In the ancient Indian Vedic times, for any spiritual practice, a single person of a couple was not allowed because it would create an imbalance. If married, both the individuals had to be a part of such practices. The belief was that one would grow while the other would not, but when both the husband and wife would participate together, they move forward in union. Otherwise, if one is fulfilled and the other is not fulfilled, there would be conflict in the marital life and hence a rule was made that both of them should be take part together.
The beauty of this rule has not only found an extension in rituals or ceremonies but also in everyday prayers and ceremonies. Many couples have now taken the practice of meditation as their ‘together’ time and swear by the benefits.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “ There’s a natural tendency for each soul to look for a joy that doesn’t diminish, a love that does not distort. This is possible via meditation.”
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Together we meditate
The practice of meditation has many benefits:
- Meditation techniques like the Sahaj Samadhi are so imbued with a subtle power that the transformation that it brings about has a far-reaching effect.
- It brings about a profound balance within one that inhibits the show of pride, or an arrogance of accomplishment, or a sense of difference or separation.
- The practice of meditation does not put a strain on a relationship. In fact, it actually becomes an inspiration for the other to take on the practice.
- As the comfort level rises with practice, then couples find themselves meditating together. When couples meditate together there seems to be unity in the energy in and around, a sense of tranquility, a oneness. An absence of conflict.
- The happiness that dawns within is reflecting around as well, at your workplace, in your personal life and instinctively as the nature of joy it is, one is looking to contribute in the other’s life rather than demanding, creating a space of giving rather than taking.
Such a relationship remains nurtured as is the experience shared by a couple who have been meditating together for some years now:
“There is always this one thing that a couple looks forward to and that is spending quality time together. We go to vacations, movies, restaurants and where not but still keep craving for more.
We found out that one thing which really gave us that satisfaction of spending quality time together and that is "Meditation"
Yes!! These 20 minutes of meditating together has added to the charm, love and bonding that my husband and me share. We adjust according to my husband's office shifts and meditate at least once a day together.
The arguments that usually lead to not talking to each other for a day doesn't happen with us. Meditating together has made us realize the vastness that we are and has given us the direction to move ahead leaving behind the small things that we hold on to.
The acceptance without any expectation from both the sides is the result of meditating together which allows us both to focus more on our professional front and give back to the society through seva activities in Art of Living.
The undying smile and the unshakeable faith in the hardest of our times is the gift that we have received by meditating together”-
Prashant Chaudhari is an aircraft maintenance engineer at a leading airlines , while his better half Shubham Chaudhari is a process lead and is also an Art of Living faculty.
In a Utopian world such as ours’, couples making meditation a joint exercise would be simple and effortless - as effortless as the practice of meditation is or should be. However, in an era where individuality, perceived rights, and diversity is the rule, it's not always that we find couples wanting to meditate together. And that's alright too. There is definitely a beauty in group meditation though it's really a matter of individual taste and preference in the end.
Start your meditation
Enjoy some time at a meditation retreat center
The Art of Living International center in Bengaluru, India offers a range of programs for everybody including couples, hence this paradise is also considered as one of the most sought out couples meditation retreat center. A day in the ashram involves various activities including guided meditation sessions. For a start, guided meditations for couples is ideal.
The Sahaj Samadhi Meditation is one of the simplest techniques and apt for daily practice, where there is no rigid system of following any specific couples meditation positions or a stringent schedule to adhere to.
How to make meditation the “WE” time?
- Start meditating together today rather than postponing for another tomorrow.
- Have a fixed prioritised timing everyday for meditating together.
- You can include a walk/jog/yoga activity together prior to meditation as physical activity before meditation can lead to deeper experience during meditation.
Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s wisdom talks
Bliss Meditation. vol 1-4
What is Meditation? A mind without agitation is Meditation. A mind is the present moment is Meditation.
