Interiority

Our internal field of awareness is initially accessed through breath awareness. As we are conscious beings by turning our attention inwards we can access our inner space which is called ‘citta’ consciousness.

The ancient seers had the ability to delve deep into this space and thus gain all knowledge about our existence, for it is a creative space that contain everything. You would be lucky if you could dive into it straight away. It is possible but normally the journey inwards takes time and regular practice. Padam padam, step by step; the journey is the walking.

It tends to get ignored that we are conscious beings as well as human beings; whereby we get hooked on the external realm and all its enticements which only give momentary happiness. Deep within there is a well of happiness that you can draw from, that is full of ‘isness’, your true being. It is eternal and unmoving which is in contrast to of flux and change of our lives.

Each night in deep sleep we touch its depths, yet remain unaware of its significance. Meditation allows this connection through our inner subtle awareness by turning our attention inwards. Normally we know of this subtle realm as it is full of our constant thoughts and fluctuating emotions. As these are played out the consciousness remains unaffected by all that is played on it. Just as a cinema screen is after the movie is turned off.

Our breath is the tool for the initial journey inwards as it is tangible, real and easy to follow. Breath awareness has many benefits to the mind and body, both being closely linked with the breath. The mind can be used in a positive way by allowing it to focus on the breath, thereby its chatter is reduced. It soon becomes clear, you are not your mind nor your body; yes you have both but they are not the true you.

We have to be inquisitive to know what lies beyond our physical realm, to which we have become fixated to. There is a universal cry against too much mind chatter in the head, leading to stress, sleep disturbances, fears, worry etc. Thoughts can manifest physical symptoms which are taken as real, instead of looking to the source of the problem. Mental agitation blocks one’s ability for self healing. Resting in silence and stillness is very therapeutic and beneficial for the mind as well as the body. Once you do this you become conscious that you can be aware of your thoughts and your body but are not affected by them. Clearly you cannot be these as you are the observer/witness of both. This witness is beyond both and is of your true nature; that which you were born with. The witness is your friend (suhrt) which facilitates weeding out destructive thought patterns and clearing the space of all that colours it.

Breath awareness leads to meditative awareness which is a steady expansion of your consciousness. In this space you are then able to place the divine resonance of the Sanskrit sutras which do their magic. They are seeds which blossom in your field on consciousness, reaping many benefits. The Bhagavad Gita was for the householder, the man/woman in the street. The Patanjali Sutras are a guide to enlightenment. There is something for everyone; they are universal teachings which embrace all religions. Correct pronunciation is important, for they do what they say. Too often it is thought sanksrit will be too difficult but when it is broken down into small components and their worth explored, it is realised you only need a little.

Meditative awareness is preparation for meditation but first you need to realise you are a conscious being who has all possibilities lying at your feet.