Errors in Meditation

Errors in Meditation

A mixture of Tandri (drowsiness) and Manorajya (building castles in the air, reverie) is mistaken by aspirants for deep meditation and Samadhi. The mind appears to be established in concentration and free from Vikshepa (distraction). This is a mistake. Closely watch the mind. Remove these two serious obstacles through Vichara, Pranayama and light Sattvic diet. Be thoughtful, careful and vigilant. Stand for 10 minutes and dash cold water on the face and head, if drowsiness comes in.

Sometimes cupidity will stimulate a concentrated state. You are concentrated elsewhere, but not on the Lakshya. Watch this and withdraw the mind. Deep sleep state is mistaken by many for Samadhi. Samadhi is a positive, real state. It is all knowledge. Do not make mistakes. During meditation, when the mind passes into a calm state of Samata, when you feel a peculiar concentration-Ananda-think you are entering into Samadhi state. Do not disturb this state. Try your best to keep it for a long time. Mark this state very carefully.

Know things in their proper light. Do not be deluded. Emotion is mistaken for devotion; violent jumping in the air during Sankirtana for divine ecstasy; falling down in swoon on account of exhaustion from too much jumping for Bhava Samadhi; Rajasic restlessness and motion for divine activities and Karma Yoga; a Tamasic man for a Sattvic man; movement of air in rheumatism in the back for ascent of Kundalini; Tandri and deep sleep for Samadhi; Manorajya or building castles in the air for meditation; physical nudity for Jivanmukta state. Learn to discriminate and become wise.

Do not mistake Tandri for Savikalpa Samadhi and deep sleep for Nirvikalpa Samadhi. The glory of the state of Turiya or Bhuma is ineffable. Its splendour is indescribable. If the body is light, if the mind is clear, if there is cheerfulness; know that you are meditating. If the body is heavy, if the mind is dull, know that you were sleeping while meditating.

There is always a complaint amongst the aspirants: ‘I am meditating for the last 12 years. I have not made any improvement. I have no realisation.’ Why is it so? What is the reason? They have not plunged themselves in deep meditation into the innermost recesses of their hearts. They have not properly assimilated the mind with the thoughts of God. They have not done regular, systematic Sadhana. They have not disciplined Indriyas properly. They have not collected all the outgoing rays of the mind. They have not made the self-determination ‘I will realise this very second.’ They have not given full 100% of the mind to God. They have not kept an increasing flow of Divine Consciousness like the flow of oil (Tailadharavat).

Even if you do not feel any pulse in the Sadhaka when he is in meditation, even if the breathing stops, do not think that he is in Nirvikalpa Samadhi. He should return with supersensual divine knowledge. Then only it can be said that he has attained real Samadhi. The breathing and pulse may stop from various other causes also. If one abstains from food and drink and practises a little concentration or even if he sits in the Asana steadily for some time, the breathing and pulse may stop. The Sadhaka must have perfect awareness in meditation. There is not much spiritual gain if he remains in a mere Jada state, even though he is insensible to external sounds.

Once two Sannyasins were deceived by another Sadhu who used to sit in meditation without pulse and breathing for several hours. Later on, he turned out to be a hypocrite. He cheated them and ran away with some money. You will have to be very careful in your judgment.During meditation do not allow yourself to pass into a Jada state. Do not mistake this state for merging in the Lord or communion. Remaining in a Jada state for some hours is not desirable. It is like deep sleep. This will not help you in your spiritual evolution. If this time is spent in doing Japa, Kirtan, Mantra-writing and study of sacred books, you will have quick evolution. Be on the alert. Watch vigilantly. If there is real merging or real deep meditation, you must have peace, bliss and divine knowledge. You must be free from doubts, fear, delusion, egoism, anger, passion and Raga-Dvesha. Some dull inexperienced aspirants mistake this Jada state for Nirvikalpa Samadhi. They get false contentment and stop their Sadhana.

Errors in Meditation

Meditation is a sacred practice that helps calm the mind, purify the heart, and strengthen one’s connection with the Divine. However, many spiritual aspirants unknowingly commit Errors in Meditation, which prevent them from experiencing inner peace and spiritual progress. Understanding these mistakes and correcting them with sincerity can transform meditation into a deeply rewarding spiritual journey.

One of the most common Errors in Meditation is expecting immediate results. Many people begin meditating with the hope of quickly attaining bliss, visions, or extraordinary experiences. True meditation, however, requires patience, faith, and regular practice. The mind gradually becomes calm when approached with humility rather than impatience.

Another mistake is allowing the mind to wander without gently bringing it back to the object of meditation. Distractions are natural, but becoming frustrated only creates more restlessness. Instead, observe every thought without attachment and lovingly return your attention to God’s name, the breath, or the chosen form of the Divine. Such steady practice strengthens concentration over time. Devotional India encourages seekers to approach meditation with love, discipline, and unwavering faith.

Physical discomfort and an improper environment can also become obstacles. Sitting in an uncomfortable posture, choosing a noisy place, or meditating irregularly reduces the effectiveness of the practice. Creating a peaceful atmosphere, maintaining a straight posture, and setting aside a fixed time every day help eliminate many Errors in Meditation. Consistency is more valuable than the length of each session.

Perhaps the greatest Errors in Meditation arise from ego and lack of purity in daily life. Meditation is not limited to sitting with closed eyes; it is reflected in every thought, word, and action. Practicing truth, compassion, selfless service, and devotion prepares the heart to receive divine grace. When daily life is filled with love and righteousness, meditation naturally becomes deeper and more meaningful.

The teachings shared through Devotional India remind every seeker that meditation is a journey of inner transformation rather than outer achievement. By avoiding common mistakes, cultivating patience, and surrendering completely to the Divine, every aspirant can experience lasting peace, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment. Let every meditation session become an offering of love that leads the soul closer to God. Devotional India continues to inspire countless devotees on this sacred path toward self-realization.