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Thread: Choosing Meditation times...

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    Choosing Meditation times...

    Hari Om
    ~~~~~~
    Namaste,
    Here's a few ideas for the forum to consider and discuss on meditation times (or Sandhya upasana).

    It is very traditional to meditate AM and PM - where does this come from?
    This is based upon 'gaps' in the day called Sandhya. This 'Sandhya' is considered a junction point in time, and upasana, in one form is meditation.
    So, today many meditate AM and PM... there are junction points at these times . What's the junction? Twilight or the changing of the sun's (surya) position in the sky that can translate to ones meditation experiences. The sun plays a key role in timing everything on earth AND is the atman or soul indicator (Atmakaraka) for all on this planet. Since meditation deals with realizing the SELF ( Atman) , the sun has its influence here.

    There are additonal junction points [sandhya]: Sunrise, noon, sunset and midnight are considered the key sandhya times during the day.
    Also note there are these junction points during the 12 months as the sun, surya transits one sign to another [sankrati]; Like that, there are multiple other times, but for now lets look at the following:

    • Morning is Brahma Muhurta Sandhya
    • Noon for Vishnu Sandhya
    • Sunset called Mahesha Sandhya
    • Midnight called Kali or Turiya Sandhya
    As we meditate close to these junctions, it is thought that Turiya consciousness (4th state) is closer or easier to reach, hence the value of these times. For those on a special program e.g. gayatri, usually all 4 times are used...
    So, A.M. is Brahma Sandhya - a excellent time - around the time before sunrise. I have without fail enjoyed the best experiences at this time, as it is said, all nature wakes up at this time. You can (I can) feel the whoosh of life's energy begin at this time.
    And PM, is Mahesha Sandhya ~ around sunset/twilight, just as the sun goes down below the horizon i.e. twilight.

    Length of Meditation ( this is not instruction, just the notion of times considered)
    Lets start with Muhurta. This is a specific period of time e.g. 1/30th of the day is (1) muhurta or 48 minutes. The math here is interesting as it goes all the way back to the smallest period of time ( truti) and all the way up to 100 years of Brahma ( a few zillion years or so) - but I digress.

    Meditation times can be based upon muhurta. For some in the TM program they initially meditate ~ 20 min + a few min entering and exiting meditation, its 1/2 of a muhurta ... ~ 24 min, Done 2X per day , you get your 1 Muhurta. There's the audit trail.

    For others meditating longer meditation times can be used [as with my own practice] and consider whole or parts of muhurta for timing meditation.

    Other bigger gaps we can consider called sankranti as mentioned, happens often; A major transit this month is Guru ( Jupiter, some call Brihaspati) transits into Scorpio , a very spiritual 8th house, around Oct 21-24th.
    Other times come with Chandra ( moon) and the movement from rasi to rasi, plus tithi period , + waxing and wanning.
    More on this if there is interest.

    pranams
    Last edited by yajvan; 03 November 2009 at 03:43 PM.
    यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
    yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
    because you are identical with śiva

    _

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    Re: Choosing Meditation times...

    Hari Om

    Namaste Yajvan,

    The concept of saMdhyA is the very heart of yoga, and of the veda!

    Please continue.


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    Re: Choosing Meditation times...

    Quote Originally Posted by sarabhanga
    Hari Om

    Namaste Yajvan,

    The concept of saMdhyA is the very heart of yoga, and of the veda!

    Please continue.


    I am curious as to how you interpret this, sarabhanga, as well.

    Please continue


    Namaste,
    ZN
    yaireva patanaM dravyaiH siddhistaireva choditA .
    shrI kauladarshane chApi bhairaveNa mahAtmanA .

    It is revealed in the sacred doctrine of Kula and by the great Bhairava, that the perfection is achieved by that very means by which fall occurs.

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    Re: Choosing Meditation times...

    Hari Om
    ~~~~~~
    Quote Originally Posted by yajvan
    Namaste,
    Here's a few ideas for the forum to consider and discuss on
    meditation times (or Sandhya upasana).
    Other bigger gaps we can consider called sankranti as mentioned, happens often; A major transit this month is Guru ( Jupiter, some call Brihaspati) transits into Scorpio , a very spiritual 8th house, around Oct 21-24th. Other times come with Chandra ( moon) and the movement from rasi to rasi, plus tithi period , + waxing and wanning.
    Namaste,
    In my last post above I did not give the correct transit ( Sankrati) of Guru in Scoripo. This will happen Oct 27th, 10 AM CDT, 6 hrs WEST of GMT. I use this so all can calculate this time. This will be a very favorable Sandhya, or gap, for one to consider.

    From A Jyotish Perspective:
    The grahas can assist, as they infuence ones total being , physical, spiritual and mental - this is called the tripod of one's life. This triputi is found throughout ones chart ( past, present , and future happenings), yet there is a 4th , as we have discussed , the amatra, or the unmeasured, and is found in the gaps, the beginning times of the graha's not fully in one sign but just entering. How is this 4th found in one chart and how does it apply to Guru's transit into Scoripo?

    The natural 8th house (rasi) is a Moksha house, so is the 4th house and 12th houses. As you know there is Dharma, Artha, Kama, & Moksha houses in ones janma kundali or natal birth chart, and they run in that order and repeat. This outlines all that one can experience, achieve and influence in ones life.
    Therefore the 1st, 5th, 9th are Dharma houses, 2nd, 6th, 10th are Artha, 3rd, 7th, 11th are Kama houses, and 4th, 8th, 12th are Moksa houses. Now, who owns this Scorpio house? Mangala and Ketu...Ketu is the natural karaka of Moksha (some graha's are co-owners to a sign/rasi like scorpio, or mangala and ketu).

    Guru entering into a moksa house: what more does the Guru want for his sisya other then moksha? This gap time then is very useful for the Sadhu. Remember that the gaps allow the opportunity for turiya to be experienced ,the underlining structure to all of consciousness. The grahas can assist, as they infuence ones total being , physical, spiritual and mental.
    I mentioned mangala as co-owner of Scorpio, and when mangala is associated with Guru (as in guru-mangala yoga) gives one the tenacity/strengh/one-pointedness to reach the goal and gives great respect to the guru. This passing of Guru in Scorpio will energize this yoga, most likely when both grahas are in rasi or graha dristi ( that is, they see each other from another sign, this stimulates this yoga).

    A few more graha's will also enter Scorpio:
    On Oct 24th at 1 AM Chandra (moon) enters Scorpio: Chandra influences the mind, feelings and emotions. In Scorpio, it is debilitated, yet is still in the gap , in the bright half of the month, in Sukla Dwitiya tithi. This gap is good, yet more notable gaps that can be felt are the full and new moons. Look to these for gaps you can feel.
    Now, why did I even mention Buddha - he too will be in the gap Oct 24th 6:30 AM 6 hr. west of GMT. Mercury influences the intellect. The intellect with Guru plays a role. And depending on ones chart, the influence of Mercury can assist ones spiritual progress.How so ? viveka or discrimination... If mercury owning a Moksha house in one's chart and being the Atmakara is associated with Ketu , will move one along ( I should say compell one) along the path.

    According to Jaimini a most respected Jyotisha, he points to the location of the atmakaraka and Ketu to indicate ones spiritual endeavors and progress. This is seen from the 1/9th chart (the Navamsa) called an amsa division or just D9. Most Conventional jyotishas see the 1/9th division for relationships, perhaps so, yet there is a wealth of spiritual information given by Jaimini as he points to the Karakamsa in the 1/9th house. That is , the location of the Atmakarka which indicates ones Ishtadevata.
    Divisional charts (also called higher harmonic charts) taught by Parashara muni go up to D60 and are used for viewing past incarnations. Some Jyotishas use up to D120 divisional charts.
    So, with a Jyotisha schooled in Parashara muni and Jaimini muni knowledge and from a good parampara , one can assist the sadhu on times of spiritual upliftment, meeting the guru, etc.

    There are Dasa systems that will assist with this too. A few called Drig dasa system, the Narayan dasa, Vimshottari Dasa ( most popular in these times) also help...yet there a many many systems, with very few Jyotisha's skilled in this knowledge. As there are special dasa systems based upon the position of the grahas such as Astottari dasa. Parashara is quite clear on when to apply this dasa sytem e.g. a day birth, with rahu giving dristi to the lord of the Lagna.

    Closing this post, the Sandhya and Sankrati periods are most notable. It is customary to 'greet' the graha when entering a new sign by navgraha shanti. I ask you to be 'aware' on the dates above and take note of the gap times + the muhurta times given in the 1st post and see if you notice anything... My humble recommendation is this: Expect nothing, just do your regular meditation or japa, or sadhna, with this mindfulness. We can then discuss if you wish. I will add a bit more to this as requested without going too too deep.

    Pranams,
    Last edited by yajvan; 03 November 2009 at 03:48 PM. Reason: did not think the font type was easy to read.
    यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
    yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
    because you are identical with śiva

    _

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    Post Tejas Dreaming

    Please continue
    saMdhya (saM-dhya) indicates being on the point of junction or based on saMdhi; and also thinking out, reflecting or meditating.

    saMdhi is containing a conjunction or a transition from one to another, indicating junction, connection, combination, union, association, intercourse, comprehension, totality, the whole essence or scope; an agreement, compact, alliance, or league; reconciliation, peace or making a treaty of peace, or negotiating alliances; euphonic conjunction, contrivance, or management; a place or point of connection or contact, hinge, boundary, border, line, or juncture (especially a critical juncture, crisis, opportune moment); a joint or articulation, an interstice, crevice, or interval; especially the space between heaven and earth (the horizon) or the interval between day and night (the twilight); a seam or fold, a wall (or the hole or cavity or breach in a wall made by a thief); the vagina or vulva; a division of a drama, a period at the end of each Yuga intervening before the commencement of the next, a pause or rest, a part, portion, or piece of anything; the connecting link of a perpendicular or the common side of a double triangle; and the deity presiding over all union and conjunction.

    And saMdhya is based on all of the preceeding (and the following) !

    saMdhyA (from saM-dhyA or saM-dhyai) is holding together, union, junction, or juncture ~ especially of day and night (i.e. the morning or evening twilight), or of the three divisions of the day (i.e. morning, noon, and evening); and thus the religious acts performed at such times, including Acamana and repetition of mantra (especially of the Gayatri) and meditation.

    saMdhyA is twilight (variously personified as a manifestation or daughter of Brahma, as the consort of Shiva, of the Sun, of Kala, etc.), the deity presiding over temporal divisions. saMdhyA is the primeval twilight between Yugas, or (generally) any boundary or limit; and saMdhyA is a promise, agreement or assent and particularly thinking about (in meditation or reflection).

    sAMdhya (from saM-dhya) is produced by coalescence; and sAMdhya (from saM-dhyA) is relating to the twilight.

    sam means with, together with, along with, together, or altogether, and it is used as a prefix to indicate conjunction, union, thoroughness, intensity, or completeness.

    dhyai means to think, imagine, contemplate, meditate, call to mind , recollect, or brood, to be thoughtful or meditative, or to hang or bow the head.

    And dhyA is thinking, imagination, contemplation, meditation, recollection, brooding, or bowing.

    So that saMdhyA is with (intense) thought, imagination, contemplation, or meditation, recollecting together and along with bowing; and saMdhyA is recollection or remembrance of conjunction or union, and thoroughly calling to mind.

    dhi means to hold, with dhiye indicating I am holding; and the optative dhiya wishes I shall behold.

    dhi means to nourish, satiate, satisfy, delight, or please; and dhi is a receptacle.

    dhe means to suck, drink, take to ones self, absorb, or appropriate; the imperative dhaya commands one to suck!, drink!, take in, absorb!, or inspire!; and saMdhaya intensifies the commandment.

    saMdhi and saMdha indicate placing or holding together, especially together with Brahma (or Kubera), and having merit and bestowing virtue or granting wealth and causing prosperity.

    And saMdhiya proclaims the intention I will truly grasp or fully comprise, I shall comprehend, compose, or behold all, etc.

    saMdha is the all-placer, all-giver, all-supporter, or all-sustainer; and saMdhi is the all receptive vessel or receptacle of the whole.

    And saMdha is the brahmayoga ~ the binding power or employment of devotion or the cultivation of spiritual knowledge.

    dha (or dhA) means placing, putting, holding, possessing, having, bestowing, granting, causing, etc.; dha is the placer, bestower, holder, supporter, etc.; and dha indicates both virtue and merit (as Brahma or Brihaspati) and wealth and property (as Kubera).

    dhA means to put, place, set, or lay (in or on), to inflict, to imitate or equal, to bring, help or take or restore.

    And saMdhA is an intimate union, compact, or agreement; a promise or vow; intention or design; mixture or preparation (especially of a beverage); a boundary or limit; or a fixed state or condition.

    The suffix dhA also forms numerical adverbs ~ e.g. ekadhA (simply, singly, in one way, together, at once), dvidhA (in 2 ways or parts), and thus also saMdhA (wholly, completely, in all ways, in every part, always).

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    Re: Tejas Dreaming

    Hari Om
    ~~~~~

    Quote Originally Posted by sarabhanga
    saMdhya (saM-dhya) indicates “being on the point of junction” or “based on saMdhi”; and also “thinking out, reflecting or meditating”.

    Namaste sarabhagha,

    Thank you for this information.... What a most rewarding post to discuss. That is, Sandhyavandana .
    We find these junction points within ourselves and within the cosmos, as the universe is here to help. Hence our conversations of the junction points on when the Graha's find their way into another rasi (sign) or sankrati, and is in the gap discussed , or sandhya. We talked too of the 4 times per day where the gaps naturally exist ( AM, PM, Noon, and Mid-night) ,natural times for sadhana , and for the turiya to be more available. This is an insufficient way of saying this, turiya is always here, so maybe the other sadhu's can add a better way of saying this.

    Where else can we learn of this sandhaya? We can look to the Taittitiya Upanishad and sikshavalli. It gives several beautiful examples of purvarupam or first form and uttararupam, last form and the sandhi, union between them and the sandhanam , or the medium affecting that union.
    My favorite is the earth as first form, heaven as the second, then antariksha or akasha as the union. Akasha, and it bija is Hrim..then connection between the two.

    Now we also know the ved or samhita's to be a collection of mantras, and the word samhita, the conjunction point of words or letters. So, even in mantras these sandhi or sandhya, junctions exist. And what is underlying these sandhya? Turiya , or Brahman , that forms this infinite connection of all things.

    This is at the basis of the Madhu Brahmana (some call the honey doctrine) - that all is connected to everything else. When you touch one thing, you essentially are touching all-things. This is the wisdom of the rshi's who see this infinite correlation of the universe... this wholeness (Bhuma) or Brahman.

    Pranams,
    Last edited by yajvan; 17 March 2012 at 10:31 AM.
    यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
    yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
    because you are identical with śiva

    _

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    Light Re: Tejas Dreaming

    The present participles dhaye and dhIye indicate “I am placing, putting, setting, laying, holding, possessing, equaling, imitating, having, inflicting, bestowing, restoring, bringing, granting, causing, helping, or taking”.

    saMdhIye declares “I am placing, setting, or lying together”, “I am holding or having conjunction or communion”, “I am giving or causing completion or perfection or union”, or “I am setting truly”.

    The verbal root dhI means “to perceive, think, reflect, wish, or desire”.

    And the feminine noun dhI is “thought (especially religious thought), reflection, meditation, devotion, prayer, understanding, intelligence, wisdom (personified as the wife of Rudra), knowledge, science, art, mind, disposition, intention, design, notion, or opinion”.

    The plural dhiyaH is “splendour or glory”, or “Holy Thoughts” personified, and saMdhiyaH indicates communion with Her in concentrated reflexion.

    And saMdhiyA (or saMdhiyaH) is “together with or according to thy wisdom or will” or “very wisely or willingly”.

    “Thy will be done, as it is in (between) both the earth and the heavens.”

    dhIH!

    Last edited by sarabhanga; 21 October 2006 at 06:02 AM.

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    Re: Choosing Meditation times...

    Sandhi Muhurta

    Some might have noticed that when the mind goes to grasp a high flying bird, for a fraction of a second till the mind says "I see it", there is delight. A lightness indescribable.

    Some might have also noticed that in the minute interval between two thoughts there is a moment of bliss. A lightness indescribable.

    When a desire is fulfilled and the mind is devoid of desire, for a minute period, there is bliss. A lightness indescribable.


    Some might have noticed that when one wakes up at brahmamuhurta, before the mind starts with the I idea, there is a moment's bliss. A lightness indescribable.


    These are Sandhi moments when the Brahman is exposed. At these times the true nature of the self as bodyless, egoless, infinite being is exposed to noosed consciousness. This is the state in dreamless sleep also but we do not know.


    Om Namah Shivayya

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    Re: Choosing Meditation times...

    Thank you again, sarabhanga, for your very informative linguistic explanations. For one such as me, just beginning to study sanskrit, your expression of these roots are so very helpful.

    Namaste,
    ZN
    Attached Images Attached Images
    yaireva patanaM dravyaiH siddhistaireva choditA .
    shrI kauladarshane chApi bhairaveNa mahAtmanA .

    It is revealed in the sacred doctrine of Kula and by the great Bhairava, that the perfection is achieved by that very means by which fall occurs.

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    Re: Choosing Meditation times...

    Good Lord. What excellent photos; God must be peering out from them, looking askance as to who all might be watching Him.


    Thanks to both of you, ZNN and Avadhuta.

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