Meditation: India's Spiritual Gift to the World: 2015

Meditation: India's Spiritual Gift to the World

Introduction

The human history has been running through the path of development since its beginning. Mankind with its unique intellectual power has explored new things. All man's tools dwellings & weapons, all the means of his comfort & discomfort have arisen from his will and knowledge which produce actions. This path of life contains errors & corrections. Among many of primary errors, there is one error which is yet to be corrected. Man looks development through environmental context. He generally never takes any efforts to look inside his self. However, there have been some minds of finer that have looked at themselves & made the discovery of the true self.

Great Rishis from Ancient India had a spiritual centre to their daily beings from which they derived the tranquil light that helped them to shape the vision of a different humanity.

Meditation

One may look for things with the help of light but where is the light with which one may search for the inner light? Which is the eye wherewith one may see the eye itself?

The state of consciousness in which I knows I is called Meditation.

There are different theories in accordance with the word ‘Meditation’. According to some scholars the word Meditation derives from Latin verb ‘meditari’ which means to think to research. There are also some researchers who opine that it has derived from Sanskrit word ‘medha’ meaning sagacity or the source of knowledge.

Ordinarily, all living creatures remain aware of only three states of mind: waking, dreaming & sleeping. With the help of Meditation, one can attain fourth state which is called ' Turiya '. Meditation is an inward way of fathoming all the levels of consciousness, from where consciousness flows on various degrees & grades. Meditation is the tradition of the ancient sages of the Vedic Period which does not oppose modern sciences.

The 6^th chapter from Hindu sacred text, Bhagwat Gita, has references of meditation where lord Krushna tells Arjun the techniques & benefits of Meditation.

“Yatroparamate chittam niruddham yogsevaya

Yatra chaivatmanatmanam pashyannatmani tushyati”

Sukhamatyantikam yat tad buddhigrahyamatindriyam

Vetti yatra na chaivayam sthitashchalati tattvatah

Bhagwat Gita (6.20 & 21)

With help of “Dhyanyoga”, mind of the “Sadhaka” attains the trait of self denial i.e. asceticism,here he starts experiencing nonduality and self realization.

At this stage of meditation yogi acquires the “Aatmasukha”which is eternal rejoice & divine bliss.

History

The origin of meditation can be traced to 5000 years back in Vedic Civilization. Archaeological Surveys reveal that the seals & figures in a meditation posture of yoga in the Indus Valley Civilization dates back to 3000 B.C. Archaeological surveys & evidents prove that the meditation has its origin in the Valley of Indian Subcontinent & has influenced Hindu Religion. Statue of several deities in Hindu Religion can be found in meditation posture or Mudras. The well known example would be images of Lord Shiva. In ancient period, around 500 B.C. Lord Buddha was the greatest advocate of meditation. Buddha is regarded as the icon of Meditation. He took the path of meditation in attaining enlightenment & which he attained successfully.

The references of meditation are found in Hindu Scriptures mainly from India, China & Japan. In the sacred texts of Hindu Religion the scholars have found the references of Meditation. The earliest references are found in Rig Veda. Patanjali, an ancient Indian sage explained the “Samkhya” philosophy where he has preached Yoga Sutra, techniques & benefits of Yoga. The ancient literature texts of Hindus, Mahabharata, Bhagwat Gita and Upnishadas have references about meditation.

Patanjali, Shankarachrya, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Shri Sharada Devi, Swami Vivekananda have enriched & spread the Indian Meditation across the globe.

Samkhya Philosophy says,

“Through intensity of Meditation there come to the 'Purush', all the powers of Nature."

Upnishadas:

“Whoever among men attains greatness here on earth seems to have attained a share

of Meditation. Thus, while small people are quarrelsome & abusive, great men appear

to have obtained a share of Meditation."

According to the philosophies of “Vedanta” & “Yoga” is something more than concentration. We get to know about the mechanism of meditation those times through the literary work. The mechanism by which “Self Realization " occurred was a closely kept secret that was handed down from a Guru to his disciple after long penances, discipline & purification.

The techniques and knowledge of the meditation was in Sanskrit till 12th century and apparently Saint Poet Dnyaneshwar took the permission from his Guru to translate those sacred texts into vernacular language, Prakrut Marathi. In that way the tradition of mysticism and meditation began within the populace India.

In around 1960s, the art of meditation had been introduced to western world by Indian Advocates. Western countries have accepted the importance of India originated Meditation for self realization, reducing stress, anxiety, anger & to enhance positive thinking.

Types of Meditation

Vipassana

Among the various types of Meditation in the world today, the Vipassana method taught by S.N.Goenka is unique. This technique is a simple, logical way to achieve real peace of mind & to lead a happy, useful life. Long preserved in Burma, Vipassana itself contains nothing of a sectarian nature & can be accepted & applied by people of any background. It is becoming popular as Mindfulness in the western world.

Vipassana meditation has its origin in India. Vipassana means “insight” in the ancient Pali language in India. It is the essence of the teaching of the Buddha. It is the actual experience of the truths he spoke. Vipassana is the technique extraordinary in its simplicity, its lack of all dogma & above all in the result it offers.

Although Vipassana Meditation comes from India, it was preserved in countries like Burma & Myanmar. S.N. Goenka learnt this technique from Sayagyi U ba Khin. In 1969, he became authorized teacher of Vipassana. In the same year, came to India & started teaching Vipassana here, reintroducing this technique into the land of its origin.

Vipassana Meditation is taught in courses of ten days, open to anyone who wishes to learn the technique & who is fit to do so physically and mentally. During these ten days, participants remain within the area of the course site having no contact with the outside world. For the entire period of the course they follow a basic code of morality which includes celibacy & absentention from all intoxicants. They also maintain silence among themselves although they are free to discuss meditation problems with the teacher & material problem with management. During the first three days participants practice an exercise of mental concentration. Further steps within the practice are introduced each day, so that by the end of the course, the entire technique has been presented in outline.

Certainly, the technique agrees with the instructions of Buddha on meditation, with the simplest, most literal meaning of his words. Most importantly, it provides results that are good, personal, tangible & immediate.

Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental meditation is the type of meditation which became popular in later half of 20th century. It has its origins in India. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique & Transcendental Movement in India in 1950s. It is the Mantra meditation. During 1955 to 1965, Maharishi spread technique of Transcendental Meditation through the series of world tour. Transcendental Meditation became more popular in 1960s & 1970s. By the end of the 20th century, Transcendental Meditation had been taught to millions of people & the worldwide Transcendental Meditation organization had grown to include education programs, health products & related services. Transcendental Meditations the pure technique of transcendental- setting to the simplest most powerful state of awareness- untainted by any mind control or thought process.

Transcendental Meditation technique has been described as both religious and non-religious, as an aspect of a new religious movement as rooted in Hinduism & as non-religious practice of self development. Transcendental Meditation is taught by the certified teachers of Transcendental Meditation Organization.

Here’s the basic technique of Transcendental Meditation.

Transcendental Meditation is done generally in the quiet room where person can live alone for at least 25-30 minutes. If it is a night, lights are to be put dim and candle burning. A person sits comfortably on chair or lie down on the bed with hand at his sides, in completely relaxed position. As we have already discussed, Transcendental Meditation is Mantra Meditation, the person meditating breaths deeply and repeats the Mantra, Ohm Mane Padme Ohm… The mantra has come from Tibet. After repeating it for several times, you will attain “Alpha State” where you will feel as there are no problems in the world.

Transcendental Meditation gives a sense of deep peace & tranquility. Your muscles & nerves become completely relaxed & under perfect control.

In the book “The Miracle Power of Transcendental Meditation”, Norvell has described the technique & the power of Transcendental Meditation with including experiences of common people.

Vedanta Philosophy & Yoga Philosophy

Yoga & Vedanta philosophy has references about meditation. According to Vedanta, Meditation is intense Mental Worship. Vedanta terms this as Upasana. Individuality is the product of Maya. The goal of Vedanta is to awaken the individual from the hypnotic belief in his embodiment caused by forgetfulness of the self.

According to Vedanta, the seeker of self knowledge must be established in the practice of fourfold discipline by which he or she becomes fit for the Meditation.

1. Discrimination between real & unreal :

It goes beyond the obvious & the apparent & recognizes that what appears to be true is not true in fact.

2. Dispassion :

Giving up all the desires.

3. Mastery over six virtues :

(a) Control of Mind

(b) Control over Senses

(d) Fortitude

(e) Faith in the words of the spiritual teachers & scriptures

(f). Concentration

4. Liberation from all bondage

In the same way, Yoga philosophy advocates Eightfold path to attain goal of Self Realization.

1. Restraint ( Yama)

2. Discipline (Niyama)

3. Posture (Asana)

4. Control of Breath (Pranayama)

5. Withdrawal of Mind (Pratyagraha)

6. Concentration (Dharana)

7. Meditation ( Dhyana)

8. Absorption (Samadhi )

The Vedanta & Yoga are ancient Indian philosophies. There is another Philosophy, “Samkhya “Philosophy, advocated by Patanjali, an ancient Indian sage, which has references about Dhyana that is, Meditation.

Meditation: A Scientific Experiment

What is scientific about Meditation? The answer would be Meditation itself is a Pure Science.

Though the concept & theories of Meditation come from ancient literature, predominantly from Indian religious scriptures, the studies all around the world have proved that the technique of meditation is entirely scientific & is devoid of any mysticism, irrationality or hocus-pocus. It is scientific in the purest sense of the world. The modern scientific experiments are based on four important components: Apparatus, method, observation & conclusions.. In similar way, Meditation is an experiment where apparatus is our body, Meditation technique is the method & conclusions are drawn from observations.

Literary work by modern scientists has proved that the Mediation is Pure Science. The well known example of such work would be “Meditation, Oneness & Physics”, a book by Glenn Peter Kezwer.

Benefits & Need of Meditation in 21st Century:

The physical, emotional & spiritual value of meditation has been well documented for thousands of years. Meditation is often recommended as a remedy for the ills of modern living: stress, anxiety, depression & poor health. Everyone can benefit from Meditation.

As we have already discussed, studies made by scholars have proved that Meditation Techniques are purely scientific. Meditation has its effects on physical health. Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, cholesterol & some endocrine secretions can be altered to healthful levels in the transcendental meditative state. Meditation has showed results in deep sleep, enabling the body to rest its systems & repair ongoing damage. It plays significant role promoting the flow of Endorphins, i.e. the natural brain chemical that produce a state of well being & has great value in addressing the problems of anxiety & panic disorders.

Pain can be altered through mental & social conditioning. The mind & emotions can either magnify or reduce the perception of pain depending on how a patient responds to pain. Here the meditative techniques have been proved useful.

To conclude, in the modern era where everyone is prone to affect physically, mentally or spiritually, techniques of meditation can prevent or cure the society’s problems.

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References

1.Meditation –

David B.Dillard Wright, Ravinder Erath

2.Super Conscious Meditation –

Pandit Usharbudh Arya

3.Meditation and its practices –

Swami Ashirwadananda

4.The Art of Living – Vipassana Meditation –

William Hart

5.Meditation –

Louis S.R.Vas