This Is Reality A Fresh Look At Meditation

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "This is Reality: A Fresh Look at Meditation" by Motilal, based on the provided pages:

The article "This is Reality: A Fresh Look at Meditation" by Dr. Motilal, affiliated with the Vivekananda Yoga Centre, discusses the growing global interest in meditation and its multifaceted benefits for individuals and the world.

Benefits of Meditation:

• Physical and Mental Relaxation: Meditation relaxes the entire neuromuscular system, dissolving nervous tension and consequently reducing psychosomatic diseases by disrupting the continuity of unconscious drives and urges.
• Anxiety Reduction and Confidence Boost: Meditation decreases anxiety, leading to increased efficiency and confidence, and fosters a sense of serenity towards oneself and others.
• Inner Peace and Emotional Stability: Consistent meditation reveals an inner peace beneath layers of petty concerns, jealousy, hatred, and frustration, leading to emotional stability and harmonious relationships.
• Positive Influence on Others: Individuals who meditate can influence others through their serenity, calming the restless, healing the miserable, and cheering the sorrowful simply through their tranquil demeanor.

Understanding Meditation:

The author acknowledges that while philosophical definitions of meditation exist (e.g., Samkhya as "liberation of the mind from all disturbing and distracting emotions, thoughts and desires," and Patanjali's Yoga as a "current of unified thought"), the practical aspect of "how to do it" is crucial for beginners.

A Practical Meditation Technique:

The article then introduces a practical meditation technique developed at the Vivekananda Yoga Centre, which integrates body, mind, and sound vibrations with ultimate reality or truth.

The Technique:

1. Commitment: Resolve to practice twice a day, or at least once (morning or evening) if twice is impossible.
2. Environment: Choose a comfortable, accessible, and distraction-free meditation space, particularly free from excessive sound and light.
3. Posture:
   • Sit on a thin, soft, flat cushion or a folded wool blanket. A straight-back chair is an alternative if floor meditation is not feasible.
   • Maintain a comfortable pose with an erect spinal column.
   • Rest hands in the lap, right over left.
   • Keep eyes half-open or closed, focusing on an object (statue, photograph, "OM" symbol) placed in front.
   • A fixed posture is essential for mind-body harmony and to shield the mind from external influences.
4. Body Relaxation: Mentally massage various parts of the body (feet, legs, knees, thighs, back, abdomen, chest, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, chin, nose, eyes, forehead) to achieve complete relaxation. This process can enhance the sense of body-mind integration and the ability to direct Prana (life force).
5. Oral Chanting of "OM":
   • Begin chanting "OM" aloud with a rising, expanding sound, creating an enveloping atmosphere.
   • Chant vigorously, powerfully, and sincerely.
   • Significance of "OM": The symbol "AUM" (A, U, M) represents the three states of consciousness: waking (A), dream (U), and dreamless sleep (M). The entire symbol, with the crescent and dot, symbolizes the fourth state, Brahman (Ultimate Reality) or Samadhi, which transcends and integrates these three states, leading to Perfect Bliss and the recognition of individual identity with Brahman.
   • "OM" chanting has been used since Vedic times to symbolize Truth or Pure Consciousness and has an entrancing effect on the mind.
6. Silent Chanting of "OM":
   • After mastering oral chanting, switch to chanting "OM" silently.
   • After some time of silent chanting, suddenly "stop" the mental chant as if an internal command. This aims to induce a thoughtless state of mind.
   • Alternative if "stopping" is difficult: Mentally chant "OM" louder and louder, then gradually reduce the volume to a normal mental chant, then a whisper, allowing this whisper to dissolve into "Great Silence" within.
7. Maintaining the Thoughtless State:
   • When the mental chant stops and a brief thoughtless state is achieved, try to prolong it.
   • When the first thought arises: Chant "SOHAM" (meaning "I am That" or "I and the Ultimate Reality are one") to re-enter the silent state. This process can be repeated up to three times per sitting.
   • Dealing with unwanted thoughts: Witness them without hostility or resistance. Be sympathetic and friendly, and continue mentally chanting "SOHAM."

Conclusion:

The article concludes by emphasizing that any meditation technique that works for the individual is valid. The most important aspects are to begin and to practice faithfully. The rewards are a peaceful mind, a healthy body, and a more harmonious world.