Physical Symptoms After Meditation

Dear Dr. Salahuddin:

In a more complete interview I would ask how long (time-wise) are your typical meditations; how many kriyas are you doing; at what time of day; are you having food beforehand; do these symptoms after meditation appear after morning meditation? or evening meditation? one, or both? Do you chant before meditating? Offer a prayer and invocation to the gurus?

But as I do not have the knowledge of these facts, it occurs to me that perhaps you are trying too hard, pushing yourself, and meditating more with will power than with joy and devotion! Perhaps your meditations are longer than your will or subconscious mind will permit at this time. By pushing yourself too hard, the mind and body kick back like a donkey!

So for now I would propose trying some of these suggestions below:

1. Go slower in your practices. Take your time. Make sure you sit in the silence after kriya: enjoying the after “poise” joy of kriya and communing with God (Divine Mother) upon “the altar of the spine!”

2. Be sure to chant and offer prayer at the beginning of meditation. During kriya, every, say 12 kriyas or so, mentally ask Master: “Am I doing these kriyas correctly? Please show me.” Or visualize that your kriya breath is really his, saying to him: “Master, you know how to practice kriya: you do it and I will follow.” Or, perhaps he is sitting facing you, or next to you giving you grace and encouragement. Smile during kriya! Be grateful for the privilege and the opportunity to advance toward freedom. [What are you doing to help others?]

3. Emphasize in your meditation practice: relaxation, and, enjoyment! After each round of pranayam or maha mudra, pause and feel. Do you energize? Don’t just “do” techniques, but “relax and feel” their transforming power and grace.

4. Finally, if symptoms continue, consider shortening the amount of time you meditate. Perhaps meditate more often but for shorter times.

I hope these suggestions will prove beneficial to you! “Let joy be your danda (monk’s staff).

Blessings and light upon you,
Nayaswami Hriman