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An Integrated Meditation on the Seven Energy Centers
know its several aspects, its best uses, and we learn to channel our energy appropriately.
We now go one step further and incorporate all seven centers in one meditation. Originally, this meditation was practiced out-of-doors on a mountaintop, or on a seashore, or any place from which the meditator could have an unobstructed view of the natural horizon. So, if you have the opportunity to be in the mountains or by the sea, you can follow the example of the ancient seers by meditating outdoors. If you are in the city or indoors, you may use your imagination to visualize a natural environment where there is a clear horizon.
The first step is to sit in the fresh air, someplace where the air is able to move freely. Secondly, begin by practicing prāna yāma breathing: inhale, retain the breath, exhale. (For a description of prāna yāma breathing, see the fifth chapter.) This exercise can be repeated twelve times. The third step in this procedure is to follow this breathing exercise with the mantra hrim.* The sound of hrim, your own inner power, evokes the universal energy. The universe responds to your vibration.
The fourth step is to allow your gaze to rest on the ground right in front of you. Your eyes are half-closed. There is no force or tension; you are simply sitting in a relaxed mood and resting your gaze on the ground directly before you. Now, the fifth step: Slowly lift your gaze to a middle point somewhere between where you are seated and the horizon. You may fix your eyes on some object or simply on a line of direction. Rest at this point of focus
* For a full explanation of the use of hrim, see Chitrabhanu, Realize What You Are: The Fundamentals of Jain Meditation.
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