MEDITATION

 

GYM YOGA

In the initial stage, meditation is an exercise of the mind. In which Asana (pose), Tratka (Focus), Pranayama (The expansion of life force) and Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the mind from sense objects) are started sequentially and performed at the same time:

1. Asana (Pose): It is the sitting position. In which the body is kept relaxed and the spine is kept straight. It is usually done in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or any other comfortable position. If the mind is calm and thoughtless, the spine will automatically remain straight. Otherwise you might be sitting with your back bent.

2. Tratka (Focus): It is the act of focusing the gaze on a single point. Our eyes are fickle. Due to their constant movement, messages are sent to our brain. And we see that thing. If there is no movement in them, then we will not see anything. If the point on which the eyes are fixed becomes out of sight, then it is a sign of success of Tratka.

3. Pranayama (The expansion of life force): It is a systematic breathing exercise. In it, first the air is completely expelled from the lungs, and then deep breath is drawn in. This action is repeated over and over again. Air contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and the rest 1% other gases and some dust particles. All these go into the lungs in the form of air. Oxygen is retained and absorbed in the blood. Former purifies later while carbon dioxide is removed as impurities along with the rest of the gases. Another function of oxygen is to convert food into energy. In this way, in pranayama, we get more and more oxygen, owing to which all our organs get purified blood and work smoothly. Apart from this, we get a lot of energy.

4. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the mind from sense objects): In it, the senses are diverted from the external distractions and turned inwards. It is believed that with every breath a thought is born. When the senses are under control, unnecessary thoughts can be prevented from arising.

     At an advanced stage, meditation is an addition of soul to supreme soul i.e. God. The practitioner automatically enters into Samadhi (The height of divine consciousness) while performing meditation in this stage.