In meditation practice it isn’t our chosen focus that is most important, but the ability to direct a steady flow of attention; the act of remaining focused itself, that is key to success. Of course, having something to focus on – mantra, symbol, breath, etc., is essential. Otherwise attention scatters and fluctuates, and we remain mind oriented. We meditate to transcend thought processing and mental excursions to realize conditionless clarified awareness, which yogis refer to as “superconsciousness.”
At first, attempts to sustain a single focus of attention for an extended period can be difficult or can seem nearly impossible when first learning to meditate, especially for us in the west. This is due to our prevalent cultural conditioning which emphasizes “stimulation through diversity.” However, with regular application, beginning with short sessions and gradually increasing the length of practice, this conditioning can be overcome.
Renunciation is internal, not enacted through self-denial and material impoverishment. To realize “right relationship” with this material world we need not renounce possessions, only possessiveness. This is effortless and natural when we recognize the impermanent nature of relative life unfolding and our place in it, as imperishable spiritual beings.
It isn’t the window through which we look upon life; the level of awareness we currently perceive through, but That which perceives, which is of utmost importance.
That which perceives through the fluctuating medium of mind, remains; is permanent, while relative or conditioned perception of what we behold represents our personalized awareness and understanding.
Regardless of the roles each of us enacts, we are equal in that we are individualizations of a common Source; specialized extensions or creative agents of the same vital Origin, which is timeless and ever-present. Whatever our involvements in this relative life, wherever we may be relating, our essential, permanent spiritual Self remains whole; supremely content, because we are inseparable from That which is expressing as “us.”
In meditation practice it isn’t our chosen focus that is most important, but the ability to direct a steady flow of attention; the act of remaining focused itself, that is key to success. Of course, having something to focus on – mantra, symbol, breath, etc., is essential. Otherwise attention scatters and fluctuates, and we remain mind oriented. We meditate to transcend thought processing and mental excursions to realize conditionless clarified awareness, which yogis refer to as “superconsciousness.”
