Meditation
The journey from movement to stillness, from sound to silence. Discover the beautiful space of inner peace that exists within you.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is the journey from movement to stillness, from sound to silence. Beyond all the chatter and noise in our mind, there is a silent, peaceful, blissful, beautiful space that exists in all of us, a place that is intact and unbroken.
Turning our attention to this silent chamber is meditation. This silence cleanses the mind, giving it a much-needed rest, and makes room for better perceptions and new ways of looking at life and its challenges.
“Meditation is food for the soul. When you are hungry, spontaneously you go to eat something. If you are thirsty, you want to drink some water. In the same way, the soul yearns for meditation and this tendency is in everyone.”— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
We are made of both matter and spirit. Our body is made up of carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, but our consciousness or spirit is made of joy, energy, enthusiasm, peace, happiness, and all these beautiful qualities.
Benefits of Meditation
Physical Benefits
- •Reduces stress and anxiety significantly
- •Improves sleep quality and duration
- •Lowers blood pressure naturally
- •Enhances immune system function
- •Helps control pain and chronic conditions
Mental & Emotional Benefits
- •Improved emotional health and stability
- •Enhanced self-awareness and mindfulness
- •Better focus and attention span
- •Increased feelings of gratitude and joy
- •Reduced symptoms of depression
Scientific Evidence
Reduction in stress hormone cortisol with SKY Breath Meditation
Reduction in pain intensity during meditation practice
Remission rate for depression and anxiety from first session
Three Levels of Knowledge
1. Knowledge through Senses
The five senses bring us knowledge. By looking, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting we gain knowledge through sensory perception. This is the first level of knowledge.
2. Knowledge through Intellect
The knowledge we gain through intellect is superior to that of the senses. We see the sun setting and rising, but through our intellect, we know the sun is neither setting nor rising. Intellectual knowledge is superior to sensory knowledge.
3. Intuitive Knowledge
Even superior to intellectual knowledge is intuitive knowledge. Something in the pit of your stomach tells you. That something comes from deep silence. From that depth, creativity comes and discovery comes.
Meditation opens the door to this third level of intuitive knowledge.
Three Levels of Joy
1. Joy from Senses
When our senses engage in sense objects, our eyes are busy looking at things, and our ears are hearing, then we get some joy. But the capacity to enjoy through our senses goes down. The joy from them has its own limitations.
2. Joy from Creativity
The second level of joy is when you do something creative, discover something, write a poem, or discover some new dishes while cooking. This creative joy is more fulfilling than sensory pleasures.
3. Joy from Within
The third level of joy is one that does not diminish. It does not come from the senses and not from creativity. Knowledge, peace, and joy – these three things come from another level.
Meditation opens us to this third level of joy.
Spiritual Benefits of Meditation
Inner Peace & Contentment
A deep experience of stillness and peace that radiates outward
Heightened Awareness
Increased mindfulness and ability to live in the present moment
Spiritual Awakening
Freedom from old attachments and renewed sense of purpose
Greater Compassion
Increased forgiveness, kindness, and connection to others
Enhanced Creativity
Out-of-the-box thinking and innovative problem-solving abilities
Emotional Balance
Greater resilience and ability to handle stress and uncertainty
Better Relationships
Well-bonded, nurturing, and more fulfilling connections
Sense of Infinity
Connection to timeless energy and deep spiritual bliss
Why Meditate Daily?
While there is no doubt that you will feel the benefits of meditation after just one session, in order to experience an integration of the benefits into daily life, regular practice is necessary. The busier we get, the more important meditation becomes.
“Think of meditation as a form of hygiene - the mental equivalent of brushing your teeth. Once you get into the habit and experience all of the mental clarity, emotional stability, stress reduction, and inner peace that meditation offers, not practicing seems unimaginable!”
The more responsibility you have in life, the more the need for meditation. If you have nothing to do, you may not need meditation so much. The busier you are, the less time you have, the more work you have, the more desires you have, the more ambitions you have – all the more you need to be meditative.
Meditation: The Highest Form of Prayer
“The peak, the most supreme type of prayer is meditation. All powers are hidden within the Self and everything will manifest when you connect to your consciousness. Being silent and knowing that the divine is taking care of everything – that is the best form of prayer.”— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Begin Your Meditation Journey
Meditation not only relieves you of stress and strain, but it also enhances your ability to face challenges. It is food for the soul, an energizer for the mind, and a lifeline for the body.
Start with Just a Few Minutes
Try doing a morning meditation before the day's chaos starts. It only takes a small part of your day, and once you make it a daily routine, meditation will become the best part of your day.
A 10-minute guided meditation is all you need to charge up your batteries in the middle of a hectic day.