Meditation

[dhillon]

[SIZE=+1]MEDITATION[/SIZE]

The Praise of the Lord does not come to dwell in the minds of the mortal beings. Day and night,
they remain engrossed in Maya. Tell me, how can they sing God's Glories? || 1 || Pause ||
In this way, they bind themselves to children, friends, Maya and possessiveness. Like the
deer's delusion, this world is false; and yet, beholding it, they chase after it. || 1 || Our Lord
is the source of pleasures and liberation; and yet, the fool forgets Him. O servant Nanak,
among millions, there is scarcely anyone who attains the Lord's meditation (sggs 219).
If you wish to keep your Consciousness Intact, then meditate on God;
otherwise, It will break (sggs 1376).
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What is meditation? Simply put: it is an uninterrupted thought flow directed towards Higher Awareness or God without open expression through the senses. It helps us to be aware of the false ego-sense (false self or Haume) and related negativity and defilement in our minds. Meditation serves to introvert and concentrate the noisy or wandering sense-blind mind to annihilate the false "I". Thus, meditation is an integrated state of the mind — an outcome of a concentrated mind harmonized with Truth — fixed on one's real Self. In other words, it is merging into the Source consciously where Meditator and meditation become one. The aim is to remain as Meditator or one's True Nature ("Joti-Svaroopa" or Pure Being as Untainted Consciousness). What it means is that if one can ever remain as the Meditator, there is no need to meditate!! Hence, meditation is a battle with the mind to annihilate the ego and related thoughts — expulsion of the non-self or nonessentials, and experience of the ego or Haume free Consciousness ("Shabad-Surti"). In nutshell, annihilation or conquering of the mind is meditation. Without it, selfless service (Nishakaam Sevaa) is not possible. Of course, along with the meditation, we also need to assimilate the spiritual principles. An inquiry into one's real Self, meditation comes relatively easy with Bhagti (devotion) blooming in one's heart; for the Bhagti softens the heart and relaxes the intellect.​

During "Sidh Gosti" (also spelt Sidh Gost etc.), Sidhas posed many questions to Baabaa Nanak (ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਸਿਧ ਗੋਸਟਿ ). One of those questions asked what was his "way"? He replied: "To be seated in the eternal God's meditation (i.e. Naam-Simran or Jap) is my way..."​

• ਆਸਣਿ ਬੈਸਣਿ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਾਰਾਇਣੁ ਐਸੀ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਸਚੇ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਏ ॥: Aasan baisan thir naaraain aisee guramat paaeye. Gurmukhi boojhai aapu pashaanai sache sach samaaye: To be seated in the Eternal God's meditation (i.e. Naam-Simran or Jap) is my way. This is the Gurmat. By becoming a Gurmukh, I have realized the Self, and merged with the True Lord (sggs 938).
• ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਜਨ ਅਚਰਜ ਆਨੂਪੁ ॥: Jap jap karahi anand jan acharaj aanoop: Meditating and meditating on the embodiment of Wonder and Beauty, His humble servants are in Bliss (sggs 677).
• ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਸਭਿ ਮਿਟਹਿ ਕਲੇਸ ॥: Hari simrat sabh mitai kales: Meditating on God, all suffering vanish (sggs 194).
• ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਗੋਵਿੰਦੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥ ਪੜਿਆ ਅਣਪੜਿਆ ਪਰਮ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧॥: Jo praanee Govind dhiaavai. Parhiaa anparhiaa param gati paavai ||1||: That mortal who meditates on God, whether educated or uneducated, obtains the Supreme State (ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਉੱਚੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਵਸਥਾ) ||1|| (sggs 197).
• ਜਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਤੂ ਕੇਲ ॥ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਬਾਂਧਿ ਧਰਿਓ ਬਿਨੁ ਤੇਲ ॥ ਸੋ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਅਮਰਕੁ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਬਿਖੁ ਕਾਢੀਲੇ ਮਾਰਿ ॥: Jih simran karahi too kel. Deepak baandhio dhario binu tel. So deepak amrak sansaar. Kaam krodhh bikh kaadteelae maar: Meditating on the Divine you feel joyous. God has placed the lamp (Knowledge) deep within you, which burns without any oil. (Whosoever awakened this lamp within) This lamp makes one immortal in the world; it conquers and drives out the poisons of lust and anger (sggs 971).
• ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੰਭੌ ਮਨ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਠੰਢਾ ਥੀਵਾਂ ਜੀਉ ॥: Akaal moorati ajoonee sanbho mann simarat thandaa theevaan jeeou: By meditating the Timeless, Unborn and Self-illumined Principle, the mind gets filled with a profound peace (sggs 99).
• ਜਾਸੁ ਜਪਤ ਭਉ ਅਪਦਾ ਜਾਇ ...: Jaas japat bhayu apdaa jaai ....: Meditating on Him, fear and misfortune depart, and the wandering mind is held steady. Meditating on Him, suffering will never again overtake you. Meditating on Him, this ego runs away. ||2|| Meditating on Him, the five passions (i.e. all evil passions) are overcome. Meditating on Him, Amrit or Nectar (of Naam) is collected in the heart. Meditating on Him, desires (thirst of Maya) are quenched. Meditating on Him, one is approved in the Court of the Lord. ||3|| Meditating on Him, millions of mistakes (of past karma) are erased. Meditating on Him, one becomes Holy, blessed by the Lord. Meditating on Him, the mind is cooled and soothed. Meditating on Him, all inner filth (all evil passions) is washed away. ||4|| Meditating on Him, the jewel of the Lord's Name is obtained and one becomes so absorbed in the Lord that he will not abandon His Name again. Meditating on Him, many acquire heavenly existence (Aatamic-Jeevan). Meditating on Him, one abides in intuitive Peace. ||5|| Meditating on Him, one is not affected by this fire (of desires). Meditating on Him, one is not under the gaze of (fear of) death. Meditating on Him, your forehead will be immaculate (inner Purity). Meditating on Him, all pains are destroyed. ||6|| Meditating on Him, no difficulties (in living a Divine Life) are encountered. Meditating on Him, one hears the unstruck melody. Meditating on Him, one acquires this pure reputation (here and hereafter). Meditating on Him, the heart-lotus is turned upright ||7|| (sggs 236).
• ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥: Sant janaa mil karahu beechaar. Ek simir naam aadhaar: Join the Company of the saints or true devotees and reflect. Meditate on the One and take the Support of His Name (sggs 288).
• ਮਿਹਰ ਦਇਆ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਨੈਹਾਰ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਬੰਦਗੀ ਦੇਹਿ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰ ॥: Mihar dayaa kar karanaihaar. Bhagati bandagee dehi sirajanhaar: Be kind and compassionate to me, O Creator Lord. Bless me with devotion and meditation (sggs 896).

Our mind becomes noisy (contaminated) when it takes in false ego or the sense of worldly objects, otherwise it's the pure Self. This technique of meditation when practiced with Saadh-Sangat (Spiritual or Holy Company), faith, dedication, determination, regularity, discipline, steadfastness and one-pointed focus brings about integration in our lives — an integration of the body-mind-intellect apparatus and heart; an integration of our True Self ("Joti-Svaroopa") with God. Its physiological, psychological and Spiritual benefits are tremendous: through self-discovery, it brings God closer and takes us away from evil passions (the "heart-lotus" is turned upright); it enables one to retain the vision of the true Self (Inner Purity, Pure Consciousness, Spiritual Experience, etc.); it awakens Divine Grace within; it brings Divinity to life; it helps tame one's mind (i.e. ego or Haume along with its faults and defects); it makes one mentally strong (Sahaj, calm, truthful, contented, moral, righteous, wise, mindful, selfless, disciplined, fearless, free of desires or evil passions or Vaasnaas etc.); one learns to live in the eternity of "NOW" (Timelessness) by shedding the shades of the past and future; Peace, Happiness or Bliss (Anand) within can be experienced when all thoughts of the mind subside through it; it helps one become a Gurmukh (Spiritual Being) leading a Divine Lifestyle of Self-awareness, Self-realization or the Vision of Oneness; it helps one become humble or meek; it offers inner and outer stillness and renders the mind "controlled", "killed", "annihilated" or "conquered", and with the death of the lower mind comes the death of all evil passions; it works out Karmas and releases one from their grip; it erases body identity and promotes Awareness Identity; it offers various therapeutic benefits (state of conscious relaxation, stress reduction, harmony, etc.); and so on. It, thus, helps inculcating a more positive attitude towards Healthy Lifestyle at large. Hence, according to the Gurbani, meditation (Naam-Simran or Jap) is the Gurmat (Divine Teachings of God or Gurbani), and that there is no liberation (Mukti) from worldly bondage without it. But it is a tightrope walk indeed; for the mind needs to be destroyed piece by piece or pulverized of its negativity and defilement, and thus conquering oneself (perfect tranquility of the mind). It's easier said than done, for our mind and intellect keep roaming in their clusters of thoughts (Phurne) or wanderings!​

• ਮਨ ਚੂਰੇ ਖਟੁ ਦਰਸਨ ਜਾਣੁ ॥: Man choore khatu darasan jaanu: To conquer the mind (destroying it by cutting it into pieces or pulverizing it's evils) is the knowledge of the six Shaastras (sggs 352).
• ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਕਮਲਾ ਰਗੜੈ ਲੁਝੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਇ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਸੁਝੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਲੁਝੈ ॥੪੬॥: Manmukh kamlaa ragarhai lujhai. Gurmukh hoyi tis sabh kish sujahi. Nanak Gurmukh mann siou lujhai ||46||: The Manmukh (material being) drives himself crazy struggling with worries and stubbornness. But those who become Gurmukh understand everything (ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇ ਹਰੇਕ ਭੇਤ ਨੂੰ). O Nanak, (the one who) becomes the Gurmukh struggles with your own mind (ਆਪਣੇ ਮਨ ਨਾਲ ਟਾਕਰਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ) ||46|| (sggs 1418).
• ਮਨਸਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਮਨੈ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝੈ ॥: Manasaa maar manai siou loojhai:: Annihilte your desires, and struggle with your mind (sggs 1021).
• ਜੋ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਰੇ ਸੋਈ ਸੂਰਾ ॥: Jo is maare soee soorss: One who kills this is a Sooraa - Spiritual Hero (sggs 238).
• ਮਨੁ ਵਸਿ ਦੂਤਾ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਦੋਇ ॥: Mann vas dootaa durmati doi: The mind is in the control of evil passions, evil intent, and duality (sggs 222).
• ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਕੋਈ ਖੋਜਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥: Is mann kafryu koee khojo bhaaee: Let each person examine his own mind, O brother (sggs 1128).
• ਮਨੁ ਮਰੈ ਧਾਤੁ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਇ ॥: Mann marai dhaat mar jaae: When the mind is conquered, its turbulent wanderings stop (sggs 665).
• ਸੋ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਿ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰੇ ॥ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੇ ॥੧॥: So muni ji mann kee dubidhaa maare. Dubidhaa maar braham beechaare ||1||: He alone is a Sage, who annihilates his mind's duality. Killing his duality, he contemplates God. ||1|| (sggs 1129).
• ਬਿਨੁ ਮਨ ਮੂਏ ਕੈਸੇ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇ ॥: Binu mann mooye kaise hari paai: Without annihilating (conquering) the mind, how can God be found? (sggs 665).

This present age of Kali Yuga is characterized by quarrels, disagreements, cheating, deceit, cynicism, hypocrisy, duplicity, misinformation, low morality, etc. Further, we are relatively short-lived, not very intelligent or fortunate, and we are constantly disturbed and agitated by anxieties and worries. People in this age seem to be concerned about taking care of the needs of the physical body, but not the Soul! Our mind is full of violent negativity and defilement - ever flickering, turbulent, swift, restless etc., and so strong that it often overcomes even one's own intelligence. Worldly relationships are generally based on selfishness and thus very fragile. It's common to see those who surround a person when he is in good position, desert him when he loses it. This attitude often strains even bonds amongst kith and kin. Our frustrated mind feels many times that this world is a dreadful place that is difficult to manage. Conflicts, corruption and scandals are everywhere. Disease and death are common. Selfishness, jealousy, stubborn mindedness, deceit, and other evil passions have found their homes in people's hearts. We are agitated and unhappy with the actions of others and unwanted things that happen to us. Negative thoughts rise in our minds with great force even as we watch helplessly. Thus, the present age seems to be a bitter struggle for a life of short duration! To say all this is not being cynical or pessimistic; for wherever one turns, this is the realistic picture of the world we live in, reality of the present age and civilization we have built for ourselves. But at the same time, everyone must live and meet his world, which is supposed to help us learn and grow. So the question arises, in such unfavorable circumstances and different setups, how one is not to react blindly in the face of these things which one does not like or agree with? How not to create tension within and without? How to remain peaceful, harmonious and contented in all circumstances? Through meditation on the Divine Name, says the Gurbani. It helps us experience our True Nature. Upon realizing our True Being, we discover the secret of real peace and happiness within. Baabaa Nanak in the beginning of the SGGS teaches us:

• ॥ ਜਪੁ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥ ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥: || Japu || Aadi sachu jugaadi sachu || Hai bhee sachu Nanak hosee bhee sachu ||1||: Understand (ਸਮਝੋ, Reflect...): ਆਦਿ-Aadi (Source, Bignning, Base, or ਮੁੰਢ of Maya, ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟੀ...) is Truth (Sach-ਸਚ), (and) ਆਦਿ-Aadi of time (ਜੁਗਾਦਿ = ਜੁਗ+ਆਦਿ; and ਜੁਗ= time, Kaal, ਕਾਲ ਸਮਾਂ...) is (also) the Truth. Sach (Truth, Sach-ਸਚ) is Now, (And) O Nanak, Sach will be (i.e., Sach-ਸਚ is the same in all Jugas, forever and ever - Sach never gets old...). ||1|| (sggs 1).

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[dhillon]

continue----- Meditation----part 2




This present age of Kali Yuga is characterized by quarrels, disagreements, cheating, deceit, cynicism, hypocrisy, duplicity, misinformation, low morality, etc. Further, we are relatively short-lived, not very intelligent or fortunate, and we are constantly disturbed and agitated by anxieties and worries. People in this age seem to be concerned about taking care of the needs of the physical body, but not the Soul! Our mind is full of violent negativity and defilement - ever flickering, turbulent, swift, restless etc., and so strong that it often overcomes even one's own intelligence. Worldly relationships are generally based on selfishness and thus very fragile. It's common to see those who surround a person when he is in good position, desert him when he loses it. This attitude often strains even bonds amongst kith and kin. Our frustrated mind feels many times that this world is a dreadful place that is difficult to manage. Conflicts, corruption and scandals are everywhere. Disease and death are common. Selfishness, jealousy, stubborn mindedness, deceit, and other evil passions have found their homes in people's hearts. We are agitated and unhappy with the actions of others and unwanted things that happen to us. Negative thoughts rise in our minds with great force even as we watch helplessly. Thus, the present age seems to be a bitter struggle for a life of short duration! To say all this is not being cynical or pessimistic; for wherever one turns, this is the realistic picture of the world we live in, reality of the present age and civilization we have built for ourselves. But at the same time, everyone must live and meet his world, which is supposed to help us learn and grow. So the question arises, in such unfavorable circumstances and different setups, how one is not to react blindly in the face of these things which one does not like or agree with? How not to create tension within and without? How to remain peaceful, harmonious and contented in all circumstances? Through meditation on the Divine Name, says the Gurbani. It helps us experience our True Nature. Upon realizing our True Being, we discover the secret of real peace and happiness within. Baabaa Nanak in the beginning of the SGGS teaches us:

॥ ਜਪੁ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥ ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥: || Japu || Aadi sachu jugaadi sachu || Hai bhee sachu Nanak hosee bhee sachu ||1||: Understand (ਸਮਝੋ, Reflect...): ਆਦਿ-Aadi (Source, Bignning, Base, or ਮੁੰਢ of Maya, ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟੀ...) is Truth (Sach-ਸਚ), (and) ਆਦਿ-Aadi of time (ਜੁਗਾਦਿ = ਜੁਗ+ਆਦਿ; and ਜੁਗ= time, Kaal, ਕਾਲ ਸਮਾਂ...) is (also) the Truth. Sach (Truth, Sach-ਸਚ) is Now, (And) O Nanak, Sach will be (i.e., Sach-ਸਚ is the same in all Jugas, forever and ever - Sach never gets old...). ||1|| (sggs 1).
The Gurbani says, to experience God within, one needs to meditate each breath on the Supreme Self by focusing on the Divine Name. And that an experience of the intense spiritual devotion is enjoyed by a rare one and not all are so blessed. The ego-minded, lacking the spark of divinity, will harbor evil thoughts when frustrated. As a result of past good Karma, worldly suffering, etc., many aspire to cultivate devotion and their Spiritual Nature ("Joti-Svaroopa"). Driven by an urge to go beyond the work-a day routine of the unenlightened existence, such people choose the path of self-purification by self-observation. Although this pursuit of the Ultimate is a demanding and rigorous mission, but the goal is attainable. To those who are determined, undeviated, keen and persistent in their efforts, there is a way. For example, during "Sidha-Goshtee", Baabaa Nanak was asked as to how one can realize God? He answered:

ਰੋਸੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ਉਤਰੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੋ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਚਲਤਉ ਸਚ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਸੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ: Rosu n keejai outaru deejai kiou paaeeai gur duaaro. Ihu manu chalataou sach ghari baisai Nanak naamu adhaaro: Don't be angry (with us) - tell us: How can (one) obtain God's Door ("ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੋ")? O Nanak! (One arrive at or abtain the God's Door-"ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੋ"-when) Through the Support of the Naam (Aatam-Giaan, Divine Knowledge, Spiritual Wisdom...), this fickle (restless, mercurial...) mind sits in its True Home (the Heart, Nij Ghar, etc.) within. (sggs 938).
For beginners, there are some preparatory steps suggested by Spiritual Beings. (1) Loosen your clothes if they are tight, sit comfortably crossing your legs, and spine erected. (2) Sit absolutely still. (3) Keep your eyes closed; keep them from moving. (4) Observe your breathing for a while. (5) Notice every breath - air moving in and out. Generally we unaware of our breathing in and out. (6) Notice if there is any tension anywhere in the body. If there is some tension, let go of it. The entire body must feel relaxed. (7) Watch the movements of the mind (thoughts and emotions) just as you would watch a cobra snake going by. One-pointedness of the mind is very essential. (8) Watch and face thoughts and emotions (and resulting respiration or the sensation), the way they run, one after another - face the negativity and the defilement of the mind. (9) Just watch thought or emotion; without reacting or editing - as soon as one starts observing any mental negativity or defilement, it begins to lose strength and slowly withers away and is thus uprooted leaving one peaceful and happy. This techniques of self-observation entails mental-physical phenomenon (inner and outer disturbances). (10) Focus on the Mantra, (to begin with, chant quietly by the mouth, then chant mentally, and then chant with each inhalation and exhalation). The ultimate accomplishment in the performance of Naam Jap is going to walk, stand, sit, eat, work, etc., while internally the Jap continues mentally without a break, spontaneously. This is the unbroken meditation ("Ajappaa Jaap") the Gurbani talks about. Once the aspirant has purified the mind (made it still and peaceful etc.), he becomes fit for employing his mind in unwavering contemplation, discovering the total identity of the essence behind both the individuality (Jeevaatmaan) and the Cosmic Self. Also, the Gurbani strongly recommends joining and then maintaining Spiritual or Holy Company (Saadh-Sangat) in life.

ਅਜਪਾ ਜਾਪੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਆਦਿ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਸਭਿ ਸਖੀਆ ਪੰਚੇ ਮਿਲੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸੁ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਖੋਜਿ ਇਹੁ ਘਰੁ ਲਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਦਾਸੁ ॥੧॥: The mind that does not forget the Chant which is chanted without chanting becomes immersed in the Primal Lord of the ages. Upon becoming a Gurmukh (spiritual being), all the sensese are blessed with the five virtues, and one dwells in the Home deep within. Nanak is the slave of that one who seeks the Shabad and finds this inner Home ||1|| (sggs 1291).
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਤੈ ਤਨਿ ਉਡੈ ਖੇਹ ॥: Har naam na simarahi saadhasa(n)g tai tani ouddai kheh: That body, which does not remember the Lord's Name in meditation in the Saadh Sangat, the Spiritual or Holy Company, will be reduced to dust (sggs 553).
ਜਿਨਾ ਸਾਸਿ ਗਿਰਾਸਿ ਨ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾਂ ਮਨਿ ਮੰਤੁ ॥ ਧੰਨੁ ਸਿ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਸੋਈ ਸੰਤੁ ॥: Jinaa Saas Giraas na visarai...: Those who do not forget (oblivion) the Lord's Name (Braham Giaan, Aatam-Giaan, Gurmat...) even for the duration of a breath or when swallowing a morsel, are praiseworthy. Says Nanak, they are the perfect Saints (sggs 319).
ਸਾਸ ਸਾਸ ਸਾਸ ਹੈ ਜੇਤੇ ਮੈ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਰੇ ॥ ਸਾਸੁ ਸਾਸੁ ਜਾਇ ਨਾਮੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਸੋ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਸਾਸੁ ਬਿਕਾਰੇ ॥੭॥: According to Gurmat (instructions of the Gurbani), with as many breaths as I have, I chant the Naam. Each and every breath which escapes me without the Naam - that breath is useless and corrupt ||7|| (sggs 980).
ਹਰਿ ਪੜਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਬੁਝਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਰਖਹੁ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜਪੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰੁ ॥: Read about God, understand God, and enshrine love for Him. Chant and meditate on God's; hold tight to the Support of His Name (sggs 937).
ਹਾਥ ਪਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਕਾਮੁ ਸਭੁ ਚੀਤੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੨੧੩॥: Haath paaou kar kaam sabh cheet niranjan naal ||213||: With your hands and feet, do all your work, but let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord (ਮਾਇਆ-ਰਹਿਤ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ, the Lord who is beyond Maya's stains) ||213|| (sggs 1376).
In nutshell, the entire process can be summed up as entailing three stages: (1) concentration (Dharana), (2) meditation (Dhiaan), and (3) enlightenment or absorption (Samaadhi or undistracted mind). Thus, meditation is the stage before realization, not other way around; for meditation is also with mind whereas the state of realization is beyond any efforts. It is the state of effortlessness or Sahaj. Usually one starts off by harnessing his awareness, such as focusing his mind onto a Mantra, Self, some aspect of God etc. Once attention gets engaged, concentration turns into meditation or Dhiaan. And through continuous meditation, the meditator merges with the object of concentration. Concentration is not possible with the mind busy in its predispositions and preoccupations. Simply put: for the real or deep meditation to happen, the mind must be empty of thoughts (noise of the Haume or false ego-sense). As the meditation cannot be made to order or given as a gift to someone else, the real or deep meditation can only be experienced within, not verbally explained or told. In other words, deep meditation is the eternal or unspoken Speech, which cannot be experienced through the senses for the senses are focused outwardly in the gross world of plurality. Meditation technique shuts the doors of the senses so that the phantom of the fragmented or defiled mind cannot escape through them, and so that we can look within in Sahaj Avasthaa: natural state of Being (Gurmukhtaa). A such pure or balanced mind is always full of truthfulness, selfless love, compassion and service (Nishakaam Sevaa) for the failings and sufferings of others; full of joy at their success and happiness; and full of equanimity in the face of any situation. The mind so stilled is no longer overpowered by violent negativity or defilement. When one reaches this stage, the entire pattern of one's life starts changing. With this technique of perfect self-mastery one remains unperturbed by the vicissitudes of life, thus freeing himself from his slavery to senses and circumstances.

ਏ ਮਨ ਹਰਿ ਜੀ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂ ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਇਕ ਚਿਤਿ ਭਾਇ ॥: Ey mann har jee dhiaai too ik mani ik chit bhaai: O mind, meditate on the Dear Lord, with single-minded conscious concentration (sggs 653).
ਸਾਵਧਾਨ ਏਕਾਗਰ ਚੀਤ ॥: Saavadhhaan eaekaagar cheeth: (Praise the Lord) with total concentration and one-pointedness of mind (sggs 295).
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਗਿਆਨ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥੩॥: Brahm giaani kaa bhojan giaan. Nanak brahm giaani kaa brahm dhiaan ||3||: Spiritual Wisdom (ਉੱਚੀ ਸਮਝ, etc.) is the food of the Brahm Giaanee - the knower of Truth. O Nanak, the Brahm Giaanee - the knower of Truth - is absorbed in God's Dhiaan (meditation) ||3|| (sggs 273).
ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਸਿਉ ਲਾਗੋ ਧਿਆਨ ॥: I focus my meditation on the Supreme Being (sggs 1148).
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਮਨੁ ਭੀਜੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਲਗਾਵਣਿਆ ॥: Guramukh naam milai man bheejai sahaj samaadhi lagaavaniaa: Those who by becoming the Gurmukhs obtain the Divine Name, their minds are enraptured, and they intuitively enter into Samaadhi (sggs 130).
ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਲੇ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਰਹੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕੁ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋ ਲਹੈ ॥ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਦੇਇ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥੭॥: Giaan dhyaanu le samsar rahai. Gurmukhu eku virlaa ko lahai. Jis no de kirpaa te sukhu paae. Guroo Duaarai aakh sunaae ||7||: With Divine wisdom and meditation, one abides in the state of Equanimity (evenness, sameness, etc. ). How rare is the one who, by becoming the Gurmukh, attains the One God (Realize God - ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨਾਲ ਜਾਣ-ਪਛਾਣ). With His Grace, to whom God blesses this, He Sspeaks to him through the Guroo's Door, and (that person) alone finds Peace (ਆਤਮਕ ਆਨੰਦ) ||7|| (sggs 930).
ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਬੂਝੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭਾਲਣਿ ਜਾਈ ॥: Manmukh mugadh boojhai naahee baahar bhaalan jaaee: The foolish Manmukh (material being) does not understand; he goes out searching for the Divine externally (sggs 754).
Although meditation in itself is not a cult or religion, but because of its Spiritual element, meditation forms an integral part of most formal religions. It helps one turn inward. Because, unless we learn to master our inward life (Gurmukh Lifestyle etc.), the external scheme of life, no matter how perfect, can only bring sorrow, frustration and unhappiness. However, in the present materially-oriented lifestyle, this fundamental factor has been sadly overlooked. Consequently, in spite of plenty of material prosperity, education and knowledge, we are miserable. The Gurbani repeatedly reminds us that everything is within, including God. To experience this (one's Pure Being, the Self) within, therefore, there is the need to turn inward. Meditation removes faults and defects of the mind and balances its thinking process, which is necessary to turn inward. It refines the imbalanced human personality (body-mind-intellect) for experiencing our divine heritage within. From time to time we all experience agitation, irritation, disharmony, sorrow, frustration; and when one is so miserable, one does not keep this misery limited to oneself. One keeps distributing it to others as well. To be peaceful and contented in all situations in the pure Self, by the Self, and for the Self is the the proper way to live in real stillness. In other words, one ought to live at peace with oneself without generating any defilement or negativity in the mind. Spiritual experience being very subtle requires sincere self-efforts and preparation. The way to harmonize our individuality with Truth and to realize our Oneness at the level of the Soul is indicated to be through meditation. There are various techniques in this but essentially the idea is to still the mind by annihilating its Haume or false ego-sense. It can be practiced by anyone regardless of country, religion, age, caste or social status. It is a universal remedy for the universal human suffering and universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living right (Divine Life).

 

[dhillon]

continue---meditation----part 3



ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕਤ ਨਾਹਿ ॥: Bin simaran mukti kat naahi: Without the meditation, liberation will never be found (sggs 971).
ਸੋ ਸੂਰਾ ਕੁਲਵੰਤੁ ਸੋਇ ਜਿਨਿ ਭਜਿਆ ਭਗਵੰਤੁ ॥ ਖਤ੍ਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਸੂਦੁ ਬੈਸੁ ਉਧਰੈ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਚੰਡਾਲ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਨਿਓ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਨਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਰਵਾਲ ॥੧੭॥: So sooraa kulavant soi jin bhajiaa bhagvant ...: He is Soora (Spiritual Hero who can knock against his evil passions - ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਟਾਕਰਾ ਕਰ ਸਕਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਅਸਲ ਸੂਰਮਾ), of noble birth (ਉੱਚੀ ਕੁਲ ਵਾਲਾ), who meditates (Simran) upon the Supreme Being. (That person may be a) Kh'shatriya, Brahmin, low-caste Shoodras, Vaisha and outcast pariahs (Chandaal), (they) are all saved by meditating on the Lord. Nanak is the dust of the feet of him who knows his God (ਜਿਸ ਭੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨਾਲ ਡੂੰਘੀ ਸਾਂਝ ਪਾਈ ਹੈ) ||17|| (sggs 300).
ਸਗਲ ਮਤਾਂਤ ਕੇਵਲ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ॥: The Essence of all religion is God's Name alone (sggs 296).
ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਅਰੇ ਛੁਟੀਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚੀਨੈ ਆਪੁ ॥: Har jap jeeare shutteeai gurmukh cheenai aap: Meditating on the Name of the Lord, O my soul, you will be emancipated; by becoming a Gurmukh, you willl come to understand your own Self (sggs 20).
ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨਾ ਕਿਆ ਗਿਆਨ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥: Naam binaa kiaa giaan dhiaan: Without the Naam, what is the use of spiritual wisdom and meditation spiritual wisdom (that is used in ਗਿਆਨ-ਚਰਚਾ, scholarly discussions, etc.) and meditation? (sggs 905).
Disgrace to a person who does not enshrine God within and see Him within (Tulsidaas).
Meditation alone is true worship (Yoga Vashishta).
Who meditates on Me as the Supreme Being, his mind constantly engaged in remembering Me, undeviated from the path, he, O Paartha, is sure to reach Me (Gita 8:8).
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord (Bible, Psalm 104:33-35). Be still and know that I am God (Bible, Psalms 46:10). Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Bible, Matthew 7:6-8).
During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank (Quran 17:79). During the night you shall meditate on his name and after prostrating (Quran 50:40). .....You shall magnify Him constantly (Quran 17:111).
By faith and moral purity, by effort and meditation, by investigation of the truth, by being rich in knowledge and virtue, and by being mindful, destroy this unlimited suffering (Buddha, Dhampadaa145). Wisdom springs from meditation, without meditation wisdom wanes (Buddha, Dhampadaa 283).
The Gurbani has a simple message: eternal Peace, Happiness or God lie within, beyond this physical existence. To experience this Divinity within while alive is the real purpose or goal of the human life. The technique of realizing this is meditation, through which we can discover the same One Light of the Timeless Creator (Akaal Purakh) shining within all beings. Contact with this Inner Light will bring about a profound transformation, submerging in selfless love, compassion and service (Nishakaam Sevaa). Then, we will start treating all humanity as members of one family and begin to respect and serve all. Such feeling is the core of Spirituality. If we enjoy peace and happiness through meditation, we will live maintaining equipoise and anyone who comes to us will experience Peace. Meditation hence elevates us to achieve an angle of Cosmic Vision in which we will be witnesses to the Oneness in the apparent diversity in life and will look upon the world as an embroidered whole. The mind gets diverted, and frees itself out of negativity and defilement.

ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਸੈ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਨਾ ॥: Jaa kai simaran duramat naasai paavahi padu nirabaanaa: Remembering Him in meditation, evil-mindedness is dispelled, and the state of Nirvaana is obtained (sggs 901).
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਨ ਜੀਵਨ ਕਉਨੇ ਕਾਮ ॥੩੦॥: Kahu Nanak bin har bhajan jeevan koune kaam ||30||: Says Nanak, without meditating on the Lord, what is the use of this human life? ||30|| (sggs 1428).
ਨਾਉ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਨਾਉ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਨਾਮੇ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥: Naayu dhiaaeeai naayu mangeeai naame sahaji samaai: Meditate on the Name, worship the Name, and through the Name, you will be absorbed in intuitive Peace and Poise (sggs 26).
ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਸਦਾ ਹੋਇ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸੀਤਲ ਮਨੁ ਅਪਨਾ ॥: Hari simarat sadaa hoi anand sukh antari saanti seetal manu apanaa: Meditating on God, you will find Bliss and Peace forever deep Within, and your mind will become tranquil and cool (sggs 860).
ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਪੜੀਐ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਪੜੀਐ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ॥: Meditate on God, and read and reflect upon the Gur-Shabad. Meditate on God, and read and reflect by removing your ego (sggs 424).
ਖਿੰਥਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਧਿਆਨ ਕਰਿ ਸੂਈ ਸਬਦੁ ਤਾਗਾ ਮਥਿ ਘਾਲੈ ॥: He, a true Yogi, makes spiritual wisdom his patched coat, meditation his needle, and inserts the thread of the Shabad in it (sggs 477).
ਧੁਨਿ ਮਹਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅਕਥ ਕਹਾਨੀ ॥: Meditation is in the Dhuni (of Naam, Shabad-Surti, Unstruck Transcendental Vibratory Sound-current, etc.), and His knowing (Realization, experience, etc.) is in such meditation. Become the Gurmukh, and speak this Unspoken Speech (sggs 879).
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੀਤਲ ਜਲੁ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਚੰਦਨ ਵਾਸੁ ਸੁਗੰਧ ਗੰਧਈਆ ॥: Har har naam seetal jal dhiyavahu har chandan vaas sugandh gandhayeeyaa: Meditate on the cool water of the God's Name. Perfume yourself with the fragrant scent of God, the sandalwood tree (sggs 833-834).
ਮੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਪੂਜਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਵਸਿ ਰਹੇ ॥ ਭੇਖੁ ਭਵਨੀ ਹਠੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿ ਰਹੇ ॥੧॥: Mai avar giaan n dhiaan poojaa Hari Naam antari vasi rahe. Bhekh bhavnee hath n jaanaa Nanakaa sach gahi rahe ||1||: God's Name dwells deep within me, I know no other wisdom, meditation or worship. I know nothing about religious robes, pilgrimages or stubbornness; O Nanak, I only hold tight to the Truth ||1|| (sggs 843).
This is what Baabaa Nanak (and many other true world Masters) taught; an art of proper living. He (and many other Men of Light) did not instruct his followers to practice any rites or rituals, blind or empty formalities. He did established or taught any "ism". Instead, he taught self-purification by observing Reality so we can know our Real Self ("Joti-Svaroopa") within. Therefore, the Gurbani talks about the true essence of Spirituality, which is Transcendent and makes the inside core of external religions, which brings us face to face with the Divine Light within, because it is inherent in the Purity of the Soul itself. But the majority of us allow our preoccupations with the world to supersede our Spiritual interest. Out of this ignorance, one keeps reacting and conducting in a way which is harmful to oneself and to others. But with the rise Spiritual Wisdom in the bosom, one comes out of this habit of negativity or defilement. When one ceases to react blindly when thwarted, then one is capable of real action - action proceeding from an intuitively balanced mind, a mind that understands and is harmonized with the Truth. Such action can only be positive, creative, helpful to oneself and to others (life free of reactionary Karma and reactionary spirituality). Baabaa Nanak says the disease of human suffering is universal. So the human suffering is neither Sikh suffering , nor Hindu suffering, nor Christian suffering, nor Muslim suffering, nor Buddhist suffering, and so on. Suffering is suffering. Therefore, meditation can be practiced by one and all; for the universal disease requires a universal remedy, not a sectarian one.

ਨਾਨਕ ਦੁਖੀਆ ਸਭੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥: Nanak dukheeaa sabh sansaar: O Nanak, the whole world is suffering (sggs 954).
ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥: Sarab dharam mahi sarest dharam; hari ko naam jap nirmal karam: Of all the religions, the Best Religion is meditation (Jap or Naam-Simran); this is the pure conduct (sggs 266).
ਜਿਨਿ ਆਤਮ ਤਤੁ ਨ ਚੀਨ੍*ਆਿ ॥ ਸਭ ਫੋਕਟ ਧਰਮ ਅਬੀਨਿਆ ॥: Jini aatam tatu n cheenhiaa. Sabh fokat dharma abeeniaa: Whoever does not Realize the Essence or Reality of the Soul (ਆਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਅਸਲੀਅਤ...), all his religious acts are of no value - worthless (sggs 1351).
ਮਨਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਤਾ ਪਾਏ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥: Man niramal naam dhiaaeeai taa paae mokh duaaru: Meditating on the Divine Name with a pure mind, the Door of Liberation is found (sggs 33).
ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਰਬ ਕੋ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥: Tisahi dhiaavahu manu mere sarab ko aadhaar: O my mind, meditate on the One who's the Substratum of all (sggs 51).
In conclusion, the meditation is not to just sit with full or partially closed eyes. Also, the purpose of meditation is not to become somebody, but to become humble (always having a smile on face, kind words on lips, a compassionate heart etc). According to the Gurbani, humility is the essence of all virtues. The majority of us generally live in the past or the future. Memories of the past (past is dead) and anxiety of the future (future is unknown) both poison life by creating tension and disharmony. But life is in the NOW. The life of meditation empowers us to live in the NOW. It helps us cope with all situations of one's life positively — we become able to responding (positivism) to life's situations instead of reacting (negativism) to them!