Much has been said and written about meditation, yet it takes years to understand its nature. It cannot be taught, just as sleep cannot be taught. One has to gather the conditions for sleep to happen; proper space, bed, lighting, etc., then assume the posture of sleep and apply some techniques to calm the mind for sleep to come by itself. When we are asleep, we will not know that we are sleeping. If we know that we are sleeping, we are no longer sleeping. It is the same for meditation. We have to prepare the conditions for meditation to happen, adopt a positive pure lifestyle, assume the posture daily, and apply the techniques and when meditation happens we will not be aware of it. Before beginning, have a proper environment and attitude. Your space for meditation, schedule, physical health and mental state all reflect a readiness to turn inward. Many difficult obstacles are removed by creating a setting, which is conducive to meditation.

Meditation is at the core of the practice of yoga. It is both its main tool and its ultimate destination. The classical approach to the yogic path of meditation is called raja yoga. This knowledge dates from very ancient times and has been handed down from generations through an unbroken lineage of teachers. The following are practical points regarding the basic techniques and stages of meditation. They are primarily intended for the beginner, although the most experienced meditator will find a review of them useful.