READING PRACTICE SEPT 4

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.
Certain words/ phrases have been given in bold to help you locate
them while answering some of the questions.

Through meditation we can tap into the power of our soul. Many people live
without realising its power. All the treasures such as knowledge, love,
fearlessness, connectedness and bliss reside within our deepest Self. The
soul is the source of tremendous wisdom, love and power, yet we remain
ignorant of it because we are currently lost in the world of illusion.Despite
our condition, the empowered soul exists within. It is our true nature, and to
reclaim it – so we can tap into its gifts that will enrich our lives – we need to
develop our meditation practice.
We cannot expect to achieve our goal in the twinkling of an eye. For
example, when our houses, roads and parks need repairs, we generally
wait for warm and dry weather. Once we begin, we realise that despite our
efforts, the renovation won’t happen overnight. It takes time. Ultimately,
with daily practice, concentration and effort, our project moves forward,
towards completion. The same can be said for meditation. The cumulative
effect of our daily efforts helps us achieve our spiritual goals.
When we meditate, these daily efforts should bring us to deeper states of
consciousness. If today we meditate for half an hour, let us sit for 31
minutes tomorrow. If we can then increase our time in meditation minute by
minute, then in due course, we will be able to sit for 10% of our day, which
equals about two and a half hours and so on.Many people learn how to
meditate, but they do not practise it to the point of perfecting their ability to
withdraw their attention. To do so, meditation needs to be practised daily.
At first it is not easy to tetrain our attention from focussing on the outside
to focussing within because our habit has been to focus on the world
around us. So, we need to sit with a still mind. We need to close our eyes
and keep our inner gaze focussed on whatever appears in the field in front
of us. This means unwavering attention with no intervening thoughts. If we
keep our mind still, we will begin to see the glorious treasures awaiting us
within.
We can’t expect to achieve our meditation goals all at once. Rather, let us
proceed slowly and steadily. This is the same strategy we use when we are
faced with a heavy load. When something is too heavy to lift, for example,
we will often divide it into smaller parts. In this way, we are able to succeed.

By taking methodical steps, we, too, will eventually perfect the practice of
meditation and move towards spiritual enlightenment.It is possible to lead a
balanced life, wherein we spend time in daily meditation while raising a
family, having a job and performing selfless service. By doing so, we begin
to reap the benefits of our practice which results in greater concentration as
well as increased calm and well-being.
As our concentration deepens, we will begin to discover our own potential.
We will experience a profound
transformation that enriches all areas of our
life – from personal relations, to physical, mental and emotional health, to
our spiritual growth as well as the attainment of our life’s goals. This
transformation brings peace and joy into our lives and contributes to a
peaceful, loving world.

1. Why do we remain ignorant of tremendous bliss,love,power we have
incorporated inside our soul?

Answer only in context of the passage.

1. because of our emotional health.
2. due to non-spiritual englightenment.
3. wavering attention.
4. because we are lost in the world of illusion.
5. none of these.

2. Why is it not easy initially to practice the habit of meditation(focus attention from
outside to inside within) daily?

1. because it is impossible to bring perfection.
2. as we are habitual of focusing on the world around us.
3. since it is a tough spiritual practice.
4. as this transformation changes the individual.
5. as it results in a calmless well- being initially.

3. What is the alternative way of practicing meditation goal if not at once?

1. by accessing your own unconscious, you gather insight into your conflicts, and find
the capacity and resources to meet them.
2. Strengthening impulse control.
3. by proceeding slowly steadily and taking methodical steps.
4. by enhancing your executive function, working memory, concentration, and
visuospatial processing
5. all of these.

4. How will deepening of concentration help human’s self?

1. will bring peace and joy in one’s own life.
2. will help to achieve the spiritual goals
3. helps to experience a profound transformation that enriches all areas of the life 4.
one will begin to discover one’s own potential.
5. all of these.

5. What is the appropriate title of the passage?

1. Boost your meditation
2. Creativity to thrive
3. Neuroscience behind meditation
4. Connecting to the central core
5. Mantras of Meditation

6. Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in
bold as used in the passage.

Twinkling

1. cloudy
2. bland
3. scintillating
4. dull
5. dreary

7. Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in
bold as used in the passage.

Retrain

1. cease
2. edify
3. succumb
4. abscond
5. repudiate

8. Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in
bold as used in the passage.

Unwavering

1. withdrawn
2. fickle
3. irresolute
4. misaligned
5. persistent

9. Choose the word which is the OPPOSITE in meaning as the word printed in bold as
used in the passage.

Intervening

1. interceding 2. intruding
3. conciliating
4. shun
5. interstitial

10. Choose the word which is the OPPOSITE in meaning as the word printed in bold as
used in the passage.

Profound

1. fervent
2. insignificant
3. ardent
4. vehement
5. radical