MEDITATION : Busting Concepts

MEDITATION : Busting Concepts

 

In the fall of 1971, at 18 years old, I was studying Economics at Sri Ram College of Commerce at Delhi University. A series of profound experiences led me to seek the meaning behind my existence, beginning my exploration into consciousness and spirituality.

I once believed spirituality and religion were synonymous. It wasn’t until reading ‘The Autobiography Of A Yogi’ by Paramhans Yoganand that I understood their distinct differences.

Religion and spirituality diverge in substantial ways. Religion consists of organized beliefs and practices shared by a community or group, while spirituality focuses on individual pursuits for inner peace and purpose. This peace often emerges from an enhanced comprehension of life, drawing insights from meditation.

The term ‘spirituality’ now encompasses various ideas and emotions, primarily linked to inner thoughts, religious beliefs, and worldviews that recognize more than meets the senses. This perspective acknowledges a deeper meaning within the universe’s mechanics, human consciousness beyond brain impulses, and existence beyond the physical body.

The most accurate depiction of ‘spirituality’ stems from its etymological roots. It shares a connection with Vedic (Sanskrit) and Buddhist definitions by originating from the Latin word for “breath” (Prana in Sanskrit), symbolizing the life-giving essence, spirit.

My quest for the profound truths about existence and the cosmos drove me to seek answers to age-old questions that have intrigued humankind for millennia. These eternal inquiries also called the soul questions, delve deep into the core of our being, prompting us to ponder our identity, purpose, and the essence of life. Traditional religions failed to provide definitive solutions to these conundrums.

In an attempt to uncover the answers to these timeless questions, I sought inspiration from individuals who embarked on similar journeys. It soon became clear that mastering meditation was a crucial step in gaining access to these elusive truths, as they resided within my own consciousness rather than in external sources.

As a devotee of science, empirical research, and validation were familiar concepts where ‘knowing’ is a sensory activity and experience. I naively believed that scientific discovery would eventually reveal the answers to even these most persistent mysteries. However, spirituality challenged this presumption and instructed me to look inward instead. Accepting this notion necessitated learning the art of meditation, marking the first shift in my understanding and shattering a long-held belief.

Ancient Indian scriptures, the Vedas, dating back to 1500 BCE, contain the earliest meditation texts. The Upanishads, significant Vedic texts composed between 800 and 400 BCE, elucidate the concept of self, and universe, and the merging of individual consciousness with the universal awareness for spiritual enlightenment. Meditation plays a vital role in this process.

Buddhism has an extensive meditation history as well; the Pali Canon, penned in the first century BCE, provides comprehensive guidelines for various meditation methods such as mindfulness and loving-kindness.

In essence, ancient Indian and Buddhist scriptures highlight meditation’s significance in attaining spiritual enlightenment and inner tranquility. Meditation is a mental exercise focusing on specific objects or thoughts to achieve mental clarity and emotional stability, resulting in the integration of personal and universal consciousness. The term has expanded its reach into secular realms for stress relief and enhancing mental and physical well-being.

The Ashtanga yoga {Eight Fold Path} founder, Sage Patanjali penned the Yoga Sutras around 500 BC. This ancient Sanskrit text comprises 196 brief statements called sutras, each guiding individuals towards achieving yoga—a harmonious connection between personal and universal consciousness. The Ashtanga Yoga system outlines eight essential steps:

1. Yama – behavioral ethics and restraints
2. Niyama – discipline and observances
3. Āsana – steady and comfortable physical postures
4. Prāṇāyāma – breath control
5. Pratyahara – sensory withdrawal
6. Gyana – knowledge of meditational  techniques
7. Dhyāna – concentration
8. Samādhi – total absorption

Originating from Vedic and Buddhist traditions, ‘Samadhi’ represents a meditative state characterized by deep focus, mental stillness, and enhanced awareness, where a person experiences unity with their inner self and feels an interconnectedness with the cosmos. The ‘samadhi’ experience greatly varies among individuals and traditions—some perceive it as blissful ecstasy, while others view it as profound wisdom.

‘Samadhi’ is a highly sophisticated state of consciousness that requires years of meditation practice and spiritual discipline for attainment. Many consider it the ultimate meditation goal—a gateway to elevated consciousness and spiritual awakening.

Within Semitic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, meditation or contemplation is present in their sacred texts and customs. In Judaism, Hitbodedut is a form of reflective prayer that encourages silent meditation and pondering the Torah’s teachings. The Psalms are also seen as meditative passages expressing praise, gratitude, and a desire for God.

Christianity offers various meditation practices, including Lectio Divina which focuses on scripture analysis, and centering prayer where a repeated word or phrase helps quiet the mind and concentrate on God. Renowned Christian mystics like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila also provide insights into contemplative prayer.

In Islam, Sufism accentuates the significance of meditation and contemplation for attaining a direct connection with God. Sufi rituals involve reciting particular phrases or mantras called dhikr, and silent meditation known as muraqaba.
Although meditation’s role may differ across religions, Semitic faiths do contain references to contemplative acts in their sacred texts and practices. In these contexts, “meditation” often conveys introspection rather than its Vedic or Buddhist interpretation – an endeavor to unite individual awareness with universal consciousness.Thus making meditation and contemplation synonymous. 

One of the latest religions in the world without a doubt is Sikhism and the spiritual tradition of Sikhism offers a wealth of depth and intricacy to explore. Rooted as it is in the Vedic tradition it minces no words in distinguishing between contemplation and meditation.

Meditation holds great importance in Sikhism, serving as a crucial component of spiritual growth and establishing a connection with the divine. The fundamental aspects of Sikh meditation include:  Breath Awareness: Sikh meditative practices often involve directing attention to the breath, aiming to quiet the mind and enhance one’s spiritual encounter. By focusing on the natural rhythm of their breath, Sikhs strive to develop mindfulness and inner tranquility.  Divine Connection: The ultimate objective of meditation in Sikhism is to establish a profound bond with the divine. Through regular meditation, Sikhs aspire to achieve a sense of unity with God, transcending the limitations of the ego and recognizing their authentic spiritual essence. 

The word “meditate” traces its roots to the Latin term ‘meditatum’, which means “to ponder.” Monk Guigo II coined this expression in the 12th century AD. This etymology led to some confusion regarding the term’s meaning until recently.

Let’s explore the sixth stage of Patanjali’s Eight-Fold Path of Yoga, known as ‘Gyana,’ a term denoting knowledge. In this phase, a master imparts essential wisdom to the student, instructing the student on where and how to focus their attention. Following this is the seventh stage, called ‘Dhyana,’ which means attention. Here, the student practices the teachings received from the master. What is now commonly referred to as meditation stems from this act of concentrating one’s attention. As there is no precise English equivalent for Dhyana, the term ‘meditate’ has replaced its original meaning of musing or reflecting on a subject.

It has become evident that while contemplation involves deep thought and consideration, meditation trains the mind to maintain focus in a specific manner, ultimately connecting to universal consciousness – the very core of consciousness. Recognizing this distinction allows for greater clarity in our spiritual journey and emphasizes that meditation is irreplaceable in its benefits.

Meditation’s ancient knowledge gained popularity in the Western world during the 18th century. The publication of “The Tibetan Book of the Dead” in 1927 captivated Western audiences and piqued interest in meditative practices. This was followed by exposure to the Vipassana movement or insight meditation from Burma in the 1950s. With “The Dharma Bums” published in 1958, interest in meditation further increased. In 1979, the United States established the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, incorporating meditative techniques into treatment plans for chronic disease patients.

Since then, various disciplines of study in human behavior and well-being have adopted various techniques of meditation to study its effects on the human mind, brain, and body. From psychology to neuroscience of spirituality, neurobiology of spirituality, and neurotheology to name a few, have redefined meditation while keeping the essence in place, to suit the objectives of their research. This has helped in shattering the myth that meditation is some kind of esoteric supernatural belief and practice. These studies have made many people aware that the knowledge and practice of meditation are secular and transcend all limitations of ethnicity and religious affiliations.

 

Author:- Ranjan “Jim” Chadha – a peripatetic mind, forever wandering the digital universe, in search & appreciation of peace, freedom, and happiness. So tune in, and turn on, but don’t drop out just yet!