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long voyages. Why? He knew that meditation and his ascetic practice greatly increased his energy. To utilize that energy, to direct it along the right channel, he chose the way of pilgrimage. Basically, he spent his energy in awakening transcendental consciousness, in self-realisation, by rising above like and dislike. Whatever energy was still left unused, he utilized it in pilgrimages.
Q. If meditation results in the increase of passions, why do meditation at all?
Ans. It is very necessary to practise meditation for cleansing the mind. Suppressed passion may lead a man astray at any time. It is necessary to rouse the mind, but then one must at the same time master the art of controlling it. The awakening of energy and its right utilization strengthen self-discipline. The lack of discipline only results in disequilibrium. Keeping it in view while practising meditation, an alert sadhak is able to bypass this danger and march ahead.
Deep-breath-preksha also provides rest to the body. A man exhausted by the day's work, is greatly refreshed by practising meditation for 10-15 minutes. Both the mind and the body are relieved and renewed. Besides physical and mental benefits, the spiritual value of deep breath-preksha is also very great. It is a useful staircase for spiritual evolution. The moment one steps on this staircase, new dimensions of consciousness begin to open up by themselves. The whole objective of a sad k's endeavor is to come to know the hidden secrets of consciousness. The revelation of these secrets can begin in the very first stage of preksha dhyana, provided the sadhak practises it with deep faith and a firm determination.
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