In the introduction to the 15th to 18th meditation techniques,
We embark on a profound journey to discover the elusive center within ourselves.
It's a journey that unveils the nature of our existence and challenges the superficiality of our lives,
Which often remain confined to the periphery.
Man is portrayed as a circle without a center,
Living life on the surface,
Never truly delving within.
Even when we are alone,
Our minds remain in a perpetual crowd,
Constantly outward bound.
This relentless outward focus keeps us from experiencing the depth and authenticity of life that can only be found at the center.
The yearning to explore our inner realms is a common theme in spiritual teachings,
Yet it's a pursuit that often eludes us.
We understand the words,
Like going within,
Or knowing oneself,
But the actual experience of these concepts remains elusive because we rarely venture into the depths of our own being.
This absence of inner exploration leaves us leading inauthentic lives,
Barely scratching the surface of our true potential.
We exist in a state of lukewarm existence,
Waiting for something significant to happen someday,
Somewhere.
However,
This anticipation only results in the continual loss of the present moment,
Which never fully materializes into anything substantial.
Life,
When lived solely on the periphery,
Lacks intensity and authenticity.
It remains unremarkable,
And even death becomes an inauthentic event,
As one who has not truly lived cannot genuinely die.
Only an authentic life can culminate in an authentic death,
Making the transition beautiful and meaningful.
Our lives are often marked by uncertainty.
We struggle to pinpoint our emotions,
Or even our true selves,
Because certainty stems from having a center.
Without a stable core,
We vacillate in our feelings and thoughts.
This uncertainty extends to our perceptions of others,
As it's impossible to be sure about them,
When we aren't even certain about ourselves.
The path to finding this center within us is the focus of these meditation techniques.
It's not about creating a center,
It's about rediscovering the center that has always existed within us.
Our center,
Though forgotten,
Persists.
The challenge lies in learning how to direct our consciousness toward it,
To focus on it amidst the chaotic currents of life.
The fifth technique offers a glimpse into this process by suggesting the act of closing the seven openings of the head with your hands.
By doing so,
We create a sense of inner inclusivity,
And a space between the eyes becomes the focal point of our consciousness.
This sutra is an invitation to embark on a journey within ourselves,
To rediscover the center that has always been there,
Waiting to be acknowledged.
