how to know are we doing correct meditation?
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That the whole aim of meditation is,\n1. to calm your mind, and\n2. to focus the mind on one thing.\n\nIf you sit down and close your eyes you will notice that your mind is jumping from one thought to another. Even though you want to concentrate on your breath you will find other thoughts also coming in between.\n\nIn learning to meditate you must first learn to calm your mind. You do this by following every thought that comes into you mind. You must be like a Manager of a Hotel who stands at the entrance and observes the customers coming in. Without getting attached to the thoughts try to observe them. You will find that a thought comes in and that it goes nowhere and another thought follows it - try following that too - with same results. This way you will find that your thoughts gradually subside. Do not try to force out your thoughts.\n\nOf course do not expect results in one or two days. Practise it for at least 40 minutes every day for at least 2 months you find that you have 'killed' your train of thoughts. I have practised for 1 1/2 years and still vagrant thoughts come in.\n\nThereafter start concentrating on your breath. Notice the breath coming in and going out. You should not concentrate only on the tip of your nose. Notice the breath coming in and thereafter your lungs getting filled and then gradually exhaling the breath.\n\nGo to the website mentioned in the 'Sources' below and read the book that I have mentioned. Then you will understand whether your method of meditation is correct or not.\n\nYou should be able to get some guidance from the following sites,\n\n1. http://www.dhamma.org/vipassan.htm...\n2. http://www.meditationexpert.com/... and click on the free articles on yoga meditation - it includes articles on all types of meditations including christian and muslim meditation.
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during meditation, there might be some little problems such as you said, muscular spasms, altered sensation, changes in your body image all can cause a problem like you have had.\nanyway, to be at the safe side , you'd better to check your heart too.\nmeditation is a very good tool for a nice life, but you must do it under the supervision of your teacher,because sometimes you may experience some problems that can not be solved by scientific knowledge , only a meditation expert can solve these problems.\ngood luck!
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1. Strictly speaking, for a human being there is no other practice than this practice. There is no other way of life than this way of life. Zen practice is the direct expression of our true nature. Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905-71) \n\n2. The formless body of complete illumination of the nature of awareness; Don't use knowledge and views, misconstruing far and near. If thoughts vary, you're blind to the profound essence; If the mind differs, you're not close to the path. When feelings discriminate myriad things, they submerge the present situation; When consciousness perceives many aspects, you lose the original reality. If you can understand clearly from such sayings, Clearly you're the man of before, without any concern. Sozan Honjaku [Ts'ao-shan Pen-chi] (840-901) \n\n3. Just avoid seeking from others, Or you will be far estranged from yourself. I now go on alone; I meet Him everywhere - He is now just I, but I now am not He: One must understand in this way In order to unite with thusness. Tozan Ryokai [Tung-shan Liang-chieh] (807-869) \n\n4. Fellow learners! To achieve Buddhahood there is no need for cultivation. Just carry on an ordinary task without any attachments. Release your bowels and water, wear your clothes, eat your meals. When you are tired, lie down. The fool will laugh at you, but the wise man will understand. Rinzai [Lin-chi I-hsuan] (?-866)\n\n5. In the universe there is not a spot of land as small as a mustard seed where I have not sacrificed my life or have not buried my bones. Sakyamuni Buddha (c. 563-483 B.C.) \n\n6. Even when then bamboos are growing thick, they do not obstruct the running stream. \n\n7. The Perfect Way knows no difficulties Except that it refuses to make preferences; Only when freed from hate and love, It reveals itself fully and without disguise; A tenth of an inch's difference, And heaven and earth are set apart; If you wish to see it before your own eyes, Have no fixed thoughts either for or against it. \n\n8.  I asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey ... I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do better things ... I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise ... I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God ... I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things ... I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men, most richly blessed - Anonymous\n\n9. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:38-39)\n\n10. If you judge people, you have no time to love them - Mother Teresa \n\n11. First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Mahatma Gandhi \n\n12. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Hellen Keller \n\n13.  My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher. Socrates\n\n14. Impossible is a word only to be found in the dictionary of fools. Napoleon Bonaparte\n\n15. That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. \nNeil Armstrong \n\n16. History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man. Percy Bysshe Shelley\n\n17. Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours. Yogi Berra\n\n18.  A gentleman is one who never strikes a woman without provocation. H L Mencken \n\n19. Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will. Jawaharlal Nehru\n\n20. I
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meditate, meditate meditate
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Dhammakaya meditation\n\nwww.meditationthai.org
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MEDITATION I.\n\nOF THE THINGS OF WHICH WE MAY DOUBT.\n\n\n1. SEVERAL years have now elapsed since I first became aware that I had accepted, even from my youth, many false opinions for true, and that consequently what I afterward based on such principles was highly doubtful; and from that time I was convinced of the necessity of undertaking once in my life to rid myself of all the opinions I had adopted, and of commencing anew the work of building from the foundation, if I desired to establish a firm and abiding superstructure in the sciences. But as this enterprise appeared to me to be one of great magnitude, I waited until I had attained an age so mature as to leave me no hope that at any stage of life more advanced I should be better able to execute my design. On this account, I have delayed so long that I should henceforth consider I was doing wrong were I still to consume in deliberation any of the time that now remains for action. To-day, then, since I have opportunely freed my mind from all cares [and am happily disturbed by no passions], and since I am in the secure possession of leisure in a peaceable retirement, I will at length apply myself earnestly and freely to the general overthrow of all my former opinions.[L][F]\n\n2. But, to this end, it will not be necessary for me to show that the wholeof these are false--a point, perhaps, which I shall never reach; but as even now my reason convinces me that I ought not the less carefully to withhold belief from what is not entirely certain and indubitable, than from what is manifestly false, it will be sufficient to justify the rejection of the whole if I shall find in each some ground for doubt. Nor for this purpose will it be necessary even to deal with each belief individually, which would be truly an endless labor; but, as the removal from below of the foundation necessarily involves the downfall of the whole edifice, I will at once approach the criticism of the principles on which all my former beliefs rested.[L][F]\n\n3. All that I have, up to this moment, accepted as possessed of the highest truth and certainty, I received either from or through the senses. I observed, however, that these sometimes misled us; and it is the part of prudence not to place absolute confidence in that by which we have even once been deceived.[L][F]\n\n4. But it may be said, perhaps, that, although the senses occasionally mislead us respecting minute objects, and such as are so far removed from us as to be beyond the reach of close observation, there are yet many other of their informations (presentations), of the truth of which it is manifestly impossible to doubt; as for example, that I am in this place, seated by the fire, clothed in a winter dressing gown, that I hold in my hands this piece of paper, with other intimations of the same nature. But how could I deny that I possess these hands and this body, and withal escape being classed with persons in a state of insanity, whose brains are so disordered and clouded by dark bilious vapors as to cause them pertinaciously to assert that they are monarchs when they are in the greatest poverty; or clothed [in gold] and purple when destitute of any covering; or that their head is made of clay, their body of glass, or that they are gourds? I should certainly be not less insane than they, were I to regulate my procedure according to examples so extravagant.[L][F]\n\n5. Though this be true, I must nevertheless here consider that I am a man, and that, consequently, I am in the habit of sleeping, and representing to myself in dreams those same things, or even sometimes others less probable, which the insane think are presented to them in their waking moments. How often have I dreamt that I was in these familiar circumstances, that I was dressed, and occupied this place by the fire, when I was lying undressed in bed? At the present moment, however, I certainly look upon this paper with eyes wide awake; the head which I now move is not asleep; I e
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Focus less on technique and more on actual practice.  Just sit, lay, or stand, whichever you like, and close your eyes.  Use candles, incense...whatever helps you focus.  Breathe in through your nose, lightly out from your mouth.  Relax, and allow your mind to be still.  \n\nIf you want to be more loving, realize that love only extends; extend love as you explore in meditation, the contents of your still mind; if you want wisdom, keep doing this with regularity, at the same time.  \n\nRead widely, understanding that wisdom is not contained in one, or any, book, but is free, as you are.
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I would look into the practices of Thich Nhat Hanh, the famous Buddhist from Vietnam.  His mindful waking is awesome.  He has so many spectacular books on mediation.  To start, I would recommend meditating on his 5 Mindful Trainings.  If you can master that, then you should attempt his 14 Mindful Trainings.  If these for some reason, do not suit you, he is the most flexible with learning.  He says that if it doesn't suit you, you can always do some other meditations of his, or even somebody's else's, as long as you achieve the desired result.\n\nHere is a link:\nhttp://www.plumvillage.org/MindfulnessTrainings/MTTrainingInfo.htm
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how are we supose to know
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once you clearly recognize the part within you that is connected with god, you can never be defeated\n\n\nfind a quiet place where you will not be interruped for at least thirty minutes\n\nsit comfortably and focus your mind ojn the experience of this moment\n\nsimply being present\n\n\nAsk yourself these questions:\n\nwhen did it come into your life?\nwhat does it do for you at this time?\nhow often is it with you?\n\nand describe to yourself what it looks like\nnotice how it feels\n\n\nat the end of this meditation you may need to reorient yourself\n\n\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\n\nAbraham is on your right\n\nIs this the one whom you are proclaiming?\n\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\n\nYes....he is the one:   Jacob is the ideal
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1) Millions of people feel and experience the same things so try not to feel as if you are defective and alone. The qualifier is: how much do these situation affect your life, small, medium or huge problem? \n\n2) Your reaching out, that is the best thing to do. However, the net probably is not the best place to do so. (even though you have run into me)\n\n3) Find a professional to talk to. Call a hot-line. Family and friends are OK but many times are more harmful than helpful. It is important to be able to express yourself in a safe environment.\n\n4) Meditation can be extremely effective if practiced enough. Done everyday for a month (5 minutes) and the steps will become automatic. Then when faced with something stressful taking a deep breath will calm you. (it is that simple)\n\n5) You DESERVE to feel better about yourself.
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Try meditating for 3 hours and then.... and then... do it again, chuck norris style.  Chuck Norris style is when you go and round house kick everyone you see.  Now that is relaxing. You could also go mountain climbing and sky diving.  That is always fun.  It is good practice.
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It depends somewhat on your approach. Are you meditating from a purely physiological perspective, or spiritual, or both?  \n\nI've been meditating for almost fifty years, and I do it spiritually.  I find only peace, and I dream more (that is, I remember them more); \n\nPart of what you might find is images that are based on the religious teachings, if any, from your childhood.  Just remember these are of your own construction, and have no validity beyond your belief in them.\n\nYou will discover a world "outside" that is different, as you begin to realize you are one with everything and everyone around you..and yet you will discover your own unique teachings, or lessons, that seem tailor made for you.\n\nYou will grow into a clear knowledge of who and what you are, and your place in the universe.  Peace.
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When one meditates, one clears his/her mind of all thoughts, all images; thus allowing the body and mind to rejuvenate and rest.  Sometimes the state of meditation can be so relaxing that one actually falls asleep.  I believe that there are a few "schools" of thought on how to accomplish this state.  One quite familiar to me is Transcendental Meditation, which you can find classes for by looking through your telephone directory/internet.  The idea here is that you are given a word to concentrate on, which you repeat to yourself in silence, in order to focus yourself away from thoughts and images.  Training consists of approximately 5 classes and then practicing on your own.  The origins of this method come from India.
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"To meditate" is a verb.........so when one first starts a meditation practice it is something to be "done", literally practiced over and over.........until it becomes second-nature. It's kinda'  like a driving range for golfers or a batting cage for baseball players. Ultimately, however, one needs to consider going beyond the simple practice of "method".\n\nThere are sooooo many ways to meditate that it's hard to recommend any one type of meditation to someone.......unless you are a religion and have a vested interest in bringing a congregation, of sorts, to the "same place".\n\n\nThe first meditations that I began were for all different reasons and have served me well. I eventually learned that my Path was not to become a better meditator or to set goals for myself in any way. My Path has taught me that meditation is, in fact, a nearly full-time possibility and a way to stay centered and alert/aware.\n\nIf someone can start a meditation practice with a good community of support and can stay "lite" and have a good time while they're learning their own place in the group it can be a wonderful way to begin a lifetime journey  of reflection, contemplation and inner-silence.
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Meditation is a great one.  There are hundreds of ways to meditate.  One thing that works very well for me is to get your hands busy doing something they know how to do well, so only a small fraction of your awareness needs to be focused on that project.  (I cover hexagons in the English paper piecing method of quilting.)  Then let your mind wander where it will, avoiding focus on anything in particular, until you can feel the peace and quiet.\n\nMy Methodist Sunday School teacher mother used to say prayer is talking to God, and meditation is listening to God.  If this description works for you, it's probably all you need.  Get quiet and listen.\n\nAs to increasing concentration at the moment you need it, start with a meditation/prayer for focus.  It may help to align yourself to the four quarters (north, east, south, west) in order to feel at the center of the universe.  Which is to say, at the center of that compass rose you have just defined.\n\nIf you live where it's legal, marijuana can increase concentration quite remarkably.  If you live where it is illegal, the paranoia may be sufficient distraction to ruin that effect.  Pity; ought to be legal.
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Dear Harshad. To control your mind practice Yoga, breathing exercise. Generally control your thoughts and concentrate on the work you are doing.