Self Awareness Through Meditation

Author(s): Ranjitsingh Kumat
Publisher: Ranjitsingh Kumat

Page 31

SELF AWARENESS THROUGH MEDITATION
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devoted to compare the three systems from different angles and one comes to the conclusion that in essence, there is no difference except the wordings and nuances. Truth is one and can be said in so many ways. Goal is one and can be reached through different paths. There is no reason for conflict and misunderstanding. So long as the goal is to attain the spiritual heights, leaving aside the material acquisitions, and going deep into one's own, all systems of meditation will lead to the same goal. Former Secretary General of the United Nations, Dag Hamarskjoeld has aptly said, “The longest journey is the journey inward, for he who has chosen his destiny has started upon his quest for the source of his being”. This is the real journey and whether one gets to the destination or not, the journey itself is of great importance. Meditation is the tool for this inward journey.
The book was originally written in Hindi. My colleague and mentor Shri D.R. Mehta, Patron of Prakrit Bharati, erstwhile member of the IAS and Chairman of SEBI, urged me to translate it into English. My friends and reviewers had asked me to translate my earlier two books, namely, Mujhe Moksha Nahin Chaahiye (I do not want Salvation) and Deha aur Man se Pare (Beyond Body and Mind) but could not do so, except for some sporadic efforts to translate some chapters. In this case, however, I could complete in time and the book is before all non-Hindi readers for their consideration. I am sure, it will fill the gap that exists about nature and usefulness of meditation. We all know meditation as a religious practice but its real purpose is to realize one's self and become aware of it. Self-awareness is the goal and meditation is the means to achieve it.
I shall be failing in my duty if I do not thank Shri D.R. Mehta for inspiring and pursuing me to undertake this effort. I am further thankful to Shri Kanhiyalalji Lodha who helped and guided me in having access to the literature and insight into the meaning of old scriptures. He has been always a source of inspiration and learning. My thanks to Shri R.D. Pathak of Vipassana International Centre, Igatpuri, who helped me in writing the article on Buddhist system of meditation in an authentic manner by providing me the literature as also correcting the article written by me in Hindi. I thank Shri D.C. Sharma, who took pains to go through the typescript to correct the flow and mistakes, as also to give punch, where necessary. I thank my nephew, Shri Subhash Kothari, who gave me the book, 'I Am That' by Nisargadatta Maharaj and made me acquainted of his learned discourses. My son Vinod occasionally read the articles and gave constructive suggestions to improve it. My brother's son-in-law Shri Shanti Prakash Mehta also went through the articles and gave valuable comments. I thank him and all members of my