Understanding Meditation - Part 2

In our everyday lives, we experience three distinct states of consciousness: wakefulness, dreaming, and deep sleep. When we are awake, we engage in various activities using our senses, and our consciousness is fully alert and active. The dreaming state occurs when our mind is not completely at rest, allowing dreams to manifest. In contrast, during deep sleep, our mind is entirely at rest, and our level of consciousness drops to zero, which can be described as a state of unconsciousness where we are unaware of anything, and our mind is inactive. The mind is a unique aspect of humanity, subtle yet incredibly powerful. Consciousness can be defined as an alert cognitive state where we are aware of ourselves and our surroundings. This cognitive state results from our perceptions, learning, and reasoning, which collectively form our knowledge. Thus, consciousness can be understood as an alert mental state shaped by knowledge. It represents a universal energy with tremendous power that can transcend time. Life cannot exist without consciousness, making it a vital element of our existence. Meditation is a practice that focuses on adjusting our level of consciousness, which can only be enhanced through knowledge. In our daily lives, we typically operate at a mundane level of consciousness, but through meditation and knowledge, we can elevate this to higher levels. Meditation is fundamentally a mental process.

Meditation offers not just spiritual benefits but also enhances the work environment positively. It shifts one’s perspective on life, eliminating negative aspects, particularly the thoughts that lead to setbacks. This practice can turn a pessimistic individual into an optimist. Embracing optimism fosters positive attitudes and affirmations. When the mind is filled with uplifting thoughts, it naturally evolves into a source of positivity. As a negative mindset transforms into a positive one, the surrounding experiences also shift to reflect that change. Ultimately, it is the mind that determines our experience of joy or suffering based on our karmic influences. While we cannot escape the effects of our karma, a well-trained mind can remain unaffected by the ups and downs of life. When the mind learns to detach from constant sensory distractions, it indicates that it is gaining control. In meditation, achieving a thoughtless state is facilitated by concentrating on a single object. This focus is crucial in the early stages, as the mind requires something to anchor its attention; otherwise, it may wander. The initial step is to refine the object of meditation, as conceptualizing it helps deepen the connection as one advances in their practice.