What is guided meditation?
In guided meditation, the Master uses narration to lead the practitioner, step-by-step, through the techniques and methods of meditation. This approach facilitates faster relaxation and smoother transition to a state of calm, silence and tranquility. Guided meditation is particularly suitable for inexperienced or novice meditators who, although attracted to the idea of meditating, either do not know where to begin, or find it difficult to deal with the numerous thoughts which pop up in the head once the eyes are closed. A soothing voice, a gentle prod, the reassuring words of the master during the guided meditation, make all these difficulties wane away, and allow the practitioner to evolve into a confident, self-reliant meditator.
How is music used in meditation?
Guided meditation is often enhanced with background music. Just like the soothing and assuring voice of the master supports a shift to states of elevated consciousness, appropriate music too aids the process. Sound is a potent tool in spirituality. Most notably, the Indian traditions consider Om to be the the sound of cosmic vibration, and the creative aspect of the universe. In addition to helping the meditator relax physically and mentally, meditative music significantly accelerates the spiritual progress.
What are the benefits of a group meditation?
For both novice and advanced meditators alike, meditating in a group is tremendously powerful and rewarding. Nowhere else can the multiplier effect be experienced so strongly. In a group meditation, each meditator leverages the elevated vibration, energy and the intention of the group. The atmosphere in a group of meditators creates a feeling of harmony and connectedness, which is very supportive and conducive to growth. Through the experience of practicing with a group, the results of the meditative session are often amplified.
How do spiritual articles and shared experiences support the process?
References to spiritual literature, when adequately curated to correspond to the meditator’s current stage, are a valuable tool for spiritual progress. Books offer wisdom, remind us to stay focus and mindful in our everyday activities, and they offer answers to various questions we commonly face on the path.
Another invaluable support comes in the form of a shared experience. When a role model, a colleague or a friend is willing to tell their story of how they began to meditate, advanced in the practice, and are finally able to reap the benefits through living a fulfilling and successful life, the effects on you are multiplied. This motivates you, inspires you, encourages you, and assures you that through your own practice of meditation you can also miraculously transform your own life.
Why 40 days?
Traditionally, forty is an important number across many cultures. Devotees of various religious systems often commit to forty days of fasting, abstinence, ritual observance, chanting or prayer. In Hinduism, any spiritual practice followed for forty days is known as completing the mandala. At the end of a mandala, old attitudes and habits are broken, new behaviors are established, and a new life begins.
At the end of a forty-day period, one is attuned to a new frequency, new perceptions and attitudes are integrated, and a transformation has taken place. Psychologically, forty days is the minimum time required for a meaningful and lasting change to take place. Forty is, therefore, often seen as a number of testing/trial, purification, spiritual rebirth and ultimately, completion.