General Introduction To Meditatio1

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
-Manish Rajan Walvekar
M.A. (Sanskrit)
Deccan College, PGRI, Pune
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Can you answer these questions? What is meditation? How to perform meditation?
What are the types of meditation? What is your comprehension when you utter the word
‘meditation’? Meditation is a broader concept. We cannot define meditation. We cannot call
particular position or act as ‘meditation’. Meditation is a subjective concept. One’s
understanding of meditation may differ with other’s thinking and so on.
But we need to form a general definition of meditation to precede our discussion. We
cannot chalk out the boundaries of meditation. But we can state that Meditation is the
condition of mind of being sane. Meditation is sanity. Meditation is thinking. Meditation is
relaxing. Meditation is loving your mind. Meditation is a conversation with your soul.
Meditation is joy. And meditation is studying philosophy of your own mind!!!!!! Following
verse from पञ्चदशी (Pañcadaśī 1.55) explains the state of meditation. However it is related
to समाधि (Samādhi), it can also be applied on meditation
ध्यातध्
ृ याने परित्यज्य क्रमाद् ध्येयैकगोचरम ् |
निवातदीपवच्चितं समाधिरभिधीयते ||
(Dhyātṛdhyāne parityajya kramād dhyeyaikagocaram
Nivātadīpavaccitam samādhirabhidhīyate)
(When the mind gradually leaves off the ideas of the meditator and the act of meditation and
is merged in the sole object of meditation. (viz., the Ātmā), and is steady like the flame of a
lamp in a breezeless spot, it is called samādhi.)
(Quoted by - Dr. Cāphekar Nalinī, July 2014, Vedāntasāra, publisher- Ajit Cāphekar, Page
110)
This is the state of meditation. No matter where you perform this, no matter when you
perform this!!!!! But your state of mind must be like this only!
Before dealing with the core part of introduction let us know the purpose of this
introduction. In this article, we will deal with the general notion of meditation with the
special reference to the upcoming articles. It’s an introduction of all the ‘why, what, when,
how, where’ of upcoming issues.
Let us start our discussion from Bhagwadgītā. Bhagwadgītā teaches us to think on
meditation and to meditate on meditation. In 6th chapter i.e. Dhyāna-yoga Bhagwadgītā
introduces the concept of ‘Yogārūdha’ (6.3). The one who is completely detached from the
material wants is called as ‘Yogārūdha’. Meditation is useful till we become Yogārūdha. No
one is going to help us in meditation. Guru shows us the path but we have to complete this
journey based on our will and strength. That’s why it is said in Bhagwadgītā
उद्धरे दात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत ्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
(uddharedātmanātmānaṁ nātmānamavasādayet|
ātmaiva hyātmano bandhurātmaiva ripurātmanaḥ||)
(One should lift oneself by one's own efforts and should not degrade oneself;
For one's own self is one's friend, and one's own self is one's enemy.)
(Sampādaka Rāykar Gajānan Kāśināth,, śake 1891, Sārtha śrīmadbhagavadgītā,
Jay Hind Prakāśan,6.5)

In short we have to enlighten our mind and soul. We should stand on our giant
shoulders. We should keep this in mind ‘Atta dīpo bhava’ (Be a light to youself). For
meditation, it is not necessary that we have to sit in a cave, search for peaceful atmosphere
etc. Meditation is a state of mind where we speak to our mind. This conversation needs active
presence of our mind. Peace should be found from our chaotic state of mind. So one can
perform meditation in the crowded bus too!!
Let us deal with the outline of our upcoming articles. This outline will give you
‘bird’s eye view’ as far as meditation is concerned. We will deal with several technical topics
and several philosophical topics. We will experience the beauty of Indian intellect in the
world of meditation. But our main aim will be to elucidate each and every concept in the light
of today’s issues.
First we will deal with the Dhyāna. We will discuss its philosophy in the light
of Veda-s. Indian philosophy and knowledge system always put emphasis on Dhyāna. The
word ‘Dhyāna’ suggests many things. It has a very deep meaning. We will discuss this
concept with reference to the Upaniṣad-s. There is a famous
proverb- प्रयोजनमनद्दि ु श्य नमन्दोऽपि प्रवर्तते | (prayojanamanuddiśya na mando’pi pravartate)
(Even a fool never proceeds without any purpose). Therefore we will deal with the ‘why’ of
meditation and its implications in today’s world. Its need in this evolving culture will be
discussed here. The necessity of meditation in this era will be explained in this article. In next
four succeeding articles, the types, methods and impacts will be discussed. Types and
methods of meditation that are comfortable as well as beneficial can produce satisfactory
output. The main aim of meditation is to achieve eternal bliss. To achieve this bliss we must
follow proper methodologies. But on the other hand we must not forget our ease. Meditation
is a means and not a goal. Our goal should be to have an enlightened mind and eternal peace.
We should make consistent attempts to solve our day-to-day mental complications and
problems with the help of meditation. Last but not the least, meditation needs consistency
than excessive intensity. Only intensity is not enough. Intensity and consistency should go
hand in hand.
There is much to meditate on this topic. But we have time limitations. So, let us end
this introduction here and begin this peaceful journey!!!!

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GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION

-Manish Rajan Walvekar

M.A. (Sanskrit)

Deccan College, PGRI, Pune

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