Permanent peace through meditation

In his quest for happiness, man often chases worldly objects. Though he is placed in a comfortable position, seeing others slightly more prosperous, he thinks: "Why not I also get some more money? If I achieve what I want, I will be glad". Everyone of us has some problem and a few desires. We are not content with what we have. If our desires are not fulfilled, we get frustrated, and this leads to suffering.

Real suffering is due to the separation of a devotee from God or of the individual soul from the Supreme soul. The way to experience God is to train our mind see Him within. At times, we may derive joy on such occasions like the moon arising in its full shape or while the Sun sets. But it will last a short while. To enjoy peace permanently, we have to train the mind, though it will keep eluding us. Sages found the way out and have left the legacy in the form of meditation, which is but liberation from the clutches of the lower senses and the mind.

By practising meditation, we can focus our thoughts from external objects to the Self within and thus get rid of the trammels of the mind. The tension we may feel will go, When we sit with closed eyes in a silent place and lock the power within, dropping thoughts about our personal gains. Meditation will then gradually result in setting aside a regular time for the specific purpose of discovering the well of wisdom that lies within. When the mind becomes quiet and we experience peace, we will have reached the abode of the Self. The Divine energy within has been awakened.

Swami Madhavananda (Siddha yoga), in a lecture, explained the method of practising meditation. There should be initiation by a spiritual leader who will guide us and teach the technique after prescribing a 'mantra' which has to be chanted. The power or energy is available to everyone and it has only to be tapped. Repitition of the 'mantra' will lead to pure thought. Those who meditatecan turn out more work in less time because after intense and constant practice, they would have attained infinite peace. Initiation into a 'mantra' is the spark that ignites the dormant spiritual energy in every human heart. The grace of the Guru will have to be obtained.
                                                                          November 27, 1992

Devotion is not business proposition

The dominating theme in all holy books is cultivation of devotion. These books spell out the details of generating it through different methods. At the same time, they also indicate that devotion is not a business proposition, telling God that we must be given plenty in return. What is necessary in approaching God is that the body, the soul and all that we enjoy are His gifts and hence be used for His service. Devotion is indeed a birthright.

The Bhagavatham says that devotion should be characterised by a constant remembrance of God coupled with deep faith in His dispensation. The outstanding example was that of a child called Prahlada who remained undaunted even when tortured as he had total confidence in God's mercy. Devotion cannot coexist with desire of any kind. As Kapila, God enumerates the qualities of a devotee and the same have been presented in an epitomised form in the Narayaneeyam.

In a discourse, Sri R. Kothandaraman expatiating on the glory of devotion mentioned the characteristics of a devotee listed in Sivanandalahari. He should be like the seed of the rate tree (Ankola) which when bursting out of the fruit, automatically attaches itself to the root. A devotee should retain God's form in his mind all through. A devotee, like a piece of iron which clings to a magnet, should never get himself separated from God. Even as a woman of chastity attends on her husband, irrespective of his idiosyncracies, whether he praises or scolds, her affection should remain the same. The next example given about the true nature of a devotee is of that of a creeper trying to climb to a nearby pole for support. His anxiety to hold on to God's feet should be like that of the water grushing out of a reservoir when the sluices are opened.

Devotion can be cultivated by listening to the exposition of God's pastimes and His episodes which describe how He rescued those who have taken refuge in Him, by visiting temples and by chanting aloud with Divine-intoxication, discarding shyness. God makes His presence felt where He is remembered and adored. The unfathomable love shown by the cowherd maiden towards the Divine personality - Krishna - is always cited as the acme of devotion. Thismade Uddhava, sent to the village to fetch Krishna to the city, feel that he should be born as a shrub in the village where Krishna lived.
                                                                          December 7, 1992

Meditation will help man find God

There is a great need for understanding the difference between "meditation" and "worship". Meditation implies concentration on the virtues of the Almighty, while worship (Pooja) signifies "offering". Many say public festivities are always crowded and marked by loud chanting and singing, ringing of bells and beating of drums. At times even a glimpse of the deity is impossible. "Will it not be more fruitful to meditate in a calm and serene atmosphere". some argue.

True offering constitutes constantly remembering that what one possesses and what one may desire to have are both privileges bestowed by God. He alone has the power to give. To think that one is presenting to the Lord what He does not possess is not an act of offering. Can anyone point out even a small article in this universe which does not belong to Him? One who gives most, also receives most.

Man is a social being. For fulfilment of his desires, he should put in collective offering" to God by way of public festivities. Even kings took active part in the religious gatherings without rejecting them as "noisy" affairs. People involve themselves when an offering is made collectively so that the fruits may be shared by all. On the other hand, if a man performs various rites all alone, the fruits thereof will go only to Him.

The mind is fickle and also loses concentration even while perceiving physical objects. Hence an idol or a mantra will serve the purpose of prayer. If such aids are discarded, those who wish to meditate may be left with nothing to focus their attention on, said Sri Ganapathi Satchidananda Swami in a message.

In the present era (Kali-yuga), men are being troubled by evil forces and there is no belief in ancient spiritual values. The easy method to get over all problems is to seek God by chanting His names with faith. Saints have prescribed this solution, of using the Divine names and meditating on the gloriosu forms of God. The human body is a temple and God is seated within. Meditation helps to locate Him. If the mind is kept engaged by chanting mantras, bad thoughts cannot enter and even those which had stealthily crept in, will be thrown out. "Meditate and offer worship, God will give necessary guidance".
                                                                          February 20, 1993

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