"The very first step in understanding what this is all about is giving up the concept of an active, volitional 'I' as a separate entity and accepting the passive role of perceiving and functioning as a process." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Moderation Needed

Sri Ramana Maharshi

What is dhyana (meditation)?

It is abiding as one's Self without swerving in any way from one's real nature and without feeling that one is meditating. As one is not in the least conscious of the different states (waking, dreaming etc.) in this condition, the sleep (noticeable) here is also regarded as dhyana.

What is the difference between dhyana and samadhi?

Dhyana is achieved through deliberate mental effort; in samadhi there is no such effort.

What are the factors to be kept in view in dhyana?

It is important for one who is established in his self (atma nishta) 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 sounds or regard as real the visions of gods appearing within or outside himself. He should not be deceived by these and forget himself.

What are the rules of conduct which an aspirant should follow?

Moderation in food, moderation in sleep and moderation in speech.

How long should one practice?

Until the mind attains effortlessly its natural state of freedom from concepts, that is till the sense of 'I' and 'mine' exists no longer.

What is the meaning of dwelling in solitude (ekanta vasa)?

As the Self is all-pervasive it has no particular place for solitude. The state of being free from mental concepts is called 'dwelling in solitude'.

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सर्वभूताधिवासं यद्भूतेषु च वसत्यपि।
सर्वानुग्राहकत्वेन तद्स्म्यहं वासुदेवः॥

That in whom reside all beings and who resides in all beings,
who is the giver of grace to all, the Supreme Soul of the universe, the limitless being:
I AM THAT. -- Amritabindu Upanishad