Meditation in literal sense means the way/method/process to discipline the mind and its thoughts, to harness its full potential .It is amongst one of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga which leads to Samadhi or liberation or enlightenment. Development of the mind/ mental faculties leading to awareness, tranquility and wisdom though all the focus in meditation is on mind, but at a subtle level it is characterized by calming down the breath. Life is easier when we take time to breathe.
In the words of an enlightened master Swami Sivananda
“Meditation is the only royal road to the attainment of freedom”
This freedom is not the freedom from negative thoughts or vibes but liberation from the illnesses of body, mind and soul. In day to day life we face many physical conditions, the reason to which is mostly in stress, tension, undisciplined food habits, unhealthy life style etc. But in most of the cases the reason is the malaise of mind. Due to fast paced life we loose touch of our own selves, and keep on piling up the baggage of negative emotions, unsolved quarrels, “to do” list or jobs unfinished. In a nut shell our own desires and aversions become the cause of our misery. We often forget that “Self knowledge is the road to Self mastery”.

Beloved do not despair.

In my reading on the web, I often come across Sanskrit words that I don’t understand. Some of my friends are learning Sanskrit. Is Learning Sanskrit Necessary to make progress in on the spiritual path and for Self-Realization? What are Sri Ramana’s views on this.

I come across the Sanskrit term “Sadhana” in many articles on Eastern spirituality. What is the true meaning of “Sadhana” and what is the goal?

I have a very specific question about the quote from Ramana Maharshi’s talks with Paul Brunton. He says “By repeated practice one can become accustomed to turning inwards and finding the Self. One must always and constantly make an effort, until one has permanently realized