Ajapa Dharana
In meditation, we move from the peripheral experiences of the mind, such as thoughts, feelings, emotions and desires, and work towards the center. It is impossible to teach meditation as it is beyond words, only the methods and process that lead to it can be discussed.
The word japa means the continuous repitition of a mantra, and when the suffix ‘a’ is added, it implies that the repitition becomes spontaneous. Japa requires conscious effort, whereas ajapa is effortless. Dharana means concentration or focus, and is the initial step of meditation, where the object being focused upon is held in the mind without consciousness wavering from it.