Analytical meditation is a structured approach to meditation that involves both preparatory steps and the core practice of analysis to cultivate mental clarity, stability, and insight.
Proper Attitude and Motivation
The first essential step is to hold the correct attitude and motivation. This mindset forms the foundation for effective meditation practice.
Correct Sitting Posture
Sit with legs crossed and maintain a straight yet relaxed spine. The upper body should feel light, while the lower body should feel stable and grounded.
Threefold Cleansing Breath
Hand Position
Place hands palms down on knees, thumbs at the base of the ring fingers.
Breath Cycle
Inhale slowly and deeply through the nostrils while curling the fingers around the thumbs. Exhale gently and slowly, extending fingers and thumbs without force.
Purpose
Each breath cycle (three in total) aims to expel physical, emotional, and mental obstacles to meditation.
Physical Posture Maintenance
Remain centered and upright during the cleansing breaths.
Resting Meditation
Objective
To free the mind from agitation and excessive sleepiness, preparing it for deeper meditation.
Techniques
Focus on the breath, counting cycles from one to ten (or as high as preferred). If the count is lost, start over. Alternatively, relax on inhalation and mentally recite “hūṃ” on exhalation. The goal is to achieve a state of mental stillness and clarity.
Transition to Analytical Meditation
From the resting state, shift into analytical meditation. Use the calm and lucid mind achieved through resting meditation to focus on deeper analysis.
Challenges and Aspirations
It’s common to want to stay in the restful state and avoid engaging in analysis. Overcome this by cultivating the aspiration to practice analytical meditation and benefit from its deeper insights.