Question:
When and why meditation fails to achieve the desired goal?
Answer:
Meditation can not be successful without due preparation. Meditation is the
seventh anga or seventh step in the scheme of eight steps
specified in the Patanjali Yoga-sutras. This means that the true
meditation is just before the highest attainment in Yoga, that is, samadhi.
The first five steps are called bahiranga Yoga (external yoga) and are
preparations for meditation. Without perfecting these, no one can meditate
well. These steps are:
First: Five yama-s (restrain or moral
values): ahimsa (Non-violence), satya (truthfulness), brahmacharya
(continence), asteya (non-covetousness) and aparigraha (non-acceptance
of gifts).
Second: Five niyama-s (rules or
observances): shoucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas
(austerity), swadhyaya (study of the scriptures) and Ishwar-pranidhana
(surrender to God).
Third: Asana or steady posture.
Fourth: Pranayama
or control of breath and practising rhythmic breathing.
Fifth: Pratyahara or withdrawing the senses from their objects.
Sixth: Dharana or
fixing the mind.
Seventh: Dhyana or
meditation.
Eighth: Samadhi or
complete absorption.
Question:
There are different types of yoga. Can I follow anyone which I feel comfortable
with?
Answer:
Yes. Swami Vivekananda has classified all yogas into four yogas—Karma Yoga,
Raja Yoga, Jnana (Gayan) Yoga and Bhakti Yoga.
He has recommended a combination of all the four yogas.
Question: I
used to do meditation. But now when I sit for meditation, I am not able to
concentrate. My mind in always thinking of something else. What shall I do?
Answer: 1. Try
to sit steady without moving any part of the body for about 20 to 30 minutes.
That will go a long way in steadying the mind.
2. Next, gaze steadily at the picture of a holy personality in
meditation posture like Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna or Buddha for about 10 minutes.
3. After this close your eyes and try to visualize the same
picture for 15 to 20 minutes while you remain seated steadily.
4. Avoid activities which dissipate the mind like mindless
watching of T.V. or reading trash
literature.
5. Make a time table of your daily activity and stick to that
routine rigorously. This should also include regular reading of Swami
Vivekananda’s Works.
