We all have this image of Shiva meditating and we wish we could go into this wonderful state. However, the path to reach a meditative state is full of pebbles and sharp stones. Our conscious, subconscious and unconscious thoughts are the thorns, which are in the way.

We all are desirous to go into the practice of meditation immediately. Our idea of meditation is that we will become radiant and will be radiating serenity and tranquility wonderful it would be if could attain this state? OH, to be a Yogi.

The real truth is that we have to do sadhana. We must be sadhaks. Asana and pranayamas are essential. They are used by many of us for health, physical beauty and body building. The actual purpose of asanas and pranayamas is to prepare the body and mind for meditation.

Balanced energies

The practice of asanas and pranayamas is to build the energy at a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. The energies have to be balanced. If it is not so, then sitting in a classical meditative pose is not easy. One experiences cramps and one may even fall asleep. The process of concentration does not happen as the mind and body are rebelling. The nervous system is not able to cope with the influx of energy.

Now one has to understand what is happening within oneself. The heart is the generator, the lungs act as transformers, the nervous system provides the wires. The mind is the main switch, and the glands are the local switches. All the organs in the body play an important role in meditation. Asanas teach one to remain in a comfortable pose, without movement. They relax the body and energize the muscles, and organs.

Dharana Sadhana

Pranayamas provide prana (vital energy) and purify the nervous system. The breath is under one’s control and prana restores the balance in the physical and mental system. The nadis (channels for pranas) are unblocked, the prana is flowing in our system. One is ready for the dharana sadhana. Now one has to dredge the subconscious and unconscious. One may go through many embedded experiences.

Meditation occurs, when one has crossed the barriers of the conscious, subconscious and unconscious. Therefore, without the sadhana of Asanas and pranayamas, one cannot meditate and become a Yogi.

Aim Hrim Klim