Hari
Om
Monday is AUM-day; in search of meditation.
The text being referenced for the next few weeks is "The Art Of Contemplation". Obtaining the booklet for yourself would be a good move. Use it as
your prompt, your guide - even as a note book; don't fear to scribble points
for yourself within the pages! The exercises might be looked at separately; but
there is a 'step-ways' progression, so best to begin at the beginning!
 |
| Morning prayers, Jagadeeshwara Mandir Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, CM. Powai Mumbai |
Recapping,
last two weeks we have explored the importance of balancing both knowledge and
devotion (jnaana and bhakti) for a the fullest spiritual expression. There will
always be a pull for one or the other as a preference, but we must also
overcome preference as it can have us fall into habit, creating comfort zones,
even building barriers and perhaps arrogance. Knowledge is the essential
component of moving to the Higher Element, but it is nothing if not given
purpose through devotion. Dry knowledge may provide inner peace, but will lack
joy. Pure devotion is joy devoid of peace. Both must work together to reach the
Unity.
Important
to note that jnaana and bhakti are sequential; they cannot be practised at one
and the same time. Devotion will require action of some description and the
engagement of thought for that, whereas Knowledge (Contemplation) requires the
opposite. The devotional aspect in contemplation is the use of mala, the
chanting of mantra. These must be left behind, however, to move into meditation
to contemplate fully on the Self.
EXERCISE
6.
Those
who are newer to this kind of spiritual practice, must pay heed to the process.
The steps of saadhana have been laid down over millennia by many, many who have
travelled the path before us. Just as with any study we undertake on any
subject, there is an essential 'baby steps' component, then a 'learn to walk'
component, followed by a 'toddle' component… and so on. Success only comes with
regular and determined practice. Eating once a week is not sufficient
nourishment for the body. A Sunday sit-down at the piano, will not a maestro
make. Little and often and with regularity of time and place is the key.
Do
your meditation before going out to work or starting the chores. This may
entail getting up half an hour earlier than you have till now. What will start
to happen, for the serious student, it that naturally there will be an earlier
bedtime to compensate. The self-discipline becomes self-managing in a
surprisingly short time. We remember the 'early to rise and early to bed' adage
and begin to see and feel the wisdom of it. As has been said, the mind can get
bruised and agitated throughout daily life, but as much as anything this comes
back to ourselves and how we manage (or don't) the situations presented to us.
In holding onto ego and brushing our vanity, even the most innocent of things
can seem like an imposition and attack upon our little selves.
In the seat of meditation, forgiveness of all those
perceived offences is imperative; equally so is the recognition of one's own
part in them. Forgive others, then beg forgiveness in return. Allow mental
prostration to take place, before others, before your chosen Lord and before
the Higher Element you have yet to see. Find the deep devotion and Love within
you as you allow all the pain to dissolve.
This
is how the spiritual student, the saadhaka, brings about the transformation of
the inner being at al levels, physical, mental and intellectual. If you are not ready for change within yourself, your
time is wasted in attempting the spiritual path. There must be commitment to
that change within. Regularity, sincerity, Love, forgiveness. Cultivate
these with a passion and Bliss will be yours.
