Meditations Instructions

Meditations Instructions

Part 2

The Aum Mantra Meditation

(56) "Neither by the practice of Yoga or of Sankhya philosophy, nor by good works, nor by learning, does liberation come; but only through the realization that Atman and Brahman are one -- in no other way.

(62) "A sickness is not cured by saying the word 'medicine' -- you must take the medicine. Liberation does not come by merely saying the word 'Brahman' -- Brahman must be actually experienced.

(63) "Until you allow this apparent universe to dissolve from your consciousness - until you have experienced Brahman - how can you find liberation just by saying the word 'Brahman'? The result is merely a noise.

(70) " ... Thus the wise man riches that highest state, in which consciousness of subject and object is dissolved away and the infinite unitary consciousness alone remains -- and he knows the bliss of Nirvana while still living on earth."

Shankara
Vivekacudamani (The Crest Jewel of Discrimination)

"1.27: The word which express Him is Om.

"1.28: The word must be repeated with meditation upon its meaning.

"1.29: hence comes the knowledge of the Atman and destruction of the obstacles to that knowledge."

Patanjali -- The Yoga Sutras

"Thy soul is a part of the beginning and the end, and thus is one with the Creative Forces or God.

"For even as the incense in the Holy of Holies was not the power of God, but rather the attuning of the finite mind to an infinite expression.

"Ohm-O-H-M-Mmmmm has ever been, is ever a portion of that which raises self to the highest influence and the highest vibrations throughout its whole being that may be experienced. Hold fast to that - as is embodied in the whole sound of H O M E!

"For even as the incense in the Holy of Holies was not the power of God, but rather the attuning of the finite mind to an infinite expression. Man, made to become a companion to the Creator through the purification. - Make the mind one with that which is creative in its essence, in its activity, in its flow."

Edgar Cayce

About Mantras, traditions and religions

Mantras are well known and widely used in various Eastern meditations and practices, including some Yogi and Buddhist meditations. Amongst the most common mantras in Eastern meditations are names of Hindu and other Eastern Gods. Thus, using many Eastern mantras may be appalling, or may be considered idol-worshiping, by many Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Among the Eastern mantras, the 'Aum' mantra is unique, aside from being very well known. The 'Aum' mantra is unique by the fact that it isn't a name of any particular God, it doesn't represent any particular personal God. The 'Aum' mantra represent The One, or the Supreme Self, or the transcendent, infinite, absolute, eternal, pure consciousness, pure existence -- the nameless and formless godhead.

No idol-worshiping can possibly be attached to this symbol of the absolute, infinite, transcendent, nameless and formless godhead. This is so for two main reasons. One is that there is no conflict between this symbol of the absolute infinite godhead and the One God believed by Christians Jews and Muslims. The second reason is that the absolute, infinite godhead is nameless, formless, non-entity, transcendent - it is not matter, not energy, not astral, not an entity - it isn't something being worshiped, it doesn't grant any favors (other than the supreme favor of being the transcendent source of this apparent universe). In other words, the nameless, formless, infinite, absolute godhead isn't an idol, nor is it a God other than The One and only One.

Thus, the 'Aum' mantra is in no conflict with any religion and may be safely practiced even by the most extreme orthodox religious people from any religion. The absolute infinite transcendent doesn't belong to any one particular religion -- though the notion of it is being found in most religions. It may be considered as the element common to all religions, or to most religions. Anyhow, it isn't under ownership of any one particular religion, neither is it conflicting any religion, tradition or spiritual path.

Should anyone be suspicious of possible conflict between The Aum Mantra Meditation and one's faith, tradition or religion -- an absolutely safe alternative meditation, which has much similar effects and results, is The Silence Meditation presented above. The Silence Meditation is definitely in no conflict with any faith, religion, tradition, or spiritual path. The inner silence cannot possibly conflict any faith.

For Buddhist, Taoist and Yogi scholars

Indeed, the notion of the infinite, absolute godhead is not being found in the teaching of Buddhism, yet, it looks like what is called in Buddhism 'The Buddha Nature' is the very same 'thing' which in other traditions is being called 'the Supreme Self', while in Taoism it's being called 'the Tao'. Similarly, what is called in Buddhism 'Satori', or 'attaining The Buddha Nature' is what is called in other traditions 'enlightenment' or 'Self-realization'. Different words and terms refers to one reality.

There is but one Supreme Reality, there cannot possibly be more than one Supreme Reality which is being described and defined as 'The One'. Yet, because this Supreme Reality is beyond words, different traditions describe it differently, in different words and terms, while no verbal description of it can possibly convey it -- not fully, not accurately, not in a way that can make be known. The Supreme Reality can be known only by a direct, experiential realization -- not by hearing or reading about it.

Similarly, there is but one enlightenment - there are no few kinds of enlightenments - for there can possibly be but one supreme attainment. Thus, the use of different terminology is only the way words are being used by different people, in different cultures and traditions, at different times and places - not an indication of a different reality - not in the case of enlightenment. When the word 'enlightenment' refers to education - this is an altogether different use of this word - this use of the word is not referring to the supreme attainment meant here.

The fact that some people call a temporal glimpse into the Supreme Reality 'enlightenment' is an erroneous use of the word which refers to the supreme attainment -- which is permanent, eternal. Upon attaining actual and full enlightenment -- there is no falling back. When there is an experience, or a realization, which changes -- it isn't enlightenment, not full enlightenment.

Thus, though in Buddhism the Buddha nature isn't being described as infinite absolute, it is what is being called elsewhere the Supreme Self. Anyhow, chanting 'Aum' seems to be in no conflict with Buddhism, as it is in no conflict with any other faith, tradition, religion and path.

Preface

The Aum Mantra Meditation, along The Silence Meditation, are the Jewel-Crest of all spiritual practices. Specifying all their benefits will take many pages.

In brief: they are the most effective and direct means to connect the unbounded ocean of truth and wisdom lying inside the silent chambers of our hearts. They are great aids in connecting our Higher Self and, ultimately, our Supreme Self.

This meditation is relaxing and have numerous beneficial effects on our body and mind, health, consciousness, clarity of thinking, energy level, developing our intuition, widening our perspective and expanding our boundaries.

The Aum Mantra Meditation may serve as a springboard to all other spiritual practices and exercises. It is very natural, very easy to practice. It is not conflicting with any teaching, tradition, dogma or religion.

Connecting the Supreme Self, or the ocean of inner silence, gives momentum to all our actions, facilitates and speeds up attaining all goals.

Ultimately, The Aum Mantra Meditation is a great aid in attaining Self-realization, or enlightenment -- upon aspiring this supreme attainment.

Concerning the possible attainment of enlightenment, or Self-realization - please bear in mind - it isn't the meditation which may enlighten you - it is you who may attain unity with the Supreme Self, or glimpse at It.

The Supreme Self is absolute, infinite, transcendent -- it is who you ultimately are. It is the source of all-that-is, yet, it doesn't act in any way. Thus, both willing, or intending -- and acting upon connecting the Supreme Self are yours to do, to act upon. Whether connection with the Supreme Self will be made or not, the nature, or degree, of this connection, when will it happen and for how long it will last -- all are up to you. The Supreme Self is there, inside you as well as outside you -- it is eternally there, existing motionlessly, in absolute silence, ever existing, ever conscious, ever observing. Connecting it or not are up to you - it doesn't do anything about the connection - it doesn't do anything at all - it only exist, conscious, eternal.

Foreword

It is recommended to begin meditation with a breathing exercise (Pranayama). You may choose the The Simple Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) presented above, or any other breathing exercise you are familiar with and comfortable with.

It is recommended to pray or ask whatever one may want to attain in life at the beginning of every meditation. One may add asking for protection and shielding, in meditation and outside of it.

It is very good to intend. Allow yourself few seconds to bring to your mind your intentions in this meditation and in life. Bring to your mind your highest ideal(s) or inspiration(s) or aspiration(s). Intending is a great aid in itself, even outside meditation -- it helps opening energy channels to and from the aimed goal.

At times, if you may feel very tired, moody, tensed, agitated, low energies, irritated, impatient, drained out, spaced out, disconnected, the mind is not clear, etc -- it is recommended to elevate your feeling, mood or energies by the Body-Feeling Meditation described above.

If you may feel too impatient or moody to practice The Aum Mantra Meditation, it may be good to calm down and get stabilized by practicing the Body-Feeling Meditation for a while. After getting better, or getting stabilized, one may resume practicing The Aum Mantra Meditation. That is, you can start with the Body-Feeling Meditation until you calm down or get stabilized, and then switch to The Aum Mantra Meditation in the same sitting. At other times, when you may not calm down enough during the whole sitting, all the exercise will be the Body-Feeling Meditation. It may take a while to calm down, or get stabilized - a period of time - it's OK, there is no point in forcing anything.

Regularity in practice is highly recommended, though it's better to practice irregularly than not at all. The best will be twice a day, morning and evening, for between 10 to 40 minutes each time. It's better to determine the time beforehand, not to stop meditation because of any feelings or thoughts that may arise during meditation. Marking the time with an alarm clock may be jolting at times, so it's best to peep at your watch when you think it may be time.

It is not recommended to meditate on one's own for more than 3 times a day and for longer than an hour each time, or for longer than two hours a day altogether. If ever you may feel getting disconnected from practical avenues of life, if you may feel spaced out, it is a good practice to cut down the time of practicing The Aum Mantra Meditation to no more than twice a day, no more than 20 minutes each time. If after cutting down meditation time you may still feel disconnected or spaced out, it is better still to switch from practicing The Aum Mantra Meditation to practicing The Body-Feeling Meditation instead. It is not recommended to stop meditating altogether.

Please bear in mind, our viewpoint is that meditation is an aid to our life -- we meditate in order to improve our life, we do not live in order to meditate. Even when one aspires Self-realization, meditation is only a tool, not an aim in itself -- it is a means, not the goal. It is not any meditation which will make one Self-realized, it is the individual who may do it, out of free choice and self-endeavor.

When short in time, even 3 or 5 minute is better than nothing. If necessary, better in a park, your parked car, or any other public place than not at all.

Better not to meditate on a full stomach. Better to take shower before, rather than after meditation. In spite of those recommendations, better to meditate anyhow than to skip meditation because one is with full stomach etc. If you are very hungry, you may eat something light before meditating, a fruit or so -- just to break the hunger.

It is not recommended to meditate late at night, for one may come out of meditation very refreshed and awake and may have difficulty falling asleep later. If one decides to meditate late at night, the best is to meditate sitting in bed, and right at the end of meditation to lie down. Than, with the relaxation attained in meditation, probably one will have no problem falling asleep.

Prepare yourself not to be interrupted during meditation. Disconnect the phone, notify the people you are living with, etc.

Generally, this meditation is best practiced sitting comfortably with eyes closed. It is recommended not to cross your legs and arms (unless you are used to Eastern stile sitting and it is comfortable for you). It is recommended that the back, neck and head would be straight, as long as it's comfortable. If the head drops down during meditation, when you notice, you may lift it up easily.

Some people prefer choosing their own mantra. It can be done, only, it may not be very effective. Indeed, The Third Circle suggests Self-Source-Of-Authority and recommends finding one's own ways, taking guidance from one's intuition, or inner feeling. Only, a measure of caution would better be taken when mantras are concerned.

There is a good reason for preferring traditional mantras. Mantras are said to be effective for their vibrational qualities as well as their symbolic values -- traditional mantras are proven over many ages for their alleged vibrational qualities. The 'Aum' mantra may be considered the queen of mantras for both its vibrational and symbolic values.

Another reason for preferring the 'Aum' mantra is the way the mantra is being used in this particular meditation. In the instructions given below, the mantra is being repeated in a kind of 'mechanical' way -- that is, this meditation process, or exercise, is not about pondering on the meaning of the mantra. Indeed, it is known that 'Aum' symbolizes the infinite absolute, yet, the word, or the sound 'Aum' doesn't carry a direct meaning in most spoken languages. It is the purpose of this meditation to use a word that doesn't carry direct meaning. This enables the mind transcending and thus connecting the transcendent realm. Indeed, there are other meditation which are based on contemplating meanings, but it isn't the case here.

Please remember that I'm available to answer any possible questions by e-mail. I'll do my best to answer and clarify, as much as it can be done verbally.

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Instructions to The Aum Mantra Meditation

The way to practice The Aum Mantra Meditation is as simple as it may be. It's the utmost simplicity of the practice which may take a while to get used to.

It's recommended to sit comfortably and close your eyes. Just sit, eyes closed, doing nothing in particular, for about half a minute or so. Than you may start to say mentally, or think, the mantra 'Aum' and repeat it gently and leisurely in your mind. That's about all there is to do. That is -- the way to practice this meditation is mental repetition, or thinking of the mantra, or the word, or the sound 'Aum'.

Please bear in mind:
There is no importance to the exact pronunciation, or the sound of the word 'Aum' you think, or say mentally, or repeat in your mind. Whatever sound, or pronunciation, you may choose will do. Furthermore -- there is no need to try and pronounce the mantra clearly, or distinctly. In time the pronunciation of the mantra in your mind may blur, may get vague and it may even change -- that's perfectly OK. Best is to take things as they come, with as little volitional intervention and as little manipulation on our part. Even when the mantra may become very vague, even if there may be only a vague hint of the mantra - it's perfectly OK - there's no need to try to have the mantra any clearer.

Thinking the mantra, or the mental repetition of the mantra, is best being done in the usual, normal, easy and natural way we think any other thoughts. There is no need to concentrate, nor is it recommended to try and hold on to the mantra. It's just the other way around -- easy does it, naturally does it.

Should any question arise in your mind as to the natural and easy way of thinking the mantra, or of repeating it mentally, here is an aid. You may just sit for a while, eyes closed, doing nothing in particular. After a while, see if you are having any thoughts. Most probably some thoughts will be there -- even looking to see whether there are any thoughts is a thought. Now, note how naturally, spontaneously and easily the mind is having whatever thoughts it is having, note how spontaneously and easily thoughts come to your mind. Once you've noticed this, think the mantra, or say it in your mind, or repeat it in your mind in the very same gentle, easy and natural way you are thinking any other thoughts.

The rate, or pace, or rhythm of repeating the mantra is irrelevant. What is important is that the practice will done very comfortably, easily and naturally.

Naturally, at times, other thoughts will be there as well. This is perfectly OK -- it cannot be otherwise. Our experience is that it is not possible to be only with the mantra, without any other thoughts, all the time. Whenever you may find that your attention may have drifted away and you are immersed in other thoughts -- very gently, easily, comfortably and naturally come back to the mantra, bring your attention to it, think it, or repeat it leisurely in you mind. All this is better done without resisting thought, without trying to stop them, without wishing that thoughts would not be there. Thoughts are no barrier to this meditation, thoughts are no hinderance to successful practice of this meditation.

Better not to try pushing thoughts away, not to resist thoughts, not to wish that thoughts would not be there, not to control or contrive anything. Better to accept anything and everything that comes in this meditation as it comes. The only volitional act on your part is, whenever you may find that you were immersed in other thoughts, or that your attention may have drifted away -- very easily, gently and naturally come back to the mantra, bring your attention to the mantra, think it, or leisurely repeat it mentally. If other thoughts persists, it's OK, do not try to push them away, do not try to stop them, do not wish that they will not be there. By thoughts it is meant also notions, images, sounds, colors, feelings -- anything other than the mantra.

General

Be with the mantra, or mentally repeat the mantra leisurely, regardless of whether there are or there not any other thoughts alongside the mantra.

It is better not to force anything coming in and not to force anything going away. The only thing recommended for you to initiate is coming back to the mantra, naturally, comfortably, gently and easily, whenever you may find that your mind was drifting away from it. That is, bring your attention back to the mantra, just repeat it silently and leisurely, just be aware of it.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that the meditation would better be practiced easily and naturally all along. Nothing should be forced -- ever. There is but a little volitional directing of what happens -- for most parts we just accept things as they come. We repeat the mantra mentally, or bring our attention to it, or think it -- and then take things as they come. It is so much easy and simple that it may take some time to get used to its ease and simplicity.

As for The Aum Mantra Meditation -- easy does it. Effort, trying, concentration, manipulating, controlling or contriving -- are not likely to help the meditation work the best way, nor are they likely going to help connecting the Supreme Self. The less volition one is using -- the better. It is not our doing that creates the results of this meditation and possible connection to the Supreme Self -- it is non-doing that does it.

The ultimate goal of this meditation is eventually connecting the Supreme Self. Indeed, people may have numerous other goals and other aimed results by practicing this meditation. Thus, there is no need to aim at connecting the Supreme Self. Yet, connecting the Supreme Self is the supreme possible attainment. In case connecting the Supreme Self is your goal, or one of your goals in practicing this meditation - what you can do is, at the beginning of the meditation session, aim at, or intend to, eventually connect the Supreme Self - point your attention towards this aim - and then don't do anything volitional (other than the practice of repeating the mantra), just be with what's there.

The Aum Mantra Meditation is a meditation of non-doing, rather than a meditation of doing.

There is no such thing as a successful or unsuccessful meditation. All there is the practice, preferred regularly. The results of meditation are accumulated over time, over weeks, months and years. The results of meditating would better not be judged by one session, only over time. Some results are very subtle and may be noticed only after being accumulated over time. At times we may have overwhelming experiences in meditation. The fact that an experience is overwhelming does not say anything about its quality or value.

It is better to meditate innocently, not to look for any specific results, not to anticipate anything. Whatever results may be there, they will come in due course, of their own accord. Better to let nature and consciousness work without manipulations on our part. Our volition may be directed towards regularity in practice; better let the invincible force of the Supreme Self and of nature take care of the results.

As some of us may be habituated to a sophisticated way of life, it may take some time and practice to get the innocence desired for practicing The Aum Mantra Meditation. Please bear in mind -- there are ways and means to actively create a desired reality for ourselves in our lives. TTC contains such means -- though it's outside the scope of this file. As for The Aum Mantra Meditation -- innocence does it. That is, best is to exercise our volition in regularity of practice; as for the results -- best let the cosmic laws and forces take care of it.

In time you may find increased intuition, or communication with your Higher Self. Eventually Self-realization may be attained (if sincerely and intently aspired and if proper starting position, or Karma, is there). You may find many things in you and in your life being improved, yet, better not to expect and not to anticipate any specific result at any specific time. Innocence assists this meditation more than any other attitude.

At times you may receive guidance from your Higher Self in meditations. At times thoughts in meditation are just the working of the mind. It is not recommended to automatically take everything that comes to mind in meditation to be a guidance from your Higher Self. If you think that something that came up in meditation may be a guidance -- better check it outside meditation with your common sense and with your intuition, or your inner feeling. As a rule, intuition, or inner feeling, is the best guide one may have. Intuition is a major way in which our Higher Self communicates with our conscious mind and intuition works outside of mediation as well.

It is recommended not to come out of meditation because of any tension, irritation, agitation, restlessness or any peculiar thought that may come up during meditation. It isn't recommended to stop meditation because of a feeling, or a thought, which may come up during meditation, indicating that it's better to stop now the meditation. The best is to meditate for the duration decided beforehand.

If a tension or irritation may occur during meditation, it is better to remain sitting with eyes closed, but to switch from The Aum Mantra Meditation to The Body-Feeling Mediation, described above, until that tension or irritation subsides. Once it have subsided, you can switch back to The Aum Mantra Meditation. Even if there may be a period of time that all your meditations will be Body-Feeling ones -- it's OK. There is no point in forcing anything, better to accept one's condition -- whatever that condition may be. As for thoughts in meditation, peculiar ones or ordinary ones -- better to evaluate them outside of meditation.

Back to Contents of the meditations page

May your own Light and Love guide you.

Download the Meditations in The Third Circle (TTC) -- as a text file.

Go to Instructions to practicing the meditations -- part 1

Go to Instructions to practicing the meditations -- part 3

Go to Instructions to practicing the meditations -- part 4

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Back to Preface to Meditations in The Third Circle (TTC)

Introduction -- A brief introduction to what The Third Circle is.

Philosophy -- an outline of some basic concepts in TTC philosophy.

Planetary Healing Circles -- an emergency call of our time.

Inspiring Quotes

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Last updated: March 4 2005