Meditating on a memorized inspirational passage is the heart of the program called passage meditation. Seven supporting disciplines are used throughout the rest of the day, helping you go deeper for a lifetime of discovery.

1. Meditation on a Passage
Silent repetition in the mind of memorized inspirational passages from the world’s great religions. Practiced for one-half hour each morning. [ More: Basic | Full ]

2. Repetition of a Mantram
Silent repetition in the mind of a Holy Name or a hallowed phrase from one of the world’s great religions. Practiced whenever possible throughout the day or night. [ More: Basic | Full ]

3. Slowing Down
Setting priorities and reducing the stress and friction caused by hurry. [ More: Basic | Full ]

4. One-Pointed Attention
Giving full concentration to the matter at hand. [ More: Basic | Full ]

5. Training the Senses
Overcoming conditioned habits and learning to enjoy what is beneficial. [ More: Basic | Full ]

6. Putting Others First
Gaining freedom from selfishness and separateness; finding joy in helping others. [ More: Basic | Full ]

7. Spiritual Fellowship
Spending time regularly with others who are practicing passage meditation for mutual inspiration and support. [ More: Basic | Full ]

8. Spiritual Reading
Drawing inspiration from writings by and about the world’s great spiritual figures and from the scriptures of all religions. Studying Easwaran’s works for general inspiration and for specific instruction in passage meditation. [ More: Basic | Full ]

These eight steps are designed for daily practice. Though they may at first seem unrelated, they are closely linked. Quieting your mind in morning meditation, for instance, will help your efforts to slow down at work, and slowing down at work will, in turn, improve your meditation. Hurry at work and your mind will race during meditation; skip meditation and you will find it difficult to be both slow and concentrated.

Some of the steps generate spiritual power while others put it to wise use during the day. Practicing all eight creates a balanced approach to spiritual growth, yielding the greatest benefits.