Vedic Wisdom and Application

Challenge of the Month: Power of Contemplation

Reflection Questions: What is Contemplation? How does Contemplation Impact the Mind? How should we Practice Contemplation for Inner Transformation? Contemplation plays an immensely important role in successful navigation of events in our everyday life. It could be in the form of reflective thought, careful observation, or a deep study of something of concern, leading to an emergence of answers from within. Some psychologists describe contemplation as the mindful practice where the body, mind, thoughts, sensations and intellect are totally aware of the present moment, enabling a person to feel calm but alert. Many religious leaders have described contemplation in the context of prayer. From a spiritual perspective, the role of contemplation is much deeper and a conduit for inner transformation. Let us understand more about the spiritual perspective.  What is Contemplation

The study of spiritual knowledge occurs through three processes – shravan, manan and nididhyasan. When we find a trustworthy source of divine knowledge and a Guru to explain and interpret it for us (i.e., shravan), the next step is to contemplate upon that knowledge (i.e., manan). It is contemplation that helps us to transform this knowledge into resolute beliefs (i.e., nididhyasan), which in turn enables the intellect to make wise decisions about life events. From this perspective, contemplation is a mental practice that involves deep reflective thought about one’s true identity, the purpose of life, the individual soul’s relationship with God, and the practice of spirituality. Also called chintan, it is the repeated rumination of thoughts, ideas, or a piece of knowledge in the intellect to enable souls to reach the ultimate goal of life, i.e., God-realization.  In the spiritual realm, when the mind constantly and repeatedly remembers God by focusing on His divine names, forms, virtues, pastimes, abodes and associates, it tends to purify and take on the qualities and virtues of the object of contemplation – God. As Shree Krishna told Arjun: अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते | तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् || 22|| ananyāśh chintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate teá¹£hāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-ká¹£hemaṁ vahāmyaham There are those who always think of Me and engage in exclusive devotion to Me. To them, whose minds are always absorbed in Me, I provide what they lack and preserve what they already possess. [BG 9.22] ... Click here to read more. How does Contemplation Impact the Mind? Contemplation can be a very powerful technique for mind management if we use it in ways that benefit the soul. But, in reality, due to our negativity bias, what happens is that our mind gets fixated on adverse feedback, insults, and perceived wrong-doings of others, way more than fixation on positive feedback and praise. Even when we hear divine knowledge from saints, the mind does not fixate on it, so the knowledge slips out of the intellect and does not translate into actions that elevate the soul. If contemplation is used to focus on positive and uplifting thoughts, it has the potential to truly transform one’s internal state. When the mind becomes attached to anything in the divine realm that generates positive emotions (e.g., participating in Satsang), repeated contemplation can elevate the soul to sublime heights... Click here to read more. How should we Practice Contemplation for Inner Transformation? Inner transformation will occur only if the mind eliminates materialistic thoughts and replaces them with positive contemplation in the divine realm. There are numerous ways to enhance the quality of contemplation, but a few practical tips are suggested based on Swamiji’s recently published book, The Power of Thoughts.  Note Divine Gems in a Spiritual Diary...Click here to read more.

Tools for Your Personal Growth

We all understand that repeated contemplation on negative thoughts is very harmful for the mind, body and soul. To enable us to transform our negative thoughts to positive contemplation and reframing, we present a tool that could elevate the quality of thoughts over time. A downloadable tracking sheet available for you to use. Remember, change takes time!

Visit Samarpan E-Journal Website

Gems of Wisdom from Swamiji

Here is a YouTube video title where Swamiji describes the importance of contemplation.

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