Yoga meditation is a complete science. It provides concepts for attaining to meditation and explanations on the fruits of mediation. Yoga meditation also provides detailed guidance on yoga practices which can lead us deeply into meditation, into the center of our consciousness.

Yoga meditation is taught orally in many schools of yoga around the world. Each different school of yoga may have slightly different variations of the yoga meditation techniques. Some may encourage the use of mantra or visualization to help you enter into meditation. Others may teach silent witnessing of the incoming and outgoing of the breath. However, most are teaching according to the science of yoga meditation as explained in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali and in the Upanishads, which are said to be the culmination of all the teachings of the Vedas.

Asana, pranayama, following yogic dietary principles and lifestyle recommendations are all practices which help on the path of yoga meditation. These practices help to still the mind so that it easier for us to sit and practice meditation.

To begin with yoga meditation may be introduced by a yoga asana instructor who teaches some yoga meditation at the end of a yoga asana class or in workshops offered in addition to yoga asana classes. There are many books available for those who wish to take their understanding and practice of yoga meditation further. Some may be drawn to go deeper into the practice of yoga meditation and decide to study with a master of yoga meditation. There are many ashrams around the world, especially in India, where sages and realized masters are available to take students of yoga more deeply into the study and practice of yoga meditation.  

However, a beautiful point to remember with yoga meditation is that it is not really necessary to go anywhere to practice this life-changing, life-enhancing practice. It is not really necessary even to make major life changes. All that is needed is a quiet place to sit and practice, and the focus and discipline to keep some time aside (preferably) each day for yoga meditation. And it is advisable to go slowly and steadily at first so that the mind does not react and start to resist a regular practice. Even 10 minutes on awaking from sleep in the morning can make a world of difference to your day! And so, 10 minutes every morning can make a world of difference to your life. Once you begin to notice the changes that even a small amount of yoga meditation can bring to you, going deeper into the practice will come naturally. It will become an effortless, joyful part of who you are.