There is a power in a group. A group can sustain, uplift, and help survive against the odds. Many people wonder about group meditation. How does it work? Is it good for an individual’s practice?
Dr. Prema Seshadri, a passionate meditator and meditation expert, talks to us about the power of meditating in a group.
Q. What are the benefits of group meditation? Do you observe any specific effects of group meditation?
A: When everything works to plan, then the effect of group meditation can be mind-boggling. It’s a matter of “fire catching fire.” Energy is extremely contagious. It spreads. It’s subtle. Yet, it is so dynamic that it can take you to the depths of your very being.
There is power in numbers. And coming together with a shared intention can create a powerful impact on our lives, in our society. Group meditation, in the right ambiance, can leave you floating. Group meditation strengthens connections and can be a huge support system. There are many benefits of group meditation.
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Q: How can my meditation affect the world?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The world is all vibrations, and if the vibration is harmonious then there is no conflict. If the vibrations, we emit, have disharmony then it will definitely create a disturbance.
This is a common experience. Sometimes you walk into a place, and for no reason you get upset. And if you really go into it, you will see there have been some arguments happening in that room before you entered. So our life, our behavior, our environment is all affected by the vibrations.
Don't think, "what can I do?" or that you are insignificant when the world is in a problem. You too have a role to play. A tiny homeopathic pill, which has a 1/100th, or 1/1000th potency, makes an impact on a body, which is sixty to seventy kilos! Scientists have discovered that a tiny change in one place, like the flapping of a butterfly's wings in South America, may produce a large effect in a faraway location, like a tornado in Africa, which is called the ’Butterfly effect.'
In the same way, every individual — everyone who is breathing, talking, walking, thinking — influences this planet. So we can all radiate peace, good thoughts, good vibrations, good wishes and that definitely makes an impact on the planet. Being peaceful in a meditative, prayerful state definitely helps.
Q. Do you recommend any particular meditation when in a group?
A: Guided meditations are fantastic in a group, especially for people who are new to meditation. If people in the group know how to practice Sahaj Samadhi, a kind of mantra meditation - that works brilliantly too.
Q. A lot of people have their practice, how often should one meditate in a group?
A: At least once a week, if we can manage to meditate with a group. It would not merely give us all the benefits of meditating but also increase our interest and strengthen our commitment to our practice.
Q. Is group meditation necessary, even if you have been practicing meditation for a while?
A: When I meditate, I’m joyous. I’m full of this feeling of goodness and well-being. And then what do I do with all this feeling of joy and goodness? On my own, it would require effort to give it a release. In a group, it just becomes so easy to share. That is the single biggest reason that I believe meditating in a group is necessary.
Q. How can meditating in a group deepen one’s spiritual understanding of knowledge?
A: I do think it’s an added advantage if there is some talk on knowledge incorporated into a meditation session. I believe that the mind opens up to knowledge after meditation, in fact, there is a curiosity, and hunger to know.
And I also believe that regular practice of meditation does trigger off the innate knowledge that is buried deep in our consciousness. Without a shade of doubt, meditation makes your journey towards yourself, makes you experience something way beyond the gross, and makes you experience freedom from all things small.
Q. Do virtual group meditations hold the same power as physical ones?
A: In the last two years of the pandemic, people have become quite comfortable with the idea of online meditation. The feedback I get from people is that they experience the same impact.
Experience virtual group meditation in Sahaj Samadhi Festival 2022 where you will receive a personal mantra for meditation.
