Hari
Om
Monday is AUM-day; in search of meditation.
We have been exploring the writings of Gurudev, through his book
'Meditation & Life'. All the instructive chapters have been rendered and
now there follows twelve 'chapters' which are designed for contemplation both
before and after each meditation session. Please note that the actual writings
of Gurudev are quite lengthy, so only the gist and key points are going to be
given here. You are
again encouraged to seek out a copy of the book to keep to hand as it is an
inspiration and with each reading something more will drop into place.
Ch. 38; The Dawn of Wisdom.
Here
we are at the final chapter of this particular book. The reading of it does not
at all indicate that we are at the 'last chapter' of our saadhana! In this
chapter, Gurudev repeats in various different ways the essence of meditative
practice. Here follows the kernel of it.
Recognising
what is mind and how it plays with us is a large part of overcoming Maya. We
are kept in spiritual ignorance by the non-apprehension of Reality and then the
mis-apprehension of what Reality is. We do not see Brahman, we see only the
effects sitting upon It, just as the man walking in darkness fails to see a
post, but sees instead an altered reality in the form of a ghost. The mind is
our inner ghost sitting upon the Post of Reality. We must correct our
perception.
To
do this we are given many different ways to understand how our senses work and
then how to overcome them. Further, once a measure of control is attained, we
do the same for the antaH-karana, the inner equipment of mind-intellect. The
processes include gaining Knowledge and clarifying our doubts, gaining faith
and building trust in order to move along the path towards Realisation.
Following the guidance provided by the many who have travelled before us,
provided we do not take 'scenic routes', we cannot fail to attain the same
destination. Inattention, however, permits all sorts of problems and hurdles to
arise. Vaasanas will emerge, some familiar, some completely fresh to us, but
all requiring that we let them pass and burn away from us - or they will pull
us down.
Embarking
upon the path of meditation, quickly those who have the stamina for it are
found and others fall readily by the wayside. It is not just a simple thing of
sitting still. The body can quite readily do that for most folk. No. It is the
keeping of inner stillness which demands strength of character, determination,
Love and faith. Little by little, we chip away at our inner mountains, reducing
them to dust.
Regularity.
Sincerity. Involvement. Cheerfulness. Inspiration gained from study and
satsanga. Releasing regret over the past, worrying not for future and
surrendering to the present … all these are asked of the spiritual seeker.
It
can actually be a painful process; the more attached we are, the deeper the
scabs of life, the more difficult it can be to let go. Never abandon your
spiritual efforts, for then you are truly lost. Every spiritual attempt,
although subtle, does bring its rewards. Never give up. Never despair. In those
times when meditation is beyond your capabilities, at least turn to japa or
bhajan singing. Keep focused on the Higher at all times. In the Mundaka
Upanishad, the Guru, on ending his teaching, says, 'Godspeed! May you go
pleasantly beyond the kingdom of darkness.' Move into the Light of Lights, by
which Light alone all other lights are ever lit up.
Never
hurry. Have faith in Lord and teacher. Hasten slowly. Hari Om. Hari Om… 'hurry
home'!
