It is a powerful tool that invites us to contact our inner Self. The practice of meditation is today very widespread under the name of mindfulness, this is not anything other than what the Vedas already expressed in their writings, although Mindfulness is dissociated itself from the spiritual path represented by the Vedas.

When the surface of a lake is calm, one can see the bottom very clearly. This is impossible when the surface is agitated by the waves. In the same way, when the mind is calm, without thoughts or desires, you can see the “Self”.

We can control mental agitation in two ways: by concentrating the mind either externally or internally. Internally, we focus on the “Self” or consciousness. Externally, we focus on anything other than “the Self” or “I am”.

The ability to focus is on everyone, it is not extraordinary or mysterious. Meditation is not something that a Yogi has to teach us, everyone has the ability to silence thoughts. When the mind is completely concentrated, time passes without us noticing it, as if it did not exist.

All the happiness that is achieved through the mind is temporary and ephemeral, it is limited by nature. To achieve a state of lasting happiness and absolute peace, we must first know how to calm the mind, concentrate and go beyond the mind. By taking mental concentration inwards, towards the Self, we can deepen the experience of perfect concentration. This is the state of Meditation, continued and sustained concentration.

Meditation is an experience that cannot be described, just as colors can not be described to a blind person. All everyday experience is limited by time, space and cause. Our normal awareness and knowledge do not transcend these limits.

The meditative state transcends all these limitations. On a physical level meditation helps to prolong the anabolic processes of growth and repair, and to reduce the catabolic or decay processes. Normally anabolic processes predominate until the age of 18. From 18 to 35 there is a balance between both, and after 35 the catabolic processes predominate. Meditation can significantly reduce catabolic decline.

Every cell of our body is governed by the subconscious instinctive mind. Both have an individual and collective conscience. When the thoughts and desires flow in the body, the cells are activated, the body always obeys the demand of the group. It is scientifically proven that positive thoughts bring positive results to cells. As meditation brings a prolonged positive state to the mind, it rejuvenates the cells of the body and slows down the decay.

Keys to Meditation:

1. Regularity in time, place and practice are very important. Regularity conditions the mind to slow down its activities with a minimum of delay.
2.  The most effective hours to meditate are at sunrise and sunset, when the atmosphere is charged with a special spiritual force. If it is not possible to sit for meditation at these times, choose any time when you are not involved with daily activities, a moment when the mind is able to calm down.
3. Try to have a separate room for meditation. As the meditation is repeated, powerful vibrations will settle in this area, an atmosphere of peace and purity can be felt.
4. When you sit down, look north or east so that you can take advantage of the favorable magnetic vibrations. Sit in a firm, comfortable position, legs crossed, spine and neck straightened without tension.
5. Before you begin, command the mind to be still for a certain period of time. Forget the past, present and future.
6. Regulate your breathing consciously. Begin with five minutes of deep abdominal breathing to bring oxygen to the brain. Then slow down the pace until it becomes unnoticeable.
7.  keep the breathing rhythmic, inhale in three seconds and exhale in three seconds. Regularity of breathing also regulates the flow of prana, the life energy.
8. Do not force the mind to remain calm, as this will be transformed into additional brain waves, preventing meditation. Do not force yourself to control anything.
9. Choose a concentration point where the mind can rest. For people who are of an intellectual nature, this will be the Ajna Chakra, the point between the eyebrows. For more emotional people, Anahata or Heart Chakra is used.
10.  Concentrate on a neutral or elevated object, keeping that image at the point of concentration. If you use a Mantra, repeat-mentally, and coordinate the repetition with the breath. If you do not have a personal Mantra, use So-ham. Although mental repetition is more powerful, the mantra can be repeated audibly if one begins to feel drowsy. Do not continuously change the Mantra. Repetition will lead to pure thought, where the sound vibration meets the mental repetition, without awareness of meaning. Audible repetition progresses and leads to mental repetition.

If you meditate half an hour, every day, you will be able to face life with peace and spiritual strength. Meditation is the most powerful nervous and mental tonic. It opens the door to intuitive knowledge, the mind becomes calm and steady.