Most calming meditation practices involve focusing on a particular object; your breath, a mantra, a visualization, may be with some related sound / light effects conditions for better induction (even physical sensations within your body and returning to that object) whenever you get distracted or notice your mind starting to wander.
As a matter of fact, there have been numerous studies showing that meditation dramatically reduces, and even reverses disease of all types. You know about Nirvikalpa Samadhi, which is eternal. Other types of Samadhi that are not eternal, that are impermanent with breaks, two names; Anandanugat and Atmikanugat (Asmitanugat). Ananda that glow and Atmika that pure consciousness.
Two types of Samadhi, one is Nirvikalpa, that is eternal, that never breaks and the other is Savikalpa — Savikalpa and Nirvikalpa
Savikalpa means that which breaks, sometimes it comes, sometimes it breaks. Nirvikalpa never to break, eternal. Savikalpa Samadhi is of four types: Vitsaranugat (Vicharanugat), Vitarkanugat, Anandanugat and Atmikanugat (Asmitanugat).
Vitsaranugat (Vicharanugat) ; When the mantra begins to be slow and becomes slower and slower, this is Vitsaranugat (Vicharanugat) Samadhi, first state of Samadhi.
Vitarkanugat is that where the mantra ceases to be a specific thought, it becomes only a rhythm. That is Vitarkanugat.
And when that hum, humming sound is also gone and you are left in that glow, that is Anandanugat (Samadhi), the third (type of Samadhi)
And when that glow is also gone and you are left in a state that the speech can not describe, that is (Samadhi), just 'am'ness, 'is'ness, existence pure.
In this meditation you have experienced all these four types of Savikalpa Samadhi and you have begun to grow by degrees in the Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Two types of experience: one is pure consciousness and the other is bliss consciousness.
The experience of bliss consciousness is Anandanugat Samadhi. And that pure consciousness is said to be Atmikanugat (Asmitanugat) Samadhi. Atmi means 'am', pure consciousness. Atmi and Ananda.
Anandanugat Samadhi, that bliss consciousness. The feeling of that glow and just happiness. Atmikanugat (Asmitanugat), that is Samadhi that got into Atmika state, state of 'am' and hen this Atmikanugat (Asmitanugat) Samadhi becomes uninterrupted, it is not broken up by any state of consciousness, whether wakeful, dreaming or deep sleep.
When the nature of the mind is pure consciousness all the time during all experiences of wakeful state and dreaming state and deep sleep state, then that Samadhi is called Nirvikalpa Samadhi. That is Cosmic Consciousness. The word Nirvikalpa means uninterrupted, continuous, unbreakable, eternal, ever lasting.
It is called Jivan Mukti, life eternal, divine life.' There are many types of Japa Dhyan. There is one type like Brund Pyasa (thirst of a foetus embryo) in which the person's hands are involved in work, the mind and heart, however, is pining for meditation. He is not uneasy, doing his work but simultaneously the urge for Dhyan is present like the thirst for water. Some people experience such an urge for Dhyan and meditation while being engaged in his routine chores."
There is another stage where one cannot help Japa-meditation, when a person does not like to do any work. Not that the thought of his usual work responsibility does not arise in his mind but he does not feel inclined towards it. This thought comes to his mind amidst meditation, but the Sadhak does not have the energy to leave Dhyan for his normal work.
Beside these two situations, there is another, third situation in which the Sadhak is so much absorbed in Dhyan Jap that he is quite oblivious of his worldly responsibilities. There are many definitions of meditation, but at Headspace, it is defined as a formal exercise to cultivate compassion and awareness, with these qualities being seen as the foundation to a healthy and happy life. It is through the practice of the specific techniques listed below that we build stability of mind over time.
Focused attention; This form of meditation is fairly straightforward because it uses the object of our breath to focus attention, to anchor the mind and maintain awareness. Notice your mind starting to wander Simply return to the breath.
Body scan; Often, our body is doing one thing while our mind is elsewhere. This technique is designed to sync body and mind by performing a mental scan, from the top of the head to the end of your toes. Imagine a photocopier light slowly moving over your body, bringing attention to any discomfort, sensations, tensions, or aches that exist.
Noting; Whether you are focusing on the breath or simply sitting in quiet, this technique involves specifically “noting” what’s distracting the mind, to the extent that we are so caught up in a thought or emotion that we’ve lost our awareness of the breath (or whatever the object of focus is). We “note” the thought or feeling to restore awareness, create a bit of space, as a way of letting go, and to learn more about our thought patterns, tendencies, and conditioning.
Visualization; This type of meditation invites you to picture something or someone in your mind, we are essentially replacing the breath with a mental image as the object of focus. It can feel challenging to some, but it’s really no different than vividly recalling the face of an old friend naturally, without effort. And so it is with meditation. By conjuring a specific visualization, we not only get to observe the mind, but we also get to focus on any physical sensations.
Loving kindness; Focusing on the image of different people it doesn’t matter if we know them or not, if we like them or not, is integral to this technique. We direct positive energy and goodwill first to ourselves, and then, as a ripple effect, to others, which helps us let go of unhappy feelings we may be experiencing.
Skillful compassion; Similar to the loving kindness meditation technique, this one involves focusing on a person you know or love and paying attention to the sensations arising from the heart. By opening our hearts and minds for the benefit of other people, we have the opportunity to foster a feeling of happiness in our own mind.
Resting awareness; Rather than focusing on the breath or a visualization, this technique involves letting the mind truly rest; thoughts may enter, but instead of distracting you and pulling you away from the present moment, they simply drift away.
Reflection; This technique invites you to ask yourself a question: perhaps something such as, “What are you most grateful for?” (Note that asking yourself a question using the second person 'you' will discourage the intellectual mind from trying to answer it rationally.) Be aware of the feelings, not the thoughts, that arise when you focus on the question.
Spiritual Awareness Contribution is the right use of energy. Nobody destroys where he has contributed to build. The world is changing every day and no one is going to wait for you in the past. The advantage you have yesterday, will be replaced by the trends of tomorrow. If your thoughts and mindset cannot catch up with time, you will be eliminated.
Authored by Dr Anadi Sahoo
