Thursday 25 / April / 2024
The word “meditation” conjures up different images for different people. As a child I always believed that it was something that only sages and monks did. I would imagine them clad in their saffron coloured robes sitting atop a hill, far away from the rigmaroles of worldly life.
This misconception was cleared-up with time and age, though knowing that meditation was something anyone could do did nothing to make it more appealing to me. To my adult mind, it sounded like a chore that would require immense mental grit and discipline.
Then one day I read an article about the stress-busting benefits of meditation practice, and I decided there was no harm in trying this gentle method to try and rid myself of the innumerable stressors that I seemed to have accumulated over the years.
I enrolled in a beginner’s class and during the very first session, after a mere ten minutes, I felt a surge of calmness unlike anything I had experienced before in my adult life.
In the days that followed, I learned that incorporating meditation into daily life is a great way to improve one’s mental health, but beyond that, regular practice of this ancient discipline has physical health benefits as well, including reduction of hypertension and relief from tension related body pains. It is also a great way to boost one’s energy.
With origins dating back thousands of years, different types of meditations have been in practice all over the world, the most popular of which today are transcendental and mindfulness meditation. Transcendental meditation finds its roots in Hindu traditions for which mantras are chanted and repeated. Mindfulness meditation is a modern, more moderate version of transcendental meditation, based on breathing exercises and things like focusing your attention on what is being experienced in the present, rather than the future or the past, in order to achieve greater balance and acceptance.
In Muscat, several meditation classes are held for newcomers on a drop-in class basis, and regularly for those looking for a continuous practice. Sahaja Yoga Oman holds meditation classes that teach the fundamentals of traditional meditation techniques while helping participants to achieve self awareness. There are many levels to Sahaja Meditation, but they are simple to learn and easy to practice on one’s own for 10-20 minutes once or twice a day.
The Art of Living Oman Chapter, who organise many meditation classes and workshops in Oman, firmly believe that in today’s time, when our minds are often busy swinging between thoughts about the past and thoughts about the future, it is more important than ever to take our minds into a state of relaxed alertness. They feel that because of our constant distractions we are often unable to experience and enjoy the present. Constant activity eats into our energy reserves and can cause us mental, emotional, and physical stress, so the subtle art of meditation can be a great tool for taking ourselves outside of this mental swirl. Their ‘The Art of Meditation Course’ provides a solid foundation on the science and principles of meditation; instruction in Sahaj Samadhi, an effortless mantra meditation technique; and instructions and recommendations for practising meditation at home. They also periodically offer meditation classes for children, especially before examinations, to help them relax and focus better.
Rajyoga Centre for Self Development Muscat Chapter is another centre that practices and teaches meditation to help nurture a healthy balance between our inner and outer worlds, as well as with the world at large. According to them, the most powerful way to feel calm from within is to learn to relax the mind, and meditation is a natural way to do so. It also helps participants enjoy restful sleep, which is essential to recovering from illness.
Activities, courses, seminars, and other events at Rajyoga are conducted free of cost as this centre’s main aim is to help all people let go of their tension and stress, bring their minds and bodies into a state of calm and peace, and gain a clear understanding of the inner self. Beyond stress-relief, Rajyoga Centre is dedicated to the idea that helping people rediscover their positive qualities and develop their strength of character is the key to world peace.
Rajayoga offers a five-day beginner’s course in meditation through which one can learn the basics of meditating. They also have Meditation Sessions for World Peace every third Sunday of the month at 7:30pm, during which anyone can join to direct their positive thoughts towards making the world a happier place. —[email protected]
Learn to meditate 2. Art of Living 3. Sahaj Samadhi Meditation will be held from January 12 (today) till January 14 at AOL Centre, Mosaic Heights (next to OIFC Building, Muttrah); 4. Rajyoga Centre for Self Development Next Meditation for World Peace will take place on January 15, 7:30pm–8:30pm at the Rajyoga Centre for Self Development
1. Sahaja Yoga Oman
Visit 2nd Floor, Super Plaza, after Zubair Automotive in Azaiba
Call +968 9304 1802/ +968 9521 6198
Every Friday 4:30pm -5:30pm
Course Fees Free of charge
Visit Muttrah next to Khimji Ramdas head office
Regular Meditation Timings
Weekdays 7pm – 9pm, Weekends 10am- 12pm
Call +968 9328 2435
Email [email protected]
Course Fees Regular Fee OMR75; Repeater Fee OMR40
Course Timing: January 12, 7.30pm-9.30pm; January 13 & 14, 10am-12 noon;
Call + 968 9268 2643 or +968 9328 2435
Visit Villa No. 3743, 2950 Way, Near Modern Oman Bakery, Rex Road (Al Iskan Street), Ruwi, Muscat
Call +968 2478 2924
Email [email protected]
Course Fees Free of charge
