Ramana Meditation
Ramana Maharshi’s teachings present meditation and enlightened living in clear terms that make it easy to comprehend and apply. He used powerful illustrations as part of his approach that makes understanding meditation more approachable and achievable.
Either through self-enquiry or unconditional surrender, both methods lead to the same ego-free goal and provide equal happiness.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is the practice of concentrating on one thought while dispelling all others. At first, efforts made to control one’s thoughts may outstrip actual meditation itself; over time however, the mind builds strength through practice and gradually becomes still and serene; at that moment when true nature of mind emerges – this is real meditation!
Ramana as a sage was not interested in discussing complex techniques; rather he taught meditation and enlightened living principles in straightforward language that everyone could grasp. For instance, he encouraged us to meditate on “Who am I?” so as to understand that our identities lie outside this body or these thoughts; furthermore he advocated nonjudgment both of ourselves and of others and selflessness and generosity being essential aspects of meditation and enlightened living.
Ramana Maharshi described meditation as a subtle watchfulness against intrusive thoughts, not as an individual activity but as part of daily living. To incorporate it in everyday life and maximize results meditate during both your waking and sleeping hours on the question “who am I?,” then when other thoughts arise expel them by repeating that same question to yourself or any of the bija mantras (SHRIM, HRIM or RAM).
When your mind is at peace, it enters a state known as sama satha bhava or stability; this state marks true samadhi or nirvana.
Before reaching this level of blissful desirelessness is attained, however, meditation methods must first be practiced until strength has been built up; yoga, chanting and other practices such as these should be employed until one’s mind has become ready for inquiry into who they really are: the Self.
How to Meditate
Meditation should aim to bring about calmness of mind and inner serenity, leading to spiritual development that is the cornerstone of Ramana’s teachings, eventually leading to self-realization – the recognition of oneself as pure consciousness. Meditating is an ongoing journey requiring patience and dedication; connecting to Ramana’s teachings will become your guide towards self-realization and inner peace.
At the start of every sitting, set an intention for your meditation time. This may simply involve declaring it dedicated to spiritual liberation for yourself or it could involve remembering all beings and humanity during this session. Recalling this goal at each sitting can help focus your energy during that session and maintain focus during a successful sitting experience.
Slowly turn your attention inward, noting any tension or discomfort in your body. Scan from head to toe or focus on one area for 20 seconds. After you have explored this way, slowly return your attention to breathing; counting breaths like “1 inhale and 2 exhales,” or simply watching its rise and fall can help. Don’t try to suppress thoughts during meditation; allow them to come and go as part of the process – when your attention wanders, simply bring it back around to breathing so the quiet spaces between thoughts become longer.
Maintain your connection to Ramana’s teachings throughout your daily interactions by practicing mindfulness – nonjudgment and openness, acts of generosity and kindness are just some examples – This will amplify the impact of your meditation sessions while infusing life with his wisdom.
Why Meditate?
Meditation can provide an experience of inner peace and tranquility, yet its benefits extend far beyond physical restfulness. Meditation may lead to spiritual development and self-realization – becoming aware of oneself as pure consciousness – leading to lasting peace and enlightenment.
Establishing a deep connection to Ramana Maharshi through meditation requires dedication and consistency. Through practicing daily, seekers build up their meditation “muscles,” making accessing deeper states of consciousness easier. Furthermore, daily practices reinforce his teachings which can assist individuals navigate life’s ups and downs more easily.
Seekers who take up meditation regularly may experience increased clarity of thought and increased lucidity, becoming more in touch with their emotions and reactions, helping to navigate emotional traumas more easily and find healing. Meditation also offers seekers a better understanding of suffering as an illusion created by duality.
Meditation offers another benefit of connecting with like-minded individuals. Many seekers who follow Ramana’s teachings participate in online communities or attend satsangs, where they share experiences and gain guidance from spiritual teachers. Many of these communities strive to promote ethical and spiritual living as well as help individuals become the best versions of themselves.
Meditation provides numerous advantages, but it’s essential to remember that no state of permanent happiness or serenity exists. We should embrace life’s inevitable ups and downs as they happen and appreciate every moment as an opportunity for growth and beauty.
What to Do in Meditation
Meditation requires one to turn away from thoughts of sense objects and their functions and focus instead on the Self, the only Reality. Doing this will destroy vasanas [mental tendencies]. Thoughts may arise but these should be dispelled through inquiry until one reaches Kaivalya – ultimate happiness – in which forms do not arise anymore.
Reaching kaivalya state requires practice and dispassion. Otherwise, one’s mind can drift towards sensual pleasures instead of turning toward oneself – so to reach this state one must constantly practice dispassion and meditate upon oneself – this will bring the desired result gradually.
Thought forms that arise in our minds and cause suffering are all illusions. People who believe their suffering stems from some past incarnation must realize that this state of samadhi or nirvikalpa will last as long as there are thoughts – an explanation why even after reaching Self-realisation they still appear to experience suffering.
Sri Ramana Maharshi instructed his students that self-enquiry should occur at all hours and in all conditions throughout their waking and sleeping hours, regardless of what activity one was engaged in. He did not advocate that seekers leave all work behind to pursue this path of meditation alone in the jungle.
Imagine mosquito bites interrupting your meditation sessions; should you ignore or try to rid yourself of them? Ramana Maharshi suggested that while there may be tendencies towards sense objects in our minds, thought forms will arise and when that realization takes place they’ll stop coming; to rid oneself of these thoughtforms practice asking: ‘Who am I?’Ultimately this question should serve to provide answers: it will get rid of them all on its own!
Once again, the seeker should realize they are one with themselves, the sole true entity in this universe – this is true samadhi or nirvikalpa. However, without taking steps towards attaining this state through practice alone, any results may only be temporary and fleeting.
