That Which is Transcendent is also Immanent
The way to Realization is a step-by-step methodical and gradual progression which begins long before samadhi [1], and ends far beyond the levels of samadhi normally reached by most spiritual aspirants. In the beginning we work to develop the skill called pratyahara, which is the reining in of the movement of the senses and turning it inward. This is greatly aided by prayer. In fact, experience shows that without prayer to God for assistance, we are fooling ourselves into thinking that we are successful when an honest account would reveal, as the Lord said to Arjuna, that our turbulent senses truly:
“Forcibly carry away the mind of even a wise man who is striving to control them.” [2]
So we watch and pray, as Jesus exhorted us to do. As we watch with constant effort our attainment brings us to the next step, a focused mind. By repeated effort this inward focus deepens and remains steady for a prolonged period of time. The wind of uncontrolled thought is still blowing, but we have found a shelter from its brutal treatment. This shelter is known as the steadiness of concentration. Sri Krishna refers to this when He says:
“The wise one is of steady mind, an enlightened person is one whose mind is established, unmoving and always steady. His mind never wavers from either sorrow or joy; he is free from attachment, fear and anger.” [3]In Chapter 2 of the Gita, the verses from 54th onwards are called the qualities of sthita prajna, steady unwavering Enlightenment. This is also exactly what Bhagavan meant when he would refer to God in Tamil as “kadavul”, meaning the transcendental Divine Self abiding within in Stillness and Silence. Words of spiritual content in the Tamil Language, much like Sanskrit, convey definitions that describe deep meanings as well as secrets to attainment. In this instance, ‘kada’ means to transcend, the root ‘ul’ means within; the implication is that which is transcendent is also immanent.
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[1] Samadhi: The state of complete mental absorption within which is experienced all-knowledge and joy; A state of Oneness; where the mind becomes identified with the object of meditation; the thinker and thought become one in perfect stillness of the mind.
[2] Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, verse 60.
[3] Ibid, verse 56.
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