PRIVILEDGED COMMUNICATION
Quantum Meditation
A Novel Scientific Method for
Developing Inner Balance and Harmony
Tushar K. Ray, Ph. D.
Central Yoga: School of Mind-Body Fitness
725 S. Rural Road
Tempe, AZ 85281
Meditation is the oldest self-help technique available to human beings, offering detailed mental and physical plans carefully designed to bring the mind under critical observation and control to achieve harmony and dynamic health. The discipline of meditation is over 5000 years old, and can be traced back to ancient India. Meditation has always been seriously pursued by individual aspirants as a powerful tool for balanced growth, personal improvement, and spiritual enlightenment.
There are many kinds of meditation practices that are being followed in the West today, such as Transcendental meditation, Concentrative meditation, Mindfulness meditation, Movement meditation, Visualization, Love and Compassion, Transformative meditation, Kundalini meditation, and so on.
Even though the preceding approaches vary significantly among each other regarding how the actual practices of meditation are conducted, the underlying principle in each of those methods is really identical, i.e. to bring the mind and body into perfect unity, and willfully keep them there. During any particular form of meditation, the goal is to try to experience the given instructions with the whole being. Indeed, meditation is all about experience, and true experience is a mind/body phenomenon. It is neither purely intellectual, nor purely emotional – it is a combination of both, in a balanced state. In reality, we rarely experience this balanced state. We are either too intellectual or too emotional, and this becomes a major source of stress. Meditation helps us to strike a balance between our head and the heart, thus reducing, or even eliminating, this significant primary stress in living.
Following the introduction of modern Quantum Mechanics into scientific discourse, our concept of reality has changed most radically. The science of Quantum Mechanics now concurs with the ancient wisdom of Hindu Vedanta philosophy, in the observation that the sense-bound intellect alone is simply inadequate for experiencing the ultimate condition of reality. We also need to use our deep inner perception of unity through a holistic mind-body connection in order to experience the ultimate reality. We can experience such reality only when we are able to commune within at a deeper level of consciousness, where the subject, the observer -- and the object, the observed -- become one perception. Outside this domain of conscious unity we only see a partial reality (i.e. multiplicity) -- a superficial and disconnected view which is primarily designed to satisfy material desires – but not much more! Living such a life of fragmented consciousness denies a person access to the unlimited potential waiting in the inner experience of the Quantum world. We need to realize this state of unity inside ourselves through appropriate Yoga and Meditation techniques, and learn how to willfully tap into our vast creative potential.
Described below is the novel meditation technique that is called “Quantum Meditation”, which has been found to work particularly well with intellectual individuals, and satisfactorily with others as well. I have developed and perfected these techniques over the years through dedicated effort directed toward the realization of enlightened self-knowledge, and currently teach them at Central Yoga School in Tempe, Arizona. The details of the scientific basis, as well as the actual functional protocol meticulously developed, are provided in the subsequent sections.
The Quantum Meditation technique may be defined as a method of meditation reaching our deepest central awareness under conditions of stillness and simplicity, bringing the intellect and feelings together to commune with the core of our life energy (creative primordial energy) expressed along the spine at the subtle quantum interface of matter and energy. This holistic practice ensures prompt and harmonious mind-body perception for dynamic health and the abundant vitality so necessary to live a fulfilling life.
No living being wants to suffer. Human beings want to live all their lives in pleasure and, hence, are always pursuing sensory objects for self-gratification. Indeed, we are driven by this single principle in life -- the pleasure principle. However, we do not realize that pleasure, and pain, are subjective experiences; pleasure and pain do not reside in sense objects as most of us seem to erroneously believe. The Quantum Meditation technique takes advantage of this simple fact and helps people to find their own inner source of bliss through sets of mind-body exercises such as controlled breathing, stretching, relation postures, and focusing on positive sensations along the spinal center associated with the movement of the Kundalini energy (dormant universal life force). As a result, the entire process of Quantum Meditation rapidly becomes effective with minimum effort from the individual, providing a uniquely positive experience that may never have been felt before
The manifold purpose of Quantum Meditation practice is described as follows:
The current paradigm of living organisms, including human organism, is that they are nonlinear and holistic, and interact with their environments in a way that involves the entire being, and that requires continuing appropriate adjustments in all interconnected areas. According to this concept, an ailment affecting any of our numerous functional organs simultaneously influences even the remotest areas as well. Depending on the nature and severity of the primary cause, the illness may change its course by disappearing from one part of the organism and appearing in others with varying symptoms. All parts of the organism are in a state of a constant flux: each individual component turning over at varying rates and degrees, yet maintaining homeostatic relationships with each other. Our existence is likened to whirlpools in a stream, where energy and information are flowing continually through the system in order to maintain the structural integrity that is needed to carry out recurrent mental and physical functions. The mind keeps this vortex-body running by energizing it with food, numerous thoughts, desires, and will power.
It may be noted that the whirlpools in the living system are, in fact, composed of chemical flow (rather than mechanical flow) from the repetitive catalytic cycles in cells that form the basis of all metabolic processes. Like the mechanical whirlpools, the catalytic cycles also possess self-regulation, as well as self-amplifying feedback loops, that push the system farther and further away from equilibrium until it reaches a threshold of stability, or “bifurcation point”. This “bifurcation point” is a point of instability at which new forms of order may emerge spontaneously resulting in natural development and evolution.
In fact this entire universe, according to the latest model in Quantum Mechanics, is a huge conglomerate of numerous whirlpools of matter, energy and information having various shapes, sizes, colors and smells, expressed as vortices within other vortices, in decreasing dimensions, and ultimately ending in a cocktail of quantum energy and information, where spontaneous creation and dissolution of matter are taking place continuously. Thus, the organism consists of numerous vortexes of thought (information) and metabolic energy in diminishing sizes working in concert with desire and will power.
Hatha Yoga and Meditation helps to create harmonious stability among these constituent vortices (known scientifically as the “dissipative structures”, far away from equilibrium) within us through the development of appropriate mind-body unity. Then energy and information can flow effortlessly and efficiently through the entire mind-body system, generating bliss and holistic health.
It is clear that the maintenance of mind-body unity is the key to health and harmony. The mind and body have been designed by nature to act spontaneously together. The lack of appropriate unity and balance is the root cause of most of our stress and distress. According to Yoga, even though the subtle mind and the gross body are apparently different, the general characters of the mind and the body are indeed similar with respect to their basic nature, which resembles basic compound formation. Both are subject to degradation and transition. Also, following the law of similarity in the phenomenal world (that like things is drawn together, for example) it is logical that mind and matter would intimately interact with one another when presented with a common ground. Such a situation can be naturally effected in the quantum world, where subatomic particles of all matter have extremely high frequencies, moving at or near the speed of light, and have very high energy states
Hence I hypothesize that for a perfect mind/body interface, the mind and body must intimately bond to each other, which occurs at or near the interface of matter and energy at the quantum level, where the subatomic waves/particles would have suitable vibrations for effective interaction with the mind’s energy.
Scientifically, both matter and mind are nothing but different forms of the same universal creative energy (Sanskrit: Prana) vibrating at different frequencies. The former, expressed as the gross physical body, typically has an extremely low frequency, and hence has much less power, than the mind. However, at or near the quantum interface of matter and energy, where matter and energy are directly related in nature, they have appropriate frequencies for interaction with one another.
This is a unique area where mental energy has considerable power, and will direct the ultimate nature of the matter that appears in the mind-matter (mind-body) network. The entire structure is the coded information of mind (both conscious and subconscious) itself arising out of an intimate interaction of myriads of thought energy forms with the emerging subatomic particles within the vast ocean of the universal creative energy. Here we see the unique character of Meditation and Yoga culture, where the mind and the body are consciously brought together with a deep feeling of wellbeing, ensuring harmonious functioning in a coordinated fashion. In the culture of Yoga and Meditation, the perception of the mind-body unity of the practicing individual becomes critically significant, becoming a rate limiting factor in the positive outcome of that practice.
The entire (90) minute session is divided into two parts:
A) A series of lectures of (30) to (45) minutes in length on the scientific aspects of our mind, body, and environment, and the interrelations among them.
B) The actual hands on experience of (45) to (60) minutes of Yoga stretching, followed by a subsequent session of meditation.
The lecture series have been designed to provide a deep knowledge of our mind-body interface that a mediator should learn to resolve the intellect prior to actual meditation practice. The students are always encouraged to ask questions to clarify their perception of this process. Over a period of several weeks, the talks will cover such aspects as the nature of the different states of the mind and their relation with the material body, the relationship of mind-body energy with the universe, the concept of the unity of the universe and how human beings can experience that unity, and the nature of the ancient Yoga perception of our planet as our Global Mother. In fact, recently developed scientific Gaia theory describes the entire earth as a living holistic organism.
An assured way to experience our own inner bliss is to master the art of communing with the loving attributes of our Mother Earth and the rest of the universe through increased holistic awareness and deep perception during meditation. This state of bliss is similar to that of a totally restful dreamless sleep, even though the subject is fully self-aware at every moment during the meditation. The students will experience this state of uninterrupted bliss once they master this art, and could revisit this state any time and place, at will.
The hands on procedure involves: 1) the generation of a comprehensive mind-body unity through conscious abdominal breathing with intentional diaphragm movement, 2) focused whole-body sensation and increased awareness using specific mind-body postures, and 3) mental imaging of the spinal energy, the core universal life force, called the Kundalini energy (or primordial life-force, in Sanskrit and Parashakti), during a comfortable static meditative posture.
The yogic stretching exercises, mentioned above also help to clear up any blockage in the flow of metabolic energy that we produce in vivo from the air and food intake from our environment due to wrong postures and habitual negative emotions. In addition, such exercises will allow an uninterrupted flow of our innate Kundalini energy along the core of our spine, helping to generate the beneficial awareness of ease and efficiency in our continual energy flow. During meditation using a static Yoga asana, the students are asked to feel and differentiate between the energy states of the body, as well as the spinal center, with coincident mental imagery, and experience the accompanying state of bliss.
Following the stretching yoga exercises, the students will learn how to assume the appropriate sitting posture for effective meditation, where they will feel at ease without any physical movement during the subsequent period. Following the assumption of such a posture, the flow of Kundalini energy along the spine can be perceived.
The actual meditation will then commence. The students will be asked to stay focused on a fixed location on their spine while visualizing the energy flow in the form of a steadily burning candle flame. Eventually, they would feel that they have become the flame themselves, with the inner flame representing the spinal energy flow, while the outer flame symbolizes the metabolic energy covering rest of the body. The steadily radiating light of innate happiness may then appear as a radiant smile, and the person can feel this smile pervading the entire personal being. The initial experience of this smile has a positive feedback effect on the neuromuscular network, which, in turn, may respond by further spreading of the sensation of bliss through every cell in the body. Thus, the meditator would sit still in a comfortable meditation posture and be absorbed in the flood of inner bliss. The person would later be able to recall and repeat this experience more intensely each day and begin to investigate various aspects of mind/body organization during subsequent meditation sessions. In this way, one spontaneously gains every form of self knowledge.
The relaxation principle behind the Yoga exercises is based on the alternate stretching and relaxation under focused concentration during the sessions, as perceived from the spinal axis of the individual. The following exercises will be performed in the given order to achieve several objectives, such as proper oxygenation of the body by deep abdominal breathing, toning of the abdominal muscles, lateral, rear, and forward spinal stretching for spinal suppleness, opening up of the chest cavity, opening up of the hip joints, and stretching of the sciatic nerves and leg muscles. This latter enables the attainment of a comfortable seated posture for subsequent meditation, and simultaneously enables a deep inner awareness of the present moment.
Stand with feet together and hands at the sides, and attention momentarily focused on the undersides both feet, to ensure that they support equal weight, while the legs, spine, neck and head are held in a straight line. Join the palms together, interlace the fingers, and hold the interlaced hands under the chin with the arms and elbows joined together, touching the chest. Keep the knuckle-to-chin contact at all times. Draw the stomach inward and start breathing in through the nose while gradually raising the elbows to the side, stretching the spine and bending backwards to open up the chest cavity. Avoid placing pressure on the neck, and hold the legs tight and straight. The inhalation stops when the chest cavity is fully open. Immediately start exhaling through the throat and mouth with a steady push from the abdominal muscles, while bringing the elbows gradually nearer to each other to close the chest cavity, and simultaneously straightening the spine. At the point of complete exhalation with full contraction of the abdomen, the elbows and the arms will meet again in the same position as they were at the start of inhalation. Resume inhaling to begin the second cycle. Repeat the cycle (10) to (15) times.
Stand with both feet together touching each other, momentarily focusing attention on their undersurfaces. Bring the right palm over the stomach, with the left wrist touching the lower spine opposite to the naval. Keep the spine straight with the stomach drawn in and chest distended. Hold the neck relaxed and aligned with the vertical spinal column, shoulders raised a little, and relaxed. Breathe slowly and abdominally in a relaxed mode while observing the spine from the back, guided by the left wrist. Feel the relaxation of the whole body during the rhythmic movement of the abdominal muscles. Stand like a statue for (60) seconds with your eyes closed.
Stand with feet (8 –10) inches apart, parallel to one another, with the spine straight, stomach in, chest out, and hands hanging relaxed at the sides. Tighten the stomach and abdomen and start taking a long abdominal breath while laterally raising the right hand upwards and shifting the body’s weight onto the left leg. As the upper arm touches the ear, the body weight shift is completed. Contract the abdomen further while stretch the spine up to the maximum extent, then twist at the waist line clockwise, and bend to the left as the chest cavity is opened. Keep the abdomen and the left leg tight, while the neck is relaxed. Keep the mind focused under the left foot to maintain balance while experiencing the posture. Stay there for (90) seconds, while breathing normally. Slowly come back to center position while observing the weight shift until both feet are equally supporting the body. Repeat this exercise to the right side in the same fashion. Hold the posture for (90) seconds on the right side. Repeat both sides. Complete the exercise by resting in Tadasana for (60) seconds.
Stand with feet (8 –10) inches apart, parallel to one another, with hands held behind the back, making an interlocked, pointed fist. Look at the stomach and draw it inwards while inhaling, and stretching the spine upwards and backwards, opening up the chest until it is fully distended. Keep the neck relaxed. Now tighten the hand and leg muscles and breathe normally while holding the posture. Keep the mind firmly focused upon the spine, and experience the effect on the entire body. Stay there for (120) seconds, then come back to center position. Relax the legs and hands while looking at the stomach and breathing normally. Relax for (30) seconds. Point the toes inward and while taking a deep abdominal breath to return to the half wheel posture, as described above. Then, immediately bend forward from the waist up without bending the spine and the legs until the spine is parallel to the floor. Always keep the head above the, heart and breathe normally. Stand like a statue for (120) seconds, with the mind focused on the spine, and experiencing the posture with the entire body. Rest in Tadasana for (30) seconds, then repeat both sets once more.
Kneel with the legs held about (10) inches apart and parallel to one another. Firmly support the back with both palms on the waist. Draw the stomach and abdomen in, straighten the spine, and start inhaling as the trunk is bent backwards, while opening up the chest cavity. Keep the abdomen tight, while opening up the chest. Touch and hold the heels one hand at a time. Now push the hips forward and open up the chest, while keeping the abdomen extremely tight. Keep the thighs vertical and hold the posture while breathing normally. Maintain for (60) sec. Return hand support to the back, and rest in Bajrasana (below).
While still on the knees, bring the legs and knees closer to touch each other. Now, sit in between the heels keeping the knees together and the spine erect with the head, shoulders, and buttocks held in a straight line. Rest the palms on the thighs, covering the knees in a relaxed mode. Close the eyes, keep the mind focused on the spine, and hold the position without moving while experiencing the body. Practice gentle, normal abdominal breathing. Maintain for (60) sec.
Lie down on the back with legs flat on the ground, heels touching each other, and feet relaxed. Keep the hands close to the body, with the palms facing up, fingers relaxed, and elbows touching each side of the body. Visualize a straight line running from the contact point of the heels along the spine, through the neck, and all the way to the back of the head. Focus the mind and body on that line (which is the organismic center), and maintain the posture while breathing abdominally in a relaxed fashion. Feel the relaxation of the entire body from the spinal center. Maintain for (120) seconds.
There are three principal postures that are widely used for meditation: Bajrasana (Firm Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), and Sukhasana (Effortless Pose). Where the individual will be required to assume a static position for a reasonable length of time without feeling discomfort, the Effortless Pose is suggested. This position is attainable for most people, and is also relatively comfortable. Sukhasana is described below.
Sit on a cushion on the floor, with the legs crossed and folded so that the heels comfortably rest under the thighs. Keep the spine straight while holding the stomach in, and the chest out, noting that the upper body weight is fully on the buttocks. Now relax the lower spine and gradually bend it slightly until the entire ribcage is felt. Maintain the posture. At this stage, the upper body is supported by the ribcage. The neck, spine, and buttocks are in a straight line. Bring the hands over the respective thighs with the palms facing up and the thumbs and forefingers touching each other. One could also join the palms together in a prayer mode. Bring the mind and body into focus along the spinal center while experiencing the body. Breathe abdominally in a relaxed mode and feel the gentle sensation in the abdominal muscles with each breath. A pleasant sensation in the back along the lower spine will soon be perceived. Keep the mind and body firmly fixed on the spinal sensation and enjoy it. Now, practice the flame meditation, as described earlier in this section, while feeling the entire body as the energy of a steadily burning candle flame, with the inner flame of the candle being the spinal energy flow. Feel the emergence of a state of bliss and light, pervading the entire being. As this state of bliss develops, a smile may be experienced. This will have a positive feedback effect on the entire neuromuscular network, intensifying and spreading the blissful sensation through every cell in the body. Remain in the meditation posture, and enjoy the flood of inner bliss.
Tempe, 4/24/2004; revised 5/7/04