Meditation

Raja Yoga meditation as taught by the Brahma Kumaris is an open-eyed contemplative practice centred on awareness of the self as soul and relationship with the Supreme Soul. Its language and imagery draw on Indian cultural and spiritual traditions, while the practice has developed its own distinctive vocabulary, cosmology and experiential forms. At its heart is the cultivation of soul consciousness and a loving, contemplative connection between the soul and the Supreme Soul.

The meditator sits somewhere quiet, as upright and comfortable as possible. Settling into the present moment and bringing attention within, the meditator gradually and naturally brings their attention to the centre of the forehead, understood in Raja Yoga as the seat of the soul. This gentle harnessing of attention enables the mind to slow down and the body to relax in support of the practice. Sometimes a new meditator may experience a sensation in the forehead, perhaps a buzzing, mild electricity or some other stirring. They may also feel nothing at all. Each person's practice is their own; in this sense, there is no right or wrong way to experience meditation.

As inner calm arises, attention turns inward towards the deep peace of soul consciousness: the awareness of being a silent, living point of eternal energy, expressing itself through the extraordinary machinery of the body to experience life. Sitting in this awareness can cultivate a deep friendship with the self and, gradually, a sense of connection and love towards other beings.

Attention then turns towards the Supreme Parent, Guide, Companion and Friend. We can call this One God if we wish. The meditator connects with that One through the mind and heart. Actually, it is almost more the space between the mind and the heart where meditation occurs.

The mind does wander. That is its nature. When it does, there is no need to worry. In returning to a state of gentle peace, the meditator establishes peace as a foundation, returning to their origins. The mind can gradually come back into alignment with its nature of peace and the heart with its nature of kindness.

This silent, restorative and nourishing connection between the soul and the Supreme Soul is called Raja Yoga meditation: supreme union, or kingly connection.

Raja Yoga meditation is practised by people from a variety of religious traditions and worldviews, as well as by those who identify with none. Practitioners may experience it as bringing peace to the mind, relaxation to the body and nourishment to the heart.   

For those wishing to learn Raja Yoga meditation, the Brahma Kumaris offer free introductory courses both online and through local centres.