What is it?
Sri Swamiji's primary mission is to set people on the path of dhyana, or meditation. The word "dhyana" is often translated to meditation but it is much more than that. Dhyana is when the effort of meditation is successful, and the mind naturally concentrates and focusses one pointedly.
Sri Swamiji’s Dhyaan meditation is presented in the context of the ancient Indian teachings of Sanathana Dharma – which states that each and every soul is equal. It is a not a religion. Rather it is a practice, a way of life, something we do everyday, which in time becomes as natural as eating or breathing.
Sri Swamiji’s teaching of dhyana is absolutlely free. This is done in the attitude of a friend and his teaching is open to people of all faiths, beliefs and races.
Sri Swamiji’s Dhyaan meditation is presented in the context of the ancient Indian teachings of Sanathana Dharma – which states that each and every soul is equal. It is a not a religion. Rather it is a practice, a way of life, something we do everyday, which in time becomes as natural as eating or breathing.
Sri Swamiji’s teaching of dhyana is absolutlely free. This is done in the attitude of a friend and his teaching is open to people of all faiths, beliefs and races.
Sri Swamiji does not teach theory. Although theory guides practice in other types of yoga, in dhyaan, practice unfolds theory. One acquires understanding of the deepest spiritual truths through a commitment to consistent, long term practice of dhyaan.
What to expect during initiation? How do I perform Dhyana?
Simply put - Gently focus on the spot between your eyebrows in silence.
During programs:
For the initiation to take place, you must keep your eyes closed for the full 1 one hour of meditation.
Dhyana is done in inner and outer silence with the eyes closed. Do not open your eyes in this 1 hour span. There should be no attempt at chanting mantras or attempts at visualization.
Sri Swamiji recommends and advises everyone to perform 1 hour of meditation daily after initiation. Beginners can start with 10 minutes and slowly work there way up to one hour.
What to expect during initiation? How do I perform Dhyana?
Simply put - Gently focus on the spot between your eyebrows in silence.
During programs:
- Make yourself comfortable and find a spot where you can meditate for one hour.
- An attendant will come around and place a small dab of vibhuti (sacred ash) that has been blessed by Sri Swamiji at the point between your eyebrows, known as the Brikuti or spiritual eye.
- Place your attention gently at this point and try concentrating at this spot as much as possible in the 1 hour span.
For the initiation to take place, you must keep your eyes closed for the full 1 one hour of meditation.
Dhyana is done in inner and outer silence with the eyes closed. Do not open your eyes in this 1 hour span. There should be no attempt at chanting mantras or attempts at visualization.
Sri Swamiji recommends and advises everyone to perform 1 hour of meditation daily after initiation. Beginners can start with 10 minutes and slowly work there way up to one hour.
Commonly asked Q & A
Q: What happens during dhyana?
In the first 15 minutes your mind will be restless and wandering. Simply bring back your concentration on the spot of the vibhuti. After 30 minutes your body will become restless and uneasy which is normal. Again bring your concentration back to spot of the vibhuti. After the 45 minute mark the mind will focus and dhyana will take place.
With practice, the restless and wandering of the mind will vanish. You body will be steady. You will get into Dhyana faster, be in dhyana longer and deeper.
During dhyana various sights, visions and lights may occur, sounds can be heard, and vibrations can be felt.
Q: Is there a special time to meditate? Is there a special posture one must be in to meditate?
"You can meditate at any time. you can use any posture you like. You can sit on a chair or a bed. You can also sit on the floor. There are no restrictions at all."
"One can use any posture that is most comfortable. It is true that the lotus position is the best, but it is not a must."
Q: What is the significance of initiation by Swamiji and it is necessary for people to have relationship with Swamiji and God?
"It is necessary. You would not be able to achieve what you want without a guru. Trying to do it by yourself is a theory called by the name of aham brahmaysa in Sanskit. The sages Vasishta and Vishwamitra, whose names are mentioned in the Ramayana, were yogis like that. Vishwamitra was a hatha yogi. Both of them tried to practice by themselves without any guidance but they could not achieve anything. So finally they had to perform tapas and then they obtained the vision of Lord Shiva. This is an example of how you need a guru."
Q: Swamiji teaches a very simple meditation. Does Swamiji teach a more complex form of meditation in India?
"Whether he is anything in India or in any other country, Swamiji teaches the same kind of meditation. Swamiji teaches the people exactly the same meditation as he learned from his guru."
Q: Swamiji gives initiation in the attitude of a friend. Is there a further initiation that he gives when he is one's guru?
"All the rest comes in meditation. You just need to practice meditation."
Q: What happens during dhyana?
In the first 15 minutes your mind will be restless and wandering. Simply bring back your concentration on the spot of the vibhuti. After 30 minutes your body will become restless and uneasy which is normal. Again bring your concentration back to spot of the vibhuti. After the 45 minute mark the mind will focus and dhyana will take place.
With practice, the restless and wandering of the mind will vanish. You body will be steady. You will get into Dhyana faster, be in dhyana longer and deeper.
During dhyana various sights, visions and lights may occur, sounds can be heard, and vibrations can be felt.
Q: Is there a special time to meditate? Is there a special posture one must be in to meditate?
"You can meditate at any time. you can use any posture you like. You can sit on a chair or a bed. You can also sit on the floor. There are no restrictions at all."
"One can use any posture that is most comfortable. It is true that the lotus position is the best, but it is not a must."
Q: What is the significance of initiation by Swamiji and it is necessary for people to have relationship with Swamiji and God?
"It is necessary. You would not be able to achieve what you want without a guru. Trying to do it by yourself is a theory called by the name of aham brahmaysa in Sanskit. The sages Vasishta and Vishwamitra, whose names are mentioned in the Ramayana, were yogis like that. Vishwamitra was a hatha yogi. Both of them tried to practice by themselves without any guidance but they could not achieve anything. So finally they had to perform tapas and then they obtained the vision of Lord Shiva. This is an example of how you need a guru."
Q: Swamiji teaches a very simple meditation. Does Swamiji teach a more complex form of meditation in India?
"Whether he is anything in India or in any other country, Swamiji teaches the same kind of meditation. Swamiji teaches the people exactly the same meditation as he learned from his guru."
Q: Swamiji gives initiation in the attitude of a friend. Is there a further initiation that he gives when he is one's guru?
"All the rest comes in meditation. You just need to practice meditation."