A Simple Meditation Routine
as taught by Reverend Jaganath Carrera
There is a wise saying, well prepared is half done. The way we prepare for and end a meditation sitting is important. The beginning should include affirmations of our intentions and goals and the first steps in bringing the mind to a relaxed, focused attention. Yoga breathing practices are also very helpful - they awaken, calm, and help steady the mind.
One of the following chants is done to remember the Guru, your spiritual teacher. By doing this, you keep the mind receptive to the guidance you will receive. If you do not have a Guru, you can omit this chant, or just take the attitude that you are addressing the Guru as Cosmic Wisdom within you.
The closing peace chants integrate the meditation experience into your daily life and develop compassion for others. Repeat them with a deep wish that everyone experiences peace, joy, love, and light.
These chants can be done at every meditation sitting. You can add more, or your favorite prayers, or affirmations, but don’t change too many things at each sitting. Repetition helps the mind go deep.
Let’s begin.
Take a deep inhalation for OM . . .
OM OM OM
OMkaaram Bindu Samyuktam
Nityam Dhyaayanti Yoginaha
Kaamadam Mokshadam Chaiva
OMkaaraaya Namo Namaha
OM Namah Sivaya Gurave
Satchidaananda Moorthaye
Nishprapanchaaya Shantaaya
Niraalambaaya Tejase
Twameva Maataa Cha Pitaa Twameva
Twameva Bandhus Cha Sakaa Twameva
Twameva Vidyaa Dravinam Twameva
Twameva Sarvam Mama Devadeva
OM united with the Source
On which the yogis ever dwell.
Grants desires and liberation,
Salutations to the OMkaaram.
The Guru is Auspiciousness,
Embodiment of Truth, Knowledge, Bliss
Salutations to the One who is beyond the worlds
Peaceful, Independent, and Radiant.
Thou art my mother, my father Thou art;
Thou art my family; my friend Thou art;
Thou art my knowledge, my wealth Thou art;
Thou art my all, O Light of all lights Thou art.
Period of Silent Meditation
OM Sarvesham Swastir Bhavantu
Sarvesham Shaantir Bhavantu
Sarvesham Poornam Bhavantu
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavantu
Asato Maa Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya
OM Shaanti, Shaanti, Shaanti.
Lokaah Samastaah Sukhino Bhavantu
Jai Sri Satguru Mahaaraaj Ki!
Jai!
Auspiciousness be unto all,
Perfect Peace be unto all,
Fullness be unto all,
Prosperity be unto all.
Lead us from unreal to Real,
Lead us from darkness to Light
Lead us from the fear of death,
To knowledge of immortality.
OM Shaanti, Shaanti, Shanti.
May the entire universe be filled with Peace and Joy; Love and Light.
May the Light of Truth overcome all darkness.
Victory to that Light!
When you leave your meditation space, keep the peace and clarity of meditation with you throughout the day by recalling what you experienced as you sat, by practicing lovingkindness to all, and by repeatedly bringing the mind to the golden present.
OM Shanti Shanti Shanti OM Peace Peace Peace