Apparently, I had a lot of misconceptions about why someone should meditate. When I started these other things I was looking for.
Experience non-duality to an extent.
Get a glimpse of what enlightenment means.
Reduce my suffering, increase happiness
develop more patience, not lose my temper
Get some form of (spiritual?) experience where I would be able to see the world from a different perspective.
And I now understand the above could be wrong.
As I read a little bit more about jhnanas, and go deeper philosophically, I am becoming more confused on why I should meditate and suddenly I am lost. Now I don’t know if I should meditate anymore.
PS: I primarily practice anapanasati , which is breathing meditation
*Response by SK*:
Let me avoid giving you the mainstream answers that many have already offered in response to your statements.
At the core, all human beings are in pursuit of happiness. Society tells us that this happiness can be found if we’re reasonably healthy, mentally stable, and financially secure — essentially, through Tan, Man, and Dhan (body, mind, and wealth).
This is where meditation, yogic practices, and religious disciplines enter the picture. They claim that if you're seeking something beyond ordinary happiness — something deeper — these are the paths. We hear of numerous benefits, including access to higher states of consciousness, inner peace, and even rewards in the afterlife.
But once we embark on these practices, we often find that the promised transformation feels distant or elusive. That’s when doubt creeps in — about our methods, about whether we're practicing correctly. Be it meditation, breathwork, chanting, or scripture reading, we begin questioning everything.
The most common advice we hear then is: “Just keep going, you'll get there.” We're told, “Keep digging — eventually, you'll find water.” And with that, confusion deepens.
So what exactly is meditation, and why do we practice it?
Our minds are conditioned by the external world. We constantly interact with our surroundings, forming impressions based on past experiences. These impressions — stored in our consciousness — drive our thoughts and actions. Essentially, we are reacting to life rather than truly experiencing it, stuck in a cycle with no apparent exit.
With this misunderstanding, we often use meditation and spiritual practices to reinforce the very cycle we're trying to break. That’s why many feel that meditation doesn't really help — except offering occasional moments of peace.
The correct approach to meditation is far simpler and more subtle: just sit in stillness, with the intention that the essence of your being will naturally begin to unfold. In this space, we’re not trying to control or fix anything. We are just waiting and witnessing — open to inner guidance.
Then, without effort or forced focus, a shift in consciousness occurs. It's something everyone can feel. No special concentration is needed — just presence.
Now, why not just practice breathing techniques?
Because we tend to throw everything into the mix and call it “meditation.” But breathwork — or Pranayama — is meant specifically for regulating Prana, the life force. Its purpose is primarily physical and energetic balance. That’s where its benefits begin and end — regardless of what ancient or modern gurus claim.
I've already written quite a bit here. If you'd like to continue the conversation or go deeper into any part, feel free to send me a personal message.