The first thing that you need is a tranquil mind to be able to comprehend subtle concepts. This is not easy. So one begins from the gross level. The basic discipline is to still the body for a predetermined time, this is called aasan siddhi. Control over the posture of the body. Not only during the half an hour of meditation, but many times during the day, try it, command the body to be absolutely still for a period of time. Unnecessary body action disturbs the mind.
When the aim is lofty, unless you are determined to undertake the rigorous discipline it entails to achieve it, you will surely fail. As an example: I can walk and run, so can an athlete who is training for the Olympics. The difference is that his running is tapasya while mine is casual. So he runs the Olympic race while I don’t even have a plan to win anything. A spiritual seeker has to be alert and vigilant at all times. Sloth and sadhana do not gel. The body has to be healthy and strong, composed and calm. The next instrument is the equipoise of the mind. For this you need to keep a healthy mental distance from objects, people and happenings.
These tend to clutter and disturb the early seeker’s mind if he allows them mental space. After this comes the discipline of speech (Vaani tapa). A seeker should not expend energy on useless talk and too much talk. A deep sea diver controls his breath and speech if he has to find a rare pearl in the depths of the ocean. Speak only that which is the verified truth, beneficial to all and doesn’t hurt anyone, physically or emotionally. For this you need to have a clear understanding that the Lord is all pervading (Sarva Vyapi), so then, whom can you hate, and whom can you insult? If you think that the Lord is absent in your enemy, then He becomes (khandit) not all pervading. Then how can you worship him?Â
Prarthna Saran is President, Chinmaya Mission, Delhi.
