Prayer Of Meditation

By ACHUTHA K BACHALLI

It’s always interesting to witness the connectivity spoor that exists between consciousness and its seed in us. Not surprisingly, there are innumerable ways this connection has been elucidated by many spiritual masters -- past and present.

Interestingly, the most tangible finding of all mystics relates itself to the close relationship of chaos and order, a mosaic that exists simultaneously at two levels -- man and consciousness.

Yes, nature or existence has myriad mysteries of order and chaos, and this is no different in us.

Consciousness is like an ocean. The seed in us is a wave. In like manner, consciousness is the sky; and, the seed in us the cloud. In general, there is a final moment when this individual seed evolves and merges with the big- or macro-consciousness. This is the quantum leap of dissolution -- and, enlightenment. What, however, keeps them separate is the individual’s ego.

Hence, the big question. If this merging into One is Enlightenment, what is prayer?

But, before we endeavour to answer, there is another equally complex question awaiting our response. Who is God? And, what are efforts and effortlessness? The equation that allows this “dance” to naturally and effortlessly happen is the key to understanding the nature of consciousness -- of man and consciousness of existence per se.

Seed Potential

God -- Indivisible and Absolute -- has created a kernel of Godhood in us in seed form in an analogous way. We have to find the key to unlock this potential seed from its flower, which is consciousness. This is within us and available to us, because we are all a part of this whole -- not just sum of its parts, but part of the whole.

Yet, the paradox is: we go on praying to a multitude of Gods. This springs another tough question. What do we pray for?

Well, here goes. We complain everyday about rivalry, job security, inadequate money, assets, position and power. We also seek remedies and blessings for loads of money, good health, authority etc.,

The God, who made us with His Godhood and gifted it to us, does not need unrelenting nagging, or plodding, through prayers and gifts from us. He has simply made you as He is.

You do not remind Him, for sunrise or sunset. You do not remind Him for crops and flowers to grow. You do not remind Him for sunlight and air to be provided to breathe. So, why bother to pray for all your luxuries and/or illnesses?

Temple In Us

Let’s move a step further. The temple, or any place of worship, for one, is a noisy environ, crammed with our countless demands and cravings.

Just think. There is a temple in each of you and God is present in each of us. This temple in you opens to silence and love, if only you are open and receptive to the “Real You in You” that pervades us all. To achieve this plateau isn’t as difficult as you’d think… if only you understand --

• The path to reach this silence is through prayer called meditation.
• Prayer elevates us when body and mind are tuned through efforts to subordinate it. Once this occurs, it becomes silent and accepts our individual consciousness as our “Master.”
• When we attain this pure, simple state of unconditioned love and silence, only then is true prayer possible.
• This prayer can fine-tune us to reach our macro-consciousness. This is the very fount of our connectivity -- and, also wisdom.

When effortlessness begins, just as we make efforts to sleep and drift to sleep at some point effortlessly, we also slip into merging with the consciousness, in this state of prayer. This is what pure prayer is all about for you. Virtues like compassion, love, and unconditional giving are expressions of this state of being.

This isn’t all. We are all “pawns” in a world of polarities. When we transcend polarities, a continuous Oneness with existence is experienced. This also leads us to understand the opposites and intuitively helps us to experience the powers of prayer -- which are always effulgent and eternal.

Many Paths, One Goal

Now, you may well ask. If all this were to happen effortlessly, is there a preparation and effort required prior to our natural descent into this state of “prayerhood?”

Yes, definitely. There are various paths to unlock this mystery. We need to work and find out what is easy for us and follow the path. Once we take up the path, we ought to do our best efforts and then wait passively. The final waiting is “feminine-like” -- waiting with no aggression. You know it, don’t you? All paths generally follow a pattern, with the first step keyed to keep the body toned with physical and breathing exercises. The best choices are yoga, pranayama, qi-gong, t’ai chi etc.,

These methods help purify and allow the body to be ready. They are needed in the effort-period as a habit, or inner call, on a daily basis.

The next step is -- make the journey from witnessing to “no-mind.” This is done through elicitation and/or by being consciously aware -- and, also by witnessing ourselves as if we were observing someone else. Slowly, but surely, both our internal and external “natter” now stops and the mind gets ready to be still all the time.

As awareness, or mindfulness, now comes “alive” in the “now,” or “present-moment,” with a tranquil mind, just wait passively – to invoke and answer your prayer the way you want to.

-- This piece is 'inspired' by “The Book Of Mirdad," by Mikhail Naimy [Penguin].