Meditation

The end result of meditation is total awareness - Samadhi. It is the awakening of knowledge and perception which are qualities of the Soul.

There are various meditation techniques incorporating watching the breath, observing the energy flow or concentrating on a particular chakra, or visualizing a mantra with its corresponding color. In some practices two or three of these may be combined, depending upon the experience of the practitioner. For example,  directing the breath to a particular chakra, concentrating there and visualizing a letter and color there.

What we call meditation practice is generally a combination of concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). First we utilize the power of concentration to go inward and then the result is meditation - one-pointedness. The advanced yogi can go at will at any time, any place into deep meditation and samadhi.

In the Arhum Yoga system the main meditation technique is Sohum Practice. The ancient rishis found Sohum practice to be a complete practice utilizing mantra, sound, color, concentration of the mind, chakra visualization and flow of energy - ultimately leading to the awakening of the kundalini, realization of past lives, knowledge of inner anatomy and samadhi.

Various mantras may be used in combination with the breath to travel inward, but Sohum is easily used since it is the actual sound of the breath - “So” for inhalation, “Hum” for exhalation.

For any meditation technique it is necessary to sit with back erect (or lie down in the corpse pose if you have a back problem). You should preferably face North or East. And prepare your body and mind with some deep breathing and relaxation from part to part of body.

THE QUALITIES OF A MEDITATOR
“If one has no attachments, no hates, no desires, cannot feel insulted, feels oneness with all living beings, does not stray from his aim, is not feeling bad in cold, heat, storms, birth or death, is not thinking of the result of his work. He is always living in love and peace and harmony. He thinks of the welfare of others, he is merciful. Nothing can disturb him; he remains in a balanced state even if someone is threatening his life. He is steady and unmoving like the Himalayas. He gives happiness like the moon. He is deep like the ocean. Non-attached like air. His knowledge is complete and pure. This kind of person is able to meditate.”

- Acharya Hemchandraji Maharaj
(11th century)