Meditations 2018 December

These are the practices that were done at the weekly guided meditation sessions during December 2018.

Here are recordings of a guided session with these practices, led by the Warden at Shanti Sadan.

This version has been edited to focus on the practices and it could be followed for our own daily meditation (24 mins).

This is the whole session, including more on the principles behind meditation (39 mins). You may find it helpful to listen to this version at least once.

 

1. Inner preparation

Rest the mind in the thought of the divine presence and power, that wholeness of being which though unseen is ever within and around us, whose nature is peace, purity and perfection. We give our reverent attention to that power and presence. [About one minute.]

 

2. Breathing practice

Breathe slowly, drawing up the in-breath as if from the navel to the point between the eyebrows. With each breath say silently 'I am bliss, I am bliss'. [Five minutes]

 

3. Visualisation 

This visualisation practice is in two stages.

The first stage is to imagine the flame of a candle shining in the region of the heart centre. The flame is still, bright, upward-pointing. Just sit and think of this flame. [Three minutes.]

Imagine that the light is spreading, beyond the heart-centre, spreading slowly to fill our whole body. [Three minutes.]

4. Meditation on a text

OM
PURE, INFINITE, EVER TRANQUIL IS MY SELF.
THROUGH INNER PEACE THIS SELF-KNOWLEDGE IS REVEALED.
OM

Repeat the text silently a few times until the meaning is grasped, then focus the attention on that. If the mind wanders off, firmly and gently bring it back to the text and the meaning. [Six minutes.]
More about meditating on a text

 

5. Closing offering

Extend thoughts of unconditional goodwill to all. [One minute]

 

For more on how to meditate see this section on daily meditation practice.