THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 32. MEDITATION - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.


Meditation, as presented by Swami Sivananda, is both a science and an art essential for attaining self-realization and God-consciousness. It is a practice of deep mental training that transcends the mundane to reveal the ultimate truth. Quoting revered scriptures and sages like Sri Sankaracharya and Patanjali, Swami Sivananda introduces meditation as the highest pursuit, one that culminates in the dissolution of individual identity into universal oneness.

What is Meditation?
Meditation, or Dhyana, is described as a profound and continuous focus of the mind on a single thought—God, Brahman, or the Self. This practice removes distractions of the worldly mind and fosters an unbroken connection with the ultimate reality. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that meditation goes beyond mere reflection; it is the assimilation and realization of the truth: “I am That.” This realization leads to the dissolving of separation between the individual self and the universal consciousness. Through metaphors like the steady flow of oil, Sivananda illustrates meditation as an unceasing stream of divine thought. This process requires the mind to transcend its grosser states and establish itself in the subtle, pure reality of the Absolute.
The Indispensability of Meditation
Meditation is not optional for God-realization; it is mandatory. Swami Sivananda underscores that while leading a virtuous life and cultivating good character are necessary, they alone are insufficient for attaining liberation. True realization is only achieved through disciplined meditation and concentration, which allow the mind to overcome its attachment to illusions and sense objects. The mind, an instrument of the Self, must be refined through practice. Much like iron kept in fire becomes red-hot, the mind immersed in constant meditation absorbs the divine qualities of the Brahman. Sivananda uses examples from spiritual history—Lord Buddha, Dattatreya, and others—to illustrate how meditation conquers illusion and reveals the truth of existence.
Prerequisites for Meditation
A successful meditation practice demands preparation of the mind and environment. Swami Sivananda highlights several prerequisites:

1. Purity: The mind, surroundings, food, and even company must be purified.
2. Solitude: A quiet and spiritually charged location, like the Himalayas or the banks of the Ganga, provides ideal conditions for meditation.
3. Discipline: The mind must be calmed and sharpened through breath control (Pranayama), ethical living, and steady posture (Asana).
4. Detachment: Worldly distractions—such as excessive social interactions and material pursuits—must be minimized, if not eliminated.
5. Diet: Light, nourishing, and sattvic (pure) food supports the meditative state by avoiding heaviness or restlessness in the body.

The aspirant must be ready to dedicate years to seclusion and intense practice, away from the distractions of modern life.
Attribute-Full and Attribute-Less Meditation
Swami Sivananda distinguishes between two primary forms of meditation:

1. Attribute-Full Meditation: This involves meditating on a personal deity or form, such as Lord Krishna, with open or closed eyes. The visualization of divine qualities and forms engages the mind initially.
2. Attribute-Less Meditation: This advanced practice involves focusing on the formless, infinite, and abstract Brahman. The meditator contemplates pure consciousness, ultimately merging with it.

Sivananda explains that both forms are valuable. Beginners may start with visualized forms, progressing gradually to the formless as their practice deepens.
Exercises in Meditation Attribute-Full Exercises:

• Meditate on the beauty of nature, such as the grandeur of the Himalayas or the serene flow of the Ganga.
• Rotate the mind through vivid images of flowers, rivers, or divine figures, anchoring concentration on tangible concepts.
• Contemplate the infinite and vast qualities of the ocean, symbolizing the boundless nature of Brahman.

Attribute-Less Exercises:

• Focus on the infinite expanse of the sky or the subtle essence of air to transcend finite perceptions.
• Affirm, “There is no world; there is only pure consciousness,” to dissolve attachments to form.
• Meditate on the sound of Om or the visualization of its written symbol to access both form and formless aspects of the divine.

The Process of Meditation
Swami Sivananda provides detailed instructions for establishing a steady meditation practice:

1. Posture: Sit comfortably in a quiet, secluded place, free from disturbances. Use a posture such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose) to steady the body.
2. Mental State: Detach from passions, emotions, and sensory impulses. Cultivate one-pointed focus.
3. Focus: Fix the mind on a single idea, such as the divine presence or universal consciousness. Let all other thoughts dissolve.
4. Continuity: Maintain an unbroken flow of divine thought, similar to the continuous pouring of oil.
5. Struggle and Perseverance: In the beginning, the mind will resist, but consistent effort and discrimination will overcome restlessness.

The Meditation Room
Sivananda advises creating a sacred space dedicated to meditation. This room should:

• Remain free from profane conversations or negative emotions.
• Be infused with spiritual vibrations through chanting, prayer, and reverence.
• Act as a sanctuary for cultivating inner peace and focus.

The impressions left in this space will support the aspirant’s meditative progress.
Meditation on the Mind
The mind itself is viewed as a manifestation of Brahman. By meditating on the mind as divine, one transcends its limitations. Sivananda describes this intellectual and devotional worship of the mind as a path to realizing its ultimate nature as pure consciousness.
Advanced Insights on Meditation
As the practitioner advances, meditation evolves from an effortful practice to an effortless state of being. The mind melts into the infinite ocean of peace, becoming subtler and more attuned to the divine. This transformation is likened to a growing fire that, once ignited, cannot be extinguished. Through persistence, the meditator achieves unity with the Brahman, experiencing unbroken bliss and liberation.
Conclusion
Swami Sivananda’s teachings on meditation in Chapter 32 guide seekers toward self-realization through discipline, purity, and profound focus. He emphasizes that meditation is not merely a practice but a way of life that demands unwavering commitment and inner transformation. By following these teachings, the aspirant embarks on a journey to transcend the mind, conquer illusion, and unite with the eternal truth.  

#Meditation #MindControl #SwamiSivananda #Vedanta #SelfRealization #SpiritualGrowth #InnerPeace #YogaSutras #Mindfulness #Brahman #GodRealization #SpiritualJourney #MeditationPractice #PureMind #Concentration #InnerStrength #SpiritualWisdom #MeditationTips #SpiritualDiscipline #DivineConsciousness