SILA THE PREREQUISITE TO MEDITATION

Swami Durgananda

I am asked many times the same questions “Why is it so difficult to meditate?” or “Why when I try to meditate does my mind race to other things?”  Perhaps you have the same experience as soon as you begin to meditate; you do all the right things, find a quiet spot, use a comfortable cushion, made sure you will not be disturbed.  Then it begins your mind races and you become restless and concentration is far, far away. You have forgotten the discipline of Sila, simplification of your life. 

Let me explain, as you begin the journey of meditation you need to be aware of the preliminary preparation for successful meditation of any kind, by being aware of your actions whether they are physical or mental and following the basic rules you will be rewarded with very profound experiences on a deep soul level which will enhance your evolution. 

The first basic rule is Sila which means to simplify your life.

The concept is - if your life is less stressful then the mind is quieter and desires (said to be the roots of discontent which seem to control your very existence) become less predominate enabling you to better control and discern what is good for your life and your peace of mind. Not only on a physical level resulting in less stress but also on a holistic level so that every aspect is affected in a positive way.   

For meditation to be fruitful and of a high quality you need to not suppress the desires of the body and the mindless chatter of the lower mind but control it.  

Meditation is used in the early stages to release all the clutter and then you can begin the journey of all seekers and practitioners of meditation to move through, enter and then become established in the higher states of consciousness.  

If the mind is cluttered with irrelevant items and your body is not under control you will easily become imprisoned by your lower thoughts and desires which will eventually lead you to stray from the right path, the real spiritual you.  

It is also required that you spend a few hours a day in silence.  Quiet time is silence - no phone, no music just your own thoughts, perhaps you may spend time walking, being alone with yourself as a preparation of being alone within yourself.

Your physical life must also consist of less clutter.  We all have lots to do these days but maybe we are really cluttering our life too much. Try to decide what is in your best interest and what activities you can discard in your busy physical life.  You will be amazed as you refine your physical lifestyle how much more energy you have and actually how mindful you will become and how less stressed you whole life is.

Here are some useful tips to get you started, they may sound crazy but give them a try: 

-       Clean your teeth or wash your mouth out with cold clear water. 

-       Wash your hands and face in cold water. 

-       Do not drink any beverages; caffeine really wakes up the chatty part of your mind. 

-       Drink some cold water. 

-       Do not eat for at least one hour before meditation; try in that hour to have quiet time instead.

-       If the mind is racing visualise a broom and sweep the thoughts away. 

In the early days of my meditating I just waited trying not to get involved with my crazy thoughts until my mind quietened down and I could easily, unhindered move into deep meditation.

Remember meditation is performed beyond the chatty lower mind and you can with patience easily move through the forest of thoughts but you must help yourself by introducing Sila into your life as your discipline.

Remember you are not missing much you probably did it all in a previous life why not now do something for yourself and your evolution.  I have no doubt one day your will join with your higher self - your soul, leading to Self Realisation and it will all be worthwhile.

Swami Durdananda's Christmas Message

  I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas 

May 2014 be filled with GRACE and JOY

For some of you this year has seemed difficult and filled with obstacles, also some changes we thought we could not accept.  But 2013 was a year filled with the Grace of learning, because only by the trials of life can we learn to trust and move forward.

With each obstacle overcome our soul is refined just a little more, as we move towards the final rite of passage to Self Realisation.

During the Festive Season please contemplate the message of Christmas.  Christmas gives us the example of rebirth, a new clean and clear beginning.

May this message move into your heart to uplift your spirit and feed your vibration with love and compassion not only for others but also for yourself.

 Swami Durgananda

Swami Durgananda's October Message

We have just completed our October Retreat “Aspects of Grace” which was a great success.  Thank you to all the participants and lectures who took part.  

Being under the roof of the masters and other like minded seekers is important for the spiritual journey.

The ability to participate in discussions, lectures, chanting and live for a certain time in pristine conditions enables everyone to feel refreshed energized and positive that the wonderful adventure of Self Realization can be yours in this lifetime.

I wish you all a safe journey as you return to your homes interstate and overseas. My Grace and Shakti that touched you at the Retreat will be with you always. Swami Durgananda

From the Samata Yoga Australia Website: www.samatayoga.com.au

ASPECTS OF GRACE

Samata Yoga Australia Theme 2013
‘Aspects of Grace’ throughout the year GRACE will be the basis of all teachings of Samata

 Swami Durgananda  

Spiritual Leader of Samata Yoga Australia

‘Grace’ comes in many forms, from the idea of giving it to receiving it.  There is wisdom and depth to all the aspects of Grace and I hope that as this New Year dawns you will contemplate ‘Grace’ in all its forms, the knowledge of “Grace” will be invaluable on your journey of learning and evolution.

In February I will be travelling to Castlemaine in Victoria.  On February 16^th and 17^th I am conducting a two day workshop titled ‘Unlocking the Profound Mysteries of Healing’ and I look forward to meeting many of you who are interested in this field.

In March we have our annual Retreat in Rosebud.  I am looking forward to this and hope that you will attend, as to be under the roof of the Masters is a great privilege.  It is also a time where the vibration of the Lineage is received by attendees allowing progress on your spiritual journey and an elevation of consciousness.  In Australia you have a chance to have access to the Guru and that is in itself valuable such an opportunity should not be missed.

Later in March I will be attending the ‘International Yoga Conference and Festival’ in Auckland where I will once again meet old friends and seekers.  At the Conference I will be giving four lectures and then at the conclusion I will be giving two one day workshops.

All the information for this year’s activities including registration forms are available on the events page on the website: www.samatayoga.com.au 

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible and wish all of you a very enlightening 2013. Swami Durgananda

From the Samata Yoga Australia Website: www.samatayoga.com.au

Ask Swami Questions: 
If you wish to ask Swami Durgananda a question or comment please do - and Swami will endeavour to answer you soon…

NEW ZEALAND MARCH 29TH - APRIL 1ST

International Yoga Festival & Conference 2013

 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet an outstanding selection 

of international yoga teachers and spiritual masters again all at one time

 all in one place.
We are delighted to welcome back

 Swami Durgananda Spiritual leader of Samata Yoga a modern woman with an ancient job,

Swami Muktidharma NZ Acharya (spiritual guide) from Anahata Yoga Retreat in Takaka, Golden Bay and Drs Pooja and Shridar Madella from Wellpark College, who gave highly successful seminars on Yoga Therapy.
For details go to: http://www.kawaipurapura.co.nz/

SWAMI DURGANANDA'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

  To all the followers of Samata Yoga 

and the blog here in Australia and around the world

 I wish you all 

  Season’s Greetings 

and hope that the New Year 

is full of joy and personal achievement

Durga Swami

This past year 2012 has been one of change and renewal.  Many of us have experienced changes where we have needed to look deep within for not only personal strength, but also the strength of our convictions, that inner drive that propels us ever forward to the goal of self-realisation.

For me the year 2012 was one of meeting and reaching out to the many seekers which I have had the honor of meeting and teaching not only here but also abroad.  To all of you I extend greetings for the festive season may it be a safe and happy experience.

During the celebration of Christmas try to remain in the moment and truly experience all of life’s bounty and richness of spirit that surrounds you.  At the same time give some thought to those less fortunate than yourself.

My meditations and prayers will be with you all as this year draws to a close and a New Year dawns. Durga Swami

SILA THE PREREQUISITE TO MEDITATION

Swami Durgananda

 I am asked many times the same questions “Why is it so difficult to meditate?” or “Why when I try to meditate does my mind race to other things?”  

Perhaps you have the same experience as soon as you begin to meditate; you do all the right things, find a quiet spot, use a comfortable cushion, made sure you will not be disturbed.  

Then it begins your mind races and you become restless and concentration is far, far away. You have forgotten the discipline of Sila, simplification of your life.

 

Let me explain, as you begin the journey of meditation you need to be aware of the preliminary preparation for successful meditation of any kind, by being aware of your actions whether they are physical or mental and following the basic rules you will be rewarded with very profound experiences on a deep soul level which will enhance your evolution.   

The first basic rule is Sila which means to simplify your life.

  
The concept is - if your life is less stressful then the mind is quieter and desires (said to be the roots of discontent which seem to control your very existence) become less predominate enabling you to better control and discern what is good for your life and your peace of mind. Not only on a physical level resulting in less stress but also on a holistic level so that every aspect is affected in a positive way.   

For meditation to be fruitful and of a high quality you need to not suppress the desires of the body and the mindless chatter of the lower mind but control it.  

Meditation is used in the early stages to release all the clutter and then you can begin the journey of all seekers and practitioners of meditation to move through, enter and then become established in the higher states of consciousness.  

If the mind is cluttered with irrelevant items and your body is not under control you will easily become imprisoned by your lower thoughts and desires which will eventually lead you to stray from the right path, the real spiritual you.  

It is also required that you spend a few hours a day in silence.  Quiet time is silence - no phone, no music just your own thoughts, perhaps you may spend time walking, being alone with yourself as a preparation of being alone within yourself.

Your physical life must also consist of less clutter.  We all have lots to do these days but maybe we are really cluttering our life too much. Try to decide what is in your best interest and what activities you can discard in your busy physical life.  You will be amazed as you refine your physical lifestyle how much more energy you have and actually how mindful you will become and how less stressed you whole life is.

Here are some useful tips to get you started, they may sound crazy but give them a try: 

• Clean your teeth or wash your mouth out with cold clear water. 
• Wash your hands and face in cold water. 
• Do not drink any beverages; caffeine really wakes up the chatty part of your mind. 
• Drink some cold water. 
• Do not eat for at least one hour before meditation; try in that hour to have quiet time instead.
• If the mind is racing visualise a broom and sweep the thoughts away. 

In the early days of my meditating I just waited trying not to get involved with my crazy thoughts until my mind quietened down and I could easily, unhindered move into deep meditation.

Remember meditation is performed beyond the chatty lower mind and you can with patience easily move through the forest of thoughts but you must help yourself by introducing Sila into your life as your discipline.

Remember you are not missing much you probably did it all in a previous life why not now do something for yourself and your evolution.  I have no doubt one day your will join with your higher self - your soul, leading to Self Realisation and it will all be worthwhile.