MEDITATION IN TIBET
A sunrise in Tibet. The sun is about to rise. All of humanity is waiting for the sun to rise. Life, with all its beauty, gives people hope and nourishes everyone. And the sun rises.
It had been two years since he arrived at the monastery. He was going about his daily tasks, trying to adapt to life there. He was at peace and happy. Blessings were finding him, transforming him day by day on his spiritual journey. He would wake up before sunrise and spend the day doing his work at the monastery—cleaning leaves, preparing meals, watering the plants in the garden, and so on.
Every evening, he would have conversations with his spiritual guide. He trusted him deeply and followed his instructions to the letter. After all, he was his spiritual guide. He certainly knew something. This disciple was a tiny caterpillar inside its cocoon, waiting to become a butterfly.
Waiting was like medicine. He had to be patient. As the saying goes: “The patient dervish achieves his desire!”
“Master, what will you be teaching us today?”
“I’ll be teaching about meditation.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Listen, grasshopper. The waves are your thoughts and emotions. They are also what other people say to you. Waves come. Waves go. Let go—free yourself and your mind. Let them come and go. Be a witness.
-Yes, Teacher, I understand.
-Watch the waves gently, without forcing your mind. Let them come and go. Don’t interfere with them. And after a while, you’ll notice the emptiness in the background. That background is your essence. Your true self.
-Could you also explain the ego?
-In the background, the ego dissolves. You reach your essence. That is your divine side. Remember this throughout the day and put it into practice. Watch the waves. Waves come, waves go.
. What remains? What’s in the background?
-Nothing. Emptiness. Wonderful. I’m practicing it right now as I listen to you. I feel a sense of joy and peace within me for no particular reason.
-Yes, you’ve now tasted the nectar. You’re on the right path.
-A sense of love has also awakened within me.
-Love awakens too, of course. That’s your true nature. You will attain enlightenment.
-Could you explain enlightenment a little?
-Enlightenment is actually our natural state. It exists within everyone. As you practice this meditation, you’ll enter a state of thoughtlessness. But this isn’t about not thinking. You can still use your mind when necessary—gently, letting it be, without controlling it.
-I really want to achieve enlightenment, teacher!
-Of course. But you must also free yourself from this desire. The more you want it, the more it will elude you and drift away. Everyone wants this. Be persistent. One day you’ll emerge from your cocoon, become a butterfly, and fly.
-That’s beautiful—I want to fly.
-Practice what I’ve taught you every day and trust me.
-I trust you completely, dear teacher.
-Now get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow, the monastery chores await you. Sweep the floors, clean the monastery’s garden and interior. Repeat these tasks with patience and faith. Faith must be present both at the beginning and at the end of the path. Even after you’ve attained enlightenment, you must believe in God. He is both within you and outside of you. He is within everything. He also exists above the heavens as the absolute good and infinite love. He does not punish; He watches over you. Don’t forget to pray. After you attain enlightenment, you will reach joy without cause.
-Thank you, dear teacher.
Yes, you’ve read and watched these conversations. I wonder, which realm are you in? Do you also wish to practice meditation and believe in God?
I cannot interfere with your dharma—that is, your path in life. I can only offer suggestions. I can be a source of inspiration. This is your own choice. I bid you farewell with love. Until we meet again in the next story.
By İzzet KARAAĞAÇLI