We are used to spending time in the company of our mind — a faculty given to us to think, feel and will. What it cannot do is what Lord Krishna has promised in Bhagavad-Gita, verse 9.22: “I help in getting what one does not have and provide security for what one has.” This is a lot, isn’t it? Then, how about qualifying for it? What does Lord Krishna expect from us? He has set just two conditions (9.22). One is to worship God with undivided attention, and the other is to meditate on Him.
This is what I have understood about these two requirements. Worshipping is a physical act, like when we do ‘aarti’ with a brass lamp. And meditating has to be done with the mind. Let me take up the physical parts first. What I find easiest to do is to look at a photo of God’s incarnation. I have a large photo of Lord Krishna, which I cut out from a calendar a few years back; I was just attracted to it. The next act must be to do ‘namaskar’ (obeisance). This is difficult to do because ‘ahankar’ (ego) comes in the way. By the way, doing namaskar has helped me to curb my ahankara to a great extent.
The third process must be praying. This comes naturally to a soul - part of God (15.7); this certainly does to me. Whenever I am in trouble, I pray verbally, with words spoken to my Lord: “Please guide me; help me.”
I have a friend who is very knowledgeable in scriptures. I love to hear from him; this is part of our daily ‘satsang’ (good company). Fortunately for me, my Lord has appointed me His ‘nimitta’ (instrument - B.G. verse 11.33) for various duties, like serving my family in many ways, writing spiritual articles, etc.
Turning to the mental side, there are many options as well; that is, ways to meditate on God. The first one for me is to thank God gratefully from my heart for whatever He does for me; He does plenty; He has taken charge of me. What more could I ask for? The second must be chanting in the mind, which I routinely do. This cleanses my mind and makes it peaceful.
The third process must be doing ‘namaste’ (obeisance) with all humility in my mind. Praying is not far behind, with all the desires I have, according to ‘dharma’ (highest principles). Living in this ‘duhkhalaya’ (place of misery - B.G. verse 8.15), God must always be in the loop. How else? Talking to my Lord in my mind and asking questions complete my list of meditation on God.
I have realised that this is the dream state of being ‘jeevan mukta’ (liberated while living in the present body). Please don’t delay. Get a large photo of God in one of His incarnations, whatever attracts you the most. Start these processes and invoke God’s presence; He will manifest. You will be able to experience it.
The writer is a spiritual teacher and columnist; Views presented are personal.