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I have learned several meditation techniques from different teachers.
It seems to me that they are all good. Is it true that all ways of meditation
are acceptable?
There are many useful and productive meditation techniques. Since the goal of

using a meditation technique is to purify the mental field by quieting thought

activity in order to prepare us for superconscious meditation, it is useful to have

a technique that you regularly use and become proficient with. Although many

techniques are viable, frequently switching from one to the other tends to be

counter-productive. If you have several techniques you are working with, when

you sit for meditation you may find yourself wondering: which technique should

I use today? Once you select one, if positive results are not immediately forth-

coming, you may be inclined to switch techniques during your meditation. This

tends to add to mental restlessness, rather than reduce it. First, work with one

technique until you master it, and then be open to trying other methods if you

are so inclined. A balance of steadfast focus and openness to experimentation

is useful.
The other matter to consider regarding meditation techniques is one’s relation-

ship to a particular teacher and tradition. Usually, the meditation techniques and

practices given to us by our guru, or spiritual teacher, help to connect us to the

tradition they represent and the spiritual energy of the lineage of masters. There

is potency in such practices for the dedicated disciple that distinguishes them

from being merely mechanical techniques.

InSPIRATIOn FOR SPIRITUALLY COnSCIOUS LIvInG

The unchanging Reality dwells within the heart. It shines by itself, how can anyone
write about it? In the middle of the lotus of the heart, supreme as the Absolute, the
pure I is directly perceived. It shines by the nature of the Self. Enter into the heart,
diving with your mind and your thoughts or by control of the breath. Be one who
abides in the Self.

—Ramana Maharshi

Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with ignorance. Knowledge
alone destroys ignorance, as light destroys dense darkness.

—Shankara