A Million Thoughts: Learn All About Meditation from a Himalayan Mystic

Doing Nothing – meditation is the art of doing nothing. You don’t have to do anything per se, you don’t have to get anywhere. You simply have to be in the present moment. It takes a great deal of practice to teach your mind to be alert and yet do nothing. In that moment, that moment when your mind is doing nothing and you are perfectly aware of it, gushes forth the fountain of bliss.

Away from the burdens of the world, meditation is not about reaching somewhere, it is not about improving according to societal definitions and beliefs. Meditation is about knowing and feeling that you are complete, perfect, whole.

The struggle to be somebody, the race to be something or be like somebody ends right in that quiet moment. To reach that quiet moment, to have that mental stillness like that of a calm, placid lake, you will go through four inevitable stages on the path of meditation.

Four Stages of Mental Stillness

There was once a great master who also had the reputation of being as elusive as cryptic. Some thought he was a madman while many thought he was truly enlightened. He lived deep in the mountains in a cave accessible only to a few. A long treacherous trek through the slippery terrain discouraged most people from undertaking the arduous journey. And even those who did reach him wouldn’t be accepted that easily as his disciple. Further, if he did initiate someone, that person would usually run away in the first week or two.

A seeker traveled for several days and nights to reach him.

“I want to learn meditation,” he said bowing deeply before the master.

“Sure, I’ll teach you.”

The student couldn’t believe his ears. He never thought it would be that easy to be accepted by his master.

“Put your bag away, wash your face and come sit next to me,” the master said.

He followed the instructions and was quick to sit next to the master.

“Now what do I do?”

“You see that grass,” the guru said pointing at the green field ahead.

“Yes, master.”

“Just watch it grow.”

The pupil looked at his master askance expecting that he would say more but nothing more came from his lips.

“And then what?” he questioned curiously. “Nothing. Just watch it grow.”

“Are you serious?” the seeker exclaimed. “Have I traveled thousands of miles to watch grass grow? I thought you would teach me meditation.”

“This is meditation, son,” the master replied calmly. “If I say anything more, it would be just commentary. Be here, now.”

“This is it?”

“This is it,” the master replied calmly. “To see everything as it is requires perfect stillness of the mind. Silence is the way to meditation.”

The teacher did not shift his gaze that was settled at a distant point in the mountains.

“And what is the way to silence then?” “Meditation.”

“And how exactly do I meditate?” he said extremely frustrated. “Watch the grass grow.”

“You are truly mad,” the student yelled. “To hell with you. I’m out of here.”

He took his bag and moved to the exit.

“And where is here?” the master said smilingly.

The frustrated seeker screamed a few slurs, swore some more, put on his shoes and left that place.

It’s not easy – to be here now. To be in the present moment. You sit down to meditate and you are merrily meditating when you hear your phone buzz. You have decided to let nothing disturb your meditation.

I am not going to take that. It can wait.

A few moments pass and a voice in your head says, “Are you sure? It could be important.”

Whoever it is, they can wait.

“I admire your persistence, but let’s be honest, you are not going to be a Buddha in one day. It’s okay to get up and just see who it was.”

No, I’m meditating.

“I like it.”

You resume your meditation but at the back of your mind the phone is there. It’s quite at the back but somewhere it’s robbed you off the peace and enthusiasm you’d sat down with. You feel a bit restless but you’ve decided you are not getting up.

“Hey, did you check the features of iPhone 6s? It’s really cool,” the voice in your head says.

I’m meditating. I’m meditating. I’m meditating.

“You know no one can match Steve Jobs when it comes to innovation. You should at least see the new phone. You don’t have to buy it. And what about that hottie across the counter? She was definitely checking you out, buddy.”

Go away! I’m meditating…

But your enthusiasm is dying now like the flickering flame of a candle that’s at the end of its life. And the image of the hot girl has replaced your tranquil thoughts. For a moment you wonder if she was actually checking you out.

“Did you not notice the way she looked at you so many times?” the voice in your head continues. “Although, I think you could have worn a better shirt. I’ve no idea why didn’t you tell your wife that you didn’t like the shirt when she got it for you. Why do you always give in when it comes to Monica? You weren’t like that before.”