Today I was in the Matrimandir for the first time. Six years ago I took a guided tour; that is a prerequisite for going there alone later. It also makes sense to have a rough orientation as to what kind of place it is, how to behave there, what would disturb others.
During my Monday meditations in the Zen circle in Bremen, I was often carried here. It was a place of peace and strength. Sometimes it seemed as though this wanted to tell me something. Well, it certainly did not stop me from coming to Auroville.
It took several attempts to get into the inner chamber of the Matrimandir. I am not fond of imposing my own will, and so I take small hints toward waiting or practicing patience seriously. Others might disregard these small obstacles, but they develop a logic of their own. If I let the first impetuous impulses within me settle through small warnings from others, by coming back another time, then another time I am invited to enter, bypass all the bureaucratic obstacles and simply follow my impulse, now considerably calmer and more focused. So today I was invited into the Matrimandir, despite the rain.
Meditating
A large part of what happens during meditation is not really so difficult: bringing thoughts to rest, clearing the head, opening consciousness, breathing and sensing that one’s own existence is part of the whole. Leaving the ego behind, and giving consciousness space to connect with other consciousness. Holding on to the wonder of life, and dissolving into the pure Self. Arriving in the state of the united Self, thoughts can orient themselves entirely anew; in no time at all, connections and insights into the interconnectedness of the world arise that are otherwise difficult for me to grasp. It is a little like writing, except not as subjective expression but as transcendent experience.
This may sound a little strange to some. But I can only recommend trying it out. Some intoxicate themselves with sports or drinks, others with pleasure and media marathons. Why not a little quiet in the head for once? Our consciousness is the most fascinating thing we have; it is the only thing that counts, and it is rather confined in the mills of everyday life.
The Matrimandir is a place that supports these processes. Many have spoken about how powerful this place is. I always smiled a little at that. Smiling is not wrong, but now I smile a little differently.
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