Benefits of Meditation
Meditation has been shown to have numerous benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving one’s physical and emotional health. But these are not the primary benefits of a meditation practice.
At Yoga Kirtan Hawai‘i, we practice “Mantra Meditation” - placing the mind on transcendental sound vibrations called “mantras” in order to cultivate the innate wisdom, happiness, and spiritual love lying dormant within us.
While there are many different types of meditation, mantra meditation is the easiest and most effective method in this day and age. Mantra meditation helps us detach from the incessant flow of desires and fears that constantly fill our thoughts, and instead focus on the present moment.
Mantra is a Sanskrit word with man meaning mind, and tra to draw away. Thus, engaging in mantra meditation enables us to transcend the stress of everyday life by focusing our mind on sacred mantras. This process has a gradual effect of awakening our hearts and minds to our spiritual nature - our true identity.
The art and science of meditation has been taught since time immemorial - originating from the Vedas, which in Sanskrit means knowledge. This vast ancient text includes methods to help us to become more spiritually aware and ultimately achieve self-realization.
Yoga Kirtan Hawai'i teaches three types of meditation techniques:
Japa Meditation
Japa meditation is the quiet personal chanting of transcendental sound using Japa beads. This type of meditation engages many senses at once, such as the sense of hearing and the sense of touch, making it easier for the mind to focus on the transcendental sound vibration.
Gauranga Breathing
Gauranga breathing is a form of meditation which utilizes the breath, accompanied by transcendental mantra sound. It can be practiced both silently and audibly.
Kirtan
Kirtan is a group meditation which incorporates the singing or chanting of sacred mantras, and is often accompanied by clapping or musical instruments. People sometimes dance or sway to the music.
If you’ve never been to a kirtan, it can be quite enlivening! Depending on the mood, kirtans can be mellow and relaxing, or loud and rocking!
Kirtan is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Anyone can practice kirtan. It transcends all languages, nationalities, and religious faiths.