LAST week, I was in India, that land rich with ancient and mystical sciences. Mumbai, where I was, is the capital of Maharashtra state and the city for Vasthu Sastra.
The mansions and bungalows in Malabar Hill where the Bollywood movie stars live are carefully built to incorporate the science of harmonious dwelling. Advertisements of houses for sale or rent in major dailies like The Times of India and Hindustan Times usually carry a footnote that properties are Vasthu-compliant – they have to, otherwise, say real estate agents, no one would buy or rent anything!
Besides covering a maritime conference in Mumbai, I wanted to enhance my techniques on meditation.
In India, many people meditate to seek solutions to all kinds of illnesses and problems because they believe that human beings are born with a great capacity for self-healing.
Meditation can help reduce allergies, anxiety, backache, depression, headaches (including migraines) and it can help alleviate sexual dysfunction.
Indeed, research has revealed that meditation seems to boost health in general. Studies have shown that the meditative state is more restful than sleep even.
And that is the key point: Our minds are usually working at full speed because of work pressure, the rush to meet deadlines, targets, visions – all in the name of material gain. Meditation, however, can calm the mind. It aims to unite the mind in a single thought and free it of anxiety.
If you want to take up meditation, you must prepare mentally and physically so that your body, mind and spirit are in harmony. This is because meditation requires you to be free from the pressures of the mind and the desires of the body.
Why meditate, what are its benefits?
Meditation can connect one with universal energies and help one attain moksha (liberation).
By practising regular meditation, one attains self-realisation and divine manifestation in one’s own heart.
One can not only heal oneself but also energise the entire world if one is united in consciousness with other meditators.
Meditation alleviates stress and strain and bestows peace, tranquillity and bliss. It also develops concentration, health and self-confidence.
The highlight of any meditative experience is if one experiences a white light – this indicates the highest vibration of energy. This light translates as love, and when an individual experiences this status, he or she is filling up with love.
How to meditate?
According to Vasthu Sastra, the auspicious location for meditation is the north-east, the spiritual quadrant. Once you have located this direction, sit with the legs comfortably folded and eyes closed for several minutes.
Some people may require a tutor, or a guru, to guide them, but, in most cases, any individual can connect with the energy of the universe without any help.
Meditation is the art of focusing the mind upon a chosen thought to remove impurities. Some people do this by chanting mantras, while others do it by consciously concentrating on one thought, or on silence.
Meditation is best done after a shower in the morning or in the evening, or at sunrise or sunset. Ideally, you should meditate daily. The meditative state allows nerves and tired muscles to relax, and will calm heart rates and ease blood pressure. It’s so restful that you’ll want to do it daily!
Vasthu talk
The columnist will give a talk on how to arrange a house according to Vasthu Sastra principles in order to attain health, wealth, happiness and peace of mind on Oct 16 at 6.30pm at the Cinta Sayang Golf Resort in Sungai Petani, Kedah. Admission is by contribution of RM10 to the Sungai Petani Rotary Club. To register, contact Raja at 016-410 5662.
Another talk will be held on Oct 22 at 7pm at Bon Ton Restaurant (No. 4, Jalan Ceylon) in Kuala Lumpur. Admission is by contribution of RM10 to the Guru Dharma Society. To register, contact Madeline Kuan at 016-384 8860.
Seven steps to meditation
1. Find a quiet spot.
2. Relax and sit comfortably; lie down if you want to.
3. Play soft, relaxing music or chant a mantra.
4. Close your eyes, drop your shoulders.
5. Breathe slowly and deeply, four or five times.
6. Think of something to focus on. Do not think of worldly matters. If your mind wanders, return to your focus.
7. Sit still for about 10 to 20 minutes, inhaling and exhaling gently and regularly.
T. Selva, The Star’s Maritime Editor, has spent years researching this ancient Indian science of construction, better known as ‘Indian feng shui’. He is a student of 7th generation Vasthu Sastra Master Yuvaraj Sowma from Chennai, India. He can be contacted at tselvas@thestar.com.my.