Ramana the practice of meditation #2

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Q: How are lust and anger to be overcome?

M: By dhyana; by the holding onto a single thought and discarding

all other thoughts.

 

One obstacle to be overcome in meditation is laya (temporary

stillness). Hence the teacher who gave out the Bhagavad-Gita

said, 'Practice moderation in sleep.' Fakirs who tried to do without

sleep altogether went to unnecessary ascetic extremes. Excessive

sleep may be caused by over-eating or over exertion, so moderate

these things too. Deep sleep is not possible in daytime, as the

sun's rays have a peculiar effect that prevent it; so if you doze in

the daytime it is very easy to turn that into meditation, as it is

close to it.

With regard to sleep, the moment you wake up, be alert and

begin to think of God (Self). Stay alert throughout the day, i.e

practice the presence of God. The second obstacle to meditation is

the mind turning to external objects. When that is overcome, a

further obstacle is forgetting that one is there to practice

meditation. Then the forth obstacle arises; the mind working

internally.

If it is difficult to control the mind, use the breath, or have

satsang (association with the wise) when the mind will come under

control spontaneously. Such is the greatness of satsang.

 

Q: What path do you advise? We need your grace.

M: Be still, do not think, and know that I AM.

 

Q: Should I meditate with the eyes open of shut.

 

M: You can meditate with the eyes open or shut, whichever suits you

best. It differs with different people. Seeing is when the mind

looks through the eyes, but if it is not looking because it is

focused within, it does not see even if the eyes are open. It is the

same with sounds. if you pay attention to them, you will hear them,

but if you persistently focus only on the Self within, you wont'

hear them.

 

The point is that the mind must be introverted and kept active in

its pursuit. Sometimes when the eyes are closed, latent thoughts

rush forth with great vigor. it may also be difficult to introvert

the mind with eyes open, as that requires strength of mind. When the

mind takes in objects it is contaminated. The main factor is to

resist all other thoughts and keep the mind on it's own pursuit,

without taking in external impressions or thinking of other matters.

 

From Conscious Immortality.. recorded by Paul Brunton and Munagala

Venkataramiah