We are always in a hurry to learn quickly or achieve results fast. If we attend a dance class, we wish to perform on stage within six months; if we go for computer studies, we wish to create software by the time our course ends. This need for quick results is utilized to the maximum effect by Advertising World. They give us creams for becoming fair within four weeks, whiter teeth within ten days, longer and thicker hair by a month and an hour glass figure within six months. With help of science and technology, seeds produce fruits, crops and cereals in shorter periods of time. Machines and computers help us to quicken our work and give faster results. We live in a state of constant motion mentally and physically. This leads to greater stress which pushes us to a quicker death at a younger age though science and medicine has helped tremendously in healing of body.
Meditation is the state of being aware. We sit in a state of awareness and watch our mind and thoughts without reaction. We see the parade of our thoughts – of our desires, pain, happiness, lust, greed, attachment, vengeance, of past and future. We see our hopes and ambitions rise from deep within us and reach out for fulfillment When we sit in meditation, we watch our thoughts in full technicolor parade dancing in front of us. We do not react. We do not pass judgement. We simply watch in a detached manner and continue with the mantra we are chanting within us or keep watching the breath. By doing so, we learn about our mind, our thoughts and desires. Regular meditation helps us to know our mind and thoughts and to transcend the mind and thoughts and reach the inner self – the Soul.
To sit in witness of our thoughts in a detached manner is not easy. We need to train ourselves to sit in meditation. It takes courage to watch the ugliness of our thoughts and be detached. We need to be sincere and truthful to ourselves. We have to acknowledge and let go of our thoughts, desires, ambitions and pains. This takes time and regular effort. Meditation is done to know self and not for fulfilling the desire of our ego in announcing to all that we also meditate. Our mind is in an eternal hurry to achieve its goals and ambitions. If we expect the results of meditation to be achieved in a short period of time, it is not possible. We will surely miss out meditation. We need to slow down and learn to be still by watching our mind with detachment. Only by taking time, we can master our mind and the self. This truth is given in this story of the student who wanted to master the art of sword fighting in a short time:
An ambitious young man wanted to learn the martial art of sword fighting of South India. He went to a famous master and sought to become his disciple and learn this wonderful art. He spoke at length about himself to the master – of how clever and intelligent he was, how sincere and hardworking he was and how he would be the best ever student the master had in his lifetime of teaching.
Then the young man asked the master: Now that you know about me, please estimate the time it would take a person like me to learn and master the martial art of sword fighting.
The master replied casually: 10 years!
The young man was taken aback and said: Master, I wish to learn quicker than that. I will work harder. I will double my efforts. I will be extremely regular and disciplined. Then how much time will it take me to master the sword fighting?
The master thought over for a few minutes and then replied: 20 years!
Learning and mastering certain arts and attaining knowledge and wisdom take their own time. We cannot hurry the process. The more we try to speed up, the more time we lose! Meditation is an art and must be practiced with patience. Sincerity and regularity in meditation helps us to slow down the thoughts of our mind and know ourselves better. The process goes on at a speed that is the right one for our personal development. It takes its own course. The only factors that we can control are our daily efforts and letting go of expectations. Meditation helps us to slow down our thoughts so that we can look at them objectively and think and act and not react. When we think and act, we have a better chance at success in all the work we do. Let us be sincere and regular in the SitaRam mantra japa, meditation and following the teachings of the Guru.
