Meditation is a state wherein the mind is calm, pure, positive, caring, loving, compassionate and friendly. This state acts as a bridge between inner self and external world. External world is a reflection of inner self. The purer the inner self better becomes the external world. Meditation purifies the inner self. Everyone must aim to achieve this state of meditation as early in life as possible and live happily thereafter.


- Shri Ramesh Jain

Conversation between a saint and a foreigner

There was a saint sitting quietly near the river. Seeing the saint sitting quietly, one foreigner tried to talk to him:

Foreigner	What are you thinking
Saint	I am not thinking, I am sinking
Foreigner	Sinking in what
Saint	Sinking in the cause
Foreigner	Which cause
Saint	The cause whose effect is this creation. That cause is formless omnipresent eternal pure Consciousness and I am meditating on that.

 

Q: How to establish in the state of meditation? What is the best technique, time and place of meditation?

A: Ramana Maharshi said ‘the best way to establish in meditation is through meditation itself’. Along with regular practice of meditation one should have positive approach to life, accept things as they are, make bare minimum negative reactions and be happy all the time as well as spread happiness all around.

Any technique which suits your nature is fine for meditation. You can try to meditate on breath, on a mantra, on an object or on any form of god, on empty space or just by witnessing thoughts. You can also meditate on your body, on your five senses, on the lotus in your heart or on shat chakras (kundalini yoga).

The best time to meditate is early morning (before sunrise) and late night (just before sleep). You can also meditate at other time whenever you are free. Try to meditate, for short spells (say for 1 or 2 minutes), at least 2/3 times during the day. You can choose any place to meditate which is free of disturbance and where you feel comfortable.