Meditation is silence. Silence is God In His Infinity’s Smile
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
When we meditate, what we actually do is enter into a vacant, calm, still, silent mind. We go deep within and approach our true existence, which is our soul. When we live in the soul, we feel that we are actually meditating spontaneously.
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
Where would I possibly find enough leather
With which to cover the surface of the earth?
But just leather on the soles of my shoes
Is equivalent to covering the earth with it
Likewise it is not possible for me
To restrain the external course of things
But should I restrain this mind of mine
What would be the need to restrain all else?
—Shantideva (685–763) Indian Buddhist Scholar
Meditation is acceptance. It is the acceptance of life within us, without us and all around us. Acceptance of life is the beginning of human satisfaction. Transformation of life is the culmination of divine satisfaction.
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
In this world, unsubdued and crazed elephants Are incapable of causing such harms As the miseries of the deepest hell Which can be caused by the unleashed elephant of my mind.
—Shantideva (685–763) Indian Buddhist Scholar
The biggest disease of the mind is over-thinking, especially too much thinking about others. Thinking too much is like eating too much. The heaviness makes it impossible to remain light and flexible.
—Indian Proverb
Though reading and conversation may furnish us with many ideas of men and things, yet it is our own meditation must form our judgment.
—Isaac Watts (1674–1748) English Hymn writer
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
What’s encouraging about meditation is that even if we shut down, we can no longer shut down in ignorance. We see very clearly that we’re closing off. That in itself begins to illuminate the darkness of ignorance
—Pema Chodron (b.1936) American Buddhist Nun
Meditation is painful in the beginning but it bestows immortal Bliss and supreme joy in the end.
—Sivananda Saraswati (1887–1963) Indian Hindu Spiritual Teacher
The stormy life can be braved only by the heart’s sunny meditations.
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
This…is the surer, safer, saner way of meditation. For, when the mind is absent from the body it is present with thy Lord, thy purposes, thy hopes.
—Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) American Faith Healer
Is there some time for yourself today – just for you, to sit quietly and refresh and renew. Not escaping into the TV, or thrashing around a squash court. Just time to sit quietly, focus your thoughts, check your priorities, make sure there is nothing negative pushing you down in your own mind. Take some time and be …with yourself. If you don’t, you may miss meeting the most important person in your life
—Indian Proverb
Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless—like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.
—Bruce Lee (1940–73) American Martial Artist, Actor, Philosopher
The very best and utmost of attainment in this life is to remain still and let God act and speak in thee.
—Meister Eckhart (c.1260–1327) German Christian Mystic
No great work has ever been produced except after a long interval of still and musing meditation.
—Walter Bagehot (1826–77) English Economist, Journalist
The art of meditation may be exercised at all hours, and in all places; and men of genius, in their walks, at table, and amidst assemblies, turning he eye of the mind inwards, can form an artificial solitude; retired amidst a crowd, calm amidst distraction, and wise amidst folly.
—Isaac D’Israeli (1766–1848) English Writer, Scholar
Regular meditation opens the avenues of intuitional knowledge, makes the mind calm and steady, awakens an ecstatic feeling, and brings the practitioner in contact with the source of his/her very being
—Sivananda Saraswati (1887–1963) Indian Hindu Spiritual Teacher
Even those who wish to find happiness and overcome misery
Will wander with no aim nor meaning
If they do not comprehend the secret of the mind-
The paramount significance of Dharma.
—Shantideva (685–763) Indian Buddhist Scholar
Buddhist meditation doen’t necessarily mean sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. Simply observing how your mind is responding to the sense world as you go about your business – walking, talking, shopping, whatever – can be a really perfect meditation and bring a perfect result.
—Lama Thubten Yeshe (1935–84) Tibetan Buddhist Teacher
In silence lies the ability to listen; to listen to ourselves, to others and to God. Listening is a lost art. Without it we cannot communicate, we cannot relate to each other and so we cannot live life meaningfully. We need to learn to listen. Sitting in silence allows us to listen to ourselves and to understand. This silence can heal. The worries, the pain can be healed when we listen. Spiritual medicine is ever-present in the soul. Whenever we need it, to whatever extent we need it, we can find it within.
—Unknown
Excerpt from Prayer-World, Mantra-World And Japa
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
In the Buddha’s life story we see the three stages of practice: Morality comes first, then concentrated meditation, and then wisdom. And we see that the path takes time.
—The 14th Dalai Lama (b.1935) Tibetan Buddhist Religious Leader, Civil Rights Leader, Philosopher, Author
When we meditate we expand, spreading our wings like a bird, trying to enter consciously into Infinity, Eternity and Immortality, welcoming them into our aspiring consciousness. We see, feel and grow into the entire universe of Light-Delight.
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
—Buddhist Teaching
Excerpt from Two Divine Instruments: Master And Disciple
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
He is divinely bent on meditation.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Practice meditation regularly. Meditation leads to eternal bliss. Therefore meditate, meditate.
—Sivananda Saraswati (1887–1963) Indian Hindu Spiritual Teacher
The kingdom of God is just behind the darkness of closed eyes, and the first gate that opens to it is your peace
—Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952) Indian Hindu Mystic, Religious Leader, Philosopher, Teacher
Thus meditating you will no longer strive to build yourself up in your prejudices, but, forgetting self, you will remember only that you are seeking the Truth
—James Lane Allen (1849–1925) American Novelist, Short Story Writer