JOIN USThe mind derives its Sanskrit name ‘manas’ because it is constantly engaged in the process of ‘manana’ or thinking. The mind can unequivocally be described as a clever, complex and complicated creation, which some philosophers have equated to a monkey. Indeed, this is no exaggeration nor a joke since like a monkey, the mind is hyperactive, often works in overdrive and is occasionally mischievous. Though the mind is small, it has several effects, repercussions and implications both on the user and the person on whom it is used. Even very spiritually endowed individuals find it difficult to control, manoeuvre and focus the mind strategically.
One modus operandi of doing this successfully, as practised by Indians from the days of yore, is by sincere and dedicated meditation. In the Mahabharata War, Arjuna prayed to Krishna to teach him the art of mind control, for which Krishna advised him to practice `Atmasamyana Yoga’. Indeed, one’s mind is so replete with ‘tamas’ and ‘rajas’ that it necessarily needs to be smoothened out and its ‘emotional baggage’ reduced to render it stress-free and happier too.
The three components to meditation are the ‘dhyata’, which is the person who meditates, the ‘dhyeya’, which is the object of meditation, and the ‘dhyana’, which is the process of meditation. One’s calm, focused meditation should be so concentrated that one loses one’s identity in this introspective exercise. One can accrue maximum benefit from meditation if one imagines light rays proceeding to all parts of the body, suffusing them with light and thus making them sacred and pure. Thus, when one visualises the light passing to one’s hands, one should make it a point to refrain from wrongful acts while using the hands. When one allows the light to pass figuratively to the eyes, one should resolve that these eyes should not be witness to undesirable sights, and so on.
When one meditates, one who hypocritically closes one’s eyes and then slaps a fly, which has landed on the arm, has not abided by the spirit of the meditation. Likewise, one who meditates for 15 minutes and then goes to the kitchen and yells at the servant for a petty, trivial and inconsequential reason has not understood the wider implications and the significance of meditation.
Many a person equates meditation to concentration and nothing more. Though there are similarities between the two, there is also a chasm of differences. Meditation is definitely more advanced and spiritually ordained than mere concentration. While ordinary mortals and even atheists can concentrate successfully, it requires really committed, conscientious and dedicated persons to mediate successfully. If meditation is considered synonymous with concentration, then all the great Indian rishis and sages need not have practiced rigorous austerities and undergone humongous sacrifices to reap the fruits of their hard-core meditation.