"Aim of meditation is to reduce the flow of thoughts, and focus the mind on one object (e.g. breath), once the concentration is attained, the current of thought slows down".
We cannot prevent crises but we can overcome misery. To experience a crisis is one thing, but to suffer it is different. Awareness of a problem is one thing but sensitivity to it is quite another.
The best way to reduce cravings is to tell yourself that wealth is not everything; it is only a means to sustain you on the journey of life. Happiness is a habit, and peace is the effect of cultivating it. Peace implies a holistic development: Emotional, mental and physical.
Most people are deluded into earning for the sake of acquisition of more and more wealth, and NOT happiness? Wealthy people are not necessarily happy people. You can buy comfort and material things. But happiness and comfort are totally unrelated. Acquisition is one thing, happiness is quite another. How do we calm our wavering mind? Mind pacifying is a process of continuous removal of distorted views, indulgences, distractions, anger, and other passions.
Practical exercise: Close your eyes and concentrate on your nostrils. Experience the air going in and coming out. Just watch the inhalation and exhalation. No need to hold the breath. This exercise is called 'perception of breathing' (स्वास प्रेक्षा).
Only those people with an objective view can find solution to problems. One should think analytically and critically – and with detachment. Think, that is, from outside a situation. This me, this is mind, and this is the problem. I am standing inside the door and the problem is outside. Then a solution will offer itself. If thieves are allowed inside the house theft is bound to happen. If a mind is overwhelmed with problems and cannot free itself from them it will turn too pessimistic to think of a solution.
Life alternates happiness with turmoil. Sometimes life is good, sometimes the opposite. Sometimes we are praised and sometimes condemned. We need strength (fortitude) to cope with whatever is meted out to us.
Every moment of our life can be blissful. Instead we get overwhelmed by memories of the past and dreams of the future. In a meditative state memories and dreams do not surface. At that time you live in the present and yo realize that the happiness you seek outside is flowing inside you. Practicing Preksha Mediation system implies consistency – consistent improvement and consistent transformation.
What should we do to achieve peace of mind?
DO NOTHING. To do nothing is emptying the mind, and an unfilled mind is a peaceful one. In an empty mind self-awareness can take place. This emergence of consciousness is peace of mind. Internal awaking is manifest in external inactivity. Peace is not dullness of mind- it is the burning of an internal flame. Is it possible that water in pot placed on a burning stove will not get hot? Similarly, is it possible that a mind placed on impure emotions will not get tempered, agitated and disturbed?
Practical exercise: If you wish to calm your inner agitations, mediate on stilling the tongue. If you have mastered keeping your tongue motionless you have learned to calm you mind.
This write-up is based on teachings of Preksha Meditation system.
