| The River of Life (as 4 stages) |
The Child-a sprightly, springy, brook and stream
Flowing and dancing along merrily
Guided solely by its own freewill
Its movements swift and shrill.
The Youth- a sassy, gushy, energetic self
Bouncing and jumping over rapids and boulders high
To make many a beautiful waterfall
While cutting through stony edifice of rock and all.
Then, the Middle-Aged- sobered, silent, and forging deep
Measuring its way surely into meanders and spurs
Tackling undercurrents with apparent surface calm
Settling the silt of memories old
Awaiting patiently to emerge into its Goal.
In the Old Age- a stoic serenity falls upon it, and
This tranquil shroud it wears till end
As it willingly flows in sweet surrender
Into the vast, expansive Nothingness -
The Divine Ocean of Bliss....................
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Why Meditation?
But where ? And how? One underlying ‘truth’ prevails - that it is goodness in the world that has helped to preserve the human race from total destruction. Life is not easy and in the confusion that is rocking the world presently each soul seeks to aspire for a haven of hope; a refuse in stormy times. You and I are in search of an anchor in these troubled times of ‘darkness’ where there is so much negative noise. We need a daily reminder that regardless of what transpires in the world around us we have a’ means’ or a ‘way’ that helps us to enrich our lives with meaning and progress, at both spiritual and material levels.
Therefore, man has come face to face a reality which urges him to evolve to a higher platform from which to divinity. Just possessing a human form does not make one a human ‘being’. To first become a ‘human’ human –being and then progress towards becoming a ‘divinized’ human being should be each one’s call. And for that we need to invest in a technique that will make us ‘mind healthy’ and provide us with spiritual health as well. Raja yoga meditation deals with such time-tested techniques which are immensely successful in helping to keep the mind vigorous, alert, stimulated and positive. Stephen Covey, a great motivational writer of our times recommends meditation by speaking thus – “…the spiritual dimension is your core, your centre, your commitment to your value system. It is a private area of life and a supremely important one. It draws upon the sources that inspire and uplift you and tie you to the timeless truths of all humanity.”
Daily meditation, for about thirty to forty-five minutes can help us to contemplate and understand some basic questions that play on our minds at some point of time in our lives, such as: ‘who am I?’, ‘what’s the purpose of my life?’ or ‘ what’s the secret of contentment and eternal joy?’ It is only through meditation that we are able to establish connectivity with a Higher Source and able to successfully awaken the divine spark inherent in each soul. Covey further goes on to say that- “ it is good to be born in a religion but not to die in one”. Therefore one must let oneself grow and rescue oneself from the limits of doctrines and dogmas, rites and rituals, regulations and ceremonies which are so restricting and which fence our freedom for spiritual emancipation.
In other words, meditation takes us to that juncture where churches or temples do not matter. In fact it shows us the ‘road’ that leads us beyond the churches and temples Revered Master’s Master, Babuji* has lucidly put across the crux of the matter to us - “God is not to be found in the folds of a particular religion or sect. He is not confined within certain forms nor is He to be traced out from within the scriptures. We have to seek Him in the innermost core of our Heart.” Deep within each soul lies the need to look for meaning, a craving for purpose - a longing to be of value. Most successful people will tell you that they take time for themselves each day. In silence only can we hear that still small inner voice that comes straight from the heart and it happens when we put aside our busy day to day activities and responsibilities. One needs to pause momentarily and voluntarily make a ‘choice’ – the choice to meditate. It is only if one gets still daily and delves into the deep essence of his \ her being through reflection or meditation that one is able to find the answers to all questions and fulfillment. In meditation it is as if we are providing ‘oxygen’ to the soul.
Apart from this, when we re-connect with the inner self we help to bring about an ‘alignment’ between the two aspects of our life – doing (outer purpose) and being ( our higher purpose).Our Revered Master* has put it across so beautifully-“As a bird needs two wings to fly, so a human being needs the wings of existence, the spiritual and the material to lead a natural and harmonious life.”
Only then can the aspiring soul live a truly fruitful life which is full of achievements. So let’s step into the silence of the inner self and catch a glimpse of our own immortality.
· ‘Babuji ‘ refers to Shri Ram Chandraji of Shahjahanpur who the second guru of our
· ‘Revered Master’ refers to Reverend P. Rajagopalachariji who is the president of the
