The Enlightened Way of Living could have been the title of Eknath Easwaran’s book Meditation. I wondered what all of those chapters could have to do with meditation. However, it is explained beautifully throughout the entire book.

To be honest, I have never had the desire to meditate. Ive never really understood what it was about, or what purpose it may serve other than what I was already accomplishing through yoga. I had heard about it through yoga, and thought it was something I should try. Emphasis on the word “should” because I still didnt want to do it. Easwarans book changed my mind and my heart about it. There was a paragraph about meditation taming the inner demons, or quieting the ego mind in the beginning that had me. I have been aware of this journey in my life for about 10 years now, but have felt stuck for about 2. I think this may be the answer.

The author did an amazing job of relating concepts in a way that was moving and yet down to earth. I felt comfortable with the whole concept of meditation for the first time in my life. I was actually moved to tears by some of his examples because of the way he incorporated symbolism and human nature. I really related to his stories of his grandmother. I also felt that every concept taught was familiar and truthful to me-excepting his idea that organized religion is a way to feed our egos. I choose to believe that he is making a case not limiting ourselves to the teachings of one school of thought.

Admittedly ignorant on the subject, I always thought that the goal in meditating was to clear the mind of all thoughts, and had never been able to do that. So, I was relieved when he said to meditate on a prayer or mantra.

I have always been intrigued by the observation that most great enlightened minds in history come to virtually the same conclusions. With, of course variations due to culture, circumstance or time in history. But, truth is always truth, and those who seek it will find it wherever or however they may be.

As far as meditation and mantras are concerned, my religious upbringing had me believe htis might fall into the worshiping idols category. That being said, I have always had an open mind as someone who was taught a lot of great truths from a non-religious parent who was alcoholic and at times abusive. My point in stating this is that when the author suggested:

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

as one of his staple mantrams, I ignored it initially because of it’s relation to the Jewish faith. I just thought it was contradicting my Christian beliefs. But, after learning the meaning of the words broken down into syllables, I too thought it to be beautiful. I have found that English just doesn’t do feelings justice in so many cases. Those three words mean: Oh Lord who has stolen my heart, I cannot rest until I find Him. He ceaselessly, ceaselessly, draws me unto Him, and is the only source of true joy.

I gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: Our bodies are only a type of clothing; we “shed” our bodies at death; when you recognize illusion, it evaporates; lose yourself, and you shall find yourself; slow down in order to speed up; depth, not breadth; the senses can be trained and therefore magnified;discipline is freedom.

So, to sum it all up, I will buy this book and refer to it often. It is now out of print. Thank goodness for Amazon! I have also started my meditation practice. No great “ah-hah’s” yet, but definitely a few minutes of peace in a time when I have needed it greatly, and some time to just listen. In fact, when explaining meditation to my friends who are a bit skeptical of the mystic, I will say that meditation is a very effective way of actually taking the time to listen for answers to your prayers.