In this article we will fly high, soaring on the wings of visualization and imagination. Our wings will be the dream of a world in peace. We will picture a globe that is following the wise words of the Dalai Lama:
If every eight-year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.
So here is our imagination – every child, adolescent, adult, and old person on Earth meditates routinely. Just try it for a minute. Close your eyes and inwardly fly with this wonderful visualization. Doesn’t it feel like a growing paradise, right here on Earth? Doesn’t it feel like, “This makes me want to dance and to sing?” In fact, why don’t we sing together!
Do you know the song “Imagine” by John Lennon? Of course, you do. It’s a beautiful and inspired song. He won’t mind, we are certain, if we change the lyrics a little bit in a meditative way, as he himself was an enthusiastic meditator.
Ready?
Below you will find a (completely improvised) recording with the new lyrics. You must promise one thing though: to sing along! Otherwise, where is the fun? It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a singer. It’s just about getting together, singing joyfully about a world that meditates. Let’s be a choir of hopeful hearts, joined in visualizing a peaceful planet.
Imagine Earth in heaven,
It’s easy if you try.
Deep peace within us,
The soul reaching the sky.
Imagine all the people
Meditating each day.
Imagine no more tension,
It isn’t hard to do.
No gold and fame to strive for,
And no more dogma, too.
Imagine all the people
Meditate in peace.
You may say I’m a dreamer,
But I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you’ll join us,
And the world will live as one.
Imagine men with soul-joy,
I wonder if you can.
No need for competition,
a brotherhood of man.
Imagine all the people
Meditate on Earth.
You may say I’m a dreamer,
But I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one.
What an Amazing World It Would Be!
In fact, isn’t it inspiring to imagine such a world? Wouldn’t peace start to reign if people meditated everywhere? Wouldn’t people all over the planet be more balanced, centered, and calm? Wouldn’t nations become open to each other? Wouldn’t our world feel softer, more human? Wouldn’t there be a greater sense of harmony wherever we go, and happiness growing from within? Wouldn’t Christians be better Christians, Muslims be better Muslims, Hindus better Hindus, Jews better Jews, and atheists better atheists? Wouldn’t there be less ego worldwide? Wouldn’t God, Allah, Yahweh, Ishwara, or Nirvana be tangibly closer? How would the business world look like if everyone mediated? Wouldn’t scientists be more inspired? Just imagine such a planet. There would even be healthier humankind!
The most important thing is this: meditation gradually destroys the ignorance of separation in our consciousness. This is why Yogananda writes:
Ignorance is the greatest enemy
of world peace and unity.
It must be dispelled from all minds,
that all may become conscious
of the cord of one life,
one law, one rhythm,
and one wisdom,
uniting all.
From Flying High, Back Down to Earth
Well then, after this flight of imagination, how can we land back here on Earth to make this dream become a reality? Do you have children? Could you teach them meditative practices? Do you know a meditation group that inspires you? Could you give it some energy in one way or another? Or could you even start one? Do you have a way to promote meditation, in some way, maybe through YouTube, Facebook; through recommending it, or through gifting a good meditation book?
At any rate, dreams can come true. This one might take a long time but every little effort we do, right here and right now, is a precious gift for our planet Earth.
19 Comments
Sorry, I feel offended by this article.
John Lennon beat his first wife, then abandoned her and his young son for Yoko.
After that, he rarely ever bothered to see his first son.
Then he writes songs about love and peace and women swoon over him…..
I am not interested in what a man says if his actions are different.
Master lived a life which reflected his teachings. What he said and did were the same….John Lennon, quiet another kettle of fish.
What you say is indeed completely correct and I am not condoning his actions. However, I think it’s important to view John Lennon in the context of his time. Society back then, in the 1960’s, 70’s, was very different to what it is now. There was little help or education for the working class, which the Beatles came from. No internet. I knew nothing of this amazing concept of meditating before I had the internet! John himself suffered trauma, having lost his mother at an early age; could have been a major factor in his dysfunctional relationships. I am sure if John had lived, he would have eventually got the help he needed; counselling, psychotherapy, and made amends to his first son. Who knows, they would most likely be having a great relationship now! (Reason for me thinking this: in his music we can see his good side/ pure heart, etc. )
“Even the worst of sinners, by steadfast meditation on Me, speedily comes to Me.”
Beautiful vision a Meditating World….that is the only way forward indeed, we could transition by sharing divine love, compassion and cooperating with the divine grace. We can overcome this Pandemic if consciousness of every soul can be uplifted.. Let’s make our contribution by changing ourselves first.
Jayadev.
Thank you for your writing on world peace.
Creative use of a popular modern song to convey the concept of world peace through meditation. The quote by the Dalai Lama that if every 8 year old child were taught meditation, we would end violence in one generation, is a very powerful statement.
This is an very interesting and important article. It gives me more insight to meditation.
What a lovely thought and image. It was a beautiful way to start my day. I look forward to one day hearing the Ananda choir singing this version of the song with everyone in the audience singing along.
So lovely, I printed it and placed on the wall in my office. I would love to be able to bring meditation to my patients in the methadone clinic where I work as a nurse practitioner. I need to get creative and figure out a way.
Thank you for the inspiration!
So glad this is a support to you, Beth. Mindfulness meditation, particularly, is an evidence-based practice now and Ananda meditation techniques have some comparable features that could be shared clinically. With just a bit of research, considering things relevant to substance problems, too, you’ll find ways to share. Meditation is often considered among positive addictions, for instance, that can help replace negative ones. Joy and Light to you and your clinic!
Wonderful to imagine
Jayadev, one of the best ideas & articles ever! Thanks! 🙏
Thank you Dambaraji! You are kind as always.
Thank you for this new version of my favorite song. I will teach this to my meditation group. Say hello to Gyandev and Dicksha
Very nice, thank you!
Beautiful, thank you from my heart dear Jayadev!
Blessings and joy,
Vivi
Jayadevji!
Your vision is glorious the article inspiring!
The words you put to “Imagine” hold to that vision.
However the melody of this song when I sing it leaves me alone separate from God and in tears.
Melody and rhythm – more than anything else – carries consciousness. Swamiji often talked about how challenging the words can be. In fact that is the story behind the melodies to Shakespeare – he relates the story “ I will let Shakespeare do the hard work!”
Swamiji’s consciousness could get to God and take us there.
How far can John Lennon take us? Maybe for some people at sometimes it is a step up. For most people at Ananda it might be a step sideways or?
Valiant effort Jayadevji! Maybe Divine Mother will give you melodies to match the Vision.
Calmness and light,
Aumkara N.
Excellent lyrics, thanks for this lovely rendition!
Deep joy fills me! What a beautiful re-imagination of Imagine :)
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful vision. Like Dhyana, I look forward to hearing the Ananda choir sing this!
Deep joy fills me! What a beautiful re-imagination of Imagine :)
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful vision. Like Dhyana, I too look forward to hearing the Ananda choir sing this!