Contemplation or dhyāna (meditation) plays a vital role in Hindu philosophy, aiding in self-realization and spiritual growth. Here are 30 teachings on contemplation from Hindu scriptures:
1. Concentrate on the Self (Atman)
Bhagavad Gita (6.10): "Let the yogi constantly contemplate the Self in solitude, controlling the mind and body, detached from worldly desires."
2. Meditate on the Supreme Brahman
Mundaka Upanishad (3.2.9): "By meditation on Brahman, all knots of the heart are undone, all doubts are dispelled, and karma is destroyed."
3. Still the Mind for Realization
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (1.2): "Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind." Contemplation leads to silencing the mental chatter.
4. Withdraw Senses for True Knowledge
Katha Upanishad (2.1.10): "The wise man should restrain his speech in the mind, the mind in the intellect, and the intellect in the great Atman, to know the ultimate truth."
5. Meditation as a Means to Liberation
Bhagavad Gita (5.7): "The yogi who is harmonized by meditation, who sees the Self in all beings, attains the Supreme."
6. Meditate with Pure Intention
Bhagavad Gita (6.11-12): "In a clean place, free from distractions, with a firm seat, one should sit and concentrate, restraining the mind."
7. Contemplation on Om (Pranava)
Mandukya Upanishad (1.1): "Om is the imperishable sound, the Universe, and meditating on Om is the path to self-realization."
8. Contemplation Destroys Ignorance
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.4.19): "One becomes immortal through knowledge and contemplation, the ignorance of the unreal vanishes."
9. Seek Silence for Meditation
Bhagavad Gita (6.15): "With mind controlled and focused, the contemplative yogi attains peace and freedom in the eternal."
10. Balance in Mind and Body is Key
Bhagavad Gita (6.16-17): "Meditation is neither for those who eat too much nor for those who eat too little. It is for the balanced individual."
11. Detachment Leads to Focus
Isha Upanishad (1): "Renounce and enjoy through contemplation, let go of attachments to see the unity in diversity."
12. Realize the Impermanence of the World
Bhagavad Gita (2.16): "The unreal has no being; the real never ceases. The seers of truth contemplate this."
13. Control of Breath Aids Contemplation
Hatha Yoga Pradipika (2.2): "The mind and breath are intertwined. By regulating the breath, one controls the mind for deeper contemplation."
14. Focus on the Heart as the Seat of Consciousness
Taittiriya Upanishad (2.8): "The heart is the seat of Brahman; meditating on the heart center leads to knowledge of the Self."
15. Silencing the Mind for Insight
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (1.3): "When the mind is silent and no longer fluctuating, the Seer rests in its true nature."
16. Contemplate Beyond Forms
Bhagavad Gita (9.22): "Those who worship Me, meditating on Me without other thoughts, I provide what they need and protect what they have."
17. Know the Nature of the Mind
Yoga Vasistha (6.1): "The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation. Contemplating this truth frees one from illusion."
18. Self-Discipline is Essential
Bhagavad Gita (6.35): "O Arjuna, it is undoubtedly difficult to control the restless mind, but it can be restrained by constant practice and detachment."
19. Light Meditation Awakens Inner Wisdom
Chandogya Upanishad (3.13.7): "The light that shines within the heart is the same light that illuminates the entire universe. Contemplating this leads to liberation."
20. Attain Knowledge through Direct Experience
Bhagavad Gita (4.38): "There is no purifier like knowledge, and one who attains this knowledge through contemplation and meditation attains peace."
21. Harmony in Contemplation
Bhagavad Gita (6.7): "The one whose mind is subdued and remains balanced in all circumstances, attains peace and harmony through contemplation."
22. Meditate on the Universal Truth
Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.5): "By contemplating on the truth of the universe, one attains freedom from death and fear."
23. The Unity of Self and Supreme
Shvetashvatara Upanishad (1.3): "By meditation on the unity of the individual self with the Supreme, one reaches the highest state of bliss."
24. Internal and External Detachment for Deep Meditation
Bhagavad Gita (6.25): "Gradually, through sustained practice and detachment, the mind is drawn inward and rests in the Self."
25. Compassion Arises from Meditation
Bhagavad Gita (12.13): "The one who is free from malice, is friendly, compassionate, and remains equanimous, is dear to Me and constantly contemplates Me."
26. Overcome Suffering Through Contemplation
Yoga Vasistha (1.19): "Suffering arises from ignorance of the true nature of the Self. Contemplation brings the clarity to end this suffering."
27. See the Divine in All
Bhagavad Gita (6.29): "The one who sees all beings in the Self and the Self in all beings through contemplation attains supreme devotion."
28. Steadfastness in Meditation
Bhagavad Gita (6.23): "The disconnection from pain and sorrow through steady contemplation is recognized as yoga."
29. Let Go of the Ego
Bhagavad Gita (2.71): "The one who relinquishes all desires and ego, who has no sense of possessiveness, attains peace through contemplation."
30. Attain Bliss in the Silence of the Mind
Mandukya Upanishad (7): "In the state of deep meditation, where there is no cognition of the external or internal, there lies the blissful silence of the Self."
These teachings emphasize the transformative power of contemplation, guiding practitioners to overcome the mind’s fluctuations and realize their oneness with the Supreme Brahman.
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Terracotta plaque belonging to 200 BCE at Chandraketugarh, West Bengal - part of Gangarashtra Civilization |