4 Myths About Meditation (Part 2)

MYTH: Meditation (Yoga) is a religion.

The yogic texts specifically state that yogic meditation is mastering the fluctuations of the mind (Yoga Sutra 1.2).

In layman's terms, one way to look at this statement is that yogic meditation helps you train your mind to find some stillness ... and focus on what you want it to focus on ... things like joy, love, compassion, generosity ... rather than running away with you into fear, anger, resentment, jealousy or suffering. (See Dr. Pandit Rajmani Tigunait commentary)

What you DO with that still, focused, joyful and loving mind is up to you.

Swami Rama, founder of The Himalayan Institute, said:

"Meditation is not a ritual belonging to any particular religion, culture, or group. It is a method of knowing the one reality from which all religions spring. For example, the Bible clearly says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Learning how to be still is the method of meditation. And if you meditate regularly you will find that you have become more calm, yet alert to what is needed in the present moment."

Yogic meditation, the gradual stilling of the mind, is a METHOD that precedes all modern religions ... including Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc ... Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras (which codified thousands of years of practice) while these various religions were growing ... and was very aware of ensuring yogic meditation welcomed all and excluded none.

What is needed in this present moment? More still, calm, clear minds so we can all express more love, joy and compassion in our world. All are welcome.

#meditation #yogaeveryday #getclear #morelove #morejoy #allarewelcome