Q. Is a sadhak generally admitted to a meditation- shivir unconditionally, or does he have to take certain pledges?

Ans. For good sadhana, it is necessary for a sadhak to be properly equipped, and properly initiated.Without being initiated, the sadhak will not be able to carry out the instructions of his guide. Every technique of meditation has its own precepts. Preksha dhyana has three-the .right way, ;ight understanding and self-control. The sadhak accepts these precepts in the following words:

I accept the right path;
I accept the right faith;
I accept the right action.

The first precept is related to the search for one’s aim. Without discovering his aim, no individual can make any headway. One’s aim regulates one’s activity. If the sadhak has no idea of what his aim is, where will he go? A man went to the railway booking office to buy his ticket. The booking clerk asked him, “Where are you going? For what station shall I issue the ticket?” The man said, “I’m going to my in-laws.” “But what’s the name of the village where your in-laws live?” asked the booking clerk. The man said, “I’ve forgotten the name of the village. You just give me a ticket.” Now, unless the destination is clearly stated, no ticket can be issued. Similarly, without first determining the objective, the purpose is not served. The word ‘rniirg’ in Hindi (meaning “the way”, “the path”}, means, to explore, to enquire, to investigate. The way connotes a kind of search for one’s aim; it is the means to reach one’s destination. After one’s aim is determined, it is necessary to find the way to achieve it.

 

Q. After determining one’s goal one must find out the – right way to achieve it. Does that right path become available only after the achievement of right faith or is it possible to discover it earlier?

Ans. The path is of two kinds-goal-oriented, and non-committed. The non-committed way, however good in itself, cannot take one to the goal. One man’s objective is to acquire money. In order to fulfil this objective, he sits in meditation. This way is not goal-oriented. Meditation is very good. It is also necessary for making life harmonious. But the objective of money-making is not fulfilled thereby. Similarly, the man whose objective is self-realisation or the purification of the mind, cannot afford to be involved too much in outer phenomena. If a sadhak whose aim is to realize himself, is occupied all the time in money-making, if he is involved in immoral activities like violence, or engrossed in sexual gratification, and yet thinks he is progressing towards his goal, it is sheer illusion on his part. Only right approach can regulate the factual. Until the vision is just and clear, it becomes difficult even to determine one’s goal and many complications arise. In a state of confusion, each individual tries to find fault with the other. That is why it is necessary that the search for the right path must be accompanied by right faith. A mind endowed with right faith alone can end all complications Anekant (multi-sided perception) should be the basis for resolving complications. A student studies at school; he also attends to business in his shop. These are two diverse occupations, and yet the student is not caught in confusion. Confusion would arise if an effort were made to merge these two occupations into one. But the two activities are all ‘right in their respective places. To proceed in the direction of the committed objective, it is most important to develop right faith. A man endowed with right vision, irrespective of what he does in life, good or bad, comprehends his action in its proper perspective. What is taken to be true is true no more, when the perspective changes.