Recently, we had a group discussion about meditation. One Siddha Yogi said that our meditations would be deeper if we meditated regularly at the same time and place. This person said that if we do this, the
shakti will be there for us. And so I started to meditate every day in the early morning. Last night I went to bed late. I switched off my alarm because I didn’t think I could get up so early. But I woke up early anyway and said to myself, “Meditate.” My meditation was filled with
shakti!
Thank you, Gurumayi. Thank you for your Message for 2015. It is giving me strength, discipline, peace, and lots and lots of
shakti.
Akola, India
I feel I have received revitalizing support when I read that the sense of separation from the Self is a veil that will vanish. I am inspired by this, and I understand more deeply the meaning of
Meditation in Gurumayi’s Message.
Thank you, beloved Gurumayi, for this precious gift.
Padova, Italy
I want to read Swami Shantananda’s and Maitreya Larios’ definition and commentary over and over again. I have never before read such a beautiful and profound exposition of the spiritual practice of meditation. As I read it aloud, it is as though I am giving myself the most sacred teachings. I feel it comes from minds inspired with the highest intelligence and grace, and my whole body is vibrating, singing, as I write these words. I am filled with gratitude.
London, United Kingdom
I love reading the definition of
Meditate because I realize I am actually having the experiences it describes! My doubts about my meditative ability have gone a long way toward being dispelled. I see the difference already. I am accepting of my efforts, instead of disparaging them. I experience compassion toward myself, and that makes it easier to be in the presence of my true Self.
Thank you, Swami Shantananda and Maitreya.
Maine, USA
Thank you so very much for this detailed description of meditation. I read it carefully, closing my eyes at intervals to experiment with applying this wisdom to my own meditation. I was able to bring my attention to a steady point by breathing softly and deeply and listening intently to the soft inner reverberation of
AUM. My awareness rose up the
sushumna to the crown of my head, arriving at the billowing, multi-petalled, luminous white lotus, which naturally became the focal point for my mind.
Virginia, USA
I was drawn to the words "sky of Consciousness" in the commentary. This pristine, beautiful evocation of that pure, unadulterated awareness resonates deeply and brings me joy.
Thank you.
Florida, USA
I have read this definition and commentary on the word
Meditate over and over, and I continue to find more lucid and supportive information in it. For one thing, it reminds me that instead of battling with my mind, trying to make it silent, feeling that I am not really meditating unless there are no thoughts, my effort should be to focus my mind in one direction—toward the Self.
Thank you, Swami Shantananda and Maitreya. When I even think about focusing on my breath, or the mantra, or remembering my Guru, I can feel my energy turning in toward my heart and my mind becoming happy. I’m going to renew my practice of letting the thoughts be what they are and turn my attention to guiding my mind back again and again to the space where it can be truly happy.
Michigan, USA
The paradox of the simultaneous immanence and transcendence of divine Consciousness intrigues me. Recently I was contemplating the paradox in being able to feel that immutable silence at the heart of the play of Consciousness. And so, in the midst of my ordinary daily activity, I enjoy the feeling of movement while remaining still within.
I love embracing this understanding: that we can be rock-solid and steadily anchored in this unchanging, timeless light, while at the same time we can dance in the play of this world, playing our particular part to the hilt and knowing that our actions can be inspired from that highest place within the heart.
I also recognize that I need to practice meditation faithfully to gain trust in my Self.
New Mexico, USA
The Message has introduced so many questions about the nature of time. I am so grateful for these definitions—they give rich nourishment to my mind, attune my focus, and fire up my longing to deepen my understanding. Thank you!
New York, USA
Two things stood out for me as I read this commentary on the word
Meditate. The first was how sublime and exalted an understanding of meditation we are given on this path. The second was this phrase:
our firm intention to experience the Self. I know that the divine power of grace is always with us. This phrase reminded me that my self-effort includes taking the time to mentally state my intention, and consciously renewing it each time I sit for meditation.
Massachusetts, USA