Ropan Meditation
Meditation is a subtle and intricate technique that merges the seemingly disconnected paths between the body, mind and spirit. It is that which gives a voice to your inner conscience that is your ultimate witness and guardian. There are various methods of meditation which together function to make the human body, mind and spirit a single, fully enlightened organism. Of the many various techniques, Ropan meditation is one such hidden treasure which was inherited from the wisdom cavern of the Himalayas. The word Ropan has its origins in Sanskrit literature. It is a derivation of the text “Ropanaha” which essentially means “To Heal”.
Ropan meditation is called thus due to its primary benefit to the practitioner which is that of healing.
How to Practice:
Posture:
Choose a comfortable posture to carry out this meditation practice. This can be Sukhasana, Vajrasana, ArdhaPadmasana, Padmasana or even standing in Samasthithi position. The eyeballs are brought towards the eye centre causing slight pressure on the Medial Canthus. Keep the tongue rolled back and placed on the soft palate. While white clothing is advised to be worn during Ropan mediation, it is not compulsory.
Technique:
Choose a good environment for best results. Ideal conditions include an oxygen rich space in calm, serene surroundings amidst nature.
The technique of this mediation involves forming an imaginary spot, like a black circle about 10 inches from your heart centre on the outside and similarly forming a black dot within, on the inside. Inhale your breath from the point outside your heart for a count of 6 seconds, retain your breath for 6 seconds and then direct the flow towards the black dot inside. From the same point within, draw out the air to exhale and direct it out to the point placed outside for a count of 6 seconds. Retain your breath for 3 seconds before you inhale again to repeat the entire process.The position of these two black imaginary circles inside and outside the body and the nose as the third point should take the shape of a triangle. Though the eyes are closed, the mind’s eye is focussed on the meditative breath points.
In order to achieve the best results of this meditation, it is suggested that you practice this 21 times early in the morning for a continuous duration of 21 days. The breath ratio to be followed is 6:6:6:3 i.e. inhalation of 6 seconds, retention of 6 seconds followed by exhalation of 6 seconds and retention for 3 seconds. One round involves Inhalation (Purak), Retention (Kumbakh), Exhalation (Rechak) and Retention (Kumbakh). This done for 21 rounds forms the suggested practice cycle for one day.
Benefits
- The technique of Ropan mediation provides the practitioner with physical, mental as well as spiritual benefits
- Centers the Solar Plexus and the Umbilicus – The core is the body’s powerhouse, by balancing and centering this, it boosts strength and balance
- The practitioner with regular committed practice will also be able to acquire the power of hypnotism (Sammohan)
- Builds self-esteem
- Reduces anxiety, stress and fatigue by releasing the toxins that cause these negative emotions
- Causes increased sense of serenity reducing anger
- Opens the mind- Enables changed outlook and fresh perspective
- Gives the practitioner the power of healing
- Cures insomnia
- Removes lethargy and laziness
