By Ed Winchester

Why it is important to meditate?

The following paragraphs provide a few answers to frequently asked questions and explain why meditation and these steps to silence are so important.

Stop for a moment to observe how you think, not what you think, but simply by watching the process of thinking. By introspection and observing the flow of your own thoughts. Perhaps with a few instructions and a little coaching in the following paragraphs you will be able to notice that there are two different modes of thinking. Those two modes can be described very broadly as linear (“horizontal thinking”) and non-linear (“vertical thinking"). Either mode of thinking can be accomplished vocally or silently. We find that there are many varied forms of meditation, Christian meditation, Jewish meditation, Buddhist meditation, etc. There are also many forms of prayer. But for sake of simplicity we categorize all those forms of meditation and prayer as to whether the thought process is “horizontal” active thinking or “vertical” thinking to gradually quiet the mind.

MODE 1 – Linear Thinking (“horizontal thinking") is - discursive meditation”

The “horizontal” or active mode of thinking is discursive in nature. Praying, speaking, reading and certain methods of meditation involving visualization can be considered discursive activities because these modes of thinking keep the mind active. The dictionary defines discursive as wandering from one topic to another, skimming over many apparently unconnected subjects. Our minds are active all the time, throughout each day and even during the night while sleeping and dreaming. Reading, speaking, praying, some forms of meditation and visualization – these are all examples of what we are calling “horizontal thinking.” Of course, one does not always make a deliberate effort to think. This is particularly true when one is asleep – rather it is unconscious mental activity. It is as if the unconsciousness performs its dance in the mind while we sleep and dream. Thinking is usually automatic and is always the basis of efficient actions.

Whether one is in a waking state or an unconscious state of sleep or dreaming, the mind seems to move through a series of random or successive thoughts. In the process of thinking thoughts our awareness moves form one thought to another thought and on to another in succession, and so on. For example, you might be thinking about something in particular, when your thoughts shift to something else and your mind begins to wander. Your thoughts might flow randomly from one thought or one subject to another over and other again. It seems that the mind never ceases being active. It continually moves along the surface of awareness, from one object of perception to another in an endless progression of thoughts. At times thoughts may appear to move in and out of the mind gently and unnoticed. And, at other times thoughts may appear to be racing through the mind over and over in rapid succession. When this happens people often feel as if they are being constantly bombarded with thoughts about their jobs, children, pressures of work, relationships, negative thinking etc. etc. And they find it hard turn off the incessant chatter of their mind, which can be overwhelming and annoying. This is non-verbal chatter of a busy and noisy mind.

MODE 2 – Non-linear thinking (“vertical thinking”)

Transcending quiets a busy mind. The “vertical mode” of thinking, like riding an elevator up and down on the other hand, is a simple way to quiet the constant mental activity or chatter of the mind. One can accomplish this by mentally repeating the Name of God (or by using a secular word, such as "peace" – "love"- "joy" –"one" - "be" – see references below). However, meditating on God’s Name rather than just any word holds promise for much greater rewards. How can using a prayer-word make a busy mind be still? Strange as it may seem, repeating a word allows other thoughts to subside and does have the desired effect of gradually bringing the mind to stillness and freedom from distractions, so that the brain and mind have a chance to rest.

As you repeat your prayer word, that is actually thinking the same thought for an extended period of time, the body and the mind relaxes so that you are gradually brought to deeper silence. Random thoughts and distractions will still intermittently come into your awareness and then disappear. It is as if you dive into the sea of consciousness, come to the surface, and then dive again each time achieving deeper silence. When your mind wanders and returns again to the surface level of consciousness, always begin again to repeat your prayer word throughout the time allotted for meditation. This is a repetitive process to reach the quietest state of consciousness possible.

Beginners may not always enjoy or reach absolute silence on the first try, or even after months of meditating although the quiet state is sometimes reached suddenly and unexpectedly. At other times the task is to learn patience and persistence. Going into the silence is not something to be rushed. Even experienced meditators have distractions and random thoughts during their meditation, because this is a normal process of releasing. Any experience that you have during the meditation process can be very valuable, as explained below.

INNER STATE OF SILENCE (Resting in the heart of God)

We see that “horizontal thinking” keeps the mind active. Only “vertical thinking” quiets mental activity and leads one's awareness in the direction of complete silence; toward an inner space of silence (rest and peace) beyond thought forms and beyond limitations and boundaries of the mind. It is believed by theologians, scholars and mystics that “this inner space of silence beyond thought” is the resting place of God, where we are able to be in the heart and mind of God, and where God can reveal His divine will and nature. The holy Bible says; that “your body is the temple of the living God”. When our minds and hearts are disconnected and separated from God, His light cannot move in and through us. Consequently, consciousness becomes dim, so that we are unable to see clearly solutions to problems and make wise decisions.

Here is an example using symbolism to illustrate this point. You are standing on the earth, and it is a very stormy, rainy, dismal dark and gray day. The clouds are gathering in the sky bringing the storm and keeping the sun from shining. The clouds in this analogy can be likened to negative thoughts or uncontrolled or disjointed thoughts and to the problems we face daily in our lives. The sun can be likened to God symbolically. The clouds of discontent keep you from experiencing God’s inner light, love, our connection, and peace. When you gently go into the silence you move away from unwanted thoughts (or clouds of discontent), so God’s light (or the sun in this instance) can shine forth bringing with the sun’s rays love, wisdom, guidance, knowledge and protection – gifts of the Holy Spirit. It can be seen that it is one’s own lack of inner harmony that creates storm clouds of discontent in their lives. By gently moving awareness to the stillness within; sometimes hearing a small voice within, and allowing God’s true light to shine forth. In this way everyone can participate in “healing a world in crisis.”

SOURCE OF ALL KNOWLEDGE

Every invention that will be brought into reality in the future, and all the solutions to your problems and the problems of the world currently exist potentially inside us, beyond rational thought, or we might say in the infinite mind of God. The infinite mind that we want to reach through silence is ultimately beyond the limits of finite minds. We believe that it is through a language of invisible light encoding our mind that communication with God takes place. Quieting the mind allows awareness to tap into that place where God’s divine inspirations are revealed and fill us influence our daily lives.

UNIFIED FIELD

Based on reports of thousands and thousands of people who have experienced inner silence and peace-full-ness, it seems safe to conclude that this is in reality a common ground of being, a unified field, where a critical mass of people from all nations, races, and religions can come together and cause a nuclear explosion in consciousness and share in Gods unconditional love. Going into the inner silence (into your temple) is to arrive at a place where you can truly commune with God at the deepest level of your being, and be connected not only to God, but connected with everyone and everything. This is called the “Unified Field Theory;” all things being connected to the Divine source we call God. We conclude that this is a common ground where there are no conflicting thoughts, the home of all peacemakers and the source of peace. By definition differences of beliefs and opinions do not exist there. Unfortunately, too many people are unaware that the practice of calling on God’s Name enables them to enter this domain. Others avoid this kind of silence and meditation entirely, and for a variety of reasons. People of faith and even those who have been introduced to meditation practices sometimes regard the practice of quieting the mind using God’s Name as an interesting, but optional practice; just another nice devotional practice.

REFERENCES: Other web sites that use similar approaches for individual meditation:

1. CSM Clinically Standardized Meditation

2. Relaxation Response: http://www.mbmi.org/pages/mbb_rr1.asp

3. Judaeo/Christian Meditation

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/prothro/meditate.htm

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