Sunday, May 17, 2009

Is light music / incense / candles helpful in mediation?

No. Music is an external stimulus, which takes the sensory system and mind in the direction of external awareness, rather than towards the internal focus of meditation. Concentration on some pleasant , external stimulus  such as a rose or soft music – can be quite soothing, but it doesn’t lead you in the direction of the highest state of consciousness within. Enjoy at other times, but do not confuse this with meditation.

For the same reason, burning a candle or incense can be a distraction.

Candles that flicker can also be a distraction.

Source: Extracted from “Meditation and it’s Practice” by Swami Rama (Page 80)

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