A common complaint against Advaita philosophy is that it is not practical in the real world. Some complain that it is a nihilistic philosophy. Unfortunately, for those who have not understood the philosophy for what it conveys and instead look at it for materialistic gain, it may seem like that. However, for those who have not just read, but intellectually imbibed the subtle pointers in the Advaita teachings, they have surely experienced the practical benefits of this teaching.
As more and more people are addicted to the various technological innovations and offerings of this world, they are lead farther and farther away from their selves. An outwardly focused mind is a trap as the thoughts are ever changing and lure one into a web from which escape can be difficult. The more one moves away from one's self and gets enamored by the world of objects, sensations, thoughts and emotions, the more one is tortured by them. It is precisely this torture of the mind, that one eventually wants to escape for "peace of mind" - the most valuable asset in life! Perhaps there is no better time for humanity to realize this than in our present times.
Simplicity is none other than your Self. In becoming one with your Self, one realizes simplicity. This explains the longing for simplicity in humans through millennia and more so in the present time. With advances in technology taking one away from one's self, leaves one longing to return to the wholeness and oneness that is inherent in our being.
So, how is one to achieve this simplicity. Quite simply, one has to start meditating. You may start meditating on an object like your favorite deity or Guru, or even watch the parade of thoughts. Meditation on objects is a great way to start meditating and realizing the benefits of the same. However, eventually, one must veer to the question of who is meditating. It is then that one gets glimpses of the Reality or the Self. It is then that one realizes that meditating and simplicity are one and the same. The self meditating on the self-and the absence of the world of objects, thoughts and emotions.
Meditation will transform from a once or twice in a day routine to all the time during all the activities. Now, don't be disillusioned if the benefits of meditation are not immediately felt or observed. In fact, the very goal of benefiting from meditation may prove non-beneficial.
In Bhagawad Gita, like Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna, who was unwilling to fight the war, in the epic Mahabharata, -
Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana, Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani
You have the right to perform your actions but are not entitled to the fruits of your action. Do not perform duties with a desire for the fruit, and hence you will not be attached to nonperformance of your duties.
In just meditating, without looking for the fruits of meditation, it will eventually become evident that other than the Self there is no other. The very idea or thought that there is an entity that can benefit from any fruit of action will disappear. So, who is meditating on whom?
