The landscape of Eastern spiritual practices is vast and varied, offering myriad paths towards the ultimate destination: Self-Realization. At the heart of this journey, two complementary practices stand out — meditation and self-inquiry. These two, when harmonized, can provide a potent combination for seekers, facilitating a holistic approach to Self-Realization.
The Dual-Nondual Paradox
At the root of spiritual discourse lies a seeming contradiction: the dual and the nondual. This duality speaks of our individual existence, separate from the world, while non-duality delves into the concept that everything is interconnected, woven into the very fabric of existence. As one moves from individuality and duality to non-duality, a shift occurs — one enters the realm of Reality. Here, questions of dual or non-dual cease to exist, for Reality simply is.
Ramana Maharshi, a revered sage, is often cited for his stance on meditation. It is said that he didn’t advocate for it, having already achieved a state of pure awareness, often termed as Sat-Chit-Ananda. Such experiences, rare as they are, sometimes come in profound, fleeting moments. Imagine a scenario: one day, amidst mundane routine, an overpowering sense of oneness envelops a person. This isn’t just an ephemeral experience; it’s the very essence of Mukti (genuine freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth)– a shift in consciousness that’s permanent and transformative.
For those who believe in Karma, scriptures propose that when the soul has cleared its Karmic debts, such experiences manifest within a lifetime. This journey is often described through tales that can be perplexing — where dualities, realities, and non-realities intermingle, leading to the profound realization that the external world is but a dream. True awakening is recognizing that there’s nothing external to discover; the realization lies within, waiting to be uncovered. It’s akin to waking up, recognizing that the drama and the freedom from it are all part of the same dream.
Meditation and Self-Inquiry: Complementary Practices
While certain spiritual giants may have bypassed meditation, it remains an invaluable tool for many if understood correctly, including Sri Ashish, as covered in chapter 4: Meditation — Another Path to Silence in the newly released book I AM Ashish to “I AM” by Anil Joshi.
“Meditation calms the mind, creating fertile ground for introspection. When coupled with self-inquiry, it accelerates our spiritual growth, guiding us swifter towards the realization of the Self” says Sri Ashish.
It can serve as a preparatory practice, allowing individuals to develop the mental discipline needed for deeper introspection and self-inquiry.
The merits of meditation extend beyond the spiritual. Practices like Kriya Yoga, an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control (also called pranayama — step 4 in Patanjali’s 8-Step Path to Self-Realization) for instance, are known to offer significant health benefits. Sri Ashish, a proponent of this practice as an auxiliary method to self-inquiry, enjoyed years of robust health and clarity of mind, which he attributed to Kriya Yoga. These practices not only bolstered his physical well-being but also laid the foundation for rigorous self-inquiry.
Uniting the Practices
While meditation offers tranquility, self-inquiry challenges the intellect, urging one to question the source of every thought and emotion. Through consistent inquiry, the elusive “I” is unveiled as an illusion, leading to a profound shift in perspective.
In blending the serenity of meditation with the introspection of self-inquiry, a comprehensive path unfolds. This union aids in the dissolution of the transient “I”, steering one towards the realization of the true Self.
By understanding the inherent value of both practices and recognizing their synergies, seekers can traverse a path that’s both enlightening and holistic, bringing them closer to the ultimate truth of Self-Realization.
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