The simplicity of meditation means just experiencing the ape instinct of ego.
This quote suggests that meditation, at its core, is a simple process that involves confronting and experiencing the primitive, self-centered instincts of the ego – likened here to an ape, which is often used as a symbol of our basic, instinctual nature. The ”ape instinct” refers to our primal urges, desires, fears, and reactions that often drive our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, usually without our conscious awareness.
Meditation, in this context, is the practice of bringing these unconscious aspects of ourselves into the light of conscious awareness. It’s about not running away from or suppressing these instincts but rather acknowledging and experiencing them fully. This is what the author means by “the simplicity of meditation”. It’s not about achieving some transcendental state of consciousness or mystical experience, but about getting to know ourselves better, particularly those aspects of ourselves that we often ignore or deny.
Applying this idea to today’s world or personal development, it suggests that we need to spend more time in introspection, in understanding our own motivations and actions. In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and externally focused, we often neglect our inner world. We’re so busy reacting to external stimuli that we don’t take the time to understand why we react the way we do.
By practicing meditation and confronting our “ape instinct”, we can gain insight into our own behavior and motivations. This can lead to greater self-awareness, which in turn can lead to personal growth and development. It can help us understand why we react the way we do in certain situations, why we hold certain beliefs, and why we have certain emotional responses. This understanding can then allow us to make more conscious choices, rather than simply reacting out of instinct or habit.
In essence, the quote is a call to simplicity, introspection, self-awareness, and personal growth. It’s a reminder that understanding ourselves is a crucial part of living a more conscious, intentional, and fulfilling life.
