Hello ,
I have been doing meditation from a few weeks . Initially it was a fantastic feeling of being mindful and happy . Then i read a few articles on it . Osho says concentrate on your Hara . Monks say concentrate on an area 2 fingers above your belly and some say concentrate on your third eye . It is confusing and you just can’t enjoy the essence during meditating . Isn’t mediation suppose to be simple ?
Rergards
—mankaran, India
Dear Friend,
Well, isn’t that the issue with everything? Sports? Internet? There are a million different opinions on everything and no one way that works for everyone. Here’s the only suggestion worth mentioning: survey, if you like, the range of meditation teachers, teachings, and techniques as you feel, but do so with the intention of finding one way that suits you and to which you will commit to daily practice, going deep and sticking with it.
Some thoughts on how to do this:
1. Look for that teacher who is held in the highest regard, especially worldwide, and who has been around for decades, not just a few years (a “flash in the pan”). Bear in mind that even as Jesus Christ was crucified (and did nothing to deserve it), so too every leader in every field has his critics. You have to use some discernment, in other words. Study the teacher’s life history and see if you feel a resonance.
2. Examine the core teachings of the teacher(s) to see if those teachings are drawn from a known and respected lineage and tradition. Jesus Christ said, “I come not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them.” Anyone claiming to have something new under the sun and who puts down those who have come before is not to be trusted.
3. Investigate as best you can the specific techniques and spiritual practices taught by this teacher to see if you feel a resonance with those practices, precepts and attitudes.
Teacher, teachings, and techniques: these are the three aspects of what one should look for in seeking a spiritual teacher. “Loyalty,” Paramhansa Yogananda declared, “is the first law of God.” You have to commit and stick to something worthwhile if you are to know and benefit and grow. Once you commit don’t look back; nor to the left nor to right (except with respect). As you dive deep into a true teaching you will be guided to where you belong, even if, in time, it is in another direction.
Blessings,
Nayaswami Hriman
