The key goal of meditation is to transcend our dependency and slavery to our body, mind and intellect (BMI). Vedanta has outlined clear paths with steps to achieve this goal.
To move away from the attractions of external objects by our senses is the transcending of the body. This can be achieved through Karma (yoga) or selfless service. Karma takes a person from his/her bodily (gross) awareness to the subtle layers of mind and intellect. Regular breathing exercises (Pranayama) tremendously aids in this approach as well.
The next challenge is the mind, which has enormous power to control all our senses. Unless the mind is kept controlled, all other successes will be futile and temporary. Mind control can be achieved through Bhakti (yoga). Bhakti is selfless devotion with faith to an higher ideal (concept) or idol (GOD). Bhakti yoga stills the mind in one direction and makes it easy to be transcended.
The final challenge is to transcend the intellect who is the decision maker for all our actions and thoughts in us. Intellect is the twin of mind, but working at a slightly higher maturity than the mind. The direct technique for crossing over the intellect is through Jnana (yoga). Jnana is knowledge on the eternal truths of this life and universe (Maya) and their purpose. Vedanta leads us to attain this knowledge through our reading & understanding of its priceless information contained in the Upanishads, Sutras, Agamas, etc. Once this Jnana is acquired, the intellect renounces all its fluttering and enters into a tranquil state of stillnes, which is the supreme awareness or Consciousness.
Any person who has achieved the above three and has an integrated personality will be very well on way to be a Jnani ready to face this world without any dependency, worries or expectations.
Hari Om.
To move away from the attractions of external objects by our senses is the transcending of the body. This can be achieved through Karma (yoga) or selfless service. Karma takes a person from his/her bodily (gross) awareness to the subtle layers of mind and intellect. Regular breathing exercises (Pranayama) tremendously aids in this approach as well.
The next challenge is the mind, which has enormous power to control all our senses. Unless the mind is kept controlled, all other successes will be futile and temporary. Mind control can be achieved through Bhakti (yoga). Bhakti is selfless devotion with faith to an higher ideal (concept) or idol (GOD). Bhakti yoga stills the mind in one direction and makes it easy to be transcended.
The final challenge is to transcend the intellect who is the decision maker for all our actions and thoughts in us. Intellect is the twin of mind, but working at a slightly higher maturity than the mind. The direct technique for crossing over the intellect is through Jnana (yoga). Jnana is knowledge on the eternal truths of this life and universe (Maya) and their purpose. Vedanta leads us to attain this knowledge through our reading & understanding of its priceless information contained in the Upanishads, Sutras, Agamas, etc. Once this Jnana is acquired, the intellect renounces all its fluttering and enters into a tranquil state of stillnes, which is the supreme awareness or Consciousness.
Any person who has achieved the above three and has an integrated personality will be very well on way to be a Jnani ready to face this world without any dependency, worries or expectations.
Hari Om.
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