Quote:
Originally Posted by arithhuh  If it helps, that what are the ways in which one can meditate? Practising for how long will help? |
I missed this bit, so I'll try to give you a brief introduction to meditation (although you'll find many reseources on the net). I might be an inconsistent meditator myself, but like many others I've built a wealth of knowledge on the subject over the years.
Although you can go deeply into the subject, the basics couldn't be more straight forward. The most basic form of meditation that I'm aware of, is zazen, which basically means 'sitting'. And that is what you do; you sit and stare at a blank wall for a wee while. Couldn't be simpler. However, it's also one of the most difficult because it's easy to drift off when you have little to focus your attention on.
More commonly, you probably have a picture of a buddhist monk sitting and repeating a mantra, such as 'ahmmmm'. You can use anything for a mantra, and english world if you like: 'Calmmmmmm'. The 'ahmmm' sound is commonly used because of its naturally relaxing qualities. It has been said to be the answer to the ancient zen koan 'what is the sound of one hand clapping?', as it's the natural sound of of air passing an object, and also the natural sound of air passing out of your body.
Alternatively, one of the most common forms of meditation, is to focus on your breath. You can think of this as a mantra if you like.
All of the above techniques have something in common; they focus on something which is present. When you do that, it has the power to take you away from your thoughts that manifest within your ego and instead of wondering what you're going to be doing tomorrow, or about that girl you met last week, you begin to become aware of what is actually happening
right now. You may be very surprised at how rarely you do this!
Don't get me wrong, you'll still have thoughts passing through (very much so in the beginning) and if that happens, just notice them and let them be. Don't get frustrated, just when you notice them, go back to your mantra/breath/whatever and continue. You'll drift off quite a lot, but it's all part of the process and nothing to worry about. Eventually you'll begin to become aware of your thoughts, and when this happens you can see them for what they are (usually worthless) and you let them go. Your job is not to try and succeed in anything here, but merely to be.
It's complicated I know, and I'm going way off, but if any of this helps, then it's cool. Back to basics...
Ten minutes is good to start off with. Slowly work your way up to twenty minutes. Doing that twice a day is enough. If you're keen to do any more at any stage, then it's recommended you find a teacher. However many positive aspects of meditation there is, if you do a lot, then you begin to open doors in your mind that you always intended to keep firmly closed.
Oh, and posture can be important too. I used to discard this, but your posture has an effect on your state of mind. You lie down, you're more likely to feel tired afterwards. You sit straight, back straight, it's an alert posture and will help you focus.