Bangalore, India, Jan 5:
Q. Why should people meditate in our modern society?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If you look at the benefits that meditation brings in our life, you will find that it is all the more relevant. In ancient times, meditation was used as a way for finding the Self, for enlightenment. Meditation was a way to overcome misery and problems. It's the way to develop one’s abilities.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If you look at the benefits that meditation brings in our life, you will find that it is all the more relevant. In ancient times, meditation was used as a way for finding the Self, for enlightenment. Meditation was a way to overcome misery and problems. It's the way to develop one’s abilities.
If you want, keep aside enlightenment. Today’s stress
and tension in society calls for meditation. If you take more
responsibility, more meditation is required. Greater responsibilities
and ambitions you have, greater is the need for you to meditate. If you
have nothing to do, you may not need meditation as much.
The
busier you are, the lesser time you have, the more desires and
ambitions you have - all the more is the need to meditate. Because
meditation not only relieves you of stress and strain, it also enhances
your abilities,strengthens your nervous system and mind. Not only does
it help eliminate stress and tensions, releasing toxins from the body
and soothing the mind, it also makes you more capable, enhances you in
every way. What else do you want?
I would say if you want to be happy and healthy, you’ve got to meditate.
Q: How does the Art of meditation help the mind, the body, spiritual aspirations and relationships and society as a whole?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Meditation
helps to change your perspective. It improves the way you perceive
things. It brings clarity in the mind. It improves your interaction with
people around –what you say, how you react and act in different
situations, you become more aware. In general, from a stress-free
society to peace and health in individuals and from a violence-free
society to a sorrow-free soul – all are side effects of meditation.
Q: What makes this form of meditation (Sahaj Samadhi) so unique?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It
is very simple and profound. Usually the common notion is that what is
profound must be complicated and what is simple is not effective. But
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation is a very rare combination of simplicity,
profoundness and depth.
Q: Can you speak on the value of the Vedic tradition of Masters who have kept this knowledge alive for thousands of years?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: From
thousands of years people have passed this technical knowledge.
Usually, most Masters will test a student before even teaching
meditation. They would give this knowledge only to someone who
qualifies. They would wait for the right student to come to impart this
knowledge. In the past, it used to be very tough, you had to please the
Master before you could get anything from Him.
I
took a very different stance, I opened the flood gates, gave it to
everyone, let everybody progress as per one’s sincerity and capability.
© The Art of Living Foundation For Global Spirituality
