International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences 2018; 3(2): 666-673

ISSN: 2456-4419
Impact Factor: (RJIF): 5.18
Yoga 2018; 3(2): 666-673
© 2018 Yoga
Labyrinth walking: Origin, patterns, significance,
www.theyogicjournal.com
Received: 19-05-2018
walking procedures and spiritual benefits
Accepted: 20-06-2018

Jai Paul Dudeja Jai Paul Dudeja

Professor and Director, Amity
University, Gurgaon, Haryana, Abstract
India A Labyrinth is a particular pattern (generally circular, sometimes square etc.), walking through which in
a particular way enhances energy, brings peace of mind, freshness, emotional quotient, spiritual quotient,
love, compassion etc of the walker. Labyrinth patterns have been on the scene for the last thousands of
years in many countries in and outside India. A ‘typical’ labyrinth sequentially involves the ‘preparing’
to walk designated path one way towards the centre in the given labyrinth pattern (called ‘releasing’)
followed by spending adequate time in the centre (called, receiving’) returning from the centre towards
the exit following through the same pathway (called ‘returning’), and finally recollecting and recording
the experience (called ‘journaling’) after the walk. Besides, it has been argued that the breathing-based
(Sohum-mantra-based, for example) walking through the labyrinth enhances the beneficial effects as
compared to walkthrough without a mantra. Different patterns of Labyrinth result in different benefits to
the walker, which are explained in this paper.

Keywords: Labyrinth, maze, patterns, walking meditation, spirituality, Mahabharata

1. Introduction
A labyrinth is a patterned path, often circular in form, used as a walking meditation or spiritual
practice. A labyrinth's walkway is arranged in such a way that the participant moves back and
forth across the circular (or square or rectangular) form through a series of curves, ending at
the Labyrinth's heart or centre. It is unicursal, which means that it has only one entrance and
leads in only one direction [1, 2]. Although the word maze is often used as a synonym for
labyrinth, mazes are sometimes multicursal in design; the user has to make choices at many
points along the path. Mazes often have more than one entrance, and at times, contain many
wrong turns and dead ends.
A ‘typical’ labyrinth sequentially involves the ‘preparing’ to walk designated path one way
towards the centre in the given labyrinth pattern (called ‘releasing’) followed by spending
adequate time in the centre (called, receiving’) returning from the centre towards the exit
following through the same pathway (called ‘returning’), and finally recollecting and recording
the experience (called ‘journaling’) after the walk [3].

2. Origin of Labyrinth Walkthrough in countries outside India

The English word labyrinth is derived from the Greek word labyrinths, which in turn may
come from labrys, the word for the double-headed axe associated with the Minoan culture on
the island of Crete that was at its height around 1650 B.C.E According to the Greek historian
Herodotus (c. 450 B.C.E.), King Minos of Crete asked an Athenian architect and inventor
named Daedalus to build a house with winding passages for the Minotaur, a monster that his
queen had borne after having intercourse with a bull. This mythical Cretan labyrinth was
actually a maze rather than a true labyrinth, as it was intended to prevent those who entered it
as human sacrifices to the Minotaur from escaping.
Walking the labyrinth combines actions of the body, mind, and spirit in an ancient, yet
Correspondence currently used, activity—a walking meditation. The labyrinth has reemerged as a result of
Jai Paul Dudeja attention from Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress, President and Founder of Veriditas, The Voice of
Professor and Director, Amity
University, Gurgaon, Haryana,
the Labyrinth Movement in San Francisco [2].
India
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The human mind is a cooperative or joint effort between two More than five hundred ancient stone labyrinths have been
distinct brains: our left and right hemispheres. Each identified in Scandinavia. Most are located near the coast, and
hemisphere understands the world in vastly different ways. are thought to have been used for rituals intended to guarantee
While the left brain is concerned with logic, details and facts, good fishing or protection from storms. The best-known
the right brain is based on feelings, emotions and imagination. labyrinths in the West, however, are those dating from the
Our personality is determined and moulded by which brain, middle Ages. They were built as substitutes for going on a
left or right, we allow to be dominant in resolving problems pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a journey that was physically or
and making decisions in our daily life. This view of a "two economically impossible for most Christians in Western
brained" mind has produced a new model of mental illness Europe during this period. Cathedrals were designated as
seen as a struggle for dominance by each brain. Therapies pilgrimage shrines, and labyrinths were embedded in the
seek to lessen the conflicts between opposite parts of our stone floors of the cathedrals as part of the shrine's design.
brain and coax them to work together in peace and harmony. The labyrinth on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France was
In the classic labyrinth there is left-right and right-left installed around 1200 A.D. (following figure), and a similar
movement combined with boredom, future planning, goal labyrinth in Amiens Cathedral was made around the same
attainment and repetition. Each element forces the two brains time.
to cooperate on a mental as well as physical level. If some
problem is contemplated while performing the labyrinth, it is
possible that logic and emotional compromises will likewise
be mediated. The labyrinth is just such an exercise in "team
building" between the left and right brains, forcing them to
cooperate on a task in which they must both learn to trust and
compromise. In this way, it may indeed be therapeutic.
Hospitals have used labyrinths as a support tool for treating
diseases such as cancer. The act of walking a labyrinth
awakens the potential for contemplation, reflection, and
transformation, according to data from the Oncology Nursing
Society. These data indicate that walking a labyrinth is a form
of psychoneuroimmunology that may use for integrative
patient care. Labyrinths are available to nurses as a tool for
aiding patients undergoing oncology treatment to reach a
contemplative and altered state of consciousness.
Labyrinths have been found in many cultures around the Fig 2: labyrinth on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France
world, including ancient India, Spain, Peru, and China.
Members of the Tohono O'odham and Pima tribes in southern Tracing the path through the labyrinth, often on the knees,
Arizona have made baskets for centuries decorated with the was for many pilgrims the final act of devotion on the
so-called "man in the maze" design. The labyrinth pattern pilgrimage. The circuitous journey to the center of the
woven into the basket represents the path to the top of a local labyrinth represented the many turnings in the journey of life,
sacred mountain known as Baboquivari (following figure). a journey that required the Church's guidance and support.
Medieval labyrinths were circular in shape, the circle being a
universal symbol of wholeness, completion, and unity.
By the seventeenth century, however, many cathedral
labyrinths were removed or destroyed. There is some
disagreement among scholars regarding the reasons for their
removal. Some experts think that the labyrinths were removed
because the cathedral clergy had forgotten their history and
original purpose, while others speculate that they were
destroyed to prevent children from playing on them during
Mass and disturbing worship. Another factor was the growth
of rationalism in the seventeenth century and the hostility
toward religion that emerged during the French Revolution at
the end of the eighteenth century. The labyrinths were
regarded as remnants of "superstition" and therefore offensive
to "enlightened" people.
During the middle ages, people made pilgrimages to these
Fig 1: This labyrinth is believed by the Pima to be a floor plan to the great churches instead of going to Jerusalem. It became the
house of I'itoi, and by the Tohono O'odham to be a map giving custom to walk the labyrinth to the centre and then retrace the
directions to his house. path out of the labyrinth. This "walking the labyrinth" was
seen as a spiritual event. By walking the labyrinth, the faithful
According to the legend, at the beginning of the Spanish traced the path of a long and difficult life on earth, beginning
conquest of what is present day Arizona, a certain Spanish with birth, at the entrance, and ending with death, at the
officer and his men tried to dig their way into Baboquivari. center. The way out symbolized the fact or hope that a well
Suddenly, the ground under them opened and Baboquivari lived life continued in either heaven or purgatory.
swallowed them. This legend has similarities to Francisco The contemporary revival of interest in labyrinth walking
Vásquez de Coronado search for the Seven Cities of Cibola began in the early 1990s, when Dr. Lauren Artress, a
and a place called Quivira, where, he was told, he could get psychotherapist who was on the Special Ministries staff of
his hands on unlimited quantities of gold.
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Grace Cathedral (Episcopal) in San Francisco, attended a and the wife of Arjuna, conceived a demon, an enemy of
Mystery Seminar led by Jean Houston, who describes herself Krishna. The demon would not leave the womb of Subhadra
as "a scholar and researcher in human capacities," and directs even twelve months after the date of her conception, and
the Foundation for Mind Research in Pomona, New York. Dr. began to harass the mother. Lord Krishna, knowing of the
Houston presented the labyrinth as a tool for spiritual growth demon’s presence and the cause of his delay, took pity on the
that would lead the seminar participants to their spiritual afflicted condition of his sister and read Chakrava
center. She had taped the forty-foot-wide pattern of the (Chakravyuha), a book consisting of seven chapters and
Chartres Cathedral labyrinth on the floor of the meeting room. explaining the method of conquering a labyrinthine fort with
Dr. Artress felt drawn to return to the labyrinth later that night seven cross-lines. Lord Krishna completed six chapters, and
and found walking through it a powerful experience. She then promised to teach the demon the seventh, provided he came
made a pilgrimage to Chartres itself in 1991, followed by out. The demon ceased troubling Subhadra and emerged from
further research into the history and significance of labyrinths. the womb. He was called Abhimanyu. Lord Krishna had not
After returning to the United States, Dr. Artress made a read the seventh chapter; otherwise Abhimanyu would have
canvas version of the Chartres labyrinth for use in the San been invincible and able to take his life. This ignorance of the
Francisco cathedral. It was introduced to the public on seventh chapter cost Abhimanyu his life on the field of
December 30, 1991, and was used twice a month until 1995, Kurukshetra in conquering the seven cross-lined labyrinthine
when a permanent outdoor labyrinth made of terrazzo stone formations.
was laid down in the cathedral's outdoor garden.

3. Origin of Labyrinth Walkthrough in India

3.1 2000 Year Old Labyrinth uncovered in India
According to a report published in the Times of India [4], the
archaeologists have uncovered a labyrinth in India that dates
back 2,000 years and has a pattern similar to those found on
clay tablets found at Pylos, Greece, from 1200 B.C. The
square Indian labyrinth Shown in the following figure), which
measures 56 feet (17 meters) by 56 feet (17 meters), is in
Gedimedu near Pollachi and is being excavated by researchers
from the Verarajendran Archaeological and Historical
Research Centre, of Tirupur, says the Times of India. The site
is on an ancient trade route on the east coast that went from
Palakkad Gap to Alagankulam.
“The labyrinth has one pathway which leads inexorably to the
goal from the point of entry. One has to walk through the
right path to reach the goal. It is believed that the person who Fig 4: Chakravyuha / Labyrinth Mahabharata tines
walks through the seven routes correctly will fulfill his
wishes,” S. Ravikumar, chief of the research team, told the 3.3 Labyrinth Pattern in a historic temple in Mysore
Times of India. While examining some carvings on the temple of Halebid in
Mysore, one can see a circular labyrinth pattern similar to
those which are found in various parts of Europe (following
figure). This temple was built by the members of Hoysala
dynasty during the 12th and 13th centuries. The appearance of
this pattern on a site of historical importance in Mysore is yet
to be researched as a link to labyrinths in Europe.

Fig 3: 2000 Year Old Labyrinth uncovered in India

3.2 Abhimanyu’s Chakravyuha as Labyrinth

The symbol of Chakravyuha or the labyrinth is drawn in the
rangoli of Maharashtra (following figure). One of the
formations of the army is described in the Mahabharata as Fig 5: Labyrinth Pattern in a historic temple in Mysore
Chakravyuha. Abhimanyu’s Chakra was also called Manas
Chakra. It symbolized the eight activities of the mind to attain 4. Labyrinth Patterns
Moksha before it was used as a military formation in Contemporary labyrinths are constructed from a wide variety
Mahabharata [5]. of materials in outdoor as well as indoor settings. In addition
This pattern of Labyrinth can be linked to a story in to being made from canvas, mosaic flooring, or paving stones,
Mahabharata, in which Subhadra, the sister of Lord Krishna labyrinths have been woven into patterned carpets, outlined
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with stones, bricks, or hedgerows, or carved into firmly paths, and a centre. It influences energy, the strength, activity,
packed earth. Most modern labyrinths range between 40 and courage, real-estate, enemies, defence (military and
80 feet in diameter, although larger ones have also been made. aggressive activities), logic, fights, injuries, acute illnesses,
Following figure (circular) depicts one of the most popular wounds and operations. Its expressive form encourages
Labyrinth constructions. accuracy, mobility, acuteness, spontaneity, organisation,
dynamism, and heroism. Its receptive form eliminates
harshness, aggression, destructiveness, arrogance,
quarrelsomeness, impulsiveness, vengefulness, rage,
unreliability, negligence, cowardice, violence, and
obtrusiveness.

Fig 6: A typical circular labyrinth

One classification scheme categorizes labyrinths as either left-

or right-handed, according to the direction of the first turn to
be made after entering the labyrinth. The entrance to the
labyrinth is known as the mouth, and the walkway itself is Fig 8: Mars Labyrinth Walk Pattern: The Labyrinth of Energy
called the path. Classical labyrinths are defined as having a
simple path with an equal number of turns and counter-turns. 4 (c). The labyrinth of life and death – Saturn labyrinth
Labyrinths are also classified by the number of circuits in Its natural form is receptive, three outer paths, central spiral,
their design, a circuit being one of the circles or rings three inner paths, and a centre [6]. It influences spirituality,
surrounding the center of the labyrinth. The labyrinth in sorrow, reliability, permanence, longevity, death, old age,
Chartres Cathedral, for example, is a classical eleven-circuit loss, limitations, hard work, separation, slowness, chronic
labyrinth. Three- and seven-circuit classical labyrinths have illnesses, earth matters (ore) and real estate (land, not
been constructed in many parts of the United States, while structures). Its receptive form encourages persistence,
one labyrinth in Denmark has 15 circuits. obligingness, simplicity, modesty, endurance, fidelity and
depth. Its expressive form eliminates lowness, selfishness,
4 (a). Jupiter Labyrinth Walk Pattern: The Labyrinth of insensitivity, pettiness, simple-mindedness, obtuseness,
Wisdom laziness, irresponsibility, inconsideration, dishonesty, malice,
Its natural form is expressive, outward spiral, four alternating equanimity, and deprivation.
paths, and a centre [3, 5]. It influences the knowledge,
happiness, education, wisdom, wealth, virtues, relationship
with the divine, children, teachers and students, as well as
justice. Its expressive form encourages peace, dispersal,
(spiritual) leadership, understanding, tolerance, impartiality,
satisfaction, humbleness, order, wholeness, and morality. Its
receptive form eliminates heaviness, possessiveness,
exclusiveness, prejudice, wrong judgments, dishonesty, and
stinginess.

Fig 9: The labyrinth of life and death – Saturn labyrinth

4 (d). The labyrinth of love and creation – Venus labyrinth

Its natural form is receptive, three outer paths, an inner spiral,
and a centre. It influences fertility, wishes coming true, love,
beauty, charm, pleasure, purity, correct behaviour, occult
knowledge, comfort, partners and relationships, art, music,
poetry, all types of creative work, vehicles, and life
abundance. Its receptive form encourages creativity,
Fig 7: Jupiter Labyrinth Walk Pattern: The Labyrinth of Wisdom expressiveness, softness, sophistication, cooperation,
originality, passion, refinement. Its expressive form
4 (b). Mars Labyrinth Walk Pattern: The Labyrinth of eliminates greed, being overshadowed, obsession, jealousy,
Energy immorality, exaggeration, and infatuation.
Its natural form is expressive, four turns, five alternating
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4 (g). The labyrinth of freedom – Ketu labyrinth

Its natural form is receptive and expressive simultaneously,
seven paths without a centre. It influences the liberation from
karma, spiritual insights, secrecy, fall, mathematical abilities,
unexpected events, enemies, spies, injuries, venoms and
cures. Its expressive movement encourages: leadership,
accuracy, speed, acuteness, logicality, intelligence, freedom,
and discretion. Its receptive movement eliminates:
destructiveness, unease, restlessness, unnecessary
mysteriousness, panic, terror and fear, morbidity,
abnormality, decadent and tainted spirit and body.

Fig 10: The labyrinth of love and creation – Venus labyrinth

4 (e). Mercury labyrinth – the labyrinth of connection

Its natural form is expressive, outer spiral, three central paths,
inner spiral, and a centre. It influences the speech, intellect,
logic, friendship, trade, diplomacy, negotiation, writing, and
adaptability. Its expressive form encourages neutrality,
expressiveness, delicacy, speed, easiness, optimism,
playfulness, and youthfulness. Its receptive form eliminates:
materialism, cynicism, forgetfulness, talkativeness, two-
facedness, indecisiveness, and dishonesty.

Fig 13: The labyrinth of freedom – Ketu labyrinth

4 (h). Sun labyrinth – the labyrinth of power

Its natural form is expressive, six turns, seven intertwined
paths and a centre. It influences the human self, ego, soul,
individuality, enlightenment, body, health, honour, status,
personal power. Its expressive form encourages easiness,
sophistication, clarity of spirit, sharpness, leadership,
acuteness, dignity, influence. Its receptive form eliminates:
insensibility, destructiveness, stubbornness, pride,
egocentricity, cruelty, rage, despotism, pompousness,
provocativeness.
Fig 11: Mercury labyrinth – the labyrinth of connection

4 (f). Rahu Labyrinth – the labyrinth of transformation

Its natural form is receptive and expressive simultaneously,
seven paths without a centre. It influences the transformations
and all forms of changes, passion, connection, inconstancy,
harshness, violence, unexpected events, confusion, tragedies,
and psychological disorders receptive movement encourages:
expansion of mind and vision, mobility, quick
comprehension, quick ascent, relentlessness, intelligence. Its
expressive and receptive movement eliminates
destructiveness, separation, uncalled-for rebelliousness,
fanaticism, strangeness (being “offbeat”), inconstancy,
concealment, mind blurriness, impatience, accusation, and
relinquishing. Fig 14: Sun labyrinth – the labyrinth of power

4 (i). Moon labyrinth – the labyrinth of feelings

Its natural form is receptive, two turns, three spirals one
within the other, and a centre. It influences the spirit, feelings,
intuition, publicity, home, fame, abundance, social behaviour
and journeys. Its receptive form encourages agility, speed,
softness, creativity, sophistication, protection, dedication,
adaptability, sensuality, tenderness, heartiness, and
compassion. Its expressive form eliminates coldness,
passiveness, insecurity, shyness, superficiality, carelessness,
concern, instability, languidness, malice.

Fig 12: Rahu Labyrinth – the labyrinth of transformation

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Gujarat, India, this author saw a Labyrinth pattern, which is

somewhat identical to the Labyrinth Quilt Pattern, depicted
above. A large number of tourists were seen walking through
this. Some of them, whom this author talked to, reported a
transformation to the peaceful state of mind.

Fig 15: Moon labyrinth – the labyrinth of feelings

4 (j). Labyrinth Walk Pattern at Amity University

Haryana, Gurgaon, India
A circular Labyrinth pattern has been set up at Amity
University Haryana, Gurgaon, India under the leadership Prof.
Padmakali Banerjee [3]. A workshop on the same subject was
also conducted in the campus sometime back. Majority of the
participants, who walked through this Labyrinth pattern,
reported great joy, clarity of mind and peace.
Fig 18: Labyrinth at Sudama Temple Porbandar

5. Procedures for Labyrinth Walk

5.1 Preparations before Labyrinth Walk
Although one need not be a member of any specific faith or
religious tradition to participate in labyrinth walking, spiritual
preparation is considered an important part of the activity.
Although the walk itself is informal and relatively
unstructured, most participants find that a period of quietness
to focus their attention on their journey is essential. Some also
recommend clarifying one's intention for the walk
beforehand; that is, participants should ask themselves
whether they are seeking spiritual guidance, healing, closer
Fig 16: Labyrinth Walk Pattern at Amity University Haryana, fellowship with God, discernment, blessing, or the fulfillment
Gurgaon, India [3] of some other purpose. The use of prayers or mantras is
suggested as a way to calm and "center" one's spirit at the
4 (k). Labyrinth Quilt Pattern beginning of and during the walk.
Following construction is known as the Labyrinth Quilt Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and
Pattern walkthrough. You will note that this pattern is clothing for labyrinth walking so that they will not be
somewhat similar to that of Maze found in Sudama (Kirti) distracted by physical discomfort or concerns about their
temple in Porbandar, Gujarat, and is depicted as below. appearance. They will be asked to remove their shoes,
however, if the labyrinth is made of canvas or woven into a
rug; thus it is a good idea to bring along a pair of clean cotton
socks or soft-soled slippers.

5.2 Labyrinth Walkthrough Procedures

The actual procedure of labyrinth walking is divided into
three phases or stages: the journey inward, a pause for prayer
or meditation at the center, and the return journey. There are
no rules or guidelines for the pace or speed of labyrinth
walking, although participants are asked to be respectful of
others who may prefer a slower pace, and to move around
them as gently as possible. Some people choose to dance, run,
and crawl on their hands and knees, or walk backwards in the
labyrinth. With regard to pausing in the center of the
labyrinth, people's behavior varies depending on the size of
the labyrinth. Labyrinths based on the Chartres model have
six "petals" or semicircular spaces surrounding the center,
Fig 17: Labyrinth Quilt Pattern which allows several people to remain for a few minutes to
pray, contemplate, or meditate. Smaller labyrinths may have
4 (l). Walkthrough the Labyrinth at Sudama Temple room for only one person at a time in the center, and it is
Porbandar considered courteous to remain there only briefly [3].
During a recent visit to the Sudama (Kirti) temple, Porbandar, Labyrinth walking can be incorporated into such ritual events
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as weddings, funerals, and anniversary celebrations, or such 7.1 Procedure for doing Sohum-Mantra-Based Walking
personal events as completing one's schooling, taking a new Meditation through Labyrinth
job, or moving to a new area. Some published guides to (i) Preparing before meditation: Before you start your
labyrinth walking include meditations to be used for labyrinth walking session through labyrinth, spend a minute or two just
walking during pregnancy, or for blessing ceremonies at standing there, breathing deeply and anchoring your attention
different seasons of the year. in your body. Take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes and
do a scan of your whole body, starting at your feet. Make note
6. Benefits of Labyrinth Walk of any sensations, thoughts or feelings and take the time to
In general, labyrinth walking is said to benefit participants by explore the sensations fully.
allowing a temporary suspension of the so-called left-brain
activity—logical thought, analysis, and fact-based planning— (ii) Hands and arms: You can clasp your hands behind your
and encourage the emergence of the intuition and imaginative back or in front of you, or you can just let them hang at your
creativity associated with the right brain. Lauren Artress has side—whatever feels most comfortable and natural.
said, "The labyrinth does not engage our thinking minds. It
invites our intuitive, pattern-seeking, symbolic mind to come (iii) Pace: Slow is better. Pace should be steady and even. If
forth. It presents us with only one, but profound, choice. To your mind is agitated, or your ability to focus is weak, walk
enter a labyrinth is to choose to walk a spiritual path." very slowly, until you can stay in the present moment with
In addition to helping people open themselves to the non- each step. If labyrinth walkers want to pay closer attention to
rational parts of the psyche, labyrinth walking puts them in the movements of lifting the feet, moving forward, putting
touch with simple body rhythms. Because labyrinth walking down, and pressing the ground, they will automatically slow
involves physical movement, participants may find down. Only when they slow down can they be fully aware of
themselves becoming more mindful of their breathing these movements.
patterns, the repetition of their footfalls, and the reorientation
of the entire body that occurs as they move through the (iv) Technique: Take a deep breath. Chant ‘So.’(silently)
circular turns within the labyrinth. More particularly, the while exhaling, with the simultaneous synchronization of
overall pattern of movement in labyrinth walking—first moving one-step forward. For the next step (right step now, if
inward toward the center of the labyrinth and then outward on it was left step first or vice versa), chant ‘hum.’ while
the return path—holds deep symbolic meaning for many exhaling. Repeat this process for the entire walk through the
people. labyrinth. Keep your place slow. Neither look down on the
Specific benefits that some people have experienced as a ground, nor straight; just gently gaze at about one or meters
result of labyrinth walking include [1, 2]: away from you on the ground and keep walking slowly,
 Answers to, or insights, personal problems or rhythmically, chanting (silently) Sohum, with synchronization
circumstances; with the breath. Feel the sensation of the lower part of your
 A general sense of inner peace or calm; feet as you walk. Enjoy this exercise. After a few minutes,
 Emotional healing from past abuse or other traumas; you will get absorbed into it; and your mind will be focused
 A sense of connection to, or unity with, past generations and become calm. Actually, the initial effort by you in
of pilgrims or family ancestors; ensuring the simultaneity of synchronization of your breath,
 Reawakened interest in their specific religious tradition; Sohum chanting, movement of steps will leave little scope for
 Greater awareness of their own feminine nature or the you to get distracted to other unnecessary thoughts [8]. In this
feminine principle in nature often associated with circular way, Sohum-based walking meditation transcends you more
shapes and patterns; easily to thoughtless state as compared to simply walking
 Stimulation of their imagination and creative powers; through labyrinth.
 Improved ability to manage chronic pain; and
(v) Re-focusing: Whenever your mind starts to engage with
 Faster healing following an injury or surgical procedure.
thoughts (or any type of mental content), bring your attention
back to your walking steps and your breathing. With your
7. Sohum-Mantra-Based Walking Meditation through attention in the legs and feet, feel the sensations of each step.
Labyrinth Feel the movement of the leg as it swings through the air. Feel
Walking meditation is mindful walking without a goal, being
the contact of the foot with the ground. There is no “right”
aware of each step and breath. Each footstep is taken slowly
experience. Just see how the experience is felt by you.
and in silence, creating peace and joy with each step.
Whenever you notice that the mind has wandered, bring it
Walking meditation brings a number of benefits in addition to
back to the sensations of the feet walking. Getting a sense of
the cultivation of mindfulness. It can be a helpful way of
the rhythm of the steps may help maintain a continuity of
building concentration, as a supplement to sitting practice.
awareness.
When we are tired or sluggish, walking can be invigorating.
The sensations of walking can be more compelling than the
(vi) Walk with calmness, dignity and joy, as though you were
more subtle sensations of breathing while sitting. Walking can
an emperor or a tiger doing a slow but a majestic walk. Place
be quite helpful after a meal, upon waking from sleep, or after
your foot on the earth with peace and the peace will return to
a long period of sitting meditation. At times of strong
you.
emotions or stress, walking meditation may be more relaxing
than sitting. An added benefit is that, when done for extended
(vii) Attitude: We are not going anywhere. There is
times, walking meditation can build strength and stamina.
nothing to achieve, except mastering our attention and
Walking meditation is a wonderful complement to the sitting
presence. Simply be with the process. Be in present state.
meditation practice [7, 8].

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7.2 Benefits of Sohum-Mantra-Based Walking Meditation live in a sort of self-created gauntlet.

through Labyrinth Kashmir Shaivism states that we are always the Oneness, but
1. It can serve as a powerful bridge between meditation we have chosen to veil our consciousness in differentiated
practice and daily life, helping us to be present, mindful perception through the limitation of the five senses. We
and concentrated in ordinary activities. It can reconnect literally are 'tricking' ourselves into the illusion that we are
us to simplicity of being and the wakefulness that comes separate from the Oneness for the purpose of our 'play' in the
from it. Labyrinth of Time and Space. This 'trick' is often called the
2. Walking mindfully through the labyrinth can restore our Veil, for it is an intentional Veil of our forgetting who we are.
peace and harmony. When we practice walking Worlds are created and destroyed - and nothing has happened.
meditation correctly, we massage the Earth with our feet We are, were, and never will be anything but the One. This is
and plant seeds of joy and happiness with each step. This basically the core philosophy of the Labyrinth.
way we heal our Mother Earth and, in turn, she will heal
us. 9. Conclusion
3. The ability of focusing, developed in walking meditation, The importance of walking through different Labyrinth
is easily carried into our daily life. patterns is discussed in this paper. Labyrinth walking is
4. Whenever we are upset or angry on something, walking thousands of years old both in India and abroad. Each
meditation can be very helpful. Until you are calm Labyrinth pattern is meant to give specific spiritual benefits.
enough to look directly at the anger, just continue with There are well-defined procedures in walking through these
your synchronized Sohum-mantra-based walking labyrinth patterns and these techniques bring a lot of spiritual
meditation through Labyrinth. After a while, the anger benefits to the walkers through labyrinth. Besides, it has been
will subside and you will feel strong enough to argued that the breathing-based (Sohum-mantra-based, for
understand the cause of anger calmly and objectively. example) walking through the labyrinth enhances the
5. Walking meditation improves immunity of the body and beneficial effects as compared to walkthrough without a
reduces blood pressure. It helps reduce glucose levels in mantra. Philosophical interpretation of the Labyrinth has also
diabetic patients. been briefly discussed. It is the sincere aim of the author of
6. It helps to regulate the production of serotonin, a key this paper to spread the spiritual significance of labyrinths to a
neurotransmitter in controlling mood and suppressing larger number of people across the globe.
anxiety.
7. It boosts the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest 10. Acknowledgement
of the body while also maintaining the structure of I wish to thank Prof. (Dr.) Padmakali Banerjee, Pro-Vice
brain’s cell membranes, which improves the clarity of Chancellor and Dean-Academics, Amity University Haryana,
mind and memory power. Gurgaon, for introducing this topic for the first time to me and
motivating me to study it further.
8. Philosophical Interpretation of Labyrinth
As this ubiquitous unlimited undefinable 'Thatness' we have 11. References
created a labyrinth in Time and Space for us to play in. The 1. Kay Sandor M, Robin Froman D. Exploring the Effects
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for us to experience, to test ourselves, to learn from. And yet 2. Artress Lauren. Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering
beneath the play, beneath the curtain of each atom - we are the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool. New York: Riverhead
That, we are the One Soul setting all of it in motion, a Books, 1995.
multitude of realms that are only appearances and have no 3. Banerjee Padmakali. The Power of Positivity: Optimism
ultimate reality. The labyrinth appears and disappears, is and the Seventh Sense, Sage Publications, 2018. ISBN:
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principles. In the Indian Sanskrit these three are personified as 4. The Times of India, 2015, 07.
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temporal, time based, and no more real or unreal than we are IDC, 1987, 52.
[9]
. 6. An Introduction to the Celestial Labyrinths, Presented by
M.E. (Beth) Langley, at the Labyrinth Society Gathering,
8.1 Labyrinth of Time October, Taos, New Mexico, 201.
Earth is an amazing Labyrinth of Time - and the cycles of 7. Dudeja Jai Paul. Om-Mantra-Based Sitting versus
time are excellent incubators for the forms to evolve through Walking Meditations and Their Optimum Combination
layers of holographic experience as consciousness. However for Enhanced Benefits. International Journal of Creative
this crazed, boring, and increasingly limited entrapment of Research Thoughts. 2017; 6(1):820-830. (ISSN: 2320-
ours is not a punishment, but rather a test of our strength and 2882).
resilience. A better comparison is the legendary Labyrinth. 8. Dudeja Jai Paul. Analysis and Benefits of Chant-less
We are metaphorically 'clay in the potter's hands' and the Sohum/Humsa Mantra Meditation. International Journal
potter is ‘Time’. We are not enslaved, not in a prison, and of Yogic. Human Movement and Sports Sciences. (ISSN:
have come here as volunteers to evolve within our planet's 2456-4419, Impact Factor 5.18). 2018; 3(2)C:198-203.
cosmic ‘Labyrinth of Time’. We bravely came here 9. Ferguson Susan V. Colony Earth and the Rig Veda”,
voluntarily to wander in this Labyrinth of Time, a maze of Metaphysical Musing, 2013.
weblike entanglements through unending cycles of time and
dissolutions - until we are weary of it all, until we remember,
and head ‘Home’. Like the spider that spins its own web, we
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