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 did an amazing job of relating concepts in a way that was moving and yet down to earth. I felt comfortable with the whole concept of meditation for the first time in my life. I was actually moved to tears by some of his examples because of the way he incorporated symbolism and human nature. I really related to his stories of his grandmother. I also felt that every concept taught was familiar and truthful to me-excepting his idea that organized religion is a way to feed our egos. I choose to believe that he is making a case not limiting ourselves to the teachings of one school of thought.
I found it interesting that he suggests meditating on a mantra, prayer, or great words of wisdom from great mystic leaders. Chalk this up to my ignorance on the subject, but I thought the point of meditation was to clear your mind. I have never really been able to do that, so I was relieved that he said it is impossible.
I was inspired to learn more about other great spiritual leaders in history. I have always believed that truth is and always will be truth. Those who seek shall find, whomever they may be. It is interesting to me that great minds throughout the ages come to nearly the same conclusions. They do have a slightly different twist on their teachings in my opinion due to culture, circumstance or time in history.
I have always been a little leery of venturing out of my own religious comfort zone (if you will) as far as meditation and mantras are concerned. I thought it might fall into the put no other Gods before me or worshiping idols category. That being said, I have also always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent with a lot of short-comings, not the least of which was being alcoholic and abusive. My point in stating all of 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 his staple mantrams, I ignored it initially because of it's relation to the Jewish faith. I just thought it was contradicting my Christian beliefs. But, after learning the meaning of the words broken down into syllables, I too thought it to be beautiful. I have found that English just doesn't do feelings justice in so many cases. 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 gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: 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.
If you have ever sought more truth, knowledge, peace or freedom, read this book. It is now out of print, but thank goodness for Amazon. At the very least, meditation will provide moments of peace, clarity, and insight. To my friends who are skeptical of the mystical as I was, I just suggest that meditation is taking the time to actually listen for answers to prayers.
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 did an amazing job of relating concepts in a way that was moving and yet down to earth. I felt comfortable with the whole concept of meditation for the first time in my life. I was actually moved to tears by some of his examples because of the way he incorporated symbolism and human nature. I really related to his stories of his grandmother. I also felt that every concept taught was familiar and truthful to me-excepting his idea that organized religion is a way to feed our egos. I choose to believe that he is making a case not limiting ourselves to the teachings of one school of thought.
I found it interesting that he suggests meditating on a mantra, prayer, or great words of wisdom from great mystic leaders. Chalk this up to my ignorance on the subject, but I thought the point of meditation was to clear your mind. I have never really been able to do that, so I was relieved that he said it is impossible.
I was inspired to learn more about other great spiritual leaders in history. I have always believed that truth is and always will be truth. Those who seek shall find, whomever they may be. It is interesting to me that great minds throughout the ages come to nearly the same conclusions. They do have a slightly different twist on their teachings in my opinion due to culture, circumstance or time in history.
I have always been a little leery of venturing out of my own religious comfort zone (if you will) as far as meditation and mantras are concerned. I thought it might fall into the put no other Gods before me or worshiping idols category. That being said, I have also always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent with a lot of short-comings, not the least of which was being alcoholic and abusive. My point in stating all of 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 his staple mantrams, I ignored it initially because of it's relation to the Jewish faith. I just thought it was contradicting my Christian beliefs. But, after learning the meaning of the words broken down into syllables, I too thought it to be beautiful. I have found that English just doesn't do feelings justice in so many cases. 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 gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: 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.
If you have ever sought more truth, knowledge, peace or freedom, read this book. It is now out of print, but thank goodness for Amazon. At the very least, meditation will provide moments of peace, clarity, and insight. To my friends who are skeptical of the mystical as I was, I just suggest that meditation is taking the time to actually listen for answers to prayers.
About the Author:
Do you believe you can create the life you really want? Laurice Egerton is an successful home business owner and success coach. Click to learn more today!
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