How to Meditate

The Path of Divine Silence
and the Path of Divine Sound

In the Bhagavad Gita two paths to liberation are set forth: the path of the renunciation of action and the path of the performance of action. Arjuna asks Krishna which is best, and Krishna tells him: “Take either path and tread it to the end: the end is the same” (Bhagavad Gita 5:5).

Meditation is also of two kinds: action and inaction. In one we actively engage in a process which elevates the consciousness to the point of liberating it. In the other we do nothing at all but allow the consciousness to liberate itself in silent inactivity.

These two paths are the path of Divine Sound, the path of Action, and the path of Divine Silence, the path of Inaction. Both lead to the same result: Liberation (Moksha).

What determines which path the yogi should take? His own nature (prakriti) which will incline him to prefer one or the other, or to choose a mixture of both. This is his dharma (duty) in the field of meditation, and Krishna further tells Arjuna: “It is better to do your own dharma than to assume the dharma of another” (Bhagavad Gita 3:35).

Therefore the choice of which path (or both) the yogi should take must be his personal decision uninfluenced by anyone or anything else.

For this reason we are presenting instruction in both meditation paths:

Divine Silence

• The Breath of Life: The Practice of Breath Meditation According to Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Jewish and Christian Traditions (the full book)
• Download The Breath of Life in PDF or ePub formats.
• Introduction to the Practice of Breath Meditation. (A brief version including instruction in the practice)
• Download Introduction to the Practice of Breath Meditation in PDF or ePub formats

Divine Sound

• So’ham Yoga: the Yoga of the Self. (the full book)
• Download So’ham Yoga: the Yoga of the Self in PDF or ePub formats.
• Introduction to Soham Yoga. (A brief version including instruction in the practice)
• Download Introduction to Soham Yoga in PDF or ePub formats.

Please read the material on both carefully and practice their instructions. Then determine for yourself which you wish to follow to its end. Or choose both and be guided by your intuition as to when you practice one or the other.