Watch video at: https://www.radhakrishnaprem.com/p/how-the-gita-teaches-to-meditate

Swami Nikhilanand Ji tells us that meditation, according to the Bhagavad Gita, involves focusing the mind on God, particularly Shri Krishna, with emotional devotion.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna teaches that meditation is not just about focusing the mind but involves deep emotional attachment to Him. In Chapter 6, Krishna directly instructs Arjun, "mat-chittaha" (6.47), meaning that one should focus their mind on Him, and "mat-paraha" (6.47), which indicates that meditation should be done with love and devotion towards Him.

Shri Krishna did not say meditate by breathing and just concentrate on your breath coming in and out. That's a nice way to meditate. Very relaxing. But keep in mind, whatever your mind is dwelling upon, you get the qualities of that. So, Krishna is Divine bliss and perfect goodness. So, if you want to imbibe blissfulness, if you want to receive Krishna's grace, if you want to purify your mind, then you have to attach your mind to Him. One shouldn't think that, “Oh, meditation is meditation. It's all the same!”

Krishna states, "Upavishyasane yunjyad yoga matma vishuddhaye" (6.11), which means that the purpose of meditation is to purify the mind. He also explains that a true yogi is one who joins their mind with Him and in doing so, (their) mind gets purified because He is pure and we are attaching our mind to Him.

In the 12th chapter, when Arjun asks about meditating on Krishna’s formless aspect, Krishna responds, "It is very difficult to meditate on My formless aspect" (12.5), advising instead to meditate on His personal form. Krishna says that focusing on His personal form, with all its attributes like His eyes, face, and movements, is a more accessible and powerful way to connect with Him. This form-based meditation, called "Roopdhyan", was further elaborated by Jagatguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, who highlighted its importance in purifying the mind and strengthening the emotional connection with Krishna.

Memorable Quotes from the Discourse:

* "Meditating is a very effective way of doing that. Repeatedly thinking about something in a very deep way, in fact, is meditation."

* "We are dwelling upon it (worldly affairs are negative or spiritual affairs are positive) almost constantly. That is meditation."

* "When we meditate on a person or a thing emotionally like that, then it actually affects the quality of our mind."

* "In the Gita, what does Sri Krishna say we should focus our mind upon? He says, 'Mat-chittaha.' (Think of me)."

* "He (Shri Krishna) says, 'Attach your mind to Me, engross your heart in remembering Me.'"

* "In fact, a yogi is synonymous with a devotee. Yoga is synonymous with bhakti."

* "Mat-paraha is one little word. Mat again means ‘in me’. And ‘paraha’ is a little word … that means to love Him."

* "And by doing so, our mind gets purified because He is pure and we're attaching our mind to Him."

* "Yoga means to join our mind with Him."

* "Krishna didn't say, clear your mind and think of nothing. No, He said, 'I know your mind is going to think of something … So whatever you are thinking of, put me there."

* "Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj gave this meditation the name Roopdhyan - if you're thinking of Krishna in His personal form, it means you'll think of His actual form. What does He look like? How are His eyes, His hair, His face? What is He wearing? How does He move?"

Please watch the video or read the transcript to fully grasp the essence of the discourse.

Please note that the transcript has not been proofread. If you spot any errors, kindly let us know by getting in touch with us.

Watch video at: https://www.radhakrishnaprem.com/p/q-and-a-with-swami-maheshvaranand

The Q&A revolves around various aspects of devotion, meditation, and spiritual practice, particularly focusing on the Roop Dhyan of Maharaj Ji, Radharani, and Shri Krishna. Here are the key points discussed:

Interchangeability of Focus: It's perfectly acceptable for the focus during Roop Dhyan to shift between Maharaj Ji, Radharani, and Shri Krishna, as they are all considered one and the same.

Understanding the Divine Forms: The physical representations of Radha Krishna are merely artistic interpretations, and the true essence of their forms transcends material depictions.

Importance of Roop Dhyan: The practice of Roop Dhyan, whether focused on Radharani, Shri Krishna, or Maharaj Ji, serves the same purpose and yields equal benefits.

Significance of Aarti: Aarti is not merely a physical ritual but a deeply spiritual practice meant to evoke heartfelt devotion and visualization of the divine forms.

Hierarchy of Devotion: While Madhurya bhava (the mood of a lover) is appropriate for Shri Krishna, other forms of devotion like Dasya bhava (servant mood) and Sakhya bhava (friendship mood) are more suitable for Radharani.

Practical Tips for Roop Dhyan: Practicing Radhe Naam Jap involves focusing on the breath and mentally chanting "Ra" on inhalation and "Dhe" on exhalation. Consistent practice is key to overcoming distractions and boredom.

Detachment and Charity: The discussion extends to the importance of detachment and the futility of leaving behind material possessions for one's children, emphasizing that everything is ultimately governed by divine will.

Unity in Devotion: Radhe Radhe chanting can encompass devotion to Shri Krishna, Radharani, and Maharaj Ji, as they are regarded as one and the same, allowing for a fluid interchange of focus.

The dialogue underscores the universality of devotion and the practical application of spiritual principles in daily life.