meditation dhyanam

7/27/2019 Meditation Dhyanam

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Concentration, relaxation and meditation

Last 200 years have changed whole life. The communication technology is so muchadvanced, the world is just a 'point & click' away. Yet, man has remained all the same -craving for love and affection, aspiring to achieve a goal, trying to understand the worldaround him. The world is fun, challenging and at times horribly frightening. The other side

of life produces stress, anxiety, worry and several psychosomatic disorders. Body andmind can tolerate these to some extent but after saturation point, they tend to go out oforder. The perpetual stimulations of senses from out side world causes over dose of Betastate (activity state) of consciousness, in the brain. Brain has difficulty in switching torelaxed mode of Theta, Delta or even Alpha states. Meditation increases brain's capacity toproduce these waves which restore health benefits. Normally, meditation refers toconcentration exercises to harness mental faculties or to relaxation exercises that give a'break' from anxiety and tensions. Devoted Christians conduct 'prayer' meetings. In Hinduact of worship, dhyana is done after invoking God. At the tend of pooja, a silent prayer(prarthana) is rendered. In Hindi, 'dhyan do' means 'pay attention'.

Concentration:

The success in life depends on the ability to follow a well chosen subject and to excludeothers. Right choice of subject is important. Suppose the concentration exercises aredone with a negative mentality of violence, hatred and worry etc., they lead to furthermental weakness. As such, one should have a proper creative aim before embarkingconcentration exercises. Trataka (gazing a lit candle) could be strenuous to some and theycan gaze at a fixed object in the eye level. A Buddhism inspired cult guru advocates'empting' the mind to find peace. It would be a daily routine to 'remember what should beemptied'. This will never give real peace, but the other method of filling the mind withcertain constructive thought is productive and leads to peace and happiness.

The brain waves:

There are four states in brain waves measured by EEG. Beta (14-30Hz), Alpha (8-13Hz,)Theta (4-7Hz) and Delta (less than 4Hz). Beta waves dominate in the waking state, Alpha inrelaxation, Theta in mild meditation and Delta in deep meditation as well as in deep sleep.Alpha waves reduce unwanted stress level, Theta waves accelerate learning and healingprocess. Delta waves produce large quantities of healing and growth hormones. It doesnot mean that all the brain cells produce the above waves simultaneously. Some will beproducing Alpha, some Beta etc., at the same time. The ability or otherwise to enter andmaintain certain favorable frequencies by most of the brain cells determine the level ofhealth. Meditation gives long term health benefits. Dr. Herbert Benson, a professor ofmedicine at Harvard Medical School said, "All I have done is to put a biologicalexplanation on techniques that people have been utilizing for thousands of years."

Binaural Beats can also induce Theta state. Human ear can recognize sounds between 20to 20000 Hz. If the difference in wave lengths between the two speakers is kept at a level

lower than 20Hz, though the ears can not hear, the brain perceives the difference andresponds by producing Theta waves. Mantras are useful in this respect.

The pitfalls in concentration...

Theta waves are associated with subconscious mind - the layer between conscious andunconscious mind. All the memories, emotions, expressions, aspirations and suppresseddesires are held in this state. Activating Theta waves may also bring up suppressedmemories, deep and painful experiences to the attention of conscious mind. They can give


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deep insight to the personality as well as cause mental problems. It is like taking laxativeonce in a while to clean the body. If persistently "devils" creep from subconscious toconscious level, one should suspend his psycho venture and seek help from a qualifiedpsychiatrist. One should not resort to this method of giving life to the "zombies" from thepast to surface in conscious kingdom. Everybody is a blend of Jekyll and Hyde. The moreone tries to understand his Hyde-side, he will become one! One should not try to takelaxative every night, in his over enthusiasm to be super clean!

Relaxation -Modern methods & cults:

Concentration is the process of sharpening the mental faculties while relaxation is the onewhich gives a break to mental activity. There are several techniques like Jacobson'sProgressive Muscular Relaxation, Cognitive Therapy, Electyromyographic BioFeedbacKand Thermal BioFeed bacK. In these processes the therapist and client work together tounderstand the source of problem but the method is practiced in client's ownenvironment. PMR uses muscular exercises to create a more relaxed state of awareness.

Yogabhyasa can also be employed for this purpose. This has good effect onpsychosomatic (bodily problems triggered by anxiety). CT uses counseling and hypnotismto groom the client properly. EMG BFK and T BFK use electromagnetic and thermal feed

back to locate the causes for his anxiety and worry.

Drugs can also induce a state of relaxation. But, the effects wane away quite earlycompared to other methods and have severe side effects. During deep sleep brain cellsproduce Delta waves and so sound sleep is truly a good form of relaxation. In meditation,one can be in relaxed mood (as in sleep) and also be intensely awake. There is growingevidence that it is possible to attain Theta and Delta states and maintain consciousness.An experiment on the people practicing meditation for long period showed that they canproduce Theta and Delta waves even while carrying out day to day affairs. Brain beingvery adoptive organ, would become proficient to produce Theta and Delta waves when themeditator is wide awake also, if the practice is done repetitively. Meditation practicedregularly will result in well being of body and mind. If one desires to sharpen his mentalcapabilities or achieve relaxation, he need not have to come near God. A beautiful picture,good music would of course assist him - just like yantras and mantras for a Hindu spiritualpractitioner. As the modern man is moving away from our respective religious practices,he is unaware of inner peace. He wakes up on day and finds his life hallow.

Keeping these people in view several cults, yogis have been in circulation. You may findmany management gurus, breathing therapists, guitarist-meditation gurus these days.These programs from such cult gurus are mere personality development programsteaching concentration, relaxation etc., that you may get the next promotion! These cultgurus sprinkle some spirituality on these personality development programs. Some of themodern gurus introduce advanced methods like Kundalini (Meditation on chakras). I haveseen all men and women between 16 to 60 years of age shaking hands, moving eye ballsand their posteriors in all directions in the name of yoga in a certain program of a cult.Mind you, these devotees did not shed 200gms of fat even after prolonged practice!Exercises (be yoga or anything) should be devised on body needs, age of the participant,

his in put calories etc., and there can not be same exercise 'effective' for all. One shouldbe very careful when he selects a particular group.

Meditation in spiritual sense:

Meditation is same as concentration but the object ofconcentration is God. It works wonders for those who havedevotion and love towards God. Otherwise, it becomes morestrenuous exercise. Meditation need not give relaxation at all


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times, it may even increase anxiety. It is easy to meditate (i.e. on God) when you receive apromotion. But, if you have missed your promotion, meditation becomes hard andincreases your anxiety! Meditation should be ventured by those who have firm faith(achala vishvasa) in God. One young girl did meditation to such an extent there was notime for any other activity in her life! She discontinued her education also. Her parentsbrought her to a renowned psychologist. She discovered - it was neither love nor devotionthat drove her into spirituality but an unknown fear. She was advised Jacobson's PMR.Now, she is a distinguished student of medicine.

Once, I went to a modern spiritual cult gathering along with a friend. He had joined thiscult because many luminaries in the society were also in that. I recognized many men whohad amassed wealth by illegal means. There were several well placed low characters. Oneshould verify the principles and should not give importance to the social standing of theguru or the fellow disciples. When I need a plumber, I would go for the one havingnecessary qualification and experience and care least if he is a PhD in philosophy!

All the religions implore much importance on codes like morality, cleanliness, satya(truthfulness), ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-corruption), asteya (not stealing)brahmacharya (following the path of God), pranayama (proper breathing), pratyahara(control over senses), asanas (postures) etc., Without following these codes, doing pooja

or meditation would be futile. If kundalini is awakened without these practices, it wouldplay a havoc.

For more details regarding moral codes and the procedures for meditation, learnedreaders may refer to: slokas 11 to 14, 16, 17 & 35 of Atmasamyama Yoga in SrimadBhagawad Geeta; Slokas 30, 32, 36, 37 to 39, 46, 47, 52 of Sadhana pada & slokas 1 & 2 ofVibhuti pada in Patanjali Yoga Sutra; Ayat 153, Sura II and Ayat 43 Sura IV of Holy Quern;complete ch.5 & 6, v7 &8 ch.7, v15to 35 ch18, v35-46 ch26 of Mathew, v28 to 31 ch12 ofMark in the Holy Bible.

Offering prayers is not limited to individual needs. Collective prayers are offered toVaruna, God of Rain by doing Parjanya Japa. It is inspiring to see all Muslims lined up instrict discipline to offer namaz. Prayers are also offered on behalf of sick and needy.

Shanti kriya for planets should be undertaken on behalf of another only when that personis unable to do the same. When a shanti kriya is being done on behalf of another person, itis imperative the client participates within his own limitations.

Cult gurus and miracle men:

Buddhism rejects the idea of soul and super soul (God), even though it recognizes rebirth.According to Buddha, it is the consciousness which goes to next birth. Let it not meanthat I am criticizing Bhagwan Buddha. There was much of racism, cruelty to animals, andatrocity by priesthood that made Prince Siddhartha to take up the great cause. ThoughBuddha antagonized Hindus, they did not crucify him but he is accepted as God Incarnate.Bouddhavatara is one of the dashavataras of Maha Vishnu. Many religions raise theirprophets to God-head making other gods or prophets subservient to him. But in Hinduism,

there is no God head above God. Hinduism does not call anybody 'son of God' or 'lastmessenger'

Buddhism has two principles for meditation; Samatha - where one concentrates oninhalation and exhalation. This would merely give relaxation, according to Buddha. Theother is Vipassana - concentrating on the sense of breath where it touches nostrils.Buddha held that Vipassana gives prefect bliss, Nibbana. One cult guru who heavily relieson Buddhism is propagating Vipassana method. Unfortunately, his followers do not knowhow Buddhism differs from Hinduism. After constructing many meditation centers that


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look like the final abode of Ferrah of Egypt, now this guru is on run - due to scams in landacquisition and association with women bhaktas. He has claimed, he had read 5000 booksand believed that Rampa was a real Buddhist monk! Compared to vast literature, 5000books are nothing. I remember a poem by Vinayaka (Prof. VK Gokak) of who low he feltwhen he visited a library, realizing his limit of knowledge.

Theravada pantha strictly follows the teaching of Bhagawan Buddha, as they areenvisaged in Tripitika, that all should renounce the world and practice meditation. Since itis not possible to renounce the world by all, Mahayana pantha emerged basing that onecan be in the world, yet should relieve the sufferings of others. Then cameVajrayanapantha (Tibetan Buddhism) also known as Heenayana, wherein mandals(charkas) were introduced to meditate upon. Devotion to one's guru, methods ofworshipping the gurus, occultism were fused. Buddha said that one can become 'like God'(as there is no separate existence as God) by following right paths. Today Buddha adoresmany homes as fat (Contented Buddha) or Laughing Buddha. He also has become a fancydoll like three legged frog! What a bad notion to present the handsome prince - a model ofmercy to all. Buddhism is a 'beautiful temple without God'. As such, if you believe in God(rather existence of God), you can not use the valuable services of this Buddhism inspiredguru as there are no mantras, not even 'om' chanting, no visualization, no bhajans in thiscult. Buddha was accepted as God Incarnate, but Hindus refused to follow a religionwithout God. Eventually, Buddhism disappeared from India!

There is another cult with a patented breathingtechnique. With great difficulty I was able to learn aboutthis 'patented knowledge'. Here, the guru extensivelyuses 'ujjayi' and 'brastrika' pranayama and he hasintroduced the movement of hands to regulatebreathing. Actually, hands need not have to be used. Ifyou remember your childhood, you would recall thatbreathing does not require any force from the body andbreathing is the automatic response of the body to thegrowing need of oxygen. Brastrika is a forced breathingpractice which may stimulate an attack in asthmatic

patients. Another cult has quite good asanas but thefood restrictions are hard to follow. This cult has lessfollowers. The gurus in this cult take advantage oforganizational weakness and cash in extra money fortheir personal needs, unfortunately. Yet another cult

guru directly instructs his followers in Chakra meditation. In 90 days, the course producesyet another guru! There are lots of concentration exercises on charka and above the head(this 'above' is strange to Patanjali Yoga Sutra!). Chakra (Kundalini) Sadhana should notbe ventured unless the other moral codes are practiced.

It is important to note that no asana, pranayama and food are suitable to all. One man'sfood is another man's poison. One has to select suitable asanas, pranayama, food habitsbased on individual needs and capabilities. To learn asanas and pranayama,, you should

approach a qualified yoga teacher and not a spiritual master as we go to several doctorsfor specialist advice. If one confines himself to a particular cult, he succumbs to "my greatcult vs. rest of the world" syndrome. One should learn from the knowledge of great men.Watching religious TV programs, reading scriptures of all religions and cults will help youto develop more love towards God. Rigveda says, "Let noble thoughts come from allsides".

Some of us are very much impressed by miracles. We measure a guru's spiritual power byhis miracles. The disciples of Bhagwan Buddha showed him a bowl and said that a manhad brought it down from a great height without touching it. Buddha took the bowl and


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crashed it under his feet. He told them never to build their faith on miracles, but to look fortruth in everlasting principles. By mastering the charkas, it may be possible to performcertain miracles (i.e. if the miracle maharaj is not performing any tricks!). Miracles wereperformed by Jesus Christ, Shirdi Baba for the benefit of common man. They neverproduced Rolex watches nor gold rings for selected few nor gave some miracle honey orbhasma just to impress their greatness.

Spiritual masters - where in my guru?

For spiritual upliftment, you need not have to attend very costly meditation workshops ofany Babus of Bangalore nor spend a hefty amount on membership for DVDs of a certainSun of God. You need not have to participate in yet another tonic yoga camp to gain a '90day qualified guru' certificate. Just look around, do whatever you could have done - butdid not do so far - in spiritual life. My friend who hails from an orthodox family of priestshad forsaken his daily duties of pooja, sandhyavandana etc., and went to learn spiritualityfrom a German music-guru. This happened due to ignorance of his heritage. Hinduismdoes not harbor enmity against any beliefs. You will not come across any new conceptthat has not been explored in the Hindu scriptures. The cult gurus are not criminals, theytoo work for the upliftment of the society. For spiritual advancement one should not limit

himself to a single school of thought. Rig Veda says, "Let noble thoughts come from allsides." Learn yoga, panayama and such fitness stuff from a qualified and well-experiencedyoga scholar than from a spiritual master. When you have a severe headache, you cannotconcentrate on Katopanishad! Physical fitness has its own importance.

To emphasize the need of swadhayana (self-study), Sikshavalli of Taittariya Upanishad(this part is known as Swadhyana Prashamsa) uses the word 'swadhyana' 12 times. Studythe literature of all the religions, sects, cults, followings and great teachers of the wholeworld to make your own notes, than depending on the abridged versions of cult gurus.

Bhagwan Buddha told his disciples to write his teachings in Pali, a language spoken bycommon men. "The Parses said, why is it that your master eats with tax-gatherers andsinners?'. Jesus heard it and said, "It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick. I

did not come to invite virtuous people but sinners." (v.11-13, Ch.9, Mathew, Holly Bible).Now, you know where to search for your spiritual guru!

meditation dhyanam

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