The Mystery Series topic “The Wonder of Meditation” Discourses by Swami Swaroopananda ji on Aug 29, 2025.
Summarized by Brni. Jyoti Chaitanya ji
The Wonder of Meditation
Meditation is a word that fascinates. It is thought of as mysterious and therefore peaks our curiosity. Thus, as over zealous seekers as we all are, often we seek to skip to the end at the very start of our journey itself. When thus the unprimed mind attempts such advanced endeavors, often instead of meditating, we end up agitating. Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji points out that it is because we have swapped the method for the goal. Meaning, we meditate to find peace of mind, not realizing that you cannot mediate unless you have peace of mind, hence, the wonder of meditation. So first we must understand what constitutes meditation and what is misunderstood as meditation. To achieve this we will explore 4 areas :
1- What is meditation
2- The purpose of meditation
3- How to prepare ourselves for meditation
4- The practice of meditation
● What is meditation?
Meditation is a constant awareness of one’s essence (स्वरूपः) In order to achieve which, we must 1st come to understand what that essence is. Such knowledge must be gained by listening from a Guru, with an attitude of humility and in attunement through service (B.G 4.34)
● What is the purpose of meditation?
Mediation fructifies the removal of our erroneous identification with the false locus of ‘I’. It is not that we do not have knowledge of our inner Divine Nature, but it is the constant identification with BMI which makes holding to the knowledge challenging. Clarity in jiva & jagat’s illusory nature does not hold in this case, thus, the moment ‘life hits’ we react or falter from the teaching. Clarity without conviction cannot bear abidance. Through the ardent and sincere repetition and reiteration inherent in mediation, the misapprehensions are uprooted and conviction blossoms.
● How to prepare ourselves for meditation?
Knowledge is the foundation to meditation, as we must know what is that essence we aim to unearth in meditation. But knowledge requires fertile soil in which for it to blossom. Meaning, we must make ourselves into the qualified student (अधिकारिः) for receiving the knowledge. So what do we do to prepare? Chapter 6 of Bhagavad Gita, entitled ‘the yoga of meditation’, is preceded by the triputi of chapters 3 to 5, the preparatory chapters. These 3 chapters on Karma Yoga teach the skill in action which purify mind’s transactions in the world. How? Simply do your best, leave the rest, and when the result comes, accept :
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (B.G 2.47)
Such acceptance brings calm and focus to the mind, two essential prerequisites to engendering a meditative mind. By not fixating on results, the agitation of attachment dissipates (B.G 6.17) Only such a mind can find the peace of meditation.
● Swamiji then concluded with a guided session of meditation, demonstrating in detail the pristine technique.