Lately I’ve been reading several books by Swami Vivekananda. Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, as Narendranath Datta, in Kolkata, India. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. An influential spiritual thinker and philosopher, Vivekananda was a disciple of the renowned mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
As a student, he was deeply interested in a wide range of subjects including spirituality, philosophy, history, social issues, arts, and literature. His insatiable quest for knowledge led him to Ramakrishna, who became his spiritual guide, instilling in him the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the oneness of the soul with the divine. Vivekananda once said, “Imagination properly employed is our greatest friend. It goes beyond reason and is the only light that takes us everywhere. Meditation means the mind is turned back upon itself. Imagination is essential in meditation.” These inspiring words offer a profound view of the role that imagination plays in our lives and particularly in our meditative practices.
Imagination is a tool we’ve all been gifted with, regardless of age, race, or culture. It’s the canvas upon which we paint our dreams, hopes, fears, and ambitions. But according to Vivekananda, imagination is more than just a mental playground—it’s a navigational beacon that guides us through the vast oceans of life.
Imagination’s power lies in its ability to transcend the limitations of reason. While reason is grounded in the physical world, analyzing and dissecting things based on logic, imagination flutters freely, unhindered by the bounds of the tangible. It is not confined by the “what is,” but rather dances in the realm of “what could be.” Imagination grants us the freedom to explore infinite possibilities, opening our minds to new perspectives and novel ideas.
But how does this concept relate to meditation, a practice often associated with quieting the mind rather than stimulating it with thought and imagination? Vivekananda believed that meditation is a process where the mind turns back upon itself. Unlike our usual outward focus on the world, meditation asks us to turn our gaze inward, to observe, analyze, and understand ourselves. And in this introspective journey, imagination can play a pivotal role.
In meditation, imagination acts as a bridge between our conscious and subconscious minds. It allows us to delve deeper into our thoughts and feelings, helping us to understand our innermost desires and fears. Imagination, employed in meditation, can create scenarios, conjure feelings, and cultivate experiences that expose us to our truest selves. It allows us to navigate the intricacies of our minds and unearth insights that we might not have discovered otherwise.
Moreover, Vivekananda’s belief highlights the importance of active rather than passive engagement in meditation. By employing imagination, we participate in our introspection actively, crafting and interacting with our thoughts rather than merely observing them. This engagement fosters a deeper connection with our inner selves, promoting self-awareness and understanding.
Yet, it’s crucial to note that employing imagination in meditation does not mean getting lost in fantasies or daydreams. Instead, it’s about harnessing this powerful tool to foster mindfulness, helping us focus on the present moment while exploring the depths of our psyche. It’s about visualizing our inner peace, crafting our journey towards enlightenment, and tuning in with our authentic selves.
Swami Vivekananda’s wisdom underscores the potency of our imagination and how it, when used properly, can be our greatest friend. Not only does it help us to innovate, create, and dream, but it also enlightens our meditative journeys, illuminating the path to self-discovery.
In the bustling chaos of life, it’s easy to dismiss imagination as a childish distraction. Yet, as Vivekananda suggests, if we learn to harness it, imagination can be a guiding light, a key to unlocking the mysteries within us. As we meditate, let’s allow our imagination to take the lead, embracing its power to go beyond reason and navigate the vast landscape of our minds.
Imagination can be an integral part in our journey towards self-awareness and self-discovery if we allow it to intertwine with our meditation practice. So let’s imagine mindfully, meditate deeply, and venture into the endless realm of possibilities within us, hand in hand with our greatest friend – our imagination.
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