Why Meditate? The Commonality of All Contemplatives.

[Floatsy]

“To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.”

― Jiddu Krishnamurti

[Floatsy]

“Suffering is due to our disconnection with the inner soul. Meditation is establishing that connection.”

― Amit Ray

Tradition: Hinduism
Reference: Meditation: Insights and Inspirations

[Floatsy]

“Are we experiencing restlessness? Stay! Are fear and loathing out of control? Stay! I can’t stand this another minute! Stay!”

― Pema Chödrön

Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Reference: The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times

[Floatsy]

Q: What is the difference between meditation and distraction?

Sri Ramana: No difference. When there are thoughts, it is distraction: when there are no thoughts, it is meditation. However, meditation is only practice (as distinguished from the real state of Peace.)

Tradition: Advaita Vedanta
Reference: Mountain Path

[Floatsy]

“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice.”

― Meister Eckhart

Tradition: Christian

[Floatsy]

"Why are you so afraid of silence,
silence is the root of everything.
If you spiral into its void,
a hundred voices will thunder messages you long to hear."

- Rumi

Tradition: Sufism
Reference: 'Hidden Music' - Maryam Mafi & Azima Melita Kolin

[Floatsy]

What are the factors to be kept in view in dhyana?

Ramana Maharshi: "It is important for one who is established in his Self (atma nista) to see that he does not swerve in the least from this absorption. By swerving from his true nature he may see before him bright effulgences, etc., or hear (unusual) sounds or regard as real the visions of gods appearing within or outside himself. He should not be deceived by these and forget himself."

- Ramana Maharshi

Tradition: Advaita Vedanta
Reference: Spiritual Instruction

[Shivani Devi]

The Heavens declare the glory of God, the Firmament showeth His handywork..

Why meditate? to make that connection with the 'all that is'.

I like a few quotes from the Bible here:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

-Psalm 19:14

Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD

-Psalm 104:34

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation…

- Psalm 5 1-2

O Lord, open you my lips; and my mouth shall show forth your praise.

-Psalm 51:15

[Floatsy]

"My heart, I love you.
Why?
Because you do not complain."

- Sri Chinmoy

Reference: God is Kidnapped

[Floatsy]

“At the beginning of our spiritual journey, we feel that meditation is self-effort and perspiration. At the end of our journey’s close, we realise that meditation is God’s Grace, His Compassion Infinite.”

– Sri Chinmoy

Reference: Quotes