Answer
Meditation Day: Right Perspective and Right Choice
Today is Meditation Day. It is certainly a matter of joy that, on India's initiative, the United Nations has drawn the world's attention to meditation (dhyana), and this effort will now continue every year.
However, many misconceptions about meditation prevail in society, and their clarification is extremely necessary.
According to an international survey on meditation, approximately 1,100 types of meditation are practiced across the world today. In such a situation, the question becomes critically important: which meditation should we practice, and why?
The Two Fundamental Purposes of Meditation: Meditation can broadly be understood in two categories based on purpose:
1. Meditation performed for the attainment of God 2. Other meditations whose purpose is neither God-realization nor spiritual elevation
Meditation for God-Realization: Two Paths
(1) Nirguna-Nirakara Meditation (Meditation on the formless, attributeless Absolute): This is the meditation in which one contemplates the nirguna (attributeless), nirakara (formless) God or the formless Atman. Its most authoritative and scriptural source is Maharishi Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutras. In it, the step-by-step, sequential process of meditation is outlined — yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.
From this very Ashtanga Yoga, many branches have emerged and developed, known with minor variations as Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kriya Yoga, and so on. Practices such as Kundalini awakening and piercing of the six chakras are also included among these.
Generally, these practices are considered more suitable for sannyasis — those who have renounced worldly life, freed themselves from rajoguna, and dedicated their lives solely to God-realization.
This path is exceedingly arduous — as Lord Shri Krishna Himself has stated in the twelfth chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita:
(12.5): "Klesho'dhikatarasteshamavyaktasaktachetasam | Avyakta hi gatirduhkham dehavadbhiravapyate ||"
That is — for those whose minds are attached to the unmanifest, formless reality, the spiritual practice is exceedingly painful, because the path of the unmanifest is difficult for embodied beings.
(2) Saguna Meditation (Meditation on God with form): The second path to God-realization is saguna meditation. In this, one places the deity's image or picture before oneself and observes it with open eyes — examining every limb, every ornament, every expression. Then one closes the eyes and meditates on that same form. Gradually, that image becomes fully imprinted in the mind. A time comes when the external picture is no longer needed. And further along, that very image takes on the form of a living divine vision in meditation.
In the Bhagavat Purana, two methods of saguna meditation are described, of which this is one primary method. On this path, generally no mental crisis arises.
A Warning for Householders: Sometimes certain teachers initiate ordinary householders into 'meditation between the eyebrows,' Kundalini awakening, or formless meditative practices. This situation can produce serious crises. If nirakara meditation or Kundalini sadhana is performed without a perfected Guru, it can even lead the practitioner toward psychological imbalance.
Such practices should not be undertaken merely by watching videos or receiving initiation from an unprepared teacher. The meditation process of Ashtanga Yoga can only be taught by one who has personally attained the highest realization through that path.
Meditation Beyond God-Realization: Many of the meditations prevalent today are not aimed at God-realization or Self-realization. Their purpose is only: mental peace, relief from stress, pleasant experiences, or freedom from habits like intoxication or anger.
For these purposes too, there are various meditation techniques that calm the mind for a period of time.
Clarity of Purpose Makes Meditation Meaningful: Therefore, before practicing meditation, one must clarify: why do we want to meditate? The choice of meditation should follow from that purpose.
The Wandering Mind and Guided Meditation: The greatest difficulty in meditation is the wandering of the mind. To address this, guided meditation is helpful, in which meditation is practiced with the accompaniment of music and guiding voice. Through this, the mind remains directed for a while and one experiences temporary peace. However, this peace is not lasting.
The Remedy for Lasting Peace: The Path of the Gita: The remedy for lasting peace of mind is not meditation alone. The remedy is the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita's yoga of non-attachment — reduction in the excess of desires, and the practice of contentment.
Excessive desires, especially actions driven by rajoguna, make the mind restless. Therefore, it is essential that a person focus the mind on only a few necessary desires and become detached from the rest, establishing oneself in contentment. For it is from contentment alone that peace arises.
Rajoguna and Meditation: As long as rajoguna remains predominant in a person, meditation cannot become steady. Rajoguna compels action and generates impulse. This is precisely what Lord Shri Krishna states in the Gita:
(The sense of 18.24): All actions undertaken out of selfish desire and will increase rajoguna.
Householders and Kundalini Sadhana: A female practitioner once asked me that she had been trying for the past ten years to meditate between the eyebrows but had not succeeded. Her guru had given her Kundalini-related practices. My view is that for a person bound by extensive household duties, this path is exceedingly difficult.
Until rajoguna is brought under control and one performs actions while established in sattvaguna, meditation does not become steady.
Simple and Safe Paths to God-Realization: Kundalini awakening is not necessary for God-realization. The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita has prescribed many simple, safe, and effective paths: Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Japa Yoga, Paropakara Yoga (the yoga of benevolence), and Gita-Jnana-Prasara Yoga (the yoga of spreading Gita knowledge).
In all of these, the element of knowledge is essential, although they are different from the rigorous practice of Jnana Yoga.
By following these paths, a householder in particular can make rapid progress toward God without any psychological or spiritual risk.
Conclusion: Therefore, on this occasion of Meditation Day, let us understand these facts about meditation, reflect upon them, and comprehend the true essence of dhyana.