Meditate4Life

Various Meditation Techniques

There are many variations of the techniques of meditation that you may use. The following is a list of a few of them. Remember while practicing any meditation technique that thoughts are not a problem to you, the meditator. You can just watch them and know they are waves of perception that arise, stay and then pass. The Pure Consciousness is always present and each wave is just a modification of that, just as a wave in the ocean is the same ocean water.

1. Repeat mantra silently to yourself: This basic mantra meditation technique should be practiced always with the awareness that you, the Knower, are repeating the mantra and then bringing your attention to the very Knower that is you.
2. Repeat mantra and watch the pause: Notice the quiet space between each repetition of the mantra, knowing that bliss is forever present in the pause and also at the back of all the thoughts.
3. Repeat mantra while counting: You can either use a set of beads called mala beads and on each repetition move to the next bead (similar to a rosary), or you can count after each repetition until reaching 108. This number is considered a powerful number in yogic philosophy.
4. Repeat the mantra out loud: This technique is referred to as chanting and can assist you in becoming relaxed and focused. It can also enhance the silent meditation which can follow the chanting.
5. Create you own technique: As long as the basic elements are there you can use any object of focus, such as your breath, a candle, or a flower. At some point you can close your eyes and watch. As long as you close your eyes and are in touch with the observer or Knower, the meditation will unfold perfectly, almost by itself. You can just watch the space at the back of your closed eyes.

   Sometimes the mantra will come easily and smoothly. You don’t have to repeat it in the same rhythm as your breath, though it might coordinate on its own. After some time, you may get tired of repeating it. Then you can shorten the words or just continue by watching the space that has unfolded. The mantra is a tool to get you to know the space. Once you are there, experiencing a state of peace or bliss, just enjoy!