What is meditation, and how does it work?

Meditation is the flow of awareness in the present moment.  It can be experienced through the systematic practice of concentration, which involves withdrawing the senses from the external world.  This helps to calm the mind, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being.  At the Vedic Yoga Centre Australia, we share the practice known as Vedic Dhyan, which comes from the Himalayan tradition.  It involves learning the art of stillness, intense breathwork, the sound of the breath and the art of surrender to help promote inner peace and mental clarity.

Which type of meditation is more powerful?

The effectiveness of any meditation practice depends on how determined you are to experience it.  It will be contingent on your clarity and sincerity, and the priority that you give to meditation in your life.  The Vedic Yoga Centre Australia’s method (Vedic Dhyan) combines the only two methods for attaining the flow of awareness that leads to the state of meditation:  these are sound and the breath.  For every individual, the most powerful meditation technique is the one that works for them.

How do I start meditating as a beginner?

At the beginner level, the most important aspect is the preparation of one’s posture.  This means learning how to sit still with a straight spine every time in the same position, which can be attained with the help of spinal kriyas, joint and muscle warming practices, and the application of yogic hand mudras.  Students should start with short sessions focused on their posture and awareness on the breath, making it slow, long and deep, making sure that they listen to their body.  These simple practices help the student to form a habit of remaining seated in stillness, which is a prerequisite for meditation.  The advice of an experienced teacher can also be helpful.

How long should I meditate each day?

Most beginners benefit from 10–15 minutes daily, gradually increasing to 30 minutes. Our meditation training in Australia helps establish consistent practice.

What are the benefits of meditation?

Meditation reduces stress, enhances focus, improves emotional health, boosts self-awareness, and promotes better sleep. Join our classes and programs in Australia to experience these benefits.

Can meditation help with stress and anxiety?

Yes! Meditation reduces stress hormones and calms the nervous system.  Our regular practitioners at the Vedic Yoga Centre Australia learn how to manage anxiety effectively.

Is meditation associated with any risks or side effects?

No.  There are no risks or side-effects to meditation – in fact, it is a healing, regenerative and uplifting process, giving one the feeling of “coming home”.  Meditation increases consciousness and awareness, leading to the feeling of truly being alive, because one’s flow of awareness is completely in the present.  The most important part is to learn to sit comfortably, which requires patience and determination to be consistent.  If any negative feelings do arise, they will be due to a lack of guidance and understanding.

How does meditation improve focus and concentration?

Meditation helps train the mind to stay present, reducing distractions and improving mental clarity.  All programs offered at the Vedic Yoga Centre Australia work towards helping enhance focus.  

What is the difference between meditation and mindfulness?

Meditation is the broader practice, while mindfulness focuses on being present in the moment.  All meditation practices include the art of mindfulness to help avoid distractions during the practice. 

Can meditation improve sleep quality?

Absolutely! Meditation promotes relaxation and helps reduce insomnia. Those who practice regularly at the Vedic Yoga Centre Australia generally find improved sleep patterns.

Do I need a teacher or guidance to meditate effectively?

To effectively reach a state of meditation it is helpful to have the guidance of an experienced teacher so the student can understand the process, be provided with structure, and receive inspiration and motivation from someone who practices the method.  This enables students to understand how to adjust and accommodate themselves to the different stages of the process so they can to go deeper into their inner journey.  All teachers who complete their training at the Vedic Yoga Centre are qualified to teach Vedic Dhyan.

What should I do if I can’t clear my mind during meditation?

Before attempting meditation, it is useful to practice some kriyas and breath work to prepare the body and then the mind.   It’s normal to have thoughts during meditation, so learning to have acceptance of the situation is crucial.  Don’t fight with the mind to be thoughtless – it’s not how many times the mind goes away that counts; it’s how many times you can bring it back into the present.  When you realise your mind has wandered, gently return to the practice and again focus on the breath.  In this way you will not be running away from the chatter in your mind, but you will become aware of them and stop nourishing them with your life energy.

How does meditation affect the brain?

Meditation enhances brain function, increases grey matter, and improves memory.  You will experience these benefits when you have mastered the art of concentration, as offered by the Vedic Yoga Centre’s method, Vedic Dhyan.

Can meditation be practised lying down or while walking?

In the early stages, it is preferable to practice seated meditation, as lying down makes the nervous system more passive, and there is a greater chance of falling asleep, and walking meditation has a greater chance of offering distractions.  Once a student has attained some experience in the seated position then the practice can also be undertaken in other postures.

Is it normal to feel physical discomfort during meditation?

Mild discomfort can occur but this is simply your body reminding you that you have to work more on your posture.  Your mind is resisting the process because it is not in the habit of being still and focusing on one thing.   However, this usually subsides with practice.  It is important to identify where your limits are in the initial stages so that the discomfort does not distract you.  Regular practice of Vedic Dhyan, with patience and determination, helps to overcome these initial difficulties.

How can I incorporate meditation into my daily routine?

Start with small sessions in the morning or before bed.  All programs held in Australia offer practical tips for making meditation a habit.

What role do breathing techniques play in meditation?

Breathing techniques are fundamental for calming the mind and enhancing focus.  The method of Vedic Dhyan, as practiced in India and Australia, is taught as part of all programs as an aid for stress relief.

Can children and teenagers benefit from meditation?

Yes! Meditation improves focus, emotional balance, and resilience.  However, we first need to be examples to the children on how to practice attentiveness, showing them that whatever they do in life should be done whole-heartedly, with complete presence of mind.  It should be done in a playful manner because they have very high energy levels, and it is more difficult for them to remain seated and steady.  We should not underestimate how much children learn simply by watching their caregivers.  The Vedic Dhyan method, as taught in all Australian programs, is suitable for all ages.

How does meditation relate to spirituality or religion?

Meditation is not tied to any religion – it is purely a scientific method in which there is no need to believe anything but to simply become aware of what you already have – the body, the mind and the breath, all of which are being integrated and aligned through the practice of concentration.  As the concentration becomes deeper and more intense, it leads to a single-pointed flow of awareness, which leads you to become conscious of your deeper existence in the form of silence and peace.  You become aware that you are no longer a miserable human being but a peaceful  human being.  By definition, this is a spiritual practice.  

How does our Self-Discovery workshop use meditation and mindfulness to overcome stress and burnout?

Our Journey of Self-Discovery workshop in Australia uses specific mindfulness techniques, meditation practices and guided relaxation sessions designed to help individuals combat stress and burnout.  This workshop focuses on connecting with one’s authentic self, personal growth, emotional balance and mental clarity, providing tools to effectively manage daily stress.

Participants will learn strategies to:

• Reduce anxiety and emotional exhaustion

• Build resilience against burnout

• Improve focus and productivity

• Enhance emotional well-being and self-awareness

By combining ancient wisdom with modern practices, the program empowers individuals to find clarity in life, identify their true Self, regain balance and awaken their dormant energy so they can lead more fulfilling lives. 

Explore “meditation near me” in Australia

If you’ve been searching for “meditation near me”, our upcoming workshops in Australia may be perfect for you.  Located close to nature in a serene, peaceful environment, the Vedic Yoga Centre Australia provides an ideal setting for reflection and growth.