COLUMN: Columnist finds meditation useful

One of the most popular philosophers, Socrates, said, “Know thyself.” This is what you may call the philosophers maxim. To do so is to live a more joyful, peaceful life.

Before you cast judgment, hear what I have to say on the matter, since one’s first interpretation is undoubtedly misguided. People laugh at what they do not understand. For the past years, I have been meditating daily. This is one method to attain a greater sense of calm and grounding in an atmosphere of chaos (as school most likely is). In this short article I’ll give you a brief introduction from just one perspective.

Meditation is like the wind-sloughing white, dazzling snow off the branches of a tree. In this metaphor, the snow represents the extra fluff one has accumulated; the tree is you. Meditation drops away the shiny ornaments, namely the snow, so the tree is all that is left. Meditation brings us to ourselves.

Meditation is about going from a life of unconsciousness to a life of wakefulness. We become aware of ourselves, but what we are is a bundle of feelings, emotions and thoughts pertaining to a certain set of attachments to a specific environment.

It is about becoming cognizant of the ideas and reactions ruling ones life so as to be free from them to attain higher states of mind not bound by petty opinions and prejudices.

Ultimately, we end what causes us unnecessary suffering. Is this not the most selfish thing an intelligent individual can do?

Living within a civilization, we are inculcated with a great many beliefs, dogmas, creeds and ideas by others (e.g. parents, media, church, and state). Let me emphasize the word, “other.”

Often, our assumptions are taken as granted, as absolute — as having a real reality apart from ourself. However, ones beliefs and opinions are as passing dew; we are as a bubble in a stream. They do not exist apart from us. Lawgivers and priests would have us believe otherwise, but we need not listen nor take their word for granted.

For the sake of keeping general peace between people we profess belief in countless ideas, although, as it actually happens, these beliefs cause undue conflict. Instead, I contend we should allow these beliefs to fall away, since they are the cause of our misery. No morality or creed is required with conscious, aware individuals — for the very reason this type respects the other seeing that they have respect and dignity for themselves.

In other words, by doing harm, you, in turn, do harm to yourself, the effects of which you do not recognize, because you are unaware. Through meditation we become aware of our interconnectedness. In fact, existence is selfless; we are one consciousness.

We will live in a world where others wish to impose something upon us. Yet, it is impossible to truly respect and love another if you dare to impose yourself upon them.

Why bind others to you through your beliefs? In doing so, you cover them with yourself and do not let them shine through. To do so is to figuratively slay the other.

Since humanity has matured, such faiths and practices are no longer relevant as they used to be. Faith is not necessary. Faith is a denial of ourselves, a denial of what is real.

Why should we turn our face away from reality, from ourselves? Man is a religious animal, and without that basis to rule his life he is as an aimless boat adrift in turbid seas.

It seems, therefore, a new basis for life is demanded. I once heard mediation is the last salvation for man; I concur.

For inquiring minds, I host a meditation session every Thursday at 7 p.m. in Arts and Sciences room 216b. Do drop by sometime.