The Science of Living and Social Life

Chapter-16 : by Acharya Mahapragya

Jain Vishva Bharati

The Science of Living and Social Life 

If meditation does not result in change, it will not be judged valuable. All actions have to be evaluated In relation to society. There is in this sense neither an individual value nor an individual norm. By bringing about change in the individual, meditation effects change in society. Here it is worth noting that Preksha Meditation is a scientific process. It operates on the basis of cause-effect relationship.

If the physiological and psychological on the one hand and the meditational or the spiritual on the other could be combined, the whole gamut of social life would be transformed. Once the physiological and the spiritual combine, a new consciousness can emerge. Our main aim is the transformation of consciousness. Physiological change can at best serve a therapeutic function. It cannot bring about the transformation of consciousness. It is only meditation which can do so.

Change in consciousness brings about behavioural changes. One can become truly nonviolent and non-acquisitive only after there has been a transformation of consciousness. Attachment, passion, pugnacity, in fact everything lodged in our consciousness.

One who practises meditation does not look down upon others as his slaves. His attitude towards the master-servant relationship undergoes a thorough change. He successfully overcomes the tendency to hurt the ego of another person. Behind all quarrels, whether in the family or between employers and employees or between masters and servants, is this tendency to hurt someone’s ego.

Far-reaching behavioural changes result from the practice of meditation.

When meditation comes to fruition, consciousness is purged of all dross and intuition is awakened.