Developing Concentration Through Meditation

Meditative energy and concentrated thought is what gives power to rituals and the performance of magic. The key to successfully manifesting positive outcomes from all your feng shui rituals lies in the ability to relax, to quiet the mind and to still the passages of thoughts until you are able to imbue all your practices with precise and powerful concentration. It is then when you can achieve maximum positive results.

In the early stages of your practices, keep things simple and proceed slowly with techniques that you understand and can relate to, and with benefits you can genuinely experience. Breathing mediations are ideal for calming the mind and developing the experience of insight. These are essential ingredients for successfully developing concentration.

THE SEVEN GUIDES TO POSTURE IN MEDITATION

1. LEGS:

The full lotus position with the feet placed sole upwards on the thigh of the other leg, is recommended. This is the preferred posture of many practising yogis or people capable of performing real magical feats produced by the mind’s power. You can also however meditate sitting cross-legged, with both feet on the floor. Placing a firm cushion under the buttocks will help to keep your back straight and reduce the “pins and needles” effect.

If even this posture is difficult for you, you can sit on a straight- backed chair with both feet planted firmly on the floor. You will find it you examine old pictures of the Egyptians that they are shown seated in this way.

And if even this difficult, try lying down with your back straight and your hands by your sides. This position is also acceptable. The only drawback of such a position is that you will find yourself falling asleep! When assessing posture, always be comfortable. You cannot get into s state of relaxation when your physical body is uncomfortable.

2. ARMS:

Shoulders and arms should be relaxed. This improves circulation and helps to keep you awake. As for your hands, either rest them lightly on your knees, palm downwards, or hold them loosely on your lap with your fingers aligned.

3. BACK:

The back must be straight, held relaxed but upright. It is when the back is straight that energy can easily flow through. A straight back is also conducive to longer periods of meditation. It is only when have succeeded in staying comfortably upright that you can really feel your mind relaxing and focusing more clearly. So make the effort to get it correct before proceeding.

4. EYES:

Keep your eyes lightly closed and cast downward. This enables you to shut out distraction. But, it is not advisable to keep your eyes too tightly closed. It is said that closing the eyes causes drowsiness, but you should do whatever makes you comfortable.

5. MOUTH:

Your entire mouth and jaw should be relaxed and comfortable. Teeth are kept slightly apart, with lips kept lightly together.

6. TONGUE:

The tongue should be slightly touching the upper palate behind the teeth. This will stop the saliva from flowing and enables you to concentrate for longer periods.

7. HEAD:

This should be naturally balanced. Do not tilt the head too far forward or backward. Hold it in such a position that your gaze can be directed naturally toward the floor in front of you. When the head position is held too high or too low, wandering thoughts can hinder concentration.

Advertisements

THE TECHNIQUES OF MEDITATION

The simple meditation techniques that are recommended for beginners who are using it to enhance their feng shui practice is the white light meditation.

With this method, the idea is to practise focusing the mind.

THE WHITE LIGHT MEDITATION

This is a single-pointed concentration method, which achieves wonderful side-benefits. To start with, white light represents the highest form of purity. It also has a wonderfully uplifting effect and makes you feel rejuvenated.

To do this, tune the mind into the presence of a brilliant white light hovering just at the edge of your consciousness. If you have difficulty picturing the white light, look directly at a bright light bulb for a few seconds before lightly closing your eyes. The image of the white light will be right before you, and you will find little difficulty then in thinking of the white light. White light meditation is something you can eventually expand into other more advanced forms of visualization.

When you first focus on the white light, you will find it relatively easy to gently disallow other thoughts from filtering through. Breathe normally. Do not hold your breath. Sit comfortably. If you like, you can say gently under your breath, “I am relaxed.” The mind responds by obeying your thoughts. Stay focused on the white light; gently push away any thoughts that wander into your head. Just stay relaxed and let feelings of well-being seep through.