Meditation – part 1

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Devotee:  Swami, I have a few doubts concerning the subject of dhyana (Meditation) which You are now writing about. Can I ask You?

Swami:  Of course, you can ask and have your doubts removed. It is good for you and it gives Me joy.

Devotee:  Some people practice dhyana, but they are unable to know whether the dhyana has progressed or not. What do You say about that?

Swami:  Progress in dhyana means the attainment of ekagratha (concentration). Each one can judge for himself, without doubt, how far he has been able to succeed in concentration, can’t he?

Devotee:  Some say that they see all sorts of things during dhyana; some hear all types of sounds. Do these indicate progress?

Swami:  They are delusions. They handicap progress. They implant conceit and disperse concentration. The distraction of sights and sounds is no sign of dhyanam.

Devotee:  Then what is to be done when such are seen?

Swami:  Don’t allow the mind to wander on to them; never lose sight of the divine form, which you have pictured for yourself. Be convinced that these are but obstacles designed to scatter your attention away from the divine form. If you permit these sights and sounds to creep in, the original form will be dimmed, your ahamkara (egoism) will increase and you will lose your way.

Devotee:  But, Swami, some people do say that these things are signs of progress in dhyana.

Swami:  That only means that they themselves are not practicing dhyana properly! Besides, not knowing what dhyana is, they delude their disciples also by talking like this, to please them. That is the only profit earned.

Devotee:  Well, does it mean then that, by means of dhyana, we cannot see the Lord?

Swami:  Why not? Certainly, it is possible. If you fix your attention of the sublimely beautiful form of the Lord and concentrate on that alone, you will receive His grace in that form itself in various ways. While doing so, many a disturbance might intervene. You should not be deluded; be on your guard, never forget the auspicious form. Picture to your self that all creation is immersed in it.

Source: Sandeha Nivarini, p. 98

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