GNOSTIC MEDITATION

In Tibet the word for meditation is 'Gom' which means "to become familiar with one's Self". This is of course a deep and intimate process. However  the meditation that we have become accustomed to in the west is superficial, insipid and void of true spiritual depth. Most peoples concept of Meditation is of a stress relieving activity for clearing the mind so they can focus on  business, careers, making more money or achieving more of life's goals.

This misinterpretation started in the 60's when meditation was formally introduced into the west as a gimmick for housewives to relieve stress. This image stuck strong and so, inevitably, the wide spreading of Meditation was also its destruction.

To better understand meditation we must understand its 6 stages.
1. Asana - Posture and relax of Body
2. Pranayama - Control of breathing
3. Pratyahara - Seperation from senses

4. Dharana - Concentration
5. Dhyana - Meditation / Serene reflection
6. Shamadhi - Ecstasy / Awakening of consciousness

Common schools of meditation such as Transcendental Meditation and Vipassana focus on the first 3 stages. Giving many teachings and techniques on relaxation of the body and breathing exercises, some schools even spend years on teaching correct posture.

Gnostic Meditation's focus is on the last 3 techniques. The ultimate goal being a radical Awakening of consciousness and experience of the Truth. To achieve this it is fundamental to learn to concentrate. Many people try to perform mystical and magic exercises, such as astral travel, without understanding how to concentrate and inevitably they fail.

So Gnostic Meditation, although having much in common with many other schools of meditation - in that it incorporates relaxation, breathing techniques, mantra and mental silence -  is also completely different.

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