Meditate for Success
The Enlightened Way of Living could have been the title of Eknath Easwaran’s book Meditation. I wondered what all of those chapters could have to do with meditation. However, it is explained beautifully throughout the entire book.
To be honest, I have never had the desire to meditate. Ive never really understood what it was about, or what purpose it may serve other than what I was already accomplishing through yoga. I had heard about it through yoga, and thought it was something I should try. Emphasis on the word “should” because I still didnt want to do it. Easwarans book changed my mind and my heart about it. There was a paragraph about meditation taming the inner demons, or quieting the ego mind in the beginning that had me. I have been aware of this journey in my life for about 10 years now, but have felt stuck for about 2. I think this may be the answer.
The author is incredibly effective at describing things in a moving, yet down to earth manner. For the first time in my life, I felt really comfortable with the whole idea. His descriptive symbolism, and examples taught the concepts in a way I truly understood. In fact, I was moved to tears several times. I really related to his stories of his grandmother. And except for eluding to the idea that organized religion is only a way for us to feed our egos and be with people who seem like us, the ideas were very familiar to me. He was trying to make the case for studying all mystics, rather than limiting oneself I believe.
Chalk it up to my ignorance on the subject, but I was surprised when he suggested meditating on a mantra or prayer. I thought that the whole point of meditation was to clear you mind of all thought. I was actually relieved when he said that is virtually impossible, as I have never been able to do it.
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.
As far as meditation and mantras are concerned, my religious upbringing had me believe htis might fall into the worshiping idols category. That being said, I have always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent who was alcoholic and at times abusive. My point in stating 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 ever heard, I initially put it out of my mind as one suitable for me because of its connotations in my mind of the Jewish faith. Not that it is bad, just that I thought it would contradict my beliefs. However, after I read the meaning of the words broken down into their syllabic meanings, I, too, thought it one of the most beautiful mantrams I have ever heard. Those three words 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 love finding words in foreign languages that say so much in so few syllables! I find that English just doesnt do feelings justice in so many instances.
There are so many truths that I knew but gained a better clarity on through this book. Some of which are: 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.
So, to sum it all up, I will buy this book and refer to it often. It is now out of print. Thank goodness for Amazon! I have also started my meditation practice. No great “ah-hah’s” yet, but definitely a few minutes of peace in a time when I have needed it greatly, and some time to just listen. In fact, when explaining meditation to my friends who are a bit skeptical of the mystic, I will say that meditation is a very effective way of actually taking the time to listen for answers to your prayers.