The Path to Long-Meditation: Understanding the True Purpose of Consciousness and Belief
Long meditation retreats have significantly helped me sit for longer periods. Once I got accustomed to sitting for two or three hours, an initial 40-minute morning meditation would feel like 15 minutes. However, this effect eventually wears off. In my usual routine, I participate in at least one week-long retreat every year, but the COVID-19 lockdown has prevented me from attending any retreats for a while.
Understanding Meditation
Meditation is not about sitting, controlling your breath, or closing your eyes. It is about recognizing the great creator of the universe. Practical meditation involves contemplation on the creation of humans, birds, animals, mountains, trees, stars, seas, wind, and rain. This prompts us to think about God's message, seek the common ground of wisdom, and identify consistent teachings. Simultaneously, it warns us against the false teachings that have been added by scribes for boasting and personal benefits.
The Role of Deeds in Meditation
God does not need spirituality, consciousness, rituals, prayers, mindfulness, or meditation. These are tools to assist us in understanding and obeying Him. True spirituality, consciousness, and meditation have no value without good deeds. Proverbs 21:13 teaches us that: Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. Similarly, James 2:14 and 2:17 emphasize that faith without works is dead. Micah 3:4 and Isaiah 48:18 further explain the reasons for unanswered prayers due to evil deeds and disobedience. The message from all prophets is clear: blessings come with obedience, repentance, and good deeds.
The Testing Environment of Life
We are here for testing, and test environments necessitate struggle between good and evil. These tests are not easy or comfortable and are not predetermined. Psalm 66:10, Proverbs 17:3, Isaiah 48:10, and Job 23:10 all highlight this. It is essential to address the higher-level objective and the purpose of our existence. It is incorrect to ignore the destination while enjoying the journey. We should first ask, 'Why am I here? Where is the destination?' and 'What is the purpose of life?' Socrates once said, the un-examined life is not worth living.
The Importance of Seeking God
Our life on earth is a short period compared to the vastness of the universe. We are encouraged to seek God and believe in Him. Despite not seeing God or Heaven, our fate will be determined by our belief and good deeds. God's tests are for us to witness our own test results and receive fair rewards according to our achievements. Proverbs 17:3 and Isaiah 48:10 remind us that God refines us as silver is refined through suffering. The wise teacher sets different evaluation criteria for different grades, and the fair and wise God should evaluate us according to what He has provided.
For those with doubts, they can ask God. All prophets have urged us to do so, and God will answer them, as He created us and knows how to convey His message. We can find answers in the following resources:
Finding Your Life’s Purpose What Can a Human Learn from God What Makes a Person Truly Happy Can All Religions Be Correct?The true path to meditation and spiritual growth involves understanding the higher purpose of consciousness and belief. Embrace the journey and seek answers through faith and good deeds.