Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The Way of Grace

Meditation is the food of the soul.

Not one of us lacks spiritual depth. Our spiritual nature may be covered by the mud of stresses and strains accumulated over time. But somewhere — deep within us — life is full and whole. Like the sun covered by clouds, our innermost nature can be covered only temporarily, but never destroyed or made impure. To realize this truth, we must realize our own Being.

This discovery of Self is gained with Sahaj Samadhi meditation — a gift of wisdom from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the ancient Tradition of Masters who have faithfully passed on the purity of this teaching for countless generations.

Sahaj Samadhi means natural poise and equanimity. This technique provides an easy and graceful way to rest deep within ourselves. There we find the divine peace and joy that have always been our true nature.

Busy people from all backgrounds are grateful to pause and enjoy a refreshing few minutes of Sahaj Samadhi each day. The relaxation of this meditation provides a rest that is deeper than sleep. Like awakening renewed on a sunny morning, our outlook on life changes completely towards the positive. Stresses drop off. Aging is slowed. Increased calmness and energy are gained. A firm foundation is laid for vibrant health, greater success, even temperament and better relationships.

There is nothing at all magical about the benefits of Sahaj meditation. When the mind and nervous system are allowed to repose a few moments in profound silence, the blocks that suffocate our progress gradually dissolve. Space is made for the bud of serenity to flower. The entire process goes naturally, and the benefits accumulate from the very first sitting.

Sahaj Samadhi meditation is easy — a distinct contrast to other techniques abounding in the marketplace that require varying degrees of mental work.

Sahaj meditation is a sublimely simple process that shuns all labors, leading you to the stillness and silence of your Being. This awareness of Self is not a happening that you can strive for or that you can achieve by “doing,” because it is not a goal that is outside of yourself.

This is why effective meditation is not a form of effort or concentration. It is just the opposite. As the Master often says, “Sahaj Samadhi meditation is de-concentration!!”

Concentration holds the mind, resulting in strain. Sahaj meditation, on the other hand, is surrender — a relinquishing of all trying, a falling into yourself, the experience of ultimate relaxation.

Many people have actually had deeper moments of meditation just watching a sunset, sitting idly by a waterfall, or feeling the gentle summer breeze than by toiling away in their formal meditation practice. This is why instruction in natural meditation is most essential.

Meditation does not involve thinking about a topic of interest. This sort of contemplation has its own value which allows one to examine a topic from various angles. Pondering in this way, however, leaves the mind swimming only on the level of words and ideas. Sahaj meditation, on the other hand, is a time when the mind becomes free from these surface concepts and dives deep into the silence of Self.

Meditation is not an escape from life. On the contrary, it is a soul-stirring embrace with the essence of life. Balancing worldly activities with a daily dip inside ourselves puts us in touch with our eternal Self. We discover our innermost nature that never changes, even though our lives are immersed in constant outer change. This inner awakening to the Self is called Enlightenment …