
What is Meditation?
Meditation, known as “Dhyan” in Hindi and “Meditation” in English, is an ancient and universal practice designed to harmonize the mind, body, and soul. It is not a complex religious ritual, but a simple, scientifically validated process that connects us to our inner world. The primary purpose of meditation is to halt the constant wandering of the mind, calm the chaos of thoughts, and bring full awareness to the present moment. In it, we observe our consciousness, emotions, and physical sensations without any prejudice or judgment, as if a spectator is watching their own life-film.
Understand it with a simple example: Imagine your mind as a busy road where thoughts come and go like traffic. Meditation is the tool to control this traffic—it gives you the ability to stand on the side of the road and watch everything, without getting into any vehicle. There are various methods of meditation, such as:
– Breath-Focused Meditation (Breath Meditation): Concentrating on the rhythm of breathing, which instantly calms the mind.
– Mantra Chanting Meditation (Mantra Meditation): Chanting or mentally repeating a mantra like ‘Om’, which balances energy through vibrations.
– Vipassana: Observing thoughts and sensations impartially, without reaction.
– Mindfulness: Staying aware in daily activities, such as focusing on the taste while eating.
– Yoga Nidra or Transcendental Meditation: For deep relaxation and reaching higher levels of consciousness.
The roots of meditation go back thousands of years—in Indian Vedas, Buddhist traditions, Taoism, and even modern psychology. Scientific studies (such as those from Harvard Medical School) have proven that regular meditation changes the brain’s structure: gray matter increases, stress hormones (cortisol) decrease, and improvements occur in sleep, concentration, and immunity. Ultimately, meditation introduces us to our true nature, where the turmoil of the external world no longer affects us. It is not only a tool for mental health but also a gateway to spiritual growth.
### Does Meditation Lead to Liberation?
This question is as profound as the mystery of human consciousness. The definition of ‘liberation’ varies according to the individual and tradition—for some, it is freedom from daily sufferings, while for others, it is complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha). Meditation is certainly a powerful means to liberation, but it is not a magical pill; it is a continuous journey that demands dedication and practice.
In the Context of Psychological and Emotional Liberation: Yes, meditation leads to liberation. It is extremely effective in gaining freedom from the hustle of modern life, stress, anxiety, and depression. Through regular practice:
– Control of the Mind: You no longer remain a slave to thoughts; by watching them come and go, you become free. This means minor annoyances (like work pressure or relationship entanglements) no longer affect you.
– Emotional Balance: Meditation gives the ability to understand and manage emotions. For example, instead of reacting in anger, you respond calmly.
– Physical Benefits: Improvements in sleep, blood pressure control, and a stronger immune system provide liberation from physical ‘bonds’.
– Contentment and Peace: Studies show that meditators live more satisfied and happy lives because it teaches the art of living ‘here and now’.
In the Context of Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): Here, meditation is the foundation of liberation, but for complete liberation, it is only a means, not the end. In Indian philosophy (such as the Yoga Sutras or Upanishads), meditation is described as leading to ‘Samadhi’, where the ‘ego’ dissolves and the soul merges with the divine. Meditation leads to self-knowledge (Self-Realization)—you understand that you are separate from thoughts or the body, an eternal consciousness. However, there is no guarantee of liberation; it depends on how deep and sincere the practice is.
Many traditions (Buddhist, Vedanta, Sufi) say that meditation can lead to liberation even without a guru or scriptures, but it requires patience and self-surrender. If meditation is made a lifestyle, it certainly leads to inner freedom and infinite bliss. In short, meditation opens the door to liberation, but you have to walk through it yourself.
### Which Individuals Have Attained Liberation Through Meditation?
Throughout human history, countless individuals have attained liberation or enlightenment through meditation and spiritual practices. These saints, philosophers, and seekers inspire us that liberation is not a myth but within reach of every human. Here are some major examples who made meditation their primary tool:
– Gautama Buddha: The most prominent symbol of meditation. In the 6th century BCE, Siddhartha Gautama renounced royal life and practiced meditation and austerity for years. Under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, through deep meditation, he attained Nirvana, which is complete liberation from sufferings. His teachings (like Vipassana) still guide millions on the path to liberation.
– Mahavira Swami (Mahavira): The 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Through 12 years of rigorous austerity and meditation, he attained ‘Kaivalya’ (perfect knowledge), which is considered equivalent to Moksha in Jain philosophy. His meditation focused on non-violence and self-control, freeing him from the bonds of karma.
– Adi Shankaracharya: The great Vedanta philosopher of the 8th century. From childhood, through meditation and scriptural study, he experienced Advaita (Non-Duality)—that the soul and Brahman are one. The knowledge gained from his meditation reshaped Indian spirituality.
– Ramana Maharshi: The 20th-century Indian sage. His journey began at age 16 with an ‘experience of death’ and culminated in ‘Self-Inquiry’ (Who am I?) meditation. He remained absorbed in meditation on Arunachala mountain and taught that liberation comes from self-discovery.
– Osho (Osho, or Rajneesh): A controversial but influential guru of the modern era. He made meditation dynamic (Dynamic Meditation) and dance-based, which became popular in the West. Osho said from his experience that meditation led him to ‘Samadhi’, where the ego dissolves. His books (like ‘Dhyan Yoga’) make liberation practical. (Note: Given the user’s interest in Osho’s books, this example is particularly relevant.)
– J. Krishnamurti: The 20th-century philosopher. Staying away from organized religions, he described meditation as ‘silent observation of consciousness’. According to him, liberation comes not from any guru but from deeply observing oneself. He propagated the freedom attained through meditation throughout his life.
– Other Notable Names:
– Patanjali: The author of the Yoga Sutras, who outlined the path to liberation through Ashtanga Yoga (where meditation is key).
– Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: The 19th-century saint who attained God-realization through devotional meditation.
– Swami Vivekananda: Through meditation-gained energy, he spread Vedanta worldwide.
– From Around the World: Sufi saint Rumi attained liberation through meditation-like Sufi practices; Tibetan Buddhist Lama Dalai Lama is a living example of inner peace through meditation today.
These examples show that liberation is not a privilege—it is available to every era, culture, and individual. Many unknown seekers have also attained freedom through meditation, teaching us that liberation comes not from external success but from inner exploration. If you adopt meditation too, it can transform your life.
What should we do, right now, at this very moment?
Sickness and health are two states, and similarly, bondage and liberation are two states.
So, just as to become healthy from being sick, one must first figure out what illness they have. The illness can be diagnosed by oneself or by a doctor. Then, one must determine which medicine will suit them.
After that, the sick person has to take the medicine. They must decide when to take it, how much to take, and how to take it. They must also decide if they will take the medicine with cold water, hot water, honey, ghee, or just swallow it directly.
After taking the medicine, they must observe their body to see if it is recovering or if the medicine needs to be changed.
Just as there are steps to move from sickness to health, there are also steps to achieve liberation from bondage.
The very first step is to figure out which method can be a cure for you if you are in bondage. If there is a mistake at this stage, the desired result will not be achieved.
So, which meditation method is suitable for you?
Contact us today to find out.
I wish you a happy journey.
* Other Activities: Engaging in your hobbies and entertainment with full concentration.
* The Divine Play of Life: When all these levels are mastered, life becomes a joyful and effortless divine play.
The Deep Impact of Gati Kriya Sadhana
Most of us live either worrying about the future or lost in memories of the past. This practice brings us into the present moment, which is the only truth.
Let’s understand this with a simple example:
* Lack of Awareness: Imagine a person driving a car, but their attention is on their mobile phone. Their awareness is not on driving but on their phone. In such a situation, the risk of an accident increases greatly. A crucial action of their life (driving) is endangered due to a lack of awareness.
* Completeness of Awareness: In contrast, great beings like Buddha and Krishna performed every action with awareness. Their lives became so wonderful because they were fully present in every moment. When they were walking, they were just walking; when they were speaking, they were just speaking. Their every action was a form of meditation.
This practice teaches us that we can also bring complete awareness to every action in our lives, no matter how small. The one who achieves mastery over their actions is the one who truly experiences the beauty and joy of life.
Do you want to take your life to this level? Contact us today to learn more about this wonderful practice.