Question

We feel sometimes that nothing is happening even after doing meditation….but actually we are clearing our past samskaras…is it right what I think?

Answers

Michael Smith, Lalita Arya (Ammaji), Stephen Parker (Stoma), and Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati have responded to this question.

Michael Smith

In meditation we cultivate the skill of watching and samskaras naturally dissolve. When we become the Watcher, then samskaras do not have a home.

Lalita Arya (Ammaji)

Ref the above query about “meditation… clearing past samskaras…”

I remember Dr. Arya’s story/reply to a similar question –

“Imagine”, he said, “a dove flying by every so many years swiping with a feather a granite mountain. How long will it take for that granite to dissolve?”

Swami Rama also tried logic to explain the phenomenon of dissolution of past karmas (samskaras) by explaining – How long did it take for those samskaras to form/become habit? Meditate, meditate, meditate and do not anticipate results. Expectation can hurt and disappoint.

My personal experience – Meditate to change the personality affected by negativities – either internal or external – so that we do not re-create the kind of samskaras that need dissolving. The nature of divinity in the human will unfold if we keep practicing. It is challenging for as humans we want/expect results, but that is not what meditation is about. No expectation, no disappointment…just BE sincere, disciplined & devoted along the Path chosen.

It’s like doing “japa”…we do not interrupt a japa to check the mala or the clock to see when it will end. Same for the meditation, Just keep doing and don’t keep asking – have I progressed? When progress evolves you will know, you will not need to ask.

Stephen Parker (Stoma)

Increasingly these days I recommend the Nike slogan: “Just do it (meditation)!”—Without any thought for the quality or the results. That is the guru’s job; our job is to make ourselves available.

Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati

“Just do it”… was one of the Mottos of Swami Chinamayananda, from the Chinmaya Mission …so not just Nike……!

Editor’s Note

If you have any questions about your spiritual practice, you may write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee at adhyatmasamiti@gmail.com.