What I trust

You might wonder what informs my ideas about mediation and “spiritual practice”.  I trust two sources of knowledge because they are NOT the opinions of men.  They are The Holy Quran and Mathematics.  Of these two the Quran is the most reliable and trustworthy.

Here are two of my favorite quotes on The Quran and Mathematics.

This Quran could not possibly be authored by other than God. It confirms all previous messages, and provides a fully detailed scripture. It is infallible, for it comes from the Lord of the universe.

[Quran 10:37] 

I argue, as others have done before me, that mathematical concepts and ideas exist objectively, outside of the physical world and outside of the world of consciousness. We mathematicians discover them and are able to connect to this hidden reality through our consciousness. If Leo Tolstoy had not lived we would never have known Anna Karenina. There is no reason to believe that another author would have written that same novel. However, if Pythagoras had not lived, someone else would have discovered exactly the same Pythagoras theorem. Moreover, that theorem means the same to us today as it meant to Pythagoras 2,500 years ago.

[Edward Frenkel - Berkeley Math Department] 

Peace on you,

Bob

practice

Skill in silent meditation is like any other skill ... comes with practice (much practice).  Meditation to me is, at the root, just "being quiet"; letting the worldliness drip off leaving an innocent mind ready to appreciate God's blessings. 

If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [Quran 16:18].

Peace on you,
bob

fruit of practice

Meditation is that act of turning away from our “small-self” toward Reality as God created it.

This practice leads naturally to the recognition of the uncountable blessings that are ALWAYS available for our use and enjoyment.  This recognition is the fruit of regular practice.  

If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [Quran 16:18]

True Peace

Meditation is the practice of emptying ourselves of the world as we think it ought to be.

When the mind becomes empty we come to see things as God created them … the unbelievable beauty and uncountable blessings of God's creation: created for our enjoyment and sustenance. 

This way of seeing the world in turn points directly to God … the ultimate source of Peace and Light.

“Truly it is the remembrance of God that hearts find peace” (Quran 13:28)

Meditation is not complicated

Meditation instruction is simple:  just let go of the world and cling to the Silence.  

Meditation requires no fancy techniques, postures, or teachings - meditation is the practice of releasing the world.  

The life of this world is no more than illusion and vanity, while the abode of the Hereafter is far better for the righteous. Do you not understand?! (Quran 6:32)

True Seeing

For me the goal of mediation practice is “True Seeing” - that is, to see  things as they actually ARE not as I think they “OUGHT to be”.  

A favorite technique of mine that reveals “True seeing” is “sitting in trust”.  This comes down to trusting that whatever arises in the mind during is not true - that God is in full control of all things and things are exactly as they should be.  During the practice period I just drop all resistance and trust God.  

Seeing that everything belongs to God (not ours) and God is in control of all things is “True Seeing”.

This technique is based on several verses in the Quran:

Say, "Nothing happens to us, except what God has decreed for us. He is our Lord and Master. In God the believers shall trust." 

(Quran 9:51)

To God belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. God is in full control of all things. (Quran 4:126)

spiritual?

What does it mean to “be spiritual”.  

These days there are so very many ideas on this topic.   They range from worshiping at the alter of radical environmentalism to notions of astral travel.  Obviously, our ideas about spirituality should guide our meditation practice.

I want to share my beliefs on this topic. I welcome you to share your thoughts on “being spiritual”

First, I believe there is One God who created everything and to Whom everything belongs and to Whom everything will return.  Moreover God has presented us (out of His Mercy and Compassion) with a test.  A test to see if, during this life, we will choose to be Worshipful (Gratitude), Moral, and Charitable  …  thereby avoiding Evil. 

In other words, there is an afterlife and what we do here matters … it all boils down to worship, charity, and morality.  When I’m actively doing these things in my daily life,  I’m being ‘spiritual’.   

In subsequent posts, I’ll comment on how these beliefs inform my meditation practice.

Again, please share your ideas on this topic, I’d like to hear from you … peace on you,

bob