ROSE MEDITATION
Ideally we would have a situation that would allow us to use a freshly picked garden rose that has its own beautiful perfume, as a focus to begin our meditation. If a natural flower is not available the perfume essence of rose is alternative but is greatly inferior to the living example, unless it is the true attar of rose that is used.
Many a rose lover will be inclined to slip into a type of meditative state, absorbed in the beauty and the perfume of a rose garden to experience a spontaneous psychic response of pleasure and appreciation of nature. However, when constructing a deliberate exercise for conscious meditation there are some steps that assist in preparing an atmosphere and immediate environment that will bring about satisfying states and a mood that is inwardly or spiritually rewarding.
Place the rose at a comfortable eye level for you when you are sitting, whether in the classical x- legged position or in a chair that allows an upright spine. It is usual to adopt a position that allows a slightly downward eye focus to avoid strain. Once the body is comfortable and still and the eyes can be held to focus on the rose, we are tuned in and prepared to meditate.
The eyes should gaze upon the rose without blinking (trataka) for as long as possible. Once any strain is felt and the eyes blinked or relaxed ready to begin again, we continue to hold our gaze as we observe the rose as if we are seeing for the first time. This means that in the stillness of our body position, and the steadiness of our eyes, we have a chance to observe keenly everything about the rose – its petals, form, colour, beauty and its radiance that is often observed as a subtle light around the flower. We are able to consciously inhale its perfume as we breathe easily and relaxed.
After a period of time that varies with us all, when we feel compelled to shut our eyes, the next stage begins. Perhaps we will see an ‘after-image’ of the rose, or refresh its image using our imagination. But more importantly, we contemplate the quality of the rose, a flower that is universally accepted as the symbol of beauty and of love. We contemplate the wonder of nature that can create the softness of the petals, the beauty of its form and retain our connection with its soul as we inhale its perfume.
Then, providing we are still comfortable, with our eyes closed and our breathing easy, we cease effort of any kind and feel free to slip into a peaceful state as if we are mentally ‘listening’ or just ‘watching’ any thoughts or feelings that arise. This is a time to experience the result of previous use of your faculties and to rest with no further effort. It will result as a pleasant experience that is totally spontaneous and unique to you.
These few minutes of personal experience may seem simple, beautiful, inspiring or produce various reactions but certainly you will feel soothed by having related more intimately to the energies of nature that created a living flower. It would afterwards seem natural to be more aware and appreciative of the importance of beauty, affection and peace in your life, as a result.
We began our meditation using a little preparation, keen observation, a little concentration, a little imagination, gentle breathing and are rewarded.
PORT WINE MAGNOLIA
A special floral is Michelia figo as it is generally labelled and that we know in our gardens as the Port Wine Magnolia. It originates in China as so many of our wonderful flora and is enjoyed for its scented flower oil used on the hair and valued for the fragrance it offers in the garden environment. The flower shares the genus of the famous Champaka.
The tiny flowers of this wonderful plant when sniffed in the warmth of the day, or when they exude what can only be called an intoxicating and intriguing scent. Some are known to have an aversion to its strong , sweet perfume and yet others, as myself would happily swoon with pleasure if I could only inhale greater quantities of it! Such is our individual reaction to aromatics.
Landscape gardeners are usually aware of the likelihood that some will not appreciate a port wine magnolia shrub in close proximity and adapt the placement of these exotics to suit the owners or the environment. The shrubs would be enjoyed near schools or in parks that young people frequent as their sensitivity is keen. We may think that older people would not be able to indulge in the same way but sometimes a hint or memory can compensate to echo past delights experienced by a port wine magnolia lover.
The essential oil from the flower is rarely known and expensive as all the exquisite florals and we will welcome its future availability.
EXQUISITE FLORAL SCENTS
It is understandable why we may think first of the Rose, Orange Blossom or Honeysuckle when we are considering the sweetest of all the floral perfumes. However there are many that can add to that list. Some are rare or exotic and not commonly known enough for everyone to be able to recall a scent. Most of us have to use always a little imagination when trying to enjoy a memory of something so subtle as the soul of a flower. There is often an associated event or situation that can help us.
Although we allow for individual taste and that some people even recoil from a strong perfume that others admire, it is usual to find that, according to its strength, or whether it is as a gentle essence, the following flowers offer a treasure house for those who wish to become more familiar with perfumes in nature that offer universal appeal. Many of them have been well known and used by the great perfume houses in their creations of sophisticated blends that are released on the market for both men and women to enjoy.
Depending upon our climate and circumstances many of us will be restricted in their cultivation in our own home garden but may be able to sample them in florists or when travelling to foreign countries.
Boronia megastigma is a native wildflower of Western Australia
Cananga odorata (see Ylang-Ylang) best known in Burma, China, S.E.Asia
Champaka – Michelia champak from China found in Tibet and SE Asia
Daphne – Daphne odora is highly cultivated in Europe but originates in China
Gardenia – Gardenia jasminoides from India and Asia
Hyacinth – Hyacinthus orientalis originated in Syria and the Middle East
Jasmine – Jasminum officinale, J. polyanthamum , J. sambac from China and India
Lilac – Syringa sp. Is a European delight originating in Iran and northern Asia
Magnolias- Magnolia sp. All are from the northern hemisphere –Asia and the USA
Mock Orange Blossom – Philadelphus coronaries from the northern hemisphere
Murraya,- Cosmetic Plant – Murraya paniculata, M. Exotica from Malaysia
Narcissus – Narcissus poeticus, N. Jonquilla one of common bulbs in Britain and Europe
Port Wine Magnolia – Michelia figo originates in China
Rose – Rosa centifolia, a native from Eastern Europe
Sweet Olive – Osmanthus fragrans originates in China
Tuber rose – Polianthes tuberose from Mexico
Viburnum – Viburnum carlesii, V.fragrans from Korea and China
Ylang Ylang – Cananga odorata var. Genuine (syn Unona odorantissimum) Indonesia
