STEPS TO MEDITATION

         
Below are some steps for you to begin a daily meditation practice. Don't forget to have fun - Play - Experiment! Approach this journey as a child in play, with no expectations for the result. Be open to what you are going to discover. Meditation does not create anything it just allows you to discover what is already there. Allow it to be revealed to you.  

1. Regularity of time, place and practice are a good place to start. First thing in the morning is a good time as the mind is fresh after just waking or just before going to sleep. I personally prefer meditation just before going to bed if one has to choose. We work through karma while awake and asleep. Stilling the mind will help protect us during sleep. 

2. Try to have a separate area for meditation. The powerful vibrations set up will charge that area and you will begin to associate being in that space with being in your "inner space." Furnish the space with an altar. It doesn't have to be elaborate, just a small table with a few objects of inspiration like a photo of Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, whoever. A light source like a candle should also be a part of the altar. A ghee or oil - burning lamp is preferred due to the chemical quality or candles. Incense and fresh flowers are also important. Of course do what you can. The most important thing is having the right attitude. This is a sacred ritual, a time that you are devoting to your spiritual growth. Do what you can to evoke that feeling within yourself.  

3. Lighting the lamp, sit cross legged with a straight back, hands either in chin Mudra (thumb and forefinger touching with palms facing up on each knee) or in the lap with the right palm resting face up on the left. Use a cushion to elevate your buttocks for more comfort. Sitting this way creates a circle of energy that starts at the base of your spine and moves through the top of your head. 

4. Let all of the tension out of your belly - breathe comfortably through the abdomen. 

5. Repeat a mantra mentally, counting using mala beads. Refer to the previous chapter of Deities and Mantras. It is impossible to overstate the positive results of using a mantra. The mantra will help focus the mind and tune the being from the inside. 
Count the syllables of the mantra, divide the syllables in 2, then inhale half of the mantra and exhale the other half.
Example: "Om Namah Sivaya  is 6 syllables inhale - Om -  na - mah  exhale - Si - va - ya   The mala had 108 beads. It takes usually about 10 minutes to say a 6-8 syllable mantra with deep, slow breathing. 

6. Feel the mantra and breath gently resonating at either the heart center (if you are a more emotional type) or third eye center.  (if you are a more intellectual type) Once you pick a location do not change it. If you are not sure which type you are, just go on instinct. Do you feel more in your head or in your heart?
Tip: Many will try to balance their natural tendency by focusing on the opposite. For instance an intellectual type will try to become more heart centered by picking the heart as a focal point. This is a mistake. There is no "better  focal point. You want to strengthen your deepest truth not further confuse it. The best focal point is the one that is appropriate for you.  

7. While saying the mantra, notice the mind moving and jumping around, but don't become involved with whatever it is thinking.  
Tip: It is very important to never fight with the mind during meditation. Try to view the mind as you would view your child or your pet. Be compassionate, respectful and patient with your mind and ego. Just as arguing with a child is pointless so is arguing with your mind. The effort expended to try to quiet the mind will increase restlessness. Just notice thoughts moving like clouds in the sky, but you remain the sky. The mind and ego are to be honored for what they are. Cultivating gratitude for your entire being will give rise to a deepening gratitude for your highest Self.   

8. After you have said one mala of a mantra you can either end the meditation or keep sitting silently continuing the mantra within. Begin to slow the your breathing down to an almost imperceptible rate. Feel the heart melting within and the deity or planet of your mantra guiding you and protecting you. Feel the joy and stillness of your true Self permeate your entire consciousness. 

9. Honor whatever feelings that come to the surface, yet see them from a distance, continuing to cultivate a deeper maturity with your emotions.   

10. Ultimately realize that all thoughts and feelings are like a reflection of the world projected onto the screen of your consciousness. Your true essence is vast, silent and peaceful and it demands nothing from existence. It is already home, as are you. Happiness has no cause, it is your true nature. Only unhappiness is causal.