Staring into a candle, chanting a mantra, or listening to a meditation music CD are different ways that individuals increase their meditation experience. Although some people do nothing more than sit and breathe while meditating, others enjoy the use of a meditation altar.
What Is A Meditation Altar?
A meditation altar is a type of table or cabinet where practitioners can place objects to focus upon as they meditate. There are various companies that sell meditation altars. However, it is easy enough to create an altar at home. A simple end table, nightstand, shelf, or even a wooden TV tray can be transformed into a meditation altar.
Items used for meditation can be placed directly on the altar. All the same, there are individuals who prefer to cover the altar in fabric. If using fabric, it is recommended to use solid black. This color allows for the least amount of distraction, allowing the mind to focus inwards.
What To Put On A Meditation Altar
It's best when starting a meditation altar to keep it simple. It's easy as time passes to add or subtract items from the altar. Some suggested items could be candles, meditation stones, crystals, or incense. For some, a statue of Buddha, a cross, or the Star of David is preferred.
Try to pick items that hold a personal meaning. This might be a photograph of family members, a special item given to you by a loved one, or, for someone who loves nature, some simple flower petals or leaves from a tree. It all boils down to personal choice. The most important thing is that the items placed on the altar create an atmosphere for relaxation.
Where To Put A Meditation Altar
Everyone's home is different. When looking to put a meditation altar, try to find a quiet place in the home. This could be in the corner of the living room or the corner of the bedroom. For people who like to meditate outside, a meditation altar can be placed in the garden. Just be careful not to place the altar in an area that attracts a lot of insects such as bees.
What to remember is that the meditation altar is a sacred place for the person meditating. The location should be in a quiet place away from any distractions in the home. In addition, there should be proper ventilation. Also, be sure that the altar is placed a little bit below eye level.
Meditation Altars On Vacation
When traveling, it's not always possible to bring a meditation altar along. However, it is possible to bring items from the altar and use them while on vacation or on business trips. Simply use a table or nightstand in the hotel as a temporary altar. Place the items on the temporary altar and perform your normal meditation.
Meditation altars are meant to heighten the meditation experience. It's important that they are not disturbed. Don't be afraid to tell visitors to your home to leave the altar as is and not to touch anything. This is your own private sanctuary and it needs to be respected.
Readers may also enjoy Using Candles For Meditation, along with Tools for Meditation, and Music Meditation CDs
Sources:
- Meditation To Go, Christina Rodenbeck, (Octopus Publishing Group Ltd.,) 2008.
- How To Meditate, Jyotish Novak, (Crystal Clarity Publishers,) 2008.
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