Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity by controlling nature, external and internal. Do this either by work, or worship, or psychic control, or philosophy - by one, or more, or all of these - and be free. This is the whole of religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals, or books, or temples, or forms, are but secondary details.
(Commentary on the Yoga Sutras II.25)
The United Nations General Assembly's declaration of December 21st as the "World Meditation Day" underscores the growing recognition of this ancient practice's profound benefits. Celebrated globally, this day serves as a timely reminder of the power within each of us to cultivate inner peace and well-being. As Swami Vivekananda eloquently stated, the essence of religion lies in self-realization, a journey of discovering one's true nature. This quest for self-understanding often arises during times of hardship and existential questioning, prompting us to contemplate our place in the universe and the meaning of our existence.
The most direct path to self-discovery is introspection, a turning inward to conquer our inner landscape. Meditation, a practice involving focused concentration on a Name(mantra), Form (image or light), breath (life force), or a combination thereof, provides the tools for this inner exploration. By its very nature, the mind constantly changes with a ceaseless flow of thoughts. This mental turbulence obscures our true selves, disconnecting us from our center of consciousness. Meditation acts as a stilling force, allowing a clear reflection of our inner being and restoring our connection to this essential core.
In meditation or Dhyana, the mind is anchored to a single focal point. This sustained concentration creates a dominant mental wave, gradually diminishing and silencing distracting thoughts. Swami Vivekananda outlined a specific framework for meditative practice, suggesting a minimum of 144 seconds (equivalent to 12 Dharanas, where one Dharana is 12 seconds) extending up to 28 minutes for a genuine meditative state. Deeper absorption beyond this timeframe leads to higher states of consciousness, culminating in Samadhi.
Carl Jung’s distinction between “I am doing a work” and “I am aware that I am doing a work” highlights the profound difference between simply existing and being truly present. In our daily lives, we often operate on autopilot mode, disconnected from our inner selves and lacking self-awareness. Meditation, like a skilled charioteer controlling their horses, empowers us to manage our minds through focused will, what Buddha referred to as right mindfulness. It is a self-directed process of conscious introspection.
A key distinction between ordinary concentration and meditation lies in the level of conscious control. Ordinary concentration is often unconscious, driven by external stimuli. When reading a book, the book dictates our focus; when performing a task, the task commands our attention. In meditation, the object of focus plays a passive role, with the self actively directing the mind. This control is not achieved through the mind itself but through a higher faculty known as buddhi or dhi, encompassing intuition and will.
Meditation offers a powerful antidote to the relentless pace of modern life. By practicing it, one attempts to transcend the tyranny of time by first slowing down our internal clock and then elevating the mind to a timeless dimension. In a world increasingly preoccupied with external sources of happiness, where addiction to technology, substances, and fleeting pleasures runs rampant, meditation offers a potent medication. It guides us inward, reminding us that true and lasting happiness resides within.
The benefits of meditation extend beyond the spiritual realm, with medical science documenting a wide range of positive effects. These include reduced stress and anxiety, improved attention and focus, enhanced emotional regulation, better sleep, and improved memory. Neuroimaging studies have even demonstrated that regular meditation can increase grey matter in the brain and slow down age-related cognitive decline.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the wisdom of meditation remains profoundly relevant. By incorporating this practice into our daily routines, we can cultivate inner peace, enhance our well-being, and lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. As a final thought, it’s important to remember that self-discovery is an ongoing process, a continuous exploration of our inner landscapes. There is no “holiday” in the pursuit of spiritual growth.
He is a monk of Ramakrishna order. Adept in scriptural studies, he is serving the Shillong centre as Director Academics, RKMVCC
