Meditation & Body

Meditation is a process. Possibly, it may be a process of rearranging the content of our own brain so that the brain functions altogether in a different manner and the new way of functioning of brain itself may be meditation.

Due to the factors like fear, anger, stress, etc our body has lost its natural way of being, as we grow from child to adult. The body lose its flexibility and become stiff. Depend on the environment we live, we reach the peak of body stiffness some where between teen age and middle age. The worst part is that we also lost our sensitivity to feel this stiffness. Hence it appears that the way we are now is the natural way of being. Those who are practicing some relaxation techniques may be able to understand this fact. If we can observe any part of our body, we can feel that part of body is getting relaxed and along with that relaxation, the mind is also relaxing. But if we are not used to such observations, the mind may drag away from such observation as the mind may not be capable of withstanding such sensitivity due to prolonged ignorance of our own body and mind by us.

Any activity of mind is a material process within our body - meaning the activity of brain, a matter, is expressed as mind. On the other hand mind is an integral part of our body. When the mind relaxes the body also get relaxed. Similarly, if the body is relaxed we can very well feel the relaxation of mind also. Probably the ‘Kriya Yogis’ uses this relation to prepare the mind by means of preparing body through ‘Kriyas’ or breathing techniques/Aasanas so that the right condition for meditation to happen is set with in the ‘Kriya Yogi’.

When meditation happens, the body also adapts its natural state as the mind frees itself from fear, anger, stress, belief etc and hence the stiffness of body due to these factors are also freed up. That is the body may gains freedom from the unnecessary burden of brain. In other words, when meditation happens, the mind may be approaching its highest capability and so is the body. Any ailment of body due to the unnatural stiffness of body also may be cured and hence a healthy body is also an effect of meditation.

If the body is not in right condition, again the possibility of meditation to happen may be very remote. In such cases, any attempt to get into meditative state by mental stimulation may spoil the healthiness of mind and in turn impact the body also. This could be the reason for many of the spiritual techniques at higher level are closely guarded secrets – To avoid damaging mind and body of the unprepared. But if one avoids such violent stimulation of mind with awareness, as one progress in reaching meditativeness, the body also prepares itself to complement the process of meditation.

When the body is not in peace, mind cannot be in peace and hence meditation cannot happen. The reverse must also be true – When the mind is not in peace, body cannot be in peace and hence meditation cannot happen. This implies that any method which tortures the mind and body may drag us away from meditation and illusion may be dominant in such cases. But we must note that certain method may be bliss to one person, but can be a torture to another person. Hence no method is a generic method for inviting meditation. It entirely depends on the composition of individual who is waiting for meditation to happen.

For meditation to happen, the body and mind may have to move towards meditation with synch. A mind moving faster than body may create mental imbalance or get into some illusion to escape from this mental imbalance. Similarly the body moving faster than mind may lead to physical disorders. Here is the actual purpose of a spiritual guru, if at all we seek one. The Spiritual guru is to see that our mind and body moves with synch towards meditation and correct the imbalance if occurs.

With all this dangers why should we seek meditation? The answer depends on how we like to live our life. For worldly life, we have to walk on the streets many times a day where unlimited dangers are possible. But to live a worldly life we have to face all these dangers as and when occur. Same is the case for inner journey! There are enough dangers in the inner path. Our alertness can guard against all these dangers and can lead us to the destination. But, we have to be alert to take such journey.

Let us leave alone the freedom of body required for meditation to happen. But we are spoiling our body and mind by the name of lifestyle. It does not mean simply ignore all worldly changes and live the life inside a cave or hut. But understand our need and adapt a lifestyle suited for the need. If we can live such a life, no other effort may be required for meditation to happen. In such cases, the mind and body may be ready for welcoming meditation. But the trouble is that we are not prepared for a real necessity based life. Our necessities are driven by our ego!