In Ayurveda, (the Science of Life), meditation plays a very
important role as a therapy, particularly to aid those suffering from
psychological & emotional issues, and problems related to the nervous
system.
According to Ayurveda, our life is a combination of spirit,
consciousness, ego, intelligence, mind, sense organs & motor organs. As long as these elements are together, with
the soul, we are alive.
Our soul is covered by 5 sheaths called Panchakoshas in
Ayurveda, namely Annamaya Kosha (physical gross body), Pranamaya Kosha (several
types of air), Manamaya Kosha (the mind), Vijnanamaya Kosha (intelligence) and
Anandamaya Kosha (total bliss). Ayurveda
says, in order to remain healthy, it is essential that we keep these koshas or sheaths
clear & pure, without contamination.
Anandamaya Kosha can be kept free from contamination by following the
diet as per our prakruti (constitution), and the diet has to be sattvic (in the
mode of goodness).
Pranamaya Kosha can be kept pure mainly by pranayama or
simply taking deep breaths of fresh air.
There are several techniques of pranayama, one has to be careful to
choose the techniques suitable for one’s constitution, according to the weather
conditions & time of day. For
instance, a Pitta person should refrain from doing Bhastrika and Surya Bedan
pranayama during the summer seasons and in the afternoons, because it will
generate more heat in the body, resulting in problems like high blood pressure,
acidity, headaches etc.
As far as Manamaya Kosha, Vijnanamaya Kosha and Anandamaya
Kosha are concerned, they are part of our subtle body, and to maintain their
purity, meditation is highly recommended in Ayurveda. Ayurveda says that the cause of most health
problems are deep rooted in the Manamaya Kosha which affect the other 4 koshas,
causing acute health problems.
According to Patanjali, “Dhyana Nirvishayam Man” is the
technique or process of meditation which helps us to free our minds from
thinking about any sense objects. Though
the technique of meditation is not that easy, if we incorporate Ayurvedic
principles into it, the meditation becomes simple & enjoyable.
Before discussing how Ayurveda can help make meditation more
enjoyable, let me first mention a few techniques of meditation :
1. Chakra
meditation – one has to sit with the spine erect & eyes closed, then
energise all the Chakras starting from the Mooladhara (base) Chakra, going
upwards towards the Sahasrahar (Crown) Chakra, by doing pranayama.
2.
Mantra
meditation – a particular mantra is chanted, for example the mantra “OM”
for a specific number of times. With
regular practice, one eventually becomes completely absorbed in the mantra.
3.
Thought
meditation – one has to just be an observer & observe the myriad of
thoughts that surface in the mind, without dwelling on these thoughts or
analyzing them. By doing so, gradually
the mind will become more peaceful.
4.
Prana meditation
– one has to do slow & deep breathing, paying attention to the intake of
oxygen, and expelling of carbon dioxide, with so many impurities being removed
from the body. It has a purifying &
peaceful effect.
5.
Dinacharya
Darshanam (scrutinizing one’s own daily activities) – this is to be done
preferably in the evening. One should
recall the activities of the entire day, scrutinize the bad deeds or unpleasant
moments eg. getting angry with someone, then determine the reason for the
incident, and send positive messages to the subconscious mind so that the mind
does not react the same way again in a similar situation. This method is particularly effective for
getting rid of bad habits or other vices.
Now lets look at how Ayurveda can help in meditation :
1. Time of
meditation – in general, 1 ½ hours before sunrise, noon time & sunset
times are recommended for doing meditation.
In particular, according to Ayurveda, there are particular time periods
during the day when a particular dosha is strong in the environment. For eg. Vata is strong in the environment
from 2 am – 6 am, and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
So for Pitta & Kapha people, these timings are quite suitable for
meditating, but it is not suitable for Vata individuals.
2. Diet –
besides observing a specific diet according to one’s prakruti (constitution) and
weather conditions, Ayurveda says that a sattvic diet (fresh vegetables and fruit)
is good for everyone. But Kapha foods
like sweet potatoes are very good for Vata individuals in particular.
3.
Posture –
According to Ayurveda and Yoga, Padmasana (the lotus pose) is the best for
meditation. Because only in Padmasana
the body remains undisturbed even though during meditation the body is buoyed
up.
Conditions to be followed :
1.
Stability :
One has to choose a comfortable position to sit and maintain that posture
throughout the duration of meditation.
2.
Faith and
determination : One has to have strong faith in the technique of
meditation, even though in the beginning the results may not be as per one’s
expectations. One should be determined to
keep on trying and not give up.
3.
Focus : The
mind should be focused and concentrate on the technique.
4.
Regularity and
continuity : Meditation should be done regularly and one has to be consistent.
5.
Fixed time :
Meditation should be done always at the same time.
6. Fixed place
: One should meditate at the same place everytime and the place should be quiet
and clean.
7.
One posture
: The sitting position also should be the same everytime when one does
meditation.
If the above guidelines and conditions are followed,
meditation can be very effective and a truly blissful experience.
