Meditation is a simple, natural, effortless process that allows the mind to experience subtler and subtler levels of thinking until all thoughts are transcended and the mind comes into direct contact with the source of light. It is perhaps the simplest system that you can follow for mental peace and self-realization.

It is best done on an empty stomach, at sunrise and again at sunset. The best environment for the practice of meditation is a quiet place with minimum distractions. Each session, ideally, should last 20 minutes. Close your eyes & sit undisturbed (away from phones, doorbells, children and animals). The sense of sight consumes a great deal of energy which must be directed inward when we meditate. Loose garments are best. Body relaxed, feet uncrossed.

Some benefits of Meditation:

• Less fear

• Less stress

• Restful sleep

• Healthier eating habits

• Working smarter

• Increasing creativity

• Higher IQ

• Regression up to 12 years in age

• Help with overcoming addictions to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.

• Improving interpersonal relationships at home, with friends and colleagues

• Controlling and sometimes even curing stress-related illness

• Improving memory and concentration

• Helps one stay positive, happy, healthy and compassionate

Twenty minutes of meditation is equivalent to 2 1/2 hours of deep sleep. You end up feeling bright-eyed, cheerful and full of energy. When you begin to see in your life that you are not the same person who began to meditate, you can discern what changes have taken place. If you look into the mirror you will see that your nose, ears and eyes are the same, but the one who is looking at these features has changed. This is the transformation that meditation brings.

To be at peace is to be in our natural state, but only when our consciousness is pure and clean and true. As soon as the pollutants of any negative images are allowed in, or we allow old memories and experiences to disturb us into negative thinking, our purity and therefore our inner peace are gone. It's not the external event or person that takes our peace away - it's because we give them permission to enter and give them life in our minds. Keep your mind and heart free of all pollution and peace will always be with you. A natural mind is peaceful and a peaceful mind brings clarity.