The word ‘meditation’ is used in all sorts of conversations. It was commonly used in the past and today too. Only a handful of people really know the meaning of meditation. Meditation is misunderstood and many practices are done in the name of meditation which is not really meditation. There is a great deal of wrong information, misconception and misguidance floating around the net and in life in the name of meditation. Let us try to understand some of these myths about meditation:
Meditation is for religious people! This excuse is used by many as a reason for not meditating. They claim they are not religious and hence will not meditate. In reality, everyone should meditate. It should be taught from a young age and all should practice it. This will help us to face the stress and competition in the world today. It should be taught in schools, colleges, companies and business schools as part of syllabus. Housewives should also meditate as they bear the brunt of tensions of the entire family.
Meditation belongs to Eastern and Hindu Philosophy! I find that practicing it is disrespectful to my religion or beliefs. Meditation does not belong to any place – east or west. It is not the property of any religion or country or race. It is not trademarked by anyone. Every living being has a right to meditate. It is the property of all mankind. The soul within us is a spark of the Universal Energy. Every soul has a right to know from where it originated and where it has to return to. Meditation is a method by which we connect to our soul and the Universal Energy. It takes us back home to God.
Meditation is concentration! Meditation is generally confused with concentration. Concentration is focusing our thoughts on a single topic or thing and it makes our mind strong and one pointed. Meditation is done in order to make the grip of mind on us weaker. We stop identifying ourselves with our mind and thoughts and go beyond the mind into the reality of awareness of Being. By meditation, we train ourselves not to be disturbed by the mind or thoughts. This helps us to focus on our work at hand and complete it efficiently in a shorter time.
Meditation is contemplation! Contemplation is to think deeply about something. It is to consider, reflect or muse on a topic. For this we need to use our mind and weight pros and cons of the matter on hand. Anything done by using the mind is not meditation. Contemplation is not meditation. In meditation, we disregard the mind and watch the activities of the mind without participating in it.
Meditation is chanting mantras! I cannot meditate as I will not use Hindu mantras like Om or SitaRam. Om is universal sound vibrating in the Universe and found in all religions. SitaRam mantra is the combination of the negative and positive aspect of Energy of God. It does not belong to any religion. When ANY mantra is chanted properly, it leads to a meditative state but chanting of mantra is not meditation.
Meditation is prayer! We all pray to God for material and spiritual gains. Praying is not meditation. In meditation we become thoughtless and empty and the light and love of God fills us. This is real prayer.
Meditation means the Lotus posture! The lotus posture gives stability to body. But this posture is not easy for westerns and the elderly. Simply sitting with a straight back helps. Those who cannot sit on floor can sit on chair or sofa too. Once we are established in meditation practices, we can be in meditative state in any posture and in any place.
Meditation is relaxation! Relaxation is releasing the stress from body and mind but does not bring any inner transformation in us. It is just one of the advantages and aspects of meditation. In meditation, there is a relaxed awareness. We are not stressed by our thoughts or mind as we watch them passively. Meditation brings an inner transformation as we know that we are not our mind and thoughts.
Meditation means going to jungles and mountains or leaving the family! This is a favorite excuse for not meditating. In the beginning we need a clean corner to sit and meditate. Later on the meditative state remains with us everywhere - in the market and at work. We can practice meditation at home or school or workplace. There is no need for isolated places. We need to be sincere. That is all.
With the right understanding of meditation, let us do our SitaRam mantra, meditation and follow the teachings of the Guru and have the life that God intended for us.
