What is meditation?

"Isn't it interesting that our minds cannot stay still for longer than a few moments without grasping after distractions. We are fragmented into so many different aspects that we don't know who we really are, or what aspects of ourselves we should identify with or believe in. So many contradictory voices, dictates and feelings fight for control over our inner lives that we find ourselves scattered in all directions. Only in the stillness and silence of meditation, can we glimpse and return to the sky-like nature of the soul's unchanging pure awareness, that we have so long ago lost amid the busyness of our physical mind". ~ Anon

What is meditation -

By dictionary definition, "meditation" means to reflect upon, ponder, or contemplate. In the yogic context, meditation is defined more specifically as a state of pure consciousness.

Meditation is the art of silently 'going within' - of quieting the activity of the mind and discovering one's own unlimited Self. Of moving beyond doubts, fears or anxieties by discovering a deeper untapped source of inner harmony, silence and wisdom.

Meditation and prayer leads not only to totally new inner experiences, but helps transform our day-to-day life into a happier, more meaningful and more fulfilling existence.

Sri Chinmoy continues:

"When we meditate, what we actually do is enter into a vacant, calm, still and silent mind. We go deep within and approach our true existence, which is our soul".

"Meditation is something wide and vast that ultimately expands into the Infinite. When we meditate, we throw ourselves into a vast expanse, into an infinite sea of peace, or we welcome the infinite Vastness into us. Meditation spreads. Meditation is constantly growing and expanding into peace, light and delight. When we meditate, we gradually see, feel and grow into the entire universe of light."

The area for meditative focus is said to be the gap created between the last thought leaving the mind and the next thought entering. In that gap, there is an awareness of the self in the present moment - of a calm and tranquil state. When the next thought does arise, like a wave rising out of the ocean the observer pays no attention to it, allowing it to quietly pass leaving the meditator focused on a quiet and still vastness.

There are many reasons why people turn to meditation. Some are curious, others seek happiness or a more fulfilled life, others are searching for a deeper spiritual reality, or answers to the meaning of life. Meditation as a tradition originated in northern India, branched into several 'paths' and then moved into Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet, Thailand, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Macau, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Taiwan, Mongolia and Myanmar (Burma). Where now in the West the spiritual traditions, teachings and meditative practices of the great meditation Master's are sought by both lay and monastic devotees.

Sri Chinmoy's meditative philosophy is called the 'path of heart,' the heart here refering to our 'pshysic' or spiritual heart. The spiritual heart is that higher part of our consciousness flooded with silence, dynamism, compassion and wisdom. By concentrating on this region during your meditations you can gradually bring forward deeper spiritual qualities that will illumine your entire consciousness from within.

It is best to approach each meditation without any particular expectation, and without concern for reaching a specific goal. Every meditation is a valuable part of a larger process of personal and spiritual unfoldment.