One probably doesn't expect to learn a whole new enlightened way of living from a book entitled Meditation. I didn't. But was pleasantly surprised by Eknath Easwaran's book. He explains right from the beginning that meditation is not just clearing your mind, but a whole way of life.
Honestly, I have never had the desire to meditate. Possibly because I didn't really know what purpose it would serve. I thought I was already accomplishing stress relief, and learning to live in the now through yoga. It had been suggested in my yoga classes and I thought I should try it. Emphasis on the word should because I still didn't WANT to do it. Easwaran's book opened my mind and heart to the idea. One paragraph grabbed me. It was about taming your inner demons or quieting the ego mind. I had been on that journey for about 2 years, and felt stuck for the past two. I thought "maybe this is the answer".
The author did an amazing job of relating concepts in a way that was moving and yet down to earth. I felt comfortable with the whole concept of meditation for the first time in my life. I was actually moved to tears by some of his examples because of the way he incorporated symbolism and human nature. I really related to his stories of his grandmother. I also felt that every concept taught was familiar and truthful to me-excepting his idea that organized religion is a way to feed our egos. I choose to believe that he is making a case not limiting ourselves to the teachings of one school of thought.
Admittedly ignorant on the subject, I always thought that the goal in meditating was to clear the mind of all thoughts, and had never been able to do that. So, I was relieved when he said to meditate on a prayer or mantra.
This book inspired me to learn more about the great spiritual leaders of the world, and study their works. I have always believed that truth is truth. It never changes, and it is revealed to those who sincerely seek it, wherever or however they may be. It is still however, very interesting to me that great enlightened minds throughout the ages and in all parts of the world come to nearly the same conclusions. They usually just phrase it differently or have a slightly different twist on their teachings due to culture, circumstance, or time in history.
I have always been a little leery of venturing out of my own religious comfort zone (if you will) as far as meditation and mantras are concerned. I thought it might fall into the put no other Gods before me or worshiping idols category. That being said, I have also always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent with a lot of short-comings, not the least of which was being alcoholic and abusive. My point in stating all of this is that when the author suggested :
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
as one of the most beautiful mantrams he has experienced. Initially, I didn't think it would work for me because I am Christian and it has Jewish connotations. However, after the author broke it down syllabically, i too thought it was probably one of the most meaningful phrases I had heard. As with a lot of feelings, the English language doesn't do them justice. Those three words basically mean: Oh Lord, who has stolen my heart, I cannot rest until I find Him. He ceaselessly, ceaselessly draws me unto Him, and is the only source of true joy.
I gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: Our bodies are only a type of clothing; we "shed" our bodies at death; when you recognize illusion, it evaporates; lose yourself, and you shall find yourself; slow down in order to speed up; depth, not breadth; the senses can be trained and therefore magnified;discipline is freedom.
I would suggest to anyone seeking for truth, enlightenment, knowledge or freedom to buy this book and refer to it often. Thank goodness for Amazon, as it is now out of print. Even with no great insights, meditation will provide moments of peace in trying times, clarity in confusion, and time to listen. To my friends who are a bit skeptical of the mystical as I was, I say meditation is taking the time to listen for answers to prayers. - 14130
Honestly, I have never had the desire to meditate. Possibly because I didn't really know what purpose it would serve. I thought I was already accomplishing stress relief, and learning to live in the now through yoga. It had been suggested in my yoga classes and I thought I should try it. Emphasis on the word should because I still didn't WANT to do it. Easwaran's book opened my mind and heart to the idea. One paragraph grabbed me. It was about taming your inner demons or quieting the ego mind. I had been on that journey for about 2 years, and felt stuck for the past two. I thought "maybe this is the answer".
The author did an amazing job of relating concepts in a way that was moving and yet down to earth. I felt comfortable with the whole concept of meditation for the first time in my life. I was actually moved to tears by some of his examples because of the way he incorporated symbolism and human nature. I really related to his stories of his grandmother. I also felt that every concept taught was familiar and truthful to me-excepting his idea that organized religion is a way to feed our egos. I choose to believe that he is making a case not limiting ourselves to the teachings of one school of thought.
Admittedly ignorant on the subject, I always thought that the goal in meditating was to clear the mind of all thoughts, and had never been able to do that. So, I was relieved when he said to meditate on a prayer or mantra.
This book inspired me to learn more about the great spiritual leaders of the world, and study their works. I have always believed that truth is truth. It never changes, and it is revealed to those who sincerely seek it, wherever or however they may be. It is still however, very interesting to me that great enlightened minds throughout the ages and in all parts of the world come to nearly the same conclusions. They usually just phrase it differently or have a slightly different twist on their teachings due to culture, circumstance, or time in history.
I have always been a little leery of venturing out of my own religious comfort zone (if you will) as far as meditation and mantras are concerned. I thought it might fall into the put no other Gods before me or worshiping idols category. That being said, I have also always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent with a lot of short-comings, not the least of which was being alcoholic and abusive. My point in stating all of this is that when the author suggested :
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
as one of the most beautiful mantrams he has experienced. Initially, I didn't think it would work for me because I am Christian and it has Jewish connotations. However, after the author broke it down syllabically, i too thought it was probably one of the most meaningful phrases I had heard. As with a lot of feelings, the English language doesn't do them justice. Those three words basically mean: Oh Lord, who has stolen my heart, I cannot rest until I find Him. He ceaselessly, ceaselessly draws me unto Him, and is the only source of true joy.
I gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: Our bodies are only a type of clothing; we "shed" our bodies at death; when you recognize illusion, it evaporates; lose yourself, and you shall find yourself; slow down in order to speed up; depth, not breadth; the senses can be trained and therefore magnified;discipline is freedom.
I would suggest to anyone seeking for truth, enlightenment, knowledge or freedom to buy this book and refer to it often. Thank goodness for Amazon, as it is now out of print. Even with no great insights, meditation will provide moments of peace in trying times, clarity in confusion, and time to listen. To my friends who are a bit skeptical of the mystical as I was, I say meditation is taking the time to listen for answers to prayers. - 14130
About the Author:
Do you know you can create the life you really want? Laurice Egerton is an successful home business owner and success coach. Click to learn more today!
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