An average person’s spiritual goal and spiritual efforts are not well integrated because his thinking, feeling, willing and acting do not support each other, but oppose each other. His spiritual goal is not the primary aim in life, but it is subordinated to worldly, material goals. In his efforts he does not follow moderation, but swings from asceticism to indulgence, pessimism to optimism. Down in the depths and floating amidst the high clouds!
Integration of personality is the alignment of one’s thoughts, words, actions and aspirations to spiritual aspiration. Being of clean conscience, one does not procrastinate or vacillate. Positive in outlook, one is always ready to learn and grow. One accepts the trials and tribulations of life as they come and does not blame anyone or anything for them. Grounded in self-awareness one is neither aggressive nor defensive in one’s dealings with others. One is spontaneous, efficient and creative. Moderation is the motto, discrimination is the guideline and self-knowledge the goal.
Meditation enables us to discover the rhythm of integrated living, which is marked by withdrawal from and response to the everyday world. Mere withdrawal or renunciation without response is meaningless while mere response or reaction without withdrawal is disastrous. The more active, the more we are required to be meditative. In fact, therein lies one of the secrets of progress in spiritual life. Meditation is in-breathing, activity is out-breathing.
The next important sign of transformation of character and personality indicating progress in meditation are increased steadiness of mind and mastery over the senses. In meditation, steadiness of mind and steadfastness in practice go hand in hand, one complementing the other. An aspirant’s success in meditation can be inferred from the way he performs his actions. It manifests as increased concentration, efficiency, foresight and memory. He is able to do more actions in less amount of time. His perceptions become keen and powers of observation become clear. Steadiness of mind results from self-control, and self-control is control over both mind and the senses.