
In this course, the meditation practice we are to follow is called Ajapa Japa Dharana.
It is a traditional Dharana practice to improve concentration. The word ‘Japa means "the continuous repetition of a mantra". When the suffix ‘a’ is added, it implies that the process of mantra repetition becomes spontaneous.
Ajapa Dharana is, therefore, one-pointed concentration on the spontaneous repetition of a mantra.
In this, we use breath and mental chanting or repetition of mantras as a tool to develop the concentration of mental energy.
Origins of this practice can be found in ancient Indian Upanishads, like Yogashiksha Upanishad. Its reference can also be found in the Gita.
The Ajapa Japa Dharana is complete in itself. Through it, one can have a direct experience of samadhi, enlightenment, or everlasting bliss, even without the help of a guru.
Now, who is this course for?
This course is designed in such a way that it will help you perform better in your study and work. It will also be a useful tool to advance in your spiritual journey.
Course requirements: The previous experience with meditation may help in this course, but it is not a requirement. This course is for you, whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner.
The first step towards a concentrated mind is a still
body.
In the advanced meditation practice of Ajapa
Japa, we shouldn't move a finger or bat an eyelid. We
cannot even swallow without breaking the
concentration. That's why before attempting advanced
practice, we master the complete stillness and
absorption at the body level.
Sensations
The way to overcome the mind's child-like nature is
discussed. In the practice part, we will experience
introversion of awareness and gain mastery over
external influences.
Psychic Rigidity
How technology affects our minds is discussed in this
session. In the practice, we will experience psychic
rigidity and immobility of the body.
Complete Stillness
We will discuss ways to overcome technological
distractions. In the practice, we will experience the
complete stillness and steadiness of the body.
We start with Ajapa Japa meditation today. It has 4 components: visualization, movement, chanting, and breath. In the coming days, we will experience all 4 in a progressive manner. In today's practice, the element of visualization is used. We will learn about visualization in detail on day 10. But for today just experience it, as I lead you through.
Focusing On Movement
We discuss the technique of visualization. In today's
practice, we introduce the element of movement. Alo
with visualization, we will become aware of movement
and try to focus on movement, as | lead you through.
Deeper Focus On Movement
One thing we should be mindful of about our focus is
that it's not too intense. In today's practice, we will use
visualization to keep the balance of focus just right.
Japa Chanting
The full name of this practice is Ajapa Japa Dharna.
The word ‘Japa means "the continuous repetition of a
mantra or chanting". Dharna is concentration. When
doing Japa or chanting practice, awareness is so
intensely concentrated. Then, it is called Ajapa Japa
Dharna. In today's practice, we introduce the element of
Japa or chanting to the practice.
Soham - Hamso
‘Soham! is the mantra of the breath. 'So' of inhalation
and 'ham' of exhalation. In today's practice, we will go
deeper into this aspect of the practice. Also, a beautiful
story is shared, which signifies a very important lesson
for developing mental concentration.
Breath & Mantra
Psychic passages and chakra trigger points are
explained in this lesson. During the practice, we will
have a complete practice of Ajapa Japa Dharna's
frontal passage rotation.
We are living in a time of constant technological advancement. While improving our lives in many ways, technological progress also makes us accessible and so easily distractible and interruptible throughout the day.
In this digital age, most of us are struggling with our ability to concentrate and it becomes even more vital to have the practice to get back that lost art of concentration.
Concentration is the ability to deliberately maintain the focus on something without being affected by internal and external stimuli.
In the Material sphere Concentration assists in studying, enables faster comprehension, improves memory, helps in focusing on a task, job or goal, and enables us to ignore meaningless and irrelevant thoughts.
Now In the spiritual sphere, The terminology used for 'Concentration' is 'Dharna '. Patanjali the father of Yoga psychology, explains Dharana as, ‘the binding of attention to the object of concentration while excluding everything else. Dharna is the 6th Limb of Patanjali's Ashtanga or Eight limbic path to the enlightenment.
The person who brought first time the spiritual path of Yoga and Vedanta to the west and world stage, Swami Vivekananda saw concentration as the very core of education and had this to say:
“To me, the very essence of education is the concentration of mind, not the collecting of facts. If I had to do my education over again and had any voice in the matter, I would not study facts at all. I would develop the power of concentration and detachment, and then with a perfect instrument I could collect facts at will.”
He also said that the" difference between an ordinary person and a great person lies in the degree of concentration."
In This Course, the meditation practice we are to follow is called Ajapa-Japa Dharana.
It is a traditional Dharna practice to improve concentration.
The word ‘Japa’ means, ‘the continuous repetition of a mantra’. When the suffix ‘a’ is added, it implies that the process of mantra repetition becomes spontaneous. Ajapa Dharana is, therefore, one-pointed concentration on the spontaneous repetition of a mantra.
In this, we Use breath and mental chanting or repetition of mantras as a tool to develop concentration of mental energy.
Origins of this practice can be found in ancient Indian Upanishads, like Yogashiksha Upanishad, its reference can also be found in the Gita.
The Ajapa Japa Dharana is complete in itself and through it, one can have direct experience of samadhi, enlightenment, or everlasting bliss, even without the help of a guru.