Right Atmosphere for Sumiran and Meditation

We usually complain that we do not have the right atmosphere to do the Sumiran and Meditation.

And we always blame others for it. 

We think that if we have the right atmosphere, without any distractions - only then we'll be able to do Sumiran and meditation peacefully.

But, have you ever looked at the pictures of Lord Shiva? 

He is surrounded by snakes and ghosts - accompanied by scary-looking people covered with dust and ashes. 

He is also covered with ashes and has no clothes or any comforts of life that we all have. 

Yet. he is so peacefully sitting in a meditative pose - undisturbed - undistracted by his surroundings. 

He is so immersed in himself - that even a snake around his neck can not disturb him. 

As if he is totally unaware of everything that is around him. 

And I am wondering. 

Is he really unaware of his surroundings? Of everything that is around him? 

Or is it deliberate? Intentional and intended.

Perhaps he is telling us that Sumiran or meditation can be done anywhere - regardless of the surroundings and environment. 

If he can meditate sitting on a stone amid snakes and ghosts, covered in ashes - without any clothes or comforts - then why can't we do it sitting in our own homes? 

We have all the comforts of modern life - comfortable houses. 

We even have big and beautiful religious buildings - Satsang Bhavans where we can all sit and pray. 

And yet, we get distracted and complain about everything. 

We always blame others for distractions and our inability - ineptitude for Sumiran and meditation. 

Why?

Perhaps we should look at the picture of Lord Shiva again and try to learn what he is trying to teach us. 

If practiced with determination, one can eventually reach that stage where meditation and Sumiran can be done at any place - in any environment.

                                                       " Rajan Sachdeva "