From ‘The Path of Self-Realization. A compilation of Spiritual Teachings of Paramhans Swami Madhavnath’ by Dr. Sushma Watve and Dr. Swarnalata Bhishikar

As long as the mind is disturbed with ripples of thoughts, Atman does not reveal itself. So, one has to rise above mind i.e. get in ‘Unmani Avastha’. (No mind state …..). Later, divine bliss takes the place of that void.

Mind is nothing but an incessant flow of thoughts.

After the mind is made to concentrate on the rhythm of the breath for some time; one should slowly take the awareness upwards from navel to the brow centre (Ajnachakra). The Ajna chakra is the place above the meeting point of the eyebrows where ladies put ‘kumkum’. One should sit quietly focusing one’s attention in this region. The eyes should be lightly closed. One should not look upwards with the eyes but one should focus the mind there.

Then one should take the role of a witness or an onlooker and observe, with detachment, the thoughts lessen and it is possible to witness a gap or interval between two thought impulses. As the practice of meditation becomes regular, one reaches Shunyavastha – ‘No Mind State’.

As the Sadhak progresses in meditation, he learns to stay in Shunyavastha for longer periods. When this state lasts for more than 15 minutes, its Yoga-Samadhi. When this yoga samadhi is experienced for several years, it results into the state of Bliss, which is self-realization.

When this state of bliss or self-realization gets stabilized over years, it results in Jnana-Samadhi. Jnana-Samadhi is not restricted for the period of meditation, it pervades all twenty four hours. It stays with the Sadhak in all circumstances. After Jnana-Samadhi the self-realized soul becomes Divinity incarnate.

……Asana. Unless you are able to sit for reasonably long time in a position where your back, neck and head are in a straight line; you cannot progress in meditation.