The Art of Meditation: Understanding Mind States and Consciousness

Meditation, a practice that has been widely embraced for its myriad benefits, often involves entering a state of heightened awareness and calm. However, achieving a meditative state can be a complex process that requires a deep understanding of mind states and consciousness.

The traditional concept of meditation often centers around a state of focused attention and a reduction in mental chatter. However, the true essence of meditation transcends these simple definitions. Dr. Niranjan Pandya, a senior physician and spiritual advisor, offers profound insights into the deeper aspects of meditation:

The NO-MIND State: Unmani/Manolay

A state of mind often referred to as unmuni avsthya or the NO-MIND state, is a unique condition that merges with the state of NREM sleep. This state, however, retains a presence of awareness and absence of thoughts, contrasting sharply with deep sleep where awareness is completely absent. Dr. Pandya explains, "When there is the mind, there can be no meditation, and when there is meditation, there is no mind."

Slowing Down the MTR: Mental Thought Rate

The key to achieving this state of mind lies in slowing down the mental thought rate (MTR). Even when you have 50 thoughts per minute, the mind still exists. Meditation involves transitioning from the realm of thoughts to a thoughtless state, from the mind to consciousness. When you reach a point where the monkey mindquiets down, you achieve a meditative state.

The journey to a meditative state is not about simply existing in a state of meditation but rather, it is about the process of reducing the mental chatter to zero. Monkhood is not just a physical state but a continuous practice that involves cutting away the monkey mind, the constant mental chatter that plagues modern minds.

The State of Consciousness

According to Dr. Pandya, the state of consciousness is a higher form of awareness. It is the state where the higher consciousness separates from the mind and observes without judgment. The process involves a deep self-work and self-awareness. The state is characterized by the absence of the "I am this" identification, leading to the dissipation of the mind.

Consciousness is not just a subjective experience, but a state where the individual observes themselves without the burdens of identification. This higher consciousness state is where true meditation takes place, devoid of the cognizant mind.

Attaining the State of Mind through Practice

One can achieve this state of meditation by practicing regularly. Specific guidelines include choosing a particular time, a particular place, and focusing on a particular object. Consistency and focus are key to deepening the state of awareness and achieving the no-mind state. Daily practice helps in gradually slowing down the MTR and reaching a state of thoughtlessness.

Meditation is not just a practice but a voyage of self-discipline and self-illumination. It is about understanding the nature of the mind and consciousness, and how to quiet the mind to achieve a state of no mind.