Meditation and its Methods
Swami Vivekanand’s "Meditation and Its Methods" is a book that guide us on how meditation can transform not just our inner world, but also our moral, physical, and mental self. Below, I have shared key insights and teachings from the book.
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1. Purity in Body, Mind, and Environment
To meditate effectively, one must maintain purity—not just of the body and mind but the space where one meditates. This sacred environment helps deepen the meditative state.
2. The First Stage of Meditation
Concentration is the first step in meditation. Swamiji explains that one should focus the mind on a single object, removing distractions to cultivate deep awareness and mindfulness.
3. The Power of Ojas (Aura)
Sexual purity plays a pivotal role in spiritual development. By abstaining from sexual thoughts and actions, one can build their Ojas (Aura), or spiritual energy, which leads to stronger brainpower and enhanced spiritual growth.
4. Mastery Over the Senses
One of the critical teachings from book is self-awareness. Swamiji explained the importance of understanding and controlling your mind, mastering your senses, and guiding them inward to foster focus.
5. Strength in All Forms
He encouraged building strength—morally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Strength is essential to progress on the spiritual path and to navigate life’s challenges.
6. Misery Stems from Ignorance and Desire
Desire (Kaam) and Ignorance (Agyaan) are the two main reasons of all suffering. By conquering and eliminating these, one can begin the journey to true happiness and freedom from worldly pain.
7. Gratitude in Adversity
Swamiji gives us a profound teaching: be grateful to those who curse you, bless them and be glad. This practice builds inner peace and humility, essential to spiritual growth.
8. The Importance of Ideals
Swami Vivekanand advised that everyone should have an ideal to meditate upon. He shared that a person with an ideal makes significantly less mistakes than the person without ideal.
9. The Decline of Human Strength
Swamiji observed that we as a humans becoming weaker, mentally, physically and spiritually. It’s a call to action for all of us to reclaim our strength and vitality through different spiritual practices.
10. The Power of Personality Over Words
Swamiji tells us that personality and thoughts carry more weight than words. Your presence and the essence of who you are matters more than any words you speak.
11. Realising Your Spirit
Swamiji’s vision for mankind is to recognise that the soul is immortal. "Make a man believe he is a spirit, and in the whole world, nothing can kill him—he will be free."
12. Fate and Strength
Swamiji challenged the idea of fate, proclaiming, “Cowards and fools say it was my fate, but the strong man stands up and says, 'I will create my fate.'”
13. The Impermanence of Worldly Attachments
Love, money, body and pride will fade away, but only God will remain. This is a vital reminder to focus on what is eternal rather than the fleeting pleasures of life.
14. Manifesting Divine Infinity
The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, according to Swamiji, is to manifest infinity and divinity within ourselves.
15. Spiritual Action Over Words
Though many people talk about spirituality, when it comes to action, most fall short. Swamiji encouraged aligning our words with our deeds to make spiritual progress.
16. Three Lessons for Spiritual Seekers
For people on the spiritual path, Swami Vivekanand suggested three essential lessons:
Give up all enjoyment.
Care only for God and truth.
Develop an intense desire for God.
17. Six Spiritual Restraints
Swamiji outlined six important restraints in life:
Refrain from outward distractions.
Control your senses.
Turn the mind inward.
Endure suffering without complaint.
Stick to one idea without counting time.
Constantly contemplate your true nature.
18. Concentration Over Facts
In a remarkable reflection on education, Swamiji said, "To me, the very essence of education is concentration of mind, not the collection of facts." He believed that developing the power of concentration and detachment would equip individuals with the perfect instrument to acquire knowledge at will.
19. The Power of Thought
Swami Vivekanand emphasised the importance of our thoughts. "We become what we think of," he said, reminding us to keep our thoughts focused on higher ideals and spiritual growth.
20. The Importance of Self-Discipline
Swami Vivekanand emphasised that self-discipline is crucial for anyone on the spiritual path. It involves maintaining a consistent meditation practice, adhering to moral principles, and controlling desires, which together lead to greater inner strength and spiritual awakening.