We set boundaries with our thoughts and mind. In a way we are all prisoners of our past experiences. Most of the times, our reactions are also guided by the situations we have already faced. But we can’t really do anything about it since everything happens at a sub-conscious level. It is as if we are not the doer even as we are acting willfully. Think for a second. What makes us like or
dislike a person the instant we see him or her. Our sixth sense tells us that this person is good or bad. It is as if we had a third eye.
But we also know these are superficial things. A person that appears to be bad may not be so bad after all. A person that appears to be good initially may turn out to be bad.
Presumptions are very painful. We expect a lot from a person who is not so committed. When we stop being presumptive, we gain a better control over ourselves. Developing spirituality is also somewhat similar to letting go our presumptions. What
hinders our spiritual evolution is the belief system we already have in our mind. We are not ready to submit ourselves to another belief system. We question things and doubt things.
Transcendental meditation is like complete surrender. We have to stop presuming about a person. A Guru who initiates you into transcendental meditation may appear to be very strict. But you have to believe that the mantra he offers during diksha
has certain powers. You have to chant the mantra continuously according to the directions of Guru without questioning. Mantra is
something sacred. You have to keep it to yourself. Even if the Mantra has some powers, you may not use it inappropriately. And each Mantra is unique in a way.
Mantras has passed down through disciplic lineage. These Mantras are chanted to invoke the deity associated with them. Gaudiya Vaishnavas believe that Hare Krishna mahamantra will help a devotee realize the real identity of Lord Krishna. Transcendental
meditation takes a lot of time. This is actually a transformative process which gradually changes the persona of a devotee. A devotee will himself notice the apparent changes. So, lets get down to the transformations which you will find in a person.
1. Less desire to consume liquor or any kind of intoxicating substance. – A person who has been chanting a mantra
sincerely will not indulge in drinking alcohol or consuming drugs. If he was an
alcoholic he may turn into a teetotaler.
2. Material things don’t seem so attractive. – Money or sex doesn’t seem so enamouring for a person committed to
meditation.
3. Compassion for all souls – Generally, those who are meditating on a mantra feel genuine compassion for every soul. They will not feel like eating non-veg. A desire to help others will grow inside them. They will respect everybody. Be it a sweeper, a driver or a
plumber. Of course, these changes take time. But if you are committed to meditation all these
changes do happen.
A deep reason for this is that you come to know that the source of real joy is not sex, material things or promotion. The source of real
joy is the God you are worshipping. If you are worshipping Vishnu, then Vishnu is the source of all joys. The externality of material things will become more and more apparent when you get involved in transcendental meditation. With time you may realize that you are not this body. Further on, you will reach at a point where you may start realising that the only real thing is consciousness.
Conclusion
Reality has many dimensions to it. For people who are not spiritual reality may be like a car, good food, money or a girlfriend. As a person starts growing spiritual reality is just the soul. A self-realized person will know that the reality is consciousness. A Guru can help you in your spiritual journey. But it is you who will have to walk the path.
