Introduction: Rediscovering the Essence of Meditation
Today, meditation is widely embraced across the world as a way to manage stress, sharpen focus, or improve mental health. But the true purpose of meditation, especially as described in the Vedic tradition, goes far deeper. The ultimate goal is not relaxation but realization. The purpose is not simply to retreat inward but to connect upward — to the Divine.
The highest form of meditation is transcendental. But what does that mean?
Transcendental means going beyond the realm of matter, beyond the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas), and beyond the fluctuations of worldly existence. The object of such meditation must be transcendental in nature — and that is God.
He is not a formless abstraction or an imagined force. God is a real, conscious, blissful personality who exists eternally and is untouched by maya. When our meditation is focused on Him, it becomes true transcendental meditation. Such meditation is the only process that purifies the soul at its very root and brings lasting peace.
The Foundation of True Meditation
True meditation begins when the mind is offered to the Supreme Being. It is not about sitting in silence with an empty head; rather, it is about filling the mind with divine remembrance. The object of our meditation must be God — His form, His names, His qualities, His pastimes, and His abode.
Many seekers raise a genuine concern: “Swamiji, I have never seen God. How can I meditate upon someone I haven’t seen?”
To this, Swamiji lovingly replies, “You do not need to see God with your eyes. See Him with your mind.”
Just as we think of our family members, friends, or mentors by mentally picturing their form, we can think of God by bringing His image to the forefront of our mind. The human mind has always been visual. From the moment we started learning as children, we associated objects with images. The same principle applies to spirituality.
When we visualize God with love, devotion, and faith, that becomes Roop Dhyan — meditation on the divine form. It is a bridge that connects the material mind to the transcendental Lord. Through this method, even those who have never had darshan with their eyes can experience the divine presence within.
The Role of the Mind in Sadhana
Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj explains that the mind is the most important tool in spiritual practice. Physical actions like puja, yagya, japa, or austerities are valuable only when the mind is engaged. If the body performs devotion but the mind remains entangled in the world, the result is zero.
This can be understood through a simple analogy. What is 100 multiplied by 0? Zero. What is a million multiplied by 0? Still zero.
Similarly, if the mind is not united with God, no matter how many rituals or devotional actions we perform, the spiritual result is negligible. The divine realm is accessed through the mind and heart, not merely through the body.
So then, how do we purify the mind? By attaching it to God, who is the all-pure, ever-pure. When the impure mind connects to the supremely pure being, transformation begins. This is the beginning of genuine devotion.
Kripaluji Maharaj says, “Bhakti is not a bodily exercise; it is an offering of the mind and heart.” And so, if we wish to advance on the path of devotion, we must make the mind our ally.
But I Want to See God First!
Many seekers, from beginners to advanced, often struggle with faith and demand proof. “Show me God first,” they say, “then I will begin my sadhana.”
This may seem reasonable, but in truth it reflects a misunderstanding of the spiritual path. It is like a student saying, “Give me my diploma now, and I will start studying afterward.”
Or consider the lazy employee who tells his boss, “Give me a raise, and then I will work harder.” But the wise worker knows: if I work harder, the raise will come.
The same applies to God. First comes effort and faith. Then comes grace and realization.
Faith is the seed that grows into divine experience. Without planting that seed and watering it with daily practice, how can we expect to reap the fruit of vision? The scriptures never say, “See first, then believe.” They teach, “Believe first, and then you shall see.”
Deals Don’t Work with God
People often try to strike deals with the Divine. One man prayed, “Oh God, bless me with one million dollars and I will donate $20,000 to your temple.” Then he added, “Actually, you can keep the $20,000 and just send me $980,000.”
God is beyond manipulation. He sees into the sincerity of the heart. We cannot con the Supreme. Instead, we must surrender, begin our practice with love and faith, and allow divine grace to descend.
There’s a story of a man who, during a river storm, vowed to donate his home to charity if God saved him. When he was saved, he listed his house for sale at one rupee—but insisted the buyer also purchase his cat for a million. He gave the rupee to charity and pocketed the rest.

God is not fooled by cleverness. What matters is the intention behind our vows, not just the outward act. The soul must approach God in humility and honesty.
Visualizing the Divine: Roop Dhyan
So how do we meditate on God if we don’t know what He looks like?That is where the divine beauty of Roop Dhyan comes in. God has granted us full freedom to visualize Him as we wish. He accepts all sincere forms of mental worship. You may imagine Him as Bal Gopal, as Kishor Krishna, as Shri Ram, or even as Shaligram.
God does not judge the accuracy of your mental picture. He sees only the bhav — the loving sentiment behind it.
There are eight types of murtis (divine forms) described in the scriptures. One of them is manomayi murti — the image created by the mind. This mental image, when filled with love, is as sacred as any temple deity. God accepts it with open arms.

So don’t worry if your visualization is imperfect. Start with sincerity. See Him, serve Him, speak to Him in your heart. This is the truest meditation.
Even if your image changes over time or is not always clear, your effort pleases the Lord. He sees the yearning behind the attempt and responds with divine grace.
Why Divine Vision Is Hidden
Some people think that if they had seen Lord Krishna in person, their faith would be stronger. But Lord Krishna Himself said in the Bhagavad Gita: > “Fools deride Me when I descend in human form. They do not recognize My divine nature.”
Even 5,000 years ago, when Shri Krishna walked the earth, many failed to recognize Him. Why? Because the material mind and senses cannot grasp the divine.
To perceive God, we must develop divine vision — and that comes through purification of the heart, not through physical eyesight.
If we saw His leelas with unpurified minds, we would become confused. For example, some question Lord Ram: “If He is God, why didn’t He know where Sita had gone?” Such doubts arise because we expect divine pastimes to conform to material logic.
Hence, we must begin our journey with faith, not expectation.

Until the soul is granted divine eyes, it will mistake God’s divinity as ordinary. So don’t wait for mystical experiences to start your practice. Start now, with love, humility, and surrender.
Start Where You Are
Don’t wait for perfection. Don’t wait to be a great artist or a perfect meditator. Start with what you have.
God has given us full creative license. Picture Him as your heart sees Him. Whether you visualize Him with glowing blue skin, a peacock feather, or as a smiling child, He will accept that love.
Everyone has different sanskars. Just as different people prefer different clothes, colors, and music, similarly, different forms of God attract different devotees. The Lord embraces them all.
So bring the image of your chosen deity to your heart. Brighten it. Personalize it. Talk to Him. Walk with Him. Serve Him in your imagination. This is not fantasy. This is bhakti.
Make your inner world His playground. Invite Him into every corner of your life — not only in worship but also while cooking, walking, working, or resting. Let every action become a garland of love offered to Him.
The Temple Within 🛕
Eventually, as you progress in this practice, you will no longer need to visit a temple to feel God’s presence. The temple will live within you.
When you leave a physical mandir, you carry the Lord in your heart. When you want darshan, you simply close your eyes and look inward.

This is the goal of all spiritual practice: to make your heart a home for the Divine. Whether in joy or sorrow, whether in silence or in speech, remember that the Lord is closer to you than your own breath.
📚 Resources
Unlock the Power of Bhakti to See Lord Krishna – Experience God | Swami Mukundananda
Lectures & Discourses
Swami Mukundananda – Daily Sadhana Program (jkyog.org)
Scripture - Bhagavad Gita, Chapters 7–12
Apps - JKYog App for guided Roop Dhyan, lectures, and kirtans
🙏 Call to Action: Begin Now
Don’t delay your journey. Don’t wait for visions. Begin today.
· Close your eyes and bring a loving image of God to mind
· Set aside 5–10 minutes each day for Roop Dhyan
· Speak to the Lord in your heart, like a friend or beloved
· Carry this remembrance throughout your day
· Share this post with a fellow seeker
“The Lord does not look at your skill. He looks at your love.”
FAQs
1. What is true transcendental meditation according to Swami Mukundananda?
True transcendental meditation means connecting the mind to the Divine — to God, who is beyond the material realm. It is not just about silence or inner peace, but about loving remembrance and visualization of God’s form, qualities, and pastimes.
2. How is transcendental meditation different from other forms of meditation?
Unlike other forms that focus on breath, thoughtlessness, or inner calm, transcendental meditation in the Vedic tradition aims to connect the soul to God. It is devotional and personal, not impersonal or mechanical.
3. Can I meditate on God even if I’ve never seen Him?
Yes. As Swami Mukundananda explains, “You do not need to see God with your eyes. See Him with your mind.” Visualization based on faith and love is known as Roop Dhyan, and it is a powerful form of devotion.
4. What is Roop Dhyan?
Roop Dhyan is meditation on the divine form of God created by the mind. It is a heartfelt visualization where you imagine God’s form — like Shri Krishna or Shri Ram — and lovingly engage with Him in your heart.
5. Why is the mind so important in spiritual practice?
Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj states that devotion is meaningful only when the mind is engaged. Physical rituals alone are ineffective without the mind’s focus on God.
6. I want to see God first — why is that wrong?
Wanting to see God before doing sadhana is like asking for a diploma before studying. Faith and effort must come first; divine vision follows grace and purification of the heart.
7. How do I start transcendental meditation today?
· Close your eyes and visualize God with love
· Begin with 5–10 minutes daily of Roop Dhyan
· Speak to God mentally, like a dear friend
· Involve Him in your daily life
· Be consistent — transformation follows practice