Meditation is an ancient practice that offers a pathway to inner peace, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. At its core, meditation is the art of turning awareness inward, quieting the restless waves of thought, and discovering the profound stillness that exists beneath the surface of our busy minds.
The Nature of Meditation
In his spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda beautifully describes meditation as “the science of God-realization.” He emphasizes that true meditation is not merely a relaxation technique but a systematic method for experiencing our deepest nature. As he writes, “In the stillness of meditation, the devotee finds his eternal identity.”
Meditation begins with simple concentration—focusing the scattered rays of attention into a single, powerful beam. This might start with observing the breath, repeating a sacred word or mantra, or visualizing a peaceful image. Through regular practice, this concentration deepens into meditation proper, where the sense of effort dissolves and awareness flows naturally.
The Journey Inward
Yogananda often spoke of the “portable paradise” that meditation creates—an inner sanctuary accessible anywhere, anytime. He taught that “the joy of meditation is overwhelming,” describing states of consciousness where practitioners experience boundless peace and an expansion beyond the limitations of the physical body.
The practice requires patience and dedication. Like learning any skill, meditation unfolds gradually. Early sessions might be filled with restless thoughts and physical discomfort. Yet with persistence, practitioners discover increasing periods of calm, clarity, and eventually, what Yogananda called “ever-new joy”—a happiness that renews itself constantly from within.
Practical Foundations
To begin a meditation practice:
Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably with your spine straight but relaxed. This upright posture helps maintain alertness while allowing energy to flow freely.
Start with the breath. Simply observe your natural breathing without trying to control it. When thoughts arise—and they will—gently return your attention to the breath without judgment.
Be consistent. Even five to ten minutes daily is more beneficial than sporadic longer sessions. Yogananda emphasized that “loyalty to your spiritual practices” brings the deepest rewards.
Cultivate the right attitude. Approach meditation with calm expectation rather than anxious striving. As Yogananda taught, divine realization comes not through tension but through relaxation into our true nature.
The Deeper Purpose
While meditation offers numerous benefits—reduced stress, improved focus, emotional balance—these are secondary to its ultimate purpose. Yogananda viewed meditation as the direct method for experiencing what he called “Self-realization”: the recognition of our essential unity with the infinite consciousness that underlies all existence.
He wrote of meditation as a form of “scientific prayer” where, instead of begging for favors, we commune directly with the divine presence within. Through this communion, practitioners report experiences of profound love, wisdom, and an unshakeable peace that remains stable regardless of external circumstances.
The Universal Practice
Though meditation techniques vary across traditions—from Buddhist mindfulness to Christian contemplation to Hindu yoga—the essential process remains universal: the journey from surface awareness to deeper levels of consciousness. Yogananda himself studied with masters from various traditions and emphasized that all genuine spiritual paths lead to the same summit of realization.
In our modern age of constant stimulation and digital distraction, meditation offers something increasingly rare: an opportunity to disconnect from external noise and reconnect with our innermost self. It provides a practical method for finding peace not by changing our circumstances, but by changing our relationship to them.
As you begin or deepen your meditation practice, remember that you’re joining an ancient lineage of seekers who have walked this path before you. Each session, no matter how brief or challenging, is a step toward what Yogananda called our “eternal heritage”—the discovery of the boundless joy and wisdom that lie within.
Light Being ॐ 
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