Meditators Manifesto

I will follow all steps of a meditation system and not stop at a specific part or point when I seem to notice results.

I will not mix up the order of steps or create my own set of steps.

I will not mix and match different meditation systems unless it is specifically allowed which can otherwise harm rather than benefit my practise.

I understand and accept that my results and outcomes will vary from time to time and from practise to practise. I will not become disappointed or dejected by it.

I acknowledge it is best to leave out certain steps completely in some systems of meditations rather than speeding up to finish within the available time.

I will never discuss or compare my experiences with others as each person will experience the results in unique and special ways.

I accept the law of impermanence in my results. That is all painful feelings or sensations will not be wished away but accepted and lived with. In the same spirit every pleasurable feeling or sensation will not be craved and wished for. This means everything is witnessed as arising, staying for a while, and passing away.

I accept that all souls (jeevathma) can aspire to reach a level of spiritual self-realization (state of paramathma) through the practise of meditation. I will work patiently and persistently throughout this life and those I may endure in the future to reach this state. This means every being has the power to change and improve themselves through the practise.

I will practise silence as much as I can and most definitely when practising meditation either by myself or with a group of meditators. I understand this practise will calm my mind that will catalyse my meditative practise in a positive manner.

I will lead a gentle and pious life. This means I will not harm any beings (physically, mentally, or emotionally), always speak the truth, never steal, perform any sexual misconduct, and not get myself intoxicated (as a confused and illogical mind can cause the other four to occur).

I will practise meditation with an empty stomach. I will refrain food after 12 noon and have a light dinner of fruits and tea or lemon and ginger water.

I will not sleep in luxurious beds. A flat floor and simple thin blanket and a small pillow will strengthen my body to practise meditation for a longer period.

I will practise meditation daily and endeavour to do it twice a day, once in the morning and then in the evening during sunrise and sunset.

I understand and accept that the goal of meditation is spiritual growth. I will work ardently and assiduously to reach this goal.

I accept that meditation is hard work. Though it seems like sleep or just non-movement, the actual practise of being seated upright without the slightest movement can be a challenge. If I move my sankara (negative deeds of my past, that leads to suffering) will continue to reside in me. Hence pain must be endured and looked upon as a feature of impermanence that will eventually arise, stay for some time, and pass away.

I will respect all my fellow meditators and provide space to meditate. I will avoid disturbing them by maintaining complete silence, not doing any body movements or gestures to steal their attention, avoiding eye-contact, deliberately touching them, or wearing provocative clothing or other ornaments to attract their attention.

I will provide meritorious support to every person who is beginning or in the journey towards enlightenment using meditation as a tool. My offering will be kind (financial aid, donations) or selfless service.

I will always practise self-awareness and self-love and kindness. Being kind to myself is not being selfish. My wellness will provide sustenance and support to those who need my love and attention. I must be well and supported to look after others.

I accept meditation as a journey and not a destination. I will practise it daily and enjoy it as a wonderful journey. As my mind becomes calm and silent I will continue to put in more effort (hard work) to remove my sankara.

I will protect and respect the traditions within which each meditative practise was born or developed from, for example vipassana meditation from Buddhist teachings and yoga nidra from Hinduism. I understand that I need not follow the traditions to reap the benefit but being respectful to the tradition is of utmost importance.

I accept that meditation is about practise and not theory. Wisdom arises from self-understanding which can only occur if meditation is practised and by listening to sathsung or discourses from learned and enlightened souls.

I accept to lean meditation correctly under the guidance of an expert teacher or guru. I will always respect and accept that guru as my spiritual guide in my quest towards enlightenment.

I will practise loving-kindness meditation (called mattha bavana in Buddhism) to spread my love and compassion to all beings. I am calling the universe to share my peace and joy with all beings that need love, harmony, goodwill, and joy.

Copyright           Kumarasingam Skandakumar (Sydney Yoga School)