Vedic meditation - Tim Mitchell 6. - 9. 11. 2010
Vedic Meditation is a very simple, natural and effortless meditation technique which allows the mind to effortlessly quieten down and the body to rest deeply. It works without force or concentration, bringing relief from fatigue, accumulated stress and their associated symptoms. This enables us to approach the demands of modern day living with more energy, creativity, clarity, and peace of mind.
Once personally and correctly instructed it is possible to enjoy the practice anywhere we can sit and close the eyes, including an office, a park or even on a bus or train on the way to work if need be.
How does it work?
This Technique does not require any lifestyle changes, large time commitments or the ability to adopt awkward postures. The suggested practice is twice a day for 20 minutes, once in the morning to prepare for the day, and again in the evening to eliminate the stress and tension of the day so we can enjoy our evening to the fullest. Meditation is not difficult. With the correct Technique and instruction it is simple and in fact effortless, bringing immediate rest, relaxation and ease to the mind and body.
The key to Vedic Meditation being an effortless exercise is the use of a mantra suitable to the individual and correct instruction. ‘Mantra’ comes from the ancient language of Sanskrit – manas = mind, tra = vehicle or a ‘vehicle for the mind’. The mantra is specific sound, without meaning, that has an intrinsically charming quality to it. It can be shown that the nature of the mind is to move towards greater charm. For example, if your favorite song is playing in the next room or in a passing car the mind spontaneously, effortlessly, moves to that. No force or concentration is necessary. In the same way, the mind naturally engages with the mantra due to its charming nature.
As the mind effortlessly engages in the mantra, it moves from the active, thought filled layer to the quieter, more subtle, peaceful layers until it reaches the most subtle level of thought, lets go of the mantra and actually moves beyond, or transcends, thinking coming to a complete state of rest within itself. In this state one is able to enjoy the experience of the mind and body completely at rest, yet still be awake and aware inside - this is what we refer to as the experience of the transcendent or pure consciousness.
The Benefits
The benefit meditation brings to the body is rest, scientifically proven to be up to 5 times deeper than sleep. Meditators report that 20 minutes of meditation is as refreshing as a couple of hours of sleep. This deep rest allows the mind and body to process accumulated stress, fatigue and tension on a daily basis and increases our ability to access a state of mind that gives us the perspective and insights required to interact more successfully with all of our daily demands. A rested body and therefore rested mind result in greater clarity of mind, more creative thought process, increased energy levels, greater access to natural intelligence and memory and greater physical health.
The benefits of meditation are not only anecdotal, there have been in excess of 600 independent scientific studies performed on the neuro-physiological benefits that come from practicing meditation.
Specific areas of benefit include:
- Clearer thinking
- Improved memory, energy, creativity, intelligence
- Improved relationships
- Increased ability to concentrate
- Relief from depression and anxiety
- Relief from migraines, headaches and asthma
- Relief from insomnia and other sleeping disorders
- Faster reaction times
- Reduced cholesterol levels
- Relief from fatigue
- Stronger immune system
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Normalisation of blood pressure
- Improved sports performance
- Reduced use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
- Normalisation of weight
The practice of Vedic Meditation will make an immediate difference to your experience of daily life, and its benefits will be accumulative with continued practice.
The Tradition
This Technique of meditation originated in India over 5,000 years ago and has been passed on through an unbroken line of teachers from that time. Although originating in India this is not exclusively "Indian" knowledge. The Technique is universal in its nature, just as Einstein's insights into relativity did not apply only in Germany. In respect of the Tradition, the student is asked a few simple requirements. This involves a short ceremony at the beginning of the course that the student is simply asked to witness and to which he or she is asked to bring a few traditional gifts (some flowers, fruit.) This Technique, Vedic Meditation, is the result of 5,000 years of research and application of that knowledge and is specifically designed for ‘householders’ - those fully engaged in life, rather than those motivated in a reclusive or monastic lifestyle.
The Course
The course is ideally run over 4 days, usually 90 minutes each day. The first day session is always on a one to one basis, individually, it is personalized for everyone. Then we may share the remaining sessions with any others who join that course. After those 4 days you will be a competent, self reliant meditator, motivated ‘to get to the seat' ie to meditate, by the enjoyment of the experience itself (I call it the Chocolate Cake Discipline) and by the immediately appreciated benefits in daily life. You should be committed to fitting in 20 minutes, twice a day, in your daily schedule, for the practice.
Course fee
There are some simple requirements and a fee appropriate to your personal circumstances. My fee to attend is on a sliding scale based on your income. To make it equally accessible to everyone, the traditional way is to ask for a contribution in the amount of the equivalent of a week income. Minimal contribution is CZK 5,000. If your weekly income is lower than CZK 5,000 and cost would be the only inhibition, please discuss with me or Tereza. This includes the course itself (over 4 consecutive days, or sessions), a checking after about 7-10 days, plus a lifetime support for the Technique itself, by phone, email or Skype, and attendance at 'checking' meetings I will run whenever in Prague. Tereza will also be organizing regular group meditation meetings.
Booking and payment
To book your place in a course, please email Tereza at tereza.cichova (at) gmail.com and state your name and phone number. A non-refundable fee of CZK 500 is payable to book your place in a course. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. The maximum amount of participants is limited to 15 in each course; please book your place early. Cancellations made 14 and more days prior to the course date will be refunded (except for the registration fee), cancellations made up to one week prior to the course date will be refunded by 50% of the course fee, there will be no refunds thereafter.
FAQs
Will I be able to meditate successfully?
Yes, because Vedic Meditation is completely natural. Anyone can learn this meditation because the Technique is scientific; it requires neither specific skills nor the adoption of a particular lifestyle.
Does this Technique conflict with my religious beliefs?
No. This is simply a practical Technique that provides immediate and sustained benefits in every area of an individual’s life – mind, body, behaviour and environment. You do not have to take on any beliefs, change your name or wear strange clothes. People of all races and religions practice this meditation.
Do I have to chant, or sit in strange yoga positions?
No. When you meditate you sit in silence in a chair or elsewhere with your eyes closed. To anyone watching you, it looks as though you are simply resting.
Do I need a special meditation room to meditate in?
No. The Technique is completely portable. You can practice it anywhere - on a train, bus, plane, at your desk, in a park. You don’t need absolute silence in order to practice it, all you need is a place to sit. It’s very useful for people who travel a great deal, as it assists with jetlag and fatigue.
How long will it take until I feel benefits?
Most people report feeling calmer, having greater physical energy and mental clarity in the first week they start practicing meditation. Actually many people feel the benefits after their first meditation. Friends and family will probably comment that you seem calmer, happier and less stressed.
Will it take years to master?
No. By the end of the meditation course you will be able to meditate on your own. Group meditation meetings are provided to ensure you stay on track with your practice.
Why is the course taught over four sessions rather than all in one go?
The first session is your personalised instruction in the Technique, always on a one to one basis. The following three sessions are verification and validation of your experiences. It allows you some meditation practice at home on your own, and you bring that experience to the small group to share and also to gain more refined understanding from their experiences as well. So we learn the Technique first, then make sure you are getting good experiences, then we gain an intellectual understanding of the experiences we have, and finally a vision for the future through continued practice. It’s a very complete course based on experience and intellectual understanding.
What does it mean the cost is on a sliding scale based on income?
I am a totally independent Instructor of this Technique and travel full time in taking it 'to where it is not'. The fee funds my ability to do this. My requested contribution of the equivalent of a week income expresses the value I have of its benefit in our life. In ancient days to learn this Technique one would work for the teacher in his fields, or feed him and his family for a week. It makes it the same relative value to all who participate.
How does Vedic Meditation differ from other types of meditation? Are they all the same?
The Vedic Meditation Technique is unique and essentially different from other forms of meditation and relaxation. Other types of meditation generally involve concentration (focusing the mind through effort) or contemplation (thinking about the meaning of something) both of which keep the mind active. Vedic meditation is a completely effortless Technique that de-excites the mind and body in a natural and spontaneous way.
Is it only for adults?
No. The Technique can be taught to children as of 5 years of age provided both parents agree with their child learning the Technique and at least one parent is actively meditating. Young children are taught a special “eyes open” technique which they practice for a few minutes while doing their daily activities. Teenagers can be taught the standard adults’ technique which is practiced with the eyes closed, they just do it for a time shorter than 20 minutes. The practice is very beneficial for both children and teenagers. It helps them to calm, get rid of any tension or stress, improves concentration and clarity of thinking and thereby has a positive effect on the school results. Special prices are available for a whole family learning to meditate. Teenagers 10 - 15 years of age learning the adults’ technique pay CZK 3.500, small children under 10 are taught for a nominal agreed amount, and the child is asked to donate a picture they drew, or some gift to the teacher.
If you find the Meditation course interesting but would prefer to meet Tim before enrolling in the course, please come to a free Introductory Talk where Tim will be happy to answer all your questions in person.
Contact details, further inquiries and information
For more information please contact
Tim Mitchell
www.meditationwithtim.com
Email: tim (at) meditationwithtim.com
or Tereza Cíchová
www.jogasterezou.cz
Tel: +420 777 965 221
Email: tereza.cichova (at) gmail.com
We are looking forward to meeting you.