Self-Awareness and Meditation Course
Lesson One
Getting Started
The essential purpose of meditation is to connect with your higher self. For some people meditation may simply be for relaxation or contemplation. Posture is important to facilitate this process. Within the body is a subtle energy system which comprises an intricate system of meridians and chakras. It is this energy system which is utilized by acupuncturists. The most important centres within this energy system are the seven main chakras starting with the base or root chakra at the base of the spine and rising to the crown chakra at the top of the head. Connecting these energy centres is a central channel which follows the spine, known as the Sushumna along which the subtle energies flow. In meditation energy often travels through the Sushumna and its adjoining channels called the Ida and Pingala. To ensure that this energy flows smoothly, easterners sit in the lotus position with legs crossed. this is the ideal position but not easy, and usually impossible for westerners. It is, however, important to sit in meditation with your back as straight as possible, so as westerners you are recommended to sit on a firm seat with your back straight and without using the back rest. At first this may be more difficult, but over longer periods your back muscles strengthen as they get used to this. Lying down is another way to keep your back straight but unfortunately it is difficult to keep awake. I suggest that you sit as long as is comfortable and then lie down for the remainder of the meditation. An hour a day would be ideal but if you can only manage half an hour then that is fine too.
As you sit for meditation keep your head erect or even
tilted back. To maintain focus you could fix your gaze on a burning candle or
close your eyes and focus your attention on the ajna centre, commonly referred
to as the third eye, which is found a little above and between the eyes. It is
the spot where Hindus place a red mark with kumkum on the lower part of their
forehead.
Breathe slowly and deeply and allow yourself to be in this position and state. Thoughts will inevitably arise, as thoughts do. Don't try to stop them, but rather allow them to drift past without getting caught up in them. As your meditation experience continues thoughts will become fewer and fewer. There is no harm in being aware of what thoughts have arisen during meditation as they can indicate the clearing that is taking place. As you reach a peak state in meditation there may be a subtle shift within as your inner self adjust to the higher vibratory experience. When this occurs, old patterns make way to accommodate the new. This can be experienced in thoughts, emotions and physical sensations as these patterns are released. It is perfectly normal. Advanced meditation isn't just the experience of bliss, it can be uncomfortable as well. Until all of our habits, conditioning and patterns are released enlightenment cannot be attained. Consequently, meditation is a gradual clearing. It is like the analogy of a bright light behind a dirty pane of glass. Until the glass is cleaned the bright light cannot shine through (enlightenment). The bright light is, however, always there waiting to be revealed.
Copyright © Charles Attfield, 2006