I have been meditating for three months now. While meditating, should I focus on normal breath, my nostrils or concentrate on the space between my eyebrows?
— Veerasai, 21 years
■ In Indic tradition, darshan means to see, to observe, which is why philosophy is referred to as Bhartiya darshan. The path to spirituality traditionally includes the practice of seeing and observing without interference from the mind. To improve one’s practice of dhyana, one needs to include darshan.
Vipassana involves seeing things the way they are, without attaching meaning to them from your perspective. Once your practice becomes intense, and the mind is totally involved in seeing, it becomes calmer. Gradually, seeing becomes a part of how you interact with the world and your mind serenely pursues it, without overstepping limits. Since your mind becomes tranquil, your dhyana becomes deeper. You are able to delve into your svarupa. Hence, dhyana isn’t limited to sitting in a corner and closing your eyes; it is done best when you are involved in your daily routine. Then you can bring your full focus to the task at hand; slowly your dhyana becomes stronger.
A scattered mind is difficult to control when we are trying to meditate. If we have too many disparate thoughts, then also we will not be able to focus. Truth is that we don’t have to do dhyana, we have to live in the state of dhyana. You can start practising by observing a tree; simply seeing without any commentary from the mind, without involving your imagination, intellect, ego or memory. Eventually, you will be able to cultivate darshan that will help you in your practice. ■
Send your questions to st.editorial@timesgroup.com with subject line: Ask Surakshit and state your age
COMMENTS