quote:
Originally posted by Tulasi
Hi Tibetan Ice,
Thanks a lot for explaining bit by bit wonderful.
Its glad to know that you had the same experiences as me.
I have some questions-
Your sleep patterns were normal after the practice?
Have you reduced the time after such experiences?
Hi Tulasi,
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My sleep patterns were normal when I started meditating at least twice a day, four years ago.
But every now and then since then, sometimes I would either overdo something, experience a great kundalini surge or go very deep and then I would have trouble sleeping.
My sleep patterns haven't been that normal, especially recently.
Usually, for my standard practices, I try to do them early in the day, once before lunch and once before supper. Doing them early in the day lets me dissipate any energy that builds up. Also, heavy food is a good way for me to ground some of the excess energy. Going for walks also helps.
That said, sometimes I sit for practices three or four times a day, like lately since I am on holidays. And, yes, on some nights I don't sleep at all. But just to clarify, my body sleeps, and "I" watch it sleep (and listen to it snore!). But usually, I still feel pretty good the next day, and if I don't the morning meditation usually fixes me up.
Yes, if I overdo it, and I spend too many sleepless nights, I cut back on my practices or length of practices. But sometimes cutting back doesn't help. Sometimes, if the conditions are right, if I focus on the third eye for even 1 minute, I will get a surge of energy from the root up the spine and then I will spend the rest of the day and some of the night feeling internally sun burnt, hot and tingly and hyper.. So it matters how effective your practices are.
quote:
Are you using the same mantra or concentrating on breath(as mentioned in Lesson-367)
Thanks once again.
Tulasi
I used the "i am" mantra for 4 years, twice a day, but I didn't have the proper technique. I tried too hard and really focused on it. And I would visualize the mantra and stretch it out. It wasn't until I realized that just by intuiting or simply 'thinking the mantra' on the same level as the other thoughts that were occuring, that I started to see the white light and feel the bliss. Using mantra meditation, I dip into the light for short periods of time. Recently, I am getting two or three dips per session. I also have other mantras that I use differently. I am probably not a good example of someone who does just one thing.
I also do do breath meditation, but not just simply watching the breath. I do anapanasati, as recommended by Buddha. It is similar to "sensing the inner body" by Eckart Tolle. In that practice, the watching of the breath is secondary. You only watch the breath to know "I am breathing quickly", or "I am breathing slowly", or "I am breathing short breaths" or "I am breathing long breaths" etc. The main focus is really on the sensations in the body, to relax and feel the life force and just let go, and to understand the connection between bodily sensations, the breath and thoughts and develop equanimity towards them.
Also, in some Buddhist books on watching the breath, you are supposed to watch the breath until you can sustain a continous stream of attention on the breath. Once that happens, you go on to the next step, which is when lights or visions (nimittas) appear, and if they don't appear, then you pick a pleasant sensation in the body and then focus on that. Then, you keep your attention on the nimitta or that pleasant sensation. Doing so will propel you into a state of samadhi known as the jhanas.
In AYP there is no mention of what you are supposed to do after you can sustain attention on the breath indefinately.
AYP is more geared towards mantra repetition. The main staples are the Deep Meditation and the Spinal Breathing. And, if done correctly, they are very powerful in their own right.
I believe Yogani may be concerned about you having a premature kundalini rising, which is why he suggested that you cut your meditation time down to 10 minutes.
If you are concerned about kundalini, I would suggest just sticking to meditation for now until you stabilize. I have never read any stories about TM or Deep Meditation causing a kundalini awakening on their own (although it is possible). That style of meditation is for dipping into the higher states of consciousness. However, the spinal breathing, especially with the bhandas could awaken kundalini if it is not already awake.
It is good that you inquire and learn as much about meditation techniques and kundalini as you can.
Do you have any previous experience with meditation?
If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?
Have you read many books?
Do you do any yoga or similar activities?
God Bless you and keep you safe.
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TI