Positive Thinking & Meditation – Vedānta & Dhyāna

The fifth one among the five basic principles of yoga is Positive thinking and meditation. Positive Thinking & Meditation are required to govern the mind, just as a competent driver is required to handle the car.

We seek the truth by asking questions. Swami Sivananda encouraged his students to never stop asking questions and to always look for answers in order to better understand themselves and the world around them. Learning this fundamental truth teaches us compassion for all beings, awareness of our environment, and a never-ending desire for peace and understanding.

Positive thinking is critical in this situation. Always seek the truth with a cheerful attitude, spreading delight via compassionate words and acts. What good is education if it causes pain? Have a good sense of humor, be childlike (not childish), and smile at everyone you see.

Learning and applying the teachings of Vedanta philosophy will help you establish a good view of life (the end of knowledge, a description of the ultimate nature of the Truth). Regular meditation practice brings the mind under complete control. It purifies the brain and brings the lower nature under conscious control.

Meditation, through transcending the mind, finally results in a state of lasting contentment and absolute peace.