Download PDF - Stillness Speaks

THE BODYNo particular physical position is required for this type of meditation,although a number of the meditative poses suggested by Hatha Yoga may beuseful even though they were designed for a different type of sadhana. 97Difficult poses like the full and half-lotus are not recommended unless thebody feels comfortable in them from the beginning. In India where Yogaevolved people have no furniture so sitting cross-legged on the ground issecond nature. But if you experience pain or discomfort because your feetare resting on top of the thighs, it's best to opt for an easy chair or a simplecross-legged position. Except for the attempt to awaken dormant energies inthe body, a practice not recommended for neophytes, the position of the bodyisn't critical. It should be comfortable and the meditator prepared to take ashort vacation. Even prone positions are acceptable if the meditator canavoid falling asleep.ATTITUDEOn the mental level the pose should be kingly or queenly: gracious,upright, poised, noble, and generous. A careful, sensitive, inquiring state ofmind, like a botanist patiently examining a delicate flower, is suggested. Themeditator should think of meditation as an afternoon on the beach, not a shiftin the mines.With the eyes closed, settle in.What's next?Ask for help. Obviously, if you knew who you were you wouldn't bemeditating in the first place, so by sitting you are really saying you don'tknow anything, the most essential ingredient for a successful meditation.Most meditators believe in a higher power, God, a spirit guide, guru figure,the saints, the universe, "guidance," a deity - whatever. Irrespective of theinvocation's form , the Self, all-knowing Consciousness, which hears everythought and feeling, understands the need and will respond appropriately.The Self sneaked the meditation idea into the mind in the first place so themeditator needn't worry. Everything that needs to happen will happen. Themore fervent the prayer, the better - the squeaky wheel gets the grease97 Kundalini sadhana, the awakening of the dormant “electricity of Consciousness” in the body. The style ofmeditation offered here is called is called “transcendental” because it is designed to lift the mind out of thebody.70