Meditation – part 2

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Devotee: Can we not know at any time what stage we have reached in dhyana?

Swami:  You can identify the progress or decline of dhyana only when you know this is stage number so and so, this stage is such and such, isn’t it? The Dhyanarupa (Meditation-Form) is beginningless and endless and so its fruition also cannot be declared complete and finished.

Devotee:  Then, do You say that dhyana is endless?

Swami:  What is generally called the end is the end of the I and the merging of all in the One Form. Dhyana has no end.

Devotee:  How are we to understand its stages?

Swami:  You can have an idea of the stage if you examine daily how you are able to concentrate, how far you have subdued the wandering nature of the mind, and how deeply you taste the divine form; that is all. The stage reached cannot be cognized. What you receive and at what time, depends on His grace. The sadhaka’s (spiritual aspirant) mission is to practice dhyana, without deviating from the path. The rest is all His grace. It does not depend upon the number of days or the length of time. Some may require many births; others may realize the goal in a few days even. It depends on each one’s shraddha (faith), bhakthi (devotion), and sadhana (spiritual practice). It cannot be calculated and reasoned out.

Devotee:  That means, we should not worry about our sadhana, its progress, its stage, or possible decline.

Swami:  Exactly. Worry about the discipline needed for the sadhana, but not about its fruition. The reality, the realization of the reality, these have no steps or limits. Do not yield to all sorts of delusions, or desires for this stage and that. Stick to the goal and the journey. Never give up the discipline of the sadhana. Do not change the time of dhyana. With one aim and unchanging attitude, strive to attain it. That will vouchsafe the fruit. That will bless you with the bliss. Do not be led away by what others speak about their imaginary experiences. For you, nothing can be as genuine as your own experience. Therefore, first attempt to gain undeviating concentration, let that be your one aim.

Sandeha Nivarini, p. 98

To get at the core of God at His greatest, one must first get into the core of himself at his least, for no one can know God who has not known himself.

Digest, p. 191

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