Words From The Master: 12 Feb 2008

Entering into Meditation
(continuation from earlier post)

The first step is to cleanse the body.

What is meant by cleansing the body?

We all have disturbances, energy blockages, complexes – all these things are part of our physical system. Removing these blockages and disturbances is the way to cleanse the body.

How are energy blockages and disturbances created in our body?

Right from childhood, we learn to suppress our natural emotions. Because in society, we cannot always express ourselves as we wish.

For example, when you get angry, the body immediately produces the chemicals necessary for fighting. The body produces enough energy to attack a man! Because anger is an essential survival tool for all animals, the body prepares you for fighting the other. But in our civilized society, we can't always express our anger. The other person might be someone you are afraid of - your boss, or your wife!! So whatever energy is generated remains unused. This excess energy stagnates in your body and creates a disturbance in your energy flow.

The same thing happens with all emotions – desire, fear, grief.

Most of the time, you are afraid to let your body express itself. You live in deep fear and mistrust of your body. You think that your body doesn't know the language of civilization. It doesn't recognize the rules of society. If you set your body free, who knows what might happen? Who knows what your body might do? So you have to control, you have to repress.

When you continuously suppress your emotions, not only do they create blocks in your physical body, they eventually lead to mental illness as well. For instance, continuously repressing anger can lead to hysteria.

In the same way, mental disturbances can manifest as physical diseases. Not only cardiac disease or migraines, but even skin allergies and peptic ulcers are caused by stress. Recent research has shown that over 80% of our diseases are psychosomatic in nature – that is, our physical and mental state are both responsible for these diseases.

Later on in this book, you will be given meditation techniques to dissolve all the blocks and repressions in your body.

Once you are free of these blocks, you will see for yourself how your body blooms naturally. Your body begins to look more beautiful, more divine. Your body is not you, but your body is here to support you. Cultivate a beautiful, friendly relationship with your body.

(to be continued)
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This excerpt has been taken from the book: "Meditation is for You" -- an introduction to the science and art of meditation