How can we enter into the realm of "Now"?

Meditation; A portal into the timeless realm of Now:

Meditation is the process of quieting the mind and trying to reach our innermost self--our true identity. This is a state in which our mind experience absolute calmness and stillness and allow us to become fully present in the moment of “Now”. Meditation means simply being - not judging, not thinking, just being aware, at peace and living each moment as it unfolds.
     Meditation has been a part of all major traditions and religions. They all offer different methods to achieve peace and harmony in their own unique ways. Here are some of the most common types of meditation techniques.

Types of meditation

· Breathing Meditation: This is the simplest and the most basic form of meditation. In this type of meditation a person just sits and concentrates on the breathing pattern of inhalation and exhalation- does not try to change or force the rhythm, simply observe the breathing and becomes one with the flow.

· Mindfulness: This technique is a focused form of meditation. However, rather than focusing on an object or sound, focus is on the present. It is a more advanced form of meditation and allows the meditator to find inner peace and joy through the ability to live in the here and now.

 
· Transcendental Meditation (TM): TM requires the use of mantra (a repeated word or phrase) to focus the mind and achieve a deep state of relaxation. When thoughts arise, they are disregarded and attention is brought back to the mantra.

    · Visualization Meditation: This technique is often used to relieve pain by visualizing the part of the body being healed through imagery and breath work.

 

Islamic Meditations:

       · Dhikr (Remembrance): As a formal practice dhikr involves the repetition of Allah's names, silently in the heart, perpetually, dedicating every heartbeat to God. It is the simplest and the greatest of all meditations. In this type of meditation, the meditator sits quietly and repeats the Name in his heart - Dhikr is a journey towards the realm of the “present”.

    · Taffakur (Reflection on scripture): Reflection on scripture is the practice of dwelling on the passages from the Quran and concentrating on the essence, attributes and deeper meanings of the verses.

“Whichever way you turn, there is the face of God.”

Quran 2:109

 · Taffakur (Reflection of Nature):                                           

“Taffakur on nature” is the reflection on Allah’s creations and contemplation on His signs in the natural world. It may be defined as a “purposeful thinking" or thinking on a subject deeply. Quran offers various opportunities for us to practice taffkur:

“Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea, and the water which ALLAH sends down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and in the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs of ALLAH's Sovereignty for people who have sense.

(Quran 2:164 )

"Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the difference of night and day are tokens of His Sovereignty for men of understanding.

Quran 3:190

 

Lo! Your Lord is ALLAH Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days!

Quran 7:54

 

He is the Mighty, the Wise.

Quran 37:20-27

The verses of the Quran and the phenomenon of the natural world are both regarded as the "signs" (ayas) for contemplation. Taffakur invites us to ponder upon the world of Creation, as this is the conduit to reach and know the Creator.

  These are just a few pearls extracted from the ocean of Hikmah to begin our journey towards self-realization. Our goal is to continue to collect the pearls through reflection and introspection and illuminate our life with their transcendental light.