Ways to Overcome Stress & Strain

16 January 2003, 12:00am IST

Since the time when man experienced the first flicker of self-awakening, his attention has remained focused on problems of worldly existence. No sooner is one problem solved, a new one springs up, thereby creating stress and tension in the mind. A disturbed mental state can lead to stress-related illnesses and so we need to find an acceptable way of preventing mental, emotional and physical effects of stress. In the last few years, people have turned to meditation as a way to overcome emotional and mental strain. Meditation helps us withdraw our attention from the outer world and focus it at a point between and behind our eyebrows, thereby stimulating what is called the ‘third eye'. By focusing our attention on it, we can reach higher levels of consciousness. For meditation to work, the first step is to find a time and place in which we will be least distracted by our environment. For this, the time between three and six o'clock in the morning is ideal. However, we can meditate any time when we will not be disturbed. We should sit in meditation at times when we are fully awake. The second step is to sit in a pose most convenient to us. We can sit on a chair, on the floor or on a sofa, either crossed-legged or with our legs stretched out. One can even medi- tate standing up or lying down. The main thing is to meditate wherever and however we feel comfortable. Whatever pose we choose, we should be able to remain still for a long period of time. The third step is to sit in concentration. Once we pick a pose, we should close our eyes gently and concentrate on what lies in front of us. This should be done without putting pressure on the eyes. Initially, there is darkness. Then with the inner eye we should gaze lovingly into whatever is in front of us. We should be relaxed but attentive. The fourth step is silencing of thoughts. Once we focus our attention, the mind will present distractions in the form of thoughts. One way of stilling the mind is to repeat any name of God with which we feel comfortable. The fifth step is concentrating on inner light or sound. To concentrate on inner light, slowly repeat the five syllables taught during initiation by the master. While mental repetition goes on, sit quietly and lovingly gaze into the centre of whatever is lying before you. As we meditate more, we will be able to see inner vistas. The second practice of meditation is listening to the inner sound. We concentrate our attention and listen to the inner sound current. Once we are tuned in to the divine melody, we can travel on the sound current to higher realms of consciousness. Meditation is a way to connect with divine power. We might feel permeated with a feeling of love which engulfs and fulfils us. We experience a profound peace and bliss unlike any we can find in this world. The meditation process helps us at two levels. First, it relaxes us physically. Second, it puts us in a state where we are absorbed in bliss and become oblivious to problems of the outer world. By meditating on the inner light and sound, we are placed in contact with the radiant energy coming from realms that lie beyond the physical world. There is a powerful current of divine love, consciousness and bliss. Meditation does not literally eliminate problems of life, but gives us a new perspective. We become detached from suffering because we are able to find a spiritual anchor. Through meditation not only can we learn the art of living, which helps us overcome life's stresses and strains, but also discover a way to experience the Divine.