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.

ASPECTS OF GRACE YOGA RETREAT MARCH 2013

Swami Durgananda

Swami Durgananda Lectures on  'Aspects of Grace'

 March 8th, 9th ,10th 2013 - Dromana, Mornington Peninsula VIC   

 

AT THE RETREAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE: 
 Asrama, Yoga Classes, Meditation, Chanting, Discourses & Seva

Situated on the Mornington Peninsula, our retreat location is a beautiful, tranquil country property with panoramic views.  Click here for Brochure and Registration form

UNLOCKING the Profound Mysteries of Healing

Two Day Workshop for Health & Wellbeing Professionals

Castlemaine 16 - 17^th February 2013 

Presented by Swami Durgananda

I am the principal of the ‘Samata Lineage’ a very ancient lineage of Spiritual Masters that is known for the healing qualities of the practise and the healing abilities of its Masters.

Over the two day healing workshop I will take you on a journey explaining the immense importance of complementary medicine and the significance of combining the allopathic with homeopathic and the importance of seeing the patient as a whole not just a physical entity.

I will explain the importance of overcoming the ‘I am a healer’ concept and ‘ego’ so you are able to read the energetic vibration of each individual.  In Ayurveda we believe that each person is spiritual, in this age it is necessary to be balanced to bring about harmony of body and mind.

I have personally been treated in Europe by medical specialists who have only used homeopathic medicine and I have been trained by both Russian and Chinese medical specialists in the tradition of bio-energetic healing which is practised in hospitals in both countries, this information is important in your work as healers.

I will provide valuable advice on the healer protection rituals that are so vital in maintaining the high standards healers set themselves today. 

My workshops are very interactive and you will experience both theoretical and practical information. My belief is that all healers deserve a deep and profound knowledge of the metaphysical elements of the universe in order to practise their modality to the best of their ability.  

I look forward to meeting you all. Swami Durgananda

For information & bookings contact:

Jennifer King on M: 0458 688 250 or E: merdimension@yahoo.com.au

THE GURU by Swami Durgananda

The translation of Guru is ‘weighted one’ the idea is that a guru is weighted by knowledge which is beyond those of mortals and possesses skills more advanced than others in their field of expertise.  It is used to describe a teacher or guide in any subject such as music or maths but it is especially used to describe a spiritual teacher.  

In many families in India there is a family guru who is called a Kula Guru.  

A Sat Guru is a spiritual preceptor and head of a lineage. 

In the Advayataraka Upanishad an explanation of the name of guru is ‘gu’ - dispeller and ‘ru’ - darkness.  

Guru Deva is a respectful name for a guru and means ‘Divine or Radiant preceptor’.

A Spiritual Guru is the head of a lineage, which can be a religious order or as in Samata Yoga a purist lineage that is non-religious.  

To become a chosen guru is a great honour, but also a long and arduous journey of which there are many obstacles, sacrifices and rites of passage that must be overcome.  It takes many years of study and instruction in mind, body and spirit.

Guru Parampara means a line of successful gurus in authentic successful chain of initiation and is the authorising of mystical power passed on from one guru to the next.  This succession is determined by all the past masters of the lineage and will be bestowed at the right time in a secret ritual.

The Guru Sishya System is a master - disciple teaching. It occurs when the teacher and the student have a firm relationship which will allow the student to receive the instruction on all levels whether it is on a physical or subtle level.   The guru will expect complete bhakti in thought, word and deed from that chosen sishya, because only with guru bhakti will the grace of the guru be given.  

If the action of any student is negative towards the guru - a raised voice, an angry word or thought the bond is broken or severed.
 

When a student receives a mantra from the guru they also receive part of the guru’s vibration which enables the student to achieve that which without the mantra vibration is impossible. Unfortunately when the student’s ego is so great and the student believes they can talk or treat the guru without humility then the vibration of the guru returns to the preceptor and the relationship is broken.

In many ashrams in India there is a school or a gurukula where boys are taught or trained in the mysteries so that one can be chosen to be the next guru or the inheritor of the mysteries, a female is not a choice of many gurus for this purpose as it takes strength of mind and body to progress especially where the training may involve tapas, a most extreme form of training and initiation.

Guru Purnima is a celebration of the guru which occurs on the full moon in July, it is a devotee’s day of re-dedication to all the guru represents.  On Guru Purnima the ceremony ‘Guru Padapuja’ the ritual worship of the guru’s sandals is performed, if the guru is present the guru’s feet are ceremonially washed. During the ceremony devotees acknowledge that the ‘feet of the guru’ are holy and have more knowledge than the devotee. Which is the reason why devotee’s feet must not be pointed at the guru this act in itself is the highest insult.

Lineages of purist origin are not always parampara or ‘uninterrupted succession’ due to circumstances of divine law these lineages at the discretion of the guru may cease for a certain period and then begin when needed, perhaps in some distant time the guru takes the knowledge back until the time is right to continue as these teachings are not for all. 

Visit http://www.samatayoga.com.au for more information about Swami Durgananda 
and Samata Samashti Dharma.

SADHANA – A Spiritual Path Through the Many Facets of Yoga by Swami Durgananda

Sadhana comes from the noun "Sadh", which means to exert. The one who practices or walks the path of Sadhana is called a Sadhaka. A Sadhaka is not bound by a specific yoga discipline but may follow any of the many different facets or views/aspects of yoga. Yoga means to yoke or bind the body and mind so that a deep harmony or balance exists within the seeker's physical and mental state of being. This state is strengthened by deep commitment and dedication, mixed with great faith. The end goal of Self Realisation or the attainment of mystical powers is then achieved in this lifetime.

Hatha yoga is one such discipline. Esoterically Ha and Tha represent the microcosmic sun (ha) and moon (tha) which relate the masculine and feminine aspects of the human body. It is practiced as a system of physical and mental exercises which include cleansing acts, breath control, locks (consisting of locking the body so that the breath is held within or without for periods of time, this is used mainly as a strengthening or cleansing routine) and hand gestures. All of which regulate the flow of energy in the form of breathing exercises purifying the inner and outer body. In the east, under the guidance of Hatha Gurus or Rishis, it is practiced primarily for power and strength in preparation for deeper yoga disciplines of the mind. In the west we find it superficially taught for health and wellbeing. Today the western practice is combined with aids for exercise or extreme heat which is a breakaway from the purist form, taught by Patanjali the ancient Rishi who developed Hatha for the preparation of Self Realisation. Eastern practitioners and purists use the asanas (postures) in the hours from dawn until eleven when the sun is rising and when it is believed that the energetic vibration of the cosmic life force known as prakriti is strongest.

Karma Yoga, the yoga of cause and effect is yet another pathway for the Sadhaka to follow. The followers of Karma yoga must perform good deeds without thinking or dwelling on the "fruits of their actions". This is not just being charitable so that one can be seen to do good works, helping the poor and distributing aid but a good Karma yogi must be at all times charitable, compassionate and caring beyond their own comforts. They must remember that they are sewing the seeds for the next life, the reward being less bad karma and eventually akarma, a physical life devoid of the effects of action and reaction. This type of Sadhana is easier for the householder or family person who does not want to leave their responsibilities. When a time of life is reached when they are able to lessen the responsibility of worldly life, they should renounce the world and strive for self realisation. Saints who spend their lives devoted to the poor and less fortunate are pure karma yogis.

Yantra yoga consists of signs and symbols, it is mainly practiced in Northern India and Tibet as is Tantric yoga. Tantric yoga raises energy through the mastery of the sexual masculine and feminine energies (yogi and yogini). This practise is often looked upon by disapproval by many mainstream schools of thought. Laya or Kundalini yoga is another type of Sadhana, which was, and still is, a closely guarded secret as it releases through asanas and kriyas (powerful movements) a release of the Kundalini.

The Kundalini is the life force of the soul or the subtle nerve force latent in the body. It lies dormant in a figure eight at the base of the spine but when aroused it commences to move along the center of the spine, moving through the energetic vortices called the chakras and resides in the crown energy center of the head and triggers Self Realisation (Samadhi). This approach can be dangerous and should be practiced with a proven master.

Raj yoga is said to be the king of yoga and is mainly taught to followers of a yoga lineage from Guru (spiritual teacher) to disciple. Many stories are told of the ancient King Janaka a karma yogi who as old age approached renounced his throne in favor of his son and renouncing the world retired to the forest ashram of his Guru to seek Self Realisation. Raj yoga incorporates the disciplines of Hatha yoga for the balance of body and mind. This also increases strength for endurance and has a calming effect so that the Sadhaka can sit for long hours in meditation retaining a healthy body and mind. They must then practise Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion, not only to the teacher but also to the teachings and their chosen deity. When the time is right a Mantra is given to the aspirant. A Mantra consists of certain secret words which contain a vibration compatible to the aspirant. The Mantra also contains a vibration of the Guru which will ease the journey of the Sadhaka and quieten the mind to enable mastery of consciousness itself. During this time the Sadhaka will also be called upon to give service to the Guru and the Lineage in the form of Seva (selfless service), pure karma yoga.

The Sadhana will continue under the watchful and diligent care of the Guru until the time is reached when Jnana yoga is achieved. This yoga is the union of self by knowledge. Then in complete safety the Kundalini will rise and become established in the highest energetic center, the Sahasrara chakra, the cranial physic force center. Then the Sadhana is complete and the Sadhaka attains Self Realisation also known as Moksha, "The bliss that Passeth all understanding". "Sat-Chit-Ananda."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Swami_Durgananda

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 – the 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/

The Mantra – A Powerful Means To Self Realisation When Used In Meditation by Swami Durgananda

The MANTRA is a mystic formula - a sound, a syllable, a word or phrase containing special powers, they are chanted aloud to create force fields or repeated within to quieten and harmonise the mind. The inner bodies are calmed and purified through the powerful subtle emanations of the inner mantra.

The mantra is bestowed by an Initiated Master who has been entrusted with the responsibilities and powerful mysteries which must be performed when bestowing such a mantra, given otherwise the mantra has no power and is useless.

There are only a few mantras in the world the power and selection of the mantra are chosen by the bestower, who works in accordance with the Universal Laws and cannot and will not go against these laws.

Usually when one comes forward for initiation a lot of work and energy goes on behind the scenes, actually the bestower must work within the Laws of Karma to modify the vibration of the aspirant so that they are able to receive 'the vibration of the mantra' in what I call embryo form. The vibration is different for all aspirants although the mantra or words may be the same. When the aspirant's vibration is ready the mantra is bestowed at an initiation ceremony.

The mantra should be repeated along with the inhalation and exhalation of the breath. The most used and famous mantra is one you were born with, it is your heritage to assist you in your physical life it is 'SO HAM'.

I would like you to stop reading for a moment and listen to your breath. Now concentrate on the inhalation and exhalation. I believe that you were not aware of your breathing before you begun to concentrate on it, but you would have heard the sound it makes.

On the inward breath it was sucked in and the sound was SO, as you exhaled you relaxed and the sound was HAM. At the time you were concentrating on your breath you were not thinking of anything else. 'Think about that' you had become and attained what yogis call one pointed concentration.

One pointed concentration is the requirement necessary for the soul to gain control of the physical mind and body, which is Self Realisation a point where the soul or your higher consciousness is in control. You will no longer act and react through the primordial faculty of instinct, but with a mature instinctive understanding of the world around you and its requirements both on a Karmic and Spiritual level.

The mantra may be used in different ways, aloud as Japa, quietly with the breath to enhance and if necessary change the vibration of the breath to allow the body, mind and deeper conscious levels to come into harmony so that the soul state can begin to wake up and take control. It is known as the vehicle to meditation, repeated prior and during meditation it balances the vibration. Only then can the ego begin to mature allowing the essence of the ego the 'I NESS' to develop bringing you into a different mind set, your discerning faculty becomes stronger, you will also begin to think and act within the sphere of your higher consciousness.

It's not today the Mantra tomorrow I am realized, it takes many years and a lot of work. Perseverance, self discipline and humility are required but the rewards mentally and spiritually are enormous.

Many branches of Lineage Yoga use the mantra 'SO HAM' only, and have reported that no other mantra is necessary for Self Realisation, with that in mind you should begin now. 'SO HAM' translated means I AM, the SO meaning 'that' or God / Universal Consciousness, HAM meaning 'me' signifying the union between you and your Creator.

Yogis believe the breath is the closest physical vibration to the Universal Consciousness as it contains the essential vibrational building ingredients of the universe. As you inhale you draw in positive life force containing the vibration of Akasha (the memory vibration of all that was, is and will be). The repeated mantra 'SO HAM' is asking you to remember you 'the breather' are only the physical body the 'I' is your soul, and the 'I NESS' is the Godhead.

There are some who believe that the mantra above should be repeated as 'HAM SO', pronounced Hum Za, but I believe that this is too hard in sound, giving it a somewhat negative vibration. If you stop reading and repeat the mantra 'HAM SO' then you will understand the vibrational difference, then try repeating the 'SO HAM' mantra as I have already described you will understand the difference. 'SO HAM' is much softer in vibration, the subtle emanations from this mantra are able to help you transcend the bonds of Samsara, the continual cycle of birth and death.

Find a place where you can sit quietly, make it your refuge, make sure you will be comfortable and your spine is erect. Don't lie down unless you can't sit comfortably as the supine position will make you sleepy. You may sit in a comfortable chair but have your shoes off.

Now begin on the inward breath and repeat the words 'SO' then as you breathe out release the breath with the sound 'HAM'. Very soon you will relax, letting go of your physical mind and slowly as your meditation deepens it will allow you to join with the Universal Consciousness. At this moment you will understand that you have overcome duality of your God being outside of you, finally you will have joined that God and you have become I AM THAT - THAT I AM.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Swami_Durgananda