Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on March 25, 2012.
In this lecture, Swami Bhaskarananda continues his exploration of meditation by focusing on the obstacles that arise when the mind is turned inward toward divinity. He explains meditation as sustained concentration on the divine presence within, made possible by withdrawing the senses from external objects. Drawing on Vedantic imagery, he describes divinity as infinite and equally present everywhere, though manifested in varying degrees, and emphasizes that meditation requires transforming the mind into a refined, “pure” instrument capable of perceiving what lies beyond time and space. Using classical metaphors, he clarifies that the goal of meditation is not altered states or visions, but direct awareness of one’s own inherent divinity.
He then outlines traditional analyses of obstacles to meditation, citing both Sadananda Yogendra and Patanjali. These obstacles include sleepiness, restlessness, dryness or aversion to practice, and attachment to intermediate spiritual experiences, as well as illness, doubt, lethargy, craving for sense pleasures, false understanding, and lack of perseverance. Swami Bhaskarananda explains practical methods for addressing each obstacle, such as choosing appropriate times for meditation, calming the mind through observation or devotional music, cultivating wholesome thoughts, and maintaining ethical discipline. He repeatedly warns against mistaking psychological states or partial experiences for genuine spiritual progress, stressing that perseverance and clarity are essential. The talk concludes by affirming that obstacles are natural in spiritual practice, but with patience, discrimination, and steady effort, they can be overcome, allowing meditation to lead toward knowledge of the Self.
