Right Approach

Towards Mindfulness and Meditation

Learning mindfulness and meditation is unlike any other subject, it is for our whole being. It is not just about learning, but deeply about unlearning. It is not simply about accumulating more knowledge, but cultivating it towards inner growth and transformation. It is not just a matter of changing what we think or believe, but how we perceive, feel and experience life and how we relate with ourselves and the world. So, it is important to approach it with our whole heart and mind.

Mindfulness and meditation concepts are accessible to our normal consciousness or awareness. But it is important to know that it is only superficial understanding at best; otherwise, we will be fooled into thinking just reading some articles or watching some Youtube videos is sufficient enough. It takes a proper and dedicated journey to discover subtle and deeper layers of wisdom.

"No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." – Einstein

Throughout the ages, so many wise persons including Buddha were willing to give up everything for awakening and find peace and freedom. Perhaps, there is no need to give up everything, but the question is: Are we making it as an important aspect of our life, not just trying to fit somewhere in our busy lifestyle? Our attitude, commitment and dedication already determines the outcome. How and how much we value it and appreciate it, already determines the outcome. It becomes self-fulfilling prophecies! We spend so much of time and energy for short-term gratifications and entertainments, and yet we hesitate and make all sorts of excuses when it comes to learning and cultivating life-fulfilling skills.

Once Buddha was asked, "What have you gained from meditation?" He replied, "Nothing! However, let me tell you what I have lost: anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death!"

Our mind is very calculative and tends to seek egoic gain, so it cannot understand the true value behind mindfulness and meditation. Meditation is the root of all blessings in life – such as clarity, peace, love, joy, bliss and freedom. Though we go on missing it… yet, mindfulness is the only real power we have, everything else is just an illusion! Mindfulness is our dignity and freedom! It is our birthright, but it is up to us to claim it!

We will encounter many challenges and hindrances on this journey. Our ego, our knowledge, our beliefs and assumptions are the main source of obstacles. Our egoic mind gets easily discouraged by them, and finds clever excuses and makes amazing rationalizations. In reality, all the challenges, obstacles and hindrances are not only an essential part of the journey, they are in fact stepping stones on the journey. So, it is important to handle them with deep curiosity and approach them without any resistance or aversion.

All the best!

CK. Kamaraj

21 September 2021