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Similarly,
“It is only through the practice of meditation that our sorrows be completely eradicated.” Why does the
common man come into this world? What is his real work here? Has he taken birth only to eat, drink or amass
wealth? What are the reasons for our various pains, losses and sufferings throughout our life? Where do we go
after death? What do we do after death? Despite achieving multiple successes throughout our life, do such
accomplishments give us eternal happiness beyond death? To start with, one should have an aspiration to
attain enlightenment – the state of eternal bliss and happiness. Why do our thoughts remain perennially
centered around our bodily desires? Shouldn't one be aware of his eternal Athman (the Soul) and dwell on it?
Shall our life and knowledge be spent for fulfilling bodily desires only? Don't we have a desire to learn about
our Soul? It is along these lines that one should question himself and the same can be answered/revealed to
oneself by regular practice of meditation.
Prayers, fastings, sacrifices, Bahya Mantra Japam (outward chant of mantras), Bhajans (group singing of
devotional songs), Antharangika Mantra Japam (inward silent chant of mantras), reading puranas/spiritual
books are all but preparatory stages and steps to meditation. We perform the above acts with the notion
that we are distant and detached entities from God. However, through meditation we experience the
oneness with God. Through meditation we understand the fact that God is within us. It is through meditation
that we begin our search for the Eternal Truth. It is through meditation that we gain infinite cosmic energy;
beyond human comprehension and more precious than all worldly riches. Through meditation we can gain
deep realization and insight. One who meditates will perform his everyday activities and responsibilities with
enthusiasm, joy and perfection. It is through meditation that one can gain the highest state of living.
Meditation lifts our Mind and Soul towards the Eternal Truth. In meditation, we raise ourselves from
corporeal/bodily manifestations of our worldly existence to the state of Divine existence. Meditation is the
precious tool that enables us to stabilize and free us from our ever turbulent waves of disturbing thoughts and
gives us lasting peace. Meditation can reform the wicked to the Holy, and transform the physically, mentally
weak to realize their profound strengths.
One can gain the entire spectrum of virtuous and harmonious living through the regular practice of
meditation – health, mental peace, mutual understanding, concentration, memory, tolerance, common sense,
bravery, constant awareness, self-confidence, self-control, release from bad habits, purity, contentment,
mental strength, steadfastness, stability, spiritual wisdom and Eternal Bliss. One who meditates fills this entire
creation with kindness, empathy, generosity and love. Through meditation who can rid himself of unwanted
desires and gains everlasting peace. In life one experiences the extremes of emotions - profound joy at the
heights of success and suffers from bouts of depression at the depths of failure. Meditation enables one to
treat these varied and volatile experiences with equanimity and empowers one to be joyous and confident
even in the face of numerous adversities.