the Equinox - The Hermetic Library

106
THE EQUINOX
When once Dhâranâ or concentration has progressed so far as
to train the mind to remain fixed on one object then Dhyâna
or meditation may be practised. And when this power of
Dhyâna becomes so intensified as to be able to pass beyond
the external perception and brood as it were upon the very
centre or soul of the object held by the will, it becomes known
as Samâdhi or Superconsciousness. The three last stages
Dhâranâ, Dhyâna and Samâdhi, which are so intimately
associated, are classed under the one name of Samyâma.*
Thus meditation should rise from the object to the
objectless. Firstly the external cause of sensations should be
perceived, then their internal motions, and lastly the reaction
of the mind. By thus doing will the Yogi control the waves of
the mind, and the waters of the great Ocean will cease to be
disturbed by their rise and fall, and they will become still and
full of rest, so that like a mirror will they reflect the
unimaginable glory of the Âtman.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy
City, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband.† And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they
shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God. And
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former
things are passed away.‡
we obtain the right distance. In the above the Will takes the place of the
hand.
* See also “The Yogasara-Sangraha,” p. 74.
† It is to be noted that the symbolism made use of here is almost dentical
with that so often made use of in the Yoga Shastras and n the Vedanta. The
union of Kundalini (Shakti) and Shiva.
‡ Revelation, xxi, 1-4.