PART THREE
In the state of
meditation, one becomes videha, or detached from body-consciousness. It is the only direct way to separate the
soul from the bondages of body and mind.
Direct realization
is like seeing a country with our own eyes, rather than hearing about it from
others or reading about it in books or newspapers.
Ordinarily we
perceive everything through the prism of our mind with its built-in
predispositions.
The way to attain
direct realization is the repeated practice of meditation. Practice is required to convert intellectual
conviction into spiritual realization.
Spiritual
illumination has its manifestation on the mental level in the form of poise,
peace, naturalness, serenity, stability of emotions, conservation of energy,
and a capacity to bear the frustrations of life.
A degree of
emotional maturity is necessary so that we can develop an adequate reserve of
mental energy for use in finding creative solutions to the problems of life.
Many people think
that meditation is a process of passive reflection or just letting things
happen, but actually it a conscious process of guiding the mind by oneself. In
meditation, it is the alertness of the mind that matters most, not the length
of time devoted.
A mantra is a
specific combination of letters or words which has hidden within it a
mysterious power to bring about certain results on being used in a particular
manner.
The sun, the visible
luminary in the sky, is the representation of the Supreme Godhead.
The Yoga system is
based upon the idea that the inner Self, which is Pure Consciousness, remains
covered by successive layers of ignorance consisting of attachments and
aversions.
Mind and matter,
according to Yoga, are not two separate entities.
Our body is nothing
but solidified mind.
Spiritual
advancement is to be determined not by what the seeker feels occasionally and
temporarily, but by what he is, naturally and spontaneously.
