Q: What is Brahma-Muhurta?
A: 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. is termed as Brahma-Muhurta.
Q: Why is it eulogised by Rishis?
A: Because it is favourable for meditation on God or Brahman. Hence it is called Brahma-Muhurta.
Q: What are the advantages gained by Sadhakas by meditating at this particular hour?
A: At this particular hour the mind is very calm and serene. It is free from worldly thoughts, worries and anxieties. The mind is like a blank sheet of paper and comparatively free from worldly Samskaras. It can be very easily moulded at this time before worldly distractions enter the mind. Further the atmosphere also is charged with more Sattva at this particular time. There is no bustle and noise outside.
Q: Should I take bath before starting meditation?
A: If you are strong enough, if you are hale and hearty, if the weather and season can permit, if you are in the prime of youth, take a bath either in cold, lukewarm or hot water as desired. Otherwise, wash your hands, feet and face with cold water. Do Achamanam (sipping water with Mantra 'Om Achyutaya Namah, Om Anantaya Namah, Om Govindaya Namah.')
Q: How to take to meditation or concentrate the mind for Ekagrata?
A: First concentrate on the figure of Lord Hari with four hands for one year. Then take to abstract meditation, or meditation on an idea. You can meditate on these: "Om Ekam, Akhanda, Chidakasa, Sarva-Bhuta-Antaratma-one indivisible Atman, the Indweller of the creatures, all-pervading subtle consciousness like ether."
Q: My greatest difficulty is about concentration of the mind. The mind almost always runs away during my meditation. What is the remedy?
A: Strengthen your Vairagya and Abhyasa. Again and again you will have to bring the mind to the Lakshya. If you can make it run 50 times instead of 55 times, that is great achievement for you. Mouna (vow of silence) will help you a lot. In winter you have your sittings in meditation in the morning, afternoon, evening and at night.
Q: What can I do besides Pranayama to elevate the mind when it gets dull during meditation? May I use counter-suggestions?
A: Whenever the mind gets dull, assert: "I am Atman. I am full of knowledge. I am Jnana-Svarupa. I am Omnipotent-OM OM OM." The mind will be elevated and fixed in your meditation.
Q: A Yogi told me while meditating on God, that he could hear the sound of Sri Krishna's flute and the Sankha-Nada. Is it true? If so, how to hear it?
A: It is quite true. Concentrate upon Krishna's picture. You will hear those two kinds of sound. Close the ears with the two thumbs or a ball of yellow beeswax beaten with cotton and concentrate deeply on the sounds you hear from the right ear. You will hear those sounds. Practise this at night.
Q: I would pray to you to give me some more instructions, some methods of Dhyana and some hints for getting along the right path.
A: Visualise every part of Sri Krishna's body with His ornaments, silk Pitambara, flute, etc., with closed eyes. Keep the image steady. If the mind runs and if you cannot bring it back to the point, allow it to roam about for a while. It will settle down by itself after jumping hither and thither for some time.
Q: Why should we devote time for meditation? God is not desirous of our prayers.
A: The goal of life is Self-realisation or God-consciousness. All our miseries, birth, old age and death, can end only by realisation of God. Realisation can be had through meditation on God. There is no other way, my dear Rama. Therefore one should practise meditation. God prompts us to do prayers, Japa, etc., because He is the Preraka (He who inspires our minds).
Q: Can I get help from God during meditation?
A: Yes. The indwelling presence that shines in your heart is awaiting with outstretched hands to embrace the sincere devotee.
Q: Is it advisable to do meditation after meals at night? A Grihastha is so much disturbed in the evening that he scarcely gets time to meditate.
A: Meditation at night, a second sitting, is absolutely necessary. If you have sufficient time at night, you can meditate even for a few minutes, say 10 or 15, before going to bed. By so doing the spiritual Samskaras will increase. The spiritual Samskaras are valuable assets or priceless treasures for you. Further you will have no bad dreams at night. The Divine thoughts will be carried during sleep. The good impressions will be there.
Q: What is the difference between Japa and meditation?
A: Japa is the silent repetition of the Name of the Lord. Meditation is the constant flow of one idea of God. When you repeat 'Om Namo Narayanaya' it is Japa of Vishnu Mantra. When you think of conch, discus, mace and lotus-flower in the hands of Vishnu, His earrings, crown on His head, His yellow silk Pitambara, etc., it is meditation. When you think of the attributes of God such as Omniscience, Omnipotence, etc., it is also meditation.
Q: Give me practical instructions as to how to meditate.
A: Sit in Padma or Siddha Asana in a solitary room, keep the head, neck and trunk in one straight line. Close your eyes. Imagine that a big effulgent sun is shining in the chambers of your heart. Place the picture of Lord Vishnu in the centre of a lotus flower. Locate the picture now in the centre of the blazing sun. Repeat His Mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" mentally and see His image in your heart mentally from foot to head, His weapons in the hands, etc. Shut off all other worldly ideas.
Q: When I meditate, my head becomes heavy. How to remove this?
A: Apply Amalaka oil to the head and take cold bath. Dash some cold water on the head before you sit for meditation. You will be all right. Do not wrestle with the mind.
Q: Is seclusion necessary?
A: Absolutely necessary. It is indispensable.
Q: How long should I remain in seclusion?
A: For full three years.
Q: Can you suggest me some solitary place for meditation?
A: Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nasik, Uttarkasi, Badrinarayan, Kankhal (near Haridwar), Brindavan, Mathura, Ayodhya, or Kashmir.
Q: How shall I prepare myself for contemplative life?
A: Divide your property between your sons. Keep something for yourself to keep the life going. Distribute a portion in charity. Build a Kutir in Rishikesh and live there. Do not write letters to your sons. Do not enter into plains. Then start meditation. Your mind will rest in peace now. Do this at once. You must hurry up.
Q: When I was living in Uttarkasi I had good Nishtha, exalted Vrittis and good Dharana. I have lost them now when I entered the plains even though I do Sadhana. Why? How to raise myself as before?
A: Contact with the worldly-minded people at once affects the mind. Vikshepa comes in. Mind imitates. Bad, luxurious habits are developed. Bad environments and bad associations play a tremendous part and produce bad influence in the mind of Sadhakas. Old Samskaras are revived. I will ask you to run at once to Uttarkasi back again. Do not delay even a single minute. As the mind is formed out of the subtlest part of the food, it gets attached to that man from whom it receives its food. Do not be under obligation to anybody. Lead an independent life. Rely on your own self.
