AMERICAN
MEDITATION INSTITUTE
FOR YOGA
SCIENCE
& PHILOSOPHY
A 501(c)3 Non-profit Educational Organization
The
Heart and Science of Yoga™
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Frequently Asked
Questions
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"Constitution
Marsh" oil on panel, ©Jenness Cortez Perlmutter
"Every thought is only a suggestion.
It is not an imperial command. If there is consternation
in the mind, it means that you are dealing with whatever
you are dealing with from the limited perspective of the
ego (ahamkara). And that is not you. Before you allow
yourself to become emotionally involved with certain habitual
thoughts, go deeper within until you reach the thinker
of the thought. Now, from the fullness and contentment
of the Eternal Witness, ask your discriminative faculty
(buddhi) if the thought which is calling your attention
is a preya (ego or sense gratification) or a shreya (that
which leads for your long-term benefit). If the buddhi
tells you it's a preya, honor it and willingly surrender
it back to the Origin from which it has come. Then, re-direct
your attention (love) back to the mantra, and you will
be led for your highest and greatest good."
--- Leonard and Jenness Perlmutter
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WHAT IS MEDITATION?
The root of the word meditation is similar to the root word
for medical or medicate. it implies a sense of attending to
or paying attention to something. In meditation, you pay attention
to dimensions of yourself that are seldom observed or known
- that is, your own deepest, inner levels. meditation involves
an inner attention that is concentrated, quiet and relaxed.
There is nothing strenuous or difficult about creating this
inner attention. There are only two requirements: determination
and sincerity.
WHY SHOULD I MEDITATE?
Meditation does something that nothing else can do. It introduces
you to your Self. For if you don't know who you are, it is
impossible to know anything else. Meditation is one of the
most powerful techniques available to improve mental, emotional
and physical well being.
WHAT HAPPENS IN MEDITATION?
In meditation, you are fully alert, but the mind is not focused
on the external world or events. In the process of meditation,
we ask the mind to let go of it's tendencies to think, analyze,
remember, solve problems, focus on events of the past or on
the expectations of the future. meditation helps the mind
to slow down it's rapid series of thoughts and feelings, and
to replace that mental activity with an inner awareness and
attention. Thus, meditation is not thinking about problems
or analyzing a situation. It is not fantasizing or daydreaming
or merely letting the mind wander aimlessly. Meditation is
not having an internal conversation or argument with yourself
or intensifying the thinking process. Meditation is simply
a quiet, effortless, one-pointed focus of attention and awareness.
In meditation, we try to let go of all the many mental distractions,
preoccupations, and the fleeting thoughts and associations
of our normal waking experience. We do this, not by trying
to make the mind empty, which is impossible, but instead,
by allowing the mind to focus on one subtle element or object.
By giving the mind one internal focus of attention, we help
the mind to cease it's other stressful mental processes, such
as worry, planning, thinking and reasoning.
HOW DO WE BENEFIT FROM MEDITATION?
The skills we gain in meditation, to witness our thoughts
and emotions, can then be employed in all our relationships
through out the day. Instead of always reacting impulsively
to our fears, anger and desires, meditation teaches us how
to observe them and then to transform their energy into thoughts,
words and deeds which raise us to a higher level of happiness
and contentment.
CAN MEDITATION HELP
POST-SURGICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALING?
For individuals recuperating from any kind of surgical procedure
or emotional trauma, meditation is therapeutic from the very
beginning. Meditations helps relax the tension of the gross
and subtle muscles and the autonomic nervous system, and it
provides freedom from mental stress. Individuals who meditate
attain a tranquil mind, and this helps the immune system by
limiting its reaction to worry and anxiety. Even after just
a few days of sincere efforts, meditation will begin to establish
new, healthy, habit patterns. these skills increase individual
will-power and help a person to make positive choices in life
which will lead them for their highest and greatest good.
Sound decisions concerning a beneficial diet, healthy nutrition,
daily exercise, diaphragmatic breathing and lifestyle selection
all become possible when the mind is not distracted by the
call of the senses.
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©Copyright
2008 American Meditation Institute for Yoga Science & Philosophy.
All Rights Reserved
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