Hello,
Thank you very much for your help.
How to get rid of thoughts in meditation? Is half hour meditation daily helpful enough to give us the result? Why meditation becomes painful, if it is a divine act?
Thanks
—Suraj Shahapure, India
Dear Suraj,
Here are some suggestions to get rid of thoughts during meditation: Try not to be over stimulated during your day. Find more time for peace and calmness in your waking hours so that when you sit to meditate you’re much more able to focus. You can also practice japa, or repeating a simple word or phrase, such “I am peace” frequently throughout the day. Try also to keep your mind centered at the point between the eyebrows as much as you can, both in meditation, and during other times.
It is very helpful to view any thoughts as unwelcome intruders during your meditation practice. Be very clear and committed about this at the beginning of each meditation period and you will find that thoughts are less likely to impose on your awareness.
I’m not sure which meditation techniques you are currently using but the technique of Hong-Sau that Paramhansa Yogananda taught is very well suited as a practical way to train the mind to be free of thoughts and become more one-pointed in your concentration.
Meditating for 30 minutes on daily basis is certainly helpful to give you positive results. The key is to be entirely focused inwardly during this time. As you meditate more you will be drawn to meditate more (conversely – the less you meditate then the less you want to meditate!).
Meditation shouldn’t be painful; rather it should be uplifting and joyful. If you are finding that your meditations are painful then check in personally with a respected meditation teacher. If you are near one of our Ananda Centers in India they might be of real benefit to you.
Blessings on your spiritual journey,
Nayaswami Pranaba
