“Meditation is not a withdrawal from life. Meditation is a process of understanding oneself. And, when one begins to understand oneself, not only the conscious but all the hidden parts of oneself as well, then there comes tranquility. Meditation demands constant watchfulness, constant awareness of every word, thought and feeling, which reveals the state of our own being, and as that is arduous, we escape into every kind of conformity, deceptive thing and call it meditation.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis:
In this quote by Kalidas Joshi, the concept of meditation is presented as a process of self-understanding rather than a mere withdrawal from life. Joshi emphasizes the importance of being continually aware of one's thoughts, words, and feelings in order to truly grasp the state of one's being. By uncovering both conscious and hidden aspects of oneself through this practice, one can achieve a sense of tranquility. Joshi also warns against the tendency to escape this introspective journey through conformity and deception, urging individuals to stay vigilant in their meditative practice.
The Relevance of Meditation in Modern Times
In the quote by Kalidas Joshi, meditation is described as a process of self-discovery that leads to inner peace and tranquility. This emphasis on self-awareness and constant vigilance over one's thoughts and actions remains highly relevant in today's fast-paced and often distracted world. Let's delve into the modern relevance of this perspective on meditation.
In a world filled with distractions and constant stimulation, the practice of meditation can serve as a powerful tool for individuals to truly understand themselves and find inner peace. By taking the time to pause, reflect, and become aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, individuals can gain insights into their true nature and overcome inner conflicts.
Furthermore, in a society that often values conformity and external validation, meditation offers a way for individuals to connect with their authentic selves and break free from societal pressures. By cultivating constant watchfulness and awareness, individuals can challenge deceptive beliefs and behaviors that may be holding them back from true self-realization.
Overall, the quote by Kalidas Joshi reminds us of the transformative power of meditation in helping individuals navigate the complexities of modern life and find a sense of tranquility and inner harmony.
Kalidas Joshi on the Purpose and Practice of Meditation
“Meditation is not a withdrawal from life. Meditation is a process of understanding oneself. And, when one begins to understand oneself, not only the conscious but all the hidden parts of oneself as well, then there comes tranquility. Meditation demands constant watchfulness, constant awareness of every word, thought and feeling, which reveals the state of our own being, and as that is arduous, we escape into every kind of conformity, deceptive thing and call it meditation.” - Kalidas Joshi
Reflection Questions
Upon reflecting on the quote by Kalidas Joshi, it prompts us to consider the purpose and practice of meditation as a means of understanding oneself rather than simply escaping from reality. Here are some questions to consider in relation to this:
- Do I view meditation as a way to withdraw from life or as a tool for self-understanding?
- How can I cultivate constant watchfulness and awareness in my meditation practice?
- In what ways do I tend to escape into conformity or deceptive practices rather than facing the realities of my inner self?
- What steps can I take to deepen my meditation practice and truly understand all parts of myself, both conscious and hidden?
Similar quotes
“Meditation is not required to be one with self. All that is required is that you be about oneself, maintain oneself, and be true to oneself and your chakras will be aligned and your 3rd eye will no longer be blind.”
“You give up not meditating. It's called meditation action. There's no way out of it. Meditation means to be constantly extricating yourself from the clinging of mind.”
“When even one virtue becomes our nature, the mind becomes clean and tranquil. Then there is no need to practice meditation; we will automatically be meditating always. (151)”
“From the perspective of meditation, every state is a special state, every moment a special moment.”
“It is only through meditation that we can get lasting peace, divine peace. If we meditate soulfully in the morning and receive peace for only one minute, that one minute of peace will permeate our whole day. And when we have a meditation of the highest order, then we really get abiding peace, light and delight. We need meditation because we want to grow in light and fulfill ourselves in light. If this is our aspiration, if this is our thirst, then meditation is the only way.”
“Patanjali says that we can meditate on anything that our heart desires. The important thing is not what we meditate on, but more that we meditate. And then gradually to meditate more and more on what corresponds to the innermost longing of our heart. The practice of meditation . . . gradually works its magic in stilling the mind. (42)”