Ancient Siddha Meditation Techniques

Siddha Yoga is a spiritual path originally from India, based on meditation. Siddha Yoga teaches that the world, including each human being, is filled with signs of divinity. The ancient meditation techniques have changed little over centuries, even millennia, and have been handed down faithfully from teacher to student.

Focusing on God Within

• Siddha Yoga practitioners first participate in a Shaktipat Intensive, an initiatory meditation session, during which key ideas are communicated to the practitioner. These Intensives are held regularly at Siddha meditation centers and ashrams throughout the world. According to the ancient teachings, the most important part of meditating is the object of one's meditation, which is the self; over time, one's illusory separation from God will dissipate with the discovery of the divinity in oneself and all around.

Mantras

• Practitioners employ mantras and music in chanting to intensify the meditation experience. According to Siddha Yoga teachings, chanting, music and sacred words of mantras aid the practitioner in hitting spiritual notes, placing the individual in tune with a higher frequency in the universe. According to these teachings, certain words and repeated sounds "vibrate" with the highest levels of one's spiritual awareness.

Retreats

• Practitioners enhance their meditation abilities by going on a retreat. A retreat typically consists of a six- or seven-day getaway, organized by the Siddha Yoga organization, with a couple dozen other practitioners. A trained teacher is present for the duration of the retreat, instructing practitioners on how to hone meditation practices and passing along added teachings on which to meditate. Dates and times of retreats can be obtained at any Siddha Yoga ashram or meditation center.