Discovering the Path to Meditation: A Personal Journey to Spiritual Growth

In my journey towards spiritual enlightenment, I found meditation by delving into the Vedic scriptures, specifically the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Shiv Puran, and Maharishi Patanjal Yoga Sutras. These texts provided a profound understanding of the practice of meditation, pre and post procedural steps, and the significance of following these practices under the guidance of a guru.

How I Discovered Meditation

I first became aware of the practice of meditation due to my exposure to the scriptures. My spiritual journey began with my mother, who served as my first guru. She instilled in me the values of spirituality through her daily prayers, rituals, and teachings. I remember the early morning rituals she practiced, including havan (ritual fire worship), samput (a type of ritual chant), and devotion. I often wished to learn these practices from her, and she kindly agreed to teach me. However, my commitment to the spiritual path pushed me to seek additional guidance.

My quest led me to a Vaishnava Kendra, a spiritual center where I met Swami Smartha. This guru enlightened me further, teaching me the intricacies of puja and rituals. While learning about these traditional practices, my curiosity about achieving a deeper spiritual connection led me to inquire about meditation. After the festival of Navratri, during which I had immersed myself in the intense worship of Goddess Durga, I felt a profound change within me. I began to dream about her, which puzzled me until my guru explained the significance of these dreams. He introduced me to the concept of meditation and began teaching me how to practice it with devotion.

A Personal Experience of Meditation

Undoubtedly, the experience of my very first meditation was transformative. I began my meditation practice at dawn, chanting the mantra for one mala (108 repetitions) and sitting for meditation at 5 AM. By 5:40 AM, when I stood up, I felt that my meditation session had lasted only a few minutes, rather than the actual one-hour duration. The experience was mesmerizing, as I felt as though I was in the arms of Goddess Durga, similar to being in my mother's embrace. This realization marked the beginning of a journey that brought profound changes to my life.

Overcoming Adversity with the Guidance of Meditation

At the age of 21, I faced a tumultuous period in my life, marked by personal hardships, including the loss of a beloved family member and the sudden need to drop out of education to care for my mother and sister. Despite the numerous challenges, I felt a constant presence through meditation, and Goddess Durga continued to guide and protect me through difficult times.

My journey did not end there. I continued to explore yoga, kriya (yogic practices), breathing techniques, and energy therapy. Today, meditation remains a cornerstone of my spiritual practice, and I incorporate rituals and other spiritual practices into my daily life. The experience of meditation has not only paved the way for personal growth but also helped me connect with my inner self and external deities.

Since my initial experience, my understanding of the spiritual path has deepened, and I continue to learn and grow. Meditating with full devotion, even without prior training, has brought joy and a sense of peace. It is a reminder that meditation is a powerful tool for personal and spiritual development.

When I close my eyes, I see my son, a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that comes from this practice.

Hope you find these insights useful and inspiring on your own spiritual journey.