Vedic Meditation: Ancient Practice, Modern Mindfulness

Vedic meditation is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is derived from the Vedas, a collection of ancient texts that serve as the foundation of Hinduism and yoga. The practice involves sitting quietly and reciting a mantra in the head, calming the body and mind. It is known for its simplicity and effortlessness, not requiring any concentration or force to quiet the mind.

Vedic meditation is over 5,000 years old

Vedic Meditation: A Practice Rooted in Ancient Wisdom

Vedic meditation, an ancient practice with a rich history, has stood the test of time for over 5,000 years. This traditional form of meditation, originating from the Vedas, has played a significant role in shaping various spiritual and philosophical traditions across the globe. By delving into its origins, we can better understand its enduring appeal and the profound impact it has had on humanity's quest for inner peace and enlightenment.

The Ancient Origins of Vedic Meditation

Vedic meditation traces its roots back to the Vedas, a collection of ancient Indian texts that are over 5,000 years old. The Vedas are considered the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and served as a foundation for various spiritual and philosophical traditions. According to The Meditation Trust, the Vedas predate the modern religious era, offering timeless wisdom that has resonated across millennia.

Unraveling the Meaning of "Veda"

The word "Veda" itself is derived from the Sanskrit words for "science," "knowledge," or "truth." These concepts are central to the practice of Vedic meditation, which aims to align one's inner nature with the universal rhythms of Nature. This philosophy emphasizes living in harmony with the natural world, believing it to be the most blissful and fulfilling way of existence.

A Restorative Practice

Vedic meditation is a restorative practice that calms the body and mind. It involves two 20-minute sessions where practitioners sit quietly and recite a mantra in their head. This simple technique is designed to be effortless, allowing thoughts to come and go without judgment. By releasing stress and returning to one's true essence, individuals can experience a sense of inner peace and happiness.

A Practice for Everyone

One of the key strengths of Vedic meditation is its accessibility. It does not require complex rituals or stringent rules but is open to anyone willing to give it a try. It can be practiced anywhere, at any time, and by people from all walks of life. This inclusivity has contributed to its widespread appeal, with people from diverse backgrounds embracing its benefits.

A Legacy Passed Down Through Generations

The practice of Vedic meditation was passed down through the centuries, with Indian yoga, meditation, and philosophy all finding their roots in the Vedas. In the early 20th century, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati played a pivotal role in restoring and spreading the knowledge of Vedic meditation. He passed on his wisdom to his dedicated pupil, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who introduced the practice to the Western world.

The Birth of Transcendental Meditation

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, inspired by his mentor, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, wanted to share Vedic meditation with a global audience. He coined the term "transcendental meditation" and began teaching it in India in 1955. Soon, he gained a dedicated following, and his teachings spread like wildfire across the globe. Celebrities and notable figures endorsed the practice, further contributing to its popularity.

The Ever-Growing Popularity of Vedic Meditation

Today, Vedic meditation continues to thrive and evolve. It has attracted millions of practitioners worldwide and has even given rise to various derivative practices, such as transcendental meditation (TM). The core principles remain unchanged, emphasizing the use of mantras to calm the mind and achieve a state of relaxed awareness.

Vedic meditation, with its ancient roots, has stood the test of time. For over 5,000 years, it has guided seekers on their journey towards inner peace, happiness, and self-discovery. Its simplicity, effectiveness, and inclusivity have made it a beloved practice for people from all walks of life. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, the timeless wisdom of Vedic meditation will undoubtedly continue to offer solace and enlightenment to those seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

It originated in the ancient Indian texts, the Vedas

The practice of Vedic meditation originated in the ancient Indian texts, the Vedas. The Vedas are a body of religious texts, written in Vedic Sanskrit, that are considered the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The term Veda means 'knowledge' in Sanskrit, and the texts are thought to contain the fundamental knowledge relating to the underlying cause of, function of, and personal response to existence.

The Vedas are believed to have always existed and were heard by sages in deep meditative states at some point before 1500 BCE. They were orally transmitted and carefully preserved by masters who had students memorise them forwards and backwards, with emphasis on exact pronunciation, to keep the texts intact. The Vedas were eventually written down between 1500 and 500 BCE, marking the Vedic Period.

The Vedas are made up of four texts: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda. Each Veda is further divided into four subdivisions: the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. The Samhitas are a collection of metric texts and mantras, while the Brahmanas are prose texts that comment on and explain the rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices described in the Samhitas. The Aranyakas are 'wilderness texts' or 'forest treaties' that were composed by people who meditated in the woods, and they contain discussions and interpretations of rituals from ritualistic to symbolic perspectives. The Upanishads are largely philosophical works, some in dialogue form, that serve as the foundation of Hindu philosophical thought.

Vedic meditation is derived from ancient Hindu Sanskrit phrases that have been around for thousands of years. It is a mantra meditation practice that is designed to be simple and natural, allowing thoughts to come and go without judgement.

The practice was restored in the 20th century by Swami Brahmananda Saraswati

The practice of Vedic meditation was restored in the 20th century by Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, also known as Guru Dev, who was born in 1871 and lived until 1953. Saraswati was a key figure in the history of Vedic meditation, and his work helped to revive and spread the practice.

Saraswati was born into a Brahmin family in a village near Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Even as a young boy, he showed a deep interest in spirituality and a renunciate life. At the age of nine, he left home without telling his parents, intending to follow a spiritual path. Although he was soon returned home by a policeman, his parents eventually gave him permission to leave and begin his spiritual journey.

Saraswati travelled to the Holy Himalayas, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, in search of a suitable guru or spiritual master. At the age of fourteen, he found his chosen master and became a disciple of Svāmī Kṛṣṇānanda Sarasvatī (or Svami Krishnananda Sarasvati). At this time, he was given the name Brahma Chaitanya Brahmacari and became the favourite disciple in his master's ashram. Following his master's instructions, he retired to a nearby cave, visiting his master only once a week.

At the age of twenty-five, Saraswati emerged from his cave and permanently rejoined his master at his ashram. At thirty-four, he was initiated into the order of "Sannyas" by his master and given the formal name Svāmī Brahmānanda Sarasvatī. This marked the beginning of his life as a spiritual leader and teacher.

In 1941, at the age of seventy, Saraswati accepted the position of Jagadguru Shankaracharya (spiritual leader) of Jyotir Math, an important centre for Advaita philosophy. He is said to have created a cave in central India where he lived for forty years. During his time as a spiritual leader, he travelled throughout India, spreading spiritualism and teaching meditation. He also constructed a building for Jyotir Math, which served as the "Peeth Bhawan".

Saraswati's teachings and practices had a significant impact on his disciples, who included Swami Shantanand Saraswati, the founder of Transcendental Meditation, and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Through his disciples and the spread of Transcendental Meditation, Saraswati's influence reached a wider audience, including Westerners such as the Beatles and Clint Eastwood.

Saraswati's teachings emphasised effortlessness and acceptance. He taught that meditation should be effortless, allowing thoughts to come and go without concentration or force. This approach helps the body and mind to rest deeply, reducing stress and promoting inner peace and happiness.

It is a mantra-based form of meditation

Vedic meditation is an ancient form of meditation, considered to be the very first of its kind. It is a mantra-based form of meditation, with the word 'mantra' deriving from the Sanskrit words 'man', meaning mind, and 'tra', meaning vehicle or transport.

A mantra is a sound, word, or phrase that is usually repeated with intention or purpose. In Vedic meditation, mantras are derived from ancient Hindu Sanskrit phrases that have been around for thousands of years. They are repeated either out loud or silently in the mind.

The most ancient mantras are in the Sanskrit language because Sanskrit is a 'vibrational' language, where the sound of the words and their vibrations create the experience of the words' meaning. For example, the Sanskrit word for peace is 'shanti', and it is said that repeating this word invokes a feeling of peace.

In Vedic meditation, a Bija mantra is used. Bija means 'seed' in Sanskrit, so a Bija mantra is a subtle sound vibration that seeds and initiates the process of relaxation. It has no intended meaning and is not spoken, written, or chanted out loud but repeated silently inside the meditation. Each meditator receives their own personalised mantra from a formally trained instructor.

The Bija mantra is repeated silently, and as it becomes quieter and fainter, the mind is drawn to that subtle sound, settling into quieter and quieter states. Eventually, the mantra disappears from the meditator's awareness, and the mind follows the subtle sound vibration to a place of inner quietude and stillness, known as the transcendental state of Being.

Vedic meditation is not associated with any religion. It is simply a peaceful practice that gives us health benefits and stress relief.

It is a simple and natural technique

Vedic meditation is a simple and natural technique that is thousands of years old. Originating from the ancient Vedic texts of India, it is the oldest documented form of meditation and the foundation of all other types of meditation.

The technique is simple and natural because it requires no concentration or force. It is effortless, and you never have to 'try' to meditate. The mind is not controlled or pushed to stop thinking, rather, it is allowed to settle down to quieter levels of consciousness. This is achieved through the use of a mantra, which is repeated silently in the mind. The mantra is a meaningless sound or a Sanskrit word that is thought of in the same way as any other thought. The mantra has a subtle charm that the mind follows easily, and the more it is thought, the more appealing it becomes.

The technique can be practised anywhere and does not require any special yoga posture or position. It is designed for busy people and can be done in just 20 minutes, twice a day. It is easily learned, and students usually become competent within a few hours.

Vedic meditation is a universal teaching that can benefit anyone, regardless of age, race, culture, or religious beliefs. It is a path to experiencing your quiet inner state and returning to your true self.

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