Deep-seated spirituality is the major force behind Siddha yoga meditation so much so that it is considered as a religious movement. Practice of its meditation is centered on a focused chanting of a mantra — Om Namah Shivaya.
Chanting in Siddha yoga meditation, characterized by the focused flow of breath, include long text drawn from the Kashmir Shaivism and Vedanta spiritual traditions of the Hindus. Siddha yoga followers call this form of chanting swadhyaya, with the Guru Gita chanted in the morning, and Kundalini Stavaha, Arati and Shree Rudram chants in the evening. Shorter texts are also included among the chants, and these are performed mornings and are referred to as Nama Sankirtana, usually the names of Hindu gods.
Siddha yoga meditation exercises are held in centers called ashrams, meeting places where spiritual practices are inculcated among followers. The more important of these gatherings are the twice-a-year intensives where devotees supposedly achieve shaktipat, an awakening of their spiritual energy or shakti, one of the Siddha Yoga philosophy’s core elements. Ordinary programs or group meetings at the ashrams are weekly affairs usually and are referred to as satsang wherein chanting, meditation and spiritual talks are held.
Aside from meditation, other Siddha yoga practices include the selfless service termed as seva which likewise construes any form of service performed as a God offering. The bestowing of gift to the movement’s guru, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, is called dakshina. This practice, so its followers say, expresses appreciation of the students seeking the blessings or teachings of a saint that have led them to the spiritual pathway of Siddha yoga meditation.