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 Yoga MeditationYoga meditation is one of the forms of meditation in Raja Yoga. It is a state where the individual breaks down the perception of separation and exists in the awareness of union. This union is with god or a sense of god that the individual has attained spirituallyand intuitively.1. Yoga meditation is the art of breaking down separation and remaining in this state for long durations. 2.The essence of yoga is rooted in breaking down separation, pranayama and asana aid this task by removing distractions. This is the art of merging Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga. 3. It is challenging to remain in a good seated posture throughout meditation. Therefore practice yoga postures that aid in stretching the muscles that are acting against the body and strengthen those needed for maintaining a proper upright seated meditation posture. 4. When the circulation is restricted numbness occurs along with pain. Areas that are commonly affected are around the joints such as the knees, ankles and lower back. 5. Combine breathing techniques, asana (Yoga postures) and meditation in any order. Fluctuate in and out of the different techniques and combine them together. 6. When asana or pranayama are practiced too vigorously they become and obstacle causing internal imbalance. Meditation practice is fruitful when asana and pranayama are practiced lightly and specifically to aid in removing obstacles that act against the focus and awareness of yoga. 7. Become an artist of blending asana, pranayama and meditation together. When the awareness of yoga is found it can be maintained throughout the asana and pranayama Removing all sorrow and meditating upon a shining state of illumination within.  Self Illumination Meditation "We become that which we meditate upon. In meditating on self illumination we become illumination." 1. Inner light and vibrance are balanced and enhanced by directing focus to on these inner parts of our being. 2. Expand awareness throughout the body shortly after entering meditation. After it is expanded it may shrink inwards. Remain aware with strength from the navel fire and remain expanded. 3. Thoughts cause continual distractions like gusts of wind invading a calm continually stirring many leaves. When this occurs the expansion is lost and the awareness is elsewhere. 4. Learn how to tell the mind to rest, to switch it off from within, so that there is no fear or attachment and the mind gladly lets go. This will naturally occur with the regular practice of meditation. 5. At times of thoughtlessness we dwell within a state of true self. It is true self that controls the vibrancy, light and awareness from within. It is from true self that the candle is lit. 6. The beginning stages are joyful. The practitioners awaken inner light and spend time balancing it daily. For this reason they walk with a peaceful glowing aura. 7. Awareness is a hard concept to understand. Our minds can be other places dreaming while performing a task or completely engrossed in the task. 8. Focus on awareness in every cell to awaken the mind and body in union. This is a continual growth. Inner illumination can occur within a balanced mind. Ignite awareness in every cell in the mind and maintain it so that union occurs rather than separation within the different regions of the mind. The awareness of yoga is quite often found when the mind remains in oneness with itself. Intellect also benefit from this practice. Awareness can be asleep, awake or somewhere in between. Awareness can also be moved around our body. It can be brought down to our toes or remain in its dwelling within the skull. In this meditation technique awareness is ignited from within. A concentrated effort is made explore around the body and mind. This journey is not made with the eyes, it is made with the higher senses of consciousness. It is said that prana moves with awareness. The 2 are separate yet both are blended together. This is like air and water. When the blood meets the incoming oxygen it is carried around the body to fulfill many tasks and needs. The water carries the air yet both are separate. When awareness is moved around the body it light up the cells with Prana (vital energy). Many practitioners refer to the 5th element, the element of space, as consciousness. Preparation Find a comfortable seated position that does not stress the joints. This will allow the body to remain stable without pain and discomfort, a major distraction in meditation. Spend at least 5 minutes doing relaxing breathing techniques such as humming or Aums. These breathing techniques naturally lengthen the exhalations and have a soothing affect on the nervous system. This will help to maintain stable rhythmic breathing throughout the meditation. Irregular breathing becomes a great obstacle occurring many times when beginning meditation and throughout practice for many years. Many elements can affect the breathing pattern such as conflict between what we are meditating upon and rising thoughts that distract us. Feelings of bodily discomfort such as general aches and pains. Heightened states of awareness can sometimes initially cause excitement that disturbs breathing. Instructions Move awareness around the skull. Conscious awareness moves an energy known as Prana. This can be felt by meditating on light in the mind. Areas may feel dark and without life. When our awareness is moved into these areas they light up. Purify and maintain the light in the mind and body. When this is mastered for long periods of time we can move on to the next stage in our journey into union. Yoga may just occur within this exercise. If this happens try to remain in the awareness without continuing. Blending meditation techniques Create a Mantra that reinforces the principles of this technique. (Mantra Meditation) 
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