Meditation

Sri Siddharameshwar Maharaj

One may read various scriptures and puranas (mythological books), but all of this is useless without Self-Knowledge. In this world, there is really only one path of Liberation. One must study the Self (Atman), and understand that all of the five elements are only one, and that the Supreme Self, Paramatman, is all-pervading. One must gain this experiential understanding.

In the beginning meditation should be on the mantra that has been been given by the Guru. New aspirants may see different colors such as yellow, white and blue. This is okay in the beginning, but no particular significance should be given to any of these appearances. Meditation should be done in the morning and in the evening with a peaceful mind. After getting up in the morning and having completed the morning toilet etc., you should take some time to meditate to quiet the mind. The seat where you sit for meditation should be special. If possible, it should not be the same place that is used for your usual sitting or sleeping. It's best that this place should only be used for the practise of meditation. You can sit in the dark at night or in the light during the day and your posture should be natural and comfortable. You should be relaxed, and there should not be any tension in the muscles. You should not do such things as to hold the breath etc. An easy comfortable lotus position is the best. Those who have gained a better understanding should regularly concentrate the mind on the Self, and peacefully dwell on the real nature of the Essential Brahman that you are. Try to naturally enter samadhi, the selfless Self.

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That state in which the Chitta (mind stuff), with its movements restrained by the practice of Yoga, finds rest; in which is experienced the joy of the Spirit born of higher mind intuiting the Spirit, in which the Yogin experiences that endless bliss which is beyond the ken of the senses but is intuited by the purified intellect; wherein established, one does not waver from the Truth; Having obtained which no other gain is considered as greater; remaining in which one is not shaken by the heaviest of afflictions; Know that severance of connection with pain as what is designated as Yoga. It has to be practised tirelessly with determination. - Srimad Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6, Dhyana Yoga)