The Practice of Meditation
Dhyaan is the name for the type of meditation which Sri Swamiji teaches. Its aim is to control the mind by controlling its thoughts. By stilling the mind, all thoughts are eliminated leaving pure awareness. Merely sitting with eyes closed is not dhyaan. Dhyaan is the method to abide in the state of pure consciousness without allowing a single thought to disturb this state. Continuously residing in this state, the mind will subside and self-realization will occur of its own accord.
Some of the many benefits of dhyaan include calming of the mind, reduction of stress, removal of mental and physical ailments, experience of inner and outer silence, increased willpower, the conquering of fear and anxieties, increase of sensory perception, dissolution of time and space perception, and unity with Pure Awareness.
When beginning the practice of dhyaan, one must first still the movement of the eyes by fixing the gaze on the brikhuti, the point between the eyebrows. The process of stilling the sight will become gradual and natural as one continues to gaze steadily at the brikhuti without allowing the eyeballs or the eyelids to flicker. Progress in dhyaan occurs when one masters single-pointedness of concentration at the brikhuti.
Sri Swamiji advises the consistent practice of dhyaan for a minimum of one hour a day. During the early stages of practice, the entire hour may be required to still the sight and mind to concentrate at the brikhuti. Those who meditate for the first time may experience a flood of thoughts finding it impossible to control the mind. The beginner confronted with the relentless progression of thoughts invariably worries that it is their unique problem. One should not be discouraged with this occurrence. Most beginners do not know or appreciate the process of stirring up and discarding latent tendencies. It should be helpful to realize that this is the universal experience of every spiritual seeker when starting on the path of dhyaan. The practice of dhyaan purifies the mind, leading to a state bliss and contentment.
The meditator must remain vigilant and alert. As soon as each thought crops up, one must gently brush it aside retaining the calm focus of the mind. The mind during dhyaan is still and un-flickering like a lamp in a windless place. When the mind experiences the state of stillness, all names, forms and thoughts will fade away and only pure consciousness remains. Pure consciousness is the residual awareness of existence or the sense of ''I am'' that remains when all thought forms have been eliminated.
As the practice of dhyaan continues, the divine power or shakti given by Sri Swamiji at the time of initiation will gradually grow. When this happens, the meditator finds that all the elements of dhyaan are accomplished effortlessly as a result of this shakti holding the concentration of the mind at the brikhuti. One can realize the wonders and benefits of dhyaan in their life through Sri Swamiji’s love and grace.
Writing inspired by “The Practice of Dhyaan” by General Hanut Singh
Some of the many benefits of dhyaan include calming of the mind, reduction of stress, removal of mental and physical ailments, experience of inner and outer silence, increased willpower, the conquering of fear and anxieties, increase of sensory perception, dissolution of time and space perception, and unity with Pure Awareness.
When beginning the practice of dhyaan, one must first still the movement of the eyes by fixing the gaze on the brikhuti, the point between the eyebrows. The process of stilling the sight will become gradual and natural as one continues to gaze steadily at the brikhuti without allowing the eyeballs or the eyelids to flicker. Progress in dhyaan occurs when one masters single-pointedness of concentration at the brikhuti.
Sri Swamiji advises the consistent practice of dhyaan for a minimum of one hour a day. During the early stages of practice, the entire hour may be required to still the sight and mind to concentrate at the brikhuti. Those who meditate for the first time may experience a flood of thoughts finding it impossible to control the mind. The beginner confronted with the relentless progression of thoughts invariably worries that it is their unique problem. One should not be discouraged with this occurrence. Most beginners do not know or appreciate the process of stirring up and discarding latent tendencies. It should be helpful to realize that this is the universal experience of every spiritual seeker when starting on the path of dhyaan. The practice of dhyaan purifies the mind, leading to a state bliss and contentment.
The meditator must remain vigilant and alert. As soon as each thought crops up, one must gently brush it aside retaining the calm focus of the mind. The mind during dhyaan is still and un-flickering like a lamp in a windless place. When the mind experiences the state of stillness, all names, forms and thoughts will fade away and only pure consciousness remains. Pure consciousness is the residual awareness of existence or the sense of ''I am'' that remains when all thought forms have been eliminated.
As the practice of dhyaan continues, the divine power or shakti given by Sri Swamiji at the time of initiation will gradually grow. When this happens, the meditator finds that all the elements of dhyaan are accomplished effortlessly as a result of this shakti holding the concentration of the mind at the brikhuti. One can realize the wonders and benefits of dhyaan in their life through Sri Swamiji’s love and grace.
Writing inspired by “The Practice of Dhyaan” by General Hanut Singh