Meditations of Ayurveda

Ayurveda understands meditation through the three doshas and their energies. Vata is the air and ether elements and requires more focused practice. Pitta is the fire and water elements, and its nature needs more softness and openness, which brings calmness and focus, and the Kapha dosha is the water and earth elements, and can use more of a heated practice.

Below are three recommended meditations.

Vata Mediation - So Hum

So Hum is referred to as Mahamantra “The Greatest Mantra”, and in Sanskrit, the most ancient of languages, the sound of the inhalation is termed So, and the exhalation is Hum. Combined So-Hum is translated as "I Am That".

During this meditation, the attention given to the two silent words bring attention for a active mind, and gradually both the breath and the sound will become quieter, and quieter unitl the breath becomes so quiet that it almost seems to stop along with the flucations of the mind.

Here is how to do it;

• Find a comfortable seated posture.

• Place your hands on your thighs and gently close your eyes.

• Keep the chest lifted, relax your shoulders, jaw and scalp.

• Draw your chin in slightly and lengthen the back of neck.

• Relax your abdomen and breathe through your nose.

• Now, bring your attention to the rhythm of your breath, observe the gently inhalations and exhalations.

• On your inhalation listen for the sound of "So."

• And as you exhale, listen for the sound of "Hum".

• Focus on your breath while silently repeating "So-Hum."

• There is no need to force or concentrate, just listen to the sound, and whenever you lose it, gently return to it.

• Start with 5 minutes and work up to ten

Pitta Mediation - Empty Bowl

During the heat of the Pitta season, the meditation practice to consider is Empty Bowl which cultivates a cooler, unstructured, and more open-minded practice. 

Start by sitting comfortably and quietly in a cross-legged posture with the palms up, and placed open on your knees, like empty bowls. Relax your fingers as if you are holding a bowl in each hand. Open the mouth slightly. and allow the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth, right behind the front teeth.

After a few minutes bring your awareness to your inhalations.  Notice how the breath seems cool, and energizing as it moves from the throat, to the lungs, to the diaphragm and to the naval area where you have another imaginary bowl.  The breath will come to a natural stop here with a momentary hold “Kumbhaka”, this is where the body pulls the life force “Prana” from the breath.

Do not hold the breath, once it has come to its peak your body will naturally release the breath, notice how the breath might seem warmer as it moves upward from the imaginary bowl behind the naval to the diaphragm, lungs, throat, and out through the nose to the imaginary bowls in your hands.

Start this practice with 5 minutes each morning, and evening working up to 10 or 15 minutes.  You may also practice this meditation in a prone position.

Kapha Meditation - Tartaka

The practice of Trataka will bring greater awareness, a relaxed state of mind, enhanced brain wave function, and a deeper knowledge of the Self leading to enlightenment.

Gazing into the flame concentrates light and heat onto the retina, through the optic nerve to the rear brain and increases the energy in the pineal gland also known as the "Third Eye" and converts light into the electromagnetic energy responsible for the entire body's glandular system. Flooding the pineal gland with light stimulates the opening of the "Third Eye" and feeling of bliss.

Light a ghee lamp or candle and place it about 2-3 feet away from you.  Sit in an upright position ensuring the spine stays erect and that inner energy can flow easily through the subtle channels of the body. 

Begin by taking a few deep breaths, focus your eyes on the flame. As thoughts arise, simply acknowledge them and let them go.  If the eyes close let your inner self look at the flame, focus on the flame's "image" and notice how it may be changing. It may glow very brightly and then grow dim, only to glow brightly again. It may change colors and size. Bring your attention to the space between and just above your eyebrows, the Ajna Chakra and third eye-pineal gland connection.