Realize What You Are

This summary is based on the provided text, which appears to be the first few chapters and introductory material of the book "Realize What You Are: The Dynamics of Meditation" by Shree Chitrabhanu.

Book Title: Realize What You Are: The Dynamics of Meditation Author: Shree Chitrabhanu Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre (with Divine Knowledge Society, Bombay)

Overview:

"Realize What You Are: The Dynamics of Meditation" by Shree Chitrabhanu is a comprehensive guide to meditation, drawing upon ancient Jain philosophical principles. The book aims to introduce a universal approach to meditation that goes beyond superficial techniques, focusing on deeper self-awareness, overcoming negativity, and realizing one's full potential. It emphasizes that meditation is not a religion but an art of living, growing, and communicating, leading to inner peace, happiness, and self-realization.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of Meditation:

  • Meditation is presented as a universal practice at the heart of all religions, offering access to higher consciousness and hidden inner potential.
  • It's a method to discover inner strength, achieve joy and bliss, and find one's true "home" within oneself, leading to invulnerability to external disturbances.
  • Meditation is described as a way to regain control over the mind, which is often erratic and uncontrolled, consuming energy through constant jumping between thoughts.
  • It's an education for the mind, transforming negative thinking into positive, precise, and effective application of knowledge.

• Beginning the Practice:

  • Finding a Place: A quiet, simple, and comfortable space with fresh air is recommended, perhaps adorned with a peaceful image.
  • Setting a Time: Dedicating a specific time each day (e.g., 24 minutes) is crucial, allowing the body to adapt and reminding oneself that this time is a gift for self-connection.
  • Posture: Maintaining an erect spine is emphasized for energy flow and health, whether in a lotus pose, on a chair, or lying down. A straight posture influences one's inner state and outward appearance.
  • Calming and Observing: The initial steps involve closing the eyes, observing oneself as a neutral observer without judgment, noticing thoughts, desires, and underlying tensions. This self-observation is key to rebuilding oneself and projecting a positive inner state.
  • Developing One-Pointedness: This is achieved through visualization, such as focusing on a flame at the center of the brow, symbolizing the unchanging true self. Alternatively, focusing on a real candle flame can aid concentration.

• Deepening Meditation:

  • Emptying and Focusing: The mind is compared to an overflowing teacup, needing to be emptied of prejudices and opinions to receive new understanding. Meditation helps in seeing things clearly, perceiving beyond the superficial (the "grain" beneath the "husk"), and concentrating on one thing at a time.
  • Overcoming Impediments: The ego is identified as a significant hurdle to spiritual growth, a subtle intoxication that blinds individuals. Meditation aims to help overcome the ego and its associated power drive.
  • Continuing Practices:
    • Meditation on "Hrim": This ancient Jain mantra is used to raise energy along the spine, activating dormant energy and connecting to universal consciousness. It involves mindful breathing, counting breaths, and vocalizing or mentally repeating "Hrim" to generate vibrations.
    • Meditation on "Veerum" and "Sohum": These mantras are tools to quiet the mind. "Veerum" (brave amongst the brave) encourages acceptance of one's true nature. "Sohum" ("That I am" / "I am That") facilitates a connection with the universal Self, fostering a sense of oneness and an understanding of one's eternal nature beyond the changing physical form.
    • Meditation on "Kohum" and "Nahum": "Kohum" ("Who am I?") is an inquiry into one's true identity, stripping away external conditioning and projections. "Nahum" ("I am not that") helps in consciously rejecting negative traits and past conditioning that hinder self-realization.

• Meditation as the Art of Living:

  • Meditation breaks down mental barriers, allowing for a harmonious relationship with the universe.
  • It teaches patience, listening, and effective communication by first "emptying" the listener.
  • The practice transforms one's approach to life, fostering inner peace, acceptance, and resilience, allowing one to "flow with the water" rather than be overcome by life's pressures.
  • It cultivates a "sixth sense" or "pragna" (wisdom), enabling deeper perception and turning all experiences into joy.

• Jain Philosophy and Meditation:

  • Jainism's core principles of non-violence (ahimsa), relativity (anekantwad), non-acquisition (aparigraha), and karma are implicitly woven into the meditation practices, promoting detachment, self-responsibility, and inner peace.
  • The concept of "kayotsarga" (forgetting the body) is introduced to release physical tension.
  • The importance of inner awareness (upayoga) and silence is highlighted.

• Experiencing the True Self:

  • The book guides readers towards recognizing their inherent perfection, completeness, and blissfulness, which are not external acquisitions but innate qualities to be uncovered.
  • Meditation is presented as a process of polishing the soul, like a rough diamond, to reveal its inherent light and guide.
  • The ultimate goal is to realize oneself as the "microcosm of the macrocosm," a part of the universal energy, achieving oneness and living in harmony with oneself and the universe.

Structure of the Book:

The book is structured into several chapters that build upon each other. The initial chapters focus on the practical aspects of beginning meditation (finding a place, time, posture, calming the mind). Subsequent chapters delve deeper into the philosophy, techniques (mantras, visualization), and the role of meditation in transforming one's life, relationships, and inner awareness. It also includes a chapter specifically on meditation within Jain philosophy and a guided meditation for experiencing light and life. The final chapters emphasize self-discovery, overcoming negative traits, and realizing one's inherent perfection.

In essence, "Realize What You Are" offers a step-by-step guide to a profound meditation practice that aims to unlock inner potential, leading to a life of peace, joy, and authentic self-realization, deeply rooted in the wisdom of Jain tradition.