Meditation - Search for the Divinity Within - How Do We Start? Part 02/03

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Meditation - Search for the Divinity Within - How Do

We Start? Part 02

 

If you have ever gazed with wonder at a star filled

night or marveled at the miracle of a wildflower, you

have already begun. Everyone is travelling the path to

God, but some are more aware of the journey than

others. Some of us drift on a lazy tide, while others

rocket toward the destination as if guided by a

compass.

 

Direction is an essential element. We must be guided by

one who already knows the way. If we strike out on our

own, we may also reach the goal, but the journey will

be more difficult. Many aspirants have tested the

directions of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and have recognized

the guideposts of joy and love along the way. By

carefully listening to the instructions of Sai Baba

and the indications of our heart, we can discern the

proper path for ourselves. The instruction is genuine,

but we must reflect within to understand how we can

practice the principles in our own lives. Beginning

meditation serves this purpose-to help us understand

and practice holy teachings.

 

One method, which Sri Sathya Sai Baba describes as the

most universal and effective, is the light meditation.

To practice this meditation, Swami recommends that the

aspirant set aside a few minutes every day, preferably

in the morning before the events of the day distract

the mind. A small lamp or candle can be used to help

the mediator visualize the light of love and truth.

This flame is pictured between the eyebrows as the

light of wisdom; from there it is brought down to the

heart and visualized as a lotus of love blooming petal

by petal. As the light grows, it purifies all the

senses and impulses, taking all into the light of

divine love. Over time, this meditation purifies the

individual's thoughts and actions, making him or her

fit for realization of divinity.

 

Meditation is naturally difficult at first. Most

people cater to the needs of the body first and

neglect the spirit. The process must be reversed so

that body serves the indweller. The mind must become

master of the senses. When the mind asserts control

over the senses, the process of self mastery begins.

 

" There are some who while meditating strike at the

mosquitos that pester them! No, immerse yourselves in

dhyanam (meditation) until you transcend all physical

and mental urges and impulses " Baba

 

Meditation requires us to explore within, a place not

too many are familiar with. Particularly in the West,

we are accustomed to seeking satisfaction outside of

ourselves. It is not so common for us to look within

for peace and happiness. However, with regular

practice, meditation becomes a joyful, even

indispensable part of each day. In the beginning, it

is important for us to create a regular habit of

meditation. A fixed time and place help us to dive

within more quickly. Patience and tenacity are

required to establish the habit.

 

" For meditation to be effective, there must be steady

practice with no hurry or worry. With steady practice,

the person will become quiet and the state of

meditation will naturally come about " Baba

 

Real meditation promotes the constant awareness that

all activity carries us closer to God. It is useless

for us to elevate our thoughts in meditation if in the

next moment we give way to pride or criticism. We must

maintain one pointed awareness and commitment to our

liberation. All of our activities should reflect our

appreciation of the omnipresent divinity.

 

" In real dhyana, you soon get over the consciousness

that you are doing dhyana. In fact, every moment in

life must be utilized for dhyana. That is the best way

to live. When you sweep your rooms clean, tell

yourselves that your hearts too have to be swept

likewise. When you cut vegetables, feel that lust and

greed too have to be cut into pieces. When you press

chapathis (flat indian bread) wider and wider, desire

in addition that your love make wider and wider

circles and expand even into regions of strangers and

foes " Baba

 

When constant meditation is practiced, there cannot be

only one posture or one prescribed method of

concentration. We can meditate while we walk while we

drive, or during our other quiet times. The inner

objective state is important, not the outer

circumstances. Our inner needs dictate the pace and

manner of practice.

 

Sitting in meditation, the question often comes up,

" How long should we sit? " There is no answer my dear

brothers and siters. There is no particular time.

Meditation is really an all day long process.

 

Continued... Meditation - Search for the Divinity Within - How Can We

Recognize Progress? Part 03