Date: 15-11-1996 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c
The paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti have been explained in the
scriptures for attaining Self-realisation. The method of Upasana
(Dhyana) is treated under Bhakti yoga, wherein, the way to train
the mind to concentrate on God is elaborated. The paths of Jnana
and Upasana focus on the mind but they are different. The mind is
the basis of all knowledge and it operates at the empirical level
which involves subject-object duality. This is involved in the
process of gaining any form of knowledge.
The method of gaining the knowledge of the Self (Atman) on the
other hand involves transcending the level of duality which is
the natural state of the mind. The process by which the mind can
be trained to intuit the nature of the Self through meditation is
known variously as Dhyana, Yoga and Upasana.
The natural tendency of the mind is to relate with the objective
world and hence it is only by conscious control and rigorous
practice that it is possible to develop concentration. The first
step involves controlling the mind without letting it get
distracted by thoughts. This can be achieved by regular practice,
since the mind by virtue of habit will over a period of time
develop concentration.
To overcome distractions while practising dhyana it is helpful to
concentrate on one thought or form of God. Yoga is the last stage
in dhyana when the mind attains union (Samadhi) with the object
of meditation. The techniques involved in this method are
elaborated in the Yoga sutras of Patanjali.
There are certain pre-requisites for adopting the path of Yoga as
in the case of any other spiritual path, like practising Ahimsa
(non-injury), Satya (truth), Asteya (abstaining from possessing
whatever does not belong to one even in thought) Brahmacharya
(celibacy) and Aparigraha (non-possession of anything beyond
one's requirement) which purify the mind. One may wonder whether
it is not possible to pursue dhyana without these, but one must
bear in mind that whatever has been prescribed in the scriptures
have been tested for their practical effect.
While practising meditation one should select a secluded place
where there will not be disturbance. On the occasion of the birth
anniversary of Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Swami, the 35th pontiff
of the Sringeri Math, the insights given by the Swami on dhyana
from his personal experience, were shared by his devotees. The
result of practising dhyana was summed up by the Swami in the
words of the Lord in the Bhagavad Gita, ``Having fixed the mind
on the Lord always, the Yogi with his mind controlled attains
Moksha, the blessed state of being in Me after the final
destruction of the body.''
Copyright: The Hindu, Chennai, INDIA