THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 32. MEDITATION - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.Meditation, as presented by Swami Sivananda, is both a science and an art essential for attaining self-realization and God-consciousness. It is a practice of deep mental training that transcends the mundane to reveal the ultimate truth. Quoting revered scriptures and sages like Sri Sankaracharya and Patanjali, Swami Sivananda introduces meditation as the highest pursuit, one that culminates in the dissolution of individual identity into universal oneness.What is Meditation?Meditation, or Dhyana, is described as a profound and continuous focus of the mind on a single thought—God, Brahman, or the Self. This practice removes distractions of the worldly mind and fosters an unbroken connection with the ultimate reality. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that meditation goes beyond mere reflection; it is the assimilation and realization of the truth: “I am That.” This realization leads to the dissolving of separation between the individual self and the universal consciousness. Through metaphors like the steady flow of oil, Sivananda illustrates meditation as an unceasing stream of divine thought. This process requires the mind to transcend its grosser states and establish itself in the subtle, pure reality of the Absolute.The Indispensability of MeditationMeditation is not optional for God-realization; it is mandatory. Swami Sivananda underscores that while leading a virtuous life and cultivating good character are necessary, they alone are insufficient for attaining liberation. True realization is only achieved through disciplined meditation and concentration, which allow the mind to overcome its attachment to illusions and sense objects. The mind, an instrument of the Self, must be refined through practice. Much like iron kept in fire becomes red-hot, the mind immersed in constant meditation absorbs the divine qualities of the Brahman. Sivananda uses examples from spiritual history—Lord Buddha, Dattatreya, and others—to illustrate how meditation conquers illusion and reveals the truth of existence.Prerequisites for MeditationA successful meditation practice demands preparation of the mind and environment. Swami Sivananda highlights several prerequisites:Purity: The mind, surroundings, food, and even company must be purified.Solitude: A quiet and spiritually charged location, like the Himalayas or the banks of the Ganga, provides ideal conditions for meditation.Discipline: The mind must be calmed and sharpened through breath control (Pranayama), ethical living, and steady posture (Asana).Detachment: Worldly distractions—such as excessive social interactions and material pursuits—must be minimized, if not eliminated.Diet: Light, nourishing, and sattvic (pure) food supports the meditative state by avoiding heaviness or restlessness in the body.The aspirant must be ready to dedicate years to seclusion and intense practice, away from the distractions of modern life.Attribute-Full and Attribute-Less MeditationSwami Sivananda distinguishes between two primary forms of meditation:Attribute-Full Meditation: This involves meditating on a personal deity or form, such as Lord Krishna, with open or closed eyes. The visualization of divine qualities and forms engages the mind initially.Attribute-Less Meditation: This advanced practice involves focusing on the formless, infinite, and abstract Brahman. The meditator contemplates pure consciousness, ultimately merging with it.Sivananda explains that both forms are valuable. Beginners may start with visualized forms, progressing gradually to the formless as their practice deepens.Exercises in Meditation Attribute-Full Exercises:Meditate on the beauty of nature, such as the grandeur of the Himalayas or the serene flow of the Ganga.Rotate the mind through vivid images of flowers, rivers, or divine figures, anchoring concentration on tangible concepts.Contemplate the infinite and vast qualities of the ocean, symbolizing the boundless nature of Brahman.Attribute-Less Exercises:Focus on the infinite expanse of the sky or the subtle essence of air to transcend finite perceptions.Affirm, “There is no world; there is only pure consciousness,” to dissolve attachments to form.Meditate on the sound of Om or the visualization of its written symbol to access both form and formless aspects of the divine.The Process of MeditationSwami Sivananda provides detailed instructions for establishing a steady meditation practice:Posture: Sit comfortably in a quiet, secluded place, free from disturbances. Use a posture such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose) to steady the body.Mental State: Detach from passions, emotions, and sensory impulses. Cultivate one-pointed focus.Focus: Fix the mind on a single idea, such as the divine presence or universal consciousness. Let all other thoughts dissolve.Continuity: Maintain an unbroken flow of divine thought, similar to the ...
