| |
|
Transitions in Self-Transformation
by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Transitions in Self-Transformation: Entering into Silence 2013
Life Transitions in Renunciation beginning with Vanaprastha
Dear Center Members, Friends, and Colleagues,
Some Years ago, as Swami Veda continued his Vanaprastha life in his 60's, he enjoyed meditating in a mud-hut outside the town of Dehradun. As inspiration would have it, he shared his insights through the epic tale known as Yoga-Vasishtha in an article entitled: My Meditation Hut.
And now, as Swami Veda begins his 5-year Vow of Silence, together we share in this life transition to commit ourselves to purposeful living and sadhana. We begin with a series of articles on Life Transitions in Renunciation looking first at the Vanaprastha-stage of aging, retirement and seeking spiritual fulfillment. This theme will continue in preparation for the year-end events [at The Meditation Center] beginning our Transitions in Self-Transformation: Entering into Silence.
Please join me in entering a period of Transition & Re-Newal so as to begin 2013 as a Year of Self-Transformation. Along with Swami Veda's vow of 5 years of complete silence, I will begin my vow of 3 years ardha-silence as a transition in my life.
The Vasishtha says: "Whosoever is wearied, whosoever is scorched with thirst, whosoever feels broken-up by cravings and attachments; where the principles of duality and multiplicity leaves only discontent. Then let such a seeker apply this balm of solitude. Let him take to this Meditation as his potion, prescription and provider for his path to Happiness and Fulfillment."
Swami Veda reminds us that meditation can be performed in a moment wherever we are, whatever we are doing. He says, like rainbows imprisoned in dew-drops longing to be released, relieved, to be allowed to open and stretch to the horizon, let yourself go still, to breathe deeply, to be free of the hunger and thirst of craving for a moment. Within this moment of solitude a new impression of joy, a carefree impression of mind's song of silence has begun. Can you build yourself a meditation hut, within your skull, within the cave of your heart, and within your home?
Begin a journal of marking transitions and planning for the New Year during these coming days. The dawn of a new age will surge forward for you. Life's treasury of loved-ones will feel nourished as they see your contentment, knowing that you built your meditation hut in your heart.
Please mark your calendar with the events from Transitions in Self-Transformation with Vanaprastha Ritual Havan on the 30th of December. Please participate in Transitions in Self-Transformation: Entering into Silence 2013, reading weekly web articles, joining December activities, increasing your personal sadhana. Make your Sankalpa Now!
Yours in service of the Meditative Lineage of the Himalayan Masters,
Swami Ritavan Bharati
Year End Events, Transitions in Self-Transformation at The Meditation Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Entering into Silence 2013 Events
The Meditation Center will sponsor these year-end events in support of Swami Veda Bharati's five-year vow of silence and the March 2013 events in Rishikesh, India.
Year-End Community Blessing and Social:
Thursday, December 27, 2012,
Meditation begins at 6:30 pm
This event begins the year-end activities with special blessings from the swamis, review of Swami Veda's 2013 Spiritual Guidelines for Initiates, and dinner
Ashram Day of Silence and Full Moon Meditation:
Friday, December 28, 2012, 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Swami Ritavan Bharati, Swami Ma Gita Bharati, and teaching staff
Lakshmi Puja for New Year Prosperity and Well-Being: Generosity and Abundance
Saturday, December 29, 2012
With Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral
Vanaprastha Puja for Renewal and Change: Life Transitions in Simplicity and Surrender
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Swami Ritavan Bharati, Dr. Stoma Parker, and Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral
Day of Silence and 24-Hour Akhanda Japa Bringing in the New Year:
Starting Monday, December 31, 2012, 6:00 am
through Tuesday January 01, 2013, 9:00 am
Community Silent New-Year Breakfast:
Tuesday, January 01, 2013, 9:00 am
All events will be held at The Meditation Center. Participation in all or selected events are welcomed. Limited residential space is available for out-of-town students (please email us for reservations). Pre-registration is necessary and advised ASAP. Please visit our website for more details.
Editor’s Note:
To see more about the year-end activities at The Meditation Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA: http://www.themeditationcenter.org/jnana/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=218&Itemid=205
To contact The Meditation Center: http://www.themeditationcenter.org/jnana/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=1&Itemid=24
To read “My Meditation Hut” by Swami Veda Bharati: http://www.meaus.com/My_Meditation_Hut.html
|
|
|
