Meditation is Not Concentration

# Meditation is Not Concentration: A Tantra Meditation Guide Meditation is an ancient practice that has been at the heart of many spiritual traditions. In the Tantric understanding, meditation is not about concentrating or narrowing your focus onto a single point or goal. Instead, it is about expanding your awareness and embracing a state of relaxed presence. This guide delves into the essence of the meditation practice titled "Meditation is Not Concentration," inspired by Osho’s teachings, to provide a comprehensive understanding and actionable steps to engage with this meditation. ## Contents 1. [History and Origin](#history-and-origin) 2. [Required Environment and Music Cues](#required-environment-and-music-cues) 3. [Step-by-Step Phases Breakdown](#step-by-step-phases-breakdown) 4. [Practical Tips for Beginners](#practical-tips-for-beginners) ### History and Origin Tantra, a spiritual tradition with deep roots in Eastern philosophy, is known for embracing life in its totality. Unlike systems that advocate repression or withdrawal from the world, Tantra encourages a harmonious balance where nothing is denied, and everything is experienced deeply and consciously. The meditative approach of Tantra values awareness over concentration. Concentration, often aligned with control, requires forcing the mind upon an object or goal. In contrast, Tantric meditation celebrates the unfoldment of awareness—the spontaneous, natural, and fluid state of mind where one witnesses experiences without attachment or aversion. Osho, a contemporary spiritual teacher, revitalized this Tantric perspective by emphasizing the art of witnessing. He taught that meditation unfolds not in the grasp of concentration but in the release of awareness—a concept central to "Meditation is Not Concentration." ### Required Environment and Music Cues For engaging in "Meditation is Not Concentration" practice, setting the right environment is crucial: - **Location:** Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you will not be disturbed. The setting should feel safe and inviting. - **Lighting:** Preferably, keep the lighting soft. Natural light or candlelight creates a serene atmosphere conducive to meditation. - **Seating Arrangement:** Sit comfortably on the floor on a cushion or mat. Ensure your spine is straight, allowing energy to flow freely through your body. - **Music:** Select a gentle, harmonious background music to aid relaxation. Avoid music with lyrics or high-intensity beats. Ambient sounds or soft instrumental tunes can enhance the meditative environment. - **Incense or Essential Oils (Optional):** Aromas like sandalwood, lavender, or frankincense can heighten the meditative experience by grounding you in the present. ### Step-by-Step Phases Breakdown **Phase 1: Preparation (5 minutes)** 1. **Grounding Your Body:** Sit comfortably with your legs crossed and your hands resting on your knees or lap, palms facing upwards. Close your eyes gently. 2. **Initial Relaxation:** Take several deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale fully through your mouth. Each exhale releases tension and centers your awareness in the present moment. 3. **Intent Setting:** Silently affirm your intention to remain open to all sensations and states of mind. Acknowledge that this practice is not about control but about witnessing whatever arises with acceptance. **Phase 2: Expanding Awareness (10 minutes)** 1. **Breath Awareness:** Shift your focus to the natural rhythm of your breath. Observe each inhalation and exhalation without judgment. Allow your breath to be as it is—shallow, deep, slow, or fast. 2. **Body Sensations:** Gradually extend your awareness beyond the breath. Feel different sensations throughout your body—warmth, tingling, pressure. Note them without trying to change or analyze them. 3. **Emotional and Mental Awareness:** Open your awareness to thoughts passing through your mind and emotions flowing through your heart. Instead of engaging, maintain a stance of the silent witness, observing these processes without resistance. **Phase 3: Embracing Non-Interference (15 minutes)** 1. **Observing Without Clinging:** Practice simply noticing thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations as clouds passing through the sky of your consciousness. Do not identify with them; let them come and go naturally. 2. **Awareness of the Present Moment:** If the mind starts to narrow its focus, gently widen your awareness again. Utilize sounds from the music or ambient environment as anchors that help maintain this openness. 3. **Letting Go of Effort:** If you find yourself willfully trying to maintain awareness, release this effort. Relax into trust that your innate nature knows how to be present without striving. **Phase 4: Integration and Closure (5 minutes)** 1. **Returning to the Body:** Gradually bring your awareness back fully into your body. Feel the ground beneath you, the stability of your sitting posture, and the presence of the room around you. 2. **Gratitude and Reflection:** Take a moment to express silent gratitude for your practice. Reflect on any insights, sensations, or shifts in your mind and body observed during the meditation. 3. **Ending the Session:** Slowly rub your palms together to create warmth and place them over your eyes. Open your eyes gently behind your palms, allowing the light to seep in gradually. ### Practical Tips for Beginners - **Commit to Regular Practice:** Begin with short sessions (15-20 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as comfort with the practice grows. - **Maintain Consistency:** Meditating at the same time each day can create a habit loop that makes it easier to commit to practice. - **Release Expectations:** Meditation, especially as per the Tantric tradition, is a journey without a fixed destination. Embrace each session for what it is, without expectation. - **Be Patient with Wandering Mind:** It’s natural for the mind to wander. Gently redirect attention without frustration when this occurs. - **Use Technology Mindfully:** Apps or guided meditations can serve as useful tools to supplement practice, especially for maintaining focus and motivation. - **Seek Community Support:** Joining meditation groups or communities can provide encouragement, shared insights, and a sense of connectivity in your journey. ## Conclusion "Meditation is Not Concentration" embodies a quintessential shift towards unencumbered awareness — aligning oneself with life's raw, authentic experiences in full acceptance and openness. By releasing the effort to control or narrow the perspective, meditative practice transforms into an enriching, liberating journey of inner discovery and profound connection to the world. As you embrace this meditation, remember that true discovery unfolds in the fluid dance between awareness and acceptance. Allow this guide to serve as a reliable compass on your meditative voyage, gradually cultivating the art of witnessing life in its entirety with a heart imbued with presence and freedom.