2,000 Greater & Lesser Mysteries/2,000 Greater and Lesser Mysteries.iso/philos/mys01606.txt

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MEDITATION: AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY FOR THE TANTRIC STUDENT.


Meditation; Observation; Self-Examination. There are many different ways
to mediate or examine oneself, both from an eastern and western point of
view. I'll give a few brief thoughts and suggestions here, but first and
foremost; each Tantric student should practice the form of meditation
that is most comfortable for him/her, whether taken from a didactic
process or generated from within.

However, I can't stress the importance of regular meditation enough for
those who sincerely desire to follow the Tantric path. It will (1)
prepare you for further progress; and (2) make possible some of the
higher rituals and acts prescribed. For instance, the awakening and
ascent of Kundalini is essential for both white (*solo*) and red (*with
partner(s)*) Tantrists. Kundalini sometimes is aroused spontaneously
during lovemaking, but if one does not have some basic understanding of
how to channel this powerful force, such awakening may be brief,
incomplete, or even harmful to the psyche.

NEVER, EVER, EVER!!!! (got that) visit a "healer" or "yogi" who promises
to awaken the Kundalini for you. While the study of Kundalini Yoga can
be quite helpful, a true teacher will simply assist and instruct on how
to awaken the Kundalini energy yourself. If is possible to have someone
else do it for you; however, I have known several people who have sought
this so-called *easy way out* and the results were 100% negative,
including energy imbalances, depression, confusion, and  feeling of
something having gone *haywire*. As with everything on the Tantric path,
the Source is within. Or--if you want something done right, you gotta do
it yourself! ;:

That said, a few thoughts. self-examination is either a form of
meditation or a precursor thereto. In its simplest form,
self-examination consists of deep reflection, as opposed to logical
thinking, about your inner self, your hopes, dreams, desires, your place
in the world, etc. Sit quietly, in a place where you aren't likely to be
disturbed. Say to yourself: Who am I? What do I want? One technique for
self-examination is rather similar to psycho-therapeutic
"free-association." Say to yourself, simply, WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE?
WHY? After each word, allow any association or thought that comes into
your mind to be, to flow. If deeper meanings are there, they will come.
By seeing yourself clearly, uncovering your true nature, you will deepen
your level of understanding and be able to progress.

Another self-examination technique: Should be done nude. Sit in front
of a mirror, close your eyes, and try to still your mind. Gradually open
your eyes and observe your reflection, imagining it is another person.
Who is this person? What is s/he like? If your impression is negative,
relax the face and adjust the breath, and see if any inner change is
felt. Visualize yourself replacing any negative qualities with positive
ones; try to discover the root of any discomfort or anxiety felt while
looking at your own image. Gradually relax the face completely, stare
into your own eyes for a few seconds, then close them, assimilating the
process, allowing the conscious, sub-conscious and un-conscious all to
internalize the initial examination of oneself.

Observation is a form of self-examination. It is usually practiced after
Hatha Yoga, or at times when one becomes *stuck* in an attitude of
mental depression, confusion, or inertia. It is a way of emphasizing the
body/mind connection. Close your eyes, relax, either in Savasana
(*corpse pose--lying, relaxed*) or seated comfortable. Open yourself to
intuitive processes, casting aside intellectual processes for the
moment. Feel, via this intuitive attitude, everything in your body and
your mind. Observe how difficult or easy it is for you to slow the mind;
relax the body. Feel your skin, its warmth/coolness/tingling; feel your
muscles, their tension/fatigue/release, their strength/weakness. Feel
the energy flow as you relax the body, how the body's reactions change.
Feel the mind's restlessness/quietude; the emotions'  ebb/flow. Feel
your heart beat. Feel your pulse. Listen. Assimilate. It has been
suggested that one deep a journal of observation, that one practice
relaxed observation for at least ten minutes daily. Your journal will
serve as a useful tool, pointing out your physical/mental/emotional
strengths and weaknesses. It will also serve as a record of your
progress, as you use your insight to conquer the weaknesses and
emphasize the strengths. It will enable yo to realize consciously, in
everyday life, mental restlessness and negative thoughts, physical
tension and weakness, and to replace them immediately with positive
transmutations. Rather than *uproot* negativity, become an alchemist of
your own body/mind, and *transform* the negativity to mirror-image
positives. Continue, and grow.

MEDITATION. First, one very simple didactic meditation exercise from the
Mahanivrana Tantra:

"The worshipper should engage in meditation, gradually concentrating his
mind on each part of the body of Siva and/or Sakthi, from the feet to
the head, one after another. He can thus acquire such an intense state
of concentration that during his undisturbed meditation, Siva/Sakthi
shall appear in an indivisable, concrete form. In this way the
meditation of the deity in its formal aspect will gradually become
profound and steady." -- Principles of Tantras.

In modern times, even traditional western health practitioners recognize
the benefits of regular meditation, at least on the mental health and
stress-reduction level. Says psychologist Robert Ornstein, a professor
at New York University, "Meditation is a technique for turning down
conscious thought so that more subtle sources of information can be
perceived."

Traditionally, all forms of Eastern meditation have involved either
Yantra (form) or Mantra (sound), or both. Yantra, similar to mandala, is
a physical image which usually has one or more deeper meanings, and
serves as a very useful object of focus. Mandalas may be created
oneself, purchased, or even, provided the level of concentrat ion is
great enough, *seen* within the mind. Choose a Yantra with personal
meaning, such as the Kali Yantra, Hexagram, statue or painting of a
personal deity, etc. Candle flames or the smoke from incense can also be
good focusing points. However, external objects, while valuable, should
not be used exclusively.

Repetition of a mantra traditionally takes three steps: first the mantra
should be repeated aloud for some time; then audibly but very softly;
finally within the mind only. For a Tantric student, AU M MANI PADME HUM
is a good starting point--utilizing the primordial AUM, the power-seed
HUM, and Mani--jewel/male organ, Padme--lotus, female organ. This mantra
has been translated as "The jewel is in the lotus," signifying sexual
union and spiritual union at once. English-language words or phrases are
perfectly acceptable, as are those in other languages which have
specific religious or spiritual meaning to the individual. Chanting the
name/names of one's Isvara, or personal deity, are excellent mantras.
As has been stated previously: "The body is a Yantra; the breath its
Mantra." Many of the Prana techniques are meditative, and when
sufficient progress has been made, meditation on the sound of one's own
breath to the exclusion of all else makes for excellent control and
continuing progress.

No matter which meditative techniques one utilizes, there are five
*universal basics* which beginners should keep in mind: (1) Privacy.
Make sure you won't be disturbed, eliminate as many outer distractions
as possible. (2) Focused attention, including yantra/mantra meditation.
(3) Passive attitude. In other words, let it come, don't aggressively
grab for it. It won't work that way. (4) Comfort: I recommend meditation
be performed in the nude; alternately, wear loose clothing of natural
fabrics. While the Lotus position is my favorite meditative posture, if
this posture causes discomfort, sit cross-legged or lie on your back,
eyes closed. Physical discomfort is bound to distract a neophyte; and
(5) Regular practice!! This fifth, of course, is most important. Make
meditation a daily ritual, practice so regularly that it becomes
ingrained, habitual. Your rewards will be ample. Irregular meditation,
while it may occasionally result in flashes of insight, will most likely
be at best limiting; or even useless.

 The two basic types common to eastern and western philosophies are (1)
those which focus the mind, and (2) those which strive to empty the
mind. Often, the first type must be mastered first in order to lead to
the second. However, it is not necessary to practice both types and some
may find the ability, through natural psychic development or prior
experience, to empty the mind without first focusing it.

 Dr. Lawrence LeShan is a psychotherapist who has studied meditation
intensively, becoming intrigued after reading of Carl Jung's exploration
of the unconscious utilizing eastern techniques. LeShan claims that
there are four paths to meditation. He describes the first two as
"western," the last two as "eastern" methods: (1) The Intellect--using
self-hypnosis to access different levels of awareness; (2) The
Emotions--concentrating on 'feelings' such as love, brotherhood,
courage, etc.  (3) The Body--immersing oneself completely with a
physical art, such as Hatha Yoga, T'ai Chi, or various martial arts; and
(4) Action. The path of action involved applying the 'principles of
meditation' to performing a task. Examples would be Japanese tea
ceremonies, gardening and cultivating herbs/plants, flower arranging,
or Archery such as taught by Zen masters. The path of action may also be
interpreted as *staying in the now;* performing everyday, mundane
activities with concentration and awareness rather than by rote.

Mastery of any form of meditation may take months or years; however
regular practice on a daily basis will probably show positive results
almost immediately--and mastery is not necessary for spiritual progress
or active Tantric practice. If courage and honesty are brought to bear,
it doesn't really matter what form your meditation takes, it will bear
fruit, enabling you to overcome barriers to growth. Meditation is the
most direct path to the experience of non-duality and mystic awareness.
Practice diligently, and great things will come to you.

 Knowing others leads to wisdom;
        Knowing the Self leads to Enlightenment
        Mastering others requires force;
       Mastering the Self calls for true strength.
                            --Lao-Tzu, in Tao Te Ching.

AUM NAMA SIVAYA.