Anyone who has the slightest knowledge of yoga will be aware that meditation is an integral part of yoga. The practice of yoga requires focus and concentration for long periods of time. Hence, controlled breathing and meditation help you achieve a state of mind essential to the effective practice of yoga. So, in addition to asanas (poses or postures) and Pranayama (breathing), you will also find yourself attending a yoga meditation class, which is very important.

As you know, there are innumerable meditation techniques that are practiced. There are different schools of meditation that advocate practices such as meditating on the third eye, or staring into a candle flame, or different ways of breathing. Some meditation techniques involve deep breathing while others involve watching the breath entering and exiting your nostrils.

Regardless of the technique used, the objective is always the same – to get centered and aspire to higher levels of consciousness.  Meditation aims to achieve clarity of vision and peace of mind, among other things. It helps you to be more grounded, and to face life and the real world with calm and equanimity. By meditating, you can develop your inner strength and look beyond the irritants of daily life.

Meditation in yoga is best illustrated by yoga nidra, or literally, ‘yogic sleep’ or psychic sleep. In yoga nidra, you consciously reach a state of deep sleep that will relax you completely, mentally and physically. This also helps you to explore realms of spirituality that you may not be able to otherwise. Yoga nidra helps you to relax your body and mind so thoroughly, that your system and the way it works is enhanced to reach peak levels of performance.

In order to practice yoga nidra, you must lie down in Savasana, the corpse-like pose, with your eyes shut. You then have to follow the instructions of your teacher to relax your body by shifting your attention from one part of your body to another, until you’ve run through all of them. You are then made aware of opposing sensations such as lightness or heaviness, heat or cold, in your mind and body.

The awareness of sensations is then followed by quickly visualizing images of nature or symbols that are abstract. This visualization process is meant to trigger off a reaction in your unconscious mind. The awareness of alternating sensations is meant to improve your body’s ability to regain its balance and control its involuntary functions.  This helps you to attain detachment, makes your ego inactive and helps resolve sanskaras, memories, conflicts and desires.

The yoga pose required to practice yoga nidra is much easier than most used in yoga. This yoga pose involves controlled breathing and complete relaxation of the mind and body. In fact, this is so relaxing that it is very easy to fall asleep! However, it is recommended that you try your utmost to stay awake in order to follow the instructions of your teacher. It is worthwhile doing so since you will come out of it completely refreshed and rejuvenated.