ధ్యానం
Meditation is that which gives you deep rest
What is Meditation?
Meditation is the way to take deep rest and be alert and conscious at the same time! It is the skill to calm the mind and get in touch with your inner joy. Meditation is the delicate art of doing nothing and letting go of all efforts to relax in your true nature, which is love, joy, and peace. The practice of meditation gives you deep rest. It is essential to reduce stress levels and maintain mental hygiene.
“Meditation is a journey from sound to silence, from movement to stillness. Meditation is food for the soul.”
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Benefits of Meditation
The benefits of meditation are manifold — a calm mind, focused attention, good concentration, mental clarity, balanced emotions, improved communication, new skills and talents, healing, relaxation, rejuvenation, and even the ability to attract good luck!
Meditation for Beginners
Practicing meditation is as easy as inhaling and exhaling. It does not require you to go to the mountains and shut yourself up. It is a dynamic practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life.
Advanced Meditation Programs
For graduates of beginner programs seeking silent immersive retreats
“This is literally an Annual Maintenance Program (AMP) for the body and the mind. This program is the best vacation to get complete rest and feel relaxed.”
— Sulakshana, CounselorGuided Meditation
It can be hard to get started with meditation on your own if you haven’t learned any technique. Experience effortless meditation guided by the Master.
I want to meditate but...
Common hurdles and gentle wisdom to ease your practice
My mind wanders everywhere. How to meditate?+
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Take a stick and start chasing your mind. See where it goes. Chase, keep chasing and you see your mind is so tired that it will come and fall at your feet. Maharshi Patanjali says to meditate on everything, meditate on elements, on Rishis who are out of craving.
Become effortless. Just know that I am nothing and I don’t want anything. When you sit for Satsang with 100%, the mind naturally sinks into deep inner quiet.
Why do thoughts come and where do they originate from?+
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Where do thoughts come from — the mind or the body? Close your eyes and observe without resisting. That contemplation itself becomes a meditation. Soon you reach the still reservoir within from which thoughts bubble up and dissolve.
How does one improve one’s experience in meditation?+
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
If you are not having deep experiences, serve more. Seva brings merit; merit allows you to go deep into meditation. When you bring relief to others, good vibrations and heartfelt blessings return to stabilize your mind.
What is the distinction between sleep and meditation?+
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
One is horizontal, the other is vertical. In sleep, you are inert and unconscious. In meditation, your body enjoys deep biological rest while consciousness remains radiant, alert, and awake.
Why do old memories bother me when I sit for meditation?+
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
It does not matter! Don’t lose heart. Let them come! Say, “Come, sit with me, ten-year-old or twenty-year-old memories.” The more you resist, the more they persist. Welcoming them causes them to evaporate naturally.
I have no time for yoga and meditation. What can I do?+
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yoga and meditation give you time! Having no time for self-care means you will eventually spend that time at a doctor or hospital. Just 20 minutes of daily practice restores hours of mental clarity and productivity.