Auxiliaries of Meditation

Auxiliaries of Meditation

by Swami Sivananda

(a)WHAT IS MEDITATION

1. Meditation is the flow of continuous thought on one thing or God or Atman. Meditation is the keeping up of one idea of God alone always like the continuous flow of oil (Taila-dharavat). Yogins call this ‘Dhyana.’ Jnanins term this ‘Nididhyasana.’ Bhaktas style this ‘Bhajan.’ Concentration is fixing the mind on a point or object, either internal (in the body) or external (on any outside object or image). Meditation follows concentration. In Dhyana all worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. The mind is filled or saturated with Divine thoughts, with the Divine Glory, the Divine Presence.

(b)PLACE

2. Have a separate meditation-room under lock and key. Do not allow anybody to enter the room. Keep it holy. Burn incense in the morning and evening. Keep a photo of Lord Krishna, Siva, Rama, Devi or your Ishta Devata or Guru. Place your Asana (seat) in front of the picture. Keep some books also such as the Gita, the Ramayana and other scriptures. When you repeat the Mantra or the Name of the Lord, the powerful vibrations will be lodged in the ether of the room. In six months’ time you will feel peace and purity in the atmosphere of the room. Whenever your mind is disturbed by worldly influence, sit in the room and repeat the Name of the Lord for half an hour; then you will find an entire change in the mind immediately. Practise and feel the soothing spiritual influence yourself. Nothing is like spiritual Sadhana. You will find a local Mussoorie, Himalayas, in your own house.

3. Solitude and intense meditation are two important requisites for Self-realisation. The banks of the Ganga or the Narmada, Himalayan scenery, lovely flower-garden, sacred temple-these are the places which elevate the mind in concentration and meditation. Have recourse to them.

4. A solitary place, spiritual vibratory conditions as at Uttarkasi, Rishikesh, Badri Narayan, a cool place and temperate climate-these conditions are indispensably requisite for concentration of mind. Just as the salt melts in water, the Sattvic mind melts in silence during meditation in Brahman, its Adhishthana (substratum).
(c)TIME5. Get up at 4 in the morning in Brahmamuhurta. It is very favourable for spiritual contemplation and to start worship of God. In the early morning the mind is calm pure and quite refreshed after slumber. The mind is like a blank sheet of paper and comparatively free from worldly Samskaras (mental impressions). It can be moulded very easily at this time. The atmosphere also is charged with more Sattva at this particular time. Wash your hands, feet and face with cold water if you find it difficult to take a bath. This will suffice.

6. Always choose that part of the day or night when your mind is clear and when you are least likely to be disturbed. You can have a sitting just before retiring to bed. The mind will be calm at this time.

7. You can have good meditation on Sundays because this is a holiday, and the mind is free. Do vigorous meditation on Sundays. You can have good meditation when you live on milk and fruits alone or when you fast. Use your commonsense always and try to bring out good result in meditation.

(d)WHERE TO CONCENTRATE

8. Concentrate gently either on the lotus of the heart (Anahata Chakra) or at the space between the two eyebrows (Trikuti). Close your eyes.

9. The seat of mind is Ajna Chakra at Trikuti. The mind can be easily controlled if you concentrate on Trikuti. Bhaktas should concentrate on the heart. Yogins and Vedantins should concentrate at Ajna Chakra.

10. Crown of the head (Sahasrara) is another seat for concentration. Some Vedantins concentrate here. Some Yogins concentrate at the tip of the nose (Nasikagra Drishti). Stick to one centre in concentration. Cling to it tenaciously. If you concentrate on heart, stick to it. Never change it. Guru will select the centre for concentration, if you are a student of faith. If you are a man of self-reliance, you can select it for yourself.

(e)YOGIC DIET11. Take Mitahara, Sattvic diet. Overloading the stomach with rice, vegetables, Dhal and bread brings sleep and interferes with Sadhana. A glutton or a sensualist, a dullard or a lazy man cannot practice meditation. A diet on milk renders the body very, very light. You can sit on one Asana for hours together with ease and comfort. If you feel weak, you can take for a day or two a little rice and milk or barley and milk or any light diet. Those who are in the field of service and who do platform lectures and other intense spiritual propagandic activities need solid, substantial food.

(f)ASANA12. Asana steadies the body; Bandhas and Mudras make the mind firm; Pranayama makes the body light; Nadi-suddhi produces steadiness of the mind. Having acquired these qualifications you will have to fix the mind on Brahman. Then only meditation will go on steadily with ease and happiness. For meditation, concentration and Japa, Padmasana or Siddhasana is prescribed. For general health and keeping up of Brahmacharya, Sirshasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Paschimottanasana are good.

Auxiliaries of Meditation: Essential Supports for a Deeper Practice

Auxiliaries of Meditation are the supportive disciplines and habits that help seekers prepare the body, mind, and heart for successful meditation. While meditation is the central practice, its effectiveness greatly depends on a balanced lifestyle, ethical conduct, self-discipline, and sincere devotion. Ancient yogic masters taught that a calm mind does not arise instantly but develops through consistent preparation and right living. By following these supportive practices, individuals can meditate with greater concentration, peace, and spiritual awareness. Devotional India encourages readers to understand these valuable principles and include them in their daily routine.

Understanding Auxiliaries of Meditation begins with ethical living. Truthfulness, compassion, humility, self-control, and non-violence create mental purity and reduce inner conflict. A person who lives honestly and kindly naturally experiences fewer disturbances during meditation. Ethical conduct also strengthens relationships and promotes emotional stability, allowing the mind to remain calm and focused. These virtues form the strong foundation upon which deeper meditation is built.

One of the most important Auxiliaries of Meditation is maintaining a regular daily routine. Meditating at the same time and in the same quiet place each day helps train the mind to become peaceful more quickly. A clean environment, comfortable posture, and steady breathing further support concentration. Consistency gradually transforms meditation into a natural habit, making spiritual practice more effective and enjoyable. Devotional India reminds readers that discipline and regularity are essential for long-term spiritual progress.

Another significant aspect of Auxiliaries of Meditation is pranayama, or conscious breathing. Gentle breathing exercises calm the nervous system, regulate the flow of energy, and prepare the mind for meditation. Slow and mindful breathing reduces restlessness, improves concentration, and creates a sense of inner balance. When practiced correctly, pranayama becomes an excellent preparation for entering a deeper meditative state.

The teachings on Auxiliaries of Meditation also emphasize the importance of a pure diet and healthy lifestyle. Eating nutritious and balanced food, getting sufficient rest, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits contribute to physical and mental well-being. A healthy body supports a steady mind, making meditation more comfortable and effective. Positive thinking, gratitude, and emotional balance further strengthen the ability to meditate with clarity and devotion. Devotional India highlights that caring for the body and mind is an important part of spiritual practice.

Developing Auxiliaries of Meditation requires patience and sincere effort. Reading sacred scriptures, chanting the Divine Name, maintaining a spiritual diary, and keeping the company of spiritually minded people inspire faith and strengthen determination. These practices help remove distractions while nurturing devotion and wisdom. Every supportive habit gradually prepares the seeker for deeper meditation and lasting inner peace.

Ancient sages consistently taught that Auxiliaries of Meditation are not separate from meditation but are valuable companions that make the practice more fruitful. A disciplined life, ethical conduct, selfless service, prayer, and devotion purify the heart and quiet the mind, allowing meditation to unfold naturally. As these qualities grow, the seeker experiences greater self-awareness, spiritual insight, and harmony. Devotional India continues to preserve these timeless teachings to inspire seekers toward meditation, self-realization, and enduring spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, Auxiliaries of Meditation provide the essential support needed for meaningful and consistent spiritual practice. Through ethical living, regular meditation, pranayama, healthy habits, devotion, and self-discipline, individuals gradually cultivate inner peace, concentration, and divine awareness. Every supportive practice becomes a step toward deeper meditation and spiritual realization. Devotional India encourages every seeker to embrace Auxiliaries of Meditation with dedication, discovering the timeless path to wisdom, serenity, and eternal spiritual joy.