Consciousness is Always Within

 

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Consciousness is Always Within

Consciousness, or Shivam, is not something external. It is not hidden in temples, scriptures, or distant places. It is always within us, silently present, yet most of us fail to realise it. We search outside, forgetting that the essence of Shiva resides in our own being.

To realize this truth, we must understand that we carry our Shiva wherever we go. He is not separate from us. He is the very consciousness that animates our life. Meditation does not create consciousness - it simply makes us aware of what is already present.

When we meditate, fixing our attention in the Bhrumadhya (the space between the eyebrows) or in the Hridaya (the heart center), and contemplate the linga - the symbol of Shiva - we begin to experience consciousness directly. The linga is not merely a stone or symbol; it is a reminder of the formless, eternal energy that dwells within us.

One profound advantage of meditating on the Hridaya is that when the Shiva linga manifests there, it becomes Hri-daya. The syllable Hreem, the beejakshara, sits inside and radiates compassion (daya). The heart is the centre of compassion. The more we meditate here, the more our compassion grows. We may never match Shiva’s infinite compassion, but we can cultivate a little - here and there - through practice.

Often, we confuse chitta with the mind. When we hear Chitta Vritti Nirodha - the cessation of the modifications of the chitta - we assume chit means mind. But in truth, what we call the mind is actually the brain. Thought cannot exist without the brain. If the brain weakens, thinking also weakens. The mind is really a cluster of thoughts, powered by consciousness but not consciousness itself.

The brain is like a sophisticated computer. Consciousness is the power supply and the silent witness. Without consciousness, even the brain cannot function. Thoughts are products of the brain, but they are not pure consciousness. No matter how much the mind expands, thought remains a product of the brain. It can be conscious, but it cannot touch the essence of consciousness.

The nature of Shivam is pure consciousness, and that consciousness is also Ananda. The mind is constantly searching for it, because somewhere deep within, we know it exists. But the search is usually outward. No external change can bring about that inner transformation. Only understanding helps - the realisation that I need to go beyond the limitation of thought. That is chitta, and it is ananda.

Meditation under the guidance of a living master like Shree Shivkrupanand Swamiji transforms life and gives it a new dimension. The Satguru guides us inward, helping us discover the richness of our inner world. As our inner world becomes peaceful, calm, and balanced, our outer world begins to reflect the same qualities.

So, remember: consciousness is always within. Carry your Shiva wherever you go. Meditate with sincerity, devotion, and faith. Fix your attention in the bhrumadhya or hridaya, meditate on the linga, and awaken to the compassion and bliss of consciousness. Under the guidance of the Satguru, life becomes a reflection of inner peace, calm, and equanimity. Truly, consciousness is always within.