Pushkarmuni Abhinandan Granth

Author(s): Devendramuni, A D Batra, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Rajasthankesari Adhyatmayogi Upadhyay Shree Pushkar Muni Abhinandan Granth Prakashan Samiti

Page 1062

"This is Reality. . . . A Fresh Look at Meditation १५६ •
half open, or closed, and gaze or concentrate on some object, a statue, a photograph or an "OM" symbol (a) placed before you.
A fixed posture is very important because the body and mind are inter-related. When the body moves, the mind loses its stillness. This posture helps to harmonize breath, nerves and mind and frees the latter from the bombardment of outer influences.
(3) Relax the body by massaging various parts mentally-the feet, the legs, the knees, the thighs, the back, the abdomen, chest, hands, lower arms, upper arms, shoulders, neck, chin, nose, eyes and forehead.
At this point, the entire body should be completely relaxed. As you grow more skilful at directing Prāna (life force) to all parts of the body, you get a greater sense of integration or unification of body and mind.
(4) After the thought massage, start chanting "OM" aloud. Let the sound of the chanting rise like a fountain. Let the "OM" vibration slowly grow and expand, forming an ever-enveloping atmosphere around you, unfolding themselves into ever-winding ripples. Chant on vigorously, powerfully and sincerely.
Why the "OM" chanting? The Symbol AUM is composed of three syllables, namely the letters A, U, M, and when written has a crescent and dot on its top. The letter A symbolizes the conscious or waking state; the letter U the dream state; and M, the dreamless sleep state of mind and spirit.
The entire symbol of "OM" taken as a whole, together with the crescent and dot, stands for the fourth state of consciousness, Brahman (Ultimate Reality). This is the state of Samadhi which combines the three states of consciousness-waking, dream and dreamless sleep -and transcends them. This is the state of Perfect Bliss when the individual self recognizes its identity with the Brahman (Ultimate Reality).
Chanting has an entrancing effect on the mind. Since "OM" symbolizes Truth or Pure consciousness, "OM" chanting has been used as a part of meditation by spiritual aspirants from Vedic times to the present.
(5) After mastering the technique of chanting aloud, begin chanting "OM" silently. After chanting silently for some time, stop suddenly as if someone has shouted the order 'stop'. This will lead you to the thoughtless state of mind. The order to stop must come within you, however. If this is found difficult, as some meditators do, you can mentally chant louder and louder, and when you have reached the peak, slowly and steadily reduce the tone of this mental roar into a normal mental chanting. Then reduce it still further into a mere mental whisper. This soft inner whisper of "OM" chanting may be allowed to drown and dissolve itself into the Great Silence within.
(6) When you stop mental chanting and, for a split moment, dissolve into the thoughtless state of mind, hold on to that state as long as you can. As soon as the first thought breaks in and disturbs the peace and silence of this thoughtless state of mind, chant "SOHAM" to enable you to retire once again into this perfect silence. This process may be repeated as many as three times during one sitting.
During the process of meditation, many unwanted thoughts may appear on the horizon of your mind. Witness them. Don't try to be hostile to those disturbing and distracting thoughts, but try to be sympathetic and friendly to them and keep mentally chanting "SOHAM" which means I and the Ultimate Reality are one.
Any technique of meditation that works for you is fine. The important thing is to begin and then do it faithfully.
Your reward will be peace of mind, a healthy body and a more congenial world to
live in.
**
Vinter