From: mimir@u.washington.edu (Grendel Grettisson)
Subject: Tantric Meditation Lecture
Date: 16 Jun 1993 08:18:40 GMT

MEDITATION: AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY FOR THE TANTRIC STUDENT.
(c) 1993 Rose Dawn Scott.

Meditation; Observation; Self-Examination. There are many different
ways to mediate or examine oneself, both from an eastern and western
point of view. I'll give a few brief thoughts and suggestions here,
but first and foremost; each Tantric student should practice the form
of meditation that is most comfortable for him/her, whether taken from
a didactic process or generated from within.

However, I can't stress the importance of regular meditation enough
for those who sincerely desire to follow the Tantric path. It will (1)
prepare you for further progress; and (2) make possible some of the
higher rituals and acts prescribed. For instance, the awakening and
ascent of Kundalini is essential for both white (*solo*) and red
(*with partner(s)*) Tantrists. Kundalini sometimes is aroused
spontaneously during lovemaking, but if one does not have some basic
understanding of how to channel this pow erful force, such awakening
may be brief, incomplete, or even harmful to the psyche.

NEVER, EVER, EVER!!!! (got that) visit a "healer" or "yogi" who
promises to awaken the Kundalini for you. While the study of Kundalini
Yoga can be quite helpful, a true teacher will simply assist and
instruct on how to awaken the Kundalini energy yourself. If is
possible to have someone else do it for you; however, I have known
several people who have sought this so-called *easy way out* and the
results were 100% negative, including energy imbalances, depression,
confusion, and fe eling of something having gone *haywire*. As with
everything on the Tantric path, the Source is within. Or--if you want
something done right, you gotta do it yourself! ;:

That said, a few thoughts. self-examination is either a form of
meditation or a precursor thereto. In its simplest form,
self-examination consists of deep reflection, as opposed to logical
thinking, about your inner self, your hopes, dreams, desires, your
place in the world, etc. Sit quietly, in a place where you aren't
likely to be disturbed. Say to yourself: Who am I? What do I want?
One technique for self-examination is rather similar to
psycho-therapeutic "free-association." Say to yourself, simply, WHO?
WHAT? WHEN? WHERE?  WHY? After each word, allow any association or
thought that comes into your mind to be, to flow. If deeper meanings
are there, they will come.  By seeing yourself clearly, uncovering
your true nature, you will deepen your level of understanding and be
able to progress.

Another self-examination technique: Should be done nude. Sit in front
of a mirror, close your eyes, and try to still your mind. Gradually
open your eyes and observe your reflection, imagining it is another
person.  Who is this person? What is s/he like? If your impression is
negative, relax the face and adjust the breath, and see if any inner
change is felt. Visualize yourself replacing any negative qualities
with positive ones; try to discover the root of any discomfort or
anxiety felt while looking at your own image. Gradually relax the face
completely, stare into your own eyes for a few seconds, then close
them, assimilating the process, allowing the conscious, sub-conscious
and un-conscious all to internalize the initial examination of
oneself.

Observation is a form of self-examination. It is usually practiced
after Hatha Yoga, or at times when one becomes *stuck* in an attitude
of mental depression, confusion, or inertia. It is a way of
emphasizing the body/mind connection. Close your eyes, relax, either
in Savasana (*corpse pose--lying, relaxed*) or seated
comfortable. Open yourself to intuitive processes, casting aside
intellectual processes for the moment. Feel, via this intuitive
attitude, everything in your body and your mind. Observe how difficult
or easy it is for you to slow the mind; relax the body. Feel your
skin, its warmth/coolness/tingling; feel your muscles, their
tension/fatigue/release, their strength/weakness. Feel the energy flow
as you relax the body, how the body's reactions change.  Feel the
mind's restlessness/quietude; the emotions' ebb/flow. Feel your heart
beat. Feel your pulse. Listen. Assimilate. It has been suggested that
one deep a journal of observation, that one practice relaxed
observation for at least ten minutes daily. Your journal will serve as
a useful tool, pointing out your physical/mental/emotional strengths
and weaknesses. It will also serve as a record of your progress, as
you use your insight to conquer the weaknesses and emphasize the
strengths. It will enable yo to realize consciously, in everyday life,
mental restlessness and negative thoughts, physical tension and
weakness, and to replace them immediately with positive
transmutations. Rather than *uproot* negativity, become an alchemist
of your own body/mind, and *transform* the negativity to mirror-image
positives. Continue, and grow.

MEDITATION. First, one very simple didactic meditation exercise from
the Mahanivrana Tantra:

"The worshipper should engage in meditation, gradually concentrating
his mind on each part of the body of Siva and/or Sakthi, from the f
eet to the head, one after another. He can thus acquire such an
intense state of concentration that during his undisturbed meditation,
Siva/Sakthi shall appear in an indivisable, concrete form. In this way
the meditation of the deity in its formal aspect will gradually become
profound and steady." -- Principles of Tantras.

In modern times, even traditional western health practitioners
recognize the benefits of regular meditation, at least on the mental
health and stress-reduction level. Says psychologist Robert Ornstein,
a professor at New York University, "Meditation is a technique for
turning down conscious thought so that more subtle sources of
information can be perceived."

Traditionally, all forms of Eastern meditation have involved either
Yantra (form) or Mantra (sound), or both. Yantra, similar to mandala,
is a physical image which usually has one or more deeper meanings, and
serves as a very useful object of focus. Mandalas may be created
oneself, purchased, or even, provided the level of concentrat ion is
great enough, *seen* within the mind. Choose a Yantra with personal
meaning, such as the Kali Yantra, Hexagram, statue or painting of a
personal deity, etc. Candle flames or the smoke from incense can also
be good focusing points. However, external objects, while valuable,
should not be used exclusively.

Repetition of a mantra traditionally takes three steps: first the
mantra should be repeated aloud for some time; then audibly but very
softly; finally within the mind only. For a Tantric student, AU M MANI
PADME HUM is a good starting point--utilizing the primordial AUM, the
power-seed HUM, and Mani--jewel/male organ, Padme--lotus, female
organ. This mantra has been translated as "The jewel is in the lotus,"
signifying sexual union and spiritual union at once. English-language
words or phrases are perfectly acceptable, as are those in other
languages which have specific religious or spiritual meaning to the
individual. Chanting the name/names of o ne's Isvara, or personal
deity, are excellent mantras.  As has been stated previously: "The
body is a Yantra; the breath its Mantra." Many of the Prana techniques
are meditative, and when sufficient progress has been made, meditation
on the sound of one's own breath to the exclusion of all else makes
for excellent control and continuing progress.

No matter which meditative techniques one utilizes, there are five
*universal basics* which beginners should keep in mind: (1) Privacy.
Make sure you won't be disturbed, eliminate as many outer distractions
as possible. (2) Focused attention, including yantra/mantra
meditation.  (3) Passive attitude. In other words, let it come, don't
aggressively grab for it. It won't work that way. (4) Comfort: I
recommend meditation be performed in the nude; alternately, wear loose
clothing of natural fabrics. While the Lotus position is my favorite
meditative posture, if this posture causes discomfort, sit
cross-legged or lie on your back, eyes closed. Physical discomfort is
bound to distract a neophyte; and (5) Regular pr actice!! This fifth,
of course, is most important. Make meditation a daily ritual, practice
so regularly that it becomes ingrained, habitual. Your rewards will be
ample. Irregular meditation, while it may occasionally result in
flashes of insight, will most likely be at best limiting; or even
useless.

 The two basic types common to eastern and western philosophies are
(1) those which focus the mind, and (2) those which strive to empty
the mind. Often, the first type must be mastered first in order to
lead to the second. However, it is not necessary to practice both
types and some may find the ability, through natural psychic
development or prior experience, to empty the mind without first
focusing it.

 Dr. Lawrence LeShan is a psychotherapist who has studied meditation
intensively, becoming intrigued after reading of Carl Jung's
exploration of the unconscious utilizing eastern techniques. LeShan
claims that there are four paths to meditation. He describes the first
two as "western," the last two as "eastern" methods: (1) The
Intellect--using self-hypnosis to access different levels of
awareness; (2) The Emotions--concentrating on 'feelings' such as love,
brotherhood, courage, etc.  (3) The Body--immersing oneself completely
with a physical art, such as Hatha Yoga, T'ai Chi, or various martial
arts; and (4) Action. The path of action involved applying the
'principles of meditation' to performing a task. Examples would be
Japanese tea ceremonies, gardening and cultivating herbs/plants,
flower arranging, or Archery such as taught by Zen masters. The path
of action may also be interpreted as *staying in the now;* performing
everyday, mundane activities with concentration and awareness rather
than by rote.

Mastery of any form of meditation may take months or years; however
regular practice on a daily basis will probably show positive results
almost immediately--and mastery is not necessary for spiritual
progress or active Tantric practice. If courage and honesty are
brought to bear, it doesn't really matter what form your meditation
takes, it will bear fruit, enabling you to overcome barriers to
growth. Meditation is the most direct path to the experience of
non-duality and mystic awareness.  Practice diligently, and great
things will come to you.

 Knowing others leads to wisdom;
        Knowing the Self leads to Enlightenment
        Mastering others requires force;
       Mastering the Self calls for true strength.
                            --Lao-Tzu, in Tao Te Ching.

AUM NAMA SIVAYA.