These people and their kind are the hope of the world. This month I want to clarify if possible the meaning and value of the meditative way of life. I want to state, once at least for the record, what Arcana means by meditation and what we do not mean by meditation. It is not my intention to imply or hint at any appraisal or opinion upon the items of interest listed above. I am merely saying that meditation as we use the term is not related to any of the above.
Meditation is related to another area of interest, another level of concern entirely.
Meditation solves problems, not by magic, but by improving perspective and permeating consciousness with understanding and wisdom. To recognize a problem, to understand its cause, to envision the remedy, to initiate appropriate action, add up to problem-solving of very high order. Meditation in the early stages of training encourages self-control of one's own personality equipment. Control of one's own speech, control of one's own emotional reactions, plus a detached view of what is going on close at hand, tend to ease interpersonal tensions and solve many personal and daily problems. Meditation focuses the mind, clears the mind, trains the mind, and expands one's range of consciousness.