Meditation III Preparation

Summary from Meditation II

(a) Our usual mental landscape may be negative and chaotic

(b) Meditation may arise from almost anything that makes us happy

(c) Meditation may be done sitting in a classical yoga pose but also on a chair, standing or moving

Preparing for Meditation

Proceed step by step and take as long as you need to prepare yourself (see below) for sitting yoga meditation. 

Sankalpa or Resolve

Sankalpa means "resolve".  It is helpful to make such a resolve when undertaking meditation ( or indeed any practise such as yoga asana or even saying hi to the neighbour every day ).  Again, proceed step by step and decide carefully how long you plan to meditate for, which day(s) and what times of the day.  When you are fairly sure that your resolve is realistic, and is neither too easy nor too hard, write it down on a piece of paper and keep it safe in your diary or jewellery box.  Nothing will happen if you don't keep your promise to yourself !  It is merely a technique to get you established in your practise, however, like all yoga, it should be done seriously, earnestly, sincerely and therefore having made the sankalpa do your utmost not to break it.

You should know by now exactly where you will do your meditation, how long for, and exactly in what pose you will sit or in what chair you will sit.  The exact configuration of blankets, cushions and so forth must be worked out in advance.  This "seat" is called "asana"  ( the same word also means a yoga pose ).  Once it is established, you should use the exact same "seat" configuration every time.  There is a comfort in laying down these patterns and following these small rules that one makes for oneself.  Once you become established in your practise, these small rules and patterns will save you considerable time and prevent the mind from fussing over unnecessary details, since they have already been worked out and established through repetition.

External Preparations

Most of my students in Japan work long hard hours at their jobs and time for yoga and meditation is limited, so feel free to ignore all the suggestions below and just meditate 5 minutes if and when you can !

Meditation Space

Choose a meditation space in your home that is clean, draft-free, warm, comfortable and where you feel happy.

  • Once you have selected a place, do not change it and keep it clean and tidy.
  • Reduce clutter to a minimum and keep this space as you would a "sacred space"
  • Buy a new wool blanket and use it solely for sitting in meditation.
  • Use incense if you wish. 
  • Introduce a fresh flower or plant or other items in the room that please you.
  • Keep the space private and don't allow others there if possible.

Preparing Yourself

  • Remove hard skin and calouses from hands and feet, clean the ears and nose.
  • Carry out Jala Neti
  • Do yoga asanas
  • Wash from head to toe and ensure fingernails and toenails are in good condition.
  • Put on clean and comfortable clothes, ideally made from natural fabrics.
  • Don't be too full or too hungry
  • Don't be too sleepy or tired
  • Do pranayam
  • Prepare your seat ( also called asana )

Suggested Meditation Times and Dates

The time of day best suited to meditation are the turning points, namely, sunrise, sunset, midday and midnight.  Some Masters suggest additional times.  Swami Sivananda suggests waking at 4am and beginning ablutions at that time.

If you are religious there are some additions to the Meditation Space and Meditation Suggestions.  These will follow in future posts.  Regarding meditation dates, you should equip yourself with the calendar for your religion and try to meditate on the most important or "auspicious" days.