Devotee: How should meditation on a form be practised?
Acharyal (His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal): Techniques vary and different aspirants have to be instructed differently. A common code of instructions cannot be prescribed. I shall spell out one method. One can proceed with the notion that one's ista-devata (favourite deity) is seated in the lotus of one's heart. If one finds it difficult to visualise and focus on the pertinent form of the Lord, one can take the aid of a picture of the deity. Japa should be done while looking at the picture. Then, after partially closing the eyes, one should try to meditate on the deity, with the idea that one is actually seeing the deity. The mind may focus for a while, without wandering. But once the mind starts wandering, one can open one's eyes and look at the picture again. This can be followed by meditation, with the eyes partially closed. If the attempt is repeated in this manner, the form of the ista-devata will remain in one's mind, without the need for looking at the picture. This is one of the methods of practising meditation. Meditating on sound is another method. Maharsi Patanjali prescribes the general rule:
yatha bhimata-dhyanadva I. 47
(YS, I. 39)
(Or, by meditating on any desired, permitted object.)
The Guru determines the method that is best suited to his disciple
- Dhyana.
(Source: Exalting Elucidations, Sri Vidyatheertha Foundation).
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