We go on searching for great and grandiose meditation techniques. In the process, we ignore the simplest things that can be done with what we inevitably have with us right now. I am here talking about our good old breath which begins functioning its job of moving in and out the moment we are born. It is right now doing the same work. It will continue until the last moment.
The breath is the easiest to carry meditation tool. There is no weight or luggage cost. It does not occupy extra space. It is not so obvious. It is covered in all our transport costs of flight, train or bus. In short, our breath is a zero investment but maximum return tool. It is closer than our best of friends and dearest of relatives. It is almost as if not different from us, yet distinct.
Many meditation techniques point out how we can use the breath as a peg for the mind to become quiet.
Sitting quietly in a clean, ventilated and airy space, preferably with a simple yet beautifully decorated altar of your preferred deity or master, an oil lamp, flowers and incense—the mood for meditation is created.
You may put your mobile phones and other gadgets on silent mode. If it can’t be silenced like the landline or calling bell, you can instruct someone to attend to it for the time you will be meditating.
Sit down on the floor after spreading a bamboo mat, or a woolen mat with cotton or silk cloth above it or on a chair.
The Yoga Sutra points out the importance of respect in our long-term practice. Satkara is the word for respect. Whether it is the seat of meditation, the altar that is before us, the very breath which is our focus, the mind is controlled much easily when respect is given to the place and practice.
With the mind quiet with love and respect, inhale deeply and exhale completely a couple of times.
Then let the intensity of inhalation and exhalation subside. With eyes closed and full awareness, gently watch the flow of breath. It is like a gentle stream of fresh air going in. Feel that space where the breath touches. Keep feeling the route of the exiting breath out through the nostrils.
There is no restriction of time and space for this practice. It is alright to do this before or after food as it is not any forceful inhalation or exhalation, but just a conscious awareness of the flow of breath.
Even with 15 minutes of this practice, you can experience a refreshing sense of quietude of the mind and the breathing is also unobstructed and free. A free flowing breath is the key to a meditative mind.
The author is Acharya, Chinmaya Mission, Tiruchi (www.sharanyachaitanya. blogspot.in)