Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar┃Posted: April 12, 2018
“When the mind transcends the senses, it comes back to its true nature which is innocence – in no sense.”
– Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Purity can be experienced when meditators let go of their senses. They close their eyes, tune out noise, and become oblivious to smells, tastes and textures. When going deep in meditation, we don’t notice if our clothes are smooth or rough, or if the temperature is warm or cool, or if there are miscellaneous sounds in the background.
As we begin to notice the joy of inner life through meditation, we realize that the intellect can’t perceive everything. For instance, beauty is best expressed when describing feelings, in songs of the heart.
When we think of children, ‘innocence’ naturally comes to our mind. In the journey of growing up, this innocence somehow hides itself in some silent corner of our existence. However, just the memory of this innocence brings with it unbounded joy, a contagious smile and an overwhelming feeling of pleasantness.
The truth is, it’s possible to be in that beautiful space of innocence even now as adults. Meditation leads us by the hand on this journey, from an ignorant, childish innocence to a wisdom-filled, childlike innocence.
The following verses capture some magical reflections of a few meditators, people-of-the-grown-up-world who have discovered joy along with their return to innocence. We have reproduced them here in association with the wisdom of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who speaks about innocence in many inspiring quotes that precede each meditator’s poem.
#1 “In the present moment, we are all innocent. Wake up.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Understanding what childhood meant
Happy and playful, worries zero percent.
To that innocent past, I wanted to go back
Where we had fights and tears, yet jokes to crack
Yet I found myself in the present, I meditated and found that I am innocent.
(Based on thoughts shared by Sylaja Kannan)
#2 “If you look at a child, there is unconditional love in his eyes. Every baby has this quality but minus wisdom. When you grow old, keep the quality of innocence in you and have the depth of wisdom along with it.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Innocence is in a child’s eyes.
A mind free, rejoicing, and in the moment lies.
It’s a chance to be yourself.
In the core of your being, you dwell.
Meditate, my dear, be calm and be wise.
(Based on thoughts shared by Divya Sachdev)
#3 “Innocence is naturally present in everyone. You just need to blossom it. And how do you do that? Just be in meditation.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
I seek freedom from all boundaries, boundaries made by me.
I seek to return to innocence, to simply be just me.
Every situation is the same.
It’s all part of life’s game.
I seek to be thrilled every moment; I seek to meditate and just be.
(Based on thoughts shared by Radhika De)
#4 “See the world through your heart and then you will find that there is so much beauty, so much love, so much innocence and such good intentions in people.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Wake up and see how the world around you is beautiful.
You are innocent and everything in creation is so blissful.
Wearing colored glasses of distrust, you see everybody in disguise.
It’s time to remove them and get a fresh set of eyes.
Meditate, O innocent child, for you are naturally joyful.
(Based on thoughts shared by Vikram Nath)
#5 “The child inside you is alive. You are still that innocence.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Smile and laugh, why get serious?
Life is just a play, all mysterious.
You are born innocent, so do not forget
There’s still a child in you, I bet!
Just meditate and meet the real you, which is glorious.
(Based on thoughts shared by Arpita Rai)
#6 “Have faith in the innocence of the present moment.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Innocence is to forget all worries
And move to a state devoid of flurries.
Enjoy this moment, live it to the fullest
For it is so innocent and full of deep rest.
When you meditate, for a change forget about cooking curries!
(Based on thoughts shared by Supriya Bhatia)
#7 “We need to bring the child-like beauty and innocence that God gifted every human being back into our lives.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Why do you crib? What do you expect?
You are ever pure and innocent, but you forget.
It’s time you realize
How beautiful is life.
Meditate now, there is no time as ‘correct!’
(Based on thoughts shared by Saskia Richter)
Meditation is a beautiful technique that helps you get back to who you really are--an innocent child--not just for those few minutes but every moment of your life. With regular practice, this can be experienced. You can get your personal mantra to meditate by joining the next Sahaj Samadhi Meditation course at your nearest location.
What is your experience of meditation? We would like to hear from you. Please share at blog@us.artofliving.org as soon as you can!
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