Meditation on Lord Shiva

Meditation on Lord Siva

SAGUNA MEDITATION: 

Saguna meditation is meditation on a form. An archer first

aims at a gross, big object. Then he takes up a medium object. Finally, he shoots at very small and

minute objects. Even so, one should take to Saguna meditation to start with, and when the mind is

trained and disciplined well, he can have Nirakara, Nirguna meditation. Saguna meditation is

meditation on a concrete object. Saguna meditation is peculiarly pleasing the Bhakta, who loves to

gaze on the peculiar form of his Ishta. Saguna Upasana removes Vikshepa. For three or six months,

practise Trataka on Siva’s picture.

Meditate on the mental picture of the Murti from half to two hours only in the Trikuti (space

between the eyebrows). See and feel that the Lord is present in every object of the universe. When

you meditate, mentally repeat the Mantra of the Devata, ‘Om Namah Sivaya’; think of the attributes

of the Deity such as omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience. Feel that Sattvic qualities from

the Ishtam flow towards you. Feel that you possess these Sattvic qualities. This is Sattvic or Suddha

Bhavana. You will have Darsana of your Ishtam in one or two years, if you are sincere in your

Sadhana. Follow this plan. This will help concentration. Move the mind on the various parts of the

Murti, the picture or idol of Lord Siva, and meditate. Sit upon your usual Asana. Repeat His name

and think of His attributes like bliss, radiance, love, etc., gazing at His picture all the while. Then

enthrone Him in the lotus of your heart or between your eyebrows amidst a blazing light. Now

mentally think of His lotus-feet, offering your devout salutations. Take the mind to the

elephant-skin worn round the waist, then to the necklace of Rudraksha beads, adorning His chest,

and the beautiful blue hue of His throat (Nilakantha), serene countenance, radiating the majestic

aura of profound meditations, the indrawn half-closed meditative eyes, the mysterious third eye in

the centre of the forehead. Next take the mind up to the matted locks, the cool crescent moon, and

the sacred Ganga sprouting from the Jata. Rotate your mind on the trident (Trisula) in one hand, and

then, the Damaru, in the other. Run your mind over the whole form till you complete all the details.

Then fix your mind either on the face or upon the starting point (feet). Repeat the entire process

again and again, as many times as you can. By constant practice, you will ultimately be established

in meditation and have communion with Siva.

NIRGUNA MEDITATION: 

This is meditation on Lord Siva, in His all-pervasive,unmanifested aspect, as the Supreme Para Brahman. In this form of meditation, you meditate on

Lord Siva as the Supreme Brahman without form, attributeless, eternal, infinite. Meditate on Him as the Suddha, Satchidananda, Vyapaka Atman; Nitya, Suddha, Siddha, Buddha, Mukta, eternally free Brahman; an unlimited Ocean of Pure Consciousness. Now, identify yourself with this

transcendental Svarupa of Siva. Feel that you are Chaitanya, Akhanda, Paripurna, Ekarasa, Santa, Unchanging Existence.

Every atom, every molecule, every nerve, vein, artery, should powerfully vibrate with these

ideas. Lip-repetition of ‘Sivoham’ will not produce much benefit. It should be through heart, head

and soul. This feeling should be kept up continuously. Negate the body-idea while repeating

Sivoham mentally. 

When you chant Sivoham feel:

Infinity I am Sivoham Sivoham

All light I am Sivoham Sivoham

All joy I am Sivoham Sivoham

All glory I am Sivoham Sivoham

All power I am Sivoham Sivoham

All knowledge I am Sivoham Sivoham

All Ananda I am Sivoham Sivoham

Meditate on the above ideas constantly. Constant effort with zeal and enthusiasm, is an indispensable requisite. 

Repeat mentally the above ideas incessantly. You will realise HIM.

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