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ASPIRANT'S GUIDE the flame of Soul (Atma-jyoti-Dhyana), or some other pure object. He must acquire thorough knowledge of his goal (Dhyeya) on which he concentrates his mind. In the absence of thorough knowledge of this, his concentration will fail, his mind will start wavering. 2. Daily Routine :
Keeping awfully busy in worldly pursuits during the day and then steadying the mind (meditation) all of a sudden, is almost impossible. Whatever may be the pursuits of the day, such as financial, social, pleasure-seeking, job, and so on should all be of such nature that they do not grossly blot the purity of the mind.
Just as a very dirty body can be cleaned only with a prolonged and complex process of bathing, so also the mind, if it is grossly blotted and blemished with impurity, it also can be purified and concentrated only with great efforts. The less the dint on the mind, the easier it will be to purify and steady it.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MEDITATOR One who can discriminate properly between a Soul and a Matter (Atma and Anatma), is a real discriminator. Ascetic is the person who has cultivated a sense of detachment, with reference to the body, the world and sensual pleasures. He, whose internal desire is only for emancipation is a real aspirant.
In spite of all difficulties, with patience and forbearance, he continues to be engrossed in meditation. Once he achieves it, he becomes more friendly, merciful and generous. All these qualifications enhance the capacity for true meditation. Supreme meditation is possible for those people who adopt the great vows such as non-violence and accomplish good control of the senses and the mind.
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 146
SADHAK-SATHI
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