Meditation

It's a common notion that "I exist because I think", but we need to understand that the cause of our misery is our thoughts, our defense mechanisms and egos, and meditation is the answer. The mind is strong and mighty, travels faster than sound and is an accumulation of tendencies of innumerable births which tries to gain dominance over the soul. With this background, in the present day lifestyle exploring the true self is almost unattainable. Yoga and meditation, leading to the path of self realization is the only solution that can help to exterminate illness.

The concept that needs to be understood is that the individual consciousness (jiva) falls victim to the desires, wishes, fears, doubts, convictions, pattern formations and drives which in turn lead to disturbance in the psychic energy and gives rise to suffering and disorders. We all have a tendency to gravitate towards external things, identify with them and try to find happiness through them.

Through yoga, we can rein this tendency in. The systematic practice of yoga teaches us how to turn inward and become aware of our true nature. Meditation is the yogic technique that enables us to experience the "self". This was described in the yoga sutra as a meditative program to fulfill our consciousness.

The three stages of consciousness are:

1. Emergence of consciousness
2. Enlargement of consciousness
3. Merging of consciousness with cosmic consciousness.

Meditation helps in relaxation and uplifts a person spiritually. Chanting mantras, meditation, rhythmic movements have a positive effect on our emotions. The parasympathetic system is activated which facilitates relaxation (Aftanas, 2002; Kjaer, 2002).

Scientific evidence suggest that meditation improves the immune response, decreases the response to the sympathetic nervous system (stress), modifies cardiac symptoms, reduces pain sensation and slows the ageing process.

Emotional and spiritual benefits through meditation are far more efficacious and early response is noticed as compared to cognitive restructuring and psychotherapy. It enhances self-esteem and cultivates self dependence (Aftanas, 2002; Infant, 2001; Travis, 2001).

Meditation classes

1. Kundalini based meditation.
2. Chanting yoga meditation.

Requirements- Can be done on the chair, indoors and outdoors, on the underground, on the bus, in the park etc. There is no special clothing. Please bring your own yoga mat for sessions for optimum hygiene.

Length of course- 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week.

Sessions - Are 2hours long which are be one to one sessions. Group sessions can also be booked. Please check with your yogaphysician.

Precaution- Yoga practice has to be learned under a yoga specialist as these exercises if done incorrectly, can cause more harm than good. Hence it is recommended that one chooses a yoga specialist to supervise while learning. Not all yoga teachers are specialist with good understanding of yoga exercises and medical conditions that might cause precipitation of certain conditions and cause injuries.