Fire is the source of heat and light. It is the destroyer of negativity because it burns all obstacles in its path to ashes. So, when we meditate on the element of fire, it removes all our impurities, banishes the darkness of ignorance and ushers in the light of knowledge.
Fire is present in all of us in a very subtle form — it is the heat of metabolism, the fire of digestion, the flame of the intellect and the brilliant blaze of the Soul. When we meditate on the fire element all these are harmonised, strengthened and balanced.
How do we meditate on the fire element? There is a very ancient yogic technique for this:
[1] This must be practiced indoors.First of all, light a small ghee lamp or candle and place it at eye level about three feet away from you. Adjust the position of the wick and block all sources of breeze to ensure that the flame remains steady and stationary without flickering.
[2] Sit on your meditation shawl either cross legged on the ground or on a chair.
[3] Gaze steadily at the flame in front of you as long as you can without blinking your eyes.
[4] Even if you blink a few times initially, steady your gaze each time.
[5] Practice this for five to ten minutes at each session.
[6] This removes your physical and mental restlessness and gives you complete stillness of body and mind when you meditate. It also increases your concentration immensely and gives you pinpointed focus during meditation.
Meditating on the elements of air and ether The breathing techniques that we are already practicing are very effective in harmonising our energy with the elements of air and ether. So, whenever we sit down to meditate in any natural setting, we should always begin with these techniques to activate and balance the air and ether within us.
So, my friend, whenever you get an opportunity, make it a point to synchronise your vibrations with the forces of nature and harness the energies of the five basic elements to increase your pin pointed focus on your goal.
Meditating amidst nature fills you with fresh energy, exhilaration and zest which motivate you to continue your inner journey with much greater commitment. Today you have learnt many new techniques that you must now implement, experience and savour. Take ten days off from the outer world to begin your inner joy.
Try all of them and enjoy every moment of your communion with nature. After you have meditated in this way, we will continue our journey to explore how a sense of reverence can add a new dimension to increase our inner focus in external worship, pilgrimages, work, learning and meditation.
This article is taken from the book “Between You and Me — Meditation Made Simple” by His Holiness Shri Shri Nimishananda Guruji