EVERYONE CAN MEDITATE describes the methods and spiritual knowledge of Raja Yoga as taught by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Mt Abu, Rajasthan.
Each chapter explores a basic aspect of Raja Yoga meditation, explaining deep concepts in simple language. All chapters finish with a short meditation commentary.
EVERYONE CAN MEDITATE is highly recommended for those who are beginning to discover the beauty and strength of their inner world. More and more, we are realising the need to develop the power of the mind, as we try to keep up with the ever-increasing pace of life and its complexities. By introducing meditation into our practical life, we not only gain real peace of mind, but also a very positive and healthy attitude towards life.
These nine lessons were originally given as a lecture series in Leeds, England. The lessons can be practiced as private study with great benefit. However, it is valuable to study these lessons in conjunction with the (free) course in meditation at a Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre. The atmosphere at these Centres and the expertise of other meditation practitioners greatly enhance the experiences and understanding gained from the study of this book.
Lesson 1: Why meditation?
Lesson 2: Who am I?
Lesson 3: Soul consciousness
Lesson 4: This thing called mind
Lesson 5: Keeping the balance
Lesson 6: Karma
Lesson 7: The Supreme
Lesson 8: Time waits for no-one – or does it?
Lesson 9: The eight powers
In Conclusion
People want a variety of things from meditation. Some come for peace, others for control; some for power and some for silence; but of all the reasons, the one which is most often expressed is peace, or peace of mind. At first there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the two; but on closer inspection we find that they are asking for different things. Peace is simply an experience, whereas peace of mind is a way of life.
At some time or other we have all enjoyed a moment’s peace, however fleeting. Simply to experience peace is not actually so difficult. Peace is something easily attainable through the practice of meditation because this is what meditation is specifically designed to give. However, to attain peace of mind implies that I want to experience peace constantly. While I go about my daily life, I need to be in control of myself to the extent that I can have whatever experience I choose when I choose. To experience constant peace of mind, I need something more than just a meditation technique. After all, in the middle of a dispute with the bus conductor over the change, I can’t just sit myself down and spend five minutes delving into the deep recesses of the self to regain that temporarily lost inner peace! It is the experience of peace, previously gained through meditation, which I need to be able to use later on in my practical life, especially at times when it is not easy to be peaceful. If I can’t use my meditation to bring benefit into my daily life, is it really of any use to me?
Therefore, the emphasis in this meditation course will be a double one.
Firstly, to teach a simple, effective method of meditation called Raja Yoga, and to discuss and experiment with ideas on how to deepen the experiences gained.
Secondly, to look at the reasons behind stress and tension in my life, so that through understanding I can begin to change the root causes, using the power gained through meditation; and also, to clarify how I can translate peaceful feelings into peaceful actions, so that peace becomes peace of mind.
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Meditation is the process of getting to know myself completely: both who I am ‘inside’ and how I react to what is ‘outside’. Above all, meditation is ‘enjoying myself’ in the literal sense. Through meditation, I discover a very different ‘me’ from the stressed or troubled person who may seem superficially to be ‘me’. I realise that my true nature, the real me, is actually very positive. I begin to discover an ocean of peace right here on my own doorstep.
There is a lovely Indian story about a queen who had lost her valuable pearl necklace. In great distress, she looked everywhere for it; and just when she was about to give up all hope of ever finding it she stopped and realised it was right there around her own neck! Peace is very much like this. If I look for it outside in my physical surroundings or in other people, I will always be disappointed; but if I learn where and how to look for peace within myself, I will find that it has been here all the time.
The word ‘meditation’ is used to describe a number of different uses of the mind, from contemplation and concentration to devotion and chanting. The word itself is probably derived from the same root as the Latin word ‘mederi’, meaning ‘to heal’.
Meditation can certainly be looked on as a healing process, both emotionally and mentally, and to a certain extent, physically too. The simplest definition of meditation is: the right use of the mind or positive thinking. It is not to deny thoughts, but to use them correctly. Most forms of meditation employ two main practices:
• concentration exercises, often using an object such as a mandala (picture based on a circular motif) or a flower or a candle; and
• the repetition of a mantra.
A mantra is a sacred phrase, word or sound which is repeated constantly, either loudly, silently or in thoughts only. It translates literally as ‘man’ – ‘mind’ and ‘tra’ – ‘to free’; so, ‘that which frees the mind’. Raja Yoga meditation does involve concentration, but no physical object is involved. The object of concentration is the ‘inner’ self. Instead of repeating one word or phrase, as in a mantra, a flow of thoughts is encouraged, thus using the mind in a natural way.
This positive flow of thoughts is based on an accurate understanding of the self and so acts as a key to unlock the treasure trove of peaceful experiences lying within.