Siddha Yoga Practices -Study and Contemplation

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Study & Contemplation

When we study the philosophy and scriptures of the Siddha Yoga tradition, our awareness expands. The wisdom of the ancient and modern sages can elucidate our experience and connect us to our own inner wisdom.

The practices of contemplation and self-inquiry enhance the fruits of spiritual study. They focus the mind inward and enable us to reflect upon the teachings of the Siddhas and their relevance in our daily lives. In this way, we learn to break free from repetitive thought patterns and actions and to live in a state of freedom.

To contemplate something is to hold it in your awareness until it reveals its essence to you. Contemplation is also an exceptional tool for finding answers to a question or problem you are facing. Instead of thinking about a subject or churning over a problem in the mind, a simple process enables us to get in touch with our inner wisdom.

One simple yet powerful form of contemplation is to keep a journal of your insights, meditations, and response to events in order to gain clarity and a sense of perspective in your life.

Contemplation is different from both thinking and meditation. In meditation, we bring the mind to a still point, or cessation of thought, in order to experience the Self. In contemplation, we use the mind in a focused way to access our inner wisdom and deeper understanding about a particular subject.

Contemplation Process

Step 1 : Ask for grace to guide you through the process.

Step 2 : Form a question for yourself, e.g., "What does this teaching say to me in my life at this time?" or "What does my inner wisdom tell me about this issue?".

Step 3 : Write down the various thoughts, words, and images that come up.

Step 4 : Sit quietly and close your eyes if you wish. Take a couple of deep breaths. Let your awareness settle into your heart and rest there for a few minutes.

Step 5 : If anything more was revealed to you about your question during these past few minutes, write it down now. Write whatever is there without censoring your words. Even if nothing has come up, begin to write and see what is revealed.

Step 6 : Review everything you've written during this process and see what is meaningful for you.

Your contemplation may unfold in unexpected ways. Revelations can occur at any stage during the contemplation process, or answers may come later when you are walking, waking up, or in the middle of doing something else. The process of contemplation always bears fruit.

See on the Siddha Yoga Main Site:

> The Practice of Study and Contemplation