It is our duty to ourselves if we value peace of mind, freedom from anxieties and fears, a sense of security, feeling of satisfaction, and even enjoyment, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
In spite of being told about the many benefits of meditation, many of us are unable to do it. Not that people don’t try; they do but they are unable to continue because they find it too difficult.
What is the reason when we know that what man has done man can doIJ I found out the reason why I was not being successful. Fortunately, I don’t give up so easily, especially when there is something as tried and tested as meditation.
I started with the most authentic process as described by lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita verses 6.11 to 6.14. I chose my pooja room and used a chowki (flat stool) to sit on. I put a soft piece of mat on it. Having taken my seat on it in padmasan, I tried to control my consciousness and the activities of my senses. I also tried to focus my mind and engage in God consciousness for self-purification. This was a very difficult part. The neck in one straight line, still and erect, looking at the tip of my nose and not looking in different directions was not that difficult. The last part of being of peaceful disposition, fearless and dependent upon God was also not that impossible to do. However, I could not do this for any substantial period. I tried for several days but I was not getting attracted to the process. Therefore, I accepted that this process did not suit me.
Now I was ready to try a much easier process. I chose sukhasan over padmasan — a more difficult asan. I was told by a knowledgeable person about the various mantras I could choose from. These were: “Om”, “Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya”, “Om namah shivaya”, and the Gayatri Mantra. I chose the second one, ie “Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya”. I began chanting this mantra. This was easier and appeared to suit me. However, after struggling for a few days, I knew that this process also did not fit with my nature.
Now I switched to a still easier process, ie of hearing recorded chanting of ‘Om’. This was very nice but again my attempt to continue did not last too long. I also tried imagining the form of my beloved lord Krishna. These attempts continued till, finally, after many trials and errors I found the answer. Where was I going wrongIJ I was not aligning the process of meditation with my nature. We are told of so many different processes but only we can find out what suits us because each one of us is a unique package. The moment we step out of our natures, we struggle, as I did for a long time.
Why are we asked to do meditationIJ Because it is really beneficial for us. Rather it is our duty to ourselves if we value peace of mind, freedom from excessive anxieties and fears, a sense of security, feeling of satisfaction and even enjoyment. These should be enough motivation to keep trying.
I did and found out that shavasana (lying position) suited me the best to start the process. looking at a photo of lord Krishna helped me connect with God. Sometimes I even switch on bhajans.
Please do not wait any longer; get busy to find out what posture suits you; what type of connection with God meets your nature. If you do, I assure you, you will be able to do meditation successfully. Even children will succeed.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com