This chapter is the English translation of Gujarati Book Title - Sadhak and Sathi Author - Shri Atmanandji (Dr. Soneji) CHAPTER: 25 MEDITATION (DHYANA) BACKGROUND: The ordinary meaning of the word "Meditation" (Dhyana), is concentration of the mind. All people constantly ponder over some subject, individual or substance. The mind of every individual continues to shift in thoughts from one to the other and then to another object. Hence, the state of the human mind, pondering over worldly objects and things is known as ill-meditation (bad concentration). All such meditations that hinder the spiritual progress (Sadhana) of the self are to be given up. Let us enumerate here, the main types of bad concentration and then proceed to understand meditation that leads to right religion (Dharma). TYPES OF BAD-CONCENTRATION OR ILL-MEDITATION: 1. Contemplation caused by loss of desired object or an individual. 2. Contemplation caused by association with an undesired object or individual. 3. Contemplation on the suffering caused by diseases and other infirmities of the body. 4. Getting engrossed in the acquisition of happiness and pleasure in this or the higher world through religious deeds. 5. Experiencing happiness through feelings of violence. 6. Experiencing happiness through theft or lies. 7. Concentrating on the preservation of material goods for the enjoyment of worldly objects. MEDITATION IN SPIRITUAL LIFE: The belief and feeling of "mineness" in the objects of the world arises from ignorance. Even the feelings of passion, anger, greed, delusion, pride and jealousy can be considered as offspring of ignorance. The types of meditation, which subdue these feelings and also lead to purity and steadiness of mind, are all useful and therefore beneficial to the aspirant (Sadhaka). PREREQUISITES FOR MEDITATION: 1. Clear and comprehensive knowledge of the meditator, meditation and the ultimate goal: The Sadhaka, who meditates, is the meditator. He therefore requires multifaceted knowledge of his own self. He can acquire this varied and all-embracing knowledge through association with noble sages and proper study of authentic scriptures. The process by which meditator wishes to achieve his goal of meditation and then remains engrossed in it is called "experiment of meditation." So the goal of Sadhaka is to achieve meditation as best as he can. He concentrates for this goal in a variety of ways in accordance with his state of Sadhana, say in the form of a noble teacher (Guru-Dhyana), the supreme Atma (Prabhu-Dhyana), the flame of Soul (Atma-jyoti-Dhyana), or some other pure object. He must acquire thorough knowledge of his goal (Dhyeya) on which he concentrates his mind. In the absence of thorough knowledge of this, his concentration will fail, his mind will start wavering. 2. DAILY ROUTINE: Being awfully busy in worldly pursuits during the day and then steadying the mind (meditation) all of a sudden, is almost impossible. Whatever may be the pursuits of the day, such as financial, social, pleasure-seeking, job, and so on should all be such that they do not grossly blot the purity of the mind. Just as a very dirty body can be cleaned only with a prolonged process of bathing, same with the mind, if it is grossly blotted and blemished with impurity, it also can be purified and concentrated only with great efforts. The less the dirt on the mind, the easier it will be to purify and steady it. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MEDITATOR One who can discriminate properly between Soul and Matter (Atma and Anatma), is a real discriminator. An ascetic is a person who has cultivated a sense of detachment, with reference to the body, the world and sensual pleasures. He, whose internal desire is only for emancipation is a real aspirant. In spite of all difficulties, with patience and forbearance, he continues to be engrossed in meditation. Once he achieves it, he becomes more friendly, merciful, and generous. All these qualifications enhance the capacity for true meditation. Supreme meditation is possible for those people who adopt the great vows such as non-violence and accomplish good control of the senses and mind. SADHANA OF MEDITATION It would always be beneficial to resort to meditation in a sacred peaceful place, away from bustle. Regularity in food and observance of celibacy will assist the steadiness of mind and body. Such an aspirant (Sadhaka) will acquire greater concentration in his meditation and will not be lazy. Thus, a Sadhaka is expected to control food and sleep. Once that the Sadhaka comes to know the pure form of the Soul (Atma), from an enlightened preceptor, he can, with full success, practice different types of meditation. The details of these different types of meditation can be fully reviewed in the great scriptures of ancient sages. Here we give only a very brief and practical survey of the subject. The mental picture of the enlightened preceptor should be installed in the middle of the eye-brows, or in the heart. The thought process should then be repeatedly fixed on that pure, detached, and equanimous image (Mudra). One should next install the image of God the supreme in his quiet, blissful, and self-poised form in the heart and merge all inclinations of the mind in him. Sadhakas in their advanced stage can practice meditation on Atma-jyoti (Soul is just like a flame of a candle). If they envisage that the illumination from that divine light is disseminating and filling their entire being, they may experience a special sublime happiness. One can also practice any of the following types of meditation following the instructions of an enlightened preceptor and in accordance with one's own capacity and circumstances. 1. Meditation on the letters of the different Mantras. 2. Meditation principally related to various Yogic sounds (Nada). 3. Meditation principally related to the breathing process (Swas-Anupreksha). Actually, the type of meditation is not all that important. What is more important is the acquisition of the purity and concentration of mind in moments of meditation. The practice of meditation is long-drawn process indeed. THE FRUITS OF MEDITATION (DHYANA) Meditation is the best form of religious austerity. The true meditator feels true happiness and peace of mind. He conquers ill feelings and becomes free from mundane or mere rituals (Karmakandhan), and achieves the state of Samadhi. Every Sadhaka should try to meditate regularly at least for a short period. What keeps to achieve this is company with enlightened preceptor, reading good scriptures, and good conduct. GLORY OF MEDITATION 1. All emotions can be ousted by the feeling of taking recourse in Soul. Meditation on Soul, may therefore, be regarded as a panacea for all spiritual shortcomings. 2. Activity is meant for purity of the mind and not for realization of the self. Realization of the self is possible only by pondering over the Soul, and not through countless activities. The Sadhaka, who desires to realize the self, should therefore, take recourse with compassionate enlightened preceptor who has realized the self and should under his guidance, ponder over and meditate on the Soul (Atma). 3. The supreme liberation that eliminates birth, age, decay, and death cannot be attained by the Sadhaka, till he experiences the Supreme Reality, through well-guided contemplation of fundamentals (Tattvas). 4. There is no longer happiness or austerity than meditation on the self. There is no better path of liberation than it. 5. When the Sadhaka experiences the Supreme Reality through meditation, all knots of illusion around the heart are destroyed completely, all doubts are set at rest, and all feelings of pleasure and pains (Karmas) cease. 6. Only the destruction of Karmas leads to liberation, only right knowledge makes liberation possible, and only right meditation leads to right knowledge. Meditation is therefore immensely beneficial to Atma. 7. Gentleness of the mind and senses, healthiness, a compassionate outlook of life, fragrance of the body, minimization of excretions, a lustrous appearance, purity and delight of the mind and sublime gentle speech - these are the usual traits of a person, who reposes in advanced meditation. 8. Having assimilated the preaching of the true preceptor, one who attains real meditation through tranquility of mind can verily acquire the whole series of praiseworthy things such as knowledge, wealth, health, longevity, contentment, supreme worship and emancipation.