Today, we will delve into the world of passive meditation, also known as "Ghair Faal Muraaqaba" in Urdu and "Nishkriy Dhyan" in Hindi. It is a powerful form of meditation or contemplation that can help you gain a deep understanding of yourself and the world around you. So let's get started!
Passive meditation, or "Ghair Faal Muraaqaba" in Urdu, is an unconventional and unique method where you engage in mental stillness without any physical movements. It is about being fully conscious and gaining a profound understanding of oneself.
The beauty of passive meditation lies in its simplicity. It involves comfortably sitting in a relaxed position that suits you and focusing on a particular object or thought. The key element in this practice is your attention or focus. By directing our attention to a specific topic or idea, our mind can enter a special state that is not easily attainable in our daily lives. Take a moment to grasp this concept. In our everyday lives, we often have numerous thoughts and responsibilities that divide our attention. However, when we concentrate our full attention on a single topic or idea, we become completely absorbed, opening the door to deep connection and understanding. This practice helps us observe and comprehend our thoughts with greater clarity, which can be difficult to achieve when our minds are scattered among various tasks.
Passive meditation can be done in various ways, but the easiest approach is to sit comfortably on a chair or cushion and focus your attention on a specific topic or thought. This chosen topic or thought should be something that interests you and brings you a sense of tranquillity, such as a hobby that brings you joy.
You can focus on a favourite hobby, a soothing image, or feelings of gratitude and compassion. The important thing is to direct your attention to the chosen topic and fully engage your mind with it. In Tasawwuf (Sufism), we often focus our attention on the face of our spiritual guide or mentor, visualising it between both eyes, which is known as "Tasawwur-e-Sheikh."
As you continue practising passive meditation, you will begin to notice a heightened awareness and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. It is a beautiful journey of self-exploration.
Now, let's talk about how to practice passive meditation. First, find a peaceful and comfortable place where you won't easily be disturbed. Create an environment that promotes relaxation and tranquillity.
Next, find a sitting position that is comfortable for you. You can sit on a chair with your feet planted on the ground or cross-legged on a cushion. Remember to choose a sitting position that doesn't create tension during the meditation and helps you stay alert and focused.
Once you're ready, choose your focus. It could be an object, an image, a thought, or a mantra that holds significance for you. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that is important to you and has an impact on you.
Now gently close your eyes and bring your attention to your chosen topic. Without trying to suppress or create any thoughts or sensations, simply observe and allow your mind to stay engaged with your topic.
Remember, the goal is not to suppress thoughts but to observe them and let them go. Each time you find your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to your chosen topic.
Start with a short duration and gradually increase the time as you feel more comfortable. Even a few minutes of passive meditation, or non-directed contemplation, can have a profound effect on your spiritual journey.
In conclusion, passive meditation is a powerful tool to cultivate self-awareness and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By simply sitting, in a relaxed manner, and directing our attention to a chosen focal point, we can attain a state of mind that is not easily achieved.