Hour 59 Meditation – Silent Sitting – Nishkriya Dhyan

Silent Sitting – Nishkriya Dhyan

Introduction to Nishkriya Dhyan:

Silent Sitting, or Nishkriya Dhyan, is a core meditation practice in the Indian Yogic tradition. “Nishkriya” is a term that translates as without movement or without action, and “Dhyan” is the term for deep contemplation or meditation. Therefore, Nishkriya Dhyan can be interpreted as a meditation in which the practitioner sits quietly, with the mind settling into an inner silence and stillness, untroubled by outside distractions and inner thoughts.

Nishkriya Dhyan is one of the easiest and most profound practices, needing no outside techniques or movements. It is sometimes called a “doing nothing” meditation, where the practitioner just sits quietly, releasing all mental activities, and allowing the inner silence to be the object.

This practice is particularly precious in today’s world, where the mind is constantly bombarded with distractions and external stimuli. Nishkriya Dhyan offers a divine space for the practitioner to rediscover his/her true nature and feel an intense sense of inner peace.

The Essence of Silent Sitting

The soul of Silent Sitting is the development of untainted awareness. Here, the mind is not engaged with any thought process, and the practitioner merely witnesses the movement of thoughts, feelings, and breath without attachment or association. The aim is not to repress thoughts but to let them arrive and depart without attachment.

Key Aspects of Nishkriya Dhyan:

Stillness of Body and Mind: The body is not moved from its restful seated position, and the mind is guided to rest in a state of peace.

Non-Engagement with Thoughts: Thoughts will arise naturally, but the practitioner is not caught up in them, thereby ending the cycle of mental disturbance.

Awareness of the Present Moment: The practitioner keeps awareness of the present moment, observing the body sensations, the breath rhythm, or the gentle presence of awareness itself.

Detachment from Sensory Input: Detaching from sensory inputs, not letting external stimuli or distractions draw the mind away from the silent space.

Opening to Silence: The ultimate object of practice is to feel the silence that lies beyond the mental chatter. This silence isn’t just the absence of noise but the profound, transmutational stillness of the soul.

Practical Guide to Silent Sitting – Nishkriya Dhyan

Steps to Practice:

Preparation of the Space:

Select a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed.

You can sit on a cushion or chair, ensuring that your spine is erect and your body remains comfortable.

Dim the lights if necessary, or practice during a time when the environment is naturally calm.

Posture:

Sit in a comfortable posture (cross-legged, lotus position, or on a chair with feet flat on the ground).

Keep the spine straight and relaxed.

Hands may be placed on the knees, palms facing upwards (in Jnana Mudra or Chin Mudra).

Initial Breathing:

Start by taking a few deep breaths, breathing in deeply through the nose and slowly out through the mouth.

As you breathe, intentionally relax the body and quiet the mind.

Focus your attention on the natural flow of your breath, without attempting to control it.

Settling into Silence:

When you feel relaxed, softly close your eyes.

Switch your attention to the current moment, attentively noting the sensation of the breath moving in and out of the body.

Release all hopes or intentions for the session. Just be present.

Watching Thoughts:

When thoughts come, watch them without judgment or attachment. Let them drift by like clouds in the sky.

Do not attempt to suppress the thoughts; rather, permit them to arise and fall away independently.

If you notice yourself getting drawn into a thought, kindly return your attention to your breath or the feeling of stillness.

Deepening the Practice:

As the practice goes on, you might find that your mind quiets down, and a deeper sense of calm emerges.

Invite this sense of stillness to grow, releasing any tension in the body or mind.

Closing the Practice:

To close the session, slowly bring your awareness back to the environment.

Slowly open your eyes and spend a few moments contemplating the experience before going back to the activities of the day.

The Benefits of Nishkriya Dhyan

Silent Sitting can have powerful impacts on the mind, body, and spirit. Some of the most important benefits are:

Mental Clarity:

The mind becomes clearer and more focused, resulting in increased mental clarity and insight.

Emotional Balance:

Regular practice helps release emotional tension and cultivates emotional stability.

Stress Reduction:

The stillness of Silent Sitting helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress.

Increased Self-Awareness:

The practice fosters a deep connection with your inner self, leading to greater self-awareness and understanding.

Enhanced Intuition:

As the mind quiets, the intuitive voice within becomes clearer and more accessible.

Spiritual Growth:

Silent Sitting brings the practitioner closer to their true nature, fostering spiritual awakening and growth.

Challenges and Challenges in Silent Sitting

Though Silent Sitting is a very basic practice, it can pose some challenges, especially for beginners. Below are some of the usual obstacles and solutions:

Restlessness of the Mind:

Solution: Practice patience and kindness. Let thoughts arise and pass away without judgment.

Reflection: How do you feel when your mind is restless? Can you observe it without becoming identified with it?

Physical Discomfort:

Solution: Make the necessary adjustments in your posture for comfort. Props such as cushions can also be used to hold your body up.

Reflection: Is the body really uncomfortable, or is the mind resisting staying still?

Difficulty Staying Present:

Solution: Bring your focus back gently to your breath or the body sensations when you find your mind going astray.

Reflection: How does your mind draw you away from the present moment? How can you bring yourself back?

Expectation of Results:

Solution: Let go of all expectations. Silent Sitting is not about getting something but about being present and aware.

Reflection: Are you attached to the result of your practice? Can you practice without expectations?

Reflective Questions

How does your body feel when you sit in stillness? Do you notice any areas of tension or relaxation?

What is your experience of thoughts in Silent Sitting? Can you allow them to pass by without participating?

How does the practice of Silent Sitting impact your feelings of peace and inner tranquility?

When feeling restless or distracted, how do you refocus your mind into the present moment?

How do you experience the silence inside of you? Is it peaceful, uneasy, or foreign?

Conclusion

Nishkriya Dhyan, or Silent Sitting, is one of the most intense meditation practices in the yogic system. Regular practice of it will allow you to access the deep silence and stillness that lies within you, reuniting you with your essential nature. The deeper you practice it, the more it will bring natural clarity, inner peace, and spiritual wisdom into your life.

May your practice of Silent Sitting lead you toward a deeper sense of inner peace and awakening.