Meditation

Over the centuries, so much has been said and written about meditation.  Ancient  texts mention of Lord Shiva revealing different methods of meditation to Devi Parvati. In the Bhagwad  Gita, Lord Krishna disseminates this sacred knowledge to the world for the benefit of humanity.”This is the path to realize me”, says the Lord.

In the present yuga, meditation is conceived by many as some complex process. People compare it to walking on the “razor’s  edge”, difficult to follow and practice. Some fear of becoming renunciate  overnight and start worrying about their families. Others feel it does not go with modern thinking and is best left for old age. Rationalists tend to categorize it as a religious practice.

Meditation is as old as the human being itself. In India, we must feel privileged that it is so much ingrained in our faith and belief. At a very young age in our homes, we are taught `mantra chanting’ and other spiritual practices by our elders. In earlier yugas, that is Sat, Treta and Dwapar, it was institutionally taught and was very much a way of life, for a happy, contented and purposeful society.

There are three key attributes to the human being, the gross; the body, mind and soul. For happiness, body has to be in good health and the mind needs to be quiet. The essence of the human body is the soul, which longs for union with the spirit. Meditation which is a combination of mind, body and soul, ultimately leads us to the state of bliss. Mental peace and freedom from stress are the very basic attributes of meditation even for a beginner.

Contrary to popular belief, meditation is not concentration, meditation is relaxation. Meditation can’t happen without relaxation. If the mind is not relaxed, how will it flow towards the supreme consciousness.  It has to flow like the serene  River  Ganges flowing down from Himalayas and merging into the sea, as that is its true nature. Similarly we are so divinely designed, that soul consciousness naturally flows towards the supreme consciousness, the spirit. Meditation as a practice cuts through and rises above religious barriers. It establishes a direct contact with the truth of your being.

Most of us spend our lives in mindless activities, living in habitual patterns. Lives lived in anxiety and daily struggles in trying to achieve, possess and compete. Meditation is to become mindful and not mindless.  When we learn to bring our mind home, we learn to collect our scattered self.

Mind is flexible and workable. If we train it, the potential is unlimited. The purpose of meditation is to awaken the true nature of mind and to awaken us to our true reality.  It is the highest form of positive thinking which not only provides good health, but is a powerful practice to change the very nature of the human being. Truly, it is the path that leads to one’s transformation from human consciousness to supreme consciousness.