General FAQs
I can’t meditate with my eyes open, what should I do?
That’s OK. Open-eyed meditation is something to be practised gradually. Some people find it difficult at first. Begin with your eyes closed, then try opening your eyes for a little while. Make sure you have something to look at that is conducive to meditation. You can click here for a useful meditation image.
I can’t concentrate in meditation.
As with any new skill, regular practice will enhance your ability to concentrate. Try not to judge yourself harshly and accept where you are at today.
I keep falling asleep.
That’s OK. It may indicate that you need more sleep in your life or that your ability to concentrate is a new skill that you are still learning. Keep up your meditation practice and you will notice improvement. Having open eyes during meditation helps break the sleep habit. Make sure that you are also sitting in an alert posture, rather than a posture than encourages sleep.
I keep 'seeing things' whenever I meditate.
Sometimes people 'see' things in meditation that they do not see otherwise. For example, people see light or colour or shapes. This may occur, but it is not the aim of meditation.
How long should I meditate for?
Please refer to Lesson 1.
How often should I meditate?
Please refer to Lesson 1.
How do I know if I’ve meditated or not?
If you have sat still and quiet, with the intention of meditating, then you have meditated. Usually, people are unsure at first, because meditation is something unfamiliar and they expect an instant experience of peace or positivity. But that may not be the outcome of every meditation.
Who should meditate?
Anyone, of any age, can meditate.
Can I repeat a lesson before moving on to the next one?
Yes, you can repeat each lesson as often as you want. You can also go back and visit previous lessons that you have already completed.
How long does the course take?
You can set your own pace for undertaking this course. There are no deadlines.
What if I don’t understand something in the lesson?
We suggest that you read through the lesson again slowly. You could also email your question to us and we will endeavour to answer it. Please click here to contact us.
What is the cost of doing the Learn Meditation course online?
The Learn Meditation course is free of charge.
Why is it free?
The fundamental principle of all our courses is to offer them free of charge as a community service. All course creators and website creators have offered their services free of charge, in the spirit of giving.
Will I be asked to pay anything in future?
You will not be asked for money at any point. If you have found benefit in the course, perhaps you could refer others to this website.
Do I have to register to use this website?
Currently no. But in the future, we will offer this functionality. We are at present keeping no user data and using no cookies.
How will my details be used?
At present, we are not collecting or keeping any of your user information - name, email address and personal details. In future, we will offer users the chance to log in, but we will never use your data for marketing or commercial activities.
I can’t hear the audio meditations.
Please upgrade your browser to a recent version. We support actively the following browsers: **Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari**.
I can’t watch the video meditations.
Please upgrade your browser to a recent version. We support actively the following browsers: **Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari**.
Do I have to complete all the lessons to get benefit from this course?
Not necessarily. Each lesson is helpful. The more lessons you do, the more benefit you will feel.
Do I have to belong to a religion to meditate?
No, you do not need to belong to a religion to meditate. Meditation can be practised by anyone of any religion and also by those who do not belong to any religion. Everyone can benefit from meditation.
Do I have to believe in God to meditate?
To meditate, you do not have to believe in anything. It all depends on your specific aim and needs. Some people meditate to relax or find inner peace or develop positivity, while others want a connection with God or a Supreme Being. Keeping your aim in mind, simply remain open to experimenting with the ideas presented in this course. Focus on what is useful for you, what works for you.
Does this meditation course involve spirituality?
This depends on what you mean by spirituality. If spirituality means to use your positive resources more fully and practically, then yes, it does involve spirituality. Spirituality is not a creed or a closed belief system, but more a way of living, a way of relating to life that is non-violent and respectful, generating peace and harmony.
I am not religious. Is this course for me?
You can derive benefit from BK Meditation whether you are religious or not.
Who is offering this course?
The Learn Meditation course has been created by the Brahma Kumaris, with the purpose of offering a meditation technique to everyone. The Brahma Kumaris is a not-for-profit organisation teaching meditation and positive values in most countries of the world. Visit their website here: http://www.brahmakumaris.org
Where can I find out more about who is offering this course?
Please visit the BK website here: http://www.brahmakumaris.org
Do I have to belong to a group to use this course?
No, you are free to do this course without joining any group.
Will I have to sign up to a group in future?
At no point will you be asked to join any group or sign up to any other course.