What is the difference between Primordial Sound Meditation and breathing
awareness meditations? I consider both of these practices to be classical practices of meditation.
There are two main types of classical meditations, one is breath-based and the
other is mantra-based. For breathing awareness meditation the breath is
the point of focus and for mantra practices a sound utilized silently (usually)
is the point of focus in the meditation. Both of these can be effective
practices, but I personally find that the mantra serves as an anchor helping the
new meditator more easily go within.
What is the difference between Primordial Sound Meditation and guided
meditation? Primordial Sound Meditation is a silent practice
utilizing a mantra and is a classic form of meditation that enhances all aspects
of well-being. Guided meditation is a form of meditation practice where
you work on or enhance specific aspects of healing or manifestation and is an
'interactive' process where you are guided to a place of relaxation with voice
and music.
Primordial Sound Meditation is about going to a place of 'being' whereas in
guided meditation you are led to a place of 'being and doing' at the same time.
I view classic meditation as a daily foundation practice and guided meditation
as an amazing supplement to that practice and particularly helpful for anything
you want to specifically work on. Listeners of my CD say they use it for
chakra work, to help them fall asleep, de-stress, to use while flying, to gain
insight and to support their manifestation process.
What differentiates meditation from relaxation?
In meditation, we slow down to a halt. The body settles down into a state of
deep rest (deeper than sleep or in eyes-closed relaxation). This allows the body
to begin erasing accumulated stress and explains the dramatic health
improvements meditators experience. And yet while the body rests in meditation,
the mind remains alert.
Do I need a teacher to learn to practice a classical meditation?
No, and yes. I have a breathing awareness meditation that you can start with and
of course you can utilize guided meditation to get started. However, to learn a
classical form of meditation it is very difficult to meditate successfully from an article, book or a
two-hour course. Why? It is not because meditation is difficult, but because
meditation is the easiest thing you could ever do! And because it is so simple .
. .we complicate it, and find it impossible to do easily and effortlessly. We
then think "I can't meditate." and we quit. So I believe a course is nearly
essential so that the student can both successfully experience meditation and
get all their
practical questions answered.
How do I know if I'm doing it right?
If you are being effortless and easy with the process and not 'trying to
meditate' then you are meditating correctly. You'll also know you're doing it
right if you notice the effects of meditation in your daily life i.e. you're
happier, more relaxed, less stressed, etc.
But my mind is really active and I can't turn off my thoughts or make it
go blank? Contrary to popular belief, thoughts are actually a part of the
meditation process. Yes, there will be moments of quietude in meditation, but
there will be times when thoughts seem endless. And this is OK. Thoughts in
meditation actually indicate the
successful release of stress.
What are the benefits of meditation?
This is the most difficult question to answer because meditation permeates and
positively affects every aspect of our life from our health, to our general
happiness, to our success and productivity, to our spirituality, to our
intelligence and creativity. In meditation, we get deep rest allowing our bodies
to erase accumulated stress. We also become more centered and at peace. There is
greater ease within and without. Over 600 studies have been published on
Transcendental
Meditation, alone.
Even though meditation should not be considered a cure by itself, research
has shown that it contributes to reducing stress and we know that stress is a
major factor in disease.
What is the best meditation technique?
The best meditation is the one you'll practice! I personally practice and teach
a mantra-based meditation. I teach
Primordial Sound
Meditation, a very complete system of meditation, in Denver and in
Detroit, and I am
available to teach at other locales. And, Chopra
instructors can be found throughout the world.
What exactly is Primordial Sound Meditation? It is a silent, mantra-based meditation technique revived from
ancient India by Dr. Deepak Chopra. In it, students receive a personal mantra
i.e. primordial sound which is calculated according to Vedic mathematics
which determines a specific sound or vibration of the Universe at the time and
place of our birth. Primordial Sound Meditation can be practiced by anyone. It
doesn't require any specific beliefs, postures, or discipline, other than taking
the time to meditate.
What are mantras?
Mantras are sounds that are repeated internally. They act like an anchor and
take us within. The word mantra can be broken down into 'man' for 'mind' and 'tra'
for instrument. So a mantra is an instrument or vehicle for the mind. When
used correctly, these mantras guide the awareness from the level of activity to
the realm of silence.
What are Primordial Sounds?
The mantras used in this meditation are made up of Primordial Sounds - the
basic, most essential sounds of nature. These mantras are personal for each
participant. When we silently repeat Primordial Sounds as part of the mantra, they
help to take our awareness away from the frenzy of daily activity of the mind to
the stillness of our spirit. The effect soothes our entire physiology-mind, body
and soul.
What is the true purpose of meditation? It is to lose the
illusion of separateness and to recognize and experience oneness, peace and
bliss. It is to become enlightened and almost better, lightened.
Shouldn't meditation be free? I understand that the
tuition may be a lot of money for some people, but I personally think it is
worth every
penny and then some. (You can get started for free with my
breathing awareness meditation). And if something is truly free
it often isn't valued as
much. There may be less of a commitment to practice it.. And I think meditation is truly priceless
and I want my students to value it and practice it. As
a 16 year old in 1982 (25 years ago) I paid $150. I consider it the best
investment I've ever made.
If you have a difficult time with the tuition, please call me and I can see what
I can do. My phone is 303.861.2280.
Warning: Meditation can become so natural that it feels like you are
doing nothing. And you are! Doing nothing and yet everything at the same time.
And that is great! I'll conclude with this great advice: "Don't just do
something, sit there." Osho.
Note: If any of you know someone that is in prison - there is a great
book out - actually pertinent to all of us -"We're All Doing Time" with a
forward by the Dali Lama, by Bo Lozoff. Check out the 'Human
Kindness Foundation' for more information.
"Journey into
Meditation: Guided Meditations
for Healing, Insight and Manifestation" CD
by Lisa Guyman
Mystic Waterfall- Chakra healing and balancing meditation.
Inner Wisdom - tapping into your
higher self for insight and guidance.
Life Visualization - Helping you
manifest your desires and harness the law of attraction as discussed in The
Secret.
Order CD by phone
(303) 861-2280 or Call this toll free number: 1-877-396-3348.
