In studying various manuals concerning  meditation techniques, and even when working in group meditation programs, the main concern for most is the methodology. Particularly in the West, people are typically  most interested in the "technique" of meditation. However, it is crucial to know that the most important aspect of meditation practice is not method. Rather, it is our state of being, the ‘spirit' in which we perform mediation, which is known as the "posture." This posture refers to the  spirit or attitude of the practitioner, and that is where Buddhist principles greatly facilitate meditation practice. Studying the precepts of Siddhartha Gautama is excellent for conditioning the mind for true meditation, and to reap the best results imaginable!

It's good to realize that when one begins a meditation session, one is accessing a whole other dimension of reality. Generally speaking, in life people invest a whole lot of effort into achieving material things. While personal achievement is essential for self-actualization and living a well balanced life, we must break free from the material mire in order to really experience personal freedom, so that we are not attached to the material world. Meditation is a break from how we ordinarily function. Meditation is merely a matter of being, of melting, just like a piece of butter under the sun. It does not matter if you "know" anything about meditation techniques at all. Actually each time we practice meditation should be fresh, as if we are trying it out for the very first time. To meditate all you need to do is just sit quietly with a still body and in silence with the mind at ease, and permit ideas to come and go, without letting them affect you solitude.

If you feel the urge to do something, then simply monitor your breathing. And that is a very simple thing to do. When breathing out, concentrate on breathing out. When breathing in, be mindful of breathing in only identifying with the breath. Generally, people can induce relaxation in the body by concentrating on its different parts. Real relaxation is induced when we relax from within, because then all else will be placed at ease quite naturally. When beginning to practice this, just center yourself, while being in touch with your higher consciousness, and just remain there. There is no need to focus on any particular thing to begin with. Simply allow your thoughts and emotions to settle. If you practice this exercise, then when using a method such as watching your breath, it will be easier to pay attention to your breathing.

There is no particular part of the breathing process that you need to focus on, it is simply the process of breathing that matters most. Only twenty-five percent of your attention should be focused on breathing, while the other seventy-five percent is relaxed. It is important to actually identify with breathing, rather than only monitoring it. You can also choose  an object, such as a flower to focus upon. Many times meditation instructors teach us to visualize a light on the brow chakra or in the heart chakra. Also,  a sound or a mantra can be used to focus on.

My favorite sound to meditate on is the Great ‘Om,' and my favorite mantra for meditation is the Maha-Mantra! While it can be useful to integrate these things objects of focus into your meditation techniques, at first it's best to merely be ‘spacious,' like the sky. In other words, think of yourself as the sky, holding the entire universe. When sitting, let things calm down allowing all discord within yourself and any unnaturalness to dissolve, and out of that rises your real self. Then you are able to experience that part of yourself which is more genuine, authentic, which is the "real" you! As you progress, you will discover and reconnect with your intrinsic goodness. The entire purpose of meditation is getting used to that part of yourself which may have been lost and forgotten.

Interestingly enough, the Tibetan definition for "meditation" is "getting used to." Getting used to what? It means getting used to your original nature, known as your Buddha nature. That's why, in the highest teachings of Buddhism, Dzogchen, we are instructed to "rest in the nature of mind." Just sit quietly letting all ideas and concepts dissipate into nothingness. Its similar to when clouds dissolve or mist evaporates, to reveal the clear sky and the sun shining. When it all dissolves in this way, you are able to experience your true nature, and to feel the fullness of life itself!. It is different from any other feeling of well being that you may have ever experienced.

Its is a real goodness, where you feel a deep sense of love, peace and confidence towards yourself. It is best to meditate when you feel inspired to do so. And early morning meditation can easily foster that inspiration, because the best times for the mind are early in the day, since the mind is more calm and fresh (traditionally, the time suggested is before dawn). It is best to sit down when you are inspired, because it is easier, it puts you in a better frame of mind for meditation, and you will also be more motivated by the very practice that you do. This in turn will create even more confidence in your practice, so that later on you will be able to practice, even if you are not motivated.

One of the main points of the spiritual journey is to persevere on the path towards enlightenment. Although your meditation experience naturally may be good one day, and not so good the next, it is not the experiences, but rather when you persevere that you reap its highest benefits. Good and bad are simply dualities that do not even exist on the highest realms of consciousness. For example, just as there is good or bad weather, but the sky remains unchanged. If you persist being grounded and not being disturbed by your emotions or experiences, then you will develop the stability that is necessary for the real profoundness of meditation to take effect.

You should observe that gradually and almost unnoticeably, your attitude begins to morph and becomes conducive to excellent meditation techniques and experience. Suddenly, you'll notice that you are not as attached to things as much as before, nor do you grasp at them so strongly, and even though a crisis happens, you are spiritually empowered to handle them much better, and to certainly rise above them with more humor and ease. You will even be able to laugh at difficulties a little, as there is more distance between you and them, and you are more free of material things. I have noticed that mind power is greatly enhanced with persistent meditation practice. And your mind over matter abilities/ telekinetic powers or ‘PK' will also be greatly amplified. This is very important for personal development, self-help, developing psychic useful
skills, and spiritual elevation.