HOW WALKING CAN BE A WONDERFUL ACT OF MEDITATION AS IN ANCIENT SCRIPTURES

what’s with the art of walking

every person on this earth is walking this earth from the time immemorial, some consciously, some unconsciously, this is a compulsive activity of a human being which god has given us without which any living being cannot do without, be it insects, animals or we human beings

but god has bestowed upon we human the power to acknowledge it, be grateful about it and be in constant reverence about it

here are a few importance of the act of walking in our traditions which i have read about and thought of sharing it with my reader friends so that we together get enlightened about it

https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/walking_meditation

🪷 1. Chankramana Also known as Yogic Walking

Scriptural Roots: Mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Sutra 1.33), where he emphasizes cultivating calm and clarity through conscious movement and awareness of surroundings

ways to Practice it :

Walk slowly with awareness of your each footstep

Coordinate your steps with your breathing pattern ( like inhale-left foot and exhale-right foot )

Keep your gaze low and inwardly

Goal: To quiet the mind, prepare for seated meditation and balance the Vata dosha (movement energy)

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🔱 2. Parikrama meaning Sacred Circumambulation

Texts: Skanda Purana, Padma Purana and Devi Bhagavatam describe the importance of walking around sacred spaces like temples, trees, rivers or deities

Spiritual Meaning: Every round of Parikrama is an offering of surrender

You are not just walking, you are spiraling closer to the Divine

Common forms of parikrama :

Tulsi Parikrama – for the Vishnu bhakti

Govardhan Parikrama – a 21 km walk done with chanting lord Krishna’s name

Shiva Linga Parikrama – done slowly, always clockwise

many such parikramas or circumambulation in hindu traditions

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🕉 3. Ramayana & Walking Consciousness

When Lord Rama walks through the forest during his exile, he does so mindfully, appreciating nature, listening to sages and walking with dharma as his compass

Walking, for him, was a spiritual tapasya , an offering to life and a way to stay in alignment with the cosmic order

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🌿 4. Buddha’s Walking Meditation (Gaman Yoga)

Though not Hindu, ancient Indian traditions deeply intertwine

The Pali Canon talks of the Buddha walking mindfully after meals saying: “Walking mindfully removes sluggishness after food and increases samadhi.”

Practiced after eating, it harmonized the digestion and deepened mindfulness

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🌞 5. Walking and Nature: The Vedic Connection

Vedic rishis often walked in tapovans (forest hermitages) while reciting the mantras

Movement was seen as a way to connect with Prakriti (Nature)

The Rigveda praises the winds and rivers as sacred walkers who never tire—an inspiration to humans to walk in harmony with the mother Earth

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🙏 How to Practice Walking as Meditation Today:

🌿 Step	🧘‍♀️ Practice Tip
Begin with prayer	bowing to the mother earth as we keep our foot on her and seek her blessing that we walk towards truthfulness and awareness Offer your walk as a sacrifice to the Divine. Say, “Let each step bring me closer to truth.”
Walk barefoot (if safe)	Enhances grounding, especially in the morning (earthing technique in Ayurveda)
Chant mentally	Use simple mantras like “Ram Ram”, “So Hum”, or “Hari Om”
Be fully present	Notice the breeze, birds, scent of flowers, and temperature of air. Each is a message from nature
Finish with gratitude	Fold hands toward the sun god or mother earth and thanks for the walk

thus was the importance of walking in our traditions and cultures

do watch my blog

https://reflectwithsmitha.com/how-to-make-subway-style-veg-burger-the-indian-way-at-home/

here’s to conclude with a disclaimer

i am no guru or scholar of any scriptures but a common person like you all my friends who is trying to find the spiritual and religious meaning of every act that we perform in our day to day lives and how it can bring within us more awareness and right conduct which we can inculcate in our lives and pass it on to the future generation and together we make this world a better and a happy place

until next time, keep smiling

much love love … stay happy … stay blessed … always

SMITHA