Self Illumination Meditation

The following meditation technique draws concepts from an ancient Yoga Sutra introduced by Patanjali. Self illumination is a technique that uses awareness to remove darkness from within. It is a method of expanding illumination throughout the mind, body and soul.
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Removing all sorrow and meditating on a shining state of illumination within.
Yoga Sutra Chapter 1 verse 36
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“We become that which we meditate upon. In meditating on self illumination we become illumination. ”
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Meditation Instructions
The eyes are closed lightly and the awareness is moved around the skull


. Conscious awareness moves an energy known as Prana. This can be felt by meditating on light in the mind. Areas may feel dark and without life. When our awareness is moved into these areas they light up. Purify and maintain the light in the mind and body. When this is mastered for long periods of time we can move on to the next stage in our journey into union. Yoga may just occur within this exercise. If this happens try to remain in the awareness.
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Ignite awareness in every cell in the mind and maintain it so that union within the mind occurs rather than separation within its different regions. The awareness of yoga is quite often found when the mind remains in oneness within itself. Intellect also benefits from this practice.
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Awareness can be asleep, awake or somewhere in between. Awareness can also be moved around our body. It can be brought down to our toes or remain in its dwelling within the skull. In this meditation technique awareness is ignited from within. A concentrated effort is made explore around the body and mind. This journey is not made with the eyes, it is made with the higher senses of our consciousness.
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Preparation
Find a comfortable seated position that does not stress the joints. This will allow the body to remain stable without pain and discomfort, a major distraction in meditation. Spend at least 5 minutes doing relaxing breathing techniques such as humming or Aums. These breathing techniques naturally lengthen the exhalations and have a soothing affect on the nervous system. This will help to maintain stable rhythmic breathing throughout the meditation.
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Irregular breathing becomes a great obstacle occurring many times when beginning meditation and throughout practice for many years. Many elements can affect the breathing pattern such as conflict between what we are meditating upon and rising thoughts that distract us. Feelings of bodily discomfort such as general aches and pains. Heightened states of awareness can sometimes initially cause excitement that disturbs breathing.
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Inner light and vibrance become balanced and enhanced by directing focus inwards and exploring the mind for areas of darkness.
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Expand awareness throughout the body if the mind becomes balanced with awareness and prana. After it is expanded it may shrink inwards. Remain aware and use strength from the navel fire to remain expanded with consciousness throughout the body and mind.
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Thoughts cause continual distractions like gusts of wind invading a calm continually stirring many leaves. When this occurs the state is lost and the awareness is elsewhere.
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At times of thoughtlessness we dwell within a state of true self. It is true self that controls the vibrancy, light and awareness from within. It is from true self that the candle is lit.
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The beginning stages are joyful. The practitioners awaken inner light and spend time balancing it daily. For this reason they walk with a peaceful glowing aura.
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Awareness is a hard concept to understand. Our minds can be other places dreaming while performing a task or completely engrossed in the task.

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Focus on awareness in every cell to awaken the mind and body in union. This is a continual growth.