Meditation and Life

May 25, 2011

Many years ago, Param Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji wrote a classic called "Meditation and Life." It is a brilliant exposition of Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 6 set in the context of Vedanta and the spiritual practices that are intrinsic to it. Today, we were studying the text in the study class and this quote leapt out at us:

Meditation can best be maintained and nourished by our intelligent study of the scriptures, by our companionship of the good, and by our conscientious and deliberate living of a life of meditation.

In chapter 6, Arjuna asks a very pertinent question about how one can control the mind which is 'like the wind' (vayoriva). Śrī Kṛṣṇa answers tersely in verse 6-35.
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् |
अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते ||६-३५||
asa.nshayaM mahaabaaho mano durnigraha.n chalam.h .
abhyaasena tu kaunteya vairaagyeNa cha gR^ihyate .. 6-35..
Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed one, the mind is difficult to control and is restless; but, by practice, O Son of Kunti, and by dispassion, it is restrained.

The quote below highlights what that means to a spiritual aspirant who wishes to meditate.

Thus, all that the novice in meditation can do is to be sincere and regular in practicing daily meditation. Live all the hours of the day in consciousness of the Divine and the Eternal. Play the game of life, play whatever part you have been called upon to play, but never forget your greater mission in life and the ultimate goal you want to achieve.

If you are serious about meditation, this book is a must-have (links above).

Hari Om and Namaskaar until the next post

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