Slokam 6

Dhruva’s meditative intensity is said to be so high that it suffocates “all quarters”. When slokams refer to “quarters”, it is the abode of the devas. “Quarters”  are usually taken to mean the four directions

Dhyanam or meditation is the means for us to communicate with the supreme. It should be able to by-pass and overcome all distractions.  To focus the mind means to control the mind from deviations. To control the mind means, the mind should not be subject to temptations,  should not be subject to fear, greed, and most importantly, should not seek reward. The act of meditation should be performed as a surrender, without any rebellion, doubts, or conflict.

The mind takes a subservient position to consciousness.  A quietened mind, is very much like being in a remote location with no artificial lights.  In such a location all the stars in the sky become visible. Likewise, when we dim the false and glaring lights of the mind, the stars within us and the vast eternity of the sky of consciousness become visible to the inner eye. 

Once we develop the ability to quieten the mind, we will then be able to be attain a state of consciousness, which is free of conflict.  When there is no conflict, a clear channel of communication is established with the supreme.

In this state we go into a listening and receiving mode. Enlightenment begins to flow in. That enlightenment is in the form of knowledge of the self. This knowledge reinforces our control over our physical body and most importantly, our mind.  Control of our mind means its surrender to the Paramathma through our consciousness. As long as our mind is activated by the Gunas, it will keep our consciousness fully engaged in worldly matters.  It will not allow the Paramathma to communicate with us. The noise of the mind will exclude the ability to “listen” and “receive enghtenment (“Shravanam” will not be operational).

Ceding control of our inner selves to the Paramathma, requires us to practice Bhakthi yogam.  It also requires Gnanam or knowledge of the Paramathma,  and the discipline to pursue Karma, by surrendering the results to the Paramathma.

To practice Shravanam we should leave all the gates of consciousness open, but close all the gates of the mind. 

Ultimately,  knowledge is that truth about our inner selves which is already embedded within us.  We have to extract this truth without distorting it with the noise or bias of the mind. This extraction is not possible, unless the mind is quitened, controlled and placed at the feet of the Paramathma. A mind that is quietened may slip into sleep. However, if it is held still with focus on the Paramatha, it is stilled, but does not go to sleep.

Meditation requires substantial practice over many years, may even stretch to many lifetimes. 

Dhruva was able to master the requirements and attain the highest levels within a few months.  The intensity is poetically described as having permeated all directions and reaches the celestials as well. 

The celestials are said to be unable to  bear the intensity and request the Paramathma for intervention to persuade Dhruva to pause the meditation by granting his wishes. 

In Srimad Bhagavatham, many asuras,  Hiranyakashipu, Ravana,  being examples,  are said to have acquired immense strength through intense Tapas,  which caused great discomfort in Deva lokam. Boons of invincibility were granted to reward their Tapas, which then backfired, because they were used to cause destruction and devastation.  

It is implied that at the highest levels of proficiency, Tapas does cause disturbances, that draws the attention of Deva Lokam, to the source of the Tapas. 

The Paramathma,  understands the request from Devas and appears on Garuda to grant the wishes of Dhruva, who is said to have been immersed in the conscious bliss of intense Tapas.

Dhruva took the important step in the right direction.  He was rewarded with the dharshan of the Supreme.

May we stay on course to attain the level of perfection which Dhruva does.