Posted on 29.09.2020 07:40
A question can be raised as to what comes first detachment or meditation. Since detachment is a prerequisite for beginning meditation. Also, if it is possible to achieve detachment without meditation then why meditate? Where should we start? What should we do first? These are important questions and here is a contradiction too. On the surface, it appears that they cannot be solved. In fact, there is a solution, and it is not that difficult. Normally, one starts the practice of meditation by making a resolution like: l am practicing meditation to purify my psyche(chitta).The solution is, expand the resolution by including: I am practicing meditation:a. To be free from attachment
b. To win over the passions
c. To take vows
d. To control the mind
e. To conquer the five senses
If a practitioner starts his or her practice with these auxiliary resolutions, he or she will for sure start experiencing the meditation. Thus, the problem can be solved by simultaneously making many resolutions rather than just one. Without resolutions, it is possible to mechanically follow the steps, but the experience gained is vastly different. Rather than bringing transformational changes, one will solely achieve relaxation of the body, removal of tensions and perhaps control or cure of a disease. This is a very small benefit of meditation.
Though, these benefits are enough to attract a large number of people to the practice. In that sense meditation has become a commercial venture, and like any business it has attracted some unscrupulous people who prey on human weaknesses. But a true seeker does not get infatuated by these invaluable fruits.
~ Acharya Mahapragya
