With Self-Inquiry Meditation to Realize the Divine Self Self-inquiry meditation is a technique used to develop self-control, self-knowledge, and self-development through progressive meditation and concentration exercises. The practice of self-inquiry meditation is structured step by step and aims to discover the divine self, also called Atma, within us. Meditators place the question "Who am I?" at the center of the meditation process. This is followed by the question of our existence, namely, who we are. Before the meditator attains knowledge of Atma, they must explore and thoroughly examine the three levels of consciousness: "conscious," "subconscious," and "unconscious." Only when these three contents of consciousness have been brought to consciousness and purified can the gateway to a higher consciousness open.
The phases of self-inquiry meditation
In Self-Inquiry Meditation, the practitioner first begins by creating mental calm and physical relaxation. This physically and mentally relaxed attitude is a prerequisite for engaging in the training of imagination and the ability to concentrate. Only then can the meditator focus on the contents of their own consciousness, which consist of ideas, ways of thinking, and characteristics. In this phase of Self-Inquiry Meditation, one begins to detach themselves from preconceived opinions in order to become neutral and unbiased. Only with such an inner attitude is it possible to engage more deeply with the emotions and the realms of consciousness in meditation and to experience love, understanding, patience, and contentment. During this phase of meditation, disturbing negative aspects often arise, feelings such as envy, anger, fear, or vanity, which must be examined and overcome.
The four levels of consciousness
To practice Self-Inquiry meditation, it is important to know which levels of consciousness there are to explore. The path through the various levels of consciousness is divided into eight stages of practice, each with a different focus for meditation. The first encounter during meditation usually takes place in the conscious mind, where the journey into the self begins. This is followed by an introspection into the subconscious, where all impressions and experiences from the present life are stored and manifest in the form of feelings, images, and perceptions. Staying in this level of consciousness usually demands a great deal of attention and time for Self-Inquiry meditators. This is where analysis, recognition, and resolution take place. In the subconscious, the meditator finds karmic remnants from previous incarnations. The superconscious is the goal to be reached, where the entire universe is at home and union with our true self is possible.
Self-inquiry meditation in practice
Meditating usually means breathing, perceiving, non-thinking, and experiencing. Self-inquiry meditation, like many other meditation practices, can be practiced according to these principles. It lasts between 10 and 20 minutes to begin with and can later be extended to 30 to 60 minutes. To prepare, assume a comfortable sitting position in which you can remain motionless and relaxed. It is important that your upper body is upright and your back, neck, and head form a straight line. Your hands rest on your thighs or knees in Chin Mudra. Then you close your eyes and begin to relax the facial muscles. Next, focus your relaxation on your forehead, lower jaw, stomach, and elbows. For the next five minutes, concentrate on calming your thoughts and feelings and sinking further into a relaxed state. Before concentrating on the respective practice level, you chant an OM. After the corresponding practice level, the meditation exercise is also concluded with an OM. To conclude the self-inquiry meditation, rub your palms together and place them on your face to warm up the facial muscles. Then, lean your upper body forward until your forehead touches the floor to slowly stimulate circulation. Only then, and after you've straightened up, open your eyes again.
Image © madrabothair / 123rf.com
