Meditation: Cornerstone of Inner Development

by Alan L. Pritz

It should come as no surprise that my own work favors meditation and that ultimately I would get around to writing something about it. The question is what to say? The subject is so vast and points of interest so diverse that I must fine-tune discussions to very specific agendas.

It occurred to me that when teaching meditation workshops, which I do monthly, people often ask a fairly standard series of questions as they first investigate the training. Since I believe there are many people interested in meditation with similar questions, I've opted to address them here. My goal is to encourage better understanding of the subject and to facilitate people inaugurating an inner practice that will benefit them for years to come.

That said, let me dive right in.
Question # 1. "What Kind of Meditation Do You Teach?"
Meditation is a bit like tea. There are many varieties yet all operate on fundamentally similar premises. People need to select what they like and work with it. That remains a matter of personal taste. The goal of meditation is what should be concentrated on, to attain a state of absorption in an aspect of Spirit. If one doesn't subscribe to a theistic belief system, the goal will be identical but phrased differently; i.e. instead of being absorbed in God-communion one may be fixed in pure consciousness. People need to understand that regardless of how meditation is oriented, when done correctly it uniformly impacts us according to universal laws of consciousness. My approach is to draw from the treasure drove of classical yoga since it's been around for thousands of years and clearly understands this metaphysical science. In particular, I rely on the insightful teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, and apply these in an ecumenical fashion so people can be nourished in the ways most meaningful and relevant for them.

Question # 2. "Do I Have to Switch Religions to Practice Meditation?"
Definitely not! Meditation is a universal tool harnessed by all religious traditions to foster enlightenment or salvation. When people engage a meditative practice, it should facilitate a deepening relationship between them and the Sacred in a manner harmonious with their faith. Interestingly, when I first received my meditation training most participants were either Catholic of Jewish. This isn't uncommon. In fact, many western religious leaders have seen an exodus of congregation members who've felt drowned by dogma and cut off from any deep spirituality. The latter have oft sought the inner sustenance so prevalent in eastern practices. When asked about the threat this posed to Judeo-Christian faiths, the Dalai Lama responded by saying people should indeed seek inner succor first from their primary religious paths. Therefore it behooves Judeo-Christian clerics to re-discover the esoteric elements in their faiths. Every religion has mystical components that address transcendent realms born through meditation. These should be re-vitalized and included in the offering of religious studies. That said, the goal of meditation is clearly not to take people away from their path but to usher them to its very the heart. In that heart is found an epicenter of Spirit which exists at the core of all traditions.

Question # 3: "How Soon Do I Notice Results?"
Spiritual development is not a race and can't be measured as such. Nor is it a mystical circus filled with glitter and sparkle. Practice begets results but paradoxically the harder one tries the more these are chased away. One reason for this is that anticipation builds tension that creates mental static. This obscures the sensitive receptivity necessary to feel Spirits' subtle presence. What is important is to keep at it. Simply persist. But rather than ponder "return on investment", people ought to concentrate on quality of practice. Like any endeavor, meditation requires work and energy. It has ups and downs common to all relationships; sometimes deeply moving, at other times dry. And as a relationship, meditation is more than dry technique. It requires patient devotion regardless of results. Be that as it may, it isn't uncommon for beginners to experience a honeymoon period of greater peace or joy shortly after starting a practice. After all, when approaching Spirit it is only natural to experience Its' sweetness. And as one continues, signs of development aren't a capacity to work wonders but the increased manifestation of love, joy, wisdom, and compassion in your life.

Question # 4: "How Much Time Must I Spend?"
Time commitment will vary according to interest and schedule. As such I avoid hard and fast rules because peoples' needs differ. I suggest beginners start with a minimum amount they can commit to and build accordingly. For most people this means practicing twice a day for at least 15 minutes per session. If more can be done, great, and, if a few moments peppered throughout the day can be added, all the better. Meditative results ultimately depend upon depth, length, and consistency. The more one does, the more they'll want to do. The less they do the easier it is to stop completely. The rewards of meditation take time to foster and restlessness can drive beginners (as well as seasoned practitioners) from inner attainment. That is why vigilance is necessary, as is determination and the desire to cultivate a truly life changing, affirming practice. The key is to practice with joy and a sense of devotion.