In meditation, the activities of the mind and body are brought under observation, and then allowed to fall away as the attention is directed to the sound of the mantra. This results in an experience of quiet stillness — listening to the sound of the mantra is all that is required. The rest unfolds naturally.
In the School, a traditional system of mantra meditation is made available to all students who have taken our introductory course, Philosophy Works.
The introduction to meditation is marked by a simple, dignified ceremony. Students are asked to present traditional offerings of fruit, flowers and a gift of money that is used solely for making meditation available throughout North America. Following the introduction, ongoing assistance is offered in the form of one-on-one tutorials and classroom discussions.
Meditation fosters detachment, which allows one to gradually see that “I am not these busy thoughts. I am not this constant, restless activity. I am not these negative feelings and ideas.” Through meditation, everyday work and activities become more balanced. Moments of calm accumulate, bringing comfort and satisfaction. Mood swings are not as frequent, and self-criticism is set aside. The energy available for work increases and one notices an ability to stay connected to the work at hand.
With regular practice, meditation provides the master key to our well-being — unlocking our true potential and enabling us to meet the world with renewed energy, authenticity, wisdom, creativity, compassion and equanimity.
Meditation is what makes any individual steady, peaceful,
and capable, because he finds his way to the Self.
— Shri Shantananda Saraswati
