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What is the role of meditation in Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings?
Meditation played a crucial role in Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings, as it was seen as a means to attain self-realization and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Maharaj believed that the mind was the root cause of all suffering and that it was through meditation that one could transcend the limitations of the mind and experience the true nature of the self.
Maharaj emphasized the importance of self-inquiry in meditation, which involved questioning the nature of one's own existence and identity. He believed that by constantly questioning and examining the mind, one could eventually reach a state of pure awareness, free from all thoughts and concepts.
In his book "I Am That," Maharaj states, "Meditation is a deliberate attempt to pierce into the higher states of consciousness and finally go beyond it. The art of meditation is the art of shifting the focus of attention to ever subtler levels, without losing one's grip on the levels left behind. In a way, it is like having death under control."
For Maharaj, meditation was not just a practice to be done for a set amount of time, but rather a way of life. He encouraged his followers to be constantly aware and mindful, even in their daily activities. He believed that true meditation was not limited to sitting in a particular posture, but rather it was a state of being fully present in the moment.
Furthermore, Maharaj emphasized the importance of a guru or a spiritual teacher in the practice of meditation. He believed that a guru could guide the seeker towards the ultimate truth and help them overcome any obstacles on the path of self-realization.
However, Maharaj also cautioned against becoming too attached to the practice of meditation. He believed that the ultimate goal was to transcend all concepts and experiences, including that of meditation itself. In his words, "Meditation is a deliberate attempt to pierce into the higher states of consciousness and finally go beyond it. The art of meditation is the art of shifting the focus of attention to ever subtler levels, without losing one's grip on the levels left behind."
In conclusion, meditation held a significant place in Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings as a means to attain self-realization and liberation. It involved self-inquiry, mindfulness, and the guidance of a guru. However, it was also seen as a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of transcending all concepts and experiences.