How often and in what way should I meditate? (Blog)

[Erin Pavlina]

Use this thread to discuss the following entry from Erin Pavlina's blog:

How often and in what way should I meditate?

[Sunsingh]

imo, the most powerful type of meditation is meditating by repeating one of God's many names - Naam Japna. This is because it gives the same benefits of mindfulness, but God's name itself is a powerful mantra. In this age, the mantra for god's name is Waheguru, a.t. Sikh dharm. but any name may be used.

[Akashic_Librarian]

Lovely post Erin

[ethereal]

Just wanted to add a few comments regarding meditation as a way to enlightenment (as contrasted with all the other reasons mentioned in the blog):

Meditation can become an impediment, especially to function in the world, since it becomes held dualistically and becomes compartmentalized, i.e. there is a "me" that is meditating at this certain place and time. The states that arise in meditation are temporary, and once you get up and walk around you snap out of it. It helps to "peek" ahead and see what's out there, but the insights and awareness you get in meditation must be incorporated into your daily life as a beingness in order to derive lasting spiritual benefit from it.

Dr. Hawkins thus advises contemplation as a way of being in the world, almost like a 24/7 meditation. Self-inquiry, being the witness/observer, and surrendering everything as it arises are a few helpful ways of contemplation.

And regarding Japa, it is true that all names may be used and it is the intention behind them that matters, but certain sounds/names have been traditionally used for so long that Divine energy becomes linked up with it and are thus more "powerful". There are also other reasons why certain names are more effective, for reasons unknown (to me). I believe that the traditional "OM" probably has the highest effect, Dr. Hawkins calibrates it at 740.

[JJH]

The most effective "24/7 meditation" is what Eckhart Tolle calls Being Present.

[tc33]

As I continue to read about personal/spiritual growth, I often see meditation being recommended for a variety of reasons. However, the mechanics of meditation are never discussed, leaving me rudderless.

How exactly does one meditate? My rookie approach is to try and silence my mind and then monitor what I'm thinking. This seems to help me connect with my subconscious mind, but surely there must be a more effective approach. Additionally, Erin discusses different methods of meditation. Where can I read about these different methods?

It seems like meditation would have been a topic covered in Spirituality 101, but apparently I was sick the day the lesson was taught.

Thanks

Tom

[Erin Pavlina]

I'm going to put out an audio program on meditation techniques to achieve different goals so I'll be discussing this more in depth at that time.

The kind of meditation you're talking about where you silence your mind and stay in the "now" is great for getting clear, but to achieve communication with spirits you'll have to do something different. It would take too long to explain here, but it will definitely be covered in my audio program.