Dr. Om Prakash

I recently attended a presentation by Dr. Prakash in North Dallas. He was born in Delhi, India and worked with Ghandi in the mid-20th century. His main theme is meditation and the benefits that regular practice can give to anyone disciplined enough to practice it. He has been a practicing psychologist most of his life, and at 85 still works 11 hours a day. He attributes his longevity and productivity in large part to his disciplined meditation practice.

Much of his presentation provided scientific, medical and metaphysical explanations and support for the benefits of meditation. One point he made is that we tend to over-use our left brain, which is heavily required for functioning in our busy, technological lives. We are constantly using logic and language to get through the day. Meditation relaxes the left brain and helps the right brain, the creative brain, to wake up and take up more of the load. This shift occurs almost immediately when you begin meditation but shows the most long term and daily benefit if meditation is adopted as a daily practice at regular times.

Prakash meditates in 20 minute sessions, 3 times a day. His reasoning is that our days are divided into three parts: work, leisure, sleep. So he meditates before starting each different section of the day. In the morning, the best time to meditate is right after a morning shower. This allows the mind to be fully awake and alert rather than groggy from sleep. After work, when we tend to be stressed and off-center, a session can relax our mind before we begin our leisure activities. One last session can be done just before bedtime to ensure a good night's sleep.

3 times a day for 20 minutes might be too much for a beginner. It takes practice to allow ourselves to slow down and actually relax. Starting with twice a day for 10 minutes each might be a good way to begin. The first time you meditate, 10 minutes might seem like a long time. Also, some instruction in a particular technique can help.

Prakash recommends a breath control technique. In this you close your eyes, focus on the front of your forehead just above your eyebrows in the center. Breath in slowly, wait a second or two, then exhale. Clear your mind, focus on your breathing and continue keeping your mind clear of anything else. Relaxing music can also help.

It was inspiring to see someone of his age so engaged and energetic.