THOUGHTS ON MEDITATION

September 27, 2016

It can be a dilemma for some people with regards to learning meditation. On the one hand they know that a meditation practice will be a very useful skill, but on the other they don’t want to get caught up in a movement or group.

I don’t think there is any problem with being aligned with one particular group or organisation as long as one’s perspective remains broad enough to recognise that all paths are valid and have their place. The important thing is that your teacher has the adequate training to guide you well and be there for back up and support after you have learned a practice. Reputable organisations such as Vipassana, Brahma Kumaris, Transcendental Meditation, Art of Living and Isha Foundation all offer these kinds of courses with adequate support. There are many more. Often associating with practitioners of a particular tradition will lead to friendships with like minded people.

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The issue arises when organisations use persuasive arguments to try and induce you to “recruit” new people to their group. When I am asked about meditation and where people can learn, I always give them a few options and ask them to see what feels right for them. It’s for this reason, that though I have trained in several practices over the last 25 years, I now remain deliberately “non-aligned” with any single movement. And though I have toyed with the idea of teaching meditation, I generally come back to the resolution that there enough excellent teachers and organisations out there who have committed to teaching as their sole purpose.

For those wishing to try a secular form of meditation, there many excellent teachers out there. You just have to ask around. Whereas previously meditation could only be learned within the confines of a spiritual organisation, nowadays the benefits are there for school kids, corporates and businessmen and women.

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My purpose or “dharma” is as a surgeon and that will remain my primary role, but I will continue to be an advocate and promoter of all kinds of meditation and the promotionĀ of health, wellness and balance in general.

I hope that helps some of you with doubts and questions about meditation.

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit