Understanding Meditation According to Lord Krishna: Yoga and Devotional Practices

According to Hindu philosophy, Meditation is described as a path of union with the divine or higher consciousness. The-avatar Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, introduces various forms of yoga, including Dhyan Yoga, the path of meditation. However, the suitability of Dhyan Yoga for modern times is not explicitly recommended. Instead, a more accessible and sublime path, Bhakti Yoga, or the path of devotion, is emphasized.

Witness State and Kundalini Awakening

Lord Krishna, who is referred to as Yogeswara, governs the Vishuddhi chakra located at the neck. This chakra has sixteen petals and is characterized by its sweetness. The experience of all states can only occur after the Kundalini awakening and the realization of the self. When the Kundalini energy rises through the Muladhara, Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, and Vishuddhi chakras, it eventually ascends to the Ajna and Sahasrar chakras.

Dhyan Yoga: The Path of Meditation

In chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna delineates the process of Dhyan Yoga, which involves concentrating the mind and becoming lost in contemplation. While this technique may be challenging to practice in contemporary times, it provides a profound understanding of the self and the divine.

Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion

Bhakti Yoga is the preferred practice in modern times. It involves the act of devotion and worship, which Lord Krishna exemplified through His personal appearance as Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaaprabhu in 1486 AD in Nadia, Bengal. He introduced chanting the divine name, specifically the Hare Krishna Mahaamantra.

Chanting the holy names or Harinaam is a form of mantra meditation. It involves the vibration of spiritual sound with the tongue, which purifies the seat of consciousness, the heart. This sound enters the ears and cleanses the heart of material contamination, providing a potent means of spiritual purification. Beyond the utterer, the hearer also benefits from this practice.

Benefits of Chanting Harinaam

Chanting the holy Harinaam offers numerous spiritual benefits, including:

Removal of negative thoughts Eradication of the influence of evil Elimination of bad habits and negative vices Peace of mind and mental tranquility Contentment and dispelling of anger Balancing of the chakras in the body Development of love and spiritual bliss Scrubbing away of passion and ignorance Achieving a positive mindset and calmness Improved remembrance of the divine Transcendental devotional ecstasy Blessings of good fortune and auspiciousness Imparting spiritual purity and sanctity Equipment with transcendental conceptions Elimination of karmic miseries, pain, and suffering Endowment with Godly love and bliss

Practical Steps for Chanting Harinaam

To begin chanting, one must use 108 plus 1 beads from a bona fide Lord Krishna temple. This process, although effective, requires time to yield its spiritual benefits. Those who follow this process may experience significant changes in their consciousness and spiritual life.

Regulative Principles and Guidance

While engaging in the practice of chanting, adherence to certain regulative principles and avoidance of offenses are essential. These guidelines and more detailed descriptions are available in the book 'Harinaam Chintamani' by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur Goswami Prabhupad. For those who seek guidance, seeking the support of a bonafide devotional society like ISKCON can be beneficial.

Contacts the divine mother, Bhakti Devi, with the holy grace of revered Vaishnava Acharyas and find solace in the soulful bliss of Hari Bhakti.

Jay Shree Krishna