Jain Spirit 1999 07 No 01

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 16

on the brain cells and they pick up what is in front of you. That is why the statues in temples are so beautiful and peaceful, with serene faces and sweet smiles. They create an atmosphere of peace, as you should do in choosing your place of meditation.
Time Next, select one special time each day for your meditation. It may be in the morning. in the afternoon or in the evening; it does not matter what time of the day as long as you have time for yourself and no other duties to perform just then so that you will not be disturbed. If you are busy with other things when you meditate, your mind will be loaded or bombarded with all your obligations. So make a peaceful time for yourself. Decide that you are entitled to twenty-four minutes a day just for you. Aren't you entitled to allow yourself one minute of peace each hour of the day? If you feel that it is absolutely impossible for you to find twenty-four minutes in a day, this does not suggest that meditation is not for you, but that meditation is a necessity for you. If our priorities are so arranged that you cannot carve out a brief period each day to come to yourself, your priorities need reordering. If you choose the same time every day to meditate, your body will gradually adjust to this new schedule.
Ilustration: Meditation by Kamal Shah
JAIN MEDITATION - A PRACTICAL GUIDE
FOR BEGINNERS
Posture Now that we have a pleasant place and the right time for meditation; the next thing that we need is a good posture. If you can sit in the lotus pose, that is excellent, but do not feel embarrassed or inadequate if you cannot.
BY CHITRABHANU
Place
You may feel the need to sit in a chair or on the floor with your back against a wall, or you may even try lying down. The two main things to remember in the posture you choose are to have your back straight and to be relaxed and comfortable.
First, find a quiet corner in your house where you can meditate. Make it a plain and simple place with a little fresh air and very little noise. Pick a spot where you feel relaxed and comfortable. To avoid distractions many people just use a simple wall in their meditation spot. Or you may want to place a beautiful picture there, or a graceful vase with a single flower, or another inspiring image. Any arrangement or painting should be symmetrical and peace-giving Modern paintings which are distorted or very stimulating may be good at other times, but not during meditation. The picture reflects
You will notice when someone becomes very angry or passionate, their breath is very rapid and shallow. In depression and emotional disturbances we see quick and jagged breathing. But when you are in meditation or
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Jain Spirit. July - September 1999
Jain Education Interational