Meditation, a very ancient introspective practice, has emerged as a powerful tool for achieving mental peace, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Rooted in diverse cultures and spiritual traditions, especially as one of the central practices of the pillars of yoga, meditation transcends boundaries to offer individuals a pathway to self-discovery and inner peace. In Ananda Marga, meditation means to look within your mind to feel the bliss that is the essence of your existence. That bliss is within you, just as it is within everybody and everything. Meditation is an essential tool for self-transformation and spiritual development.
The modern scientific findings affirm the rationality of this deep-rooted process as well as its numerous benefits. Let us explore how meditation can be a part of your day to day routine and reap the positive effects.
Understanding Mind and Meditation
Meditation is a mental practice that involves focusing awareness, “as you think so you become”. The most positive thought and the most appropriate idea is one that can lead to state of freedom beyond any limitation, which is the infinite consciousness. According to the philosophy of Ananda Marga, the human mind is composed of five layers varying in degree of crudeness or subtlety depending on the amount of bondages of nature. (Some of the natural limitations can be classified as the mental tendencies, desires, reactive momenta – samskara or others call it “karma”, etc). The five layers of the mind are the cruder conscious mind, the subconscious and the three deeper and subtler levels of superconscious mind.
Based on the most ancient ideas of yoga and the most modern theories of physics, existence is not a single reality but a continuum of several interpenetrating layers of being, ranging from the coarsest and densest – the physical – through various layers of mind, to the final one called “spirit.” As one moves up the continuum, the layers become finer and subtler according to Brain Revolution by Marilyn Ferguson. In each succeeding layer, there is a more joyful and expanded awareness, the higher layers contain vast reservoirs of energy and knowledge, and exert a subtle influence over the lower ones.
Common people don’t realize the deepest level of innermost self, they experience only the two lower layers of the mind – the conscious and subconscious – because the surface restlessness of these shallower layers prevents them from going beyond. However, sometimes, some individuals penetrate through these turbulent baser levels and touch for a moment the subtler, all knowing superconscious mind, at times experience ESP (extra sensory perception), or clairvoyance, see the “future” or feel the rush of ecstasy as the boundaries of their egos disintegrate and they fuse into the all-embracing Oneness! But shortly, the restless domination of the shallower layers resumes, and the glimpse of the infinite awareness is dissolved.
Scientific Foundation of Meditation
The scientific community has increasingly recognized the physiological and psychological benefits of meditation. Neuroimaging studies have revealed that meditation can lead to structural changes in the brain, particularly in regions associated with attention, emotion regulation, and empathy. Regular meditation practice has been shown to reduce the size of the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing fear and stress. Additionally, meditation enhances the activity of the pre-frontal cortex, which is linked to cognitive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving.
Also, meditation is highly recommended for its positive effects on mental clarity and emotional well-being aside from increasing compassion and inner fulfilment.
The Process of Meditation
Just as thread with few ragged fibers will not pass through the eye of a needle, so a mind with even a single attachment to the external world at the time of concentration, will not be able to enter the realms of the deeper Self within. But when all desires and distractions are burnt in the fire of yearning, when all egotistic feeling of “I” and “mine” dissolve in the intense concentration of the Infinite Consciousness – the mind becomes so finely pointed on the Infinite that it disappears – and one plunges instantaneously into the dazzling brilliance of the Innermost Self.
As part of the process of meditation, the slow reduction of breathing slows down heartbeats which then can lead to achieving a heightened state of awareness and tranquility. The central objective of meditation remains consistent: to calm the mind, detach it from external distractions, and cultivate a sense of presence in the moment.
By immersing yourself in this contemplative state, you can reduce stress, enhance focus and concentration, and foster a deeper understanding of your inner self.
Some Benefits of Meditation:
1. Reduced Stress: Meditation induces relaxation and reduces the body’s stress response, leading to lower cortisol levels and better stress management.
2. Enhanced Concentration and Focus: Consistent practice of meditation enhances attention control and cognitive performance, helping to improve focus and full attention in daily activities.
3. Regulated Emotions: Meditation cultivates emotional awareness and balance, making individuals manage their emotions and respond more skillfully to challenging situations.
4. Depression and Anxiety Management: Mindfulness meditation, in particular, has been proven effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting a non-judgmental attitude toward thoughts and emotions.
5. Improved Quality of Sleep: Meditation techniques aid in relaxation, leading to improved sleep patterns and better sleep quality.
6. Connection of Body-Mind: the science of Biopsychology using meditation fosters a deeper connection between the mind and body, enabling individuals to become more attuned to their physical sensations and needs.
7. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Regular introspection through meditation facilitates a greater understanding of one’s thoughts, beliefs, and behavioral patterns.
8. Increased Creativity: The meditative state can spark creative insights by quieting the mind’s incessant chatter and allowing for higher and/or altruistic ideas to emerge.
As a conclusion, meditation, a practice grounded in the ancient wisdom of yoga, supported and proven by modern science, offers more than a transformative journey inward. Its ability to instill inner tranquility, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being has brought its integration into different facets of modern life. As meditators ranging from spiritual leaders to everyday individuals continue to embrace its practice, its timeless significance as a tool for self-discovery and holistic wellness is reiterated. By experiencing the profound benefits of meditation, individuals can unravel the potential for a balanced, harmonious, and fulfilled existence and a feeling of blissful oneness with the Infinite Self.
