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.
I didn't really know what I could gain from meditation that I wasn't already accomplishing through yoga. So, I didn't have a desire to start. It was something we yogi's SHOULD do. But I didn't WANT to. I had been on this journey of taming my inner demons for years, and felt stuck for about 2. So, one paragraph suggesting that meditation could help quiet the egoic mind had me intrigued.
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.
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 have always been intrigued by the observation that most great enlightened minds in history come to virtually the same conclusions. With, of course variations due to culture, circumstance or time in history. But, truth is always truth, and those who seek it will find it wherever or however they may be.
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.
I would suggest to anyone seeking for truth, enlightenment, knowledge or freedom to buy this book and refer to it often. Thank goodness for Amazon, as it is now out of print. Even with no great insights, meditation will provide moments of peace in trying times, clarity in confusion, and time to listen. To my friends who are a bit skeptical of the mystical as I was, I say meditation is taking the time to listen for answers to prayers.
I didn't really know what I could gain from meditation that I wasn't already accomplishing through yoga. So, I didn't have a desire to start. It was something we yogi's SHOULD do. But I didn't WANT to. I had been on this journey of taming my inner demons for years, and felt stuck for about 2. So, one paragraph suggesting that meditation could help quiet the egoic mind had me intrigued.
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.
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 have always been intrigued by the observation that most great enlightened minds in history come to virtually the same conclusions. With, of course variations due to culture, circumstance or time in history. But, truth is always truth, and those who seek it will find it wherever or however they may be.
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.
I would suggest to anyone seeking for truth, enlightenment, knowledge or freedom to buy this book and refer to it often. Thank goodness for Amazon, as it is now out of print. Even with no great insights, meditation will provide moments of peace in trying times, clarity in confusion, and time to listen. To my friends who are a bit skeptical of the mystical as I was, I say meditation is taking the time to listen for answers to prayers.
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