Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: The Most Auspicious Fast for Spiritual Elevation

 

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: The Most Auspicious Fast for Spiritual Elevation

• Date: June 6, 2025 (Friday), Ekadashi Tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha.
• Significance: Known as the most rigorous and rewarding Ekadashi, believed to grant the benefits of all 24 Ekadashis combined.
• Celebrations: Complete fasting without water, worship of Lord Vishnu, and charity across India.
• Spiritual Benefits: Purification of sins, health benefits, and blessings for prosperity and moksha.

Introduction

Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimseni Ekadashi, holds a special place among the 24 Ekadashis observed in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated with immense devotion, this day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and involves a strict fast without even water, earning it the name "Nirjala" (without water). In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on June 6, offering devotees a profound opportunity to cleanse their sins, enhance their spiritual journey, and seek divine blessings.

Date and Auspicious Timings

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Friday, June 6, during the Ekadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. The key timings are as follows:

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 5, 2025, at 10:02 PM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 6, 2025, at 11:04 PM
• Parana (Fast-Breaking) Time: June 7, 2025, from 5:25 AM to 8:09 AM
• Dwadashi Tithi Ends: June 7, 2025, at 10:57 PM
• Hasta Nakshatra: June 5, 2025, from 3:35 AM to June 6, 2025, at 6:34 AM
• Vyatipata Yoga: June 5, 2025, from 9:14 AM to June 6, 2025, at 10:13 AM

The auspicious time for breaking the fast (Parana) on June 7 ensures devotees complete the ritual correctly, maximizing spiritual benefits.

The Legend of Nirjala Ekadashi

The significance of Nirjala Ekadashi is deeply rooted in the Mahabharata, particularly linked to Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. According to legend, the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi observed Ekadashi fasts as advised by Sage Vyasa to gain Lord Vishnu’s blessings for prosperity and victory. However, Bhima, known for his immense appetite, found it challenging to fast due to his hunger.

Bhima approached Vyasa for a solution, expressing his inability to abstain from food on all 24 Ekadashis. Vyasa advised him to observe a single, strict fast on Nirjala Ekadashi, abstaining from both food and water, which would yield the benefits of all Ekadashis combined. Bhima followed this advice, and thus, this Ekadashi became known as Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi. This story highlights the festival’s emphasis on devotion and discipline, offering a practical path for spiritual growth even for those who struggle with regular fasting.

Rituals and Celebrations

Nirjala Ekadashi is marked by rigorous fasting and heartfelt worship of Lord Vishnu across India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Devotees begin preparations on Dashami (the day before Ekadashi) by consuming a light, sattvic meal and abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables.

Key Rituals:

• Complete Fast: Devotees abstain from food and water from sunrise on June 6 until sunrise on June 7. This strict fast is believed to purify the body, mind, and soul.
• Vishnu Puja: A small altar is set up with an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu, often depicted with Goddess Lakshmi. Offerings include tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, flowers, fruits, and incense. The puja begins with lighting a diya (lamp) and chanting Vishnu mantras.
• Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita Recitation: Devotees recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) and read or listen to the Bhagavad Gita to deepen their devotion.
• Charity and Service: Donating water pots (especially with fans or umbrellas in summer), food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy is considered highly meritorious. Providing water to travelers in the scorching June heat is a common act of charity.
• Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake, engaging in bhakti through kirtans, prayers, and meditation, reflecting on Lord Vishnu’s divine qualities.
• Parana (Breaking the Fast): The fast is broken on Dwadashi (June 7) during the specified Parana time, typically with water, followed by a light meal like fruits or milk-based foods.

In temples like those in Vrindavan and Mathura, special abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) and processions are held, drawing thousands of devotees. The day’s focus on austerity and devotion fosters a deep connection with the divine.

Mantras for Worship

Chanting specific mantras enhances the spiritual potency of the day:

1. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
   This powerful mantra invokes Lord Vishnu’s blessings, promoting peace and spiritual clarity.
2. Hare Krishna Hare Rama Mantra:
   Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
   This mantra, chanted with a mala (108 beads), deepens devotion and connects the devotee with Lord Vishnu’s divine energy.

Devotees may also recite the Ekadashi Vrat Katha, a narrative explaining the significance of the day, to inspire their resolve during the fast.

Spiritual Significance

Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most powerful of all Ekadashis due to its rigorous nature. It is believed to grant the combined benefits of observing all 24 Ekadashis in a year, making it ideal for those unable to fast regularly. The fast purifies the body and mind, removing sins accumulated through thoughts, words, and actions. It also promotes physical health by detoxifying the body, improving digestion, and boosting immunity—a practice supported by modern science as well.

Spiritually, the day aligns devotees with Lord Vishnu’s divine energy, fostering qualities like humility, patience, and self-discipline. It is said to bring prosperity, peace, and progress toward moksha (liberation). The Padma Purana emphasizes that observing this Ekadashi with devotion can absolve even the gravest sins and ensure divine protection.

Cultural and Regional Celebrations

Nirjala Ekadashi is widely observed across India, with particular enthusiasm in North India. In Vrindavan, devotees throng temples like the ISKCON Temple to participate in kirtans and darshan of Lord Krishna (a form of Vishnu). In Rajasthan, community gatherings at local temples involve collective chanting and charity drives, such as distributing water and food to the underprivileged. The festival’s timing in the peak summer month of June underscores the significance of water-related charity, symbolizing compassion in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025, on June 6, presents a sacred opportunity to connect with Lord Vishnu through austerity, devotion, and charity. By observing this rigorous fast and engaging in heartfelt worship, devotees can purify their souls, gain divine blessings, and progress on their spiritual path. As we honor this auspicious day, let us embrace its teachings of discipline and devotion to lead a life aligned with dharma. Join us on June 6, 2025, to celebrate Nirjala Ekadashi, and explore more spiritual insights at Anant Bodh.

Ganga Dussehra 2025: Significance, and Celebrations

 

Ganga Dussehra 2025: Date, Significance, and Celebrations

Introduction

Ganga Dussehra, a cherished Hindu festival, celebrates the divine descent of the sacred river Ganga to Earth, an event known as Gangavataran. This auspicious occasion, observed with profound devotion, is believed to purify devotees of their sins and guide them toward spiritual liberation. On June 5, 2025, millions will gather at sacred sites like Haridwar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj to honor Mother Ganga, seeking her blessings for purity, peace, and moksha. As Jawaharlal Nehru eloquently stated, “The Ganga, especially, is the river of India, beloved of her people, round which are intertwined her memories, her hopes and fears, her songs of triumph, her victories and her defeats. She has been a symbol of India’s age-long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga” (Ganges in Hinduism).

Date and Auspicious Timings

Ganga Dussehra 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5, during the Dashami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. The precise timings, based on the Hindu lunar calendar, are as follows:

• Dashami Tithi Begins: June 4, 2025, at 11:54 PM

• Dashami Tithi Ends: June 6, 2025, at 2:15 AM

• Hasta Nakshatra: June 5, 2025, from 3:35 AM to June 6, 2025, at 6:34 AM

• Vyatipata Yoga: June 5, 2025, from 9:14 AM to June 6, 2025, at 10:13 AM

• Auspicious Time for Puja and Bathing: Morning from 5:25 AM to 7:40 AM

The Hasta Nakshatra, influenced by the Sun’s strength and the Moon’s sensitivity, enhances the spiritual potency of the day. While Vyatipata Yoga is considered inauspicious in some contexts, the sacred acts of Ganga bathing and worship are believed to neutralize its effects, making this an ideal time for rituals (Rudraksha Ratna).

The Legend of Ganga’s Descent

The story of Ganga Dussehra is deeply rooted in the devotion of King Bhagirath, as narrated in Hindu scriptures. Long ago, King Sagara’s 60,000 sons were reduced to ashes due to a curse by Sage Kapila. To liberate their souls, Bhagirath, their descendant, undertook intense penance to Lord Brahma, beseeching him to bring Ganga to Earth to purify their ashes.

Brahma granted the wish but cautioned that Ganga’s forceful descent could devastate the Earth. Bhagirath then turned to Lord Shiva, who agreed to receive Ganga in his matted locks to temper her flow. As Ganga descended through Shiva’s hair, she became the sacred river that purified the souls of Bhagirath’s ancestors, granting them salvation. This legend underscores the power of devotion and the divine compassion that brought Ganga to humanity (My Pandit).

Celebrations and Rituals

Ganga Dussehra is marked by vibrant celebrations across India, particularly in states where the Ganga flows, such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Devotees throng sacred sites like Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Rishikesh, Garhmukteshwar, and Patna to participate in rituals that honor Mother Ganga. An estimated 1.5 million people are expected to join the festivities in Haridwar alone, with grand arrangements for rituals and aarti (Ganesha Speaks).

Key Rituals

• Ganga Snan (Holy Bath): Devotees take a dip in the Ganga to cleanse ten types of sins related to thoughts, actions, and speech. Those unable to visit the river can mix Ganga water with regular water for bathing.

• Surya Arghya: Offering water to the Sun God as a gesture of reverence.

• Ganga Puja: Worshiping Mother Ganga with offerings of flowers, sweets, and oil lamps.

• Ganga Aarti: The grand evening aarti, especially at Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat and Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri, where thousands gather to witness the mesmerizing ritual of lamps and chants.

• Pitru Puja: Performing tarpan, pind daan, and deep daan to honor ancestors, believed to bring peace to their souls.

• Deep Daan: Lighting lamps on the ghats and under peepal trees to ward off ancestral curses.

• Charity: Donating food, clothes, and water pots to the needy, considered highly meritorious.

In regions like Mathura and Vrindavan, devotees also honor the Yamuna river, and cultural activities such as kite flying add a festive flair to the spiritual observances (On Indian Path).

Mantras for Worship

Devotees chant specific mantras to invoke Mother Ganga’s blessings:

1. Om Shri Gangayai Namah: A powerful mantra dedicated to Ganga, chanted to seek purification and divine grace.

2. Om Namah Shivaya: The Panchakshari mantra of Lord Shiva, closely associated with Ganga, as she flows from his locks, believed to alleviate all sufferings.

Many also recite the Ganga Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya, a hymn that glorifies Ganga’s divine qualities and her role as a purifier of souls (Times of India).

Spiritual Significance

The term “Dussehra” in Ganga Dussehra signifies the destruction of ten types of sins—three related to thoughts, four to actions, and three to speech. Bathing in the Ganga and performing puja on this day are believed to absolve these sins, fostering mental peace, physical well-being, and spiritual progress toward moksha (liberation). Mother Ganga is revered as Mokshadayini, the bestower of salvation, freeing devotees from the cycle of birth and death.

The Chandogya Upanishad states, “Prithiviya Apo Rasah” (water is the essence of the earth), highlighting Ganga’s sanctity as a divine purifier (Rudraksha Ratna). The festival also embodies the lesson of King Bhagirath’s unwavering devotion, teaching that true dedication can achieve the impossible.

Cultural and Regional Celebrations

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with fervor in states where the Ganga flows, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Haridwar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj are major hubs, with ghats illuminated by thousands of lamps during deep daan. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the Yamuna is also worshipped, and cultural events like kite flying add a joyful dimension. The confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayagraj is considered one of India’s holiest spots, drawing countless devotees (Ganesha Speaks).

Conclusion

Ganga Dussehra 2025, on June 5, offers a sacred opportunity to connect with Mother Ganga’s divine grace and purify one’s soul. Through rituals like Ganga snan, aarti, and pitru puja, devotees can seek forgiveness, peace, and spiritual elevation. As we honor the eternal river that has nourished India’s culture and spirituality for millennia, let us embrace her teachings of purity and devotion. Join us on June 5, 2025, to celebrate this sacred festival and explore more spiritual insights at Anant Bodh.

Who is Dhumavati? The Smoky Goddess of Wisdom and Liberation.

Dhumavati: The Smoky Goddess of Wisdom and Liberation

In the profound realm of Tantric Hinduism, the Dasha Mahavidyas—the ten wisdom goddesses—represent various facets of divine feminine energy, guiding spiritual seekers toward liberation. Among them, Dhumavati, the seventh Mahavidya, stands as a unique and powerful deity, embodying the stark realities of existence. Known as the "Smoky Goddess," Dhumavati symbolizes emptiness, dissolution, and absence, inviting us to confront the darker aspects of life—loss, old age, poverty, and death—as pathways to spiritual growth and ultimate truth.

The Symbolism of Dhumavati

Dhumavati's fearsome form is a stark reminder of the impermanence of the material world. She is depicted as an elderly widow, gaunt and frail, with a greyish or blackened complexion that reflects her association with smoke and ash. Her unkempt hair and tattered, dirty clothes further emphasize her connection to renunciation and detachment. Often, she is shown riding a horseless chariot or perched on a crow, carrying a winnowing basket—a tool to separate grain from chaff, symbolizing the discernment needed to distinguish truth from illusion. Her gestures grant blessings or knowledge, offering wisdom to those who dare to look beyond her intimidating appearance.

Dhumavati's iconography teaches a profound lesson: the material world, with its superficial allure, is illusory and transient. Her presence urges devotees to accept the harsh realities of life as integral to spiritual evolution, guiding them to seek inner truth beyond the dualities of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness.

Mythological Origins

The origins of Dhumavati are steeped in Tantric lore, with two prominent legends shedding light on her emergence. According to the Shaktisamgama Tantra, Dhumavati arose from the smoke that billowed when Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, immolated herself in her father Daksha's sacrificial fire. This act of self-sacrifice, driven by Sati's outrage at her father's insult to Shiva, gave rise to Dhumavati as a manifestation of grief, loss, and dissolution.

Another legend from the Pranatosini Tantra offers a different perspective. In this narrative, Sati, overwhelmed by insatiable hunger, devoured Shiva. When she refused to release him, Shiva cursed her to assume the form of a widow, thus transforming her into Dhumavati. This story highlights themes of hunger—both physical and spiritual—and the consequences of unchecked desire, positioning Dhumavati as a deity who embodies the lessons of restraint and detachment.

Worship and Tantric Practices

The worship of Dhumavati is deeply tantric in nature, often conducted in secluded and unconventional settings such as crematoriums or forests, particularly at night. These locations align with her association with death and dissolution, creating an atmosphere conducive to introspection and spiritual transformation. Devotees offer items that reflect her austere nature, including black sesame seeds, mustard oil, bitter or unripe fruits, hibiscus flowers, and oil lamps.

A key element of her worship is the recitation of her mantra, "Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Svaha," which invokes her protective and transformative energy. This mantra is believed to grant spiritual wisdom and shield devotees from negative forces. Dhumavati's worship is particularly suited for those on the margins of society—single individuals, widows, and renunciants—who resonate with her themes of renunciation and solitude. Through her sadhana (spiritual practice), devotees learn to embrace life's challenges as opportunities for growth, transcending societal norms of prosperity and happiness.

The Teachings of Dhumavati

Dhumavati's presence in the pantheon of Mahavidyas is a powerful reminder of the necessity to confront life's unpleasant realities. She teaches that loss, aging, and death are not to be feared but accepted as essential aspects of the human experience. By embracing these truths, devotees can move beyond the dualities of good and bad, beautiful and ugly, and find liberation in the ultimate reality that lies beyond appearances.

Her association with widowhood—a state often considered inauspicious in traditional contexts—challenges societal norms and invites a deeper understanding of existence. Dhumavati encourages us to look within, to shed our attachments to the material world, and to seek the eternal truth that leads to moksha (liberation). Her smoky, elusive form symbolizes the dissolution of ego and the clarity that emerges when illusions are stripped away.

Conclusion

Dhumavati, the seventh Mahavidya, is a profound and enigmatic deity whose teachings resonate with those willing to delve into the depths of their spiritual journey. Her fearsome appearance and association with the darker aspects of life serve as a catalyst for transformation, guiding devotees toward wisdom and liberation. By accepting the impermanence of the material world and embracing the lessons of loss and detachment, we can uncover the eternal truth that Dhumavati so powerfully embodies.

For those seeking to explore the deeper dimensions of spirituality, Dhumavati offers a path of introspection and transcendence. Join us at https://anantbodh.blogspot.com/ for more insights into the divine feminine and the wisdom of the Mahavidyas.

Exploring the Divine Power of the Dasha Mahavidya

 

Exploring the Divine Power of the Dasha Mahavidya

Feminine divinity stands as a formidable force, embodying the full spectrum of existence—from the nurturing embrace of a mother to the destructive might of a warrior, from the wisdom of knowledge to the abundance of wealth. This powerful entity permeates both the material and spiritual realms, and a significant aspect of this divine energy is encapsulated in the Dasha Mahavidya—the Ten Wisdom Goddesses of Hindu spirituality.

The Essence of the Mahavidya

The term Dasha Mahavidya derives from Sanskrit: Dasha (ten), Maha (great), and Vidya (knowledge). These ten forms represent diverse facets of the Goddess Mother, guiding spiritual seekers toward liberation. For the devotional practitioner, these goddesses can be approached with reverence, love, and deepening intimacy. For those inclined toward knowledge, they symbolize the stages of self-realization and inner awakening. According to Hindu scriptures, the Dasha Mahavidya emerged from a divine disagreement between Lord Shiva and Sati, a manifestation of Shakti, birthing these powerful deities.

The Ten Mahavidyas: Guardians of Wisdom and Power

Let us delve into the unique attributes of each Mahavidya, as they reveal the multifaceted nature of the divine feminine.

1. Kali
   The ultimate form of Brahman and the "Devourer of Time," Kali is the supreme deity in Kaula systems. Her deep black complexion surpasses the darkness of the night of destruction. With three eyes representing past, present, and future, her open mouth reveals gleaming white teeth and a red, blood-dripping tongue. Her disheveled hair flows wildly, adorned with a tiger skin, a garland of skulls, and a necklace of pink-red flowers. Her belt features skeletal bones and severed hands, while her four arms hold a sword and a demon’s head, embodying raw power and transformation.
2. Tara
   Known as the guide and protector, Tara imparts supreme knowledge leading to liberation and governs all energy sources, including the sun. Manifesting as Shiva’s mother after the churning of the ocean, she is light blue with disheveled hair and a crescent moon-adorned crown. Her three eyes, snake-coiled neck, and tiger skin attire, along with a garland of skulls, reflect her fierce compassion. Her four hands hold a lotus, scissors, and a demon’s head, with her left foot resting on Shiva’s corpse.
3. Tripura Sundari (Shodashi)
   Celebrated as "Beautiful in the Three Worlds," Tripura Sundari, or Tantric Parvati, rules Manidvipa. With a molten gold complexion, three calm eyes, and a serene face, she wears red and pink garments adorned with jewelry. Her four hands hold a goad, lotus, bow, and arrow, and she is majestically seated on a divine throne, symbolizing beauty and moksha.
4. Bhuvaneshwari
   As the World Mother, Bhuvaneshwari’s body encompasses all 14 realms. Her fair, golden complexion and three contented eyes exude peace. Dressed in red and yellow, her four hands hold a goad and noose, with two open in blessing, as she sits on a celestial throne.
5. Bhairavi
   The fierce feminine form of Bhairava, Bhairavi’s fiery red complexion and three intense eyes convey her power. Her tangled hair, adorned with a crescent moon and demonic horns, frames a bloodied mouth with protruding fangs. Wearing red and blue garments and a garland of skulls, her four hands hold a rosary and a book, embodying destruction and wisdom.
6. Chhinnamasta
   The self-decapitated Goddess, Chhinnamasta severed her head to satisfy Jaya and Vijaya, representing Rajas and Tamas. Her red, terrifying form features disheveled hair and four hands: two holding a sword and her severed head (with three burning eyes and a crown), and two with a lasso and drinking bowl. Adorned with a garland of skulls, she rides a fierce lion.
7. Dhumavati
   The Widow Goddess, Dhumavati’s smoky, dark brown complexion reflects a fearsome face of anger, sorrow, and perpetual hunger. With wrinkled skin, missing teeth, and bloodshot eyes, she wears white widow’s garments and rides a horseless chariot with a crow and banner. Her trembling hands offer blessings and hold a winnowing basket.
8. Bagalamukhi
   The destroyer of enemies, Bagalamukhi shines with a molten gold complexion, three bright eyes, and a gentle face. Dressed in yellow with matching jewelry, her two hands hold a club and the tongue of the paralyzed demon Mada. She is depicted on a throne or riding a crane.
9. Matangi
   Known as the Prime Minister of Lalita and "Tantric Saraswati," Matangi’s emerald green complexion and serene expression are complemented by lush black hair and red garments with jewelry. Seated on a royal throne, her four hands hold a sword, skull, veena, and a blessing hand.
10. Kamala (Kamalatmika)
    The Lotus Goddess or "Tantric Lakshmi," Kamala’s molten gold complexion and compassionate expression are enhanced by red and pink garments and lotus adornments. Seated on a bloomed lotus, her four hands hold lotuses, fulfilling wishes and offering protection.

Embracing the Divine Feminine

The Dasha Mahavidya invites us to explore the depths of spirituality through their diverse forms. Whether through devotion or intellectual pursuit, these goddesses offer a path to liberation and self-discovery. At Anant Bodh, we celebrate this divine wisdom, guiding you to uncover the stars within.

Visit us at https://anantbodh.blogspot.com/ for more insights into astrology and spiritual growth.

ध्यान का विज्ञान

 

ध्यान का विज्ञान

ध्यान: आध्यात्मिक चिकित्सा और आत्म-खोज की कला
ध्यान एक वैज्ञानिक रूप से सिद्ध अभ्यास है जो शारीरिक, शारीरिक और मनोवैज्ञानिक बीमारियों को ठीक करता है। आज की चिकित्सा विज्ञान बताती है कि अधिकांश बीमारियाँ मनोदैहिक होती हैं, जो मानसिक तनाव से उत्पन्न होकर शारीरिक समस्याओं का रूप ले लेती हैं। ध्यान इस तनाव को कम करके अवचेतन को शांत करता है और विभिन्न तकनीकों के माध्यम से समग्र कल्याण को बढ़ावा देता है।

साक्षी समाधि ध्यान
साक्षी (प्राकृतिक, सहज साक्षी भाव) और समाधि (गहरी ध्यानावस्था) साक्षी समाधि ध्यान का मूल हैं। यह जप या कुंडलिनी जागरण के माध्यम से प्राप्त होता है। इस विधि में मन आत्मा में स्थिर हो जाता है, तनाव मुक्त होता है और वर्तमान क्षण पर केंद्रित हो जाता है। यह विचारहीन अवस्था लाता है, जो अतीत के पछतावे और भविष्य की चिंताओं से मुक्त होती है, जिससे सच्ची खुशी, शांति और आनंद की अनुभूति होती है। नियमित अभ्यास जीवन को बदल देता है, शरीर, मन और आत्मा को पुनर्जनन करता है।

ध्यान: एक आंतरिक यात्रा
ध्यान आपकी वास्तविक आत्मा की ओर एक यात्रा है, जो सभी के लिए सुलभ है, चाहे आपकी आध्यात्मिक राह पूर्वी हो या पश्चिमी। इसमें ध्यान को अंदर की ओर केंद्रित करना, मन को शांत करना और अपने उच्च उद्देश्य के साथ संरेखित करना शामिल है। इसे "प्रकाश का विज्ञान" कहा जाता है, क्योंकि यह व्यक्तित्व और आत्मा के बीच सेतु बनाता है, द्वैत को समाप्त करता है और रूपों की नश्वरता को दर्शाता है। ध्यान एक अभ्यास है जो निरंतरता के साथ बेहतर होता है, जैसे एक आंतरिक मांसपेशी को व्यायाम करना। जहाँ प्रार्थना को "ईश्वर से बात करना" कहा जाता है, वहीं ध्यान "ईश्वर को सुनना" है, जो शरीर, भावनाओं और मन को उच्च आत्मा के साथ एकीकृत करता है, जिससे आंतरिक शांति की अनुभूति होती है।

सर्वोच्च के साथ एकता
ध्यान विश्व भर के अभ्यासियों को एकजुट करता है ताकि विश्व को एक नए युग के लिए तैयार किया जा सके, जो पतंजलि, बुद्ध, कृष्ण और क्राइस्ट जैसे महान गुरुओं की चेतना के साथ संरेखित होकर दैवीय ज्ञान और सिद्धांतों को स्थापित करता है।

ध्यान के प्रकार

• एकाग्रता: किसी कार्य या मुद्दे पर ऊर्जा और ध्यान केंद्रित करना।
• चिंतन: किसी मूल विचार (जैसे करुणा) के गहरे अर्थ पर विचार करना।
• सजगता (माइंडफुलनेस): मन की सामग्री को तटस्थ रूप से देखना और संवेदनाओं, भावनाओं और विचारों को लेबल करना।
• ग्रहणशील: आंतरिक मार्गदर्शन के लिए सुनना।
• रचनात्मक: सकारात्मक चित्र बनाना (जैसे उपचार के लिए दृश्यावलोकन)।
• आह्वानात्मक: उच्च ऊर्जा को आमंत्रित करना (जैसे आत्म-साक्षात्कार)।

ध्यान के लाभ
ध्यान तनाव को कम करता है, रक्तचाप को नियंत्रित करता है, स्मृति, रचनात्मकता और प्रतिरक्षा को बढ़ाता है, साथ ही आंतरिक शांति, आनंद और शक्ति प्रदान करता है। आध्यात्मिक स्तर पर, यह अंतर्ज्ञान को मजबूत करता है, नकारात्मकता को दूर करता है, मन को शुद्ध करता है और "निरीक्षक की स्थिति" के माध्यम से उच्च उद्देश्य की खोज में मदद करता है।

नियमितता और स्थान की स्थापना
रोज़ाना एक शांत, समर्पित स्थान पर ध्यान करें, जहाँ व्यवधान न हो। इस स्थान को फूलों, मोमबत्तियों आदि से पवित्र बनाएँ। सुबह 10-30 मिनट का अभ्यास दिन के लिए सकारात्मक स्वर सेट करता है। नियमितता एक लय बनाती है, और पूर्णिमा के समय ध्यान उच्च आध्यात्मिक ऊर्जा को आकर्षित करता है। विभिन्न तकनीकों के साथ प्रयोग करें, प्रभावों को देखें और दैनिक जीवन में संतुलन बनाए रखें।

ध्यान की तकनीकें

1. मुद्रा और विश्राम: सीधे बैठें, चक्रों को संरेखित करें, आँखें बंद करें और मांसपेशियों को गर्दन से शुरू करके आराम दें।
2. श्वास: शांति में साँस लें, तनाव को बाहर निकालें, एक लय बनाएँ (जैसे सात तक गिनें)। साँस पर ध्यान केंद्रित करें।
3. भावनाओं को शांत करें: भावनाओं को तटस्थ दृष्टिकोण से देखें। नकारात्मकता को सौर जालिका से हृदय तक ले जाकर सकारात्मक ऊर्जा में बदलें।
4. मन को स्थिर करें: विचारों को "विचार", भावनाओं को "भावनाएँ" लेबल करें। "ॐ" जैसे मंत्रों का जाप करें या श्वेत प्रकाश को सिर के शीर्ष चक्र से प्रवेश करते हुए देखें।
5. उच्च आत्मा से संरेखण: "इंद्रधनुषी सेतु" बनाएँ, प्रकाश को अपनी आत्मा से जोड़ते हुए देखें और मौन में मार्गदर्शन प्राप्त करें।
6. आशीर्वाद के साथ समापन: आज्ञा चक्र से प्रकाश और प्रेम को विश्व में फैलाएँ, फिर अपनी पूरी सत्ता में ऊर्जा को संतुलित करें, तीन "ॐ" के साथ समापन करें।

ध्यान और व्यक्तिगत जीवन
पतंजलि और महर्षि ॐ जैसे गुरुओं द्वारा विकसित ध्यान एक वैज्ञानिक अभ्यास है, जो लय (नियमित अभ्यास) पर आधारित है। यह लय आत्मा द्वारा व्यक्तित्व को संरेखित करती है, समूह चेतना और आध्यात्मिक विकास की ओर ले जाती है। यह ऊर्जा के दुरुपयोग से बचाती है और अनुशासन व समूह संबद्धता को बढ़ावा देती है। ध्यान प्रकाश लाकर संबंधों को बदलता है, शारीरिक, भावनात्मक और मानसिक शरीरों को शुद्ध करता है, और तटस्थता, नियंत्रण और निष्पक्षता को बढ़ाता है, जो करुणा और समूह-चेतना दृष्टिकोण की ओर ले जाता है।

चक्र ध्यान
चक्र शरीर में ऊर्जा केंद्र हैं, और यह ध्यान तीन चरणों में शरीर को आराम देता है:

• निचले अंग: पैर की उंगलियों से ग्लूट्स तक आराम करें, साँस छोड़ते हुए "आ" का जाप करें, नाभि से वक्ष के आधार तक कंपन महसूस करें।
• धड़ और ऊपरी अंग: कमर से उंगलियों तक आराम करें, "ऊ" का जाप करें, छाती के आधार से गले तक कंपन महसूस करें।
• सिर और गर्दन: गर्दन से खोपड़ी तक आराम करें, "मम्म" का जाप करें, गले से भौंहों के बीच तक कंपन महसूस करें।
• पूरा शरीर: "ॐ" का जाप करें, नाभि से भौंहों के बीच तक कंपन महसूस करें।
• संकल्प चरण: विचारों को निष्क्रिय देखें, उनके बीच अंतराल को बढ़ाएँ, किसी वस्तु पर ध्यान दें जब तक वह गायब न हो, और शून्यता पर ध्यान करें, एक सकारात्मक संकल्प को नौ बार जपें।
• विसर्जन: धीरे-धीरे मन, विचार, साँस और शरीर पर ध्यान दें, हल्के हिलें, और आँखें खोलें।

ॐकार ध्यान
"ॐ" ब्रह्मांड की प्राथमिक ध्वनि है, जिसमें "आ" (जागृत अवस्था, पेट से), "ऊ" (स्वप्न अवस्था, छाती से), और "म" (गहरी नींद, गले से) शामिल हैं, जो अतीत, वर्तमान और भविष्य का प्रतीक हैं। ॐ का जाप अभ्यासी को सार्वभौमिक चेतना के साथ जोड़ता है।