One probably doesn't expect to learn a whole new enlightened way of living from a book entitled Meditation. I didn't. But was pleasantly surprised by Eknath Easwaran's book. He explains right from the beginning that meditation is not just clearing your mind, but a whole way of life.
I didn't really know what I could gain from meditation that I wasn't already accomplishing through yoga. So, I didn't have a desire to start. It was something we yogi's SHOULD do. But I didn't WANT to. I had been on this journey of taming my inner demons for years, and felt stuck for about 2. So, one paragraph suggesting that meditation could help quiet the egoic mind had me intrigued.
Easwaran does such an amazing job of explaining things in a very down to earth and yet moving manner. I felt comfortable with the whole idea for the first time. His examples, symbolism and way of teaching new concepts in a way that I could understand were incredible. I was actually moved to tears a few times. I related to his stories of his grandmother. And, excepting the one comment about organized religion being a way for us to feed our egos and relate to people who seem like us, the ideas were familiar and rang of truth to me. I think he was making the case for studying ALL great mystics.
Admittedly ignorant on the subject, I always thought that the goal in meditating was to clear the mind of all thoughts, and had never been able to do that. So, I was relieved when he said to meditate on a prayer or mantra.
This book inspired me to learn more about the great spiritual leaders of the world, and study their works. I have always believed that truth is truth. It never changes, and it is revealed to those who sincerely seek it, wherever or however they may be. It is still however, very interesting to me that great enlightened minds throughout the ages and in all parts of the world come to nearly the same conclusions. They usually just phrase it differently or have a slightly different twist on their teachings due to culture, circumstance, or time in history.
I have always been a little leery of venturing out of my own religious comfort zone (if you will) as far as meditation and mantras are concerned. I thought it might fall into the put no other Gods before me or worshiping idols category. That being said, I have also always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent with a lot of short-comings, not the least of which was being alcoholic and abusive. My point in stating all of this is that when the author suggested :
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
as one of the most beautiful mantrams he has experienced. Initially, I didn't think it would work for me because I am Christian and it has Jewish connotations. However, after the author broke it down syllabically, i too thought it was probably one of the most meaningful phrases I had heard. As with a lot of feelings, the English language doesn't do them justice. Those three words basically mean: Oh Lord, who has stolen my heart, I cannot rest until I find Him. He ceaselessly, ceaselessly draws me unto Him, and is the only source of true joy.
I gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: Our bodies are only a type of clothing; we "shed" our bodies at death; when you recognize illusion, it evaporates; lose yourself, and you shall find yourself; slow down in order to speed up; depth, not breadth; the senses can be trained and therefore magnified;discipline is freedom.
If you have ever sought more truth, knowledge, peace or freedom, read this book. It is now out of print, but thank goodness for Amazon. At the very least, meditation will provide moments of peace, clarity, and insight. To my friends who are skeptical of the mystical as I was, I just suggest that meditation is taking the time to actually listen for answers to prayers. - 20611
I didn't really know what I could gain from meditation that I wasn't already accomplishing through yoga. So, I didn't have a desire to start. It was something we yogi's SHOULD do. But I didn't WANT to. I had been on this journey of taming my inner demons for years, and felt stuck for about 2. So, one paragraph suggesting that meditation could help quiet the egoic mind had me intrigued.
Easwaran does such an amazing job of explaining things in a very down to earth and yet moving manner. I felt comfortable with the whole idea for the first time. His examples, symbolism and way of teaching new concepts in a way that I could understand were incredible. I was actually moved to tears a few times. I related to his stories of his grandmother. And, excepting the one comment about organized religion being a way for us to feed our egos and relate to people who seem like us, the ideas were familiar and rang of truth to me. I think he was making the case for studying ALL great mystics.
Admittedly ignorant on the subject, I always thought that the goal in meditating was to clear the mind of all thoughts, and had never been able to do that. So, I was relieved when he said to meditate on a prayer or mantra.
This book inspired me to learn more about the great spiritual leaders of the world, and study their works. I have always believed that truth is truth. It never changes, and it is revealed to those who sincerely seek it, wherever or however they may be. It is still however, very interesting to me that great enlightened minds throughout the ages and in all parts of the world come to nearly the same conclusions. They usually just phrase it differently or have a slightly different twist on their teachings due to culture, circumstance, or time in history.
I have always been a little leery of venturing out of my own religious comfort zone (if you will) as far as meditation and mantras are concerned. I thought it might fall into the put no other Gods before me or worshiping idols category. That being said, I have also always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent with a lot of short-comings, not the least of which was being alcoholic and abusive. My point in stating all of this is that when the author suggested :
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
as one of the most beautiful mantrams he has experienced. Initially, I didn't think it would work for me because I am Christian and it has Jewish connotations. However, after the author broke it down syllabically, i too thought it was probably one of the most meaningful phrases I had heard. As with a lot of feelings, the English language doesn't do them justice. Those three words basically mean: Oh Lord, who has stolen my heart, I cannot rest until I find Him. He ceaselessly, ceaselessly draws me unto Him, and is the only source of true joy.
I gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: Our bodies are only a type of clothing; we "shed" our bodies at death; when you recognize illusion, it evaporates; lose yourself, and you shall find yourself; slow down in order to speed up; depth, not breadth; the senses can be trained and therefore magnified;discipline is freedom.
If you have ever sought more truth, knowledge, peace or freedom, read this book. It is now out of print, but thank goodness for Amazon. At the very least, meditation will provide moments of peace, clarity, and insight. To my friends who are skeptical of the mystical as I was, I just suggest that meditation is taking the time to actually listen for answers to prayers. - 20611
About the Author:
Do you know you can create the life you really want? The author is an entrepreneur and success coach. Click to find out more now!
0 comments:
Post a Comment