The Practice of Meditation

Details : 

Publisher : Sri Ramakrishna Math
Author : Swami Ritajananda
Language : English
Pages : 125
Cover : Paperback
Dimension : 18 cm x 12.5 cm
Weight : 100 gm
Edition : 2019
ISBN : 9788171207572

Introduction

Hindu spirituality requires an explanation in depth, showing what field it covers and how it differs from religion. Everything relating to external forms belongs to religion, while the depths of spirituality are in the interior life. Religion can be practised in a group with rituals and ceremonies closely linked to social life; it can have a doctrine and dogmas. But spirituality is entirely personal and individual; it does not depend on external forms, nor on a religion, it surpasses them all by attaining a level of understanding in which the differences characterising the various religions are effaced.

Anyone practising a religion is a religious person, but he is not necessarily a spiritual person as long as he has not discovered in himself another quality, namely that of a universal vision much greater than the world observed around us.

Nowadays there are many people who want to find out about Indian religions. They find it difficult to understand Hinduism as a religion, because there are no dogmas, but only rituals and ceremonies. The Hindus call their religion “dharma”. Sanatana Dharma is the ancient path established by the great sages, the rishis. It is taught to people. It has the goal of liberation, Moksha.

People have to attain this. Various paths lead to liberation. Among these paths is religion. All these paths do not appear to be religious, but they are essentially spiritual. The chosen path followed by each person must be in accordance with his individual nature.

The Vedas taught what is, even today in India, the basis of Hindu spirituality and religion. “Truth is One. Sages call It by various names.” This is the basis of Hindu spirituality. Moreover, the teaching in the Upanishads is completely metaphysical. It insists on this point; there is only one Reality, Brahman, the Supreme. Brahman is the source of the universe. The entire creation is pervaded by That, Brahman.