Attentional Training & Virtue Meditation

By quieting our minds and directing our attention inwards, we are performing a foundational act of attentional training, preparing ourselves for deeper insight. This naturally brings forth a profound question - "Upon whom, or what, should we meditate?" In one of the lesser known Himālayan folklores, there is a powerful conversation, between Śiva and Śrī-kṛṣṇa. It is believed that Śiva was both curious and amazed to know that Lord Viṣṇu meditates upon His wife Lakṣmī-Devī. Śrī-kṛṣṇa an embodiment of Lord Viṣṇu answered to Śiva - Yes, I meditate upon my wife – विष्णुः लक्ष्म्याः शक्तिं ध्यायति न लक्ष्मीं पत्नीत्त्वेन ध्यायति! Translated, it means, Lord Viṣṇu meditates on Lakṣmī as Shakti – the ultimate energy and not as His wife! So, the focus of our contemplation should be on the character strengths and the virtues itself, not just the person who exhibits it. We are part of a vibrant culture that celebrates the words of a great Sanskrit poet – Bhavabhūti – गुणाः पूजा-स्थानं गुणिषु न च लिङ्गं न च वयः! This tells us that the true essence of a person lies in their virtues, beyond gender or age! Another Sanskrit proverb says – न एकत्र सर्वो गुणसन्निपातः – it is indeed impossible for all virtues to gather in one place! So, let’s pick qualities to meditate on! Lastly, the magnanimity of Bhāratīya culture is shown in yet another proverb – द्विषतोऽपि गुणाः काम्याः सुहृदोऽपि न दुर्गुणाः – the merits and virtues even of an enemy are desirable. Still, the demerits of a friend are undesirable! This demonstrates a high degree of cognitive flexibility and the ability to engage in strengths-spotting without personal bias, which is a hallmark of wisdom. With this profound understanding in mind, let’s unite in meditation, focusing on the incredible virtues surrounding us. It all begins with the universe! Our very existence is the universe's greatest gift! The Universe allows us to experience the wonders of life alongside the diverse beauty of flora, fauna, and the marvels of modern technology! Let’s celebrate the virtues of the universe, which is nothing but the consciousness or Viṣṇu or Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself, as He says in the seventh Shloka of the seventh chapter of Bhagavadgītā – मत्त: परतरं नान्यत्किञ्चिदस्ति धनञ्जय मयि सर्वमिदं प्रोतं सूत्रे मणि गणा इव – There is nothing greater than Myself, O Arjuna. Everything is interconnected, like beads elegantly strung upon a single thread! This highlights our common humanity and the shared consciousness that unites us all, forming the very foundation of our collective well-being