Benefits of Meditation

 

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Benefits of Meditation

Meditation enters our life for various reasons – some do it to increase concentration, some as part of yoga, some for mental peace and so on. Some lucky few find an enlightened Guru who endeavours to give his state to those who become disciples. We talk about a lot of benefits which one derives after starting meditation – health benefits, getting rid of bad habits, dissipation of anger, life settling down and so on.

If you actually look at these benefits these are all really benefits at the physical or material level. In reality a person who truly turns to meditation is that person who has left behind benefits and greed, who is actually looking to emptying himself/herself. A person who has looked for benefits all his life and found out that there is no such thing as benefits, that person only truly turns towards meditation. One acquires wealth but poverty does not go away, one gets a good post but humility is missing, one gets respect and awards but remains empty within, one becomes world famous but there is only a bad odour within, dissatisfaction, anger, jealousy – all negative emotions – what use is this?

Worry keeps eating you up on the inside – you have acquired everything but there is no mental peace. If one is looking for the true benefits of meditation one has to go way beyond looking at the benefits one acquires in one’s material, worldly life, the true benefits are within, not visible to the outside world.

The chief benefit must be increased awareness as that ‘lights up’ the parts of us that were hidden in the basement of our unconscious – for instance the unconscious urges and reactions that can drive much of our behaviour; the ideas, beliefs and prejudices instilled in us as part of our conditioning, and the wounds we gather through trauma and other life experiences.

While unearthing those facets of the personality, the meditator can observe them all as just that - ‘facets’ – and to remember him/herself as separate from, and much vaster than both the mind and the body. Knowing ourselves more intimately gives us the clarity to recognize our potential and to move in the direction in life that is right for us. A sense of grounding and of being centred creates an inner stability and integrity and along with that, the courage and creativity to go for our dreams.

We can know a greater capacity to relax, to be open, receptive and compassionate. Qualities of self-acceptance, self-trust respect, love and a sense of oneness naturally extend to an appreciation and respect for all forms of life. Being content in the moment, rather than ruminating about the past or the future, joyfulness, playfulness, and gratitude are among other bi-products of meditation.

Meditation heightens awareness and deepens sensitivity. This in turns means an increased ability to be present (rather than ruminating on the past or worrying about the future) in, and to value, each moment.

Through the ability to dispassionately observe from within the changing world of passing thoughts, feelings and sensations, one can self-regulate and take responsibility for one’s emotional reality. In addition, acceptance supports one in ‘sitting with’ thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations.

Centering gives one a sense of connection with one’s inner core, and thus inner stability, integrity and unity. ‘Abiding in consciousness ‘ – that is, immersing oneself in the internal space of stillness and silence – provides an experience of the unchanging aspect of oneself.

Ref: Osho Talks