Contemplation – I

Contemplation is the practice of bringing an extroverted mind to be quiet, calm and centred within. We are often so occupied with the world outside that we rarely find time to get acquainted with the amazing world inside us. It’s like enjoying the surface waters of the ocean from the safety of a sailing boat, but never attempting to know the wondrous world below by, say, going scuba diving! The first step is to be aware of the type of thoughts one entertains. Great masters have given us ‘thought capsules’ or affirmations to keep repeating mentally, so that the mind stays in line with our larger goals and vision of life. We should seek out these affirmations or mantras and, whenever we find our mind distracted, chant those verses to immediately bring the monkey back home, back centre stage, so to speak. Secondly, we need to scrutinise our daily routine. Rising late in the morning or sleeping late at night are very rajasika and tamasika practices. Do you pull out a toothbrush and toothpaste after a meal or do you reach for a cigarette? Whatever we do on a daily basis, especially ritualistically, we should constantly ask: ‘Do my thoughts and actions during the day promote more sattva, or are they predominantly rajasika and tamasika?’ To be continued.

Contemplation – I

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