SUKTAMS are chants in the Vedas that sing the praise of a deity. There is the Purusha Suktam, the Narayana Suktam, the Sri Suktam, Bhu Suktam, Durga Suktam, Saraswati Suktam and even Ratri Suktam. It is a eulogy on a particular principle in creation.

Swami Akshara, founder of a socio spiritual organisation called the Akshara Foundations is here in Chennai to conduct a five day meditation programme on the Narayana Suktam.

Is there any particular context to Narayana Suktam today? I asked him and he said that this is a hymn on Narayana who represents the creation aspect of the Hindu trinity. It is relevant not just today, but on any day because everything that is created is directly attributed to Narayana. The creativity in oneself on any given day is enhanced when one realises the hidden forces of creativity in oneself. The life sustaining element of creation is solely responsible for running this universe henceknowing Narayana or the creativity principle in oneself is necessary, he says.

By Swahilya

THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT

Meditation is a practice of mind. During meditation process practitioners learns to transcend the mind with the help of mind. The more advanced is the practitioner, the more calm and happier he become.

There are different techniques of meditation and normally all starts with withdrawing the attention from outside world and leads towards concentration before entering the meditative state.

Meditation according to a noble teacher Shri S.N. Goenka Ji, 'From the gross external apparent truth, one penetrates to the ultimate truth of mind and matter. Then one transcends that and experiences a truth which is beyond mind and matter, beyond time and space, the truth of total liberation from all suffering. It is the final goal of everyone'.

By PR Inside

THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT

We all know that the practice of law is stressful. We have client demands coming at us through phone, cell phone, CrackBerrys, fax and (even) post. Clients want more, quicker. We may have pressures in our partnerships, money worries and attempts at having a life outside the office. We try to meet these needs that, in the process, take a toll on ourselves. We may develop health problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety disorders and panic attacks. We may see personal relationships suffer. We may feel unhappy and discontent with the practice of law.

I have a suggestion of what to do to deal with the immediate symptoms of stress.

Practising a simple and short meditation may help give you some short term relief that may help you in the long run if you decide to incorporate meditation into your daily routine.

Mindful meditation is a friendly gesture toward yourself in which you take time to sit for 10 to 15 minutes or longer. You can meditate in your office, sitting in your chair. It's easy. Just make sure you will not be disturbed by your phone, electronic devices or someone knocking at your door. It might be better to do this before or after regular office hours when you are not likely to be interrupted.

Sit upright, relaxed, yet alert. Drop your shoulders as you relax. Take three deep breaths and exhale to get the tension out of your body.

By John Starzynski

THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT

I began my study of meditation decades ago when I read Dion Fortune's book Training and Work of an Initiate. In that book she explains that there are two types of meditation, which she ascribes as the difference between Eastern and Western cultures. She says that Eastern cultures try to reach the soul up to the heavens, whereas Western cultures try to bring the heavens to Earth. As I look at the behaviors of these cultures (in a less blended form than perhaps we have now), I see her point. Anyway, to accomplish the cultural goals, which are expressed person by person, the Eastern approach is passive, uniting ones self with the "oversoul," the Western approach is active, pulling the beauty of the 'oversoul" to enrich the individual. Subtle difference, but it manifests strongly in the meditative approach. You can see the stark differences when you look at the Deepak Chopra approach (Eastern) vs Franz Bardon's approach as discussed in Initiation into Hermetics.

By Daily Kos

THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT

Thinley Ningpo became a monk at a Buddhist monastery in northern Tibet. He has made pilgrimages to the sacred places of western Tibet, studied under the eminent scholars of his faith and earned the title of Drupon ("retreat teacher") and the honorific Rinpoche ("precious one") for the years he has spent teaching and seeking enlightenment.

So when he was asked Tuesday evening if he has ever given in to his "afflictive emotions", such as anger and fear, he surprised the crowd at Pasco Hernando Community College by responding in English:

"Oh, all the time!"

Ningpo explained that he spent six years in a monastery, which included working with young children. They could be very difficult, he said, and he would have to continuously practice his meditation.

The Buddhist monk spoke largely through an interpreter for two hours at the New Port Richey campus about the goal of finding inner peace, and the obstacles along the way.

By Mindy Rubenstein

THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT