(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

In The Initial Stages Of Meditation, The External Environment Does Impact The Mind

शुचौ देशे प्रतिष्ठाप्य स्थिरमासनमात्मन: |
नात्युच्छ्रितं नातिनीचं चैलाजिनकुशोत्तरम् || 6.11||

तत्रैकाग्रं मन: कृत्वा यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रिय: |
उपविश्यासने युञ्ज्याद्योगमात्मविशुद्धये || 6.12||

śhuchau deśhe pratiṣhṭhāpya sthiram āsanam ātmanaḥ
nātyuchchhritaṁ nāti-nīchaṁ chailājina-kuśhottaram|| 6.11||
tatraikāgraṁ manaḥ kṛitvā yata-chittendriya-kriyaḥ
upaviśhyāsane yuñjyād yogam ātma-viśhuddhaye|| 6.12||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 6- Ver. 11 and 12:

Create a stable seat with cloth, deerskin, and grass in a clean area that is not too high or low. Engage in yoga for self-purification while seated on the seat, keeping the mind single-pointed and having suppressed the activities of the mind and senses.

Explanation

In this verse, Shree Krishna discusses the exterior practise. A pure or sanctified place, Clean surroundings also help to keep the mind clean. While one is engrossed in meditation, a mat of grass provides thermal insulation from the ground, and a deer skin above it deters deadly creatures such as snakes and scorpions from approaching. There is a risk of falling off if the seat is too high, and there is a chance of disturbance from insects on the ground if the seat is too low. so it should be medium.

The meditation seat should be at a spot that is both clean and pure. Anything that keeps us from meditating becomes an impediment. Meditation is impossible for beginners without a clean and pure environment. Meditation necessitates the development of saattvic tendencies. For many of us, simply sitting in one place without doing anything becomes challenging.

As a result, that should be the first step we take. The seat should be firm so that the continual dread of falling down does not distract us. A cloth, deer skin, and grass are required to be placed on the seat. What this means is that a layer of insulation should be there between our bodies and the seat. The seat could be either cold or extremely heated, causing another distraction.

Meditation’s purpose is to purify the mind. Sitting down, controlling the mind and senses, and focusing the mind, making it single-pointed, are all steps in the process. Shri Krishna instructs us to take a seat on the seat indicated in the previous shloka. He then instructs us to concentrate or single-point our minds. This, however, is easier said than done. The world’s thoughts rush in whenever we close our eyes and sit in meditation.

When we sit for meditation, the mind will either generate worldly thoughts or the sense organs will detect a scent, a touch, or other sensation that will draw the mind out. As a result, before attempting meditation, we must first learn to control our minds and senses.

Verse & what we can learn

The eradication of vasanas from one’s inner psyche is an important part of spiritual growth. You’ll need to have a keen awareness of dirt, both exterior and internal, for this. Start with the gross, exterior grime that is already there in the surroundings. Maintain a clean and tidy environment. Then concentrate on the dirt on the inside, such as selfishness, ego, and desire.

Meditation requires a reasonably pure and unaffected mind. As a result, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining a clean environment. Have a seat that is neither too high nor too low for you. It’s just right for you to be able to sit on it for a long time without being disturbed.

Meditation has a number of advantages. We will never be reactive to situations if we meditate on a daily basis. Whatever situation we are confronted with, we will always take time to pause and then make a decision. This is due to the mind’s conditioning to slow down the thought process. We will not lose our equilibrium and will not always function in a reactionary mode as a result. We’ll take a closer look.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the Next verses, Shri Krishna tells Arjuna more about the process of meditation.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…