Posture

In what posture should one sit to perform the spiritual practice mentioned in this treatise? Many postures are mentioned in books written on yoga, the eighty-four of them are well known. Each of these postures is performed in a different manner, either by standing on the feet, by lying on the ground, by sitting, or by standing on the head. Each posture has its own merit, although some are exceedingly difficult to perform. However, the Saints do not consider these difficult postures necessary for spiritual uplift.

They have recommended that posture which is most convenient and easy for everyone to practise. For it can be performed by a householder, a child, a young or an old person, with equal ease.

The first prerequisite for spiritual practice is alertness. For this purpose one may take a bath or have a wash, then sit cross-legged on the floor or on a wooden stool, with the back straight but not stiff. One should not take the support of anything.

The main object is that the devotee should sit in a comfortable posture, where he can sit for some hours. At the same time, he should make sure that he does not fall asleep.

The body should be relaxed. Then the soul currents should be brought up to the eye centre. This is the only way in which we can prevent desires from arising in our mind. While sitting in this position, one should start his Simran.

By so doing, the soul currents which are spread throughout the body, begin to withdraw and concentrate at the eye centre, with the result that the astral consciousness is awakened. Then one should contemplate, and as soon as one is able to behold the Radiant Form, one's attention should be fixed in it to such an extent that one actually merges in it. Then will be heard the Sound Current which will lift up the soul automatically.

Guru Nanak says:

While sitting in a particular posture, with our attention fixed within, we shall automatically contact the True Naam.

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