The methods and techniques which can be
employed to bring us to meditation and self awareness are, indeed, many
and various. Since every human being is unique, some
experimentation is required to find the path that most readily works
for you. All systems agree on certain essentials: the ease and
balance of the body; the co-ordination and harmony of the energy
systems; the ability to focus the mind; and the need to discriminate
between that which leads us towards joy and freedom and that which
leads us astray. Even with these universally accepted guidelines
there is an extensive range of practical advice from which we can
choose. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but constitutes
an impressive body of advice and instruction that should be of benefit
to everybody.
THE POWER OF NOW - BY: ECKHART TOLLE
A contemporary teacher of non-dual awareness speaks about the
establishment of self-awareness here and now. His teaching in
this book is highly practical and couched in simple terms.
THE BOOK OF SECRETS - BY: OSHO
A series of explanatory discourses by arguably one of the greatest
masters of meditation of the 20th century, interspersed with questions
and answers from his audience of disciples. The discourses are
based on the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra - an ancient Sanskrit text which
proposes 112 dharanas or methods of entering meditation. Osho
explains each one in terms that make them readily available to anybody
interested enough to try them out. Certainly at least one of them
will work for you.
THE SECRET OF SECRETS - BY: OSHO
This series of discourses is based on the Secret of the Golden Flower,
an ancient Chinese meditation text which deals most scientifically with
the function of breath and vitality in the process of
self-realisation. This text is particularly suitable for those
who naturally connect with the importance of the breath in meditation.
THE OPEN SECRET - BY: TONE PARSONS
A very accessible text by another contemporary teacher who aims to make
meditative awareness, as his title implies, available to all.
Very user-friendly.
ESSENTIAL TAO - BY: THOMAS CLEARY
Tai is the great Chinese contribution to the field of meditation and
meditative awareness. This book brings us, in a fluent
translation, Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching and the basic writings of Chuang
Tzu. Deeply thought provoking and full of good-humoured insight.
THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING - BY: THE EPISTLE OF PRIVY COUNCIL
Written by a mink in the 14th century, this is the classic text on
Christian meditation. Written in a robust and homely style, it
will make perfect sense and give great insight to anybody seeking to
meditate today.
YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI
From the Vedic tradition, this is the great authority on the science of
yoga, or union, in which meditation plays such an important part.
From your earliest beginnings in the way of meditation, right through
to your fulfillment, this is a reliable textbook and guide to the
understanding of everything that you may encounter on your journey.
This is just a short selection from a vast library of texts which have
been prepared throughout the ages to help those seeking any of the
wonderful benefits of meditation. Once you start your sincere
enquiry, you will be drawn towards that which will be most helpful to
you. If I may, just before the end, I will add a few words of
advice.
In this day and age we are all very much attuned to the written
word. It carries its own authority in our society. The
western Christian tradition flourished under a system of study know as:
Lectio (reading), Meditation (meditation) and Oratio (prayer).
This formula survived in the Book of Common Prayer in the phrase "Read, learn and inwardly digest."
To this day the written word is still paramount.
In the east, however, the oral tradition has always had an equal, if
not greater, status as that which is written. The Vedic system of
study also has three parts: Sravanam (hearing), Mananam (reflection),
and Nididhyasanam (realisation).
This leads us to an important point to do with the discipline of
reading. When reading anything, we should make sure that we can
hear the sound of our own voice enunciating the text.
Naturally this is slower than the speed reading and scanning methods
which have become quite popular today. These methods may well
have their place if you have to deal quickly with large volumes of
information, but generally do not lend themselves to inward
digestion. How often, if you were asked what was it you just read
would you be able to answer accurately?
Reading is a wonderful gift - it gives us access to the wisdom of all
ages and traditions. However, we should not fall into the trap of
mistaking information for real knowledge. Particularly in respect
of meditation, it is very rare for an individual to "progress" far
without a teacher. When the desire is strong and the preparatory
work has been done, no doubt you will find the appropriate guide to
bring you to meditation. Meanwhile the good company of like
minded people can be a blessing. Although meditation itself is a
totally singular affair, good company is a great source of strength,
support and energy which may help us to transcend the limitations of
our particular personalities.
Whatever your age, wherever your location, the desire for meditation
and the sincere pursuit of this desire will surely light your way.
