inspiritme
Meditation
the ancient tradition of self-mastery
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." Lieh Tzu
Meditation has been described as a state of "no mind"; a state of pure consciousness with no content. Meditation is the awareness that "I am not the mind"; a moment when no thought stirs and everything is still. In that moment, the mystery of existence is known. In that state we are at peace, free from all worries, free from mental discomfort and truly happy. This state is completely different from "normal" waking consciousness where the mind is a constant traffic of moving thoughts, moving desires, moving memories, moving ambitions. If things go well, the mind is temporarily happy. If things go badly, it immediately becomes unhappy. Such fluctuations arise because the individual consciousness is identified with external circumstances (communicated through the senses), thought forms and emotions. Training in meditation creates an inner space and clarity that can lead to self-awareness and self-mastery of the mind, regardless of external circumstances. It also leads to an enhanced awareness of the relationship between what we think and feel and what we experience in life.In particular, it provokes a situation where we are freed from being at the mercy of uncontrolled thought and emotion, instead being able to observe these without getting caught up in the drama of them.
Links to FREE e-book downloads
- Fundamentals of Meditation Practise. (182 pages)
- Instructions for walking meditation. (2 pages)
- The meditative perspective. (3 pages)
More downloads HERE
Links to videos
More videos HERE
The important thing is the awareness itself. Meditation is that awareness, rather than any particular technique we might use. It is not necessarily about sitting in an advanced yogic posture or chanting mantras in a long-forgotten language. It is not about subscribing to any particular spiritual or religious belief. Indeed, ALL religions have as their central practise some form of orientation to the inner world, through prayer, meditation, contemplation. They might have different ways of describing the meaning of this, what happens, who prayer is directed to, etc.. However, the end result is the same; the entering into an inner space characterised by peace, serenity, support, healing etc..
Meditation is about developing a particular form of awareness. It can be done by sitting in a quiet place and focussing on the breath, or counting the number of steps to walk to the shops, or simply observing what IS at this particular moment. Who Am I? Simple daily activities like vacuuming or washing the dishes can be turned into a meditation. Sometimes, when engaged in an activity that requires intense focus.., the presence of danger.., extremes of exertion.., inspiring beauty or art.., the state may arise; an alert, still presence in the reality of this moment. Many people may well meditate without ever realising that that is what they are doing. The important thing is that the "normal" mind is stilled, awareness is withdrawn from this and a bliss-ful silence takes its place.
While traditional techniques will bring massive benefits and are recommended (See The Immrama Institute "articles and tips" for further information), the advent of modern technologies and developments in the fields of science and psychology have introduced new tools to aid entry to the state of meditation. Not least of all, music is now being produced which is specifically created in order to enhance the development of meditative states. In lots of cases, it can be combined with subliminal hypnotic suggestion and brainwave entrainment devices. While it could be said that the traditional route to enlightenment lay in undertaking a thousand mile journey to a distant monastery in the foothills of the himalayas, the same states can now be pursued with the aid of a music player and a set of headphones. Meditation should never be a forced effort. A forced thing will never make you natural. The mind has a natural capacity to meditate if you give it objects which are appealing to it
Recommended Products
Guided Meditation is a technique of using the imagination, in response to a guided narrative, to create "pathways" from which insight and inspiration can flow. This link offers a free guided meditation download, The Secret Garden, 8 easy meditation techniques and a Rapid Relaxation Tool... all for free.
Three Short Meditations. From the excellent product range of Adam Sargant, each item lasts for 15 minutes; a traditional yogic analysis of the physical self, a Tibetan meditation adapted to contemporary western imagery, and a shamanic technique. These are powerful tools from the work of a hypnotherapist of many years standing. Impressive testimonials.
Inspirit Me Bookshop. We have here assembled what we believe to 5 classic texts on the theme of meditation, by authentic teachers. Reviews follow, while clicking the item will bring more information, reviews and product availability.
The Miracle of Mindfulness. In this beautifully written book, Buddhist monk and Nobel
Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh explains how to acquire the skills of mindfulness. Once we
have these skills, we can slow our lives down and discover how to live in the moment - even simple
acts like washing the dishes or drinking a cup of tea may be transformed into acts of meditation.
Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle anecdotes and practical exercises help us to arrive at greater
self-understanding and peacefulness, whether we are beginners or advanced students. Irrespective of
our particular religious beliefs, we can begin to reap the immense benefits that meditation has been
scientifically proven to offer. We can all learn to experience the miracle of mindfulness for ourselves.
Through The Open Door. Features new teachings on refining alertness to become alive and present;
teaches how to dispel illusions that lead to suffering, spiritual longing, and the need for more
time in life; and discovers liberation beyond the limits of the thinking mind.
Meditation: The First and Last Freedom. In this essential meditation handbook for the 21st century,
Osho turns the traditional notion of meditation practice on its head. Meditation: The First and Last
Freedom shows that meditation is not a spiritual discipline separate from everyday life in the real
world. In essence, it is simply the art of being aware of what is going on inside and around us. As
we acquire the knack, meditation can be our companion wherever we are - at work, at play, or at rest.
Meditation contains practical, step-by-step guides to a wide variety of meditation techniques selected
by and/or created by Osho, including unique "active meditations" which deal with the special tensions
of contemporary life. The book also explores what meditation is and what it isn't - along with
preparation tips, and what kinds of obstacles to expect along the way. Readers will also find
suggestions for choosing the techniques that are most appropriate for their own lifestyles.
The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi. The renowned Indian sage Ramana Maharshi is beloved
by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Taoists alike for the inspirational power of his teachings,
which transcend all religious differences. Here is a collection of Sri Ramana's instructions and
discourses culled from three works: "Who Am I?,"" Spiritual Instructions,"" "and" Maharshi's Gospel.
"These teachings are arranged by topics such as work and renunciation, silence and solitude,
peace and happiness, and the discipline of self-inquiry. Reading this book, presented in
question-and-answer format, evokes the feeling of being with this outstanding teacher at one of
his intimate teaching sessions.
Meditation: A Foundation Course. This is a straightforward practical course of instruction
which is clear and easy to follow. The approach is relevant and contemporary; there is no traditional
religious or eastern content. The exercises in each lesson provide a sound basis for regular practice
and bring about a greater sense of purpose, wellbeing and freedom from anxiety. Clear instructions
and step-by-step tuition. Practical exercises to do in daily life. Barry Long's no-nonsense approach
appeals to wide readership. Successful sales history year after year. How to stop being busy. Step
by step you learn how to still the busy mind and deal with worry. This is a course of concise
lessons with exercises to use at home and at work. It takes you in easy stages from the basics to
the point where you'll be able to practise on your own, knowing exactly what you are doing and why.
The Mind, Body and Spirit become attuned in a state of stillness - freedom from disturbance. This
book puts you on the way to a stiller, more fulfilling life. Learning to meditate is often recognised
as a turning point, when life takes on new meaning and purpose. The simplicity and clarity of this
book has opened the way for many thousands of people worldwide.