Passage Meditation:
The Basics

How to Meditate

In this form of meditation, you concentrate on the words of an inspirational text or passage from one of the great wisdom traditions. Eknath Easwaran developed this method, and the instructions are straightforward.

You start by choosing an inspirational passage and memorizing it. The passage for meditation should be positive, practical and uplifting, and there are lots of passages you can choose from. Some are short, others longer, and they’re from all different traditions. 

Once you’re ready with your passage, then

• Sit in a chair, or on a cushion 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 passage – when distractions come, just bring your mind back to the words.
  
• At the end of the passage, go back to the beginning, or start a new one.
  
• Do this for 30 minutes every morning.

Why Meditate on a Passage?

It takes some effort to choose and memorize a passage – so what are the benefits?

1. It’s a very effective way to improve your concentration

Going through the words of the passage silently in your mind makes you very aware of when you’re concentrating, and when you’re distracted. And when you’re distracted (as is normal for all of us!) you know what to do – you gently bring your attention back to the words of the passage.

By bringing your mind back like this, over and over, you’re training your attention to go where you choose. Over time, as concentration improves, you’ll have fewer distractions. Your mind is coming under your control.

This improved concentration will help you not only during meditation but also throughout the day – when you’re studying, working, or with friends or family. 

2. You Become What You Meditate On

We’re influenced by whatever we focus on. If you meditate on passages that are full of positive, uplifting words and high ideals, they’ll influence your thoughts and actions during the day. And since you choose the passages that convey the qualities that you’re seeking, over time those passages will help you to become the kind of person that you want to be. In short, life gets better – for you and those around you.

Here are some examples of benefits that you’ll see:

• A calmer mind
  
• More positive thoughts
  
• More patience, forgiveness, and strength
  
• Ability to make better choices
  
• Increased will power
  
• More energy and vitality
  
• Ability to transform negative habits
  
• Greater depth and purpose.
  

Where Does Passage Meditation Come From?

There’s a deep and unbroken tradition of memorization, recitation, and focus on spiritual passages in all the great world religions. 

Eknath Easwaran adapted and systematized this practice for people living in our modern age. He developed an effective, interior practice that anyone can learn and apply, simply by memorizing and silently repeating the words of a passage. It’s a universal practice, drawing on texts from many great wisdom traditions, from different centuries, and from different parts of the world – yet with common themes and timeless truths.

Make the Most of Your Meditation 

Meditation is the first point and the foundation of the eight-point program. The eight points together form a complete spiritual practice for daily living, so you can benefit from your practice wherever you are, at any time. 

Easwaran’s eight-point program includes seven other practices for training your mind and living at your best:

1. Meditation on a passage
   
2. Repetition of the mantram
   
3. Slowing down
   
4. One-pointed attention
   
5. Training the senses
   
6. Putting others first
   
7. Spiritual fellowship
   
8. Spiritual reading
   

Make the Practice Your Own 

There are many ways you can shape the practice to fit your own life and path. You can choose your goal and progress at your own pace. Here are some suggested resources and ideas.

• Explore passages for meditation – there are over 150 for you to choose from.
  
• Take part in online programs and in-person retreats. Our introductory online webinars are free, and our in-person retreats have a sliding scale and scholarships.
  
• Read more from Easwaran on passage meditation and practical spiritual living.
  
• Join our community of passage meditators. Find a group near you, and/or an online community.
  

We wish you all the best with your spiritual path.