yoga - #5

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Question: Meditation is with mind. How can it kill the mind in order to reveal the Self?

Sri Ramana Maharshi: Meditation is sticking to one thought. That single thought keeps away other thoughts. Distraction of mind is a sign of its weakness. By constant meditation it gains strength, that is to say, the weakness of fugitive thought gives place to the enduring background free from thought. This expanse devoid of thought is the Self. Mind in purity is the Self.

Question: What is Dhyana (meditation)?

Sri Ramana Maharshi: It is abiding as one’s Self without swerving in any way from one’s real nature and without feeling that one is meditating.

Question: What is the difference between Dyana and Samadhi?

Sri Ramana Maharshi: Dyana is achieved through deliberate mental effort. In Samadhi there is no such effort.

Question: What are the factors to be kept in view in Dhyana

Sri Ramana Maharshi: It is important for one who is established in his Self (atmanishtha) to see that he does not swerve in the least from this absorption. By swerving from his true nature he may see before him bright effulgences, or hear unusual sounds, or regard as real the visions of gods appearing within or outside himself. He should not be deceived by these and forget himself.

Question: How is meditation to be practised?

Sri Ramana Maharshi: Meditation is, truly speaking, atmanishtha (to be fixed as the Self). But when thoughts cross the mind and an effort is made to eliminate them the effort is usually termed meditation. Atmanishtha is your real nature. Remain as you are. That is the aim.

Question: But thoughts come up. Is our effort meant to eliminate thoughts only?

Sri Ramana Maharshi: Yes. Meditation being on a single thought, the other thoughts are kept away. Meditation is only negative in effect in as much as thoughts are kept away.