About Meditation
Meditation is the withdrawal of the outward-going perception of the senses into the mind, and the one-pointed focusing of the mind on the source of consciousness.
— Adi Shankaracharya
Meditation is an essential part of the spiritual practice (sadhana). The aim of meditation is to quieten the mind and, through the gateway of silence, recognize the Truth of what we really are. When the mind becomes still and thoughts subside, meditation (dhyana) occurs spontaneously. It is a state of deep relaxation, empty of all the contents of the mind.
Free open silent meditation sessions are offered daily at 19:00 – 19:50 (except on Thursdays and Fridays and during Retreats) throughout the Rishikesh seasons.
The doors of the meditation hall will open at 18:45 and close at 18:55 (sharp). All participants are kindly requested to be present by 18:55. Please be on time and carefully read the rules and guidelines here, prior to attending a meditation session.
Next season:
7 – 21 March, 2026
Meditation time:
7 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.
(Please be seated by 7:55 p.m.)
No meditation on Thursdays and Fridays, and during Retreats
Meditation as Choiceless Awareness
Simply watch the fluctuations of the mind without touching anything (asparsha). There is no need to try to stop the modifications of the mind—we should just ignore them. By remaining as a neutral witness of thoughts, sensations and perceptions, the natural stream of mental activity gradually slows down and eventually comes to rest.
At some point, the background within which everything is appearing is experienced. One comes to know that which is prior to the mind, the subject of all relative awareness, the true Self or Pure Awareness. This is our Natural State—who we really are. In this stateless state there is peace, harmony, a sense of wholeness, and deep contentment—it is beyond words. This is “the Peace that passes all understanding”.
Ideally, we sit comfortably on floor cushions but one can also sit on a chair. The main thing is that the body is still and relaxed, the spine is straight and the breath is flowing naturally.
If choiceless awareness is too difficult, one can take a point of concentration to focus the mind on; this can be a mantra, a sacred symbol or just the natural breath. Our breath is always present and can be used as a powerful tool to take one eventually back to the Source.
Group meditation is valuable as the energy field created helps to focus the mind.