Month: September 2015

Swami Ritavan Bharati offered appreciation for the guidance and support he has received from his kalyana-mitra, Dr. Mohan Swami, President of AHYMSIN and DMT.

Please, do not miss, in the September 2015 newsletter, the interview with Dr. Mohan Swami. Everyone is encouraged to closely read, contemplate, and subscribe to this vision expressed by our President, Dr. Mohan Swami.

Swami Ritavan Bharati mentioned that it is teamwork that is needed now – more collaboration, coordination and communication. Key to our AHYMSIN-management through Shi Hong and others is the necessity of performing our duties as service (seva) for the betterment of society. It is important to work towards upliftment of humanity, relieving suffering, and fulfilling the mission of Gurudeva Swami Rama and Swami Veda, and in this way, engage in our duties our sadhana.

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) should be a centre of learning and sadhana to create a stable mind-field. Through stability within each mind, a spiritual community creates a stable mind-field, like the gentle ripples on a calm lake. Swami Veda himself mentioned that he had prolonged his life to allow further guidance of his students and disciples to take them to this next step: Personal lives become stabilized; mind fields become stabilized, and this becomes Sangha. We must carry it forward with greater zeal. To permeate with love all that we do will assure the continuity of AHYMSIN for many years-to-come, and this mission must be shared with our Youth Leaders.

We must remember that there is only one Guru-force; and Swami Rama is the Gurudeva of our tradition. Swami Veda mentioned that even if his works are not remembered, the works of his Gurudeva should be. His aspiration was “may I be able to serve”; and now, i take this as my personal aspiration, and with such faith, serve through my new role.’

We continue with the teacher training program. The teachings and practices offered by Swami Veda will be translated into many languages and serve the international mission of AHYMSIN. More literary and audio resources of Swami Veda will be available soon.

Swami Ritavan Bharati outlined a future plan base on the theme – “spirited presence, subtler vision”, referring to the fact that Swami Veda’s presence and vision remains the guiding light for all of us and for the AHYMSIN management.

Swami Ritavan Bharati reminded us of the 2013 Sangha in which Swami Veda encouraged the Sangha to keep their regular daily meditations, and to apply his teachings regarding “Sadhana in Applied Spirituality,” and listed the practices to follow for the next 5 years. These and many other guidelines for sadhana will be periodically offered to sangha members for their spiritual upliftment by the samiti – the initiators and spiritual guides.

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Editor’s Note:

The September 2015 AHYMSIN newsletter can be read at this link https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1509Sep/index.html

The interview with Dr. Mohan Swami can be read at this link https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1509Sep/04.html

An interview with Swami Ritavan Bharati can be read at this link https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1509Sep/03.html

Sadhana in Applied Spirituality by Swami Veda Bharati can be read at this link http://ahymsin.org/main/swami-veda-bharati/sadhana-in-applied-spirituality.html

Practice for the Next Five Years and the Rest of Your Life by Swami Veda Bharati can be read at this link http://ahymsin.org/main/practice/practice-for-the-next-five-years-and-the-rest-of-your-life.html

For more about sangha and mind-field, you may enjoy reading Swami Veda Bharati’s remarks at http://ahymsin.org/main/ityuka-2010-conference/gathering-of-the-sangha-1-12-february-2010.html

 

Application of Yoga Psychology to Daily Life
1^st – 14^th October 2017
with Gita Morar

This event will take place 1^st to 10^th October 2017 at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) in Rishikesh, India, continuing10^th – 14^th October 2017 during which time participants will take part in the Jageshwar Mahamritunjaya Temple Pilgrimage.

 

Course Description:

While the Yoga Psychology of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras provides the inspiration for this course, the focus for lectures and discussion is how do we apply these principles in our daily lives. Sessions will include:

– an overview of the concepts, followed by a practical explanation for their application in our daily lives;
– studying the general states of mind and how to maintain equanimity;
– examining our thinking and how to be a witness to our thoughts;
– whether these thoughts are coloured or not and further examining what are these five colourings that affect the thoughts and how to work with them;
– the three gunas;
– working with and training the five active senses and the five cognitive senses in daily life;
– how does all of this relate to the the four functions of mind;
– how does this impact on your Yoga practise, your body, breath and mind and how do we work with these observations;
– how do we work with our emotions, stress, mindfulness and the heart centre;
– The practice of Healing, reduction in obstacles, mantra and purification.

This course is followed by a Pilgrimage to Jageshwar. Recitation of the healing Mahamritunjaya mantra in one of the largest and oldest temples in the complex is said to be very auspicious and gives a unique experience. See details below.

Jageshwar Mahamritunjaya Temple Pilgrimage

Jageshwar Dham– Abode of one of the Twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ is situated at an elevation of 1870 metres above sea level and at a distance of 358 Kms.from Rishikesh. There are around 124 temples and hundreds of statues in Jageshwar. See Wikipedia article here. (More suggested links at the end of this article.)

It’s an important place for meditation due to its tranquil and calm environment.

The beauty is enhanced by the Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) trees and flowing Jata Ganga. It is said that Swami Rama also meditated at Jageshwar.

In the cluster of temples The Mahamritunjaya Temple is the oldest and largest. This temple of Shiva is east facing. Recitation of Mahamritunjaya mantra here is said to be very auspicious and gives a unique experience.

The cost of pilgrimage will be over and above the registration for the retreat and Dakshina. The pilgrimage (from 10^th to 14^th October) will cost approximately $500 (Rs.35,000/-) for travel, accommodation and food etc. There are only limited seats; to be on the list, an early registration is required. If a participant does not want to take part in the pilgrimage or the pilgrimage is already fully booked, the sadhaka can choose to remain at SRSG in a program provided by SRSG or in self-study for these dates.

Gita Morar

Gita Morar, M.A. Clinical.Psychology; B.A.Honors. Social Work; B.A. Arts., Marriage Guidance and Counseling Diploma. In 1999 Gita went to study Yoga Meditation in Rishikesh, India, and met Swami Veda Bharati who initiated her. Gita comes regularly to study and practise Yoga Meditation in Rishikesh and Canada. She received her post graduate training in Brief Interactive Therapy at the renowned Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto, with John Weakland, Paul Watzalawick and Richard Fischer, and Mindfulness training with Jon Kabat-Zinn in the U.S. Lecturer, Clinical Psychology; Clinical trainer, Masters Level students, University of Durban- Westville. During her career she worked as a young Social Worker with Family and Child Services in Durban, South Africa, and was instrumental in initiating the first service for Mental Health for East Indians in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her volunteer work at both the local and national levels has received recognition.

She practices as a Psychotherapist in private practice in Cambridge, Canada, and has worked with Employee Assistance Programs. Following her studies in Yoga Meditation, she integrated, developed and ran a Programme with Yoga and Meditation for Pain Management and Cancer Patients in a local hospital, Hopesprings Community, and in private practice. Blessed by Swami Veda Bharati to open, run and teach Cambridge HYMSO, an AHYMSIN affiliate center, during one of his visits to Cambridge, Canada.

From more information or to register

Contact: ahymsin@ahymsin.org

More Information Links

• Google Image Search for Jageshwar Mahamrityunjaya Temple.
• A travel blog article here.
• Google maps showing location of the temple complex.
• Google search gives quite a few articles.

 

The cost of pilgrimage will be over and above the registration for the retreat and Dakshina. The pilgrimage (from 10th to 14th October) will cost approximately $500 (Rs.35,000/-) for travel, accommodation and food etc. There are only limited seats; to be on the list, an early registration is required. If a participant does not want to take part in the pilgrimage or the pilgrimage is already fully booked, the sadhaka can choose to remain at SRSG in a program provided by SRSG or in self-study for these dates.

Early Morning Complaint Interrupted

I awoke early feeling a rough edge with someone, an old friend, and someone also loved by my teacher and master. Then somehow I stumbled onto this online, that, today, September 17, 2015, was the Jaina Day of Forgiveness. I reflected how important forgiveness was to Swami Veda, not just during this one period of time, but always.

Then I learned that according to other sources, Kshamavani, the Jaina Day of Forgiveness, falls on September 27, 2015.  Some even say that it is on September 28th. To many Jainas today is the day.

A Confession to 2 Friends

Atithi is a Sanskrit word for guest. I remember how Dr. Arya opened one more entryway into another world when he said that in India, guests are revered, that the literal meaning of the Sanskrit word for guest is he who comes without notice.

Thus it was that the warm smiles of two wonderful friends appeared at my door this afternoon. I was telling them about how my early morning grumbling session opened up into the Day of Forgiveness when one of them said “Yes, it is the Jaina Day of Forgiveness. I just received a message from a Jaina friend, who asked my forgiveness for ever hurting me with thoughts, words or deeds.”

Choosing the High Road

Swami Veda had more than once spoken about Kshamavani, the Jaina Day of Forgiveness. A few years ago I took his words to heart and, almost miraculously, was able to make a silent resolve of unconditional forgiveness here, now and forever toward two particular individuals. It was long overdue. To my pleasant surprise, this lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, gave me a modicum of confidence and peace. I admit that there have been slips on my part regarding one of these people but I go back to the resolve again and again.

A Request and a Confession

If you who are reading this have ever in any way, direct or indirect, been hurt by me, please forgive me. If ever in small mindedness I have been hurt by you, I endeavor to forgive you. It is not my mere wish. It is the wishes of the entire Lineage and beyond. There is a line in a song from my youth which says it all.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me….

May it be so.
With the blessings and grace of our own selves, of the Guru of all great traditions and of God, may we embrace and forgive one another and all those whom we may have hurt or been hurt by.

If you are so moved, please do the same with others. I think somewhere Swami Veda called the universe the Uni-Verse—as in one poem–the One we all are.

I wrote asking forgiveness and granting unconditional forgiveness to the person I had been grousing about. It was within the period of time called Brahma-muhurta, literally “Hour of God,” in the very early morning long before dawn, a time considered ripe for prayer and meditation– not for complaining. This is my confession.

I am sharing it with you:

Dear (I would prefer to not name the person),

I just saw that today is the 9th day of Paryusan—Kshamaapana or Kshamaavani . The Jaina Day of Forgiveness.

With all my paltry heart, I beg that in trust you can forgive me.

and now….
I forgive you unconditionally with all my heart in all my capacity and in the infinite loving heart of the guru I do beg your forgiveness for all the times I have in thought, word or deed, been ungenerous with you or hurt you or distrusted you, my own guru’s own child.

Past present and future.
Though in the mind of God and Guru it is all happening all at once. There is no time in the truth of that One Mind. I do not perceive it as such but I believe it.

Besides, how could I ever aspire to less than love, even for a moment, one who has looked at the eyes of the loving teacher we have loved for so many lifetimes.

Aspiring, arising, ascending in the Guru’s own efforts for us all….

With love,
Joanne

September 17, 2015

A Little Road that Takes Me Home

When I write I often get into trouble going off on tangents that take the rider (reader) to a different destination. This is one such tangent that becomes a main thoroughfare.

I wanted to tell you about “Atithi: guest” in a different context. Indulge me.

Dr. Arya, later Swami Veda, engaged deeply with language, and sometimes in the middle of a lecture a word itself would feel like the chief guest and there it was hovering and quivering like a breathing being. He would often tell us a word’s origins and its cognates, connecting not just words and languages but whole histories of disparate peoples and distant times with the present.

Atithi is a Sanskrit word for guest.  I remember when he said that a guest is one who comes without notice, that this was the literal meaning of atithi. With one such stroke, he opened an entryway into another world.

This was just one way that he opened worlds for us. The room where we sat with him became an accordion and we were the notes. One moment the cosmos was where we were. The next, you were alone with him in a deeply intimate space, almost like an infant folded into a mother’s lap, as the rest of the room, the rest of the world fell away. I am sure many of us felt this even in a crowded lecture hall. He once told us that when his master looked at a student he was capable of seeing only that student and nothing else. Many of us had experienced this with him ourselves.

We were each one of us alone with him in the vastness and alone with him in a rocking chair, safe and loved, and, often, everything that had made no sense now made complete sense. He was a living treasure. One minute there was pindrop silence and the next the room roared with laughter. He was a delight. This brilliant, private man would let you in. He seemed to do this with abandon.

But no, he was a master architect. Once, before a lecture series I had coordinated for him, someone came up to me with a letter for Dr. Arya. I gave it to him and after he left, that person came to me to thank me for bringing Dr. Arya to our little town. The man said that he had asked the same burning question to many people and that this was the first time he felt that it was finally resolved. He explained that he did not realize that Dr. Arya was, step by step, building an answer to his question until the last lecture when he saw the total picture. On day one it was as if Dr. Arya had laid the foundation to a house. On day two, the walls and beams went up. And on day 3, this edifice of an answer was as complete as a house you could live in. (not his exact words but his meaning)

Sometimes I had the distinct feeling that Swami Veda was the ultimate chess master, peering out into your possibilities many lifetimes hence. Of course, I am not privy to his innermost thoughts. But sometimes it did feel like he was very patiently guiding a person with a view to lifetimes hence. Maybe he already knew who that person would become. Maybe he was a part of that world bubbling into existence, the bubbling evolution of one of his thousands of spiritual progeny many, many years into the future. It was as if he was dotting the dots between constellations in the sky, calling stars into existence to complete a larger picture. And no, I am not imagining things. I always say that though, even when I am asleep in a deep dream.

 

The venerable Lama Doboom Tulku, Founder and Managing Trustee of the World Buddhist Culture Trust, on September 4th, presented Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) with a bhandara, a special feast, and a concert “in cherished gratitude for the communion with the beloved Swami Veda Bharati.”

The Rinpoche is very interested in music and its profound spiritual effects. He believes that there is something in music that transcends and unites. The sign posting the event said “chanting of mantras and verses is important in many spiritual traditions. They are believed to have a special power on people in relieving anxiety, tension, depression and diseases. And when chanted en masse it is thought that the power multiplies….and has a soothing effect on people and helps in generating compassion and wisdom. Faith plays an important part in achieving benefits from mantra chanting.”

Lama Doboom Tulku said that, back in 2014, he had selected a few Buddhist mantras with the guidance of Swami Veda Bharati in pronouncing the Sanskrit words correctly. It was after an evening meditation together with Swami Veda and the Rinpoche in the Meditation Hall that we all stayed back while some SRSG residents chanted these together with Ashish Kukreti and Shivananda, both of Rishikesh, who arranged the chanting in the Indian musical style.

Friday’s concert began with a few words from the Rinpoche. He said:

This evening I invoke the blessings of the Buddha and all enlightened beings, particularly of my very close kalyana mitra, close spiritual friend, Swami Veda Bharati. Swami Veda is my closest kalyana mitra because we share the intention not to follow a narrow path. [It is] a path that leads us to full enlightenment and there can be many levels of enlightenment.

I feel even more satisfied to see the blessings of Swami Veda Bharati in the presence of Swami Ritavan Bharati. We are all together, staying together following the path together. I see Swami Veda’s quality in you, Swami Ritavan, which is a rare quality, of a compassionate attitude and humility.

Then a slideshow followed of photos of the 2007 sangha event at SRSG when Lama Doboom Tulku came here with many Buddhist monks to give prana pratishta (to bring alive with mantras) to the large white Buddha in the foyer of the main building. Lama Doboom Tulku stood at Swami Veda’s side at that auspicious 2007 event.

Following the slideshow, we chanted along with the DVD with the help of the English transliteration of the mantras projected onto a big screen.

An Interview with Lama Doboom Tulku Rinpoche

Afterwards. Chungkey, Rinpoche’s assistant, distributed free DVDs with the visuals and audio of the Sanskrit words we chanted so that we could easily chant these mantras later with friends. The next day the venerable Rinpoche kindly granted me an interview to clarify a few things.

Q: Can you tell us a little about these mantras?

A: The contents of this DVD are Buddhist verses and mantras containing two verses from Bodhicaryāvatāra,  a text written by India’s Acharya Shantideva  of the 8th Century  and two sets of four Buddhist mantras.

Q: Why are those particular mantras significant?

A: The first set of four Buddhist mantras consists of name-mantras of Avalokiteshvara, Manjughosha, Vajrapani and Aryatara. They are the sacred beings who represent enlightened qualities like compassion, wisdom, energy and action respectively. The second set of four Buddhist mantras is the mantra of Prajñāpāramitā, mantra of Buddha Shakyamuni, mantra of Uṣhṇiṣhavimala and mantra of Pratitasamudpada. They represent universal truth.

Q: In what way is a sacred word or a mantra a form of communication and communion?

Are they a language beyond language and a part of the continuum of natural language?

A: Mantras bring energy waves which affect oneself, others and the environment. They become more effective if they are done with sincere motivation, with the intension of benefiting others and with the idea of the ultimate nature. When they are repeated mentally or verbally they become even more effective with more repetitions. For example some people may do a mantra a million times and they become even more effective.

Rinpoche also said that chanting them with others also increases their effects. He went on to say:

It is known now through some scientific analysis that if you say certain words repeatedly it brings a certain effect on an object. [as shown in a study where the subjects spoke kindly or unkindly to plants ]

He spoke of studies done with flowers. Scientists experimented on two flowering plants, repeatedly telling the first one, words like “you are beautiful” and to the other plant words like “you are ugly”.  Both the plants were given equal care and nourishment. However, the first plant remained fresh while the second slowly shriveled up.

Q:  Could you say something more about the Maitreya Prayer and the Maitreya Festival?

A: Maitreya is regarded as the future Buddha. The real meaning of this concept of future Buddha, in my opinion, it means that the Maitreya is loving kindness. Only by such love, compassion and tolerance can humanity be saved from the ultimate disaster. Hence, Maitreya is the savior of human kind. The Maitreya prayer is one among many texts in the Buddhist canonical scriptures. It is very popular amongst Buddhists, particularly in the Tibetan Style of Buddhism. Maitreya Festival is observed in Tibet and also in Mongolia. This festival is to make connection with the Maitreya who is eventually to come down to earth to save the humanity.

The first Tibetan Buddhist center in America, the Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center  in New Jersey, founded in 1958 by a Mongolian [Geshe Wangyal, trained in Tibet and Kalmykia  who once spoke at a Himalayan Congress hosted by H.H. Swami Rama in Chicago in the 1970’s], now managed by Joshua and Diana Cutler, celebrates this festival every year.  I was invited this past summer to the centre to give an oral commentary on Maitreya Prayer.

Then, after this I went to San Francisco where my Chinese friend, Terese Tse Bartholomew, who is a scholar of Buddhist iconography, now retired from the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco [which was initially part of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and has now relocated to a larger venue in the city of San Francisco] presented me with a statue of Maitreya Buddha of about 6 inches and it is in the Tibetan style. It is twisted and bent from the waist towards the left. Normally the Tibetan Maitreya is sitting straight but this one is twisted. It is clear that the statue had been put to destruction during the Cultural Revolution [as with other Tibetan sacred images that were banned]. I then remembered the statue I saw of the Chinese style of Maitreya at SRSG which is twisted. My friend said that this [statue] is at least 15 centuries old and if I liked I could go to a goldsmith and have it straightened to its original form.

I prefer not to do this because first, it shows the history of the object and, not only that, it also represents the particular form of Maitreya that is in the Chinese style.

We have learned so much from Lama Doboom Tulku. We have been blessed by his humble presence and also that of Chungkey, his cheerful and friendly assistant, in the SRSG dining hall at lunchtimes, at the September 4th concert, and at SRSG’s celebration of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna on September 5th.

Nothing is Free

After having distributed the chanting DVD without charge, Lama Doboom said, smiling at us, but nothing is free. Now you have to chant and share these with others.

But it wasn’t until early the next morning that I realized what Lama Doboom had already told us the evening of the concert.

Two voices echoed in my mind. The first was that of Lama Doboom when he said that some mantras are even repeated a million times and have deep and far-reaching effects.

The second voice was that of Swami Veda Bharati and how he told us many times that a mantra is more than the sum of its parts and far beyond the mere dictionary meanings of a mantra’s various words. The mantra, he had said, could be found in deep absorption in the totality of the mantra, in the vibration of the entire mantra as one piece, not its parts. I remembered also that Swami Veda had once spoken of a very great wealth, a wealth beyond that of this physical world—the wealth of one who has silently recited a mantra many, many, many times.

As with the great beings of all great traditions –both in mantras and in living forms—they give infinitely, no-strings-attached. Long after the blessings are given, the giving only grows and multiplies as we water the plant with loving remembrance. What a gift of peace we may know after many thousands, billions, trillions of such mantra recitations!

While they are with us, their gentle, deep smiles and glances fill the room and carry us home. Long after they go, we can feel their blessings and how they grow exponentially. Whether silently, said or sung—alone or together—such gifts go not only to you but also to all of life around you and beyond.

More about Lama Doboom Tulku

In 1998 Lama Doboom Tulku began work on the World Festival of Sacred Music that travelled worldwide. The main event of this festival took place in Bangalore in 2000 where 650 artists from all over the world including 108 Buddhist monks and nuns from various Tibetan lineages assembled in the presence of H.H. the Dalai Lama at the inaugural concert in Bangalore , one of 13 cities worldwide where the Festival took place, the last being in Berlin.

He was born in the Kham region of Tibet in 1941 and recognized as the incarnation of the previous Doboom Tulku. At the age of 12, he joined Drepung Monastery in Tibet. He came to India in 1959, and studied in a monastic college in West Bengal. Then, under the auspices of Sanskrit University, Varanasi, he studied Buddhist philosophy and received a Geshe Archarya degree in 1972. He worked in various academic and cultural institutions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for almost 40 years. In 1999 he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Buddhist Studies by the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University of Bangkok. He is the author of The Buddhist Path to Enlightenment, Gyalwai Chotsul, Words Well Spoken: Maxims of Ocean and Moon and Words Well Spoken: Maxims of Earth and Stone. While here, he was writing a commentary on the Maitreya Prayer.

He mentioned Shantideva and also Tsongkapa who wrote about the importance of the Middle Way, compassion, the Bodhisattva vow and bodhicitta, among other things. When asked why Tsongkapa was important, Rinpoche said that Tsongkapa talked about the path to enlightenment, that his philosophy is based on Maitreya (Compassion) and the Middle Way. “Walk in the middle,” he said. “Don’t go to the two extremes or you may fall down. Similarly, eat what the body needs, not too much or too little. The same with sleep—not too much, not too little.”

Here at SRSG, we have basked in the holy presence of this gentle, humble lama and look forward to his next visit.

Each time we take our meditation seat, we can be sure that thoughts will arise. This is a given. Because of the nature of how the mind works, it cannot be avoided. However, through the practice of meditation it is possible to increase our awareness of the thoughts, and eventually slow them down. With practice we can more quickly become aware of when the thought pulls us off our point of focus. Each time it pulls us off point, we can bring our attention back gently, steadily, patiently, and gratefully.  Each time we bring our attention back to the task at hand, it is a celebration of our capacity to wake-up. It is something for which to be thankful. Over and over again, it is done with gratitude to acknowledge the accomplishment.  Every time we do it, it is a small victory.  It is a small awakening. It is one small step on the path to Enlightenment.  Enlightenment is held up as something lofty and rare. For most it is a process that unfolds naturally over years (or perhaps lifetimes) of disciplined practice.  But each time we become aware that our mind has wandered and it is brought back to the point, it is showing us our potential.  It is showing us that enlightenment is possible.  That is something for which to be immensely grateful.  It shows us we are capable of increased awareness.  Every time we take our meditation seat, we can see this possibility.  When a thought is brought back to the point of focus it can be exhilarating, knowing that we are on the road to freedom.  It may be a long trip, but it brings us one step closer.

We know that many thoughts can pass through the mind in a short period of time.  When someone first starts practicing meditation, it is common to lapse into 5, 10, 15 or more minutes of daydreaming, regrets, and worries. If someone can learn to relax enough to stop censuring, suppressing, or repressing the thoughts, often it can be emotionally shocking. Many people who try meditation drop their practice before they can get beyond this initial experience.  The barrage of thoughts and unexpected emotions can cause someone to get up and run away. I had this feeling many times and did run away a few times.  But so far I have always come back to sit again.  If we are determined to effortlessly bring our mind back to the point of focus each time we notice a thought, it is another small step up the mountain.  Eventually we can become aware sooner when a thought occurs.  We begin to notice the thought after a cycle of the breath, a half breath, or sometimes the very next instant.  That is progress and is something to be acknowledged and be grateful for.

Even if you have 1000 thoughts in an hour meditation session, it is something for which to be thankful.  It is 1000 more opportunities to wake-up!  If you are able to bring your focus back to the mantra or breath after you become aware of the thought, the practice time has been well spent.
__________

Daniel Hertz (E-RYT 500) is an award winning teacher and counselor in the Minneapolis Public Schools and is on the faculty of The Meditation Center. He is the author of two Yoga-Meditation related books that benefit SRIVERM, the school in the remote Himalayas founded by Swami Hari.  Please see www.DanielHertzBooks.wordpress.com  for more information.

Even if the trip was already planned – I’ve booked the plane ticket on 29th April – during the process when it has realized, I felt that there is a great bliss beyond the planning. I am grateful to my mother and to my friends for their support as well.

I was preparing to practice 10 days of silence during the Guru Purnima Celebration. My plan was to turn inward mostly, to face with my divorce and get conclusions if it’s still needed, and I also wanted to know where am I standing now in my life.

Of course, almost everything happened differently…

As we hear a lot from our beloved teachers: We always get what we need mostly, and sometimes it does not correspond to our plans or to our desires…

Our beloved Swaimi Veda Bharati passed from his body and took his Mahasamadhi 14th July. A wonderful article from Joanne Sullivan’s experiences about those days: The Mahasamadhi of Swami Veda Bharati (click on title).

Three days later, 17th July the ‘Jal Samadhi’ happened, which is sinking the body to the bottom of the Holy Ganges River. JP Bahuguna captured the moments as well with unique sense and keen eye: Swamiji’s Maha Samadhi July 17, 2015(click on title).

I could hardly stay here in my Hungarian home after Swamiji’s ‘transformation’, my Indian heart was pulled by my home over there.

His presence became incredibly strong and loving. I felt his presence even stronger than before. Several people shared similar experiences later here and there as well.

I didn’t know what kind of experiences to expect. I was afraid it was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster that bundle hidden in my soul; and at that time the extreme weather was worrying too. Meanwhile, I was sure: I have to go, my place is there, no matter what happens, everything is going to be alright.

Two days after the ‘Jal Samadhi’, on the 19th, with a smooth and gentle flow, with ambivalent emotions, full of excitement, with my open heart and love, I arrived home from home.

Geographically, this place is a tiny area of the ​​North-India, of Rishikesh. For me an island of peace and treasure which embraces the whole world. In February 2011, I was initiated and merged here into one with the infinite and pure source of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition.

One day was enough to get used to a local rhythm. I dropped in to Laxman Jhula for a few hours to get some gifts. Cleverly negotiated with the drivers on prices, which is part of the local tradition. It was a surprising experience that the strong sunshine and high humidity combination was pretty well bearable. For the entire truth, it could happen because the air conditioning in my room maintained a pleasantly cool temperature as well… 😉

Next day I’ve started the well planned 10-days of silence practice. Let it be!
I did my own daily routine: asana practice, nadi shodhanam, meditation with an internal dialogue, mantra japa and journaling. I joined also in the 16-days memorial service – Shodashi.

As part of this, I was attended on common meditations, the Gayatri Japa chanting; the offerings –and fire ceremony – Puja and Purna-ahuti Yajna; the evening gatherings, and on 29th the final tribute ceremony and special meal service – Shradhanjali Samaroha and Shodhashi bhandara; and finally on 31st the Guru Purnima Celebrations.

During this time I dived into quiet and peaceful depths, and also let the swirling emotions to emerge in front of me. I observed the waves of my mind and the old memories, and all my practices helped me to let everything go. In parallel a space opened for the compassion, for the sorrow and pain, and for a releasing joy and love.

I let go the outer frame of the 10 days of silence. On the sixth day I’ve started to connect to the beautiful souls around me, and they fascinated me with their pure, kind and loving presence. I became richer with new relationships. I experienced how to keep the inner focus and at the same time keep the connection openly. Deeply touched by both kinds of togetherness, the quiet and the talkative too. I’m very grateful for all of you and thankful to all of you!!!

The farewell event on 29th of July was well organized. Everyone knew where they had to be, what to do; it was a smoothly flowing event. Content and happy smiles reflected on the faces at the end of the day. It was a very special and moving experience on that day:
Love, acceptance, support and honor to Swami Ritavan from the Swami community and from the international Himalayan family as well.

Wonderful to experience Swamiji’s presence and his heritage as one! His presence has been taught a lot to me, about the death as well. This period has also great teachings. How strong and deep is my faith? It’s time for certainty.

It feels good to remember the words of Stomy Persaud – one of the daughters of Swamiji – with which she beautifully expressed:

Swamiji’s mission alive and keep flowing through us. Let’s continue the mission that we’ve started!!!

And let it be as Swami Ritavanji reminded us:

“Please keep his intention in your mind – ‘Let every person feel loved’”

with much Love and Light,
Monaji

Chariot of Sadhana Retreat
with
Charles and Carol Crenshaw
26th March – 2nd April 2016
at
Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
Rishikesh, India

“I know WHAT to do, but I don’t know HOW to do it!”

Chariot of Sadhana (spiritual practice): Sri Swami Rama’s metaphor of a chariot with two wheels: dispassion (vairagya) and practice (abhyasa) as described in the first chapter of Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutra, the core text of Raja Yoga. Both wheels must turn together for the chariot to advance.

Chariot of Sadhana by Martin and Marian Jerry and Swami Veda Bharati: “This text, as well as Sutras of the Inner Teacher, is addressed to advanced students of the Himalayan Tradition to assist at a critical stage of the unfolding of spiritual consciousness on the path. We assume some basic knowledge of Yoga as taught in the Himalayan Tradition as well as practical familiarity with practices and methods. But every reader interested in Yoga and spirituality will find something of value in both texts.” – Introduction

Cost: Cost of SRSG hospitality plus a goodwill offering for instruction.

For more information and to register: ahymsin@ahymsin.org

To purchase the book Chariot of Sadhana by Martin and Marian Jerry and Swami Veda Bharati: http://www.unlimitedpublishing.com/jerry/

Swami Veda Bharati recommended two books, Sutras of the Inner Teacher and Chariot of Sadhana, for deepening one’s understanding of Yoga.

The book is not required reading to participate in this course.

Charles and Carol Crenshaw are the founders and directors of Inner Peace Yoga Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

To read what Charles has about this course https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1509Sep/06.html

Charles has been practicing meditation and yoga since 1974. He holds a Master’s degree in Eastern Studies/Comparative Psychology/Holistic Health from the University of Scranton. During his tenure in New York, Charles worked on the staff of the Center for Holistic Medicine as a teacher, counselor, yoga therapist, and biofeedback trainer. He is also an ordained Interfaith Minister from the New Seminary, New York City, where he specialized in spiritual counseling, and served on the lecture faculty for two years. Charles holds a certificate of training for Alcohol & Substance Abuse counseling from the New School for Social Research in New York City, and is a Reiki master. He also served on the staff of the Himalayan Institute Charitable Hospital (Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun, India) as a yoga therapist and researcher investigating the benefits of yoga on health. Charles has served as a senior teacher and seminar coordinator at the Himalayan Institute’s national headquarters in Honesdale, PA. He is an E-RYT Yoga Alliance instructor, and has studied eclectically worldwide. Charles is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Phoenix, where he teaches courses in philosophy and religion. He is a Certified EFT INT practitioner (Contributing author for The Clinical EFT Handbook), a Certified Consulting Hypnotist, and Master NLP practitioner. He is author of The Pathless Path: God, Grace, Guru.

Carol has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 30 years and holds a Master’s degree in Eastern Studies/Comparative Psychology/Holistic Health from the University of Scranton. She is certified to teach Hatha Yoga and Meditation from the Himalayan Institute Teacher’s Association and is an E-RYT Yoga Alliance instructor. She has taught yoga practices for twenty-five years in the U.S., India, and Italy. She served as a yoga therapist, biofeedback trainer, and wellness counselor both at the Center for Holistic Medicine in New York City and at the Himalayan Institute headquarters in Honesdale, PA, where she also served as a senior teacher. She is the author of several articles that have appeared in Yoga International magazine. Carol is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Phoenix, where she teaches courses in philosophy, psychology, sociology, and the humanities. She is a Certified EFT INT practitioner who specializes in weight loss (Contributing author for The Clinical EFT Handbook).