Why to
Meditate
The two basic goals of meditation are : 1) Spiritual renewal, or the
feeling of oneness with a higher source of life, no matter whether one calls it
the infinite and eternal spirit, transcendent and yet immanent in everything,
or a divine being called God, or supreme truth, from which flow peace, wisdom
and strength. 2) The purpose of deep introversion, in a state of peace, is to
search the basic truths of life, to separate reality from illusion itself, to
acquire a clear understanding of reality rather than confusing it with a foggy,
thoughtless state. The first is relatively easier through devotion and a
sincere dedication. The second needs a long practice, to acquire philosophical
maturity.
Peace of mind is a product of the first goal, which helps in the
understanding of the problems one faces. An expanded state of consciousness
enables one to loosen the psychological tightness of attachments and rise above
petty reactions by the realization that there is more to life than snobbery
caused by the insecure ego and resentment by wounded vanity. A sense of
elevation and oneness with a spiritual source helps to sublimate gross passions
and acquire emotional maturity. The identity of oneself with the essence of
one's being, strengthens the will to act according to what should and should
not be done, after having made appropriate decisions.
Clarity of mind, which is a part of the second goal, helps to
cultivate a sense of right and wrong, a basic purpose of education and a litmus
test of any culture. The Greek root, charassein of the word character
means "to engrave," and its Sanskrit word, charita, means
"to cultivate". To engrave or to cultivate cherished ideals is what
meditation is for, practiced in a state of peace and clarity of mind,
instilling a love of truth, of what one wishes to be, by sowing the seeds of
suggestion through an intense feeling, devotion and dedication.
Purity of heart or freedom from resentment, hate, prejudice and
negative thinking is another objective of meditation. Although it is said that
repetition of a Mantra helps to cleanse and enlighten the mind, there is no
evidence that the mental sound-form does so, but the faith in it and the
sincerity to direct one's life by the ideals behind it. Thus, it is wrong to
say that Mantras are meaningless sound-forms. It is also advisable to discard
the myth that no progress in meditation or spiritual life is possible without
an initiation by a Guru, although a worthy teacher is a help. As the Buddha
says :
"By oneself alone
is one purified,
Purity and impurity depending on oneself,
As no one can purify another,
By oneself one must walk the path,
The teacher merely shows the way."
Purity and impurity depending on oneself,
As no one can purify another,
By oneself one must walk the path,
The teacher merely shows the way."
Excerpts from:
If you would like to
purchase the print edition, visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?
If you would like to contribute to the dissemination of
spiritual knowledge please contact the General Secretary at:
No comments:
Post a Comment