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. 36; Consistent Efforts
'It is a fact that very many are
disappointed in their spiritual attempts and they find themselves often worse
off than they were before, even after years of daily meditation. Such sad
failures are primarily due to the seekers' unpreparedness to merit an entry
into the Higher realms of Consciousness.'
Thus
states Gurudev at the start of this chapter of the book. It is said again and
again, just as the teacher will say it of the times tables in maths, or grammar in language… you cannot go to the advanced levels without being fully
and functionally clear and accurate in the foundation modules! It may be that
due to 'spirit' being such a numinous concept, there may be a tendency to not
give it appropriate value for the study and application involved. Also, as
there are cheats in the general education system, there are those who would
seek to cheat in spirituality.
Even
those who do follow all the practices and injunctions, there can come periods
of stagnation; a spiritual plateau, if you will. Quite often this can be a sign
that the practitioner is getting caught up in the 'sideshows' of the journey;
even as we evolve, there are still thoughts and emotions and although more
subtle and perhaps of higher quality, they are still distractions.
There
must be a constant and consistent striving to detach the mind from all its
play. This takes a very dedicated personality. Shankaraacharya declares in
Jiivanmukti Viveka, 'annihilation of the mind
comes readily to one who is not excited easily ad who is a steady striver.'
Then
again, even those who succeed in detachment from mind and who are progressing
nicely, can sometimes become dispirited and dejected. For such a one the fall
from the heights is painful indeed. Our vaasanas, those time-bombs of the
personality, can explode even in the advanced stages - simply due to having
been most deeply buried and covered over, only revealing themselves due to the
very fact of greater advancement. It takes a significant strength and courage to
overcome these late-exploding moments.
Yes,
we must fund within ourselves a consistent enthusiasm to keep on keeping on.
Faith, born of Knowledge, supplies the enthusiasm, and this can only be found
when we get involved in our studies, participate in reflections and clarify our
understanding to the level of acceptance which transforms into faith. For those
who stumble and fail to catch the 'theme' of the teaching and also for those
who have difficulty retaining the information, it is recommended to attend
regular discussion groups and sit in satsang with those more advanced in the
learning. For those, though, who are able to apply themselves to the learning
and to retain it, being consistent and diligent in practice, the Divine shines
its blessings and help upon them. "The Lord helps those who help
themselves"!
Be
aware, that no matter how meticulous one is in consistency of practice, the
mind remains an ever-present devil! It is far too easy for the 'thought-monkey'
to awaken and frisk about again. Consistency goes a long way in this pursuit,
bit it also requires stamina, perseverance… indeed, almost a kind of heroism.
The human critter is very adept at finding 'explanations' (read excuses) for
why something is not working, but the genuine seeker will acknowledge it is
simply that there is more work to do. Then get on and do it.
'Be alert. Be vigilant. Avoid all
compromises. Be firm on the principles of self-control. Yield not to the mind's
charms. Keep cheerful. Turn the mind to the Higher. In devotion, cry out for
help from both Lord and teacher. Sing the Lord's glories. Repeat your mantra.
Redirect the mind and channel it to reach the thoughts Divine. Success is sure
for the sincere. Stop not till the goal is reached… remember to hasten - but
slowly.'
