How to Meditate - Moksha in the form of Meditation

"Be Busy but Stay Relaxed"

With the hectic pace and demands of modern life, many people feel stressed and over-worked. It often feels like there is just not enough time in the day to get everything done. Our stress and tiredness make us unhappy, impatient and frustrated. It can even affect our health. We are often so busy we feel there is no time to stop and meditate! But meditation actually gives you more time by making your mind calmer and more focused. A simple ten or fifteen minute breathing meditation as explained below can help you to overcome your stress and find some inner peace and balance.

Meditation can also help us to understand our own mind. We can learn how to transform our mind from negative to positive, from disturbed to peaceful, from unhappy to happy. Overcoming negative minds and cultivating constructive thoughts is the purpose of the transforming meditations found in the Moksha Meditation traditions. This is a profound spiritual practice you can enjoy throughout the day, not just while seated in meditation.

On this blog you can learn the basics of Moksha meditation. A few blogs are mentioned that will help you to deepen your understanding if you wish to explore further. Anyone can benefit from the meditations given here, Spiritual or not. We hope that you find this blog useful and that you learn to enjoy the inner peace that comes from meditation.

Level 1 - Breathing Technique:

Generally, the purpose of breathing meditation is to calm the mind and develop inner peace. We can use breathing meditations alone or as a preliminary practice to reduce our distractions before engaging in Moksha Meditation

A Simple Breathing Meditation Techniques - 1st stage to practise Meditation

The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid. This can be accomplished by practising a simple breathing meditation. We choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable. If we wish, we can sit in a chair.

"The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid."

If you are at home and have a choice of solitude:

• Sit with your eyes partially closed and turn your attention to your breathing. 
• Breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control your breath
• Try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is our object of meditation. 
• Try to concentrate and try to exclude everything else.

If you don't have a choice of solitude or have an extremely busy schedule:

• Try concentrating on your breath while you are working.
• Concentrate only for 4 breaths and feel the inner peace. 
• Do this every 2 hour or in other words, every other in regular intervals
• You may keep doing this in shorter intervals as you continue working.

At first, your mind will be very busy, and you might even feel that the meditation is making your mind busier; but in reality we are just becoming more aware of how busy our mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but one should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath. Afterall, its just 4 breaths! If you discover that the mind has wandered and is following your thoughts, you should immediately return it to the breath. This should be repeated as often as you can so that your mind settles down.

Level 2 - Cleansing the Mind: (in only 1 step)

Now that your mind has trained to settle down or rather is training to settle down, this would be the right time to cleanse your mind.. Emotions do come from heart but negative emotions come from ones mind.. Think about it..! Its the mind that actively participates to help you think. You think the most when you are going through negative emotions..

How to cleanse your mind in 1 step?

While you concentrate on those 4 breaths, breath out all the thoughts. While you do this, imagine your mind to be an empty box. Just say to your mind "Its empty! No positive, No negative...Its Empty"

Level 3 - Adding Positive Emotion:

With the hectic lifestyle we try to simplify things we do in our daily routine and adding positive thoughts and emotions to your empty mind helps recharge your overall energy reserve of your body. Everyone's interpretation of positive thought is different, like everyone's interpretation to Happiness (as discussed in previous blog .However, the end result is the same - 'Happiness'.  

Step 1:

Instead of making great effort of thinking positive, just add a pinch of happiness to the mind that you have you just cleared of all thoughts.

Step 2:

Smile - A subtle smile is capable of spreading a pinch of happiness across your body.

Practise this over and over again until this emotion becomes a part you without making an effort.

Benefits of Moksha Meditation:

• Moksha Meditation can be practised even while you work. 
• You dont need to be in a closed dark room to practise Moksha Meditation.
• It teaches you to face your life the way it is but experience inner peace at all times.
• One's distracting thoughts will subside and one will experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation.
• Mind learns to sense the reality in difficult situations.
• Difficult situations will become easier to deal with.
• Clarity in thoughts helps find answers to unresolved issues.
• One's mind will feel lucid and spacious thus feeling refreshed and recharged.
• You will naturally feel warm and well disposed to others and your relation ship with others will gradually improve. 

"A Busy Life makes Meditation Harder, but Meditation makes a Busy Life Easier"

Read here Part 1 and Part 2 on Moksha Meditation

Moksha Meditation (Part 2) - "Don't sit there Meditating" is my new Mantra

I am overwhelmed by the number of response I received to my question in my last post.. Before I go ahead, I would like to thank all those who mailed me with your lovely answers.. Also you mails on how interesting this topic is and how curious you are has encouraged me to continue this blog as Part 2 of Moksha Meditation..

In my previous blog I had mentioned you need not take that 15 mins to sit aside and meditate. By saying this, I am not criticizing other styles of meditations... But this is my small effort of introducing this new technique of meditation I have been trying myself and has worked wonders!

What is Happiness? 
Here are some of the answers I received..

• Happiness is when I buy a car
• Happiness is feeling happy
• Happiness is when I buy my dream house
• Happiness is having a baby
• Happiness is seeing that smile in my childs face
• Happiness is achieving my ambition
• Happiness is having a cup of masala chai (indian tea) with your best friend
• Happiness is when I get an auto as soon as I walk down the street in a hot summer
• Happiness is a sweet good night kiss.....and so on..... 

Some people measure happiness by materialistic things where as some measure it with non- materialistic things.. 

The problem here is, if we didn't get these things (like things listed above), we wont feel happy.. So here comes a few more questions to ask yourselves...

Do you really need something in your lives to be happy?

If yes, is Happiness really measurable? 

Can you actually achieve happiness? 

Happiness is merely a state of no unhappiness

Moksha Meditation is a state of mind... it is the attitude towards life...
Moksha meditation is a state of constant happiness..

Lets reiterate the statement Happiness is merely a state of no unhappiness.. Is this statement equivalent to "Happiness is merely no sadness"? ??

No!

Like no light in this world means darkness..
No God means Evil..
No intelligence means being dumb...
Darkness, Evil or being dumb are a few examples of negativity which can only exists in the absence of a positivity, likewise Sadness exists only where there is no happiness..

In reality, there is no definition for sadness..

Hmm... you might be thinking this is bizarre!

Before I go any further... understanding this concept of happiness is extremely important...

Hence lets do a small exercise... 

Step 1: Wherever you, (lying, sitting, travelling) just breath in twice deeply
Step 2: Now, empty your mind of all thoughts and emotions, as if your brain is an empty box.
            No thoughts..... No anger.... No irritability.... No love... No lust... Nothing....
Your brain is just an empty space now...

Step 3: Pick a pinch of the Happiness and imagine it to sink into your empty box called brain..

Step 4: As you do this, just give yourself a smile! Trust me you deserve it.. :)

Thats All!!

Try maintaining this throughout your day... A conscious effort every now and then especially of step 2 and 3 ever now an then while doing your usual activities will make a tremendous difference to your daily lifestyle...

I will come back to talk about this and answer the curious cats.. But make sure you try these steps of Moksha Meditation a couple of times..

A Humble Warning: We are used to being in a constant state of stress or constant state of thoughts (good or bad).. Hence emptying your mind of everything might take a little while.. 

Tip: Understanding the concept of Happiness can make practice of Moksha Meditation a lot easier!

 Remember: Moksha Meditation is not a destination, it is a way of Life...

Feel free to write your opinion or experience on madhutanjorkar@gmail.com

Moksha Meditation - A new way of living your life..

I researched on a couple of questions on meditation and found this...
What is Meditation: 
45% said sitting / lying down on a quiet room
50% said trying to concentrate in 1 object / stay calm
100% said not talking to anyone while you meditate

How often do you meditate? 
5% said once a week or more often
8% said once a month
92% said can't meditate due to busy schedule
70% said don't know how to meditate/not my cup of tea (they also agreed on point 3)

And if you are reading this and thinking you fit into most of these answers.. especially the majority then here is something for you...

In Moksha Meditation you don't have to...

• sit aside in a closed room
• close your eyes
• not talk to anyone while you meditate
• take time of your routine work

It is an art of being in a state happiness at all times.. It is a state of relaxation... a state of consciousness..

Let me start with some basics..
Moksha is a sanskrit word meaning liberation. Spiritually Moksha means freedom from samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth. Whereas psychologically means freedom/ self realisation.

Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind to induce mode of consciousness which helps to relax, focus and quiet your mind..

Do you think you could unit the two? -Moksha and Meditation!
One often would disagree as Moksha is usually attained after one's death. But Moksha meditation is a form of meditation which allows you to enjoy the peace in you state of complete consciousness while you are doing you daily day to day activities like talking, working, dealing with issues at work or fights etc..

Now... Is this practically possible? Can you meditate while sitting in the most important business meeting!
Can you meditate while you are working hard to meet your deadlines?
Can you meditate while you are running late?

Before I go any further, I would like to ask a question to my readers...

What is Happiness and How do you measure it? 
feel free to comment below or mail me your views to madhutanjorkar@gmail.com

KEEP YOUR BODY HEALTHY

Hello Everybody! It has been a while with new health posts... And today's post is inspired by my own experience and well, my quick chats with everyone facing a similar problem in their day to day activity..

Most of us reading this post will agree.. We all have or are facing some or the other kind of a back pain in our day to day lifestyle. If you are reading this and you're thinking, Oh! this blog isn't for me.. I don't shave a backache, then you should still continue reading it as at least one person in your immediate family have been complaining of this.

PSORIASIS - What will you get treated with?

Typical presentation of Psoriasis

• Is psoriasis really curable? 
• Can its recurrence be permanently stopped? 
• Why use homoeopathy for psoriasis? 
• How is it so that a disease which is termed incurable by the orthodox system of medicine can be cured with homoeopathy?

 These intriguing questions are very commonly faced by homoeopaths all over the world, dealing in skin disorders. 

Firstly, one needs to know that research shows that Homoeopathic medicines work by optimising our defence mechanisms. Psoriasis is a result of an overreaction of an immune response, and homeopathy cures it by optimising the immune over-response. It does not suppress the immune system. So, homoeopathic healing is not a miracle or a lucky exception but a fact of biology; the result of the optimum utilisation of the body?s natural healing system which is curative and non-suppressive in nature.

Secondly, it is important to realise that the statement by the conventional system of medicine that ?psoriasis cannot be permanently cured? is only their own opinion, based according to the results achieved with their treatment.

The safety aspect also strengthens the case for homoeopathic medicines to be used for treating psoriasis. While using them, the patient is not exposed to the risk of toxicity as homeopathic medicines are given in a infinitesimal dose  and side-effects are very uncommon.

Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious skin disorder. 

It is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.

How can someone whose skin is chronically marked with scaly , red patches r lesions not feel stressed? They cant! which explains why the usually lifelong skin disease psoriasis is inextricably linked to stress. 

But, STRESS isnt the by-product  of psoriasis - Its also one of its principal triggers.

COMMON PARTS AFFECTED

• scalp
• elbows
• knees
• hands
• feet and 
• genitals. 

SYMPTOMS

• present itself with severe itching and physical discomfort. 
• The skin patches or dots may be:
  1. Itchy
  2. Dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales)
  3. Pink-red in color (like the color of salmon)
  4. Raised and thick
• Although there are many types of psoriasis, the most common type is characterised by raised and thickened red patches covered with silvery scales. 
• Many skin disorders may portray such symptoms, but three main features which differentiate psoriasis from other skin disorders are: psoriasis has well-defined borders. The surface has silvery scales that easily come off and the skin under the scales has a shiny red appearance

Also, some of  the psoriasis show some changes in their nails .There may be pitting, yellow – pink discoloration or complete loss of nail due to the involvement of nail matrix and nail-bed.

What causes psoriasis?

One of the most important discoveries about psoriasis is that it's more than just a skin disease; it's a chronic inflammatory disorder of the immune system. By understanding how the immune system works, you can learn more about why psoriasis appears and how to better understand what treatment options are available.

How does immune system work?

One of the many ways your immune system protects your body against infection, viruses, and bacteria is through inflammation—the increased flow of blood and immune cells to a threatened part of the body. For example, when you scrape your knee, your skin may swell and turn red. This is because your immune system responds to the injury by sending blood and immune cells to the skin to prevent infection and to begin the healing process. This is known as the inflammatory response.

Psoriasis and Immune system of our body

Psoriasis is a skin disorder caused by the over-reaction of our immune system. 

T-cells (a type of white blood cells) usually protect our body from certain infections and diseases, but in psoriasis they are put into an over-action mode along with other immune responses. 

This immune over-response leads to inflammation and fast production of immature skin cells. Usually, the production of skin cells takes about a month before they mature, but in psoriasis it may occur within 3-4 days. 

One-third of all the cases have a strong family history of psoriasis.

Common medications prescribed in modern medicine :

Cortisone creams and ointments (Immuno-suppressants, steroids) 

Creams / ointments containing coal tar or anthralin

Creams to remove scaling, Anti dandruff shampoos

Oral Steroids helps relieve symptoms

Rarely steroidal injections are advied

STEROID and the IMMUNE SYSTEM :

Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. 

Steroids reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in order to minimize tissue damage. 

Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system by affecting the function of white blood cells, leading to side-effects like, Increased appetite, weight gain,Sudden mood swings,Muscle weakness,Blurred vision,Increased growth of body hair,Easy bruising,Lower resistance to infection,Swollen, "puffy" face,Acne,Osteoporosis (bone weakening disease),Worsening of diabetes,High blood pressure,Stomach irritation,Nervousness, restlessness,Having difficulty sleeping,Cataracts or glaucoma.Water retention, swelling to name a few.

Homoeopathy for psoriasis

Homeopathy treats diseases gently, thus not causing any imbalance to your natural health structure. 

It helps correct psoriasis, by correcting the disturbance in ones immune system not not merely suppressing the symptoms. example, if a tap burst out flooding water, you cannot merely hold it from outside to stop the flow. This can burst open anytime. 

Every person is different and so is your body and its response to various disorders!

A very common cause discussed above is STRESS! For anyone who has psoriasis, the circular relationship between the  Stress and Psoriasis complicate things. One needs to break this cycle. Homeopathic prescription after detailed study of the patient helps break this cycle.  

The link between mind and body i well examined and studies of each patient and this is how it differs from other modern medications

Deep constitutional analysis : The history of the disease, the family medical history, physical and mental characteristics of the patient, the likes and dislikes, medication details are all taken into consideration. This approach stands in consonance with the homoeopathic convention,Treat the patient, not the symptom!

ACNE - Can you avoid chemical treatments?

Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits

Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red growths (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or "zits."

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged.

• Each pore is an opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. These oil glands help lubricate the skin and help remove old skin cells.
• When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked. Dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.
• The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead).
• If the plug breaks open, the material inside causes swelling and red bumps to form.
• If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.

Acne is a problem of swelling and inflammation, not a problem caused by bacteria.

Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even in an infant. Three out of four teenagers have some acne. Hormonal changes probably cause increased oil in the skin. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.

Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by:

• Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
• High levels of humidity and sweating

Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods cause acne, research does not confirm this idea. Diets high in refined sugars may be related to acne, though.

Symptoms

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.

• Blackheads
• Crusting of skin bumps
• Cysts
• Papules (small red bumps)
• Pustules
• Redness around the skin eruptions
• Scarring of the skin
• Whiteheads

Signs and tests

Your doctor can diagnose acne based on the appearance of the skin. Testing is usually not required.

Treatment

SELF-CARE

Steps you can take to help your acne:

• Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying soap (such as Dove, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Basics). Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid scrubbing or repeated skin washing.
• Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it is oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.

What NOT to do:

• Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring.
• Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats
• Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Take off make-up at night. Look for water-based or "noncomedogenic" formulas. Noncomedogenic products have been tested and proven not to clog pores and cause acne.

If these steps do not clear up the blemishes, try over-the-counter acne medications. You apply these products directly to your skin.

• They may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid.
• They work by killing bacteria, drying up skin oils, or causing the top layer of your skin to peel.
• They may cause redness or peeling of the skin.

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne a little, but mostly it just hides the acne. However, too much exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk for skin cancer. 

COMMON PRESCRIPTION / MEDICINES

If pimples are still a problem, a health care provider can prescribe stronger medications and discuss other options with you.

Antibiotics may help some people with acne:

• Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and amoxicillin
• Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or dapsone

Creams or gels applied to the skin may be prescribed:

• Retinoic acid cream or gel ( Retin-A)
• Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid
• Topical azelaic acid

For women whose acne is caused or made worse by hormones:

• Birth control pills may help in some cases, though they may make acne worse

Minor procedures or treatments may also be helpful:

• A laser procedure called photodynamic therapy
• Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars by dermabrasion, or removal, drainage, or injection of cysts with cortisone

People who have cystic acne and scarring may try a medicine called isotretinoin. You will be watched closely when taking this medicine because of its side effects.

Pregnant women should NOT take isotretinoin, because it causes severe birth defects.

HOMEOPATHY FOR ACNE

A well formulated  homeopathic acne treatment product may correct an acne problem. 
Homeopathy considers acne to be a symptom of a deeper issue. It does not concentrate on treating just the skin surface using topical gels, creams or ointments on acne. It treats you not just a simple acne case but looks at you from both inside and outside
It concentrates on your complete medical history.
No two patients are the same and so is your body and disorders!


What to expect after taking Homeopathic medicines.

1. You will notice a drying up of pimples and reduction in the number of existing acne
2. Other associated symptoms like pain, burning and itching will also go away.
3. you will see the improvement in skin texture.
4. It attempts to stimulate the body's own natural healing capacity with Homoeopathic remedies acting as a trigger for the body's own healing forces.
5. Over a period of months, your complexion and skin condition will keep improving continually.

Energy healing works great with Homeopathy to heal faster and holistically!