I read
somewhere that if I am constantly fighting distraction during meditation, I am
at the stage of concentration and not in total absorption. Reading the
Upanishads, particularly Chandogya Upanishad, I see connections being made between
the physical and mental levels during meditation, which is internal tapas
and during performance of the Yagna (fire sacrifice), which is external tapas.
During yagna and meditation, connections are made at
different planes and at various stages. At the level of the body, connections
are made between physical body, vital force, thought (mind), intellect and
source of bliss (Taitriya Upanishad). At the consciousness level, between the
waking, dreaming and deep sleep states (Mandukya Upanishad). In the material
plane, connections are made between the gross and the subtle, between part and the
whole and between the small (atoms) and the big (cosmos). At the spiritual
level, connections are made between the individual devatas (personal gods) and
the cosmic counterparts and the Brahman.
Whatever path one takes and whatever connections one makes,
finally it should end in “I am That”. Because “whatever you identify with
deeply and intensely during meditation (or puja/worship) you become that”.
We learn about Unity in Diversity by reading and learning
Vedic texts. We experience, or at least try to experience, that Unity in
diversity in meditation. Swami Vivekananda says that such realization of the
Divinity in us should lead to manifestation of that Divinity in activities of
our daily living.
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