This chapter is the English translation of Gujarati Book
Title - Sadhak and Sathi
Author - Shri Atmanandji (Dr. Soneji)
CHAPTER: 25
MEDITATION (DHYANA)
BACKGROUND:
The 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 the human mind,
pondering over worldly objects and things is known as
ill-meditation (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 understand meditation that
leads to right religion (Dharma).
TYPES OF BAD-CONCENTRATION OR ILL-MEDITATION:
1. Contemplation caused by loss of desired object or an
individual.
2. Contemplation caused by association with an undesired object
or individual.
3. Contemplation on the suffering caused by diseases and other
infirmities of the body.
4. Getting engrossed in the acquisition of happiness and
pleasure in this or the higher world through religious deeds.
5. Experiencing happiness through feelings of violence.
6. Experiencing happiness through theft or lies.
7. Concentrating on the preservation of material goods for the
enjoyment of worldly objects.
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
offspring 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).
PREREQUISITES FOR MEDITATION:
1. Clear and comprehensive knowledge of the meditator,
meditation and the ultimate goal:
The Sadhaka, who meditates, is the meditator. He therefore
requires multifaceted knowledge of his own self. He can
acquire this varied and all-embracing knowledge through
association with noble sages and proper study of authentic
scriptures.
The process by which meditator wishes to achieve his goal of
meditation and then remains engrossed in it is called
"experiment of meditation." So the goal of Sadhaka is to
achieve meditation as best as he can.
He concentrates for this goal in a variety of ways in
accordance with his state of Sadhana, say in the form of a
noble teacher (Guru-Dhyana), the supreme Atma
(Prabhu-Dhyana), 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:
Being 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 such that they do not grossly blot the purity
of the mind.
Just as a very dirty body can be cleaned only with a
prolonged process of bathing, same with 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 dirt on the mind, the easier it will be to purify and
steady it.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MEDITATOR
One who can discriminate properly between Soul and Matter
(Atma and Anatma), is a real discriminator. An ascetic is a
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 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 be lazy.
Thus, a Sadhaka is expected to control food and sleep. Once
that the Sadhaka comes to know the pure form of the Soul (Atma),
from an enlightened preceptor, he can, with full success,
practice different types of meditation. The details of these
different types of meditation can be fully reviewed in the great
scriptures of ancient sages. Here we give only a very brief and
practical survey of the subject.
The mental picture of the enlightened preceptor should be
installed in the middle of the eye-brows, or in the heart. 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.
Sadhakas in their advanced stage can practice meditation on
Atma-jyoti (Soul is just like a flame of a candle). If they
envisage that the illumination from that divine light is
disseminating and filling their entire being, they may
experience a special sublime happiness.
One can also practice any of the following types of meditation
following the instructions of an 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
(Swas-Anupreksha).
Actually, the type of meditation is not all that important.
What is more important is the acquisition of the purity and
concentration of mind in moments of meditation. The practice of
meditation is long-drawn process indeed.
THE FRUITS OF MEDITATION (DHYANA)
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 or mere rituals
(Karmakandhan), and achieves the state of Samadhi. Every
Sadhaka should try to meditate regularly at least for a
short period. What keeps to achieve this is company with
enlightened preceptor, reading good scriptures, and good
conduct.
GLORY OF MEDITATION
1. All emotions can be ousted by the feeling of taking recourse
in Soul. Meditation on Soul, may therefore, be regarded as a
panacea for all spiritual shortcomings.
2. Activity is meant for purity of the mind and not for
realization of the self. Realization of the self is possible
only by pondering over the 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 the 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 well-guided contemplation of
fundamentals (Tattvas).
4. There is no longer happiness or austerity than meditation on
the self. There is no better path of liberation than it.
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 Atma.
7. Gentleness of the mind and senses, healthiness, a
compassionate outlook of life, fragrance of the body,
minimization of excretions, a lustrous appearance, 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 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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