Knowing Meditation - Part 6

The beloved image mentioned earlier is referred to as ‘ishta devata’ in Sanskrit. To cultivate effective concentration, these forms are essential. For spiritual growth, one must nurture faith, dedication, and sincerity. Meditation serves as a means to connect with the Ishta Devata. True realization occurs only after establishing a strong connection with Him. Here, connection implies a state of deep and intimate receptivity of the mind, rather than mere communication. Such receptivity can only be achieved when the mind is free from other thoughts. To concentrate on a single object, the Ishta Devata is envisioned, contemplated, and visualized. A devoted meditator, through consistent practice, can encounter his Ishta Devata directly during the height of meditation. While there may not be theological or metaphysical explanations for this direct encounter, it undeniably occurs. This is attainable only through the highest state of consciousness. The mind, by its nature, struggles to differentiate between illusion and reality or perception and impression. Willpower serves as a powerful tool to guide the mind in distinguishing between these two. However, the challenge lies in how to harness willpower effectively. The mind is highly impressionable; it tends to align with whatever influences it the most, leading to a specific perception. If sensory influences dominate, the mind becomes attuned to sensory experiences. Conversely, when the mind is free from sensory distractions, it can access extra-sensory perceptions, often referred to as clairvoyance. This heightened perception is facilitated by knowledge, which can be gained through scriptures, reasoning, and personal experience.

Self-experiencing stands out as the most crucial element among the three. The other two serve merely as prerequisites for this experience. It's akin to learning about an animal through books and descriptions instead of having a personal encounter with it. Directly experiencing the animal provides a complete understanding that differs from our interpretations and reasoning. Similarly, grasping the concept of Brahman through scriptures and lectures is not the same as having a personal experience of Brahman. Such firsthand experience can only be achieved through meditation. To attain a thorough and direct experience, it is recommended to meditate on a specific form, like Ishta Devata, during the early stages of meditation. This direct experience unfolds as knowledge and reasoning develop over time. However, the duration is not as important as the quality of the time spent. Realization involves two key aspects related to the mind. First, it is essential to eliminate distracting thoughts. Second, the mind must concentrate on the meditation object. Without clearing away other thoughts, maintaining focus becomes challenging. The mind naturally tends to wander, often reflecting on various topics from the past, present, or future. It typically spends more time in memories or future possibilities than in the present moment. Meditating on a form is intended to help the mind let go of past and future concerns, allowing it to be fully present. A strong conviction in knowledge is fundamental to spirituality. Faith underpins intuitive reasoning, while abstract thought supports intellectual reasoning. The former is the focus of philosophy, while the latter pertains to science. Although spirituality can be explored through scientific means, science cannot fully capture the complexities of spirituality, as the latter engages with subtle matters, whereas science deals with the tangible. This occurs due to the interplay of knowledge and reasoning that shapes belief and ultimately leads to experience.

The same principle applies to spirituality. Meditation involves an effort to shift the restless mind into a focused state of spiritual awareness. The specific vision of a deity is less significant than the purification of our thoughts, which naturally occurs based on one’s level of consciousness. Unlike mantras, where a guru initiates a disciple, meditation is guided by the guru's instructions on technique. However, the true impact of meditation relies entirely on the individual's commitment, persistence, and practice. Without consistent effort, achieving spiritual growth is unattainable.

Yogic breathing, as mentioned in earlier discussions, should be practiced regularly. Patanjali emphasizes in Yoga Sutra I.14 that it requires "long constant efforts with great love and devotion for the end to be attained." This breathing technique should be combined with a proper sitting posture. It's crucial to find a comfortable and stable position, as you'll need to sit for an extended period. It's not necessary to sit with crossed legs. Once you settle into a meditation posture, it's important to remain still throughout the meditation process. Patanjali also states in II.46 that a posture should be both firm and enjoyable, or "sthirasukham asanam." Your spine should be straight, with your head slightly tilted back, allowing the kundalini energy to flow freely along the spine. In a deep meditative state, the kundalini will begin to rise naturally without any effort. The ascent of kundalini is greatly influenced by the purity of your thoughts. Focus your awareness on the area between your eyebrows, often referred to as the third eye or clairvoyant eye, visualizing your meditation object there. Once your concentration is established, the specifics of breathing and posture become less significant, and your breath will naturally slow down. In the initial stages of meditation, it's best to choose a quiet environment free from distractions, as noise can disrupt your focus. Sudden loud sounds may even trigger anxiety. Additionally, it's important to avoid being touched during meditation.