Meditation: A Proper Understanding

More and more people are seeking a new meaning and purpose in their lives. Notwithstanding the pleasures and comforts that come along with the latest advances in science and technology, there is a renewed quest for an understanding of who we are and what we really want to be. Based on this primary need, we can now see more new publications addressing this issue and a growing awareness of the different types of spiritual practices outside the traditional forms of worship and religion.

 In the inspirational sections of libraries and bookstores, there are dozens of books that use the word "meditation." Each book describes a system of meditation and talks about its benefits. With the many types of meditation being taught and practiced today, one might actually wonder: "What does 'meditation' mean? Will it help me in my search? If yes, what system should I practice?" I would like to utilize this article to put forth my understanding of this subject based on the teachings of my Master, Shri P. Rajagopalachari, who teaches Sahaj Marg meditation to sincere spiritual seekers all around the world.

 Meditation can be defined as thinking continuously about something. Most of the time people are meditating on one thing or another, but they are unaware of it. For instance, when we are thinking about a problem, we can say that we are meditating on that particular problem for a given period of time. Therefore, one can say that when different people talk about meditation, they are essentially talking about the same process. However the major difference lies in the object upon which we are meditating. It is the final goal and actual features of the practice that mark its uniqueness.

 Because it is very important to select a proper way and proper guide before embarking on any quest, a person seeking spirituality should ask the following questions:

1. As an aspirant, what are you looking for in a spiritual practice? Is it relaxation, health, wealth, power, miracles, knowledge, or spiritual evolution within a balanced life?
2. What does this particular system of meditation offer you? Is it offering you the highest goal that you are seeking? 
3. What is being demanded of you? Are you free to join or drop off from the system without any pressure, fear or temptation? Remember that selfless teachers of spirituality have never measured spiritual growth monetarily, or in terms of name and fame. They have always looked for willingness in an aspirant. 
4. Is this an open system? Do you have access to all the available literature and to the spiritual teacher? Are you encouraged to ask questions? 
5. Is it a practical system? Are you expected to read some books and do it on your own? Or will you be helped in each and every step of your spiritual journey as and when necessary? 
6. Do the practicants in the system look like good examples of their mode of teaching? Can you feel peace when you are in the company of the teacher? 
7. Does your conscience, the inner voice within you, permit you to continue after you have started the prescribed practice? After a reasonable period of practice, are you able to perceive the results that the system promises?

As a person who was educated in a Christian convent until middle school and studied Hinduism to some extent, I had only been aware of fear and temptation as used by everyday religion. "If you do this, good things will happen to you." "If you don't do this, you will be punished accordingly." Therefore, the above questions were like crisp, fresh air and an open invitation to me when I first came across Sahaj Marg meditation. As I pursued them through direct experience, I found all the answers I received satisfactory.

I learned that Sahaj Marg means "The Natural Path" (from the Hindi language) because our evolution towards the Highest should be natural--just like a child who evolves naturally into an adult. Other aspirants of Sahaj Marg made me feel welcome with an openness that I had never experienced before. During my first visit to a spiritual retreat hosted by Shri P. Rajagopalachari in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1989, I felt that I was truly at home even though I had never met any of the people present there before. All the teachings in Sahaj Marg literature allowed me to focus on my spiritual evolution in a positive manner and showed me the efficacy of the system in practical, realistic terms. Here was a system that not only talked about spiritual evolution to the Highest, but was also capable of taking me to the final destination because the living master was present to guide me and pull me up when the going got tough. I am happy to say today that Sahaj Marg is a system of meditation that keeps its promises and is showing me the wonders of spirituality with each new day.

Basic Ideas and Principles of Sahaj Marg Meditation

 "Sahaj Marg (the Natural Path) is a system of practical training in spirituality of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. It is in essence the well-known raja yoga (yoga of the mind), remodeled and simplified to suit the needs of modern day life. Its goal is inner perfection--God realization. …God is infinite yet simple, and therefore the way to reach Him must be as simple. By proper regulation of the mind through meditation, under the practical guidance and support of a spiritual master, one can evolve to the Highest. This support is made possible through the use of Pranahuti (yogic transmission). It is defined as transmission of the Divine energy for the transformation of self. This transmission is capable of being felt by anyone who practices this system for a brief period.

 The need to live a simple and pious life as a family member is encouraged in Sahaj Marg. One is asked to accept the problems and difficulties of daily life as Divine blessings, as this environment is considered ideal for spiritual development. There are no fees charged to practice this system and all are welcome, the sole qualification being a willingness to participate."

- Complete Works of Ram Chandra, Vol. I.

"In silence alone can there become union with the Ultimate, which you may call God, or anything you like. In the utter silence of the inner Self alone, God exists. We have to get into that utter silence ourselves, if we are able to communicate with Him. …We have to be in the medium, or in the dimension, in which something exists, before we can communicate with that which exists in that dimension."

- Shri P. Rajagopalachari, Religion and Spirituality.

Rama Devagupta has been practicing Sahaj Marg since 1988. She holds a doctorate in bioorganic chemistry from Texas A&M University and lives in Pearland, Texas, with her family.