Meditation and Its Methods by Swami Vivekananda
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Questions and Answers

What does meditation enable us to do according to the passage?

  • Control emotional responses (correct)
  • Ignore nature entirely
  • Enhance sensory perception
  • Remain indifferent to beauty

    • What is the analogy used to describe the mind in the context of meditation?

  • A calm lake (correct)
  • A busy marketplace
  • A turbulent ocean
  • A dark tunnel

    • What should not be present when practicing Yoga according to the given guidelines?

  • Areas with wild animals (correct)
  • Rooms that are clean
  • Places with beautiful scenery
  • Quiet environments

    • According to the content, how is meditation perceived in relation to prayers and ceremonies?

    <p>They serve as preliminary steps towards meditation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which are suggested times for practicing meditation?

    <p>Early morning and early evening</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the passage suggest is essential for achieving the power of meditation?

    <p>Gaining control over the mind</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge does the passage identify with the practice of meditation?

    <p>The mind is easily distracted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is advised to do before beginning meditation practice?

    <p>Salute ancient Yogis and your own Guru</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the surface of the lake represent in the context of meditation?

    <p>The disturbances caused by emotions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is mentioned as a way to break laziness before meditation?

    <p>Not eating until after practicing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of scenery is recommended for meditation practice?

    <p>Beautiful and peaceful scenery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested about the innate spiritual attitude in people?

    <p>It can exist independent of any practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does meditation ultimately lead to according to the passage?

    <p>A sense of freedom and self-discovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized as a key intention for prayers?

    <p>Praying for knowledge and light</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested as a mindset for meditation practice?

    <p>To let the mind run freely for some time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of environment is discouraged for meditation due to disturbance?

    <p>Areas with excessive noise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first struggle one should focus on according to the guidance provided?

    <p>Achieving perfect posture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should one do if feeling fatigued during Japa?

    <p>Take a break from Japa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does persistent practice of Japa despite a wandering mind signify?

    <p>Breaking of mental barriers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is noted about prayer and its effectiveness when done unconsciously?

    <p>Only a small fraction of desires may be fulfilled</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What attitude towards bodily risk is encouraged in the pursuit of spiritual realization?

    <p>Fearless, as it is part of learning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Swamiji's experience, what happened to his consciousness during a deep realization?

    <p>It vanished along with the perception of physical surroundings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern did the disciple express regarding Swamiji's experience of realization?

    <p>It might indicate a brain derangement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested about selfless prayer compared to selfish prayer?

    <p>Selfless prayer is less effective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied to be the ideal of man according to the content?

    <p>To see God in everything</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested as the cause of all miseries?

    <p>Unfulfilled desires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the two extremes mentioned in the content regarding missed goals?

    <p>Indulgence in material pleasures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the content suggest is necessary for peace from desire?

    <p>To give up desire entirely while evolving</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what should one do with their ideal?

    <p>Meditate upon it until it becomes part of daily life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean when it is said that 'out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh'?

    <p>Our words reveal our inner feelings and thoughts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the comparison between walls, chairs, and human desires convey?

    <p>Entities without desires do not evolve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What attitude towards failures does the content encourage?

    <p>To view them as natural and part of life's beauty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initially motivated the robber to commit his crimes?

    <p>He wanted to support his family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the response of the robber's father when he learned about the robber's criminal activities?

    <p>He expressed horror and disowning feelings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the robber's mother react to his confession about robbery?

    <p>She expressed her horror and distaste.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What realization did the robber come to after talking with his family?

    <p>Only he would bear the consequences of his sins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advice did the sage give to the robber after his confession?

    <p>To abandon his current lifestyle and seek redemption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the sage imply about the relationships within the robber's family?

    <p>Family loyalty is based only on shared prosperity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the robber learn about the nature of his family relationships?

    <p>They are only interested in the benefits he provides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the ultimate message conveyed by the sage to the robber?

    <p>Evil deeds will lead to isolation and loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Understanding Meditation

    • Meditation is a powerful tool enabling self-control and resilience against external temptations.
    • The mind is likened to a disturbed lake; calmness allows clarity and self-reflection.
    • Freedom in meditation leads to a realization of one's true nature and divine presence.

    The Importance of Meditation

    • Meditation serves as a gateway to bliss and spiritual realization.
    • Prayers and rituals are considered preliminary steps toward genuine meditation.
    • Most practices aim to elevate the spiritual state and focus the mind.

    Required Conditions for Meditation

    • Ideal meditation environments are free from distractions like noise, danger, and negative influences.
    • Physical and mental readiness is essential; practice should not be undertaken in states of illness or extreme laziness.
    • A conducive space, whether natural or within one's home, is vital for meditation practice.
    • Optimal meditation occurs twice daily, particularly during early morning and evening, coinciding with natural calm periods.
    • The practice becomes easier if undertaken before meals, instilling discipline in routines.

    The Power of Intentions and Prayers

    • Mentally wishing happiness and peace for all beings promotes personal wellness.
    • Selfless prayers for knowledge and enlightenment shift focus from material desires to spiritual growth.

    Lessons from Experiences

    • The story of the highway robber illustrates the importance of understanding one’s moral consequences and the nature of genuine support from family.
    • True love and responsibility should not be contingent upon unethical means of survival.

    The Role of Persistence in Meditation

    • Steadiness in posture is critical; physical stability allows for deeper mental concentration.
    • Persistence in chanting (Japa) is beneficial even during times of mental fatigue; it disciplines the mind akin to breaking a wild horse.

    Experience and Self-Discovery

    • Profound spiritual experiences can lead to the dissolution of the ego and material perception, leading to deeper consciousness.
    • Struggles and failures are integral to personal growth, emphasizing perseverance in pursuing the ideal of seeing God in everything.

    Ideal Path to Spiritual Growth

    • A balanced approach to life is necessary; avoiding extremes of indulgence or harsh ascetic practices is key to reaching spiritual goals.
    • Having a clear spiritual ideal guides actions and choices, allowing for genuine engagement with life.

    Understanding Human Desires

    • All human suffering is linked to unfulfilled desires.
    • While desires lead to suffering, the absence of desire without progression leads to stagnation; a balance of aspirations is needed for growth.

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    Description

    Explore the profound insights on meditation presented by Swami Vivekananda in this enlightening quiz. Delve into the various methods and philosophies associated with meditation in the context of Yoga. Test your understanding of how meditation empowers us against distractions and enhances our inner strength.

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