Description

It is postulated that when a novïce attempts to meditate directly, there could be two responses based on the quality of the mind (i) a rajasic – active (personality) mind would be restless all through the session and (ii) a tamasic – a mind with inertia could fall asleep. This problem of the mind is addressed in the Mandukya Upanishad. Based on this a technique of ‘moving meditation’, which combines the practice of yoga postures with guided meditation was evolved, called cyclic meditation (CM), which has its’ origin in an ancient Indian text, Mandukya Upanishad.

The verse on which CM is based, states: ‘In a state of mental inactivity awaken the mind; when agitated, calm it; between these two states realize the possible abilities of the mind. If the mind has reached states of perfect equilibrium do not disturb it again’. The underlying idea is that, for most persons, the mental state is routinely somewhere between the extremes of being ‘inactive’ or of being ‘agitated’ and hence to reach a balanced/relaxed state the most suitable technique would be one which combines ‘awakening’ and ‘calming’ practices.

In CM, the period of practicing yoga postures constitutes the ‘awakening’ practices, while periods of supine rest comprise ‘calming practices’. An essential part of the practice of CM is being aware of sensations arising in the body. This supports the idea that a combination of stimulating and calming techniques practiced with a background of relaxation and awareness (during CM) may reduce psycho physiological arousal more than resting in a supine posture for the same duration. The practice of CM, includes yoga postures (asanas) which involve muscle stretching and this has diverse benefits.