A change of pace or a life-changing experience?

A change of pace or a life-changing experience?

Curiosity is the main reason for most people initially taking up
meditation. What people get out of it invariably depends on what
they are looking for -- for some it may be a major life change
but for others just a little respite from the stress and strain
of daily life.

Several practitioners told The Jakarta Post what meditation
provides in their lives.

Gusti heard about Sahaj Marg meditation classes from a friend
of hers and decided to give it a try, mainly out of curiosity but
also for health reasons. After practicing for a couple of months,
she has made it part of her regular exercise routine.

"At the start it felt a little weird but when I followed the
instructions of the teacher I got calmer and calmer... it's
difficult to explain the feeling."

Despite having a busy work schedule, the 40-year-old head of a
communications company has found that meditation is a powerful
stress buster.

"I feel peaceful and much calmer and I can control my emotions
better; even if I do not see any light, it does not matter," she
said nonchalantly, referring to the technique of focusing on an
imaginary internal light during meditation.

"Even without having any special purpose, I think it's
worthwhile to meditate regularly, even if it's just 10 minutes
here and there. I can do it wherever I am."

For long-term practitioners spiritual goals are often the most
important aspect of their meditative practice, sometimes combined
with religious observance.

Diena joined a meditation group during the economic crisis of
1998 to find an outlet for her stress and also for social
reasons.

"I had no agenda. I just wanted to know what it was like; it
was also a good place to meet up with friends," said the 45-year-
old training consultant.

A practicing Muslim, Diena explained that meditation fit well
with her dzikir (chanting) and tahajud (early morning prayers)
and gave her new energy.

"When I began meditating at Brahma Kumaris I found it soothing
and I always tried to remember God when I did it. It was in line
with my religious practice, and it also gave me an opportunity to
be with people of different religions," she said.

"I mix this meditation now with my Muslim meditations and also
do it five times a day with my prayers. It's all about pulling
myself away from all thoughts and being completely peaceful."

Vikas, a journalist and editor, began meditating using the
Sudershan Kriya breathing technique in 1999. He was introduced to
the Art of Living system almost by accident and decided to do the
five-day course out of curiosity. At first, he was bored by the
content of the course but that all changed when he was introduced
to the breathing technique which underpins the meditation.

"The first experience of Kriya gave me deep insight and
changed my perspective towards life. I went back to my course
notes and browsed them with new perspective only to find profound
meaning," he said.

He went on to practice the breathing and meditation on a daily
basis and found that no two sittings gave the same experience.
Since then he continued to follow the teachings of the guru.

"Later, personal interactions with Sri Sri on two occasions
further enlightened me. I also listened to him on various
occasions and found my solace. I was impressed with his simple
and wise use of language."

When 37-year-old foreign exchange trader Farida discovered
meditation and yoga, she was looking for a way to escape from a
stressful job.

"At the time I was just looking for something. I'd heard that
you could release stress through breath but I didn't know where
to go," she said, adding that a magazine article led her to an
Art of Living course.

"After the course I was so energized and relaxed, so I started
to practice everyday. If I could not do it in the morning I would
do it after work. You know, you realize that to be happy is so
simple," she said, laughing.

After a few years practicing the breathing and meditation and
a retreat in India where she meditated in total silence for 10
days, Farida decided to quit her job and retrain as a yoga
teacher. Her practice led to a total change of her outlook on
life.

"Before I thought that to be happy I had to take as much as
possible from the world but now I realize I have to give, because
when you see people happy it comes back to you."