02.10.08

Meditation Daily Practice

Posted in Articles, Meditation at 10:26 pm by Administrator

– By Yogini Rina

EVERYTHING IS MEDITATION. You should meditate on that inner Being all the time. Don’t meditate on the mind, rather meditate on the witness of the mind. Doesn’t matter how your mind thinks about other things and distractions, you are not going to loose anything, because in the attempted everything will come to you only if you meditate on the witness of the mind, the inner Self. Meditate with the aim to open your heart center, to be happy and peaceful. It is said that God exist in letters, from words sentence is composed, then you get meaning and vibration and sounds, the tong is touched by the form of God, and the heart rejoices by this touch too. Remember whatever you look at, whatever appears, consider it to be Consciousness. Meditation is the embodiment of God, because God’s true nature is love. You sing His name so that love arises.

After meditation you can finish your devotional practice with this gesture of gratitude, repeating vocally or mentally: HARI - OM - TAT – SAT
Hari - (place your hands in Namaste at your heart, open it to receive gratitude and love)
Om - (hands by your mouth in a prayer position, I speak my truth)
TAT - (place your hands in a prayer position on your third eye, ready to receive insights and direction in your spiritual path)
SAT - (place your hands in a prayer position on your crown center, ready to accept illumination)

IN THE PRESENCE
When a person keeps watching God,
he obtains the right outlook in his life.
Then his own vision becomes darshan, and
Wherever he looks he sees God.
( SWAMI MUKTANANDA, FROM THE FINITE TO THE INFINITE)

Chanting or Satsang prior to meditation Chanting is the means of attaining everything. Through chanting, you are purified on the inside then love arises, if love arises you feel your heart center opening with so much prana, joy, that means that you have attained God.

Try to look at your mind with great respect, with great love.
Tell your mind ” O my mind, please repeat the Mantra Om Namah Shivaya
- At least for a while then your mind won’t give you any trouble.
- ” SWAMI MUKTANANDA”
FIRST TECHNIQUE:
NADI SHODANA PRANAYAMA. ANULOMA VILOMA
(Alternate nostril breathing).
As we learn to deepening our practice start by sitting in a comfortable cross-legged seated, full Lotus ( Patmasana) or (Sidhasana) ½ lotus position, or in a chair with your feet separated touching the ground. The choice is yours, with your spine straight, take a deep breath, and maintain your chin gently down, stimulating parasympathetic nerves to relax you. Keep the chin down through this practice in jalandhara Bandha. You will inhale through one nostril, retain the breath then exhale through the other nostril. Ratio 2- 8- 4. Anuloma Viloma restores an equal flow of prana in the body. This is very important if you are to succeed in bringing prana up to the Sushuma, the central nervous system. Assume Vishnu Mudra, raise your right hand up,Tuck your middle and index fingers in to your palm, raise your hand to the nose

1.Place your rights thumb pressed gently through the right nostril closing, ring and little finger pointing up by your left.
I, Breathe in through the left nostril closing the right with your thumb to the count of four.
2.Hold the breath, closing both nostrils, to the count of sixteen.
3, Breathe out through the right nostril, closing the left with the ring and little finger to the count of eight.
4. Breath through the right nostril, keeping the left nostril closed with the ring and little finger, to the count of four.
5.Hold the breath in Kumbaka (retention of the breath), to the count of sixteen.
6. Breath out through the left nostril, keeping the right closed, with the thumb, to the count of eight.
Is important to maintaining a rhythmic constant flow of breath. Equal amount of breath in the inhalation and exhalation, in and out comfortably, practice 6 rounds keeping your eyes closes balancing right and left-brain. Release your chin lock, place your hands in your lap and relax. Exploring the presence of perfection from the right to the left brain, the heartbeat becomes a rhythmic pumping life force in every part of your body. From Shakti to Shiva, from Ida to Pingala, from the right brain feminine energy to the left brain masculine energy bliss…

SECOND TECHNIQUE: HAM /SA. MEDITATION

Options to practice the same technique with SO - HAM. Or HAM -SO. Inhaling Ham up the spine, Sah down the spine, quiet your mind, feel the flow of prana gently in between breaths you might feel your mind expanding. Experiencing YOGANIDRA, a state of magnetism through (fixation, suggestion and sensation), BE A SILENT OBSERVER, BE PRESENT, experiencing a state of union, which the whole universal magnetic ocean comes under your command. Explore sensations of SAMADHI, the form of the supreme omnipotent, that omnipresent mind experiencing enlightenment.Obtaining that highest state of bliss, obtaining ( KAIVALYAM), ONE WHITH OUT A SECOND. Observing (DHARANA) concentration, as we observe MALA (impurities of the mind being released).

RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE LIVING, BREATHING SPIRIT, FEEL AND RECOGNIZE YOUR TRUE ESSENCE, JOY AND BLISS…

THIRD TECHNIQUE: AJANA BHEDANA MEDITATION

Place a small dab of your saliva in the third eye the space between your eyebrows, feeling the cooling sensation, the brain will go deeper in a state of profound meditation, you might experience, sense or see light, or a ringing sound in the ears. You may experience like an Eco sound behind all creation, universal sound of OM., for deepening your experience repeat Guru Om, a few rounds, explore the joy. The mid brain moves deeper to the midbrain or the top of the CROWN CHAKRA experiencing a state of Oneness, feeling complete, no time or space existing at this awareness, knowing that is the optimum state of creating rejuvenation and Healing. You can add the mantra: Mong or AIM, (if you feel restless). Or for inspiration deepening your experience repeats Guru Om, a few rounds, explore the joy. Feel the freedom of the supreme. BATHING IN OM chant 3 x’s. Bringing your awareness to the physical body when you feel ready, having experiences a deeper state of oneness. Bring your tong to khechari mudra the tong behind your palate, then move the tong to the front of the teeth press gently and observe, going deeper within, the mind calm, visualize a golden light coming from your root, through the spine, all the way of passing your crown chakra to create a link with source. Experiencing a sweet release of divine nectar, place your hands together in Namaste, observing the light, the heat becomes Shakti.

Expanding RADIENCE OR (TEJAS) THE LIGHT self alignment and healing technique: start by rubbing your hands forcefully until you experience heat sensation, then observe, feel and sense the energy moving as you separate your hands. Llike a magnet, exploring opening and closing of the hands, feeling, prana. Next step move your prana from your hands to the back of your neck, front of your throat, thymus gland beneath your collar bone at your neck, to your throat, heart, solar plexus, waist, kidneys, navel, thighs, knees, ankles and feet. This meditation technique will help you to be in balance and peaceful.

Bring now the hands in front of your CROWN CENTER repeating the Bija Mantra (seed sounds of the energy centers or chakras) repeat 3 times vocally repeat Om. Then move your hands in a prayer position to third eye, repeat the sound oam moan, move your hands to the throat chakra repeating the sound ham, to the, thymus gland, move your hands to the heart center the sound is yam, to the solar plexus, sound is ram, continuing moving the hands to the navel, to the sound vam, hands to the root chakra sound lam. You can move on to minor chakras to your knees, ankles and feet. You can reverse the motion of your hands robbing hands together vigorously feeling the prana awakening Shakti kundalini at your root, feeling the energy from the root to your crown. Then bring your hands to your knees in Gyana mudra (index and thumb touching) and remain in silent.

Resume your practice by awakening your physical body: Chanting Om three times then chanting OM NAMAH SHIVAYA, translation: I BOW TO SHIVA, SHIVA THE SUPREME REALITY, THE INNER SELF. SHIVA IS THE CONCIOUSNESS THAT DWELLS IN ALL. Place your hands to your heart in a prayer positioning Namaste. When you feel ready gently open your eyes and observe endless joy.

FORTH TECHNIQUE CHAKRA BHEDANA MEDITATION
This meditation is called: CHAKRA BHEDANA for centering, expanding your (prana) energy, through your chakras). Sit in a comfortable easy pose, straightened your spine, bring your attention to your breath, three part easy breathing, then concentrate upon your Chakras spinning wheels of energy prana. Visualize, feel and observe your first chakra MULHADARA, located at your cervix or perineum, color red, geometric form or YANTRA is a square color red, element earth, invite patience (to be seated steadily without distractions for the duration of this meditation.) Release toxins and tension as you exhale through your nostrils, repeat BIJA MANTRA LAM repeat 4 times vocally then mentally. Feel the electromagnetic waves expanding around you.

Concentrate in your second Chakra SWADHISTANA located at the base of your spine, color orange, geometric form (YANTRA) is a circle inside is a silver color Crescent moon, relationship with your endocrine glands in males prostate, Testes, female ovaries, the element of Water, purity, related to your relationships and sexuality. Bija MANTRA VAM. Repeat 4 times mentally and then silently, until you feel the electromagnetic expansion of energy.

The third chakra MANIPURA is located at your solar plexus area, the element is Radiance Fire, color is yellow, the Yantra is a triangle shape, represents immortality, authority, personality, fame, is related to your adrenals glands and pancreas, repeat the BIJA MANTRA RAM, observe and feel the prana, life force expanding.

The forth chakra ANAHATA is located at the heart center, the color is green, the Yantra is an Hexagon, related to the Thymus gland, the element is air, feeling gratitude, Contentment, transformation, love, faith. BIJA MANTRA sounds isYAM , repeat it constantly in your heart, and feel expansion of joy in your heart center.

Fifth Chakra VISHUDDA located at the throat, color is blue, element ether Yantra is an oval shape, element is air, expression of one self, contentment, corresponding gland thyroid and parathyroid, BIJA MANTRA SOUND HAM, Notice the vibration, clearing in your throat clearing unspoken truth, exploring AKASHA UNITY.

Six Chakra AJNA located at the space between the eyebrows, or third eye. Color indigo, corresponding to the pineal and pituitary gland. Explore self-realization, clairvoyance, and intuition, geometric form or YANTRA Sri Yantra. At this level invite your Celestial Hosts, Guru, Ascended Masters & teachers To come to guide you, ask GOD SPEAK TO ME AS I LISTEN. You might observe a radiant blue color around you (this is refereed to the blue pearl in advance meditative practice You might start experiencing illumination Or Kundalini Shakti awakening at this point become one with the universe, BIJA MANTRA SOUND OAM MOAN (repeat it 8 times). Feeling endless bliss.

The seventh Chakra the CROWN OR SAHASRARA union with God colors violet or gold BIJA MANTRA SOUND OM. Visualization 1000 lotus petals.

Chakras Rebirth and Spirituality

THE I consciousness dwells in different planes or LOKAS the human body. This aspect of one’s being in which the mind is completely detach from the sensory world and doesn’t think, desire, or will. Then the I - consciousness merges into the supreme consciousness, one moves into the supreme consciousness away from the cycle of birth and death. The I consciousness engages the mind in continual pleasure - seeking consciousness, these planes are directly connected with the human body through the chakras.

LOKAS - PLANES LOKAS IN THE BODY

First chakra - Physical plane:Bhu Loka
Second chakra - Astral Plane: Bhuvar Loka
Third chakra -Celestial plane: Svaga Loka
Forth chakra - Plane of Balance: Maha Loka
Fifth Chakra - Human Plane: Jana Loka
Sixth Chakra - Plane of Austerity Tapas Loka
Seventh Chakra - Plane of truth and reality, Satyam Loka.

THE YOGA SUTRA OF PATANJALI 1.51
TASYAPI NIRODHE SARVANIRODHANNIRBIJAH SAMADHI
Finally, if ever.
The mind reaches a state when it has no impressions of any sort.
It is open, clear, and simply transparent.
Such comprehension is not sought. It comes inevitably and nothing can stop it.
This is the highest state of Yoga, but it cannot be described in words.
Only those who have reached this state can comprehend its nature.
NAMASTE YOGINI RINA.

 

About the Author
Rina Lichtinger is the founder of the “Healing Light Center: a Space for Nurturing and Spiritual Growth”. Her interests drove her to courses where she became a Reiki Master, Ct. Healing Touch Practitioner, Ct. Hypno Birthing child birth educator, Melchizedek Healing Practitioner, Medical Intuitive Healer, Shaman Healer, Cranial Sacral Practitioner, Ct. in Aroma Therapy Specialist, Ct. Reflexology Specialist, and Arkashic Records Reader.

Rina has enormous amounts of passion for studying and acquiring knowledge in alternative medicine, esoteric fields of study, energy healing, all styles and forms of Yoga, mainly Hatha and Raja, and meditation. Rina is a certified Hatha and Raja Yoga. She wishes to spread all she has gained with all she comes into contact with. You can visit her site at www.healinglightinc.com.
 

The Origin of Meditation

Posted in Articles, Meditation at 10:13 pm by Administrator

– By Rocco Lo Bosco, Author of Buddha Wept

When people come to a yoga center seeking meditation instruction, they are usually looking for a way to reduce stress. Meditation in the West has often been associated with health benefits and mental well being, but in fact such needs do not constitute its origin. In examining the root of meditative activity we must address the problem of being human, a problem eloquently embodied in the Buddha’s first noble truth: all is suffering.

A human being bears both the treasure and the burden of being conscious of one’s existence. Self-consciousness is a treasure because it brings with it all the possibilities of human experience: self-expansion through love, work, art, social adventure, philosophy, and various other cultural activities. But it is also a burden because the human being is deeply aware of change, decay and death. One is ever haunted by the knowledge that all things must pass, that any thing or condition can change at any time, that one’s life is in fact permeated by impermanence. However much one may attempt to turn away from this awareness, it remains an ever-present interior dynamism that drives one to live.

It is quite natural for us to turn away from death and its symbol, impermanence, and immerse ourselves in the living situation at hand. Yet, wherever we turn we are still facing impermanence. This is the radical condition of our existence, the primary existential structure underlying every situation in our lives. We walk with change, decay, death. We walk with impermanence. Perhaps we would like to forget this; certainly to dwell on it cannot be healthy, but to deny it insures that fear will reside at the core of our life. At first blush, it seems to be a problem without a solution, quite intractable to any interrogation of mind. Death and impermanence stand above and beyond our probes. They cut no deals nor make a single promise.

We may answer the problem with any number of beliefs regarding an afterlife, but in fact these are beliefs and beliefs are inherently problematic. We may believe x now, but may not believe x in the future. A belief can change, and so its carries with it neither the guarantee of truth nor the promise of endurance. On the other hand impermanence needs no belief to support it; it is a truth proving itself every moment of every day, and in fact it is all that endures. The profound realization of impermanence delivers a very strong shock to the human being, a shattering truth that resonates in one’s very body: I am a human self carving immortality, and yet I am an animal body, destined to die. Each day I must define myself, save my situation, make my life count, and yet the fate of all things is to pass. Impermanence underlines every moment of my life.

This realization—the shock of the first noble truth— is the authentic origin of meditation. When one first sees this clearly and feels its deeply, it as if the ground has slipped beneath one’s feet. One feels lost, alone, as if one has been stranded in a dense wood and has just realized one is moving in circles. Feeling lost, one stops, takes a deep breath, gathers one’s wits and decides what to do. Recognizing one is lost, one first stops ; that is key.
Born from the recognition that all is suffering, meditation is this stopping, this passionate inward turn that thirsts for stillness, clarity, space and insight. The ancient angst of being human cannot be solved by thought alone, nor by technology, nor by any kind of cultural amusements. One must stop. One must take stock. One must look within, deeply, passionately, resolutely to see what, if anything, resides in the silence of a mind that has temporarily ceased talking to itself. If something is found, one can then make a gesture of appreciation. One may even discover the miracle of compassion.

We cannot merely think our way to enlightenment and peace. If we want peace, we must practice the way of peace. If we want happiness, we must practice the way of happiness. If we want love, we must practice love. If we want freedom in situation, we must act freely in situation. In the silent depths of meditation, realization may dawn. But before we can meditate with the passion required for real penetration, we need to face the impermanence we try so hard to deny and avoid. Happiness can never be attained by perpetuating a lie. First we must face the truth staring us in the face. From that ongoing encounter with impermanence may come an authentic and fruitful quest to resolve the deep and beautiful problem of being human.

About the Author
Rocco Lo Bosco is a massage therapist, and, along with his wife Regina, the co-director of The Yoga Darshana Center in Babylon, Long Island, NY. The Lo Boscos studied Yoga for over twenty years with the recently deceased Gurani Anjali, a master from Calcutta.Lo Bosco is the author of Buddha Wept, a novel which examines the life of a Cambodian Mystic who with her family endures Pol Pol’s holocaust from 1976-1980; the book ultimately celebrates the transcendent power of the human spirit. Bosco is about to release another novel “99″ and he is currently collaborating with a fellow philosopher deeply versed in mathematics and physics on a book, tentatively titled “Undecideable World.”

Rocco Lo Bosco’s stories and poems have appeared in numerous literary journals, among them Maelstrom Review, Another Chicago Press, Alaska Quaterly Review, Blue Unicorn and more. ACROSS A DISTANCE OF KNIVES, his book of poetry, was published by Slough Press in 1982. He served as editor for the Moksha Journal from 1987 to 2000.

Rocco Lo Bosco may be contacted at yogadarshanacntr@aol.com.

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