Discover the ancient secrets to a calm mind, right where you are.
In the quest for total well-being, many of us focus on movement, but the path to inner quiet starts with stillness. Ancient yoga traditions teach that true meditation, or Dhyan, is about setting your life in order so that your whole existence becomes meditative. It is the beautiful practice of being in a state of pure consciousness, allowing you to experience your deep interconnectedness with everything around you.
When you are able to sit still and peaceful, your mind can move away from the chaos—what some call the “monkey mind”—and begin to look inward, connecting you to your inner self.The Secret of Stillness: Your Meditation Seat
To access this state of stillness, the classical yogic way emphasizes one main thing: a straight back. It is said that all the physical asanas in yoga exist primarily to help you develop the strength and flexibility to sit in a meditative posture. The right pose helps conserve your inner energy, or Prana, by locking the legs and holding the hands in a Mudra.
There are five different classic sitting poses to choose from:
Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose): Considered the highest of the meditative postures, this pose is highly regarded in classic yoga texts for meditation.
Padmasana (Lotus Pose): This iconic pose symbolizes transcendence and is known for helping Yogis achieve complete mastery over the body and mind.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): A very popular posture often called the "Indestructible seat," it is excellent for practicing breathing exercises and aiding smooth digestion.
Sukhasana (Comfortable Pose): This is the easiest posture, making it a great choice for those with knee, hip, or ankle pain, or for practicing on a bed.
Swastikasana: An auspicious posture that helps you sit straight in stillness and improves hip flexibility.
Four Ways to Find Your Focus
Once you have chosen your comfortable seat, there are various types of practices you can use to start meditating.
Visualisation Meditation: This is a practice of Dharana, or one-pointedness, where you focus on a symbol, object, or a light like a candle flame. This helps build the ability to sit still and develop concentration.
Mindfulness Meditation: This involves becoming mindful of a bodily rhythm, such as breath awareness, the sound of your heart, or simply your thoughts as they pass. This type is great for self-practice, as it requires no props—just your body and your intention.
Mantra Meditation: Here, you use repetitive words, chants, or mantras to create internal vibrations. The most effective divine mantra is the universal sound of Om. Many find this practice easier than focusing on an object or a bodily rhythm.
Dynamic Meditation: This is an active form of meditation where movement guides you into a meditative state. It can include things like walking outdoors, gardening, or a vinyasa yoga class.
Begin Your Practice Today
The journey into meditation is one of deep self-study. Start by picking one of these techniques and simply trying to sit straight in stillness. The learning module covers powerful practices, including Meditation on the Yamas and Niyamas, Gratitude Meditation, and Om Chanting Meditation.
By adding these stillness practices to your life, you are moving beyond the physical poses and working toward the beautiful goal of making your whole life a meditative, peaceful experience.
Ready to move past the physical shapes and unlock a profound, inner understanding of your body-mind? Take the next step toward self mastery.
Explore the Beyond Asana course and begin your advanced yoga training today