What is Meditation?
 

Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.

(Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya)

The process of meditation is found, in one form or another, in all of the world’s many religious traditions. All authentic spiritual paths agree that the way to attain true and lasting happiness is to come to a deep and substantial knowledge of oneself and one’s place in the world. The only way to know one’s inner self is by means of the science of meditation.  As the most ancient and systematic spiritual tradition known to humanity, the process of meditation is found in its fullest form in the Yoga Dharma tradition.  

The History

For as long as there have been human beings, there have been people doing what only human beings do best:  Asking philosophical questions.  Such questions include:  

• Who and what am I, really?
• What is life’s ultimate meaning?
• Is this world that I see around me, and which I take to be so real, the only reality there is?
• Or is there something infinitely greater?  

Inevitably, in order to help find the answers to these and similar questions, men and women throughout the ages, and in many spiritual traditions, have turned to the process of meditation.  Meditation, however, is not just for a few special seekers dedicated to unraveling life’s deepest mysteries.  Meditation has a lot to offer everyone.  Maybe even you!

The Benefits

There are many wonderful benefits that you can experience by taking up the practice of regular meditation. These include inner calm and peace of mind; reduction of stress and anxiety; greater control over your own mind and its activities; keener intelligence and sharper concentration; becoming more centered and balanced; discovering who we truly are within; a deepening sense of communion with God; joy and happiness.

How to Meditate

In order to practice meditation, you first have to find a quiet and uncluttered spot to sit.  Such an environment contributes to a quiet and uncluttered mind.  Once there, sit in a comfortable, yet alert, position.  Have your back and spine straight, but not strained.  Don’t slouch or recline, or else you might fall asleep – and the goal of meditation is not to sleep, but to be very much awake! 

As you sit in your comfortable position, try to put aside all negative thoughts and anxieties that may be bothering you at the moment.  Allow your thoughts to be on hold for just a little while.  Tell yourself that you can always come back to them later.  Listen with relaxed, yet keen and alert, attentiveness to the rhythm of your own breathing.  Feel, and even hear, the life-giving air as it enters and leaves your lungs.  Concentrate all of your attention on nothing other than the sound and the feeling of your breath.  With every out-going breath, allow the stress and anxiety hidden in your body and mind to just be released.  Allow fears and doubts to simply leave.  With every in-coming breath, imagine the calm and peace of a love-filled universe entering your lungs, and into your very being.  If your mind temporarily wanders away - and it will! - then just gently and patiently bring it back to its task of focusing only on the breath. 

Mantra Meditation

There are many different techniques of meditation. Of all the various forms, however, the most popular, effective and easiest is known as "Mantra Meditation." This type of meditation uses a mantra, or a transcendental sound vibration, to achieve its goal. The word "mantra" comes to us from the ancient Sanskrit language and is actually composed of two words. "Man" means "the mind," and the word "tra" means "to liberate." A mantra is thus a sacred sound frequency that frees the mind from anxiety and illusion.

The Mantra

The most powerful of mantras that one could use is known as the Tiru-mantra:

Om Namo Narayanaya

Which literally means: "I offer my respects to the Absolute, the Sustainer of all beings." It is said in the Vedic literature (Narayana-Upanishad) that if one recites this mantra sincerely and with devotion, one will achieve peace, fulfillment and self-realization. More, you will also achieve God-consciousness, an immediate awareness of the grace of God in your life.  

Immediately after doing the breath concentration exercise described above, sitting in the same position, with your eyes closed, begin to repeat the mantra, Om Namo Narayanaya, outloud and with devotion.  Focus all of your attentive energy on the sound and the vibration of the mantra, hearing the mantra, and even feeling the soothing vibrations of the mantra in your chest near the heart region.  

A good meditation session lasts for about 20 - 30 minutes per day.  It is explained in the Yoga literature of ancient India, and by great Yoga masters throughout history, that if one can cultivate a daily meditation practice, and perform meditation with sincerity, humility, patience and with devotion, then one will achieve peace, fulfillment, wisdom and direct realization of God's presence in our lives. 

With daily practice of meditation, you will slowly begin to see your stress and anxiety levels begin to reduce.  You will also begin to experience a deep inner peace that will seem very familiar and comforting.  This is because you will be accessing the deepest well of inner peace that is natural to your true self.  The only way to experience this joy of meditation is to try it.  So dive deeply into the reality of your own inner peace.  Meditate!  

Spiritual Guidance

As is always true with any serious path of self-unfoldment, it is important to have experienced and trusted guidance in pursuing self-realization.  In the Yoga tradition, such guidance is provided by the guru, or spiritual teacher.  

The American Institute for Yoga Studies is here to serve you in your spiritual needs.  If you would like further guidance with furthering your meditation experience, and with your spiritual progress, please feel free to contact us.   

About the Author  

Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D. (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) earned both a doctorate and a Masters degree in Languages and Cultures of Asia from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Previously, Dr. Morales earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from Loyola University Chicago.  His fields of expertise include Philosophy of Religion, Hindu Studies, Sanskrit, History of Religion, Comparative Theology, Contemporary South Asian Politics, and the interface between Hinduism and modernity.  Dr. Morales is currently recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on Hindu philosophy and religion, as well as South Asian studies.  In addition to directing his own institute (The Center for the Study of Religion and Civilization), Dr. Morales works in conjunction with several educational institutes and think tanks globally.  Dr. Morales maintains a very demanding schedule consisting of lecturing, consulting and writing.  Dr. Morales has been a guest lecturer at over two dozen major universities throughout the USA, including Cornell, Northwestern, Illinois Institute of Technology, and University of Virginia.  In addition, Dr. Morales has served as a South Asian affairs consultant for such corporations as Ford Motor Company, Lucent Technologies, Goodwin Procter Law Firm, and the Global Health Corporation.  His first book, “Experiencing Truth: The Vedic Way of Knowing God”, is scheduled for publication in 2006.  In addition to his academic duties, Dr. Morales has been a practicing orthodox Hindu for 30 years, and is an ordained Hindu priest.  The practice of Yoga and meditation are of central importance in his life.  His website is www.dharmacentral.com.

"Dr. Frank Morales represents the Sankalpa [the will] of the Hindu people and the cause of Sanatana Dharma. I urge all Hindus everywhere to give him your full support, assistance, and encouragement in his crucial work. He needs and deserves our help."

- Dr. David Frawley (Oct. 14, 2007)

If you would like further information about meditation, or if you would like to help Dr. Morales in his work to share knowledge of Dharma with the world, please contact Dharma Central at (608) 280-8375, or e-mail at info@dharmacentral.com