The word alambana means support, base or abode. In Yoga the mind is fixed on an object in the practice of concentration and contemplation. It may be a gross object, a subtle object or a sense organ, the ego-feeling, prakriti (original state), the self or god. Anyone of these can be an alambana, or support, on which the mind can be fixed in meditation.
According to the nature of the support, meditation is said to be of four different kinds – discursive (vitarka), reflective (vichara), blissful (ananda) and self aware (asmita). They differ in respect of the object of concentration. But there is one thing common to all of them, the fact that in all of them is a support or alambana on which the mind is fixed.
There is another state in which the mind is devoid of any support or alambana. That is very rare state in which comes about only when the mind is purified of all its impurities in the form of afflictions of the mind (kleshas) and traces of past experience (samskaras). That happens as a result of the higher, more skillful form of para-vairagya (detachment) that goes with realization of the true nature of the soul/self (viveka-khyati), which is the result of the absolutely pure state of the mind. In that state, the mind needs no support whatever for being still. It is called the state of nirbija or niralamba Samadhi. In it, alambana of all kinds are left behind.
The concept of alambana plays a crucial role in the philosophy and practice of Yoga and meditation. As described, it refers to a support, base, or abode—something the mind can focus on during meditation to facilitate concentration and deeper states of awareness. The practice of fixing the mind on an object or idea through alambana forms the foundation of many meditation techniques, both ancient and modern. Let’s dive deeper into its relevance and implications, particularly in modern times.
Expanded Understanding of Alambana
Types of Alambana: Alambana can take various forms depending on the stage of meditation and the object of concentration:
- Gross objects: Physical objects like a candle flame (Trataka), an image (like a deity or mandala), or breath (pranayama) are common alambana used for beginners.
- Subtle objects: As one's meditation deepens, the alambana may shift to subtler objects such as a particular feeling, a thought, or an abstract concept like love or compassion.
- Ego-feeling (asmita): One may focus on the sense of "I" or self-awareness. This helps in discerning the individual self from the true self (Atman).
- The Self or God: The highest alambana in spiritual practices is the focus on the Self (Atman) or God (Ishvara), which transcends ordinary cognition.
Different Stages of Meditation:
- Discursive (Vitarka): In the initial stages, meditation involves reasoning and logical thought. The mind engages in discursive thinking while focusing on an external object or concept.
- Reflective (Vichara): At a more advanced level, reflection on the subtle essence of the object takes place. The object may no longer be physical but subtle, such as cosmic principles or philosophical truths.
- Blissful (Ananda): In this state, the practitioner experiences a sense of inner bliss. Here, concentration moves beyond thought and reason into direct experience of joy.
- Self-aware (Asmita): This is a meditative state where the awareness of "I" or ego is prominent. It’s not the ego in a negative sense, but rather self-consciousness that can be transcended in higher stages.
All these states use alambana to help maintain focus, but they also represent levels of deepening concentration and purification of the mind.
Modern-Day Relevance of Alambana in Meditation
In today’s world, meditation practices derived from ancient traditions like Yoga, Buddhism, and Vedanta have gained immense popularity. Concepts like alambana are still central, even if not always named explicitly.
Mindfulness Meditation:
- In mindfulness practices, the breath is often used as the alambana. Mindful attention to the breath serves as an anchor to the present moment.
- This helps train the mind to stay focused and reduce distractions, allowing practitioners to eventually move towards deeper states of awareness.
Guided Imagery:
- In some modern meditation techniques, visual imagery or symbols are used as the alambana. For example, practitioners may visualize a peaceful place, a healing light, or a symbolic figure (like a spiritual guide) to anchor the mind and invoke specific emotional states such as calmness or compassion.
Sound and Mantra:
- Mantras such as "Om" or "So Hum" serve as auditory alambana. The sound provides a point of focus that helps quieten mental chatter and lead the practitioner into deeper meditation.
- In modern forms of sound healing or binaural beats meditation, sound frequencies are used as a focus point (alambana) to alter brainwave states and induce relaxation or heightened awareness.
Technology as Alambana:
- Many meditation apps like Headspace, Calm, and others act as a form of digital alambana, guiding users through various meditation techniques by providing auditory or visual support. The use of digital reminders and progress tracking can also serve as modern forms of mental anchoring.
- Virtual reality meditation is also emerging as a trend where VR environments can act as an alambana by immersing users in visually calming and serene settings.
Importance of Alambana
Foundation for Concentration: Alambana is essential in the early stages of meditation. The mind, which is inherently restless, requires an object or focus to reduce distractions and channel its energy towards a single point. This focused attention helps in calming the fluctuations of the mind (chitta vritti nirodhah, as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras).
Guides Deeper Self-Realization: As one progresses through various types of meditation, alambana becomes more subtle and sophisticated. Initially, the gross forms of alambana provide stability, but as the practitioner purifies their mind and deepens their practice, they can begin meditating on abstract concepts such as compassion, the nature of existence, or even the idea of "nothingness."
Tool for Self-Discipline: Meditation and concentration require mental discipline, and alambana acts as a training tool for the mind. By regularly focusing on a specific object or idea, practitioners develop patience, self-awareness, and resilience—qualities that extend beyond meditation into everyday life.
Nirbija (Niralamba) Samadhi: The Ultimate Stage
The concept of nirbija or niralamba samadhi—a state of meditation without any support—describes the highest form of meditative absorption, where even the need for alambana is transcended. This stage represents total inner stillness and freedom from the mind's fluctuations. Only a few rare individuals achieve this state after years of dedicated practice and purification.
In modern-day terms, this could be likened to states of "flow" or "peak experiences," where one loses any sense of time, self, or the external world, merging fully into the moment. While not as spiritually profound as samadhi, flow states in creative work, athletics, or other activities share similarities with the mind's quietness in niralamba samadhi.
Lesser-Known Facts and Similar Concepts
- Alambana in Vedanta: In Vedanta philosophy, the term alambana is used to refer to the support or basis of reality itself. Everything we perceive is said to have Brahman (the ultimate reality) as its alambana. It’s the ultimate “ground of being.”
- Taoist Practices: Similar to alambana, Taoist meditation uses focus points such as breath, energy flow, or body postures to maintain awareness and discipline the mind.
- Christian Contemplation: The practice of Christian contemplation, particularly in mysticism, involves focusing on symbols like the cross, a prayer word (e.g., "Maranatha"), or even the presence of God, which serve as alambana to deepen spiritual connection.
Usage in Modern Times
Today, alambana is integrated into various forms of modern mindfulness, secular meditation, and spiritual practices. Whether through traditional methods like yoga and mantra meditation or through modern technologies like apps, sound therapies, or virtual reality experiences, the core principle of using a support to focus the mind is widely prevalent.
As the world grows increasingly distracted and fast-paced, the relevance of alambana is greater than ever. It offers a structured approach to meditation, helping individuals train their attention, reduce stress, and deepen their personal or spiritual growth.
In conclusion, alambana is a timeless concept that continues to shape both traditional and modern meditation practices, providing a necessary support for the restless human mind on its journey towards clarity, tranquility, and ultimately self-realization.