Vedic Meditation: A Beginner's Guide

Vedic meditation is an ancient practice rooted in mantra meditation, derived from Hindu Sanskrit phrases. It is an effortless technique that does not require you to battle with your mind or sit still in an uncomfortable position. You can learn it online or in-person through courses that are designed to be simple, easy, and accessible. The courses are usually taught over four sessions, with each session building on the previous one. During the course, you will receive a personal mantra and learn the technique to effortlessly enter the meditative state. By the end of the course, you will be able to meditate successfully and integrate it into your daily life.

How Vedic meditation differs from mindfulness and guided meditations

Vedic meditation is a simple, natural, and effortless technique that does not involve contemplation or concentration. It is accessible to people with busy lives and full schedules. It is not necessary to sit still in an uncomfortable position or to be in a quiet place for it to work.

Differences from Mindfulness

Vedic meditation and mindfulness meditation have different origins, practices, and goals. Mindfulness meditation, which originated in the Buddhist tradition, involves training the mind to be in the present moment. It typically involves passive attention to one's breathing, sensations, and thoughts. The goal of mindfulness meditation is to have one's thoughts focused on the present moment.

In contrast, Vedic meditation, which originated in the Vedic tradition, uses a mantra to allow the mind to settle down naturally and transcend thought. The goal of Vedic meditation is to experience a state of "pure awareness," in which one is aware but without an object of thought.

Differences from Guided Meditations

Guided meditations are typically learned through apps, books, or magazine articles, or by attending community-run meditation classes. They often involve focusing on the breath, body, or an object to bring awareness to the present moment.

Vedic meditation, on the other hand, can only be learned from a certified teacher who teaches the technique in a precise and standardized way. It is a traditional course taught in an immersion format consisting of four 90-minute sessions, usually taken over 4-7 days.

The benefits of Vedic meditation

Vedic meditation is an ancient form of meditation practice, and is the first form from which all other styles of meditation originated. It involves silently repeating a personalised mantra for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day. It can be practised anywhere, whether that's on your daily commute, in bed, or in the office.

Less Stress, More Relaxation

The unique state of rest that is achieved during Vedic meditation allows the body to release years of accumulated stress. It also allows the body's natural healing mechanisms to function fully, promoting a state of balance and health. The practice helps to reduce stress chemicals that accumulate in the body, and allows for a deeper, more restful sleep.

Improved Sleep and Energy Levels

Vedic meditation improves the quality of sleep, meaning you'll wake up feeling rested, with more energy, and ready to take on the day. After a year or so of meditation, many people report needing about an hour less sleep a night.

Less Reactivity to Stressful Events

Vedic meditation helps you to lose the ability to lose your cool, especially in situations where it's not appropriate, such as when dealing with your children, or customer service people. If you do find yourself getting angry, Vedic meditation makes it easier to let go of that anger and return to a calm state.

Better Mental Clarity and Focus

During Vedic meditation, the mind gains direct access to deeper, quieter, and more powerful levels of thinking. This experience systematically expands consciousness and infuses the mind with creativity and intelligence, bringing improvements in all aspects of mental performance and perception. After meditating, the mind is fresher, quieter, more alert, and happier.

Improved Decision-Making

Within six weeks of learning Vedic meditation, meditators have shown measurable increases in performance in "executive function". This means that their ability to stay calm while making accurate decisions under pressure improves.

Freedom from Addictive Behaviour

Vedic meditation gives you a direct experience of your essential self, and is a very healing and nourishing way to better know and love yourself. It allows you to fill a hole that you might be trying to fill with alcohol, drugs, sex, food, or gambling.

Better Relationships

When you're healthier, happier, and more present, you're a lot easier to be around. This is good for the people in your life, and also attracts better people to you.

Better Knowledge of Self

Twice a day, Vedic meditation gives you a direct experience of your most essential self. It gives you this knowledge by allowing your mind to settle effortlessly into its own depths. You'll feel more grounded in the person you truly are, and will be more able to hear and honour the impulses that rise from within.

How to find a course

There are several options for finding a Vedic meditation course. If you're looking for an in-person course, Laura Poole offers a four-session course in Melbourne, as well as retreats in Bali and India. Thom Knoles also offers a four-day in-person course, with locations varying depending on demand. The London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Centre offer courses in their respective cities, as well as around the world.

If you're interested in an online course, The Veda Center offers a 200-hour online course, as well as an in-person course in Bali. FLOW Meditation is another online option, which consists of twelve 25-30 minute video lessons, along with 30+ short videos. This course is taught by James Brown, who also offers in-person and hybrid courses.

When choosing a course, it's important to consider your own needs and preferences. Some things to keep in mind include the location, duration, format, and cost of the course. It's also worth researching the instructor's qualifications and experience to ensure they are reputable and knowledgeable. Additionally, some courses may offer specialised instruction or focus on certain aspects of Vedic meditation, so be sure to review the course curriculum to ensure it aligns with your interests and goals.

How to integrate meditation into your daily life

Integrating meditation into your daily life can be challenging, especially when you lead a busy life. However, there are ways to make it a habit and gain the benefits of the practice.

Firstly, it is important to note that meditation does not always have to be a formal, structured activity. You can practice meditation by simply bringing awareness to your breath and refocusing your attention on the present moment. This can be done at any time, and for any duration, and is a great way to manage stress and feel more energized. For example, you can practice meditation while doing an activity that you love and are wholeheartedly focused on, such as hiking, biking, cooking, or painting. By immersing yourself in this activity, you can achieve a calm and present state of mind.

You can also practice meditation while spending time in nature. Tuning into the simple rhythms of nature can slow down your breath and thoughts, helping you to feel calmer. Additionally, you can practice meditation while waiting for someone or when stuck in traffic. Instead of spending this time on your phone, try a mobile meditation app, or listen to a soothing mantra meditation with chilled music.

If you prefer a more structured approach, there are many courses available, both online and in-person, that can teach you the basics and help you develop a daily practice. These courses often include guided meditations, mindfulness techniques, and breathwork exercises. You can also try yoga, which combines physical poses with meditation, helping you to access a deep and peaceful state of mind.

Finally, remember that meditation is a personal practice, and it may take some time to find what works best for you. Be patient with yourself, and don't be afraid to try different techniques or approaches until you find the ones that resonate with you.

The history of Vedic meditation

The practice of Vedic meditation is thought to originate from the Vedas, a body of knowledge from ancient India, written down around 5,000 years ago. The word Veda is normally translated as science, knowledge, or truth, and is thought to comprise the knowledge required by humanity to 'live life in perfection'.

The Vedas are a group of ancient Sanskrit texts that form the basis of Ayurveda, a science of life offering wisdom to help people stay healthy and realise their full potential. The Vedas are also the source of Indian yoga, meditation, and philosophy.

Vedic meditation is thought to have been restored in the early 20th century by Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, who passed on his knowledge to his disciple Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Maharishi began teaching Transcendental Meditation (TM) in India in the mid-1950s and wanted to spread the practice worldwide. TM became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, with Maharishi's world tours, celebrity endorsements, and scientific research that validated the technique.

TM is a form of silent meditation, practised for 15-20 minutes, twice a day, and involves the silent repetition of a mantra or sound. It is taught by certified teachers and is considered a non-religious method to promote self-development, stress relief, and higher states of consciousness.

Vedic meditation is a simple and natural technique, taught in person by an instructor, and is designed for busy people with jobs, families, and other commitments. It emphasises effortlessness, allowing thoughts to come and go, and accepting what is happening in the body during the practice. It does not require any special posture and can be practised anywhere.

Frequently asked questions