What is meditation? [Significance and basics of meditation]

What is meditation?

This term means everything that leads to an increase in concentration, ie concentration. The goal is to calm the mind. In some religions, the term meditation refers to certain types of prayers. Various aids are used for meditation, such as mandalas , meditation pillows and cushions , grinders, singing bowls , japa mala beads, etc. aids.
Can you wonder if meditation can have any effects? You can read more in the article of the same name here.

The literal meaning of the word "mandala" is a circle. Mandalas are traditionally of great importance, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism. They symbolize the universe, the cycle of human existence and meditation, help to suppress stress and tension, and help appreciate the beauty of nature. The spiritual significance of mandalas is purity and sacred existence. These are intricate images with captivating detail and rich vivid colors.

What is Japa Mala - meaning and use

These are sacred Buddhist prayer beads, used for centuries as a tool to help calm the mind and connect with what is within ourselves. In appearance, they resemble prayer beads used in other religions, and therefore we can also find the name Buddhist rosary. Mala means a necklace used for prayer, a traditional aid for counting mantras repeated during meditation, for breathing during meditation, or for repeating the name of the Buddha (each of these activities is referred to as japa-japa). Beads can be found especially in Buddhism and Hinduism. Prayer beads usually have 108 balls (but there can be fewer - 18, 27 or 54, but always the number divisible by 9), each representing one renunciation of the mantra, then the beads are turned and the mantras are repeated and counted in the opposite direction .

Beads are made of various types of material - nuts, bones, semi-precious stones, wood, etc. Popular are beads made of sandalwood or bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), which is called the tree of enlightenment or awakening, because according to Buddhist tradition under it reached Buddha Gautama awakening.

For mantras that are supposed to calm down, the beads should be white. They can be made of crystal, pearls or bones. They are used to cleanse the mind of negative thoughts, stress and tension. Pearls are not very practical, as frequent use will easily damage their surface.
Little is used as follows: the mantra should be pronounced separately for each bead, with the bead rotating with the thumb - usually clockwise, but this is not the rule. Keep in mind that it calms not only the regularity, but also the sound of the mantra.

Basics of meditation

Don't underestimate the spaces in which you want to meditate. Don't underestimate the seeming little things.

The room fountains bring a water element into the space, which is traditionally intended for spaces intended for rest, meditation, relaxation or prayer. It brings the power of regeneration and rebirth into space, it is the energy of the circle of life.

Surround yourself with the objects you love, surround yourself with colors that are pleasing to you, family photos that evoke pleasant thoughts and memories in you. The premises or even just the corner of the room should be furnished in a minimalist style. The atmosphere for meditation is evoked, for example, by a statuette of a meditating Buddha .

To promote meditation, you can scent the rooms with essential or fragrant oils or waxes, whether through aroma lamps or electric diffusers , you can use scented candles or scented sprays. Fragrant essences can also be applied to the skin in the form of massage oil.

If you are more a fan of smoking, choose from incense sticks , fumes, herbs and resins and fumes for a cleansing atmosphere.

The components of essential oils , incense sticks, bundles, herbs, resins and wood are used in aromatherapy. They can be used according to the ingredients to relax breathing in colds, to calm the mind, to improve sleep and sleep quality, to suppress headaches. Although aromatherapy has a rather supportive effect, it is to some extent irreplaceable.

Meditation and overall relaxation can be supported by appropriate music that will help you concentrate, relax and dissipate tension.

Examples of mantras

The most famous six-syllable mantra of Tibetan Buddhism is the mantra of compassion Om mani padme hum. The mantra is supposed to transform negative emotions. Om - pride and egoism, jealousy and envy, ni - attachments and egoistic desires, pad - ignorance and confusion, me - greed and greed and hum - hatred and anger.

Ho´oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian mantra that is pronounced: ho - o - pono - pono. Its meaning translates as follows: I love you, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you. It is suitable for those who feel guilty, ashamed, complicate interpersonal relationships or get into a situation where they have not been able to express their feelings towards their loved ones, or they feel that they have been hurt themselves and cannot forgive themselves.
I love you - it opens our hearts, I am sorry - we are humble, please forgive me - we acknowledge our imperfections and our mistakes, thank you - it expresses gratitude. The mantra is suitable for a new beginning.