Silence has been hailed as the supreme truth, and stillness equated to divinity by luminaries like Ramana Maharshi. The Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, ancient scripts, heralded meditation’s transformative potential. They depicted a meditative state where one’s consciousness merges into the Absolute Reality, untouched by perceptions of the external world, resulting in profound serenity.

While the virtues of meditation span millennia, the modern practitioner often grapples with maintaining consistency and depth.

The Predicament: A Wandering Mind

Every meditation enthusiast often confronts the same adversary: an untamed mind. Swami Vivekananda’s depiction of the mind as an erratic monkey, further muddled by desires and ego, captures the essence of this challenge. How can one steer this restless energy towards a serene, meditative state?

Overcoming Obstacles in Meditation

Embrace Non-Attachment (Vairagya): One of the most common disruptions during meditation is getting caught up in fleeting thoughts or emotions. Sri Ashish, referencing Paramhansa Yogananda, suggests being “in the world but not of the world.”

At its core, it involves releasing our need to control, possess, or become overly invested in outcomes. Here are some concrete examples to help you practice non-attachment:

• Reactions to Opinions: Instead of feeling upset or defensive when someone disagrees with you, recognize that everyone is entitled to their own viewpoint. By learning not to react defensively to differing perspectives, you cultivate a calm and non-reactive mind, a state crucial for deep meditation.
• Material Possessions: Instead of constantly striving for the latest gadget or fashion trend, find contentment with what you already have. This doesn’t mean not owning or enjoying things but rather not being overly attached or finding your self-worth through them. Reducing attachment to material things can help declutter the mind, making it easier to focus during meditation.
• Be Present: Instead of dwelling on past regrets or anxiously anticipating future events, try to stay present. This might involve mindfulness practices or simply reminding yourself to be in the moment.
• Discover Enjoyment in the Mundane: During routine activities like driving, instead of getting irritated in traffic or rushing, use the time to listen to a podcast, enjoy the silence, or practice deep breathing. Finding calmness in stressful situations can train the mind to stay calm in other situations, including during meditation.
• Accept Change: Life is impermanent. Rather than resisting change, whether it’s relocating to a new city, ending a relationship, or changing a job, embrace the new opportunities it might bring. A meditation session might not always be the same, and embracing change allows you to be okay with whatever arises.
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By practicing non-attachment in daily life, you’re essentially training your mind to be less distracted, making it much easier to enter a meditative state.

Consistent Practice: Just as a musician hones their craft through repetition, meditation deepens with regular practice. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment but creating a routine that eventually fosters the perfect moment.

Tailored Techniques: Not every meditation style suits everyone. Sri Ashish encourages exploration. Whether it’s guided meditation, mindfulness, or mantra chanting, find what resonates with you.

Create a Conducive Environment: A quiet, comfortable space, perhaps with soft lighting or calming incense, can make a significant difference. Set a specific time daily, ensuring minimal disruptions.

Parting Thoughts

Meditation, while profoundly rewarding, is not without its challenges. Yet, with dedication and the right strategies, as illustrated in the Bhagavad Gita and by contemporary guides like Sri Ashish, you can navigate these hurdles, paving a serene path to inner clarity and consistency.