Asking for tips in structuring meditation?
I used to follow Paramhansa Yogananda's structure of meditation but gave up on iy after coming to Acharya Ji's techniques but I have a few questions about how do you structure it.
I think Bhuta Shudhi should be followed by Matrika Visualisation as it is the order in which Acharya Ji goes but has anyone tried reversing it? What are the effects or are there any hindrances caused by it. Also how do you like to close the meditation (before ending prayers). Prior to this, my technique comprised of the Hong Sau following the breath and then projecting all the energy at the third eye. Should we use the visualisation to end the Matrika Visualisation to end the meditation?
I have heard Acharya Ji speaking about the importance of a mantra repitition and how it must be a part of a sadhaka's practice. Can I use a mantra japa to end the meditation or should I place it somewhere in between?
Answers from initiates or people follow Acharya ji for quite some time are preferred but also any experiential or agamic knowledge by a novice is also extremely appreciated. Thanks a lot for going through this question!
I haven't heard āchārya-ji on this topic specifically. Another teacher I've learned from, Hareesh Wallis, taught that tantric practices move in the direction of increasing subtlety. So you'd want to order bhuta suddhi prior to matrikas, if only because you'll get less out of it the other way because you haven't prepared your awareness.
I'd like other input on the question of sequencing for mantras. I currently open sitting with a mantra and then do japa of a different one after pranayama. I don't have any source for this other than it makes sense to me. I've been practicing for about 2 years now (not exclusively with Vimarsha).