GROUP MEDITATION. 

It has often been said that the first month of meditation is the most challenging. And we can see this ourselves - almost everyone would like to meditate but so few are able to follow through. Why is this so? We know that so many of our lifelong habits (ingrained for 20, 30 or 40 or more years) have conditioned us NOT to meditate. We are in the habit of always doing, always thinking. Even when we'd rather NOT think and worry, still it's hard to stop. We are in the habit of eating when we feel like it, answering the phone when it rings, jumping and rushing according to the dictates of the world and our lifelong habits. Suddenly, one day, you say to your mind, "Now for the next half hour I'm going to ignore the outside world and focus completely on the world within". 

Well, as anyone who has ever tried can tell you, it's not that easy. For dozens of years the mind has been "running the show" and now suddenly you tell it to be quiet and relax. Out of force of habit it will react - you start your meditation and before you know it your mind is listing off a hundred different things you should be doing. Meditation, many say, is one of the most rewarding and inspiring things a human being can do, but it is not easy.

Therefore, spiritual teachers of all ages have always emphasized the importance of fellowship with others who are doing the same thing. Group meditation at least once a week is a must for the serious meditator. We all have ups and downs in our meditation, and difficulties can sometimes be very discouraging to the beginner. Going once a week to a collective meditation to get our "batteries charged" is of immense importance.

"The indomitable mental force aroused as a result of collective meditation will help you in solving any problem small or big on this earth. It is for this reason that you should always have a zeal to attend the weekly group meditation regularly." 
- Shrii Shrii A'nandamu'rti

RETREATS AND SEMINARS. 

There is so much to learn about meditation! Retreats and seminars offer the beginning meditator a wonderful opportunity to get in-depth understanding of the subject. Not just intellectual knowledge, but a rare and beautiful experience can be had by attending. A retreat or seminar is ideal for going deep into your meditation and learning from others' experiences.

KIIRTAN 

Kiirtan is music using the universal mantra Baba Nam Kevalam ("Infinite happiness is everywhere"). It calms and soothes the mind. You can sing it any time, but just before meditation is best. 

Now, before you meditate, listen to the mantra being sung. This is called "kiirtan" in yoga. It gives a general feeling of happiness and lightness to the mind, and prepares you for meditation by helping you to relax and concentrate.