In yoga the universe is a 'living' Consciousness and bears a relationship (direct and indirect) with every entity. Meditation is not for experiencing some dry void or nothingness or for the mere counting of breaths, but for transcending the present level of consciousness and realising the oneness of the Universal Expression.
In that practice and lifestyle, proper action is important also (as is proper thought). This is called karma yoga in Sanskrit. It means to regulate how you act in the world.
You unlock the real potential of meditation and yoga when you adopt it. This means living yoga; practicing meditation every day. It means applying the wisdom to everyday life and to live a sentient lifestyle, that is, with awareness of the inner meaning of meditation. All aspects of life are affected: how you should eat, how you should sleep, ideation at work, relationship with others and so on. Conscious and skilful living doesn't mean you need to be a superstar to practice such a lifestyle. All you need is sincerity and application of some discipline. Make any adjustments in a systematic way and view changes as positive.
Effort in life is essential to spiritual discipline and one's concern with a healthy, wholesome, functional, and spiritual environment.
Now, the question may arise: is not the effort of meditation a mental occupation? No, it is not, for a mental occupation is concerned with the doer I or ego, with the effort to attain for that ego. But the effort of meditation (divine contemplation) is the effort to dedicate the small ego to the great Ego, so we cannot call it an ordinary desire. Meditation is not a mental propensity, it is the fullest expression of Divine desire or love itself.
--
What
is the science of spirituality (spiritual practice)? The process of transforming animality or latent divinity into the
Supreme Divinity is known as the science of spiritual practice. The spiritual practice which liberates the
aspirant from dullness or animality and expands one's self is spiritual
practice. So, there cannot be any
spiritual practice without a scientific approach to spirituality. Spiritual practice means a practice for
expansion, and this expansion is nothing but a liberation from the bondage of
all sorts of dullness. Irrespective of
caste, creed or religion, one who aspires for spiritual expansion, or does
something concrete, is a spiritual aspirant.
Spirituality and spiritual science in itself is neither a religion nor
an "ism". It is the
fundamental path and psycho-spiritual approach.
- Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ("Tantra and Its Effect
on Society")
If you have come to a point in your meditation where you are past the "trying it out" stage and have decided that you definitely want to make meditation an important and regular part of your life, we would recommend to you the "Helpful Hints" list. These points describe an optimum situation - the most conducive environment in which to cultivate the habit of meditation (sadhana). Of course, it is difficult to achieve them all at any one time, but it is the effort that is important. Many spiritual teachers (acharyas) recommend these points, and for the serious student (sadhaka) this information can be invaluable. Experiment, try to include some of these points in your dally life, according to your situation. Don't "overdo" it so that meditation becomes an unpleasant task; be gentle. But also be dynamic and willing to try new techniques that may help you in your exciting adventure.
1. NO INTERRUPTIONS.
Take the phone off the hook; let your friends and family know that during this time you don't wish to be interrupted. Close the door, close your eyes, and for the time being leave the ordinary world behind. This has tremendous psychological impact. It is very difficult to concentrate, if while you are meditating one part of your mind is listening for the doorbell, or is ready to jump up if the phone rings, or to come out if someone wants to talk. Give yourself completely to the task at hand - let the people around you know that it is very important, and they will learn to respect it too. Establish right away that during this time period you do not wish to be disturbed; make whatever arrangements are necessary (trading child care duties, etc) and you will feel much freer and happier in your meditation.
2. TWICE A DAY.
This is the key. If one sincerely desires to explore the heights and depths of meditation it is important to establish a habit of never missing. Meditation can be likened to a beautiful chain - each day we add delicate links; the overall effect is a strong and useful instrument. But if we miss a meditation we create a situation of a "missing link". In order to make the mind strong try to never miss. Be uncompromising. Even in an emergency situation (late for work, etc.) it is possible to do meditation (five or ten minutes with breakfast later) if one resolves to always do it. Though difficult at first, in the long run it is much easier, because meditation becomes like brushing one's teeth or eating - it is just something one does without thinking about it.
3. SAME TIME OF DAY.
This can be a tremendous aid in establishing point number 2 - though not always possible, it is something to work towards. Experienced meditators find that if they always meditate at, say, 6:00 AM. and 5:30 PM., when that time occurs their mind naturally "leans towards" or "wants to" meditate. Optimum times are usually considered to be around sunrise and around twilight - before beginning the day and after ending the day (before the evening meal). Variations can be made according to time, place, and condition, but it is most helpful to establish regularity in your schedule.
4. EMPTY STOMACH.
One of the quickest ways to establish regularity of meditation is to observe the rule: "no meditation, no meal". In other words, take your breakfast and evening meal ONLY after your meditation. If you are really famished after work, take a glass of juice "to hold you over", but do your meditation before the evening meal. If you have children who expect you to eat with them at 5:30 PM, for example, this may mean doing evening meditation substantially sooner - perhaps at 4:00 PM. After eating, the energies of the body are directed towards the digestive processes at the expense of mental processes - we have all noticed the sluggishness that follows a heavy meal.
5. SAME PLACE.
If you have one room (or part of a room) that you keep just for meditation - keeping it nice, clean, and quiet, maybe with plants, inspirational pictures, a candle - you will find that place becoming very meaningful for you, and as with point number 3 will find that when you go there your mind "leans toward" or "wants to" meditate. Even if you have very little space, try to arrange some corner for your meditation place. Keep it very clean and fresh; try to do your sadhana there all the time, and you will find that the very atmosphere ("vibrations") of your spot inspires you to meditation.
6. ERECT SPINE.
When meditation proceeds properly there is a powerful flow of energy upwards through the spinal column. Slumping or slouching impedes this energy flow, impairs breathing, and diminishes mental alertness. So it is important to sit as straight as possible. A firm surface (rug covered floor as opposed to a bed) is very helpful. Gentle stretching exercises or warm-ups help prepare the body, and some people find that putting a small pillow under their seat alleviates pressure on the knees and induces better posture by slightly elevating the spinal column. Others find it helpful to have a "meditation blanket" or small rug which they use only for meditation or other spiritual practices such as yoga postures (asanas). A balance is called for - we should not fret about our posture while we forget to meditate, but neither should we be lazy - patience and perseverance are essential. With twice daily practice most people are amazed to discover how relaxed and flexible their bodies can become in four to six weeks.