Ask Asha: Benefits of Meditation

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Question

Dear Ashaji,

Have a question to ask. One person says meditation doesn't solve your problems but helps one to relax body and mind to function better in the world. Then others says its very powerful. I practice Kriya and they say it can change your karma, future events and ultimately our destiny. I a little confused what should I be concentrating now on?

jai Guru,
M

Answer

Dear M:

The word “meditation” has no specific meaning in English and can be used, therefore, to describe any number of techniques and practices, which often vary widely one from another. So if you ask people who meditate what the benefit of meditation is, their answers will depend on what techniques they practice and how well they practice them.

Some meditation techniques promise only a concentrated mind and a relaxed body. Others are focused on “manifesting” material success. Kriya Yoga, by contrast, is a technique that leads you to God-realization.

On the way to God-realization, all your other problems will also be solved. Kriya yoga dissolves the vrittis (whirlpools) of karma in the spine. Your life and consciousness are determined by those vrittis. As Kriya practice releases them, everything about your life will change.

That’s why some people say, “Don’t worry about anything. Just meditate.” This is true advice if you meditate with sufficient energy and concentration, and if the technique you are using is subtle enough actually to change the karmic pattern in the spine.

As for what you should concentrate on, I would suggest you concentrate on devotion. When you meditate, focus at the spiritual eye and try to attune your consciousness at that point with the divine ray that flows through this line of masters. Then ask them to guide your practice.

It is natural to talk with your friends about the spiritual practices you and they are following. But, as you have found, opinions vary. So you are wise to ask advice from those who have, not only their own experience to draw from, but also the experience of helping others along the same path you are following.

And, of course, go to the source. What does Master say? What does Swamiji say? Every time I read the chapters on Kriya Yoga in their books, a new understanding comes to me. The words on the page haven’t changed, but my ability to receive the wisdom behind them -- by the grace of God! -- seems gradually to expand as the years go by. Another proof that Kriya does work.

Blessings on your practice.

In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Asha


P.S. In a letter called “Bad Dreams,” I talk about more about dissolving vrittis.


[Questions and answers from other Ananda ministers worldwide can be found on the Ask the Experts page of Ananda.org.]