Analysis and Role of Meditation in the Bhagavad-Gita - Essay Example

Meaning of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Indian philosophy is unique for its valuable interpretation of Vedanta. In order to understand the spiritual insight of Indian philosophy one must understand the doctrines of Bhagavad Gita. Gita which is also known as Gitopanisad is one of the books of Mahabharata. Before the great battle Kurukshetra begins, the great warrior Arjuna gets confused with the ethic of fighting against his cousins and relatives who had turned to be his enemies. Lord Krishna his friend and charioteer instructs Arjuna to be self-determined and to understand his moral duties as a warrior. As Arjuna asks several ethical questions, Krishna unveils the disciplines of moral life and spiritual thought. Meditation is one of the important disciplines of spiritual life that Krishna proposes. According to Bhagavad Gita, the goal of meditation is self realization which can be attained by uniting one’s deepest self with the ‘Brahman’. In other words, in order to accomplish self realization one needs to attain deep spiritual integration. It requires practice, and only who work without expectation of reward can attain the goal of meditation (6:1). This spiritual integration known as Yoga is a moral course of spiritual development rather than a physical activity. In order to be a Yogi a person has to renounce the expectation of result of his deeds and the enjoyment of worldly possessions (6:4). According to Krishna, it is the weakened self that causes grief to a man like Arjuna. Therefore, he needs to lift or strengthen his ‘self’ all by himself to attain the goal. Krishna further explains that one who climbs the mountain of spiritual life would confront with numerous impediments until he reaches the summit that is ‘shama’ the peace of contemplation. Krishna advises Arjuna the essential steps of meditation in order to attain will power. It is a process of mind concentration by sitting straight and allowing the thoughts to be still. However, it is not easy for a common man with distracted mind. According to Krishna, (6:5) will is the only friend of self as it takes one to the utmost joy of contemplation. At the same time it is one’s enemy too as it prevents one from obtaining self realization. Therefore it is important to control and train mind to attain contemplation. Meditation is the technique that enables one to conquer one’s will. In addition, Krishna describes the apt behaviors for practicing meditation. He does not encourage austerity. According to him, “those who eat too much and those who eat too little can not succeed in meditation. In the same way those who sleep too much and those who sleep too little also can not succeed in meditation” (6:16). In contrast, “those who are temperate in eating and sleeping, work and recreation will come to the end of sorrow” (6:17). Although Bhagavad Gita introduces a moderate level of meditation practices, varying concepts of strict physical as well as mental exertion have been popular in Indian sub-continent for centuries. Different from other literatures on Yoga, Gita has simplified the technique of meditation for laymen. When Arjuna finds it hard to control his mind, Krishna says that untrained mind is restless and when it is tamed it will become like a flame in a windless place (6: 20). Meditation will help one to bring the wandering mind back to the source. Thus when the mind becomes still and touches ‘Atman’/ self, it begins to experience delight. This basic method of meditation is cherished by all world religions today. In addition to its spiritual aspects, yoga has certain positive effects on human mind and body. Furthermore, Krishna describes the state of a person who conquers his mind. One who conquered one’s mind will find self in every living being; and will have no difference between friends and foes (6:8, 9). Such an individual can experience both the happiness and grief of others as his own. This concept of universal acceptance had great relevance to ancient Indian society which was highly fragmented on caste system. Although this notion is identical to that of the other religious scriptures, there are several notable aspects that make Bhagavad Gita classical. After advising the path of meditation Krishna reminds Arjuna that determination and sustained enthusiasm is essential for following the path of yoga. However, Arjuna can not comprehend the whole meaning of the spiritual way that Krishna advises. Arjuna asks Krishna what happens if one knows the significance of spiritual life but fails to follow the path of meditation. Krishna comforts him saying that none of his efforts will be futile and the person would get further chances to pursue it in coming births (6:40). The concept of rebirth is the notable feature of Indian philosophy or Hinduism. Before understanding the concept of rebirth one should learn the meaning of the terms ‘atman’ and ‘Brahma’ in Indian Scriptures. According to this, human life is bound to unending cycle of death and rebirth. One needs to realize the individual soul that is ‘Atman’ as the initial step to attain the ultimate freedom. If Atman is the individual self, Brahma/God is the supreme universal self that is the true treasure of eternal happiness. Therefore attaining Brahman is the sole aim of the human. This actualization or salvation is known as Moksha. However, one can not easily attain it because it is determined by the law of cause and effect that is Karma. To illustrate, the status of one’s birth is determined by the deeds/karma of past, present, and future. Hence, unless one breaks the cycle of rebirth by his/her exceptional virtue and enlightenment, the individual self can not attain the Brahma. Although there is no unanimous opinion regarding the means of achieving Moksha, every school of Hindu tradition believes that Moksha is the ultimate goal of human life. Therefore individual has to pass through the incessant process of death and rebirth as animals and human beings in order to cleanse its ‘self’ and to achieve Moksha. The concept of rebirth actually originated from Bhagavad Gita. According to this, Karma (duty) binds people to the unending cycle of rebirth in this world of tribulations. The ultimate goal of life is to attain the highest freedom or happiness which can be possible only if self/atman succeeds to break the cycle of reincarnation. To conclude, Bhagavad Gita is one of the most inspiring texts in the world literature. It covers numerous ethical questions of human life and unearths the real meaning of self. Its major contribution to the world is the doctrines of meditation as the way to attain the summit of contemplation. The text has been a major source of motivation and insight for hundreds of famous personalities as well as for common people. Works Cited Eswaran E. The Bhagavad Gita. Edn, 2. Nilgiri Press, 2007. Mitchell S. Bhagavad Gita: A New Transalation. Three Rivers Press, 2002. Read More