Eknath Easwaran was a spiritual writer and meditation teacher who had a unique approach to meditation that differed from many other teachers. His teachings were deeply rooted in the ancient spiritual traditions of India, but were also adapted to be relevant and accessible to modern audiences. Easwaran's approach to meditation was characterized by its simplicity, practicality, and universality.

One of the key differences in Easwaran's approach to meditation was his emphasis on the use of a mantra or a sacred word to focus the mind. This mantra, which could be a word or a phrase, was repeated silently during meditation to help quiet the mind and bring about a state of deep inner peace. This technique, known as "passage meditation," was inspired by the ancient practice of mantram repetition in the Hindu tradition. Easwaran believed that using a mantra was an effective way to overcome distractions and cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment.

Another unique aspect of Easwaran's approach was his emphasis on integrating meditation into daily life. He believed that meditation was not just a practice to be done in a quiet room, but rather a way of living that could be applied to all aspects of life. Easwaran encouraged his students to incorporate meditation into their daily routines, such as while walking, eating, or even doing household chores. This approach helped to bring mindfulness and inner peace into all aspects of life, rather than just during designated meditation sessions.

Easwaran's teachings also placed a strong emphasis on the development of character and inner transformation. He believed that through regular meditation, individuals could cultivate qualities such as patience, compassion, and inner strength. This inner transformation was not only beneficial for the individual, but also had a positive impact on society as a whole. Easwaran's teachings were therefore not just focused on personal growth, but also on creating a more peaceful and harmonious world.

In contrast to some other meditation teachers who may focus on achieving specific goals or experiences through meditation, Easwaran's approach was more about the journey itself. He believed that meditation was a lifelong practice, and that the benefits of inner peace and spiritual growth could be experienced gradually over time. This approach was more in line with the traditional understanding of meditation as a path to self-realization, rather than a means to achieve certain outcomes.

In summary, Easwaran's approach to meditation differed from other teachers in its emphasis on simplicity, practicality, and universality. His teachings were focused on using a mantra to quiet the mind, integrating meditation into daily life, and cultivating inner transformation. Easwaran's approach was not about achieving specific goals or experiences, but rather about the journey towards inner peace and spiritual growth.