Ahimsa Varsh 2600th Birth Anniversary of Mahavir Swami

Author(s): Naresh Jain, P Jayaraman
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 55

Meditation - Pujya Shri Atmanandji
he ordinary meaning of the word "Meditation" (Dhyana), is concentration
of the mind. All people constantly ponder over some subject, individual or substance. The mind of every individual continues to shift in thoughts from one to the other and then to another object. Hence, the state of human mind, pondering over worldly objects and things is known as bad concentration. All such meditations that hinder the spiritual progress (Sadhana) of the self are to be given up. Let us enumerate here, the main types of bad concentration and then proceed to understånd meditation that leads us to right religion (Dharma). Meditation in spiritual life:
The belief and feeling of "mineness" in the objects of the world arises from ignorance. Even the feelings of passion, anger, greed, delusion, pride and jealousy can be considered as offsprings of ignorance. The types of meditation, which subdue these feelings and also lead to purity and steadiness of mind, are all useful and therefore beneficial to the aspirant (Sadhaka). Sadhana of meditation:
It would always be beneficial to resort to meditation in a sacred peaceful place, away from bustle. Regularity in food and observance of celibacy will assist the steadiness of mind and body. Such an aspirant (Sadhaka) will acquire greater concentration in his meditation and will not feel lethargy, laziness and so on.
Thus, a Sadhaka is expected to control food and sleep. Once that the Sadhaka comes to know the pure form of Soul (Atma), from an enlightened preceptor, he can, with full success, practice different types of meditation. The details of these different types of meditation have been fully reviewed in the great scriptures of ancient sages. Here we give only a brief and practical survey of the subject.
The mental picture of the enlightened preceptor should be installed in the middle of the eyebrows, or in the heart i.e. in the left part of the chest); the thought process should then be repeatedly fixed on that pure, detached and equanimous image (Mudra). One should next install the image of God, the supreme in His quiet, blissful and self-poised form in the heart and merge all inclinations of the mind in Him.
One can also practice many of the following types of meditation on the instructions of the enlightened preceptor and in accordance with one's own capacity and circumstances.
1. Meditation on the letters of the different Mantras.
2. Meditation principally related to various Yogic sounds (Nada).
3. Meditation principally related to the breathing process.
Actually, the type of meditation is not all that important. What is more important is the acquisition of purity and concentration of mind in moments of meditation. The practice of meditation is longdrawn process indeed. The fruits of meditation:
Meditation is the best form of religious austerity. The true meditator feels true happiness and peace of mind. He conquers ill feelings and becomes free from mundane bondage (Karmabandhan), and achieves the state of Samadhi. Every Sadhaka should try to meditate regularly at least for a short period. What keeps achieving this is company with enlightened preceptor, reading good scriptures, and good conduct. Glory of meditation:
1. All emotions can be ousted by achieving repose in the Soul. Meditation on Soul, may therefore, be regarded as panacea for all spiritual shortcomings.
2. Activity is meant for purity of
the mind, but by itself cannot directly lead to self-Realization. Realization of the self is possible only by pondering over Soul, and not through countless activities. The Sadhaka, who desires to realize the self, should therefore, take recourse with compassionate enlightened preceptor who has realized the self and should, under his guidance, ponder over and meditate on Soul (Atma).
3. The supreme liberation that eliminates birth, age, decay, and death cannot be attained by the Sadhaka, till he experiences the Supreme Reality, through wellguided contemplation of Tattwas (fundamentals).
4. There is no higher happiness or austerity or better path of liberation than meditation on the self.
5. When the Sadhaka experiences the Supreme Reality, through meditation, all knots of illusion around the heart are destroyed completely, all doubts are set at rest, and all feelings of pleasure and pains (Karmas) cease.
6. Only the destruction of Karmas leads to liberation, only right knowledge makes liberation possible, and only right meditation leads to right knowledge. Meditation is therefore immensely beneficial to the aspirant.
7. Gentleness of mind and senses, healthiness, a compassionate outlook of life, fragrance of the body, minimization of excretions, aura of divine light, purity and delight of the mind and sublime gentle speech - these are the usual traits of a person, who reposes in advanced meditation
8. Having assimilated the preaching of the true preceptor, one, who attains to real meditation through tranquility of mind can verily acquire the whole series of praiseworthy things such as knowledge, wealth, health, longevity, contentment, supreme worship and emancipation.
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