Questions of King Milinda Part 01

SR No.: 007681
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1890
Total Pages: 2695
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 47 MB

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350
VEDÂNTA-SOTRAS.
The mind of a standing man, again, is directed on maintaining the body in an erect position, and therefore incapable of reflection on any subtle matter. A man lying down, finally, is unawares overcome by slumber. A sitting person, on the other hand, may easily avoid these several untoward occurrences, and is therefore in a position to carry on meditations.
8. And on account of thoughtfulness. Moreover also the word 'thoughtfulness' denotes a lengthened carrying on of the same train of ideas. Now
thoughtfulness' we ascribe to those whose mind is concentrated on one and the same object, while their look is fixed and their limbs move only very slightly. We say e.g. that the crane is thoughtful, or that a wife whose husband has gone on a journey is thoughtful. Now such thoughtfulness is easy for those who sit; and we therefore conclude herefrom also that meditation is the occupation of a sitting person.
9. And with reference to immobility (scripture ascribes thought to the earth, &c.).
Moreover, in the passage The earth thinks as it were' scripture ascribes thought to the earth, with regard to its immobility. This also helps us to infer that meditation is the occupation of one who is sitting.
10. And Smriti-passages say the same. Authoritative authors also teach in their Smritis that a sitting posture subserves the act of meditation : cp. e.g. Bha. Gîta VI, 11, ‘Having made a firm seat for one's self on a pure spot.' For the same reason the Yogasåstra teaches different sitting postures, viz. the so-called lotus position and so on.
11. Where concentration of mind is possible), there (meditation may be carried on), on account of there being no difference.
A doubt here arises with regard to direction, place, and
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