Practice of Meditation

Practice of Meditation

by Swami Sivananda

Meditation is the only royal road to the attainment of salvation or Moksha. Meditation kills all pains, sufferings, the three kinds of Taapas (fevers) and the five Kleshas (sorrows). Meditation gives the vision of unity. Meditation produces sense of oneness. Meditation is an aeroplane that helps the aspirant to soar high in the realms of eternal bliss and everlasting peace. It is a mysterious ladder that connects earth and heaven and takes the aspirant to the immortal abode of Brahman.

Meditation is the continuous flow of one thought of God or Atman, like the continuous flow of oil from one vessel to another (Tailadharavat). Meditation follows Concentration.

Practise meditation in the early morning from 4 to 6 (Brahma-Muhurta). This is the best time for the practice of meditation.

Sit on Padma or Siddha or Sukha Asana. Keep the head, neck and the trunk in a straight line. Concentrate either on the Trikuti-the space between the two eyebrows-or in the heart, with closed eyes.

Meditation is of two kinds, viz., Saguna Dhyana (concrete meditation) and Nirguna Dhyana (abstract meditation). In concrete meditation the Yogi student meditates on the form of Sri Krishna, Rama, Sita, Vishnu, Siva, Gayatri or Devi. In abstract meditation, he meditates on his own Self or Atman.

Place the picture of Lord Hari with Chaturbhuja in front of you. Gaze at this picture steadily for five minutes, then close the eyes and visualise the picture. During visualisation move the mind on the various parts of Vishnu. See with the mind His feet first, then in the following order: His legs, His yellow silk cloth, His golden necklace set with Kaustubha gem on the breast, the earring Makara Kundala, then the face, then the crown on the head, then the disc in the right upper hand, then the conch in the left upper hand, then the mace in the lower right hand, then the lotus in the lower left hand. Then come down to the feet and repeat the process again and again. Finally fix the mind either at the feet or the face. Repeat the Mantra mentally: “Hari Om” or “Om Namo Narayanaya”. Think of the attributes of the Lord such as Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Purity, etc.

Meditate on Om and its meaning with feeling. This is Nirguna Dhyana. Repeat Om mentally. Identify yourself with Atman. Feel, “I am the all-pervading immortal Self or Atman. I am Sat-Chit-Ananda Brahman. I am Sakshi or silent witness of three states and all modifications of the mind. I am pure consciousness. I am distinct from the body, mind, Prana and senses. I am the self-luminous Light of lights. I am the Eternal Supreme Soul.

If you have contentment, cheerfulness, patience, unruffled state of mind, sweet voice, one-pointedness of mind, light body, fearlessness, desirelessness, disgust for worldly things, know that you are advancing in the spiritual path and that you are nearing God.

Be regular in your meditation. Regularity is the key to success. Regularity is of paramount importance. May you all be established in Samadhi (superconscious state of bliss) through regular meditation!

Practice of Meditation: A Path to Inner Peace and Self-Realization

Practice of Meditation is one of the most effective spiritual disciplines for calming the mind, developing self-awareness, and experiencing lasting inner peace. For thousands of years, meditation has been an essential part of yoga and spiritual traditions, helping seekers discover their true nature beyond the distractions of everyday life. Through regular practice, individuals gradually strengthen concentration, reduce mental restlessness, and cultivate wisdom, compassion, and emotional balance. Meditation is not about escaping the world but about learning to live with greater awareness and harmony. Devotional India encourages readers to embrace meditation as a daily habit that nurtures both personal well-being and spiritual growth.

Understanding Practice of Meditation begins with recognizing the importance of stillness. The human mind is constantly occupied with thoughts, emotions, and external distractions, making it difficult to experience lasting peace. Meditation gently trains the mind to become calm by focusing attention on the breath, a sacred mantra, or the awareness of the present moment. As concentration improves, unnecessary thoughts gradually lose their influence, allowing the practitioner to experience greater clarity and inner silence.

One of the greatest benefits of Practice of Meditation is improved mental and emotional well-being. Regular meditation helps reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional tension by calming the nervous system and encouraging mindful awareness. As the mind becomes more balanced, individuals develop greater patience, confidence, and resilience when facing life’s challenges. Meditation also improves concentration and decision-making, making it easier to perform daily responsibilities with clarity and purpose. Devotional India reminds readers that a peaceful mind is the foundation of a joyful and meaningful life.

Another important aspect of Practice of Meditation is its role in spiritual development. Meditation allows seekers to turn inward and discover the deeper dimensions of their own consciousness. Instead of identifying only with the body and mind, practitioners gradually become aware of their inner spiritual nature. This awareness nurtures humility, gratitude, compassion, and devotion while reducing attachment, fear, and ego. As meditation becomes a regular habit, spiritual understanding naturally deepens.

The Practice of Meditation also emphasizes discipline and consistency. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can create meaningful positive changes over time. A quiet environment, comfortable posture, and regular schedule help establish a steady practice. Beginners should avoid expecting immediate results and instead approach meditation with patience and sincerity. Every session contributes to gradual inner transformation, regardless of whether dramatic experiences occur. Devotional India highlights that sincere and consistent practice is far more valuable than occasional long meditation sessions.

Developing Practice of Meditation requires faith, perseverance, and self-reflection. Reading sacred scriptures, practicing pranayama, maintaining ethical conduct, and engaging in selfless service all strengthen the benefits of meditation. Honest self-examination helps practitioners recognize negative habits while encouraging qualities such as forgiveness, kindness, and emotional balance. Over time, meditation becomes more than a daily exercise—it becomes a natural way of living with awareness and peace.

Ancient sages and yogic masters have always explained that Practice of Meditation is the gateway to self-realization and lasting spiritual wisdom. They taught that when the mind becomes still, the light of the inner Self shines naturally. As distractions fade, seekers experience a deeper connection with the Divine and discover that true happiness exists within. Meditation transforms not only individual consciousness but also relationships, actions, and daily life through the cultivation of love and understanding. Devotional India continues to preserve these timeless teachings to inspire seekers toward a life of harmony, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, Practice of Meditation is a powerful spiritual discipline that nurtures mental clarity, emotional balance, and inner awakening. Through regular meditation, mindful breathing, ethical living, and sincere devotion, individuals gradually realize their true spiritual nature and experience lasting peace. Every moment spent in silent awareness becomes a step toward self-realization and divine grace. Devotional India encourages every seeker to embrace Practice of Meditation as a lifelong journey that leads to wisdom, compassion, eternal happiness, and spiritual freedom.