Answer in Details
1. Preparation:
- Bathe and wear clean clothes.
- Sit in a clean, quiet place, preferably facing east or north.
- Keep a Shiva Lingam or image of Lord Shiva before you.
2. Posture:
- Sit in a comfortable meditative posture (Padmasana, Sukhasana).
- Keep your back straight and eyes closed.
3. Purification:
- Take a few deep breaths to calm the mind.
- Offer water or flowers to Lord Shiva if possible.
4. Sankalpa (Resolve):
- Mentally express your intention to meditate on Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.
5. Chanting the Dhyan Mantra:
Chant the following Dhyan Mantra, visualizing Lord Shiva’s auspicious form:
Mantra:
करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधम्।
विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शंभो॥
Transliteration:
Karacharana kritam vaakkaayajam karmajam vaa
Shravanayanajam vaa maanasam vaa-aparaadham।
Vihitam-avihitam vaa sarvametat kshamasva
Jaya jaya karunaabdhe shri mahadeva shambho॥
6. Meditative Visualization:
- Visualize Lord Shiva as described in the Dhyan Mantra:
"I meditate on Shiva, who has five faces, three eyes, ten arms, is adorned with serpents, has a blue throat, is ever auspicious, is the bestower of boons and fearlessness, is eternal, and is the consort of Parvati."
- Focus on his calm, compassionate form.
7. Repetition:
- Chant the mantra 3, 9, or 108 times, as per your devotion.
- Let the sound and vibration fill your mind and heart.
8. Conclusion:
- Sit silently for a few moments, absorbing peace and grace.
- Offer your prayers and bow to Lord Shiva.
Benefits:
Regular chanting of the Dhyan Mantra purifies the mind, removes obstacles, and brings spiritual progress by invoking Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Note:
You may also use the specific Shiva Dhyan Mantra from the Shiva Purana or other scriptures as per your tradition. The above is a widely practiced version.
Om Namah Shivaya!