Month: August 2024

Kalyana Mitra

Posted on by Mandala

November 24th, 2013

Welcome to all. Thank you for being here for this miniature sangha gathering.  It makes me feel warm all over.

Surrender your seat to the Guru.

Count your breaths for 3 minutes. When counting your breaths and doing any breath awareness practice, observe with care that there is no pause between the breaths.There are many advanced teachers and mantra initiators here. Do take advantage of their presence and direct your questions to them. They are going to get bored by my very elementary course.

Purpose of the course: Many people remain confused about how to use such enormous materials we have available. Many are not even aware of what is available and how to use it. Swami Rama started teaching in USA in 1969; this is 44 years of teaching and publication. There is the need to sort out the materials and use them.

A kalyana mitra is who? I have intentionally not used the word TEACHER. Some people say: I am not interested in being a teacher. Others say, oh, I have already done my teacher training!! A brother is a kalyana mitra, a neighbor, parents, children, school teacher.

Anyone on the street who helps you in guidance or whom you help.  Both for your benefit and for those for whom you are serving as kalyana mitra.

We need to create a worldwide kalyana mitra system. All kalyana mitras, are noble friends on the path.
Because in the teaching you are moved by compassion (karuna), you want to reduce the suffering of all living beings. So you offer yourself as kalyana mitra, a Noble Friend, to all:

  1. Help them to the extent that your knowledge reaches.
  2. Keep increasing your knowledge by way of
    1. sakshatkara, spiritual realization
    2. svadhyaya, self-study which is being guided.

We have announced the course as WHAT AFTER MANTRA, but many are not even aware as to WHAT BEFORE MANTRA. Many are receiving mantras without prior preparation. When you first want to introduce the path to someone, give him/her Swami Rama’s business card: the book Living with the Himalayan Masters. The company you are working for is the company of sages. This is the first book, it is a miracle book. I have heard of miracle stories about the book. Then go further to know about Swami Rama by reading:

  1. Walking with a Himalayan Master by Justin O’Brien. Let our bookstore advise you how to obtain it or look up YES Publishers.
  2. There are four volumes of At the Feet of a Himalayan Master, published by HIHT (our hospital). Here is the 4th volume [showing it to the people present].

Justin O’Brien’s book and the 4 volumes are optional. The business card is the most important.

I am busy working on two books:

  • refining my first volume of the Yoga sutras
  • writing the 3rd volume on Yoga sutras. The 3rd chapter of Yoga sutras is very complex. On Sutra 13 alone I have written 40 pages. The current sutra 17 will be 100 pages (on one sutra).

How many of you have read my Yoga sutra commentaries? Raise hands? 10-15 people. It cannot be understood without the mastery of Sankhya philosophy.

So, these are basic readings in preparation for mantra initiation:

  1. Living with the Himalayan Masters
  2. Superconscious Meditation – videos by Swami Rama, available from the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.
  3. Superconscious Meditation – Swami Veda’s book
  4. Night Birds – Swami Veda’s book. If that is too much reading, there are small booklets Beginning Meditation, Himalayan Tradition of Yoga Meditation (most people have not studied it)
  5. Royal Path (used to be called Lectures on Yoga) – Swami Rama´s book. Some selections are important.

All teachers know the practicum preparations: relaxation (shavasana), diaphragmatic breathing (in makarasana, shavasana, sitting postures—and at all times, which most people neglect), nadi shodhana, breath awareness. Always encourage people to master these practices.

There are times when an initiator agrees to give a mantra initiation even without such a preparation. In that case, make sure that it is explained that immediately after receiving the initiation one will complete these readings and practicums. No mantra appointment without such a promise. For more information consult typescript on “what is initiation”.

Where should a person go from a place where there is no centre and no teacher of our tradition?

There are many options. I urge our lecturing teachers to explain these options.

Can you remember what happened at your mantra initiation? Many people ask what will happen at the initiation. So write out your own memory of it. Refresh it. And explain it.

Many people arrive for initiation and cannot sit properly. Make sure you make arrangements for them to learn to sit correctly. Many people, especially Indians, start reciting the mantra as soon as it is whispered into their ears. Please explain that mantra is for internal, inward, absorption only. It is not a chant that many Indians think and start chanting. Again, it is for inward absorption only: not using the mouth or tongue at all. These things should be explained by all kalyana mitras.

If there is time, some of the lecturers can go over as to what happens at initiation – what is the procedure?
FIRST, the initiator has been sitting for an hour meditation beforehand – many would-be initiates do not know that. Some start talking and asking questions. They have not been prepared.

Kalyana mitras are to facilitate the initiators’ tasks. At the time of initiation or soon after two recordings are given or sent as sound file or as CD.

  • Recording of the initiation
  • Guided meditation for mantra initiate that the initiate should follow as a regular procedure until such time that s/he no longer needs to listen to it.

Then, we always recommend a period of 24-36 hours of total silence and mantra-sadhana to start immediately upon initiation. If one has to go to a job or take care of children, then a period of such silence and intensive mantra-sadhana must be created even if later. Lecturers explain what the initiates do during these 24-36 hours of silence sadhana. We have a lot of audio material on SILENCE. The lecturers/initiators please select the minimum material the new initiate must have studied before coming for initiation. The more advanced material is for those who will do longer silence sadhana.

Please address your questions to the advanced teachers present here.

Take also the time to explain the daily practice to a beginner:

  • Cleansing,
  • Asanas,
  • Relaxation,
  • Establish diaphragmatic breathing,
  • Nadi shodhana,
  • Then TWO phases of meditation. One may spend whatever length of time at each phase:
    • Mantra with breath awareness with nostril flow. Some mantras are two long for one breath – the syllables may be divided into several breaths (without pause, without break).
    •  Mantra in mind alone. No use of mouth or tongue. Close with breath awareness.

Editor’s Note

Swamiji said during this lecture: “There are many advanced teachers and mantra initiators here. Do take advantage of their presence and direct your questions to them.” This advice extends beyond this seminar.

Swamiji asked, “How many of you have read my Yoga sutra commentaries?” Those commentaries are:

  • Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: With the Exposition of Vyāsa: A Translation and Commentary, Volume I, Samādhi Pāda by Pandit Usharbudh Arya
  • Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: With the Exposition of Vyāsa: A Translation and Commentary, Volume II, Sādhana Pāda by Swāmī Veda Bhāratī

We invite you to watch and read (click on title):

In addition to Swami Veda, those designated to give mantra initiation within the AHYMSIN family include: Alexander Benjamin, Carolyn Hume, Helen Choe, Lalita Arya, Linda Billau, Michael Kissener, Nina Johnson, Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral, Rajah Indran, Raghavendra Adiga, Savitri Jugdeo, Shi Hong, Stephen (Stoma) Parker, Swami Ma Radha Bharati, Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati, Swami Prashant Bharati, Swami Ritavan Bharati, Swami Tat Sat Bharati, Wolfgang Bischoff, and Yoong. We invite you to get to know them and let them get to know you.

Book Release: Guru Disciple Relationship Volume I

Posted on by Divya - Administrator

ॐ गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुर्गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।
गुरुः साक्षात्परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः॥

Om gurur brahmā gurur viṣṇur gurur devo maheśvaraḥ,
guruḥ sākṣāt paraṁ brahma tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ.

To that beautiful and benevolent Guru who is Brahmā, the Creator, Viṣṇu, the Maintainer, and Śiva, the Great Lord through whom all things return to their origin. To that Guru who is the direct experience of Brahman, salutations.

Guru-Disciple-Vol-1

We bow our heads and gratefully offer our newest publication at the lotus feet of our Gurudeva, Swami Rama, our beloved saint Swami Veda Bharati, and the Guru Force – Guru-Disciple Relationship, Volume 1. This deeply personal and inspiring new book by Swami Veda was released on the most sacred day of the Guru Purnima (the day that is dedicated to honouring our spiritual masters who guide us on our path towards the eternal truth). The book was released by Swami Ritavan Bharati and the HYPT Trustees (Shreedhar Kamat, Narendra Pushkarna and Sadhana Mishra). This is the first book in the series of four books on the same title, which will also be released soon.

In Guru-Disciple Relationship, Volume 1, Swami Veda delves into the most profound, transformative and selfless relationship between a guru and a disciple. The book is very lovingly, carefully, and dedicatedly compiled by Rajini Prakash ji from over four decades of lectures by Swamiji on the topic where he shares his many experiences with his beloved Gurudeva Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Through many real-life stories, Swamiji offers illuminating insights and a deeper understanding into this sacred and timeless connection that is unlike any other spiritual, emotional, or practical relationship.

This book was a result of tireless hard work of many volunteers and the entire HYPT team in bringing forth these gems of Swami Veda’s teachings for the benefit of all of us. We, all those who are longing and yearning for this guru-disciple relationship in our own personal lives, remain indebted to all those who have contributed towards this most beautiful text.

A short excerpt from the book:

“The first Guru, the highest Guru, is the Guru of the gurus, whose spirit permeates, fills, this entire universe; by whose presence alone and through whose personal energies alone the personal Guru teaches. That Guru is God the Creator, God the Preserver, God the Dissolver, the Supreme Brahman. Homage to that Guru.

When I was blind with the darkness of ignorance, he brought the herbal touch of knowledge to my eyes and opened my eyes. To that Guru my homage. That unbroken, full orb of the Sun that permeates all the moving and unmoving things in the universe, He by whose grace I have seen that vision, to that Guru my homage. All things unmoving or moving, whatever is in the universe, Thou art That, He who has made me realize this, homage to that Guru.”

Editor’s Note:

If you would like to receive a physical copy of this book, you may write to our bookstore at hyptbooks@gmail.com. For Kindle edition, you may visit – Guru Disciple Relationship Volume I

 

Sangha Blessings

Posted on by Mandala

Jyotir Bhava: Illuminating Joyful Living

“May all the lights you see remind you of your self-luminous soul.

Seated in the lotus of the heart, pray to that, the source of light, love, and happiness.”

We have gathered here, in solemn remembrance and joyous celebration, as we recall the teachings of our Himalayan lineage through our Master Gurudev Swami Rama and the life of our beloved saint, Swami Veda Bharati, and through so many others to whom we give gratitude in appreciation.

Who are these masters and saints and spiritual guides influencing our life journey? Mysteriously they entered into our lives, like a whisper upon a breeze. And before we knew it, they were in our hearts. Yet, perhaps they were always there and we did not know.

We are blessed with the love and light of our guru-guided path through those words: Love, Serve, Remember.  We remain steadfast to continue on the path of light serving selflessly as our expression of gratitude.  The essence of sacrifice is giving selflessly. It is a complete expression of love in the true sense. We have learned to be content with our essential needs fulfilled using our resources in service of others.

We are all here for a purpose; it is an ongoing spiritual process. We are all here for spiritual liberation and to serve that mission. This spiritual path, the Guru’s mission, is alleviating pain and suffering in the world. All pain and suffering arise from our mind: from the conflicts in our mind, from the selfishness in our mind, from the greed, anger, and desires in our mind. Meditation serves as a way to heal the wounded mind. So in your mind decide what area of the pain of the world you want to alleviate, by what means, and offer your services there with all your capacity. Today, let us resolve to consciously weave the fabric of our lives with waves of illuminating light.  Let Sadhana ignite hope in reforming and transforming our deep emotional patterns, deconditioning our minds, and to use the inner eye to “see” through the light of compassion, with empathy and understanding.

We are all aspiring to live a spiritual life, and we are linked through that spiritual aspiration to the Tradition and the mantra-seed that was planted is part of this beautiful garden of the guru-mind. We rejoice in this common-unity, this community that is with us always even when we are not aware of it. The beauty of this garden extends worldwide, embracing the entire global sangha.

Our sangha, spiritual community, is a single mind-field in which the stabilized personal minds, the stabilized lives of each of us, are as soft, gentle ripples in a calm lake.  So raise your level of consciousness.  Raise your level of awareness.  Let these Realities become your Realities.  You operate in the world knowing that this world then operates within another world, and you are in both worlds, so remain aware of both simultaneously.  You become aware of a heartfelt connection and linkage to the Tradition.

Tasmai shri gurave namah.

srb

Editor’s Note:

To know more about the 2024 American Sangha gathering, you may want to read

1) Experiences from the AHYMSIN U.S. Sangha by Dowlat Budhram – https://www.ahymsin.org/experiences-from-the-ahymsin-us-sangha/

2) Why I Will Joyfully Attend the Sangha of the Americas by Jenny May – https://www.ahymsin.org/why-i-will-joyfully-attend-the-sangha-of-the-americas/

3) A loving invitation to the Sangha of the Americas by Swami Ritavan Bharati – https://www.ahymsin.org/a-loving-invitation-to-the-sangha-of-the-americas/

4) AHYMSIN Sangha of the Americas – https://www.ahymsin.org/event/ahymsin-sangha-of-the-americas/

Experiences from the AHYMSIN U.S. Sangha

Posted on by Mandala
Sangha Gathering Group
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The AHYMSIN gathering returned to St. Olaf’s College, Northfield, Minnesota after 24 years for its Meditation and Silence Retreat. The beautiful serene grounds at St. Olaf in the summer were very conducive and inspiring for the event, particularly for meditative and contemplative practices. The gathering comprised more than 60 participants of the Americas that included those who have been in the Himalayan Tradition of Swami Rama and Swami Veda for a few or many years, as well as new participants who were attending to experience the rich and rewarding practices for the first time.

The program of the retreat covered three main aspects: lectures and presentations on important topics and practices of the Himalayan Tradition and Yoga Philosophy by various senior disciples of Swami Rama and Swami Veda; a four-day Silence Retreat from July 29 to August 03; and several profile presentations on Centers and activities. The silence component included special sessions on Akhanda Japa which was preceded by a special lecture and recitation of the Akhanda Mandala mantra from a recording by Swami Veda.

The daily program was an intensive schedule of activities that included early morning group meditation followed by guided hatha yoga practices, individual study, contemplative walking, japa, morning and afternoon workshops (practicums and practices), digestive breathing, personal practices and rest. The evening program consisted of lectures followed by group meditation and preparation for rest with Atma Tattva Avalokanam.

Lectures and presentations were made by several senior disciples and initiates that included Swami Ritavan Bharati, Swami Ma Radha, Stoma, Dale Buegel, Pierre Lefebvre, Charles Crenshaw, Cynthia Gran, Gary Gran, and Paul Emerson among others. The themes and presentations covered such topics as various aspects of Silence, Meditation and Transition, Joyful Living, Pillars of Sadhana, Sadhana in Applied Spirituality, Chitta-prasadana, Ishwar-pranidhana, Mantra Japa and Ajapa Japa, Special Mantras, Marks of Spiritual Progress, Pleasant Mindedness and Forgiveness and Journaling and Introspection.

Although the first couple of days were challenging to particularly the “first timers”, participants settled quickly into the meditation and silence routine, and expressed their wonderful and excellent experiences of participating in the Sangha. For those who participated in previous Sanghas including the one that was held in St. Olaf in 2004 and even afterwards, it was a sort of homecoming for them, bringing back years of a memorable experience. It was wonderful to see old friends again and meet so many new ones as one spiritual family. For the several newcomers to the event, the Sangha provided them the opportunity of a new experience, enabling them to delve into their individual personalities and learn of themselves through silence, japa, group meditations, asana practices and prayers.

Very notable experiences of the participants include:

  • For those who were initiated in the tradition, the Sangha provided the opportunity to regroup, recommit and rededicate themselves to their practices and discipline, particularly on mantra practice and silence techniques, and to the teachings of the Himalayan tradition.
  • Discoveries of their inner personalities through self-observation that came about from spiritual and contemplative practices throughout the day that led to a stable mind, which allowed for observation of samskaras and the ability to shift them through the practices.
  • While the overall Sangha provided so many wonderful experiences, the one aspect that stands out for many that was so impactful was the silence practice which was at the core and underscored all other practices. The silence experiences were found to be intense and overwhelming in so many ways ranging over a broad spectrum of emotions. They provided a good opportunity to dive deeper and gain insights into their individual personalities, learn from themselves of themselves, and stabilizing their mind to become more of a friend and guide. This practice has induced the need of a longing to continue the practice of silence and introspection.
  • The guided subtle body practices in the loft during the Akhanda japa sessions had a profound impact on participants. Coming together in the mind field that participants created in silence during these sessions was a memorable experience of all. After the yoga nidra session in the silence practices, some persons expressed a greater closeness of being held by their mantras since their initiation a time ago.
  • The gathering reminded many persons of the human personalities of Swami Rama and Swami Veda, and to experience the Guru spirit that was the light that shone through their lives. This energy was very much alive and accessible through the current leaders and an eagerness was expressed for all those participating to move forward and continue the momentum created in the past.
  • The Sangha provided an excellent opportunity to sit in prayer and meditation with members of the Sangha, develop a spiritual network with a common goal and one spirit, share individual experiences and learn of the challenges and successful approaches to individual and social life.
  • Most “first timers” expressed their gratitude for the event which enabled them to connect with and being in the presence of many leaders of the Himalayan tradition, an experience that they will continue to cherish. The Sangha provided a conscious energy field that revitalized their beings and they look forward to returning to another Himalayan Yoga Meditation and Silence retreat again.
  • Many participants were inspired by the personal sharing of the history and experiences of AHYMSIN disciples from across North America. They gained good insight into the history of Swami Rama’s and Swami Vedas’s work that have touched the hearts of today’s senior leaders and encouraged the growth of many centers. The videos of lectures of Swami Rama and Swami Veda were especially inspiring and several participants expressed their hope to have access to such videos and to read and study their publications.
  • The Sangha also provided the opportunity to come to meet and greet teachers and other initiates that they met online but wished to meet in person for a long time.  Meeting in person, feeling the energy, knowing each other and easily connecting just sitting together as ONE in a spiritual home was a very positive experience.
  • Many left St Olaf with a full heart, a recommitment to their personal practices and a renewed sense of responsibility and gratitude to serve wherever and whenever they are able to do so. Everyone understands the inner work that they are all doing, together, and they expressed their support to one another fully and joyfully.
  • There was unanimous gratitude and thanks to the organizers of the Sangha, particularly the Meditation Center in Minneapolis, the AHYMSIN Board of North America, the teachers and presenters.

There were also several profile presentations made during the retreat. These provided information on personal experiences of Swami Rama and Swami Veda, overview of the programs, classes and other activities of the various Centers in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, Teachers and Training programs, Social Media, Promotion and Retention, Preparation for Initiation, further Guidance for Initiates, Holistic Health and Yoga Practices, Charity Projects, Yoga and Lifestyle Applications, Mental Health Addressing, Retreats and Silence Days, Youth and Families. New publications of AHYMSIN and other materials were on display also during event.

One session focused on the AHYMSIN Board of North America. Some new members were added to the Board to replace a few who were not seeking re-election as well as to have a greater geographic representation on the body. More information on the new Board will be available soon and the next meeting of the Body is scheduled for August 27 this month. Among the various issues to be discussed will be the next Retreat of the Americas.

Editor’s Note:

To know more about the 2024 American Sangha gathering, you may want to read

1) Why I Will Joyfully Attend the Sangha of the Americas by Jenny May – https://www.ahymsin.org/why-i-will-joyfully-attend-the-sangha-of-the-americas/

2) Sangha Blessings by Swami Ritavan Bharati – https://www.ahymsin.org/sangha-blessings/

3) A loving invitation to the Sangha of the Americas by Swami Ritavan Bharati – https://www.ahymsin.org/a-loving-invitation-to-the-sangha-of-the-americas/

4) AHYMSIN Sangha of the Americas – https://www.ahymsin.org/event/ahymsin-sangha-of-the-americas/

 

Universal Brotherhood

Posted on by Mandala

The human race is suffering from its ego-born narrow-mindedness. Discrimination exists, based on religion, color, and nationality. In the same locality, people are being discriminated against just because they are European or Asian, black or white, Hindu or Moslem. As long as these man-made divisions exist in our society, there is no hope for peace or happiness. We must understand that we are born as humans and all other identifications are superimposed on us later. Loving others and receiving love from others is our birth right. True freedom means loving all and hating none, including all and excluding none. For cultivating the true human within, we have to reach out to the hearts of our fellow beings. Political treaties and alliances are of little value. There has to be a desire in every human heart to overcome mutual differences that have been artificially imposed by selfish political, social, and religious leaders.

Removing differences and moving from diversity to unity are the essence of real spiritual practices. This process has to occur at every level of our individual and social lives. By realizing one Reality within all, we will be able to purify our hearts and minds. This purification can lead us to the experience of the Divine Light within. Once we experience the Truth within, we will find ourselves to be part of the universe, and vice versa. Upon such realization here and now, we will not need to imagine a heaven apart from this universe. By loving all and excluding none, by sharing everything and possessing nothing, we will attain freedom from the fear of hell and the desire for heaven. We can have our own heaven here on earth.

Our interpersonal relationships must be based on the philosophy of universal brotherhood.

Editor’s Note

This is an excerpt from A Call to Humanity by Swami Rama, Chapter “Humanism,” pages 116-117 in the 1988edition.

This book is out of print, but available as a used book.

For all Swami Rama’s and Swami Veda Bharati’s published works, please email hyptbooks@gmail.com

Published works of Swami Rama and Swami Veda Bharati are also available at other venues.