Frequently Asked Questions

Index of Questions:

Q1. Can anyone meditate?

Q2. What is meditation?

Q3. Why do we meditate?

Q4. What is the purpose of spiritual practice/meditation?

Q5. How do I meditate?

Q6. What is mantra?

Q7. Is there a correct way to sit for meditation?

Q8. What is shaktipat?

Q9. What is kundalini?

Q10.What are Chakras?

Q11. How can I integrate meditation with my busy schedule?

Q12. Do you have to believe in God to meditate?

Q13. Does the word Shiva refer to the Hindu god Shiva?

Q14. What is the inner Self?

Q1. Can anyone meditate?

A. Yes, meditation is something that can be practiced by anyone, it's never too early or late to start and no matter what your life situation is the effects of meditation are always beneficial.

Q2. What is meditation?

A. To meditate is to quiet the mind. It is to turn within and reconnect with your inner Self.

Q3. Why do we meditate?

A. As we live our life we react to events that happen to us from day to day. Sometimes these reactions are negative and produce feelings of fear, anger or sadness. Even when we are not consciously aware of these reactions, they affect us. As we meditate we become aware of the tension we hold within our body. We learn to understand the causes of this tension, and most importantly, we learn how to let it go. We achieve a deep sense of relaxation and peace. The energy within our bodies flows more harmoniously. We experience a positive range of feelings like joy, love and fulfillment. This experience becomes a base from which we can live our lives with more power and joy. In the same way that a good night's sleep makes the next day more enjoyable, a good meditation equips us for the challenges that we face.

Q4. What is the purpose of spiritual practice/meditation?

Modern life is fast and stressful. This impacts us in various ways: psychological stress, emotional problems and even physical disease. Meditation is a way of quieting the mind and discovering a well-spring of inner peace and joy. The purpose of spiritual practice (sadhana) is to help us reach that deeper place within.

Q5. How do I meditate?

A. There are a number of different techniques for meditation. Different methods are suitable at different times and for different people. The methods that we commonly use are mantra, breath, witness and self-inquiry.

Q6. What is a mantra?

A. A mantra is a word or a phrase that we repeat silently to ourselves to prepare the mind for meditation. 'Man' is from 'manas' which is the Sanskrit word for the mind and 'tra' means that which protects and quiets the mind. So the mantra is a tool which soothes the mind and helps us turn within.

Q7. Is there a correct way to sit for meditation?

A. You should sit in a comfortable upright position with a straight back, either on the floor cross-legged or in an easy chair.

Q8. What is shaktipat?

A. Shaktipat is the awakening of the Kundalini energy.

Q9. What is Kundalini?

A. Kundalini is the divine power, latent within each of us. When this energy is awakened a person begins to evolve spiritually. The Kundalini energy can be awakened by meditation, mantra and other practices. The best way to awaken the Kundalini is through contact with a great Master.

Q10. What are Chakras?

A. The subtle energy system of the body contains seven key centers or chakras. These chakras are concerned with important life functions. According to ancient texts, the seven chakras are located in the following areas: the first is near the anus, the second is near the genitals, the third is near the navel, the fourth is in the center of the chest, the fifth is in the throat, the sixth is in the brow or the third eye, and the seventh is at the top of the head. In the Shiva Process we examine four of these centers at the navel, heart, throat and third eye. This examination gives us a vast amount of information about our lives, our blocks, and ourselves, and puts us in a position to empower ourselves enormously.

Q11. How can I integrate meditation with my busy schedule?

A. It is very valuable to take the time to focus on your Inner world, no matter how busy you are. In meditation a little bit goes a long way. If you were to establish the routine of meditating for twenty minutes first thing in the morning it would be of great benefit. Even taking a few minutes a couple of times a day to meditate can be beneficial to the state of your inner world. If you think you are too busy to spend twenty minutes meditating I think you need to re-examine your life.

Q12. Do you have to believe in God to meditate?

A. Meditation is not about your beliefs. Meditation transcends the world of belief. It goes beyond the world of the mind. Meditation is about what is, not about what you think or philosophize about.

Q13. Does the word Shiva refer to the Hindu god Shiva?

A.The philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism describes Shiva as universal consciousness. Shiva in this case refers to the formless. Shiva is also your inner Self, your own awareness. It is the stillness underneath all our thoughts and feelings.

Q14. What is the inner Self?

A. The inner Self is the place inside you that is constantly happy and strong, it is unaffected by the changes and dramas of daily life. The inner Self is your divine nature and your true nature. Imagine yourself when you're at your best: being in touch with the inner Self is to feel that way amplified by a thousand.