In Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate object of meditation is the Atman, the true Self, which is inherently identical to Brahman, the Absolute. Brahman is indivisible and homogeneous, the sole reality. As the mind meditates on this undivided Brahman, its vrittis gradually become mirror images of this wholeness, termed Akhandakara Vrittis. When this meditative process matures into samadhi, or profound absorption, the mental ripples subside, revealing the pure, undivided nature of Brahman.
Advaita Vedanta Meditation Process:
- Shravana
(Hearing):
- Learning
about the Atman (soul or self) from a teacher or guru.
- This
step involves listening to teachings and scriptures.
- Manana
(Reflection):
- Thinking
deeply about what has been heard.
- Developing
a clear understanding and strong conviction about the nature of the
Atman.
- Nididhyasana
(Meditation):
- Meditating
on the Atman.
- The
mind focuses on the nature of the Atman, forming a mental image or idea
of it.
Understanding Vrittis:
- Vrittis
are modifications or changes in the mind, similar to waves in water.
- During
meditation, the mind takes the shape of the object it is focused on.
- If
each mental wave (vritti) is similar to the previous one, it indicates
successful meditation.
Meditation on Atman in Advaita Vedanta:
- The
Atman is the true self, which is identical to Brahman, the Absolute
Reality.
- Brahman
is akhanda (partless and whole), meaning it is a single, undivided
reality.
Akhandakara Vritti:
- When
the mind meditates on Brahman, it forms vrittis that take the shape of
Brahman.
- These
specific vrittis, shaped like the undivided Brahman, are called akhandakara
vrittis.
Final Goal - Samadhi:
- With
continued meditation, these vrittis help the mind reach a state of samadhi
(absolute concentration).
- In
samadhi, all vrittis (mental waves) subside, revealing the true nature of
Brahman.
- The
practitioner realizes that the Atman and Brahman are one and the same.