I read more and find another article that I think is even better.

Allysa Says:

Anmol,

Thank you so much for having this site. It is SO amazing… infinite amounts of information are now available to me and I cannot tell you how thankful I am to be learning more about yoga and meditation. Bless you for all of your generosity and kindness in bringing this to so many people around the world.

Paula Says:

Hi… I wasn’t really expecting a response, so thank u for the nice surprise. GREAT SUPER AWESOME BLOG…your free online kundalini classes have been soooooooo wonderful, thank you.

The whole blog actually and all the info in there is just what I needed this year. I’m on a journey… and I’m actually enjoying it for the first time in my adult life.

Jeff Says:

I was introduced to your site by Kara-Leah Masina, …she recommended to me many of your meditations and exercises, and they have been wonderful. As a result, I have been poking around your site, and I have been amazed at the wonderful things you have here!

Miguelina Says:

The Kundalini Yoga class earlier today was absolutely wonderful. You explained everything so well and you radiate peace. I feel very blessed for the opportunity to be your student. Thanks again.

Harrison Says:

Today and went on your site for the first time and was blown away. I was only on it for around half and hour but it looks amazing. I plan to spend much more time and probably take one of your free online classes. I just wanted to thank you for spending your free time to helped educate people about yoga. I don’t think that there is another site like that out there that gives great information without trying to charge you or flooding you with advertisements.

Rute Says:

Dear Anmol,

My family and I thank you more than you will ever know for your devotion in helping us to develop spiritually and inspiring us to live in a positive and healthy way.

Your website has already touched our lives deeply and we have just begun, the information that you give us in your website is amazing and you have put it in a very clear and easy way to follow.

God Bless you and all who are dearest to you.

Anonymous Says:

Dear Anmol!

Thank you ever so much for ur wonderful blog and for all the information!!! :) I tried ur yoga for weight-loss online course and have been doing it for 2 days including today… i had an absolutely un-believable day yesterday!! I could believe how chirpy and peppy and active i was…

I normally walk for about 105 – 120 mins a day… and i usually burn 850 cals in 115 mins… yesterday i did the yoga in the morning n went for my walk in the evening.. i was so much peppier…!! i burnt 823 cals in 95 mins only!! n my heart rate monitor tells me about my avg heart rate which usually ranges from 60 – 65% of my max hrt rate… but yesterday i had gone up to an avg of 71%!!! :)

WOW!!! Im amazed at the results!! I am a member of Spark People (online weight loss community) and i posted ur links to my team “Indians Unite – Chak de!” Telling them about it as well!! Everyone who browsed through ur website replied to the team forum saying its very helpful! :)

Thank you once again!

Shamim Says:

Your articles are awesome. Thank you so much for sharing.

Chris Says,

Hi Anmol,  I continue to use your techniques after 12 months and continue to benefit in many ways from their regular practice.  I have been focusing solely on awakening my heart chaka and developing compassion for myself and others. The added benefit for me is that the kriyas help develop stamina and coordination in my drumming!  Thank you so much for your simple and immensely helpful instruction.  I continue to learn from it.  Best wishes Chris.

Kavita Says:

I started our sessions together with no prior experience of any kind of yoga except some informal physical sessions as conducted in the health clubs. The sessions we did were unique in their combination of meditation, yoga and kirtan i.e. combining Gnana yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga all in a single sitting. Doing Kundalini yoga along with the meditation in our sessions together acted like a cloud was lifted from my brains. Within a few sessions I found a lot of difference in me. My thought process got clearer and I felt my brain capacity and efficiency at work as well as home actually increase. But the most important gift was a feeling of peace and a calm happiness I felt after every session. I had read many spiritual and philosophical books prior to starting the yoga but I could imbibe their essence only after I started the meditation. I am determined now to continue learning kundalini yoga further and increase the duration of the daily meditation as much as possible. I will soon also start conducting sessions to help other people  take the first step just as you helped me take my first one.

I cannot express sufficiently enough my thanks to both you and Trupti for all the guidance, warmth and love you have shown me during the period we have known each other.

Jean Says:

Thank you for teaching me yoga.  I am going to start classes at the Kundalini school on Yoga class.  You are a great teacher.

Bhaskar Says:

Yoga, in conjunction with Taekwando, over the past couple of years has been great for me. I am the happiest I have been, without any worries about the present or the future, without regrets or dwelling in the past, and with the knowledge that I can face challenges and do what I can without too much thought on the outcome.

Thinking back, it clear to me that the phases of my life I have been happy and performed well as an individual, have been the phases were I was meticulous at daily practice – be it Sandhyavandhanam, writing prayers/ names for Astrology/ Numerology reasons or be it plain reciting Slokas. The only catch here had been that these were all quite traditional and I was not able to understand why I was better off and whether a Greater Force was being invoked when I performed these acts. I was also unable to completely reconcile with the concept of ‘God’, what ‘Life’ meant, what any individual could do and many other questions ranging from the Marco to the Micro level. I had been reciting slokas everyday at that point and was also physically fit due to daily exercise. Due to various changes in my life over the next few months it turned out that I dropped all sorts of daily practice and exercise. One could say, I was soul-searching without a proper guide.

I turned to various guides to help me through this phase. I started reading a particular interpretation of the Bhagwad-Gita, which at that point did more harm to me than good. I also turned to Yoga and was fortunate to hear that Anmol taught Yoga. I also turned to the RamanAshram and the teachings of Ramana Maharishi. To be honest, all this at the same time was quite overwhelming and I left them all for a period of time.

Yoga and the classes have been wonderful as they helped clear all the questions, helped me refocus and live in the present. Yoga and Anmol helped me reconcile all the Macro concepts; I have spent so much time with Anmol talking about everything. He is a wonderful teacher and helped me see everything in that manner in which I could understand them. Those teachings, along with daily practice have helped me see everything in a different light. I can now better understand the Bhagwad Gita, Ramana Maharishi and anything else I might have read in the past. I consider myself fortunate to have realized what I can do and to have Anmol as a friend, teacher and guide. I also understand that daily practice of Yoga and Meditation are what would help me going forward in my life also.

Sorabh Says:

My introduction to yoga began with Anmol, who I consider not just a friend but truly a initiator into the practice of yoga. Yoga is often misconstrued as a set of asanas, but thankfully he didn’t allow such a thing to happen. His insight into the workings of the mind, his respect, love and commitment to all of us as students, friends, family members made the experiences powerfully impacting. The weekly sessions were something I looked forward to and were perhaps were one of the most important things I did during the week – to take care of my body, mind and soul. I would be remiss to mention Trupti’s contribution. Without her touch the experiences surely wouldn’t be the same.

The practice of yoga is now the most important activity in my day and is at the center of my well being.

Piyush Says:

Thank you for introducing me to Yoga – I have thoroughly enjoyed all the classes I have attended over the past few years. Your style of teaching is full of energy and very inspirational. Your words (when I pay attention) are a source of quiet enlightenment. Afterwords I feel fresh, stretched, centered and more empowered. Again – thanks for your guidance and motivation!

Bindu Says:

Anmol, I really enjoy every yoga class you conduct. Yoga and mediation now relates to my life and I feel great, relaxed, calm and most of all HAPPY.  Due to your classes I feel I know how to use yoga as a tool in life to attain union within mind, body and spirit. Every class you conducted has a fine balanced combination of Yoga, Meditation and ‘bhajan’ that at the end of every class I felt I had a good sweaty workout and at the same time felt so calm and relaxed due to the meditation. I would like to add that you have been a very calming and sensitive Yoga Guru teaching us the importance of attitude for gratitude. My favorite part was always prayer for someone who needs it at the end of Yoga class. Yoga also encouraged me to  eat well, develop myself both physically and mentally. Also I used to feel embarrassed to exercise as I felt unfit, but your classes made me feel comfortable with my ability, which has extended to other areas of my life. Thank you for your enthusiasm and inspiration. Thank you for making each class an experience; it is so much more than just another yoga class. Its Yoga with personality. I’m proud to tell my friends I practice Yoga!

Sanjay Says:

I sincerely cherish our sessions. Anmol clearly offers a spiritual and physical experience that has allowed me to grow at an individual level.  It’s a time replete with a sense of well being and positive energy, absolutely free of judgment.  Silentmind offers a yogic experience respectful of tradition but in a manner that is inviting to all and practical to our daily lives.

Vinny says:

I am glad you put the (Silent Mind Meditation) program piece together so people can do some of the exercises themselves.

Dipti says:

The Yoga Class I had was super, in that it is a very good work-out both for the mind and the body. 

Susana Says:

I already do everyday the exercises you show on the net and I really feel so much better and my body became so flexible, even from the second day. You can imagine my progress in some months!! God!!! Even my family noticed the change in my behavior. I can say that I really love Yoga!! Why was I wasting my time before??!!

Michelle Says:

Ive been doing Yoga since 4 months now.. feels great. Keeps me fresh all day & more concentrated at my work.

Anonymous Says:

I am recent beginner of yoga and though I entered the class with the objective of losing weight, it has completely transformed into being something entirely different. I didn’t even think seriously that a series of movements can have any impact on my anxiety. Now I do yoga as something that is definitely more effective on my peace of mind than on my body.

Nidhi Says:

I have started ur course 101 or past 2 days and it has really helped me in opening the nostril and reducing the heaviness in my head, nose and eyes.

Jonathan Says:

Thank you sooo much for these videos. I was very skeptical about meditation but once i began practicing more and more it became a little more natural feeling. I serve at a local restaurant so stress come everyday. Its great to come home and have a great healthy way to unwind. Thanks a lot.

Marie Says:

Just wanted to give a quick update. The exercises you recommended for the third chakra have really really helped. I’ve been doing them every morning and can feel the stirrings of a stronger 3rd chakra in me. A few days ago I had to give a lengthy presentation to a rather large audience of academics and I’ve never been more together for such a presentation than I was for that one. At some point in the middle of it I became a bit nervous, and then focused on standing straight and making sure the muscles around my third chakra were holding me up, (keeping me from slumping as if I wanted to melt away under the podium). What an instant difference it made. I carried through with the lecture and with real confidence and focus to do a good job.

I got lots of praise afterwords, which was great, but there was one professor who asked a hostile question…I was inspired with an answer that allowed me to put him in his place while keeping everything pleasant, professional and sincere. People keep telling me how great my reply to him was (no one cared much for his attitude).

ANYWAY, sorry to ramble, but I could feel my third chakra at work through this experience, and it not only got me through the rough spots, but I walked away with a real sense of accomplishment (something I’d been lacking for much too long). I had the willpower to prepare and present my lecture well, and I had the character to defeat hostility with grace, truth, and razor sharp effectiveness. It was fantastic!

In other words, thanks for recommending the exercises for the third chakra, they’re really helping.

Susannah Says:

I have been visiting your site for several months now.

Having been a serious seeker for so many years I realized I was filled up and needed to empty.
 I chose to do this through yoga and this is where you became my closest ally.

From being one who firmly resisted physical movement and discipline to someone who practices every day – I have to say gratitude abounds.

Shohreh Says:

The breathing techniques have transformed my lungs in just two days. I suffer from auto immune disease and have asthma. My journey in healing myself started eight months ago. For the first time in eight months I beat my husband (who is very athletic) in hiking. He could not catch up with me. The surprising thing is that I was not at all breathless. Believe it or not, I’m teaching a friend this coming Thursday your breathing exercises and Kundalini yoga. What can I say, I’m a very devoted student. This is amazing for someone who just discovered your site on 01/17/2008.

Anonymous Says:

I am on day 5 of your yoga breathing and excited to say I am noticing a difference in my breathing (COPD).

Bendz Says:

I refer your site to my friend about this yoga. He practiced and his health (stomach) problem solved within a week. He is very much impressed about this yoga and practicing continuously.

Andrew Says:

I have been using the Anja Chakra, Anahat Chakra and Introductory sets on your site and both enjoying them and getting very pleasing results.

Kalyan Says:

I had been a silent visitor on your site for a few months. I came to know about  ‘Kundalini Yoga’ via your site for the first time.  It has done some pretty amazing things for me which I will corroborate with my personal account.
 
I first seriously tried meditation about two years ago. I started getting up early at around 4:00 AM and started meditating and then after only a few months I developed serious knee problems. The knees got swelled up permanently. I could no longer pursue meditation since only after a few minutes the knee would start hurting pretty bad making it impossible to sit any longer. I could climb or get down the stairs only with great difficulty. I tried conventional yoga postures for knee which aggravated the situation.
 
After I started Kundalini Yoga, slowly the knees started feeling better and better as the core got strengthened until it felt completely normal one day.  My knees are healed – completely ! Most of the knee problems arise in the pelvis. Since the set of exercises like ‘morning wake-up series‘ target the pelvis directly it has the potential to heal most ‘bad knees’ if done seriously with perseverance.
 
I have a trim waist now. I have more emotional balance, my digestions are better, my heart beats slower and there is a sense of balance and well being which never leaves me during day or night – all as a result of only an hour of Kundalini Yoga and meditation.
 
So, thanks a lot Anmol, you had been a life saver through the dissemination of your knowledge via your website. I hope you did not mind telling you my personal stories at length.

Hope you receive true blessing and guidance from God and may He be your benefactor and protector for the rest of your life.

Anonymous Says:

Hi Anmol.  I have found your online classes immensely helpful.  I am working, with your help on awakening chakras, beginning with the abdominal and working up the body.  I have been following your classes for three weeks and combined with ayurvedic treatment have strengthened willpower, enabled regular practice, which has enabled me to stop taking antidepressants, which I have been using for two years, and control psoriasis more effectively than any medical treatment I have had in twenty years!

Raj Says:

Dear Anmol,

Thanks for providing very good site with lot of information and giving wonderful guidance for practicing kundalini yoga.

I have been practicing yoga for the last three months in the order of…

1. Anuloma Viloma Pranayama
2. Third eye opening and balancing
3. Breathing of fire.
4. Kundalini Awakening Raja Yoga Kriya.

It makes me a joyful person and not to worry about any problems.

After practising these for three months now I feel some vibraions in my abdomen especially when I lower my neck down.Its just like passing some milli volts of electric current in my body.

Anonymous Says:

Hi Anmol, I just want to thank you for your website once again. I’ve found I have made great improvements physically, mentally, and emotionally over the past month and a half through practicing many of the yoga techniques and breathing exercises which you have emailed me. I now meditate minimum about 3 or 4 times a week, as well as practicing a few poses and breathing techniques. As a result I have been able to release a lot of suppressed emotions, become more relaxed, and achieve an overall healthy emotional balance. Most importantly I managed to change a lot of bad habits in my life (unproductive things such as watching TV, playing video games), and I am far more productive, and loving.

Anonymous Says:

Thank you sooo much for these videos. I was very skeptical about meditation, but once i began practicing, more and more it became a little more natural feeling. I serve at a local restaurant so stress comes everyday. Its great to come home and have a great, healthy way to unwind. Thanks a lot.

Anonymous Says:

I am 47 years old and found this program on your website and did it for the first time yesterday.  WOW!  I really underestimated the power of this program.  Had me burning up.  Will definitely continue until I reach my desired weight and beyond.

Kathleen Says:

Hello, Anmol, I am so happy to have found your website. I have always considered myself a spiritual person and since I have started practicing kundalini yoga and zen meditation around a month ago, I have become much more calm and relaxed. I have to tell you that this morning, as I was meditating I was focusing on my breathing and felt my mind going still as if i was in a empty dark room and it felt so peaceful and then this light started to appear and become brighter like a white light and it felt beautiful and then it was gone. and I couldn’t seem to bring it back.

Andrew says:

Hi Anmol! Thank you for such a good advise, I’ll follow it and try to reveal my potential at 100 percent! I have a question about meditation, when I’m meditating I must stop my breath? Because, when I’ve meditated two-three days ago, suddenly, after 15-25 minutes of meditation, with eyes closed and thoughts wiped out, I’ve noticed that somehow, my eyes were at the same level with my nose, and in the next moment I felt a light, that came from above into my head! That was WOW feeling – calm, peaceful, and other… very good it was, but light as I think come down to my head, and after that somehow stopped (or not) at the neck region.

Dagmar Says:

This morning during BOF (Breath of Fire Kundalini Yoga Pranayama), as I could feel the energy moving in my body, around my body, and on the top of my head (?!), I did not want to stop. INCREDIBLE FEELING! I did BOF for 13 min; after I stopped (as I was sitting motionless), I still could feel the energy moving for some time. AWESOME!

Alythia Says:

This is my first day doing this yoga set (week 1). It was amazing. I am practicing at the beginner level and I found the most difficult pose was the eagle pose when suddenly my consciousness opened a little and I realized that I could be “like” the eagle and imagined that I was soaring and that I was being held up by the air, this changed my frown of concentration into a smile and gave me just enough endurance to finish the minute. After I completed the meditation, my body began to feel balanced and warm, I had a slight, pleasant tingling in the back of my cervical vertebrae, from the tuck pose, I think. All in all, very enlightening.

Anonymous Says:

Today something amazing happened. Long story short, I was able to facilitate something, to make something happen for someone else that was extremely unlikely to succeed. It’s as though every single door that needed to open simply opened without much more than a nudge when, normally, these doors should have remained shut tight. Because of this, I helped create a genuinely happy moment for my mother, and I can’t get over how easy it was to find just the right words and the right attitude to adopt, naturally, without even thinking about it. It was more than luck.

Julia Says:

Hi Anmol, Thank you so much for this site!  I am entering my fourth week and feel fabulous.  I not only have more energy, but I feel as if I am more aware of everything and become more efficient (doing the smart way, not the long way)  I am just starting the 3rd eye opening, course 103, and can’t wait!  Thank you again for all the work you’ve put into this site,  I love it!! 

5

How Yoga Helps Still the Mind for Enlightenment

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Yoga to Still the Mind

Yoga to Facilitate Mindfulness, Peace & Awareness

In this article I want to explore further the framework which can be most suitable for the pure Witnessing Consciousness to emerge (a.k.a. Enlightenment).  The Witnessing Consciousness, or pure awareness without center or sense of separation, is the Reality that all serious spiritual seekers thirst for eventually.

In this non-dual state, all appears as “I”, or all is just seen as Oneness.  I explained this state in the article, The Miracle of Self-Awareness, I AM ALL, and also discussed it further in the article, Understanding Non-Duality, Hinduism, Buddhism & Enlightenment.

The core of the practice that leads one back to pure Witnessing Consciousness is meditation and moment to moment self awareness, but in this article I want to explore the role that Yoga plays in helping facilitate this evolution.

Yoga Helps Still the Mind

By Yoga here, I am referring to Asana (Posture), Bandha (Body Locks) and Pranayama (Breathing Exercises).  Of course if you take Sage Patanjali’s definition of Yoga (Raja Yoga or Asthanga Yoga), then you include in it meditation as well, but here I am going to discuss the value of the “physical yoga” and it’s role in enlightenment.

Yoga of course has a wide range of wonderful benefits.  It’s popularity and longevity is a testament to that.  You can read about these benefits in the article Top 10 Benefits of Yoga Practice, but the greatest benefit of yoga practice, for those passionate about enlightenment, is the tranquility of body and mind that it helps bring about.

Non-Dual Master Jean Klein Speaks on Yoga & Mind

I will let the great non-dual, enlightened, master Jean Klein explain the value of Yoga in his own words.  Jean was a Westerner who had a thirst for the Truth.  He made his way to India to study under the non-dual masters there (Advaita Vedanta teachings in line with Ramana Maharishi & Nisargadatta Maharaj).  He sub-sequentially merged and lived as the Witnessing Consciousness and transmitted the profound teachings of non-duality in many of the excellent books he has authored.

Below is one small excerpt from his amazing book Ease of Being and I think it brings forth clearly the benefits and role of Yoga for those of us passionate about living an enlightened life.

Questioner:

Did you practice yoga to come to deeper levels of surrender and alertness?

Jean Klein:

The word practice generally means habit.  We must use it only in the sense of becoming more and more aware of body and mind.  We must see that the body is a field of fear, anxiety, defense and aggression.  However, the emphasis must not be on the body but on presence, on listening.  What is important is to become acquainted with the field of tensions and see that the constantly interfering I-image is not separate from this field but belongs to it.  When this is clear, tension finds no accomplice, the perception is freed, and energy integrates in its totality.  The traditional approach is through listening to the body, not mastering it.  Dominating the body is violence.  But one can sweep the floor or wash the dishes and be in listening.  It makes no difference.

Exploring the body brought me to deeper layers of relaxation and this relaxation brought about the cessation of repetitive patterns in the body and mind.  In welcoming the body I became more and more aware of the feeling of letting go, so in this way the yoga participated in the fore-feeling of reality.  But it only led me to where I no longer emphasized the object, the body, but the ultimate subject.  Yoga brings you to a kind of alertness, a tranquility, and a tranquil body reflects tranquil mind.  But of course you can come to the peaceful body-mind without yoga!

I think the above quote is a great summary for what Yoga can do for the spiritual aspirant.  It is an excellent vehicle for bringing peace to the body and mind, and raising your level of awareness and energy, which are all key aspects in your journey back to the Source.

How to Approach Your Yoga Practice

I would like to make one additional point with regard to how you should approach your Yoga practice, if indeed you are sincerely interested in enlightenment.  To make my point here, I will take the help of another great master of non-duality, this time from the Zen Buddhist tradition, Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki.

In the article Shunryu Suzuki Speaks on Enlightenment & Zazen Practice, Master Suzuki explained how to approach Zazen (Zen Meditation Practice).  He explained that one should simply do one’s daily meditation, while forgetting about all gaining ideas and all dualistic ideas.  This same approach should be applied to your Yoga practice.  Just do your Yoga practice with full awareness and don’t place emphasis on goals or results.  Just remain a silent witness during your practice and allow everything to progress naturally.  If you are sincere, eventually the stillness will emerge and the blossoming of Truth will occur.

Some Free Yoga Resources

If you are interested in integrating yoga into you spiritual practice, to help you still the mind, you are welcome to join the Free Online Yoga Courses here on Mastery of Meditation, or check out the Free Online Yoga Videos or other Free Yoga Tools & Books that are available. 

Don’t forget, stay alert!

6

Meditation Techniques, Types and Practice – A Comprehensive Guide

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Best Meditation Techniques, Types & Practice

Guide to Meditation Practice & Types of Meditation

There are as many types of meditation techniques as there are wonderful flavors of ice cream.  This allows each person to find a flavor that is delicious to them.  This article is the combined result of the 3 part series “Comprehensive Guide to the World of Meditation Practice”.  I created this one article out of those three to provide a single document which one can refer to for an introduction to all the important meditation techniques and types available.  This article provides this overview of all the significant meditation techniques and hopefully this will help you find the style that is sweetest to you.

Some meditation styles suit those of an intellectual disposition, while others are more attractive to those who prefer the path of love and surrender.  Still others, with an active approach to life, may like the meditation techniques involving movement, while those with a strong mind would enjoy the approach of thought, mantra, visualization or concentration.  Overall, there are several broad categories under which we can capture most of these different meditation practices and this article will explore each of these types of meditation techniques.

Meditation Techniques

1. Insight Meditation Techniques: 

These are the meditations of choice for the Gyan Yogis or those drawn to the intellectual path.  It incorporates the advanced meditation techniques from the Zen school of Buddhism, the Advaita Vedanta school of Hinduism, certain schools of Western Religions among others.

  1. WHO AM I Meditation Technique:  This technique comes from the school of Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism / End of Knowledge).  The meditation was popularized by Shri Ramana Maharishi and is based on negation of the false self in order to realize one’s True Nature.  Here is an example of my experience with WHO AM I Meditation Practice.
  2. Koan Meditation Technique:  These meditations come from the Zen School of Buddhism and are designed to break down the ordinary pattern of conceptual, dualistic thinking.  By breaking down the interference created by the thinking mechanism the practitioner is brought to confront the non-dual reality of “what is” directly and thus Awaken.
  3. Contemplation Meditation Technique:  These meditations utilize introspection, self-study, reflection, study of spiritual texts and contemplation to cut through the layers of false conditioning and false understanding that deludes the mind.  These meditations have their roots in many Western Religions and are also a part of Eastern philosophies.
  4. Silent Mind Meditation Technique:  This meditation technique is my contribution to this category and it involves directly perceiving the fact of what is by acute observation of the thinking process.  This is the flavor that I enjoy best and I have explained it in detail in the The Silent Mind Meditations, which are part of the Silent Mind Meditation Program.  These meditations are an extension of the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti.

2. Sound (Mantra) & Thought Meditation Techniques: 

The meditations that fall under this category use the science of sound and thought vibrations (Naad Yoga), along with rhythm and music (Laya Yoga) to purify the heart and mind.  These meditations have a wide range of applications, from bestowing Enlightenment, to improving health, wealth, happiness, peace etc…

  1. Mantra Japa Meditation Technique:  This meditation method uses the repetition of a mantra (a particular sound, word or phrase) verbally or mentally to create the necessary conditions for purification, refinement or expansion to take place.  Mantras are essentially keys which allow one to tune into the individual energy field or tune into the Universal Energy field to produce certain desired results.  Here is an example of using OM Mantra to activate the Third Eye Chakra.
  2. Rhythm Meditation Technique: This form of meditation uses the combination of rhythm, chanting, music and breath to calibrate and perfect the system.  The excellent Three Step Rhythmic Breathing (3srb) meditation technique of Sage Pantanjali and many Kundalini Yoga meditations fall under this category, among others.
  3. Meditation via Song:  Most of the meditations from the path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) and Love, designed to dissolve the ego belong in this category.  This is a path most dear to those who are emotional in nature and feel a deep love for the divine.  Christianity, Gospel, Sufi Meditations, Hare Krishna Meditations, Kirtans and Bhajans are some examples of techniques in this category.
  4. Meditation via Prayer: All religions have meditations involving prayer and worship.  This may be the most practiced form of meditation.
  5. Thought Power Meditation Technique:  The power of thought is becoming well recognized world over and many of the ancient Eastern techniques using this science are starting to gain popularity in the West now as well.  Meditations that use the power of intention, law of attraction, desire manifestation, self-hypnosis, positive thinking, laughter as meditation, etc. belong in this category.  These meditations can be useful to everyone.
  6. Feeling and Emotion Meditation Technique: In these meditations one uses the combined power of feelings and attitude to produce the desired affects.  This type of meditation technique is usually combined with and is a part of other types of meditations, but can be done independently as well.  Meditation such as Zen’s Loving Kindness, Osho’s crying meditation and many meditations which deal with maintaining an attitude of surrender, giving, gratitude, forgiveness etc, fall under this category.

3. Concentration and Visualization Meditation Techniques: 

These are probably the most common and well know of all the meditations and often meditation is defined by these kind of meditations exclusively.  They are closely related to the Insight Meditation Techniques with the difference being that Insight Meditation Techniques utilize the active application of intelligence and discernment, while the Concentration Meditation techniques use the power of focused attention to a greater degree.  To some extent these meditations lay the groundwork for the Insight Meditations which need a high degree of concentration as a prerequisite to being effective.

  1. Breath Meditation Technique (Zazen):  The heart of Zen Meditation is Zazen, the meditation of the Buddha.  In this meditation awareness and concentration are brought to the breathing process to help build mastery over the mind and free the system from dualistic thinking.  An in-depth look of this meditation can be found in the popular article Zen Meditation Technique (Zazen) – Free Book of Guided Meditations.  Another breath based meditation is Vipassana.  In Vipassana one extends one’s awareness from one’s breath, to the body and the sensations that rise and fall within it.  The objective being to have insight into the workings of the mind through self-observation.  This form of meditation is also called Insight Meditation as it helps one develop insight into the true nature of things.
  2. Concentration Meditation Technique: There are many meditations that utilize an external object as a focus point for the mind.  Zazen/Vipassana belong in this sections as well, but due to their widespread use I mentioned them separately.  The objects of focus can be anything from a point on the ceiling, to a flower, to external sounds in the environment.  These meditations all develop focus, concentration, self knowledge, calmness and the witnessing consciousness.  Their ultimate objective, though, is to have the meditator finally drop the object of concentration and encounter the non-dual nature of Reality directly.  Some examples of these meditations can be found in the following articles: Sound Awareness Meditation Technique and candle flame gazing (Trataka) as described in Brain Development and Enlightenment – Awaken the Senses.
  3. Visualization Meditation Technique: This meditation technique is suitable for those who are creative and perceptive.  In this technique the meditator uses visualization techniques to produce the desired results.  These can range from simply moving awareness to various areas of the body, to visualizing internal flows of light, to imagining mental places etc.  Many internal Chakra Meditations, Kriya Yoga Meditations, Kundalini Yoga Meditations, Yantra (geometric shapes) Meditations fall under this category.  In additions meditations on the image of God, visualizing places of power or peace, etc, belong in this category as well.
  4. Mindfulness Meditation: This is a wonderful meditation technique and one that can be practiced throughout the day.  Mindfulness meditation means to have moment to moment flowing awareness of your physical, emotional and mental activities.  In other words, to be aware of what is transpiring in the here and now.  This is ultimately the goal of all meditation — to awaken you to the present.  Others definitions of this meditation are J. Krishnamurti’s Chioceless Awareness, Osho’s Double Pointed Awareness, Gurdjieff’s Self-Remembrance and S. N. Tavaria’s Awareness of the Divine Fragment.  An article demonstrating this meditation technique in action is The True Meaning of Laziness.

4. Body Meditation Techniques: 

These meditations and practices may suit those inclined to physical activity, but as you will see from the list below there are meditation techniques using the body which can easily by enjoyed by all.  In addition, the meditations of this type almost all have the added benefit of keeping us fit and healthy.

  1. Yoga as Meditation: All forms of physical yoga are meant to be done with full awareness of the postures and movements.  In addition breath is combined with the movements and poses to help open up the energy channels and free the system from the debris of the past.  There is no prerequisite for the practice of Yoga, such as flexibility or diet, and all can benefit from the blessings this ancient and powerful technique bestows.
  2. Walking Meditation Technique:  This form of meditation should not be underestimated.  It is really a treasure.  In Zen, walking meditation has been formalized and is called “Kinhin”.  There are many styles of walking meditation, but for all these styles, awareness is a key component.  In walking meditation you can either be fully tuned it to the physical process of walking, or you can be fully aware of the environment, either inner or outer, as you just walk.  It either case, the objective is be in the present moment as best you can.
  3. Dance Meditation Technique:  The only prerequisite to Meditation by dance is that you are alive.  The range of this meditation done via this technique is quite remarkable.  There is the Dervish dancing of the Sufi mystics, the Dance Meditation of Master Gurdjieff, Osho’s famous meditations using dance and movement, Lord Shiva’s Cosmic Dance — the Tandon and the list goes on and on.  Dance Meditation is not only for celebrating life, but is a valid and powerful method to build awareness, induce catharsis and encounter Reality.  An article that gives my experience with dance meditation technique is My Time at on Osho Retreat when my Body Disappeared.
  4. The Martial Arts as Meditation:  “Grasshopper… life is a dream within a dream.”  For those of us who grew up watching the TV show “Kung Fu” know well the intimate relationship between the martial arts and meditation.  Zen Archery, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and other related techniques all belong here in this category.  Common to all these techniques is understanding the intimate connection between the breath, the life-force it contains (Qi, Chi, Prana), the mind and the concept of Oneness.
  5. Sex as Meditation (Left hand of Tantra): No I did not forget this most profound, yet very misunderstood, type of meditation.  Tantra and tantric sex have been gaining notoriety over the past few decades as spirituality, tantra yoga and enlightenment have moved into the mainstream, where now most aspirants are married and sexually active.  This meditation technique requires first the disciplining of the mind and control over one’s passions.  Then one can learn the techniques of vajroli and sahajoli along with the various bandhas (body locks) and yoga asanas which help to maintain the height of sexual charge and the use of that energy to activate the higher centers.  This method of meditation is indeed wonderful and if two like minded people come together for its practice, for the right purpose, it can provide a powerful and potent vehicle for the attainment of enlightenment.

So there you have it.  All the main flavors of ice cream available to satiate your meditative appetite.  Most important thing for you to do is indulge.  Your soul craves meditation like children crave ice cream, so go ahead and take a bite — I promise, you will absolutely get addicted and it will be the most beneficial addiction you can ever have.

Internet Resources for Meditation:

Yoga Meditation Tips:  There are many positive benefits and advantages which come from Yoga Meditations; however it is important to understand the basics of the activity before becoming involved in it.

7

Comprehensive Guide to the World of Meditation Practice – Part 1

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There are as many types of meditation techniques as there are wonderful flavors of ice cream.  This allow each person to find a flavor that is delicious to them.  In this article series I will provide an overview of many of the different meditation techniques that exist and hopefully this will help you find the style that is sweetest to you.

Some meditation styles suit those of an intellectual disposition, while others are more attractive to those who prefer the path of love and surrender.  Still others, with an active approach to life, may like the meditation techniques involving movement, while those with a strong mind would enjoy the approach of visualization and concentration.  Overall, there are several broad categories under which we can capture most of these various meditation practices and in Part 1 I will explore Insight Meditation Techniques and Sound (Mantra) and Intention Meditation Techniques. 

1. Insight Meditation Techniques:  These are the meditations of choice for the Gyan Yogis or those drawn to the intellectual path.  It incorporates the advanced meditation techniques from the Zen school of Buddhism, the Advaita Vedanta school of Hinduism, certain schools of Western Religions among others.

Guide to the World

  1. WHO AM I Meditation Technique:  This technique comes from the school of Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism / End of Knowledge).  The meditation was popularized by Shri Ramana Maharishi and is based on negation of the false self in order to realize one’s True Nature.  Here is an example of my experience with WHO AM I Meditation Practice.
  2. Koan Meditation Technique:  These meditations come from the Zen School of Buddhism and are designed to break down the ordinary pattern of conceptual, dualistic thinking.  By breaking down the interference created by the thinking mechanism the practitioner is brought to confront the non-dual reality of “what is” directly and thus Awaken.
  3. Contemplation Meditation Technique:  These meditations utilize introspection, self-study, reflection, study of spiritual texts and contemplation to cut through the layers of false conditioning and false understanding that deludes the mind.  These meditations have their roots in many Western Religions and are also a part of Eastern philosophies.
  4. Silent Mind Meditation Technique:  This meditation technique is my contribution to this category and it involves directly perceiving the fact of what is by acute observation of the thinking process.  This is the flavor that I enjoy best and I have explained it in detail in the The Silent Mind Meditations, which are part of the Silent Mind Meditation Program.  These meditations are an extension of the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti.

2. Sound (Mantra) & Thought Meditation Techniques:  The meditations that fall under this category use the science of sound and thought vibrations (Naad Yoga), along with rhythm and music (Laya Yoga) to purify the heart and mind.  These meditations have a wide range of applications, from bestowing Enlightenment, to improving health, wealth, happiness, peace etc…

  1. Mantra Japa Meditation Technique:  This meditation method uses the repetition of a mantra (a particular sound, word or phrase) verbally or mentally to create the necessary conditions for purification, refinement or expansion to take place.  Mantras are essentially keys which allow one to tune into the individual energy field or tune into the Universal Energy field to produce certain desired results.  Here is an example of using OM Mantra to activate the Third Eye Chakra.
  2. Rhythm Meditation Technique: This form of meditation uses the combination of rhythm, chanting, music and breath to calibrate and perfect the system.  The excellent Three Step Rhythmic Breathing (3srb) meditation technique of Sage Pantanjali and many Kundalini Yoga meditations fall under this category, among others.
  3. Meditation via Song:  Most of the meditations from the path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) and Love, designed to dissolve the ego belong in this category.  This is a path most dear to those who are emotional in nature and feel a deep love for the divine.  Christianity, Gospel, Sufi Meditations, Hare Krishna Meditations, Kirtans and Bhajans are some examples of techniques in this category.
  4. Meditation via Prayer: All religions have meditations involving prayer and worship.  This may be the most practiced form of meditation.
  5. Thought Power Meditation Technique:  The power of thought is becoming well recognized world over and many of the ancient Eastern techniques using this science are starting to gain popularity in the West now as well.  Meditations that use the power of intention, law of attraction, desire manifestation, self-hypnosis, positive thinking, laughter as meditation, etc. belong in this category.  These meditations can be useful to everyone.
  6. Feeling and Emotion Meditation Technique: In these meditations one uses the combined power of feelings and attitude to produce the desired affects.  This type of meditation technique is usually combined with and is a part of other types of meditations, but can be done independently as well.  Meditation such as Zen’s Loving Kindness, Osho’s crying meditation and many meditations which deal with maintaining an attitude of surrender, giving, gratitude, forgiveness etc, fall under this category.

So you can see from above, these is a rich diversity to the Art of Meditation and certainly something for everybody.  If one of the styles above does not catch your fancy, not to worry, I will be serving up more tasty flavors in part 2 of this series.

8

Gratitude

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Site Search Tags: Divinity, J Krishnamurti, Charlotte Joko Beck, Shunryu Suzuki, Ramana Maharishi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Osho, G I Gurdjieff, Ravi Singh, Yogi Bhajan, S N Tavaria

Gratitude

I would like to express my gratitude to the following sources of inspiration and profound teachings… 

Divinity

J Krishnamurti

Charlotte Joko Beck

Shunryu Suzuki

Ramana Maharishi

Nisargadatta Maharaj

Osho

Yogi Bhajan

Ravi Singh

S. N. Tavaria

G. I. Gurdjieff

9

Silent Mind Yoga & Meditation Center Classes In New Jersey

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(This page is for classes offered at the Silent Mind Meditation Center, if you are looking for the FREE ONLINE classes click here:  FREE Online Guided Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Classes.)

 2008 SCHEDULE (January – March)

General Information Regarding all The Yoga and Meditation Classes

  • Please let me know if you are planning to attend.  You can send me email at anmol@anmolmehta.com.  Studio location details are below in the class details section.
  • All Classes are suitable for all levels as modifications are offered and students are encouraged to pace themselves.
  • New Students are welcome.  You don’t have to be flexible or have any previous experience to join.
  • There is no required fee for any class.  The Center & Classes run on donations, the suggested donation is $10 / class.

Anmol’s Teaching Credentials

  • Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher – Completed Teacher’s Training under Ravi Singh at RaviYoga NY, NY.
  • Certified Children’s Yoga Teacher – Completed Teacher’s Training under Shakta Kaur Khalsa at Universal Force Healing Center NY, NY.
  • Zen Meditation Training from Zen Mountain Monastery – Mountain and Rivers Order NY
  • Certified Hypnotherapist
  • Has taught classes professionally at: Dolphin Club, NY, NY; Avalon Club, Jersey City, NJ; Zenmind Yoga Center, Hoboken, NJ; Private Classes; Silent Mind Yoga & Meditation Center, Old Bridge, NJ (current)

Some Pictures of Silent Mind Yoga & Meditation Center

Kundalini Yoga Class Details 

 

KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS Kundalini Yoga is a powerful blend of Dynamic Movement, Postures, Breath, Meditation and more to help promote strength, vitality, confidence, peace and awareness.  Class is suitable for all levels, as modifications are offered for postures and students  are encouraged to pace themselves.  New students are welcome.
TIME Every Saturday 11:00am – Noon
LOCATION Silent Mind Meditation Center
(Home Studio)
66 Corona Court
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
For More Info:  Email  anmol@anmolmehta.com
COST FREE (Donations are welcome – Suggested Donation $10)
COMMENTS Please arrive 5 minutes early.  Wear comfortable exercise clothing and don’t eat 2-3 hours prior.

Gentle Yoga & Meditation Class Details

GENTLE YOGA & MEDITATION CLASS 

This Class will focus on Yoga for Meditation.  It will be a blend of Gentle Hatha Yoga Poses and Kundalini Yoga Exercises.  The class will also introduce Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) and will teach Meditation Techniques to promote peace, joy and wisdom.  This class is suitable for all ages and all levels.  New students are welcome.

TIME

Every Sunday 11:00am – Noon

LOCATION

Silent Mind Meditation Center
(Home Studio)
66 Corona Court
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
For More Info:  Email  anmol@anmolmehta.com

COST

FREE (Donations are welcome – Suggested Donation $10)

COMMENTS

Please arrive 5 minutes early. Wear comfortable exercise clothing and don’t eat 2-3 hours prior.

Feedback From Yoga & Meditation Classes

 

Trupti writes…

 The Yoga and Meditation classes that we have done together have been very fulfilling. They have been personally beneficial to me at many levels – not only has my body improved in terms of its physically prowess, I have also been able to achieve a state emotionally that I would have otherwise wasted a lifetime to without.

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to embark on this journey of self discovery and for motivating me enough to continue improving every day.

I hope that you will continue imparting your gift to everyone who is interested.

Kavita writes…

 I started our sessions together with no prior experience of any kind of yoga except some informal physical sessions as conducted in the health clubs. The sessions we did were unique in their combination of meditation, yoga and kirtan i.e. combining Gnana yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga all in a single sitting. Doing Kundalini yoga along with the meditation in our sessions together acted like a cloud was lifted from my brains. Within a few sessions I found a lot of difference in me. My thought process got clearer and I felt my brain capacity and efficiency at work as well as home actually increase. But the most important gift was a feeling of peace and a calm happiness I felt after every session. I had read many spiritual and philosophical books prior to starting the yoga but I could imbibe their essence only after I started the meditation. I am determined now to continue learning kundalini yoga further and increase the duration of the daily meditation as much as possible. I will soon also start conducting sessions to help other people  take the first step just as you helped me take my first one.

I cannot express sufficiently enough my thanks to both you and Trupti for all the guidance, warmth and love you have shown me during the period we have known each other.

Jean writes…

 Thank you for teaching me yoga.  I am going to start classes at the Kundalini school on Yoga class.  You are a great teacher.

Bhaskar writes…

 Yoga, in conjunction with Taekwando, over the past couple of years has been great for me. I am the happiest I have been, without any worries about the present or the future, without regrets or dwelling in the past, and with the knowledge that I can face challenges and do what I can without too much thought on the outcome.

Thinking back, it clear to me that the phases of my life I have been happy and performed well as an individual, have been the phases were I was meticulous at daily practice – be it Sandhyavandhanam, writing prayers/ names for Astrology/ Numerology reasons or be it plain reciting Slokas. The only catch here had been that these were all quite traditional and I was not able to understand why I was better off and whether a Greater Force was being invoked when I performed these acts. I was also unable to completely reconcile with the concept of ‘God’, what ‘Life’ meant, what any individual could do and many other questions ranging from the Marco to the Micro level. I had been reciting slokas everyday at that point and was also physically fit due to daily exercise. Due to various changes in my life over the next few months it turned out that I dropped all sorts of daily practice and exercise. One could say, I was soul-searching without a proper guide.

I turned to various guides to help me through this phase. I started reading a particular interpretation of the Bhagwad-Gita, which at that point did more harm to me than good. I also turned to Yoga and was fortunate to hear that Anmol taught Yoga. I also turned to the RamanAshram and the teachings of Ramana Maharishi. To be honest, all this at the same time was quite overwhelming and I left them all for a period of time.

Yoga and the classes have been wonderful as they helped clear all the questions, helped me refocus and live in the present. Yoga and Anmol helped me reconcile all the Macro concepts; I have spent so much time with Anmol talking about everything. He is a wonderful teacher and helped me see everything in that manner in which I could understand them. Those teachings, along with daily practice have helped me see everything in a different light. I can now better understand the Bhagwad Gita, Ramana Maharishi and anything else I might have read in the past. I consider myself fortunate to have realized what I can do and to have Anmol as a friend, teacher and guide. I also understand that daily practice of Yoga and Meditation are what would help me going forward in my life also.

Sorabh writes…

 My introduction to yoga began with Anmol, who I consider not just a friend but truly a initiator into the practice of yoga. Yoga is often misconstrued as a set of asanas, but thankfully he didn’t allow such a thing to happen. His insight into the workings of the mind, his respect, love and commitment to all of us as students, friends, family members made the experiences powerfully impacting. The weekly sessions were something I looked forward to and were perhaps were one of the most important things I did during the week – to take care of my body, mind and soul. I would be remiss to mention Trupti’s contribution. Without her touch the experiences surely wouldn’t be the same.

The practice of yoga is now the most important activity in my day and is at the center of my well being.

Piyush writes…

 Thank you for introducing me to Yoga – I have thoroughly enjoyed all the classes I have attended over the past few years. Your style of teaching is full of energy and very inspirational. Your words (when I pay attention) are a source of quiet enlightenment. Afterwards I feel fresh, stretched, centered and more empowered. Again – thanks for your guidance and motivation!

Bindu writes…

Anmol, I really enjoy every yoga class you conduct. Yoga and mediation now relates to my life and I feel great, relaxed, calm and most of all HAPPY.  Due to your classes I feel I know how to use yoga as a tool in life to attain union within mind, body and spirit. Every class you conducted has a fine balanced combination of Yoga, Meditation and ‘bhajan’ that at the end of every class I felt I had a good sweaty workout and at the same time felt so calm and relaxed due to the meditation. I would like to add that you have been a very calming and sensitive Yoga Guru teaching us the importance of attitude for gratitude. My favorite part was always prayer for someone who needs it at the end of Yoga class. Yoga also encouraged me to  eat well, develop myself both physically and mentally. Also I used to feel embarrassed to exercise as I felt unfit, but your classes made me feel comfortable with my ability, which has extended to other areas of my life. Thank you for your enthusiasm and inspiration. Thank you for making each class an experience; it is so much more than just another yoga class. Its Yoga with personality. I’m proud to tell my friends I practice Yoga!

Sanjay writes…

 I sincerely cherish our sessions. Anmol clearly offers a spiritual and physical experience that has allowed me to grow at an individual level.  It’s a time replete with a sense of well being and positive energy, absolutely free of judgment.  Silentmind offers a yogic experience respectful of tradition but in a manner that is inviting to all and practical to our daily lives.

Shobha writes…

 I feel good about attending this experience of life. Some time in the Yoga you mentioned commitment and making a choice  and getting out of the box of everyday thinking of life. It has got me thinking, and every now and then when I get off the track, that thought brings me back to do what I should be doing. Thanks a lot.

Vinny writes…

 I am glad you put the (Silent Mind Meditation) program piece together so people can do some of the exercises themselves.

Om Writes…

You have made meditation more accessible to the layman than any other work I have read so far.

Dipti writes…

The Yoga Class I had was super, in that it is a very good work-out both for the mind and the body.

10

Enlightenment via “Who Am I” Advaita Vedanta Meditation (Neti Neti)

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Enlightenment Experiences:  Advaita Vedanta: Negation Meditation (Neti Neti):

Journal Entry: Jan 09, 2007

Yesterday had been a good day, the unseasonably warm weather not allowing winter to squeeze the joy out of us here in the North Eastern United States.  Connectivity with nature, is connectivity with life and the winter elements, that normally keep us locked down, isolated and disconnected, were missing their bite this year – perhaps global warming was not such a bad thing after all ;-).  Late in the evening after battling with the 3 year old and 3 month old, bruised and weary I finally got to bed.  The time before sleep, has been for years now a time for me to meditate.  I am one who is unable to sleep on his back so in that position, I discovered long ago, I could meditate effectively without falling asleep.  In fact, before I ever began sitting meditation I would only meditate in this posture.          

Enlightenment

As I have described in the Silent Mind Meditation Program there are many approaches one can use when watching the mind, many angles with which to negate it.  One such angle, that I have not employed in some time, is the profound Vedic meditation technique of Neti Neti (not this; not this).  It is the corner stone of Advaita Vedanta – the Hindu school of non-dualism.  Some of the teachers of Advaita Vedanta are giants like Gaudapada, Ramana Maharishi and Nisargadatta Maharaj and at the heart of their teachings is the absolute non-duality of existence.  The technique itself is quite simple.  One puts the question “Who am I?” to oneself and negates everything that comes up.  What comes up is known, whether it be the body, feelings, ego, thoughts, etc, and it is identified for what it is and negated as not being the answer to the question “Who am I?”          

Many years ago Swami Dayananda Saraswati (of Arsha Vaidya Gurukulam fame) did a Jenoi ceremony (thread ceremony which servers as a reminder primarily to be a good human being) for my cousins and myself, and in a question answer session after words we discussed this question, “Who am I?”  At that time he answered it as I described above, “It is what you do not know.”  I remember the conversation like it happened yesterday.  I remember not being clear on the answer and bugging him again to explain.  He was quite happy to do so and explained, that what you can identify as something, is exactly that thing, and it is not who you are.  I was never fully satisfied, or just never quite understood, until much later when I came upon and practiced this meditation Neti, Neti.          

So last night I revisited that technique.  After being rudely interrupted by my 3 month old a few more times, my prayers were answered as my thoughtful wife whisked him downstairs for some TLC and left me alone with my restless mind.  I finally got down to the business of watching my thoughts.  The meditation was on.  Keenly I continued to inspect each thought, comprehend it and reject it as it was Not I.  I pushed on.  Meditating at this time, as long as you don’t drift off to sleep, I have found to be very effective and it was no different last night.  The mind began to slow and a great focus emerged.  No thought was escaping awareness and each was being “digested” by the furnace of intelligence.          

Soon, as often happens with these meditations, sweet joy and vast energy made their welcome appearance.  No analysis was being used.  Simply, thoughts were being seen for what they were and being rejected as not being “Who I am”.  Awareness and intelligence were is full flow, both were acute and inclusive. Insight was fully operational.  The state grew very pleasurable and seemed to continue on and on.  I remained as vigilant as possible, not allowing anything to stick – not attaching to any thoughts.  At some point much later, I had turned and fallen asleep, but throughout the night there were episodes where I was awake and watching, negating, enjoying.  To me, this is so much fun.  At another point even thought formations seemed to just cease, but the watching continued.  Neti, neti – not this, nor this.  The secret here is that it does not matter who you are, it only matters who you are not.   

The mind moves, so what?  It is in its nature to move.  Don’t fight with thoughts, just learn to stand apart, un-touched and be a good witness.  If you watch carefully, amazing things will happen.  Like it has been said, the only book you need to read is the one that is built in you – your mind – and unfortunately, so few of us pay attention to what is really going on there.