Meditation is one of the most powerful techniques for managing the mind. It allows us to connect deeply with our inner selves and with God, leading to a life filled with peace and clarity. In this blog, we will explore how meditation works, the best ways to practice it, and how it purifies the mind and soul. Based on an insightful discourse, we’ll delve into essential aspects of this timeless spiritual practice.
The Power of Meditation
The essence of meditation lies in focusing the mind on God. The divine presence of God is pure, and when we direct our thoughts toward Him, our mind undergoes purification as well. This concept aligns with the teachings of ancient scriptures, where it is said that meditating on God cleanses the mind from worldly impurities.
But how do we meditate when our mind, like the material world, is rooted in maya (illusion)? This question has puzzled spiritual seekers for centuries, but there’s a simple answer: we can still meditate on God by understanding a few fundamental principles of the practice.
When Should We Meditate?
Timing is crucial for meditation, and the most ideal time is during the Brahma Muhurta, which is roughly two hours before sunrise until sunrise. This period is often referred to as "the time of God." Why is it so special? During this time, the world is quiet, the atmosphere is pure, and the mind is like an empty slate, free from the thoughts, emotions, and images that accumulate during the day.
Taking advantage of these early hours by focusing on God will allow you to set a divine tone for the rest of the day. Even if your routine doesn’t allow you to meditate in the early morning, it’s important to find a quiet, uninterrupted time in your day. Consistency, rather than timing, is what brings long-term benefits.
Another great way to incorporate meditation into your daily life is by practicing it before sleep. Taking just five minutes to visualize the image of God will help you end your day on a divine note and even make your sleep meditative. This dual practice of meditating both before sleeping and early in the morning creates a continuous flow of divine consciousness throughout your day and night.
The Direction and Posture for Meditation
There’s often confusion about the direction we should face when meditating. Some traditions prescribe facing the east or north. However, when it comes to bhakti (devotional) meditation, direction is irrelevant. God is omnipresent, and He exists in every direction and every corner of the world. The focus should instead be on purifying the mind, or chit.
As for the posture, ancient texts like the Yoga Darshan recommend that we sit alert yet comfortably. It’s essential to find a balance between comfort and alertness. Sitting too comfortably can lead to laziness and drowsiness, while a rigid posture might cause discomfort and distraction. Sitting in an alert, upright position will help keep the mind focused and aware. Although it might seem tempting, lying down for meditation can cause you to fall asleep, as the mind is not fully under control.
What Should We Meditate Upon?
The central object of our meditation should always be God. By focusing on Him, we purify our thoughts, leading our mind away from the material world and elevating it toward divinity. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna speaks about the three gunas—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance)—which bind our mind to the material world. But He also points out that He is beyond these three modes of nature. By focusing on Him, we too can rise beyond these modes and enter a state of divine consciousness.
At this point, one might ask, "How can we meditate on God when we’ve never seen Him?" The truth is that even the greatest sages and yogis have not seen the true form of God, because the Lord is divine, while our mind is made of maya. Lord Krishna encourages us to visualize Him in whatever form resonates with us, as He has infinite forms. Whether we see Him as fair or dark, tall or short, doesn’t matter; what matters is the bhav (feeling or sentiment) that we create for Him in our mind. This heartfelt connection is what will purify us.
Visualization and Manasi Seva
A powerful technique for meditation is roopdhyan (visualization). Close your eyes and picture your worshipable form of God—your Ishtadev. Imagine His beauty, His kindness, and your relationship with Him. You can take it a step further through manasi- seva, which means serving God in your mind. Just as astronauts train in simulators before venturing into space, we can practice serving God in our minds before we meet Him in the future.
The story of the Brahman who learned the importance of manasi-seva is an illustration of this principle. The Brahman, as described in the Brahma Vaivartak Purana, would visualize himself serving Lord Narayan by massaging His feet, bathing Him, and offering Him food. One day, while offering sweet rice to the Lord in his meditation, he accidentally burned his finger when he dipped it in the hot rice. Lord Narayan, in His divine humor, actually burned His own finger as well, showing the deep connection between sincere mental service and reality.
This story illustrates that when we serve God in our minds with genuine devotion, it has a real impact on our spiritual growth. Visualization and mental service are potent tools for purifying the mind and deepening our connection with God.
The Challenge of a Wandering Mind
One of the most common struggles during meditation is keeping the mind focused. You may begin meditating on God, but soon find your mind has wandered off to your daily worries, thoughts about your children, or tasks ahead. This happens because the mind, being made of maya, is naturally drawn to the material world.
Lord Krishna addresses this issue in the Bhagavad Gita, where Arjun confesses that controlling the mind is as difficult as controlling the wind. Arjun, who had an extraordinary ability to focus, admits to the restless nature of the mind. Lord Krishna agrees that the mind is challenging to control, but not impossible. He emphasizes the need for abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (detachment) to bring the mind under control.
Abhyasa and Vairagya: The Keys to Success
Abhyasa means repeatedly bringing the mind back to God whenever it wanders. This practice requires effort, as it goes against the nature of the material mind. Vairagya refers to detachment from worldly associations. It’s important to consistently detach the mind from material thoughts and lift it toward the divine.
The key to success in meditation lies in continuous practice. Over time, as we repeatedly focus on God, we develop new neural pathways in the brain, forming positive habits. Eventually, these habits become second nature, and our mind naturally gravitates toward God. It’s like learning any new skill—whether it’s mastering a musical instrument or excelling in a sport, progress requires consistent effort.
Conclusion: Meditation as a Lifelong Practice
Meditation is not a one-time act but a lifelong practice. By dedicating a few minutes each day to sitting in quiet reflection and focusing on God, we gradually elevate our minds above the distractions of the world and closer to divine consciousness. The benefits of this practice are immense: peace, clarity, and a purified mind that moves closer to God.
Remember, as Lord Krishna said, the mind may be difficult to control, but with practice and detachment, it can be mastered. Every time you sit down to meditate, you take another step closer to the divine, making your mind a more refined and powerful instrument for spiritual growth.
List of Resources
- The Most Powerful Meditation | It Goes Straight To Your Subconscious Mind | Swami Mukundananda :
- Connect with God - Guided Meditation by Swami Mukundananda