Tips For One Who Is Beginning To Meditate?

I am going to begin meditating again. Last time I tried to do it I encountered several problems such as lack of concentration. Any tips from well established meditators would be appreciated.

 

I think the biggest thing is not to stress about it. I used to tense up when my mind would wander or I couldnt turn my thoughts off, but completely clearing your mind isnt really the entire purpose of meditation - at least in the beginning.

What you really want to do is learn how to not let your thoughts control you. If you start thinking of something, acknowledge the thought and then let it flow away. and if another one pops into your head immediately, do the same thing. Rinse, repeat.

Eventually you will master your thoughts and then you can really focus on completely blanking your mind during meditation.

I learned how to meditate by focusing on trees. so meditation doesnt really have to strictly be sitting with your eyes closed. Any method of finding stillness and peace is meditation.

 

Something that helps me meditate is what is often claled pranayama, inhale through the nose, then through the mouth and hold it for as long as you can, the exhale through the nose and then the mouth, repeat, this will calm your mind and fill your brain with oxygen, also it will help channel quicker the vital energies that climb up the spine and go to the brain, then gpo down your front side and off to the sides, circulating the entire time.

 

practice the shambhavi mudra they say its the only way to meditate

 

The word "meditation" is used to describe a vast array of contemplative techniques; some are the source of a great deal of scientific research and human well being, and some are a complete waste of your time. Some will sharpen your mind and improve your well being, and others will dull you into a daydream and cloud your vision.

The technique which appears to be the most worthwhile is Vipassana.

 

You can start your meditation session early in the morning around 4:00 a.m to 7:00 am. This is considered the best time to meditate, and also the time period where the fastest progress in meditation can be made. After waking up, you can take a bath , get some tea and exercise a bit, so as to get the circulation going. This will ensure that you don't fall asleep while meditating.

You can start your meditation with pranayama or mantra chanting. This will help to still the mind, focus it and prepare it for meditation.

It is important to keep a place solely for meditation. And this place should not be disturbed during the rest of the day. This should not be in the bed, a mistake many make , as the vibrations of sleep in the bed which corresponds to tamas, can induce a man to sleep again.

You can put flowers and light incense in this place where you meditate.

 

Many thanks to each of you for your responses. I am certain to find them useful.

 

Be here now.

 

I used to have a guided meditation CD that was amazing. The first and only time I experienced an OoBE was while listening and being guided by what was on that disc. I lost it shortly after that experience

Destiny perhaps?

Anyways, there are some interesting meditation techniques. The two I seem to use most (possibly because they're all I know) are Just Sitting and Breathing meditation. Which were both used with the auditory guidance I spoke of.

Just Sitting is about as simple as it sounds. Just sit. Observe your surroundings. There's always something going on around you that your mind can attach to and commence wonderment. Close your eyes, journey inward.

Breathing Meditation is a bit more complex, but still simple. Apply 'Just Sitting' technique. Anywhere will do. Preferably a comfortable area and spot for your butt. Close your eyes. Clear your thoughts enough that you can concentrate on your self. Then focus on your breathing. They don't have to be perfect breaths, just simply breathe. Focus on your breathing until you feel yourself beginning to lose focus, then with your eyes still closed, begin focusing on your surroundings. Envision your surroundings and things happening in the environment around you. (Focus on a fan blowing outside of your room or a bird chirping in the trees not far from where you've decided to 'ground' your vessel) Continue this cycle for as long as you'd like, alternating your focus from your breathing, to your surroundings and things happening around you. Every time you start losing focus, focus on the other.

I've had great results with breathing meditation. When I achieved the OoBE I spoke of, I was sitting in my parent's basement on a couch. The lights were off, I can't remember if I was sitting in a normal sitting position or if I was cross-legged on the couch. It was a truly interesting experience, though I have not experienced that at all after that occurrence.

I believe I meditate with all that I do. Perhaps I'm stuck in a state of meditation or some form of self-hypnosis. Or I just think a great deal upon all that I think and do.

Good luck!

 

Not doing it everyday helps. Just feeling your energy and seeing what the mind shows is what I do. If I think or fantasize that is ok also, acceptance is the key and the struggle. Desire is ok, realizing anything is ok. Scratching your balls or farting is ok. It's just an experience and I don't think anyone has ruled the world or not because of some gas.