Hello friends!
When I am using an exclusive concentration practice like japa, do I need to remember that I am meditating as well? I have seen mixed directions on this and I am beginning to realize the difference between just staying concentrated on the mantra itself and then also remembering that I am meditating because it tends to have an effect of taking concentration away from the mantra. I also try to stay as relaxed as possible, settling my shoulders and my thumbs often. This seems necessary but it's a distraction as well.
Lately I need less of this as I am staying more relaxed in these areas as a result of the effort. I remember hearing in one lecture that I should always remember that I am meditating but in another, I think a quote was read from Samuel Aun Weor that we must forget that we are meditating, and I am confused.
My guess would be that as long as I am consentrating solely on the mantra and not allowing my mind to wander, this presence of the moment will allow enough awareness to stay conscious of what I am doing with less and less effort/distractions over time, allowing remembrance of meditation along with undisturbed concentration on mantra? I remember hearing that we should have complete absorption into the mantra or whatever we are concentrating on but with full absorption how will there be any awareness that I am meditating.
Is it through continual awareness practice that I will gain more efficiency in remembrance of meditating while being absorbed in consentration?
Thank you!
When I am using an exclusive concentration practice like japa, do I need to remember that I am meditating as well? I have seen mixed directions on this and I am beginning to realize the difference between just staying concentrated on the mantra itself and then also remembering that I am meditating because it tends to have an effect of taking concentration away from the mantra. I also try to stay as relaxed as possible, settling my shoulders and my thumbs often. This seems necessary but it's a distraction as well.
Lately I need less of this as I am staying more relaxed in these areas as a result of the effort. I remember hearing in one lecture that I should always remember that I am meditating but in another, I think a quote was read from Samuel Aun Weor that we must forget that we are meditating, and I am confused.
My guess would be that as long as I am consentrating solely on the mantra and not allowing my mind to wander, this presence of the moment will allow enough awareness to stay conscious of what I am doing with less and less effort/distractions over time, allowing remembrance of meditation along with undisturbed concentration on mantra? I remember hearing that we should have complete absorption into the mantra or whatever we are concentrating on but with full absorption how will there be any awareness that I am meditating.
Is it through continual awareness practice that I will gain more efficiency in remembrance of meditating while being absorbed in consentration?
Thank you!