Common to all forms of meditation is the aspiration for a seeker to experience and realise a higher state of consciousness. Meditation is not an intellectual exercise; during meditation we seek to go beyond the domain of the mind and experience the real self within us. When we experience real meditation we become aware of the inner peace and joy that are at the centre of our existence.
“When you meditate, what you actually do is to enter into a calm or still, silent mind.”
- Sri Chinmoy (1)
“Meditation means our conscious growth in the infinite. In meditation, the mind becomes calm and silent and we consciously allow ourselves to be nurtured and nourished by Infinity itself. Meditation is our conscious awareness of the Vast, and from this point of our meditation we grow into the Vastness itself.”
- Sri Chinmoy [3]
In order to experience this divine consciousness, Sri Chinmoy says the most important aspect of meditation is to quieten the mind and ultimately stop all thoughts. When we are thinking, even if they are positive and divine thoughts, we are limited by the domain of the mind. In the mind it is not possible to experience the expansion of consciousness which is the essence of meditation. To quieten the mind and stop thoughts, is often difficult for beginners . Sri Chinmoy suggests two things.
“In concentration we focus our attention on a particular subject or object and do not allow our mind to roam. Thought-waves must stop in concentration. We are like a bullet entering into something divine, or we are like a magnet: we are pulling the object of our concentration towards us. This is concentration.”
- Sri Chinmoy [3]
“The heart is the source…Inside the heart is the soul. The consciousness of the soul permeates the entire body, but the special dwelling place of the soul is inside the spiritual heart. So when we enter into the inmost recesses of the heart, from there we derive real soul's love.”
- Sri Chinmoy[4]
The spiritual heart is an energy centre or Chakra. It is located in the centre of the chest in close proximity to the physical heart. To enter into the consciousness of the spiritual heart we should feel our sense of awareness, and power of concentration is coming from the heart and nowhere else.
“You must direct your full, intense concentration on the heart. You must feel that you are not the mind. You have to feel that you are growing into the heart. You are only the heart and nothing else.”
- Sri Chinmoy [5]
With practise we will begin to feel a sensation in the heart centre, which will make it easier to focus here.
When we are able to concentrate on one object at a time we will be able to progress to meditation. The difference between concentration and meditation is that with concentration our focus is one very small thing, with mediation we identify ourselves with a vast infinite consciousness. To be able to enter into this meditative consciousness
Meditation is not an easy practise to master. We are used to using the mind so much that when we try to stop the mind is often uncooperative. However through repeated practise our meditation capacity will gradually improve. Sri Chinmoy says that we should view meditation as an important daily discipline. It is like learning to play the piano; if we wish to become good we need regular practise. We cannot just sit down and expect to play a concerto straightaway. It is the same with meditation; if we experience difficulties in the beginning we should not be disheartened but continue with a daily practise. Over time we will become better and more able to go beyond the obstructions of the mind and enter into a real meditative consciousness. Sri Chinmoy says the real secret is to nuture our inner cry; our inner cry is our aspiration and thirst for something more fulfilling and illumining.
“Successful meditation entirely depends on our inner cry. If we have intensity and sincerity in our cry, then we begin to make spiritual progress immediately. Otherwise it can take years and years.”
- Sri Chinmoy [6]
There are many different paths of meditation each offering an alternative approach. A seeker should seek to discover a path that feels the most productive. Sri Chinmoy suggests that that there are many complementary approaches all of which will lead the seeker to the same goal. However on discovering a certain approach it is best to stick to one method and not continually switch between different spiritual teachers and different methods. If we try to follow 2 or 3 paths at the same time it will just create confusion. It is better to find an approach then follow it with regular practise.
It is not easy to write about the experience of meditation, ultimately meditation is something that needs to be experienced by the individual seeker. However, Sri Chinmoy, like many other Spiritual Teachers have sought to inspire seekers through poetry and meditative music. Poetry and inspirational writings can definitely encourage seekers to practise meditation. It is also good for a beginner to associate with other people who are meditating. Also this will provide additional inspiration to meditate regularly.
Sri Chinmoy began to meditate at an early age when he was growing up in a spiritual community in South India. Since coming to the West he has taught meditation through lectures, writings and also through the silence of his own meditation.
More on Meditation
Meditation Video courtesy Sri Chinmoy TV.
Photo: Tejvan
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