Observe the breath as it goes in and out, noticing whether it's comfortable or uncomfortable, broad
or narrow, obstructed or free-flowing, fast or slow, short or long, warm or cool. If the breath
doesn't feel comfortable, change it until it does. For instance, if breathing in long and out long
is uncomfortable, try breathing in short and out short. As soon as you find that your breathing
feels comfortable, let this comfortable breath sensation spread to the different parts of the
body.
To begin with, inhale the breath sensation at the base of the skull and let it flow all the way down
the spine. Then, if you are male, let it spread down your right leg to the sole of your foot, to the
ends of your toes, and out into the air. Inhale the breath sensation at the base of the skull again
and let it spread down your spine, down your left leg to the ends of your toes and out into the air.
(If you are female, begin with the left side first, because the male and female nervous systems are
different.)
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Spiritual experience can be attained through meditation. The desired purpose of each meditation
technique is to channel our awareness into a more positive direction by totally transforming one's
state of mind.
To meditate is to turn inwards, to concentrate on the inner self. The entire process of meditation
usually entails the three stages of concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and enlightenment
or absorption (samadhi). The individual preparing to meditate usually starts off by harnessing his
awareness, such as focussing his mind onto a certain object. Once attention gets engaged,
concentration turns into meditation or dhyana. And through continuous meditation, the meditator
merges with the object of concentration, which might either be the present moment or the Divine
Entity.
In some branches of Indian philosopohy, direct perception from the inner self (mana) together with
perception that is filtered through the five senses (pancha indriya) form a part of their valid...
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