'How to Meditate' for Beginners | Sadhguru

Summary

In this enlightening talk, Sadhguru explores the true essence of meditation, emphasizing that it is not merely a practice but a transformative quality that empowers individuals to engage with life without being overwhelmed by it. He explains that meditation is a state of being, not a task, and that cultivating detachment from material and mental attachments can free one from suffering. By becoming meditative, individuals can navigate the world with greater clarity and balance, ultimately connecting with the true essence of life itself. Meditation, Sadhguru suggests, is the key to realizing the superhuman potential within every human.

Takeaways

• 😀 Meditation is not an activity but a quality that arises from a specific internal process.
• 😀 The English word 'meditation' does not fully convey the true meaning or essence of meditation.
• 😀 Meditation is not about simply sitting with closed eyes; it involves a deeper cultivation of body, mind, and energy.
• 😀 The external world often leads people to focus on material or goal-oriented success, which distracts from the true essence of life.
• 😀 Life is not defined by external possessions or achievements, but by the life energy that throbs within us.
• 😀 Becoming meditative involves creating the right conditions internally, similar to how flowers bloom when the right conditions are met.
• 😀 Meditation empowers you to engage in the world without being affected by its stresses, emotions, or chaos.
• 😀 People often avoid necessary actions because they fear the suffering that might come with them. Meditation removes this fear.
• 😀 In a state of meditation, you can remain untouched by the activities of the world while still being actively engaged.
• 😀 Meditation is a process of aligning the body, mind, emotion, and energy to enhance one's ability to interact with life.
• 😀 True empowerment comes from realizing that being human is extraordinary, and meditation helps you unlock this potential.

Q & A

What is the main idea Sadhguru is trying to convey about meditation?

Sadhguru explains that meditation is not something one can 'do' but rather a quality that arises naturally as a consequence of certain processes. It's about cultivating a state of being that allows one to remain untouched by the activities of the world, leading to empowerment and the end of suffering.

Why does Sadhguru emphasize that you cannot 'do' meditation?

Sadhguru emphasizes that meditation is a quality, not a task. You can initiate processes that lead to meditativeness, but you cannot directly perform meditation. Just like cultivating the right conditions for flowers to bloom, meditation arises naturally when you cultivate the right body, mind, emotion, and energy.

What is the significance of the word 'meditation' in the English language, according to Sadhguru?

Sadhguru points out that the word 'meditation' in English is vague and does not specify a particular practice or process. It is often used generically, but in various cultures, the term for meditation can mean different things, like Dhyana in India or Zen in East Asia.

What is the problem with being overly goal-oriented, according to Sadhguru?

Sadhguru suggests that when people are too focused on goals and external achievements (like jobs, material possessions, or relationships), they miss the essence of life itself. They become entangled in accessories, neglecting the deeper aspects of life and the processes that truly nourish it.

How does Sadhguru describe the current materialistic focus in society?

Sadhguru describes modern life as being predominantly material- or mind-oriented, where people prioritize possessions, social status, and external achievements over the true essence of life, which is internal and not defined by external circumstances.

What does Sadhguru mean by the 'life process' being more important than external 'arrangements'?

The 'life process' refers to the vital, throbbing energy that is the essence of our existence. In contrast, 'arrangements' like wealth, job, and relationships are external factors that people often mistake for life itself. True life is internal and not dependent on external circumstances.

How does Sadhguru use the metaphor of flowers and plastic flowers to explain his point?

Sadhguru uses the metaphor of flowers to explain that to achieve something valuable, like real flowers, you need to nurture the right conditions (soil, water, sunlight). People today, however, seek quick, superficial results (like plastic flowers), which are not truly life-enhancing and come with no real growth or substance.

What role does meditation play in helping individuals navigate the challenges of life?

Meditation, or being meditative, helps individuals stay grounded and unaffected by the pressures of daily life. It allows one to do what is needed in the world while remaining untouched by the activities around them, thereby preventing suffering and emotional entanglement.

What does Sadhguru mean by saying that the virus has brought focus back to life?

Sadhguru suggests that the pandemic, with its restrictions and challenges, has forced people to reevaluate their priorities. People have realized that their material possessions, such as expensive homes and cars, are not as important as their internal well-being and true life.

How can someone become naturally meditative according to Sadhguru?

To become naturally meditative, one must cultivate maturity in body, mind, emotion, and energy. By refining these aspects, a person can reach a state where meditativeness is not limited to a specific practice but is a continuous state of being that lasts 24 hours a day.