Meditation in India

The history of meditation is as old as the history of religion. The relation between religion and meditation is such that one cannot be without the other. Meditation is fundamental to religion. Still, a time came when meditation and religion got separated. I have mentioned about it in my tract Treapanth-Prabodh
Some people thought that there is no tradition of meditation in Jainism. I do not agree with that view. We find meditation interwoven in the life incidents of the Jain Tirthankaras and religious teachers. Innumerable ideas of the Tirthankaras in meditative poses can be found. However it is not without reason that despite so many evidences available with regard to meditation, such an impression had stuck deep roots. Jainism had to pass through a phase when under special circumstances, the monks and the nuns probably did not find time for meditation. It is a natural human tendency that once a particular practice ceases to be part of the daily routine, one does not feel inclined to reinstate it. I can be said that [probably that was the case with regard to meditation.

The Meaning of Meditation
Meditation has all along been the essential part of the daily routine of a religious person. The Jain Agamas have ordained that the monks should do meditation during the second prahara of the day and night. They should spend four praharas in studying the sacred books, two praharas in meditation and the remaining two in prahas in eating and sleeping. Thus, their routine for the eight preharas were decided. The question can be raises if it is possible to meditate continuously for one prahara. It is an accepted belief that the mind of the person who is not free from Karma cannot remain steady beyond anfarmultion. How is meditation possible unless the mind is steady? In this context it is necessary to discuss the meaning of the word mediation. One of the meanings of the word mediation is control of the activities of the mind, speech and body. Another meaning of meditation is steadying the mind on the subject of concentration. There can be regulation of time in this case as well.

The term meditation is (dhyan) is derived etymologically from the dhyaim meaning reflect. The subject for reflection root can be the same and it can also change. From this view, meditation can also be linked with the continuous process of contemplation on the meaning. If we look at it from this point of view. Meditation for one prahara does not seem to be incongruous or impossible. The first prahara is devoted to the study of the Agamas (scriptures), the second prahara is meant for deep contemplation on the meaning of the Agamas.

Unsteadiness of Mind Obstructs Meditation
Some people say that they cannot meditate, because their mind is unsteady. Unsteadiness of the mind is an obstruction in meditation. Acharya Somaprabha has written thus to clarify this point:

"If any person wants to pursue religion by becoming cruel, wants to acquire fame by vicious means, wants to acquire wealth nor remaining indolent, wants to write poetry without having the genius for it, wants to become an ascetic without controlling the senses and showing compassion, wants to seriously study the scriptures without the requisite intelligence, wants to see things without the eyes and wants to meditate on them when his mind is unsteady cannot succeed. Similarly, the person who desires his beatitude by giving up the contact with the virtuous people can never succeed."

To think that the person whose mind is unsteady cannot meditate in spite of his ardent wish. And for the person whose mind is steady, meditation is not necessary, is a one-sided view. Only the person who takes on-sided view, would say that he would not meditate till his mind becomes steady…

Two friends went to the river to bathe. Both of them slipped in the mud. He drifted with the flow of the river. His companion held him and pulled him out. Coming on the bank, he said, "I would not step in water till I learn swimming "But can anyone learn to swim without stepping in water? What a contradiction!

When people say that they would meditate only when their mind becomes steady, they are also talking in similar contradictory terms. It is necessary to practice meditation exactly because the mind is unsteady. Without that practice, the mind would not become steady. From this point of view, everything should be considered in relative terms. Acharya Somaprabha's statement too is relative. Only when this is realized it is possible to know the essential aspect of things.

Meditation is Essential in Order to Live
There are many methods of meditation in vogue. The Janis have their own independent tradition. Dhyanayoga is important too in the present age. We can hardly keep count of the meditation centers functioning in India and other countries. There are more people from the younger generation, who go in for training in meditation. The attainments of meditation are amazing too. However inspite of such attainments, there are very few people who practice meditation regularly. There can be found not only amoung the householders but among the ascetics too. Some ascetics may think that they need not meditate, since they are ascetics. It is for the householder to meditate, whose mind constantly wanders in many directions. The householder may be arrogant because of his power or wealth or this influence. He may say: 'I am in such a high position. My business is so widespread. I have my say in everything that happens in society.' In my view, meditation should be considered necessary for everyone, whether he is an ascetic, or householder. If concentration of mind can be considered unavoidable to make the military movements more efficient, why should it not be so for living a disciplined and organized life? It can proclaim in clear terms that the individual who dew not take the training in meditation, who does not practice meditation would remain incomplete, inefficient and would not be able to attain any important goal in life.

Faith, Resolve and Endeavour
Some people are interested in learning to practice meditation, but they are not able to develop faith in meditation.

A child went on turning the egg of a peacock, wondering if the young one of the peacock would emerge from it. He could not get the young one of the peacock. But the child who waited without any doubt in his mind, got it.

If one develops deep faith in meditation and if it is combined with firm resolve then unsteadiness of the mind can be eliminated. The individual with firm resolve can turn what is impossible into possible. Achary Bhikshu accepted the challenge of desath and chose to follow the path of purity. But if there us no Endeavour along with the resolve, the resolve loses value. The combination of faith, resolve and endeavours can turn even a dessert lsand into a blooming garden.

The method of meditation can be discovers, it can be carried forward, but it cannot be made widespread. The method which is lofty is also less widespread to that extent. The ideal position is not where everyone would be able to reach. Only the lucky ones, who have faith, who have firmly resolved and who are keen to Endeavour would be able to reach the ideal position. In spite of all these, unless one finds a true guru, the path of meditation cannot be followed.

I know some people who take keen interest in meditation. They spend time in meditation. They are eager to go to every meditation camp. But they are not able to concentrate only on one particular method. They do not know which method is appropriate and which is not appropriate. And the alternatives make them restless. Guidance from a guru is necessary to make the mind function uninterrupted.

Everything is Uninteresting compared to Meditation.
The method of prekshadhyan is as scientific as it is simple. It is my wish that everyone should learn it. But the truth is that all our efforts, we should not make all the people take to meditation. For learning to meditate, one requires to have the steady mind Jit Muni.

It happened in the year 187 of the Vikram Era. Fourteen year old Jit Muni was seated in the market place writing something . A play was being staged right in front of him. The children and other people, young and old, were seeing that play. An old man in the audience was staring at Jit Muni ho was busy writing in the market place. When the play was over, that old man said, "The foundation of the terapanth has become older by a hundred years." The people standing near him were amazed. "How is that?"The old man said, "When a young ascetic belonging to that Sangh could sit so still and during the two hours of the staging of the play did not look in that direction even once, not the slightest harm can be brought to that Sangh."The pursuit of meditation is difficult for the people whose mind always wanders, who are interested in light hearted and curious things, who are eager to see the serials on Doordarshan or who give immense importance to sleep. If one wants to practice meditation, these outside interests will have to be abandoned. The day that is done, people would start taking interest in meditation. Once the ecstacy of meditation is experienced, all things in the world become uninteresting.

Yoga Tours In India

India is known for its ancient knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda all over the world since time immemorial. Yoga is an art of transforming the inert body to the level of vibrant mind in order to unite your body and mind into one with the serenity of the self or soul. Yoga helps in and rejuvenating your mind and soul and brings out the best in a person. Yoga is now been practiced all over the world. The people from all over the world visit India to take advantage of the same. India Yoga Tours takes you to Rishikesh located in the lap of Himalayas. Amidst the stress of the daily activities our mind yearns for tranquility. Often it is temporarily attained by a walk on the seashore or by gazing at the soothing sunrise. So what better way to relax than to take a break and opt for the soothing activities by yoga & meditation tours.Meditation and Yoga are synonymous with India and the attainment of spirituality. If you want a truly blissful and spiritual experience then come for a Yoga and Meditation tours that will go far beyond a holiday or vacation you have experienced so far. The yoga and meditation tours, one of the theme travel tours in India, allow you to combine travel with the peaceful spiritual experiences. Some suggested itineraries for Yoga tours are under given.

Yoga Tours in India

Duration of the Tour: 08 Nights / 09 Days

Destinations: Delhi- Haridwar – Rishikesh – Delhi.

Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival & transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02: Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh
Arrival in Hotel. Overnight in Hotel
Day 03: Full day in Rishikesh
On the 3rd day of your yoga tours you would start practising yoga including practice of Asana, Yogic Breakfast, lecture by expert, tea break, yoga sleep (psychic sleep), yogic lunch, Antar mauna (practice of silence a different way of Meditation), Tea break, Yogic Dinner.
Day 04: In Rishikesh
YOGA routine to be followed. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 05: In Rishikesh
YOGA routine to be followed. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 06: In Rishikesh
YOGA routine to be followed. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 07:In Rishikesh
YOGA routine to be followed. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 08: Rishikesh-Delhi
Morning after breakfast departure from Rishikesh to Delhi. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 09: Departure from Delhi
Departure from Delhi to further destitaion.

You can enjoy the Yoga Tour with wild life & Taj Mahal

Yoga Tours with Corbett & Agra

Duration of the Tour: 11 Nights/ 12 Days

Destinations: National Park - Delhi - Agra - Delhi

Day 01: Arrive at Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport you will get a traditional welcome and assisted by our executives, who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Rishikesh
On the 2nd day of the tour, after breakfast in the morning, we travel to Rishikesh by road. On arrival at Rishikesh check in to a rest house/ hotel for lunch. Thereafter we travel to Yoga Ashram, where the yoga registration formalities are completed and yoga kits are provided to you. Enjoy your pure vegetarian dinner at Ashram.
Day 03: Rishikesh
After breakfast, inaugural ceremony is held. Introduction of Yoga. Tea Break. You are given introduction to Meditation and Pranayam etc. Enjoy a local sightseeing tours and a cultural Program followed by dinner.
Day 04: Rishikesh
After an early morning Universal prayer, you see and observe the Yoga demonstration and practice of Asana (yoga poses). After tea/ coffee break, you practice Asanas and consult a yoga specialist for specific problems and remedies. Lunch break. In the afternoon visit the exotic herbal gardens and ashrams. Learn and try Pranayam and Meditation. Have your dinner and stay overnight at ashram.
Day 05: Rishikesh
Early morning Yoga practice / prayer and demonstration. Lunch break. Practice Pranayam and Meditation. Have your dinner and stay overnight at ashram.
Day 06: Rishikesh
Early morning Yoga practice / prayer and demonstration. Later enjoy a local sightseeing and Souvenir. Lunch break. Practice Pranayam and Meditation. Have your dinner and stay overnight at ashram.
Day 07: Rishikesh
Morning departure to Deoprayag located at about 70 km from Rishikesh. The place is famous as the two sacred rivers the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh and the Alaknanda from Satopanth unite here and for most Indians, this confluence is no less holy than the Sangam at Allahabad. Enjoy your lunch at Deoprayag. Later in return back to the ashram. Have your dinner and stay overnight at ashram.
Day 08: Rishikesh
Early morning Yoga practice / prayer and demonstration. Lunch Break. Remove your doubts in question answer session. Closing ceremony. Have your dinner and stay overnight at ashram.
Day 09: Rishikesh - Corbett National Park
On this day of your yoga tours, after breakfast in the morning, we travel to world famous Corbett National Park. Known as the most picturesque National Park in India, Corbett is the finest Tiger Reserve of India. Arrival at Corbett National Park. Check in to a rest house/ tourist bungalow /resort. Enjoy your dinner and night stay at rest house/ tourist bungalow /resort.
Day 10: Corbett National Park
Enjoy your Breakfast and Sightseeing in Corbett National Park. After a day spent observing the wildlife in Corbett we depart for Delhi by Bus.
Day 11: Delhi
On arrival at Delhi, you will be transferred to a Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 12: Delhi - Agra - Delhi
Enjoy a day return trip to Agra by Train/ Car/ Coach to visit the world famous Taj Mahal. On arrival back to Delhi, you will be transferred straight to Airport to board a flight for your onward journey or way back home.