Meditation - opening the inner universe

Meditation is the first step to the inner life. According to the common meaning of the word , meditation is a mental discipline by which the practitioner attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness.

In effect, meditation is the tool to still the constantly talking brain and to observe what is going on in the physical body as a sensation, which emotions are currently active and what is going n in the movie theater of thought.

Meditation, when practiced regularly, will enable a separation between the observing consciousness (the one that is watching) and the object that is observed ie. thoughts, emotions, sensation etc.

Meditation eventually becomes a state of being rather than a practice. There is no need to sit in a lotus position, chant mantras or smile blissfully. Meditation means you are at any time consciously and totally present in the body. It is done while sitting, shopping, walking, working, speaking, love making .. in short in any activity.

It is important to understand that meditation is not an end, like something to be achieved. It does not have a goal such as nirvana or bliss or something similarly fancy. Meditation is not something that you do to get something. To the opposite: It is more like presenting a possibility to get out of something and therefore being able to give.

Meditation leads to a state of relaxation and consciousness by a process of observing what is going on in one's life rather than being continuously identified with the rat race we call life.

There are many layers of consciousness that are available to every being. These layers are obscured by thoughts and emotions. Behind those layers lies the truth of life.

Meditation is the key to get past these thoughts and emotions and opens up the possibility for a more conscious and responsible life.