Meditation Guide

Meditation is an aspect of yoga. Specifically, when speaking of Raja Yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga means “8” in Sanskrit, and meditation is the 7th Stage of the “8” Ashtanga stages. Meditation is preceded by Concentration (single pointed focus,) and followed by Samadhi, otherwise known as Self-Realization. Typically in the Western world, we practice a form of Ashtanga yoga. All yoga is “Hatha” yoga, but that is a more lengthy discussion for another time. For right now our focus is meditation. It is critical that we understand meditation as an important element of our yoga practice. Yoga may be practiced completely, doing all stages simultaneously, or by focusing on specific stages at different times. Nevertheless, it is definitely critical to develop the body in stage three — asanas/postures, before trying to sit and meditate for long periods of time. The body will be weak and never cease complaining, which will subsequently cause major mental distractions, and meditation will be hard — if not impossible. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras 1.2 states, “yogah citta vritti nirodhah,” translated as — Yoga is the cessation of “movement” in consciousness, or said differently — Yoga quiets the modulations of the mind. Thus, yoga is a restraint on fluctuations of the in-coming and out-going thought process. Yoga as a science trains the mind and matures our spirituality and being. Finally, use a mudra to help channel energy and activate particular parts of the brain during meditation, thus, “lighting up” or sparking neurons in a manner that is not typical of day-to-day activity. The following mudras are common gestures to use during meditation practice. Remember, yoga is a journey, not a light-hearted, quick trip! What at first seems challenging, or even silly, gets easier over time, and actions become clear with the light of wisdom to lead the way!

Kubera Mudra is known for increasing wealth, or for abundance. However, a word of caution, Kubera mudra increases the “well of your desires.” This is why we must “cleanse” and purify our thoughts first with Yamas and Niyamas. A clear heart, produces pure desires. If negative thoughts produce adverse desires, we may increase challenges in our path through this mudra.