Month: July 2014

As a Chinese I have limited access to the English language. How would you advise that I follow the teachings of the tradition?

Posted on by Mandala

Question

As a Chinese I have limited access to the English language. How would you advise that I follow the teachings of the tradition?

Answer

Shi Hong answered this question.

Shi Hong

Dear seeker,

One must recognize that the essential teachings in spirituality are the same across all cultures, religions, and language divides. Isn’t the principle of non-violence taught in the Chinese language? Isn’t the necessity of stillness spoken of by the Chinese sages?

Nevertheless, having access to the English language is a convenience, to a certain degree. If you have the opportunity to do so, improve your English. But we should never forget that the most effective language for a true spiritual seeker is the language of silence. Improve on our silence, which is an end in itself.

If you have time and the means to do so, go and learn silence at our ashram in Rishikesh where Swami Veda is currently teaching, silently. When one is in for a silence retreat, what other language is needed?

In service,

Shi Hong

Editor’s Note

If you have any questions about your spiritual practice, you may write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee at adhyatmasamiti@gmail.com.

Guru Purnima Message

Posted on by Mandala

July 12, 1984, given to sadhakas at The Meditation Center

This day, Guru Purnima, is celebrated with great encouragement by aspirants who follow the spiritual path. No matter which path is followed, whether it is raja, bhakti, jnana, laya or any other path, all celebrate this day.

This day of Guru Purnima reminds us of our spiritual awaking and to be on the path sincerely, regularly and making efforts to attain the goal.

Guru is a fountainhead of knowledge, spirituality, and wisdom through which flows the knowledge that is traditionally handed down from generation to generation. This day reminds one of his goals. Let us rejoice this day and make a firm resolution and obtain our goal, which is peace, happiness and bliss, and serve others selflessly, and love others selflessly.

Love all selflessly.

May you love all and exclude none.

OM. Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

What Is Mastery in Yoga?

Posted on by Mandala

Nowadays thousands of people worldwide publicise themselves as yoga masters.

Real masters are few and far between. Even to be a master of one kriya (method or practice) is rare and requires tapasya (ascetic dedication) that few are willing to undertake.

Practice a kriya until you have mastered it.

How do you know when you have mastered it? Here are the few stages of mastery.

  1. You do not need prompting, or any continued guidance from a teacher in going through the kriya.
  2. You practice the kriya without getting confused about the sequence and the process. You have internalised it.
  3. The kriya gets done in a shorter and shorter time and at subtler and subtler level. For example in a breathing sequence (A) the breath becomes slower and slower and subtler and subtler together with (B) more and more serene state of consciousness and stillness of mind.
  4. During the kriya the mind does not wander.
  5. The experience or the level of consciousness that the kriya imparts can now be accomplished without the kriya. You go into that state without the kriya spontaneously at will.
  6. That state of consciousness becomes your basic state at all times; you remain in it.
  7. When you guide others through that kriya, they reach the desired depth and state of consciousness. Gradually you do it without words.
  8. Your very presence begins to invoke that state of consciousness in them, and that is the real teaching.
  9. When you have mastered one kriya then proceed to other kriyas although related kriyas may be practised simultaneously in above sequence.

A true master in yoga is a master of states of consciousness with the ability to induce a serene and peaceful state in a student as well as his/environment such as an Ashram. When even a new person enters such an environment s/he feels a touch of peacefulness.

May you become a master in some lifetime when you are guided by a true master.