The Power of Meditation in Purifying the Mind : หน้า 105/115

When we are young, our mind is simple, innocent and relatively pure. A young mind has not yet been exposed to many mental contaminants. It is easier for the mind of a child to reach a calm and tranquil state conducive to successful meditation. As we grow older we are faced with many burdens of life. Duties, responsibilities, obligations, worries and problems create stress in our lives and unrest in our minds. They become our mental contaminants or impurities. No wonder, an adult's mind is always restless. Mental impurities cloud our mind like dirt clouds water. It is hard to see with a clouded mind. Greed, anger, delusion, jealousy, hatred and all negative thoughts are considered mental impurities. They are hindrances to a healthy mind. Meditation is the process that stabilizes and purifies the mind. It allows our mind to be empty of all thoughts, and allows the mind to refresh, recharge, rejuvenate and perform at full capacity. The power and intensity of a pure, focused mind is likened to the power and intensity of sunlight when applied to a single point through magnification. Focused sunlight becomes powerful enough to burn objects. A mind that is trained and developed through meditation can acquire a similar intensity, enabling it to achieve extraordinary power. Meditation has been part of civilization for more than 3,000 years. History has shown that things non-beneficial to mankind do not last. After more than 3,000 years, meditation remains popular practice today. It has stood the test of time.