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A Million Thoughts

A Million Thoughts

by Om Swami 2016 362 pages
4.61
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Key Takeaways

1. Meditation: Returning to Your True Home

Meditation is going home.

Soul's longing. Just as we yearn for the comfort of our physical home after a long journey, our soul longs to return to its source, the supreme consciousness. This longing is a fundamental aspect of our being, driving us to seek meaning and fulfillment beyond the temporary pleasures of the world.

Beyond the temporary. Our bodies and minds are temporary vessels, conditioned by society and our experiences. Meditation is the path to transcend these limitations and discover our true, unblemished nature. It's about shedding the layers of conditioning and returning to our primal source of bliss and joy.

Discovering your source. This journey is not about becoming someone else, but about discovering who you truly are. It's about finding your original home, free from the walls of ego, anger, and negativity. It's a path to inner peace, where consciousness flows unimpeded, like a gentle river.

2. Harmony: Aligning Thoughts, Speech, and Actions

The reason man is unhappy is because his thoughts, speech and actions are not in harmony.

Inner conflict. Much of our suffering stems from a lack of harmony within ourselves. When our thoughts, words, and deeds are misaligned, we experience restlessness and dissatisfaction. This inner conflict creates a sense of unease and prevents us from experiencing true fulfillment.

The tantric legend. The story of Shiva and Devi illustrates this point. They observed a village where people were suffering due to their misaligned actions, thoughts, and speech. The farmer who usurped his brother's land, the bookkeeper who falsified records, all suffered because of their disharmony.

Meditation as a path. Meditation, compassion, and dispassion are the keys to liberation. By harmonizing our inner world, we can transcend suffering and experience true peace. When our thoughts, speech, and actions are aligned, suffering has no more impact than silk rubbing against an elephant.

3. Thoughts: The Seeds of Desires and Expectations

Thoughts are never a problem until you act on them.

Thoughts are neutral. Thoughts, whether good or bad, are simply mental events. They are not inherently good or evil, moral or immoral. It is our reaction to them, our pursuit of them, that determines their impact on our lives.

The anatomy of a thought. Thoughts are ephemeral, without a definitive origin, path, or destination. By examining their nature, we can understand their emptiness and learn to transcend them. When bothered by a lingering thought, ask:

  • Where did it originate?
  • Where is it traveling?
  • Where has it disappeared?

Transcendence through observation. Good meditators transcend their thoughts by simply watching them. They understand that most thoughts are random and fleeting, like bubbles in water. By not clinging to them, they allow them to disappear naturally.

4. Desires: Understanding Their Nature and Types

For every desire we humans fulfill, a thousand more will take birth.

Desires are like Raktabija. Like the demon Raktabija, whose blood spawned countless more demons, desires multiply when fulfilled. Suppressing them is not the answer, nor is fulfilling them. Mindfulness is the key to their subsidence.

Four types of desires:

  • Physical: Sense gratifications, linked to the body's well-being.
  • Emotional: Driven by the mind's tendencies, seeking love, recognition, and belonging.
  • Intellectual: Prompting creativity and social causes, offering longer-lasting fulfillment.
  • Transcendental: The desire to discover one's true nature, leading to liberation.

The path to freedom. The fulfillment of any desire, be it physical, emotional, or intellectual, does not offer lasting happiness. True freedom comes from understanding the nature of desires and learning to drop the thoughts that fuel them.

5. Expectations: The Root of Suffering and Disappointment

Expectations are those desires you believe you have the right to see fulfilled.

Desires with rights. Expectations are desires that we believe we have a right to see fulfilled. They are the primary cause of grief and stress, placing a burden on ourselves and others. They are desires with rights attached to them.

Three types of expectations:

  • From self: Standards we set for ourselves, leading to guilt and shame when unmet.
  • From others: Beliefs about how others should treat us, causing disappointment when unfulfilled.
  • Others' from you: Pressures from society and loved ones, creating stress and anxiety.

The path to peace. By understanding the nature of expectations, we can begin to release their grip on our lives. Lowering expectations in relationships allows love to flourish. Expectations disturb tranquility.

6. Karma: Actions, Residue, and Their Impact

Psychic imprints, resulting from karma, accumulated over many lives condition the mind and cause one grief.

Karma is action, not destiny. Karma refers to action, not fate. Every action, whether physical, verbal, or mental, leaves a residue that shapes our future experiences. It is the residue that matters.

Three types of karma:

  • Physical: Tangible actions that leave physical residue, impacting our health and environment.
  • Verbal: Words that leave psychic imprints, affecting our minds and those of others.
  • Mental: Thoughts that create emotional imprints, the hardest to erase.

Memory and residue. Memory is the unaltered collection of words and experiences. It is the residue of our actions. By dropping thoughts at their emergence, we can prevent the accumulation of negative residue and move towards a state of non-recollection.

7. Meditation: Beyond Relaxation to Transformation

Meditation is a way of life.

More than relaxation. Meditation is not just a feel-good exercise or a way to relax. It is a systematic approach to transform our consciousness, to wipe off the tendencies we've carried over lifetimes. It is a way of life.

Three stages of meditation:

  • Act: A disciplined practice requiring determination.
  • Second nature: Effortless meditation where virtues become a part of you.
  • State: A state of bliss that remains unperturbed under most circumstances.

The ultimate goal. The final stage of meditation is liberation from false beliefs, negativity, and undesirable thoughts. It is freedom from guilt, resentment, and hatred. It is a state of silence and presence of mind.

8. Mental Stillness: Four Stages of Inner Quietude

To see everything as it is requires perfect stillness of the mind.

The journey to stillness. The path to mental stillness is a journey through four stages, each representing a different level of quietude. These stages are like a long drive from a busy city to a peaceful seaside.

Four stages of mental stillness:

  • Constant activity: The mind is always talking, with no control over the flow of thoughts.
  • Frequent activity: Thoughts are frequent but not constant, with glimpses of a no-mind state.
  • Occasional activity: Thoughts are occasional, with long periods of quiescence and bliss.
  • No activity: A state of enlightenment, where the mind is completely still and absorbed.

Irreversible transformation. Once you attain mental quietude beyond the frequent activity of stage one, your meditation goes to an entirely new level and there is no going back. It is like milk has become butter now and no process can turn it back into milk.

9. Meditation Principles: Six Keys to Effective Practice

You cannot not think about something by thinking about it.

The golden rule. You cannot avoid thinking about something by telling yourself not to think about it. This is the foundation for the six principles of meditation.

Six principles of meditation:

  • No recollection: Don't pursue thoughts of the past.
  • No calculation: Don't pursue thoughts of the present.
  • No imagination: Don't imagine what may happen in the future.
  • No examination: Don't analyze your thoughts.
  • No construction: Don't try to create an experience.
  • No digression: Don't wander; simply stay in the present moment.

The path to stillness. By following these principles, you can learn to drop your thoughts and maintain a state of presence and awareness. It is impossible to avoid thinking about anything by telling yourself that you are not going to think about it.

10. Elements of Meditation: Attention, Posture, Concentration, Mindfulness, Alertness

All I saw was the gold.

The art of attention. The ability to direct and maintain attention is fundamental to good meditation. It is the art of presence of mind.

Nine states of attention:

  • Stabilize, settle, settle firmly, settle intensely, clear obstacles, pacify, completely pacify, channel, settle in equipoise.

Posture and energy. Correct posture is essential for channelizing vital energies in the body. It is about perfect stillness of the body.

Concentration and focus. Concentration is focus with precision, one careful step at a time. It is the beam of your mental energy.

Mindfulness and awareness. Mindfulness is the ever-awake watch guard at the door of your mind. It is not bare attention.

Alertness and vigilance. Alertness is the police at the city gates, detecting and checking the flow of thoughts. It is a state of even awareness.

11. Paths of Meditation: Ordinary and Extraordinary

The only way to taste the fruits of meditation is to do it right, to do it properly.

Two paths to self-realization. There are two paths to meditation: the ordinary and the extraordinary. The ordinary path is for those with other commitments, while the extraordinary path is for those who have found their calling in meditation.

Ordinary path:

  • Average meditator: Three one-hour sessions daily.
  • Mild meditator: One or two 30-minute to one-hour sessions daily.

Extraordinary path:

  • Intense meditator: Six or more 60-90 minute sessions daily.
  • Keen meditator: Four or more one-hour sessions daily.

The mindful day. The practice of a mindful day allows you to walk the extraordinary path while still living in the world. It involves doing everything with utmost awareness and presence.

12. Virtues of a Meditator: Compassion, Truth, Gratitude, Empathy, Humility, Faith

There’s no penance greater than truth and no sin worse than lying, God lives in the one who has truth in his heart.

Virtues are the mother of meditation. Meditation is not a substitute for virtuous conduct. It is a path to cultivate love, compassion, humility, and empathy.

Compassion and forgiveness. Compassion is love, forgiveness, and a divine act. It is about extending kindness to all, even those who have wronged us.

Truth and integrity. Truthfulness is about aligning our words with our thoughts and actions. It is about being honest with ourselves and others.

Gratitude and contentment. Gratitude is the most powerful emotion to set everything right in one's life. It is about appreciating what we have.

Empathy and understanding. Empathy is about seeing the world from the perspective of others. It is about listening with an open heart.

Humility and selflessness. Humility keeps us grounded and real. It is about recognizing our place in the universe.

Faith and trust. Faith is about trusting in the process and letting go of the need to control everything. It is about having confidence in the path.

Last updated:

FAQ

What is A Million Thoughts by Om Swami about?

  • Comprehensive meditation guide: The book offers a detailed exploration of meditation, covering its philosophy, techniques, and transformative potential for practitioners at all levels.
  • Journey to self-realization: Om Swami presents meditation as a path to rediscovering one’s true nature, moving beyond mind and body to the soul’s original home.
  • Practical and spiritual wisdom: The author combines ancient teachings, personal stories, and scientific insights to make meditation accessible and relatable.
  • Focus on inner harmony: The book emphasizes aligning mind, speech, and action to overcome suffering and achieve lasting peace.

Why should I read A Million Thoughts by Om Swami?

  • Holistic approach to meditation: The book addresses not just techniques, but also the mindset, virtues, and lifestyle needed for deep spiritual growth.
  • Accessible for all levels: Whether you are a beginner or advanced meditator, Om Swami provides clear guidance and options for every stage.
  • Real-life insights: Personal anecdotes and relatable stories help demystify meditation and offer practical solutions to common obstacles.
  • Transformative potential: Readers can expect to develop mindfulness, emotional balance, and spiritual awareness, leading to greater happiness and peace.

What are the key takeaways from A Million Thoughts by Om Swami?

  • Meditation as returning home: The core message is that meditation is a journey back to your true self, beyond conditioning and suffering.
  • Stages and principles: The book details the stages of mental stillness, principles of meditation, and the journey of thoughts and desires.
  • Virtues and hurdles: Emphasizes the importance of virtues like compassion and gratitude, and provides strategies to overcome physical, emotional, and mental hurdles.
  • Practical techniques: Offers a variety of meditation practices, postures, and methods to suit different personalities and goals.

What are the best quotes from A Million Thoughts by Om Swami and what do they mean?

  • “Meditation is going home. It is going back to your source, where you belong... to discover your original home, without the furniture of jealousy, covetousness, envy, hatred.”
    Meaning: Meditation is about returning to your pure, unconditioned self, free from negative emotions.
  • “Suffering is alignment.”
    Meaning: Suffering arises when mind, speech, and action are not in harmony, pushing us to realign with our true nature.
  • “Thoughts are empty and transient.”
    Meaning: Thoughts have no inherent substance; their impact depends on our response to them.
  • “Compassion is love, forgiveness, and divine.”
    Meaning: Compassion is the foundational virtue for spiritual progress and inner peace.

What are the main types of meditation practices in A Million Thoughts by Om Swami and how do they differ?

  • Concentrative meditation: Focuses on a single object, breath, or mantra, requiring intense concentration and perfect posture; considered the most transformative.
  • Contemplative meditation: Involves self-enquiry and reflection on questions like “Who am I?” to gain insight beyond intellect.
  • Mindful meditation: Centers on being fully present in the moment, observing sensations and actions with awareness; can be practiced anytime.
  • Observant and spirited meditation: Observant meditation involves watching thoughts dispassionately, while spirited meditation uses movement and energy to harmonize body and mind.

What are the four stages of mental stillness in meditation according to Om Swami?

  • Constant Activity (Motorway): The mind is filled with constant thoughts, making meditation challenging for beginners.
  • Frequent Activity (Suburban Road): Thoughts occur frequently but with increasing periods of quietness; crossing this stage marks significant progress.
  • Occasional Activity (Countryside Road): The mind is mostly still, with only occasional thoughts; very few meditators reach this level.
  • No Activity (No Thoroughfare): The mind is completely still and absorbed, representing enlightenment or the final stage of meditation.

What are the six principles of meditation in A Million Thoughts by Om Swami?

  • No Recollection: Avoid pursuing thoughts of the past; gently return to the present.
  • No Calculation: Don’t analyze or dwell on current thoughts during meditation.
  • No Imagination: Let go of future scenarios and bring attention back to now.
  • No Examination, Construction, Digression: Don’t dissect thoughts, create experiences, or let the mind wander; maintain alert presence.

How does Om Swami in A Million Thoughts define the nature and journey of a thought in the mind?

  • Empty and transient: Thoughts arise and vanish like bubbles, with no fixed origin or end.
  • Neutral by nature: Thoughts are not inherently good or bad; their impact depends on whether we pursue or abandon them.
  • Three stages: Every thought emerges, manifests, and disappears; if not dropped, it can become a desire, expectation, or emotion, leading to action.
  • Role in suffering: Unchecked thoughts and desires are the root of suffering and distraction in meditation.

What are the four types of desires in A Million Thoughts by Om Swami and their significance?

  • Physical desires: Related to sense gratification like food, comfort, and sex; natural but fleeting in satisfaction.
  • Emotional desires: Stem from conditioning and karma, such as the need for love or recognition; often lead to seeking fulfillment outside oneself.
  • Intellectual desires: Involve creativity and social causes; longer-lasting but still not ultimately fulfilling.
  • Transcendental desire: The rare longing for self-realization and liberation; its fulfillment frees one from all other desires and conditioning.

What is the difference between desires and expectations in Om Swami’s meditation philosophy?

  • Desires as lingering thoughts: When a thought is not abandoned, it becomes a desire seeking fulfillment.
  • Expectations as entitled desires: When you believe you deserve the fulfillment of a desire, it becomes an expectation, increasing stress.
  • Three types of expectations: From self (causing guilt), from others (leading to disappointment), and others’ expectations from you (creating social pressure).
  • Source of suffering: Expectations are a major cause of grief and hinder meditation progress.

What are the key elements of a good meditation posture according to A Million Thoughts by Om Swami?

  • Cross-legged sitting: Helps control energy flow; sitting on a chair with feet crossed is acceptable if needed.
  • Straight back and head: Supports vital energy channels and kundalini awakening.
  • Relaxed arms and hands: Hands can be crossed or stacked with thumbs touching, subtly influencing energy and brain hemispheres.
  • Still gaze and gentle smile: Aids concentration and calms the mind; tongue on palate and parted teeth prevent tension.

What are the nine stages of attention and bliss in meditation described in A Million Thoughts by Om Swami?

  • Stages of attention: Progress from positioning attention, intermittent focus, and constant attention to fixed, lucid, and pacified mind, culminating in profound absorption.
  • Stages of bliss: Journey from restlessness and dullness to mastery, with increasing control, calmness, and lucid awareness.
  • Ultimate realization: The final stage is complete union, where meditation becomes effortless and natural, marked by supreme detachment and compassion.
  • Time investment: Each stage may require around 1,500 hours of quality meditation, with guidance potentially reducing this to 1,000 hours.

Review Summary

4.61 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

A Million Thoughts is highly praised as a comprehensive guide to meditation, offering practical instructions and insights from the author's personal experiences. Readers appreciate its clear explanations, engaging stories, and scientific approach. The book covers various meditation techniques, hurdles, and virtues to cultivate. Many consider it the best book on meditation, suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Reviewers note its potential for transformative impact and value its systematic approach to meditation practice. Some highlight the author's humorous and humble writing style, making complex concepts accessible.

Your rating:
4.68
30 ratings

About the Author

Om Swami is a mystic residing in the Himalayan foothills. Before embracing a life of renunciation, he was a successful entrepreneur who founded and managed a multimillion-dollar software company with a global presence. His background in both the corporate world and spiritual pursuits gives him a unique perspective on meditation and mindfulness. Swami's writings are informed by his extensive meditation practice, including intense periods of solitary meditation in the Himalayas. His approach combines traditional yogic wisdom with practical, modern-day applications, making ancient techniques accessible to contemporary seekers. Swami's teachings emphasize direct experience and self-realization, rather than merely theoretical knowledge.

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