Meditation – finding that sacred place

Source: Kooma

For many, meditation is simply a way to relax; a way to clear the mind of stresses and strains and focus on yourself. There are even health benefits associated with the practice. Meditation has been found to lower blood pressure, improve levels of concentration and is even recommended as a way to help combat depression.

However, for others, meditation serves a much deeper purpose. Many practice it in the hope that they will reach a state of enlightenment or achieve the Buddhist ideal of Nirvana. If you are looking to facilitate your spiritual awakening then it’s worth knowing how others have achieved this state. In order to do this, we need to look at the origins of meditation and the concept of Nirvana.

The story of the Buddha

Meditation has many forms and has been practiced by holy men and spiritual leaders for over a thousand years. Where the practice originated is the subject of some debate. The Hindus lay claim to it, as do the Chinese and even the Native American Indians used meditative forms in order to put themselves in touch with the hidden powers of Nature. However, the idea that meditation can be used to achieve a state of complete spiritual grace must lie at the hands of Siddhartha Gautama – otherwise known as The Buddha.

Although Siddhartha practiced meditation as part of his desire to achieve spiritual insight. According to the story, it wasn’t until he fell into quiet contemplation under a tree that he managed to achieve complete enlightenment. Although he had absorbed the teachings of countless wise men and practiced meditation on a daily basis, it wasn’t until this moment that he took the final step to Nirvana.

However, his spiritual awakening was so profound that he was unable to fully put it into words. Nor was he able to explain how this state is achievable for everyone else. What he was able to say is that Nirvana and enlightenment are achievable, through following a set of strictures: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are a way of beginning to understand what life is, what role we play in it and our responsibilities to those around us. They are also things to be mindful of in meditation, as they guide our intent and remind us what it is we are truly trying to achieve. The Four Noble Truths teach that:

● Life is suffering.

● The suffering is caused by our ignorance of the true nature of the universe.

● The suffering can only be ended by overcoming this ignorance and any attachment to earthly things.

● Ignorance and attachment can be overcome by following the strictures of the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path is a code of living that embraces all aspects of our existence. While they are incredibly vague, each Buddhist is free to interpret them in the way that makes them most pertinent; we are free to create our own path to Nirvana. All it really requires is the understanding that we understand our relationship with the natural world and are prepared to embrace the consequences of being conscious and mortal beings. The eight strictures of the Noble Eightfold Path are:

1) Right views

2) Right intention

3) Right speech

4) Right action

5) Right livelihood

6) Right effort

7) Right-mindedness

8) Right contemplation

The importance of meditation to achieving either Nirvana or enlightenment cannot be underestimated and it involves both the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. In the eyes of the Buddha, it is us who cause the suffering we experience, and that suffering can be tracked down to the Ego.

The Ego is the hub of all our doubts, fears, and flaws. These characteristics are the obstacles that are set in our way to fully understanding our purest reasons for being. Meditation is a way of learning to silence the babbling inside our heads, and to mute the ramblings of the Ego. Until our minds are clear, they will remain in a state of psychic frenzy, keeping our true natures obscured from us.

Creating a path to enlightenment

However, it’s important to discern between clearing the mind and emptying it. Nirvana and enlightenment are not trance-like states; they are lucid and aware but allow us to exist on a different mental plane whilst still functioning on the physical one. In order to achieve this clarity, meditation must follow the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Everything about your meditation must be considered, from your intent to your posture. You must put in the right effort and undertake the right contemplation.

However, given that the strictures of this sort of meditation are slightly nebulous, it means that you are given the freedom to create a form of meditation that is pertinent to you and you alone. Unless you are meditating under the eyes of a teacher, you are free to create your own path to enlightenment.

As the Buddha discovered, the path to enlightenment isn’t one that is guaranteed to take you where you want to go. Meditation isn’t a light-switch that you turn on and suddenly discover you’re spirit is awakened. Instead, it should be seen as part of an ongoing process. Through meditation you are creating the right environment within which enlightenment and Nirvana can be achieved, but you cannot decide or determine when it’s going to happen. Meditating towards the ultimate spiritual state isn’t just a thing you do when you feel like it; it is more a lifestyle choice.

Buddha himself had undertaken a lifetime of work and toil in his attempts to spiritually evolve, but it was only when the time was right for him and when he had laid down all the foundations that enlightenment took place. Reflecting on this, Buddha said that “enlightenment just happens; it is acausal. One can do all sorts of sadhanas but, ultimately, Spring comes when it comes; there is nothing you can do to bring it earlier. The flowers will bloom when they bloom; all they need is the natural conditions.”