The Ancient and Powerful Practices of Hindu Meditation (2023)

Hinduism is a religion or way of life found primarily in India and Nepal. With nearly a billion followers, Hinduism is the third most populous religion in the world and the majority religion in India, Nepal and Bali (Indonesia). Hinduism has been called the "oldest religion" in the world and is referred to by some practitioners and scholars as Sanātana Dharma, "the eternal law" or the "eternal path" beyond human origins.

Above allYogaYMeditationhave become popular spiritual practices in modern times, originating in Hinduism. Below is an overview of the rich and diverse types of meditation in the Hindu tradition, how to do them, and links to other resources to help you along the way:

origin and meaning
Amantrais a syllable or word, usually with no particular meaning, that is repeated to help focus your mind. ANDnoa statement to convince yourself of something.

Some meditation teachers insist that both word choice and its correct pronunciation are very important because of the "vibration" associated with sound and meaning, and that therefore an initiation into it is essential. Others say that the mantra itself is just a tool to focus the mind and the word chosen is completely irrelevant.

Mantras are used in Hindu traditions, Buddhist traditions (particularly Tibetan and "Pure Land" Buddhism), as well as Jainism, Sikhism, and Taoism (Daoism). Some people call mantra meditation "Om meditation", but this is just one of the mantras that can be used. A more devotional practice of mantras is mentioned.Japa,and it consists of repeating sacred sounds (name of God) with love.

How are you

Like most types of meditation, it is usually practiced sitting with the spine straight and eyes closed. The practitioner then mentally repeats the mantra several times during the session.

Sometimes this practice is associated with awareness or coordination with the breath. In other exercises, the mantra is even whispered very softly and silently to support concentration.

As you repeat the mantra it creates a mental vibration that allows the mind to experience deeper levels of awareness. As you meditate, the mantra becomes more and more abstract and indistinct, eventually leading you to the field of pure consciousness from which the vibration arose.
Repeating the mantra will help you to let go of the thoughts that fill your mind, perhaps allowing you to slip into the space between thoughts. The mantra is a tool to support your meditation practice. Mantras can be seen as ancient words of power with subtle intentions that help us connect with Spirit, the source of everything in the universe. (Deepak Chopra)

These are some of the best known mantras from the Hindu tradition:

• one
• Ham
• Om Namah Shivaya
• om mani padme hum
• rama
• potato
• Ham

You can practice for a specific amount of time or for a set number of "repetitions", traditionally 108 or 1008. In the latter case, beads are generally used for counting.

As the practice deepens, it is possible for the mantra to continue "by itself" as the hum of the mind. Or the mantra may even disappear, leaving you in a state of deep inner stillness.

To know more:

• Wikipedia article on Mantra
• Mantra yoga e as primal(quite)
• Mantras: words of power(quite)

This is for me?

People often find it easier to focus on a mantra than their breathing. Since a mantra is a word and thoughts are often perceived as words, it can be easier to focus on a mantra than your breath. It is especially helpful when the mind is filled with many thoughts, as mantra meditation requires constant attention.

Meditating with a mantra can also make it easier to integrate your meditative state into your everyday life. Whatever activity you find yourself in, it can be as simple as repeating the mantra in your mind.

origin and meaning

Transcendental Meditation is a specific form of mantra meditation introduced byMaharishi Mahesh Yogi1955 in India and the West. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Maharishi gained fame as the guru of The Beatles, The Beach Boys andother celebrities.

It is a widespread form of meditation with more than 5 million practitioners worldwide, and there is much scientific research sponsored by the organization demonstrating the benefits of the practice. However, there are also critics of the Maharishi and his organization.

[Image from NurseTalkSite.com]

How are you

Transcendental Meditation is not freely taught. The only way to learn is to pay to learn from one of their authorized instructors. However, support seems to be good.

However, it is generally known that TM involves the use of amantraand is practiced twice a day for 15-20 minutes sitting with eyes closed. The mantra is not unique and is given to the practitioner based on their gender and age. They are not "meaningless sounds" either, rather they are tantric names of Hindu deities.

This is the official page of the movement:site da TM.

And this is where Chad Foreman teaches Repetition of a mantra meditation book

There is another similar technique callednatural stress relief, which was created in 2003 by a former TM teacher and is much cheaper to learn ($47 instead of $960) and has removed some mystical elements from TM practice, such as: B. initiation (puja) and yogic flying (part ofTM-Siddhi). You can learn more about NSR vs. TMHereYHere.

This is for me?

Personally, I am no longer comfortable advising anyone to try Transcendental Meditation. My recent research has revealed many dubious "scientific research" practices that obscure the religious nature of the movement. Send me an email if you want to know more.

If you want to try something similar, check out NSR (above) or mantra meditation.

origin and meaning

There is no one type of meditation that is "yogic meditation", which here means the different types of meditation taught in the yogic tradition. Yoga means "union". The tradition dates back to 1700 BC. and its final aim is spiritual purification and self-knowledge. Classical yoga divides practice into rules of conduct (particularlyYNiyamas), postures (asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama) and contemplative meditation practices (Pratyahara,Dharana,Dhyana,samadhi).

How are you

Here are some types of meditation that are practiced in yoga. The most common and universal is the “third eye meditation”.

• third eye meditation— Focus attention on the "point between the eyebrows" (for some "the third eye" or "Ajna-Chakra).Attention is constantly drawn to this point to quiet the mind. Over time, the "silent gaps" between thoughts get longer and deeper. This is sometimes accompanied by a physical "look" at the location with eyes closed.
• Chakra-Meditation— The practitioner focuses on one of the body's seven chakras ("energy centers"), usually doing some visualizations and chanting a specific mantra for each chakra (Justice,To the Lord,TO KNOCK,potato,Ham,one).
• Blickmeditation (Trataka)—Fix your gaze on an external object, usually a candle, image, or symbol (Yantra). It is performed with eyes open and then with eyes closed to train the mind's powers of concentration and visualization. After closing your eyes, you still need to keep the image of the object "in your mind".
• kundalini meditationthis is too muchcomplex systemthe practice. The aim is the awakening of the "kundalini energy" that lies dormant at the base of the spine, the development of multiple psychic centers in the body and, finally, enlightenment. There are several dangers associated with this practice and it should not be attempted without the guidance of a qualified yogi.
• Kriya-Yoga—is a series of energizing, breathing, and meditative practices taught by Paramahamsa Yogananda. This is best suited for those who are of a devotional temperament and are looking for the spiritual aspects of meditation. To learn it, you can order self-realization classes,book.
• Klang Meditation (Nada Yoga)— Concentration on the sound. It begins with meditation on "outside sounds" such as relaxing background music (such as Native American flute music), with the student focusing all of their attention on just listening to calm and center the mind. Over time, the practice becomes listening to the "inner sounds" of the body and mind. The ultimate goal is to hear the "Ultimate Sound" (you are welcome), which is a sound without vibration and manifests itself as "OM".
• tantra– Contrary to popular opinion in the West, most tantric practices have nothing to do with ritualized sex (this was practiced by a minority of lineages. Tantra is a very rich tradition with dozens of different contemplative practices. The textVijnanabhairava-Tantra, for example, lists 108 "meditations", most of them more advanced (already requiring some level of stillness and mind control). Here are some examples from this text:
  • Merge the mind and senses within the spiritual heart.
  • When one object is perceived, all other objects are emptied. Concentrate on that void.
  • Focus on the space that arises between two thoughts.
  • Fix your attention inside the skull. Closed eyes.
  • Meditate on every great joy.
  • Meditate on the feeling of pain.
  • Meditate on the reality that exists between pain and pleasure.
  • Meditate on the emptiness of your own body, expanding in all directions at once.
  • Focus on a bottomless pit or a very high place.
  • Listen to the sound of the anahata [heart chakra].
  • Hear the sound of a musical instrument as it fades away.
  • See the universe or your own body filled with happiness.
  • Concentrate intensely on the idea that the universe is completely empty.
  • Consider that the same consciousness exists in all bodies.
• Pranayama— respiratory regulation. It's not exactly meditation, but it's an excellent practice for quieting the mind and preparing it for meditation. There are different types ofPranayama, but the simplest and most commonly taught is the 4-4-4-4. That means inhale, count to 4, hold 4 seconds, exhale 4 seconds, and hold empty for 4 seconds. Inhale through your nose and let your stomach (not your chest) move. He goes through some cycles like this. This breathing regulation balances the mood and calms the body and can be done anywhere.

Yoga is a very rich tradition with different lineages, so there are many other techniques. But the ones above are the most famous; others are more specific or complex.

For the beginning,it's videois an excellent source for yoga-style meditation, which combines breath, body awareness, mantra, and chakra meditation.

To know more:

• chakras:seven chakras,mind body green,wikipedia article
• Trataka(Wikipedia)
• meditation and mantras(quite)
• king of yoga(quite)
• Kriya-Yoga(Self-Realization Scholarship)
• Nothing Yoga:like phantasm,The practice of Nada Yoga(Buch),Wikipedia,Bindu Magazine(full article)
• the science of pranayama(quite)
• Tantra: the path of ecstasy(quite)

This is for me?

With all these types of Hindu meditation, chances are you'll find one you like. If you're a musician, maybeno yogait is something that will attract you. If you are a devout person,Kriya-Yogait is a good option. Kundalini and chakra meditation should only be attempted with a teacher.

Probably the easiest is to try the "third eye meditation" which is easy and gets results quickly. For the other types, you'll probably need more instruction, either from a teacher or a good book (see references above). next to,Pranayamait's definitely something everyone can benefit from.

origin and meaning

Self-inquiry is the English translation of the Sanskrit termatma vichara.It means "exploring" our true nature, finding the answer to the question "Who am I?" A question that culminates in the intimate knowledge of our true self, our true being. We see references to this meditation in very ancient Indian texts; However, it was greatly popularized and expanded upon by the 20th century Indian sage. Ramana Maharshi(1879~1950).

The modern non-duality movement (orneo-advaita), who draws much inspiration from his teachings, as well as from those ofNisargadatta Maharaj(1897~1981) epapaji– makes extensive use of this technique and variations. Many contemporary masters use this technique, the most famous beingMy(with whom I dated personally and recommend),Adyashanti, YEckhart Tolle.

How are you

This practice is very simple, but also very subtle. However, when explained it can sound very abstract.

Your sense of "I" (or "ego") is the center of your universe. It's there, somehow, behind all your thoughts, emotions, memories and perceptions. However, we are not aware of what this “I” is, who we really are in essence, and we confuse it with our bodies, our minds, our roles, our labels. It is the greatest mystery of our lives.

In self-inquiry, the question "Who am I?" it is done within itself. You must reject all possible verbal responses and simply use this question as a tool to focus your attention on the subjective sense of "I" or "I am". Become one with it, go deep into it. This will reveal your true self, your true self as pure consciousness beyond all limitations. It is not an intellectual quest, but a matter of bringing attention to the central element of your perception and experience: the "I". This is not your personality, but a pure, subjective feeling of existence, with no attached images or concepts.
Every time thoughts/feelings arise, you ask yourself, "Who is thinking this?" or "Who is aware of _____ (anger, fear, pain, or whatever)?" The answer is: "It's me!" From then on, one asks "Who am I?" to turn attention to the subjective sense of self, of presence. It is pure existence, objectless and indiscriminate consciousness.

Another way of explaining this practice is simply to focus the mind on your sense of being, the non-verbal "I am" that glows within you. Keep it pure, disconnected from anything you perceive.

In all other types of meditation, the "I" (yourself) focuses on an object, internal or external, physical or mental. In self-inquiry, the "I" focuses on itself, the subject. It is attention focused on its source.
There is no specific position to practice in, although the general posture and setup suggestions are helpful for beginners.

To know more:

• "I Am" Guided Meditationscom My:
• Teachings of Ramana Maharishi:happiness to be,Blog de David Godman,Sri Ramanasram official website
• Nisargadatta Maharaj:Enlightened Spirituality
• quotation applications(iOS)
• to be one(Book or Teachings of Ramana)
• That's me(Book of Nisargadatta Maharaj, a modern spiritual classic)

This is for me?

This meditation is very powerful in bringing freedom and inner peace; However, if you are not experienced in meditation, you may find it very difficult to maintain. As a first aid to give you a feel for this, I would recommend following some of Mooji's guided meditations on YouTube.