The Eight-Point Program of Passage Meditation

In Easwaran’s method of passage meditation, you meditate by focusing your attention on uplifting passages, or texts, from the world’s wisdom traditions. Many of these inspiring passages have endured for hundreds or even thousands of years. They come from deep and authentic sources – from men and women throughout the world who have become aware of the unity of life.

When you meditate on these passages, you gradually absorb the profound wisdom of these saints and sages. The high ideals, love, and compassion conveyed in your chosen passage begin to influence your thoughts and actions. Over time, with consistent practice, you can become the kind of person you want to be.

You start by choosing an inspirational passage, and then memorizing it. You could start with a short one, such as “The Prayer of St Francis”, “The Best”, or “Let Nothing Upset You”. Then

• Sit in a chair, or on the floor.
  
• Sit upright and close your eyes.
  
• Go through the words of your memorized passage slowly and silently in the mind.
  
• Do your best to concentrate on the words of the passage – when distractions come, just bring your attention back to the words.
  
• At the end of the passage, go back to the beginning, or start a new one.
  
• Practice passage meditation for 30 minutes every morning.

“The secret of meditation is that you become what you meditate on.” 
- Eknath Easwaran

A mantram, also known as mantra, is a powerful spiritual formula which can be repeated at any time outside of meditation. It will steady your mind when you’re feeling angry or agitated, and give you calm and patience throughout the day. Another ideal time to repeat the mantram is when falling asleep at night, or if you wake up during the night. 

The practice is simple – you choose a mantram, and then silently repeat it in your mind, over and over. The more you practice, the more it becomes a habit, which means it will come to you when you need it.

“Repetition of the mantram is a dynamic discipline by which we gain access to our inner reserves of strength and peace of mind.”
– Eknath Easwaran

Try it! 

Choose a recommended mantram and start trying it out a few times today when you’re waiting, doing a mechanical chore, or feeling agitated. Notice if it changes your thinking process in any way.

We live in a fast-paced world, and it’s natural to feel hurried and pressured by all the things we need to do. Slowing down is about changing the rapid pace of our thinking, as well as choosing to spend our time wisely. 

When we slow down the mind, we have time to work better, to reflect, and to act in freedom. The quality of our work will improve, we’ll feel more fulfilled, and we’ll be able to contribute to our families and communities more effectively. We’ll be living with a deeper level of awareness.

“Even to see life, we need to go slow. To enjoy life, we need to go slow. To understand people, to understand situations, to arrive at considered conclusions and to make wise decisions – for all of these, we need time.”
– Eknath Easwaran

Try it! 

Notice when you feel yourself speeding up today. Take a moment to stop what you’re doing, and then resume at a slower pace. What does that feel like? 

One-pointed attention is training the mind to focus on one thing at a time. When you focus your attention during the day, you’ll be more productive, become a better listener, and find greater fulfillment in your work and relationships.

In meditation, we bring our mind back to the passage when distractions come, and over time we develop better concentration. Similarly, during the day we can use one-pointed attention to bring our mind back to concentrating on the person we’re with, or the activity we’re doing. 

“The person who can give undivided attention is a real peacemaker.”
– Eknath Easwaran

Try it! 

Find a time today when you’re doing something you feel half-hearted about, and give it your one-pointed attention. What do you notice as a result?

Training the senses is about making conscious choices in what you watch, read, listen to, eat, drink, and talk about. You can learn to enjoy what is most nourishing and beneficial, and act in freedom rather than feel driven by compulsions and habits. You’ll be able to enjoy the good things in life even more, too, because you’re choosing what’s truly healthy and fulfilling. 

“Just as the body can be trained for virtuoso skills in the pool or on the uneven bars, so our senses can be trained, immensely benefiting ourselves and those around us. Then the senses become our trusted servants.”
– Eknath Easwaran

Try it! 

Notice when you next feel driven to do something small for your own satisfaction. It could be having a snack, checking your email, or browsing a website. Try delaying the activity by an hour. What do you notice?

Putting others first is about putting the welfare of the whole first, in which our own is included. When we change self-centered ways of acting, speaking, and thinking, we become more flexible and loving. Our relationships will deepen and we’ll find greater peace of mind.

We can begin right where we are, giving a little more love and attention to our family or friends, where it already feels natural. Putting others first can also include saying “no” at times, which requires artistry and discrimination.

“If we can establish peace in our hearts, return love for hatred, and live for the welfare of our family and community, we have changed the world picture.” – Eknath Easwaran

Try it! 

When you’re next working with family or friends on a small project or choosing entertainment together, try doing it another person’s way. How did that change the situation?

When we spend time with people who inspire and support our spiritual growth, it helps all of our other activities and relationships. It can make all the difference to meet regularly with other passage meditators to read Easwaran’s books or watch his talks for regular inspiration, and meditate together. This is also known as satsang, a Sanskrit word. 

“In Sanskrit, this sharing is called satsang. The word derives from two smaller words: sat, meaning “the good” or “truth” or “reality”, and sanga, meaning “group” or “association”. Thus it signifies the seekers of the highest, banded together.”
– Eknath Easwaran

Try it!

Find some time today to spend with someone who inspires you. Give that person your extra attention, and notice how it affects you. This will give you a taste of how we’re affected by the people around us.

And explore our online and in-person fellowship groups for passage meditators.

Reading the great mystics of all traditions reminds us of our highest ideals and inspires us to live them out. To help your practice of passage meditation, we also recommend that you read Easwaran regularly for clear instructions and inspiration in this practice.

“Books chosen from the annals of mysticism should be read slowly and well. We are not after information, but understanding and inspiration. Take in a little every day, reflect on it, and then try to practice what you have learned.”
– Eknath Easwaran

Try it! 

Find an Easwaran article on a topic you’re interested in. You could also sign up for our free weekly inspiration which includes new talks and articles by Easwaran.