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Why Meditate?

Without the help of meditation, you cannot attain Knowledge of the Self. Without its aid, you cannot grow into the divine state. Without it, you cannot liberate yourself from the trammels of the mind and attain immortality.

Meditation is the only royal road to the attainment of freedom. It is a mysterious ladder which reaches from earth to heaven, from error to truth, from darkness to light, from pain to bliss, from restlessness to abiding peace, from ignorance to knowledge. From mortality to immortality.

—Swami Sivananda
Bliss Divine

Who am I? What is my purpose in life? Why do some people seem to have an easier time in life than others? Where did I come from and where am I going?

These are the classic questions that almost everyone muses over at some time in life. Some struggle their entire lives to find the answers. Some give up looking, or put the questions aside as they get caught up in the routines and details of daily life. Others discover the answers, and their lives are full and contented.

The meaning of life is found by diving deep, deep within. But ever distracted by the business of living, people seldom stop, even for a moment in their busy days, to observe what is going on inside. It is hardly noticed that the mind is being constantly stimulated by the bombardment of perceptions from the senses. Very often, it is not until a person reaches a point of great distress that he realises it is time to stop and take stock of what is happening in his life. Meditation is the practice by which there is constant observation of the mind. It involves setting aside a regular time and place for the specific purpose of discovering that infinite well of wisdom which lies within. The chapters that follow give a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy and techniques of meditation. First, however, it is best to explore some of the background psychology and terminology that help to explain the purpose of meditation.

Mechanics of the Mind

In our search for happiness, we invariably turn to external objects and events for satisfaction. We think, ‘If I can just have that car,’ or ‘If I were just able to get that job,’ or ‘If I only lived in Arizona, then I would be happy.’ The mind may be stilled and at peace for a short time on attaining the desired object, but eventually it tires of its new toy, and seeks pleasure elsewhere. External objects fail to bring happiness. One may acquire new material possessions, a position with more responsibility, and a home in the country, but there always remains the same mind. Contentment is derived from the approach and attitude toward the external world, not from the objects themselves. Every person passes through easier and more difficult periods in his life. When the obstacles in life are confronted with a serene mind, then one lives more happily.

The challenge, then, is to gain control of the internal world. The mind is constantly conversing with itself—replaying past events, rearranging them into a better drama, planning for the future, discussing the pros and cons of this and that. By methodically slowing down its continuous ramblings, the internal dialogue, and focussing on positive and uplifting objects, it is possible to begin to understand the mechanics of the psyche and bring about a more effective life.

But the mind is an elusive animal to tame. So many theories exist as to how it works, yet the human mental process remains intangible. Why does one so often find himself caught in the same frustrations, the same problems? Free will does exist, but only when it is used to break out of the bad habits that have been developed in life. It is said that this is a free society, but in truth, it is each person’s own desires and emotions that bind him. Consider the friend who smokes cigarettes, daily disclaiming them, determined to stop ‘tomorrow.’ How many years has he been caught in this charade? He may truly want to be free of the habit, but lacks the necessary control of his own mind.

In a sense, the mind is like a phonograph record. It contains grooves, or impressions, called samskaras in Sanskrit. These samskaras are formed when certain thought waves, or vrittis, become habitual. For example, a man passes a bakery and sees a chocolate eclair in the window. The vritti arises in his mind, ‘How delicious; I will buy that eclair.’ If he ignores that vritti, and turns his mind to something else, no pattern is formed. But, if he identifies with the thought, he gives life to it. He buys the eclair, looking forward to enjoying it as dessert that evening. Now, suppose he finds he must pass that same bakery every Tuesday and Thursday. Each time he goes by, he recalls that wonderful eclair, and purchases another. What was originally just a flash in the mind has become a force in his life, and a samskara has been formed.

Samskaras are not necessarily negative. There can be grooves in the mind which are uplifting and those which bring one down. It is the express purpose of meditation to create new, positive channels in the mind, and to eradicate those which are destructive. It is an absolutely scientific process, but at the same time, the goal is spiritual. It is not sufficient to eliminate the negative. There must be a striving to develop love, compassion, a sense of service, cheerfulness, kindness, and the many other qualities which not only make one’s own life happy, but which radiate to others.

Everyone wants to do his best. Each person would like to think that he is perfect. Yet despite repeated resolutions, every person finds himself so many times being less than what he would like to be. The cause of this predicament is the ahamkara, or ego. Sri Sankara, one of the wisest men of all times, stated in the Vivekachudamani, ‘Calamity is due to being subject to ego, bad agonies are due to ego, desire is due to subjection to ego; there is no greater enemy than ego.’ This ahamkara is the cause of all bondage and is the chief barrier to the experience of inner Reality.

Ego is the self-arrogating aspect of the mind. It is the ego which separates the individual from unity with others and within himself, for the ego asserts ‘I-ness.’ Ahamkara is the greatest obstacle to tranquility, for it is that which occupies the mind with whether we are better or worse, possess more or less, and have greater or lesser power than others. It is attended by desire, pride, anger, delusion, greed, jealousy, lust and hatred. The ego is the most difficult aspect of the mind to control, for its nature is such that it deludes even while one is striving to overcome it. It is that very part of the being that would not be controlled.

Through meditation, the play of the mind is witnessed. In the early stages nothing more can be done than to gain understanding as the ego is observed constantly asserting itself. But in time its games become familiar, and one begins to prefer the peace of contentment. When the ego is subdued, energies can then be utilised constructively for personal growth and the service of others.

Thought Power

Every person projects some kind of vibration. Some people are a pleasure to be with. They seem to have a certain prana, or energy, that they share with others. Then there are those who are negative and depressed; they seem to actually draw prana out of others. The reason for this is that there is a power contained in thought. It is very subtle, yet it does exist and is extremely powerful. Whether a person is aware of it or not, he is constantly transmitting and receiving thoughts. This is why people have experiences of ESP from time to time. Some wish to call these experiences coincidence, but they are not. The ability to communicate and perceive thought is developed to a higher degree in those who are said to be psychic, or to have great intuitive abilities.

Every thought has weight, shape, size, form, colour, quality, and power. An experienced meditator can see this directly with his inner eye. For example, a spiritual thought has a yellow color, while a thought charged with anger and hatred is dark red. A thought is like an object. Just as an apple can be given to your friend, or taken back, so also it is possible to give a useful, powerful thought to someone and take it back.

Good and evil, friend and enemy, are in the mind only. Each person creates a world of virtue and vice, pleasure and pain, out of his own imagination. These qualities do not proceed from the objects themselves; they belong to the attitude of the mind. One person’s joy is another’s sorrow. Thoughts control our lives, mold our characters, shape destiny, and affect other people. When the potential contained in the power of thought is realised, it is the beginning of great spiritual growth in the individual; a great step forward for all of humanity.

The Self

What is spirituality? The past few decades have been called an age of alienation. Old traditions and religions were rejected. Thousands of ‘New Age’ seekers began to experiment with a myriad of chemicals and philosophies. There was a pervasive current of feeling that the Truth was someplace close at hand—but where was it? Somehow it seemed necessary to broaden perspectives a little.

In each society, the organised religion contains cultural practices and techniques which are handed down from generation to generation. It is when the means becomes confused with the end that its members begin to search elsewhere. They look for inspiration that is alive, that has a practical and observable effect in their daily lives. Whether a person lives a spiritual life on his own, or is part of an organised tradition, the goal—the same: the attainment of perfection, purity, and peace of mind, or Self-Realisation.

There is a Power, an Energy, which each person can tap into if he knows it is available. This Force inspires, encourages, reinforces, and gives strength to those who seek to grow in a positive direction. Many, however, are unaware of this resource, or they have misconceptions about it. They are like the farmer who moved to a house in the city, and lived in darkness because he did not know what those strange boxes in the wall were. The Light is there and available to all; we need only to connect ourselves with the current.

This source of wisdom is the Self. The Self is not the individual body or mind, but that aspect deep inside each person that knows the Truth. It exists in each being, and yet it exists independently also. Some call it God. Others call it Jehovah, Allah, Brahman, Cosmic Consciousness, Atman, Holy Spirit, or the Universal Mind. The names and paths are many, but there is one Essence which pervades all beings.

The Self is impossible to understand with the limited senses and intellect. The human mind cannot fathom the Infinite and the Eternal. Therefore a visualisation is sometimes used to help one focus on the Supreme. Christians may meditate on the image of a cross, or the form of Jesus Christ. Hindus may picture Lord Siva (that Energy which destroys the old in preparation for renewal) as a very beautiful eternally youthful ascetic meditating atop the Himalayas. Those who conceive of the Absolute in more abstract terms may concentrate on a candle flame, a chakra (energy center of the body), or the sound of OM. But these are only partial impressions of the Truth.

A highly advanced scientist may know the theory and mathematics of how large space is. He may have studied how minute an atom is, or what the difference is between life and death. He can explain them in detail and at great length. But this is only theoretical knowledge; he can never really grasp the essence of these things. There is no way to intellectually define or describe that which is limitless. It is only through direct experience that Absolute Knowledge can be attained. Through the protracted practice of meditation it becomes possible to still the outgoing mind, develop intuitive abilities, and touch that part of the Supreme that lies within all.

Karma and Reincarnation

Meditation unleashes immense potential. We gain mastery of the mind by bringing a halt to its incessant chatter and teaching it to focus in a concentrated manner. Awareness of thought patterns helps to give the power to project thoughts to others. Yet one must be very careful always to send only vibrant, positive, loving and healing energy. For a complete understanding of why this is so, consider the subjects of Karma and reincarnation.

There is a law in physics that states, ‘For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.’ Jesus taught, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ These are all expressions of the law of Karma, of cause and effect. It works something like a boomerang. Whatever thought or deed comes from a person will return to him. It may not come in the same form, but sooner or later each will confront the results of his own actions. A joyous and giving person draws a response of warmth and love. If a person is hateful, he will be disliked until this negative quality is removed. This is the Law.

Karmic reactions are not always experienced immediately. Sometimes lessons are not easily learned, and negative patterns may continue for many years. A single lifetime usually is not sufficient for anyone to attain Perfection. So each person reincarnates again and again. This is the reason for the apparent inequality between people. One is poor and another rich, one is healthy and another crippled, one is cheerful and another depressed. It is neither cruel fate nor a distant and unconcerned God that sets the stage for these situations, but one’s own Karma.

Don’t be fooled by those quick-realisation gurus who sell magic mantras and instant insight. You will be disappointed. Ultimately we must reckon with the effects of our own deeds. Each person’s life is his own responsibility. To blame difficulties on unfortunate circumstances or parents who weren’t well enough versed in psychology is to beg the question. Only when we realise that we are caught in our own web and begin to spiritualise our lives, do we break out of the wheel of births and deaths, and find peace and union in the Self.

Reincarnation is not an exclusively Eastern precept. It is contained in some form in almost every major religion and mystical philosophy. Research indicates that it was an accepted doctrine, at least in some quarters, at the time of Christ, and is still an integral part of some sects of the Jewish tradition. The Bible contains no condemnation of the principle of reincarnation—and in fact, when Christ was asked when Elijah would return, he answered that Elijah had returned, referring to John the Baptist. Origen, of the early Christian Greek Church, wrote extensively regarding the pre-existence of the soul. This concept was basically accepted in the Church until the fourth century AD. More recently, Pope Pius XII named Origen a Doctor of the Universal Church, indicating a tolerance if not an actual embracing of his teachings.

But reincarnation is not merely an abstract principle. Each of us has experienced recollections from past lives at some time or another. It is called déjà vu. It is not unusual to meet someone for the first time, yet experience an uncanny sense of familiarity. This is because that person was known in previous lives. Occasionally there may be a place or scene that stirs memories deep inside. It will seem as if you have been there before, and in fact, that may be the case. At times we awaken from a dream that is strangely familiar, even though it bears no relationship to the present life and environment; it is a segment of an earlier lifetime that has surfaced in order to help work out present Karma.

What Does Yoga Have to Do with It?

There are many methods for eliminating these Karmic debts. Through meditation one learns to understand how the mind operates and thus is able to begin the growth process. Exactly what techniques are used depends on the nature of the individual. In Yoga, there are four main paths. Raja Yoga is the scientific psychological approach focussing on concentration and meditation. Karma Yoga is the path of eliminating the ego and attachments through selfless service. Jnana Yoga is the method by which the intellect is used to negate bondage to the material world. Bhakti Yoga sublimates the emotions into devotion.

There are a number of other forms of Yoga. Hatha Yoga is actually an aspect of Raja Yoga. It starts with the physical body and goes on to work with the energies of the astral body In Kundalini Yoga the meditator concentrates on a specific Sanskrit phrase for the purpose of stifling the mind and evoking positive energy.

It is said that the paths are many but the Truth is One. Each person must travel his own road to union with the Source. It should be borne in mind, however, that by placing all of one’s energies into only one form of Yoga, there is a danger of imbalance, even fanaticism. For stable and consistent progress, the meditator should choose a preferred path, but always draw from the techniques and wisdom of the other methods. Through a synthesis of Yogas an equilibrium is maintained.

Through meditating regularly, the mind becomes clearer and motives more pure. The subconscious releases hidden knowledge that allows better understanding. The ego is slowly eradicated. Ultimately the superconscious, or intuitive forces, are released, leading to a life of wisdom and peace.