The Enlightened Way of Living could have been the title of Eknath Easwaran’s book Meditation. I wondered what all of those chapters could have to do with meditation. However, it is explained beautifully throughout the entire book.

I didn’t really know what I could gain from meditation that I wasn’t already accomplishing through yoga. So, I didn’t have a desire to start. It was something we yogi’s SHOULD do. But I didn’t WANT to. I had been on this journey of taming my inner demons for years, and felt stuck for about 2. So, one paragraph suggesting that meditation could help quiet the egoic mind had me intrigued.

Easwaran does such an amazing job of explaining things in a very down to earth and yet moving manner. I felt comfortable with the whole idea for the first time. His examples, symbolism and way of teaching new concepts in a way that I could understand were incredible. I was actually moved to tears a few times. I related to his stories of his grandmother. And, excepting the one comment about organized religion being a way for us to feed our egos and relate to people who seem like us, the ideas were familiar and rang of truth to me. I think he was making the case for studying ALL great mystics.

Admittedly ignorant on the subject, I always thought that the goal in meditating was to clear the mind of all thoughts, and had never been able to do that. So, I was relieved when he said to meditate on a prayer or mantra.

I have always been intrigued by the observation that most great enlightened minds in history come to virtually the same conclusions. With, of course variations due to culture, circumstance or time in history. But, truth is always truth, and those who seek it will find it wherever or however they may be.

I was a bit leery of venturing out of my own comfort zone. I thought that chanting a mantra may be considered worshiping idols or something. However, I have also had an open mind as someone who was taught great truths by a parent who was not only non-religious, but alcoholic and somewhat abusive. My point in sharing this is that when the author suggested:

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

as one of the most beautiful mantrams he has experienced. Initially, I didn’t think it would work for me because I am Christian and it has Jewish connotations. However, after the author broke it down syllabically, i too thought it was probably one of the most meaningful phrases I had heard. As with a lot of feelings, the English language doesn’t do them justice. Those three words basically mean: Oh Lord, who has stolen my heart, I cannot rest until I find Him. He ceaselessly, ceaselessly draws me unto Him, and is the only source of true joy.

I gained a better understanding of so many truths through this book. I would just like to sum them up here: Our bodies are only a type of clothing; we “shed” our bodies at death; when you recognize illusion, it evaporates; lose yourself, and you shall find yourself; slow down in order to speed up; depth, not breadth; the senses can be trained and therefore magnified;discipline is freedom.

I would suggest to anyone seeking for truth, enlightenment, knowledge or freedom to buy this book and refer to it often. Thank goodness for Amazon, as it is now out of print. Even with no great insights, meditation will provide moments of peace in trying times, clarity in confusion, and time to listen. To my friends who are a bit skeptical of the mystical as I was, I say meditation is taking the time to listen for answers to prayers.

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