The question: Am I meditating effectively and getting the maximum benefit from my meditation? is often asked by those beginning meditation but it is also asked by more advanced meditators. When someone asks if they are walking correctly an expert can watch and see how the legs and hips move and give them the answer. Meditation, however, is focused on that which is formless, and it is done inside, so therefore, no one can watch you and give you the answer to this question by observing you. As you meditate with closed eyes and watch the inner spaces that are formless, you can easily get confused as to what you are supposed to be watching and as to what is supposed to be happening in your meditation. You may then question if you are meditating correctly, or at all, and if you are getting the most result from your practice.
For a human being most tasks are done while working with objects, persons or thoughts and by doing the task effectively you achieve the desired result. In meditation you are practicing non-doership. You are observing the one who is knowing the objects, body and thoughts, and you are observing the space in front of your closed eyesâ€"the inner silence. From the perspective of non-doership, the inner watchfulness is opened, through what is called pratyaahaar in Patanjali’s system of Ashtang Yog or The Eight Limbs of Yoga, and then you move into what is called dhaarana, cultivating the power of attentiveness and then the seventh limb or dhyaan, meditation. Meditation is allowing the attention to flow towards the source and it culminates in samaadhi, the eighth limb, which is the complete evenness of the intellect, or the vision of oneness.
If you are not experiencing more ease and peace in your life it is become you are never leaving the waking state except for when you go to sleep. This is not your fault as the very human condition is to live in just three states of consciousness, waking, dreaming and deep sleep. When you begin to turn your attention to the Knower of these three states, through your meditation practice then you begin to open to the fourth state or meditate state. If this has still not come the more practice is essential for it to unfold. If you take up the practice of Ashtang Yog or the Eight limbs of Yoga, you will systematically move into the meditative state by first purifying the body and mind, cultivating easiness in your body through hatha yoga exercises, purifying the nerves channels though praanaayaam or the regulation of your breath. Through this practice your mind will become still and you will more easily be able to bring the attention to the source or your thoughts. Then you can discriminate between what is changing mind and what is the unchanging Self. Through this practice of Vivayk Khyati, or perfect discrimination, you will experience your own peace forever shining inside. Meditation and perfect discrimination, allows one’s attention to flow towards the source and culminates in samaadhi, the complete evenness of the intellectâ€"the vision of oneness!
When the attention moves inward and leaves the gross sense level, you realize that your enjoyment is not coming completely though sensual experiences. You turn your attention to the source of your thoughts and feelings and come to know the source of your Being. You begin to live in the fourth state of consciousness. If you have difficulty doing this in silence, then listening to a CD or mp3 recordings will help lead your attention to the meditative space. This will allow you to meditate more easily and get the benefits of the fourth state of consciousness. Established in the fourth state you can communicate more effectively with others and you become more compassionateâ€"you’ll see everyone as your own Self. You can accept whatever is happening in your life that is beyond your control. You no longer rely solely on worldly experiences for your satisfaction and happiness; you have a well of happiness inside that you are now tuned-in to. That eternal well is completely fulfilling and satisfying you. And you can act with ease and overcome all obstacles in life.
Continue your meditation practice and keep knowing yourself as the Knower. The more you are in touch with You, the Knower, the more you can transform your waking state and live in the fourth state, living your life free from the pain and suffering that is experienced in the waking state. Through Transformation Meditation practice and teaching it to others, you will transform the waking state and live in the vision of oneness filled with joy and peace.
