Words From The Master: 21 Feb 2008

Towards Meditative Living

(continuation from earlier post)

A small story:

A yogi spent many years in the mountains perfecting the rites of austerity. He mastered complicated rituals and mantras, studied holy books and spent countless hours in contemplation. After fifteen years, when he felt his tapas to be complete, he came down into the plains to educate other people on the importance of spirituality in their lives. As soon as he arrived in a town, the news spread and he was invited to a spiritual gathering. One of the other invitees was a modern young master who didn’t believe in the traditional rites of tapas.

As the yogi entered, the man turned in his direction and spoke some harsh words.

The yogi was amazed to find that a wave of anger was rising inside him, on hearing the man’s words. After all these years, after all these efforts! A few words from a stranger, and anger was raising its ugly head again.

Without replying, the yogi turned and walked out of the hall silently. When someone ran to apologize and ask him to return, the yogi replied, I see that my tapas is not yet perfect! I am still a beginner. I must leave now, to start my work. I will return when I am truly ready.

The toughest tapas is working on oneself, understanding and transforming oneself.

There is no greater tapas than cleansing your body, thoughts and emotions. And this tapas you can do right now, right where you are. This is all about preparing the ground, about creating the right foundation for meditation.

(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