What is Meditation, and What Does It Truly Mean?
Friends, we often say that our age is measured in days, months, and years, tied to the revolution of the Earth. This suggests that our lives are dependent on the Earth’s rotation. While this makes sense for all living beings on this planet, the idea that human age is tethered to the Earth’s rotation feels incomplete.
Modern science tells us that the atoms and cells in our bodies are entirely replaced every eight to ten years. The Earth continues its ceaseless rotation at the same speed. Yet, despite this, we grow old, and one day, we die. Why is this so? Everything around us remains unchanged, yet we eventually cease to exist. Why?
This points to a deeper truth: we seem to have anchored ourselves to a flawed axis. It appears that our lifespan has less to do with the Earth’s rotation and more to do with our breath. This understanding aligns with the insights of ancient sages whose long lives emphasized the importance of breath in spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation.
Varying Interpretations of Meditation
In our modern lives, the meaning of meditation varies for each individual. For some, meditation is a way to calm the mind, even though the mind is inherently restless and cannot be permanently stilled. Those who seek peace of mind often overlook the fact that the mind, being a part of the body, is a physical entity. Just as it is difficult to discipline the body, it is equally challenging to discipline the mind.
Others view meditation as a path to acquiring magical powers or profound joy. Social media amplifies this perspective, reinforcing the notion that meditation offers extraordinary abilities. While it is true that meditation can lead to seemingly miraculous powers, attaining them is akin to climbing Everest—an arduous and rare feat. More importantly, by the time such powers are achieved, they lose their significance, as the seeker moves toward the divine and transcends worldly desires.
Similarly, meditation is often associated with bliss. However, this bliss is misunderstood. It is not the fleeting happiness we know in daily life but a transcendental joy—Paramananda—the kind experienced by a soul immersed in divine love, like Radha or Meera.
For some, meditation is a means to resolve life’s challenges or uncover why certain events occur. Indeed, meditation can offer profound insights, transforming one’s perspective and providing clarity about life’s trials. Yet, even when the truth becomes evident, many resist accepting it or acting upon it. This is why meditation emphasizes continuous practice. With time, as one becomes accustomed to the practice, inner and outer transformations naturally unfold.
The Struggle to Stay Present
We rarely live in the present. Thoughts of the past haunt us with regret—”If only this had happened,” or “I should have done that.” Simultaneously, worries about the future cause anxiety—”What will happen tomorrow?” or “What if things go wrong?” This pervasive anxiety has led to the widespread belief that meditation is the simplest way to escape such thoughts, find peace, and achieve quick results. However, those who turn to meditation seeking immediate relief often find themselves more distressed. Why this happens will be explored in the next section.
The True Meaning of Meditation
Meditation is not a way to escape but a means to confront and train oneself to live fully in the present moment. At its core, meditation is the practice of aligning oneself with the now. It reveals for the first time the restlessness of the mind, the lack of harmony between body and mind, and the shallowness and irregularity of our breath.
Meditation teaches us how to live in the present. It is not an unfamiliar experience. When we immerse ourselves in eating, playing, writing, or observing something with complete focus, we are already practicing a form of meditation. In these moments, we exist purely in the present, unburdened by past or future concerns.
This understanding shows that meditation is not something external or separate from us. It is already a part of our lives. By recognizing and cultivating this natural presence, we can progress steadily and achieve success with ease.
In the next section, we will explore who can practice meditation and who cannot. Stay tuned for deeper insights.
