Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 Steve, I have been thinking on your comments. I agree if the intent is VERY intense (pun unintended ) , the body doesnt matter at all. But how many of us can claim that ? And that too, does it happen everyday, every minute? So that is where all the regular practices start - control of the gross - the body. Move on to subtler - the breath. And then before I know, the mind has calmed down already. You are correct - if the mind is very very very sincere, then who cares about meditation for 10 mins or half hour. Swamiji defines that burning sincerity as Vyakkulata, and that will take care of me. But until I am able to resonate in that high frequency, I have to work towards it - right posture, right pranayam, right meditation, etc ... Thank you for the discussion Latha , "bingo_ridley" <bingo_ridley> wrote: > lathananda > > you are such a sweet person i want to respond to your post but if i > say anything that contradicts swami's teachings, please disregard. > > if you focus on you inner intent to know/love god, the body will > eventually still by itself, as it is actually the body that follows > mind, not the other way around. but of course such a mind is both > very disciplined and inspired. > > so eventually your body becomes sort of rigid in meditation, which > is not at all an unpleasant thing. then you don't worry about if you > move or not. > > btw, if you think about amritananda mayi ma, who used to meditate > [actually she was in a deep samadhi] in a clump on the floor under a > blanket, then you can see there is more than one asana! > > on the other hand the gita teachers a good asana, and swami clearly > demonstrates that. i believe that is a good thing, like keeping the > temple nice and clean, it is a matter of the order of nature, the > human form. it is very inspiring to see someone stand like that, he > reminds me of shivapuri baba that way. > > peace to you, > > steve c. > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > I have been trying to meditate for a few minutes everyday. I know > > first hand how difficult it is to silence the body let alone the > > mind, even for a few minutes.> > > Swamiji was so still. Maa was not in yesterday. > > > > I knew I couldnt meditate anymore so I decided to watch him. I was > > sitting a little ways behind him and could only see his back. He > > didnt move - for more than a half hour. > > > > There were a lot of minor interruptions, late comers straggling > in, > > > > Yesterday, after Arati at the Mandir, we all settled down > > to "meditate". Of course, a few minutes into the meditation, I had > > to open my eyes to take a peep at what others were doing. > > > doors sliding open and shut,people fidgeting, a cough or two, and > > the occasional snore. Things that get me distracted and unable to > > concentrate. But not Swamiji, he stayed still for the entire > > duration. > > > > To try keeping my body still for more than a coupla minutes ... so > > difficult. How many years of practice will it take to be still for > > half hour so effortlessly? I dont know - but when I have examples > to > > follow, I sure am gonna try. > > > > Thank you Swamiji for always being an inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 oh lathandanda you are such a good person you have nothing to worry about. all i mean is, at some point, it became clear to me how pivotal is intent. your inner intention, that is what i mean. everything swings on that. so it no doubt does not matter if you focus on this or that. all i found is that, if intent is right, everything else follows. simple, nothing much. i myself ave nothing but weakness and limitations. and the same as you, i want to do better and see my liabilities but not be overwhelmed by them, and have the faith and intelligence to progress. often i have to think like this: i am the little bird at the beach that has to move the entire shoreline back to the sea, one piece of sand at a time. how can i ever proceed with such a task? only one piece at a time ... maybe god or maa or someone will help ... but i have to keep moving on ... love to you, steve c. , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Steve, > I have been thinking on your comments. > > I agree if the intent is VERY intense (pun unintended ) , the body > doesnt matter at all. > > But how many of us can claim that ? And that too, does it happen > everyday, every minute? > > So that is where all the regular practices start - control of the > gross - the body. Move on to subtler - the breath. And then before I > know, the mind has calmed down already. > > You are correct - if the mind is very very very sincere, then who > cares about meditation for 10 mins or half hour. Swamiji defines that > burning sincerity as Vyakkulata, and that will take care of me. But > until I am able to resonate in that high frequency, I have to work > towards it - right posture, right pranayam, right meditation, etc ... > > Thank you for the discussion > Latha > > , "bingo_ridley" > <bingo_ridley> wrote: > > lathananda > > > > you are such a sweet person i want to respond to your post but if i > > say anything that contradicts swami's teachings, please disregard. > > > > if you focus on you inner intent to know/love god, the body will > > eventually still by itself, as it is actually the body that follows > > mind, not the other way around. but of course such a mind is both > > very disciplined and inspired. > > > > so eventually your body becomes sort of rigid in meditation, which > > is not at all an unpleasant thing. then you don't worry about if > you > > move or not. > > > > btw, if you think about amritananda mayi ma, who used to meditate > > [actually she was in a deep samadhi] in a clump on the floor under > a > > blanket, then you can see there is more than one asana! > > > > on the other hand the gita teachers a good asana, and swami clearly > > demonstrates that. i believe that is a good thing, like keeping the > > temple nice and clean, it is a matter of the order of nature, the > > human form. it is very inspiring to see someone stand like that, he > > reminds me of shivapuri baba that way. > > > > peace to you, > > > > steve c. > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > I have been trying to meditate for a few minutes everyday. I know > > > first hand how difficult it is to silence the body let alone the > > > mind, even for a few minutes.> > > > Swamiji was so still. Maa was not in yesterday. > > > > > > I knew I couldnt meditate anymore so I decided to watch him. I > was > > > sitting a little ways behind him and could only see his back. He > > > didnt move - for more than a half hour. > > > > > > There were a lot of minor interruptions, late comers straggling > > in, > > > > > > Yesterday, after Arati at the Mandir, we all settled down > > > to "meditate". Of course, a few minutes into the meditation, I > had > > > to open my eyes to take a peep at what others were doing. > > > > > doors sliding open and shut,people fidgeting, a cough or two, and > > > the occasional snore. Things that get me distracted and unable to > > > concentrate. But not Swamiji, he stayed still for the entire > > > duration. > > > > > > To try keeping my body still for more than a coupla minutes ... > so > > > difficult. How many years of practice will it take to be still > for > > > half hour so effortlessly? I dont know - but when I have examples > > to > > > follow, I sure am gonna try. > > > > > > Thank you Swamiji for always being an inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 Latha, Everyone goes through this clunky stage (you already know this of course). I would like to offer some advice/help, but I'm sure you get all the advice you need there at the Mandir. It will not be long before these things don't bother you anymore. Are you doing mulabandha? Chris , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Steve, > I have been thinking on your comments. > > I agree if the intent is VERY intense (pun unintended ) , the body > doesnt matter at all. > > But how many of us can claim that ? And that too, does it happen > everyday, every minute? > > So that is where all the regular practices start - control of the > gross - the body. Move on to subtler - the breath. And then before I > know, the mind has calmed down already. > > You are correct - if the mind is very very very sincere, then who > cares about meditation for 10 mins or half hour. Swamiji defines that > burning sincerity as Vyakkulata, and that will take care of me. But > until I am able to resonate in that high frequency, I have to work > towards it - right posture, right pranayam, right meditation, etc ... > > Thank you for the discussion > Latha > > , "bingo_ridley" > <bingo_ridley> wrote: > > lathananda > > > > you are such a sweet person i want to respond to your post but if i > > say anything that contradicts swami's teachings, please disregard. > > > > if you focus on you inner intent to know/love god, the body will > > eventually still by itself, as it is actually the body that follows > > mind, not the other way around. but of course such a mind is both > > very disciplined and inspired. > > > > so eventually your body becomes sort of rigid in meditation, which > > is not at all an unpleasant thing. then you don't worry about if > you > > move or not. > > > > btw, if you think about amritananda mayi ma, who used to meditate > > [actually she was in a deep samadhi] in a clump on the floor under > a > > blanket, then you can see there is more than one asana! > > > > on the other hand the gita teachers a good asana, and swami clearly > > demonstrates that. i believe that is a good thing, like keeping the > > temple nice and clean, it is a matter of the order of nature, the > > human form. it is very inspiring to see someone stand like that, he > > reminds me of shivapuri baba that way. > > > > peace to you, > > > > steve c. > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > I have been trying to meditate for a few minutes everyday. I know > > > first hand how difficult it is to silence the body let alone the > > > mind, even for a few minutes.> > > > Swamiji was so still. Maa was not in yesterday. > > > > > > I knew I couldnt meditate anymore so I decided to watch him. I > was > > > sitting a little ways behind him and could only see his back. He > > > didnt move - for more than a half hour. > > > > > > There were a lot of minor interruptions, late comers straggling > > in, > > > > > > Yesterday, after Arati at the Mandir, we all settled down > > > to "meditate". Of course, a few minutes into the meditation, I > had > > > to open my eyes to take a peep at what others were doing. > > > > > doors sliding open and shut,people fidgeting, a cough or two, and > > > the occasional snore. Things that get me distracted and unable to > > > concentrate. But not Swamiji, he stayed still for the entire > > > duration. > > > > > > To try keeping my body still for more than a coupla minutes ... > so > > > difficult. How many years of practice will it take to be still > for > > > half hour so effortlessly? I dont know - but when I have examples > > to > > > follow, I sure am gonna try. > > > > > > Thank you Swamiji for always being an inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 May I ask please, what is mulabandha? Best wishes and warmest regards, Karen - Chris Kirner 2/2/2004 4:23:45 PM Re: Mind following body or body following mind ? Latha,Everyone goes through this clunky stage (you already know this of course). I would like to offer some advice/help, but I'm sure you get all the advice you need there at the Mandir. It will not be long before these things don't bother you anymore.Are you doing mulabandha?Chris, "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote:> Steve,> I have been thinking on your comments.> > I agree if the intent is VERY intense (pun unintended ) , the body > doesnt matter at all.> > But how many of us can claim that ? And that too, does it happen > everyday, every minute?> > So that is where all the regular practices start - control of the > gross - the body. Move on to subtler - the breath. And then before I > know, the mind has calmed down already.> > You are correct - if the mind is very very very sincere, then who > cares about meditation for 10 mins or half hour. Swamiji defines that > burning sincerity as Vyakkulata, and that will take care of me. But > until I am able to resonate in that high frequency, I have to work > towards it - right posture, right pranayam, right meditation, etc ...> > Thank you for the discussion> Latha> > > > > > > > > --- In , "bingo_ridley" > <bingo_ridley> wrote:> > lathananda> > > > you are such a sweet person i want to respond to your post but if i > > say anything that contradicts swami's teachings, please disregard.> > > > if you focus on you inner intent to know/love god, the body will > > eventually still by itself, as it is actually the body that follows > > mind, not the other way around. but of course such a mind is both > > very disciplined and inspired.> > > > so eventually your body becomes sort of rigid in meditation, which > > is not at all an unpleasant thing. then you don't worry about if > you > > move or not.> > > > btw, if you think about amritananda mayi ma, who used to meditate > > [actually she was in a deep samadhi] in a clump on the floor under > a > > blanket, then you can see there is more than one asana!> > > > on the other hand the gita teachers a good asana, and swami clearly > > demonstrates that. i believe that is a good thing, like keeping the > > temple nice and clean, it is a matter of the order of nature, the > > human form. it is very inspiring to see someone stand like that, he > > reminds me of shivapuri baba that way.> > > > peace to you,> > > > steve c.> > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > > wrote:> > > I have been trying to meditate for a few minutes everyday. I know > > > first hand how difficult it is to silence the body let alone the > > > mind, even for a few minutes.> > > > Swamiji was so still. Maa was not in yesterday.> > > > > > I knew I couldnt meditate anymore so I decided to watch him. I > was > > > sitting a little ways behind him and could only see his back. He > > > didnt move - for more than a half hour.> > > > > > There were a lot of minor interruptions, late comers straggling > > in, > > > > > > Yesterday, after Arati at the Mandir, we all settled down > > > to "meditate". Of course, a few minutes into the meditation, I > had > > > to open my eyes to take a peep at what others were doing.> > > > > doors sliding open and shut,people fidgeting, a cough or two, and > > > the occasional snore. Things that get me distracted and unable to > > > concentrate. But not Swamiji, he stayed still for the entire > > > duration.> > > > > > To try keeping my body still for more than a coupla minutes ... > so > > > difficult. How many years of practice will it take to be still > for > > > half hour so effortlessly? I dont know - but when I have examples > > to > > > follow, I sure am gonna try.> > > > > > Thank you Swamiji for always being an inspiration.To visit your group on the web, go to:/ To from this group, send an email to: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Hi Karen, I will happily answer your question, though I hope that if Swamiji has any corrections, clarifications, or additions he will add them. As you may know, the state of meditation is that in which the mind flows on a single idea for a certain period. As that period is lengthened, without interruption, samadhi results. Swamiji describes it in terms of relationship: first there are three, you, the object of meditation or devotion, and the relationship between the two; then there are two, you and the object of meditation or devotion, with the relationship being understood (experienced); finally there is only one. As I understand it, there are two types of meditation. The first is the result of one-pointed devotion toward God. Nothing is required, no asana, no technique, nothing but pure love to the exclusion of everything else. Divine grace takes care of everything. The second kind involves a systematic technique whereby the body is stilled and the mind is focused. In my own experience, this second process is entirely dependent upon the control and expansion of prana shakti in the body, which is accomplished in various ways. When one sits for meditation, one finds a comfortable position, with the pelvic floor pressed on a firm surface, placing the head, neck, and trunk in a straight line. This alone, creates heat in muladhara chakra allowing prana shakti to rise along the spine. This "heating" of the nadis (subtle energy pathways) associated with muladhara (the root) chakra can be increased through the use of mulabandha (the root lock). A bandha is a lock, and there are various types described by hatha, tantra, and kundalini yogas. What mulabandha does is increases the upward flow of prana shakti in the spinal nadis, and prevents (locks) it from flowing back down. This process, intimately connected with the movement of the breath, eventually produces a state of meditation, and gradually "awakens" the kundalini shakti. If someone wants to meditate, in my view, mulabandha is vital. To apply mulabandha one simply contracts the muscles associated with the location of muladhara chakra. In men this is located on the perineum, midway between the genitals and the anus. According to one source, the location is different in women, being located at the anterior portion of the cervix. This place is squeezed and held during practice. As with most things, practicing mulabandha can seem difficult at first. Just locating the exact point of contraction can take some time. Then the muscles must be trained (not too difficult) so that the bandha can be maintained without excessive effort throughout meditation practice. For myself, it seems much easier for men. You will have to judge for yourself how it is with women. The location of muladhara and the point of contraction for mulabandha can be learned by practicing contracting the entire pelvic floor, as well as the buttocks, and paying attention to the general area described until a "connection" is felt. Soon, the energy associated with this practice will become an old friend. This practice, alternated with rest between, will also strengthen the muscles associated with this bandha. Awareness can be increased by repeating the bija mantra of muladhara chakra, Lam, (pron. lung), or by repeating muladhara, muladhara, muladhara... During meditation, it can be difficult to maintain mulabandha as the mind becomes absorbed in other things (like your mantra). Sitting in siddhasan, where the heel is placed firmly against the perineum, helps to hold it. Now, it may be different for women. One authority states that the heel must be placed firmly against the opening to the vagina to accomplish the same thing. I cannot say from my own experience. For men, if siddhasan is too difficult, a rolled-up pair of socks or a towel placed against the perineum and sat on, works quite well in place of the heel. I hope this was helpful. It was probably a lot more than you wanted as an answer to your simple question, but I seem to have a pathological avoidance of simple answers. If I have run on too long please forgive me. Chris , "Karen Borak" <karenborak@e...> wrote: > May I ask please, what is mulabandha? > > Best wishes and warmest regards, > Karen > > > - > Chris Kirner > > 2/2/2004 4:23:45 PM > Re: Mind following body or body following mind ? > > > Latha, > > Everyone goes through this clunky stage (you already know this of > course). > > I would like to offer some advice/help, but I'm sure you get all the > advice you need there at the Mandir. It will not be long before these > things don't bother you anymore. > > Are you doing mulabandha? > > Chris > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > Steve, > > I have been thinking on your comments. > > > > I agree if the intent is VERY intense (pun unintended ) , the > body > > doesnt matter at all. > > > > But how many of us can claim that ? And that too, does it happen > > everyday, every minute? > > > > So that is where all the regular practices start - control of the > > gross - the body. Move on to subtler - the breath. And then before > I > > know, the mind has calmed down already. > > > > You are correct - if the mind is very very very sincere, then who > > cares about meditation for 10 mins or half hour. Swamiji defines > that > > burning sincerity as Vyakkulata, and that will take care of me. But > > until I am able to resonate in that high frequency, I have to work > > towards it - right posture, right pranayam, right meditation, > etc ... > > > > Thank you for the discussion > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "bingo_ridley" > > <bingo_ridley> wrote: > > > lathananda > > > > > > you are such a sweet person i want to respond to your post but if > i > > > say anything that contradicts swami's teachings, please disregard. > > > > > > if you focus on you inner intent to know/love god, the body will > > > eventually still by itself, as it is actually the body that > follows > > > mind, not the other way around. but of course such a mind is both > > > very disciplined and inspired. > > > > > > so eventually your body becomes sort of rigid in meditation, > which > > > is not at all an unpleasant thing. then you don't worry about if > > you > > > move or not. > > > > > > btw, if you think about amritananda mayi ma, who used to meditate > > > [actually she was in a deep samadhi] in a clump on the floor > under > > a > > > blanket, then you can see there is more than one asana! > > > > > > on the other hand the gita teachers a good asana, and swami > clearly > > > demonstrates that. i believe that is a good thing, like keeping > the > > > temple nice and clean, it is a matter of the order of nature, the > > > human form. it is very inspiring to see someone stand like that, > he > > > reminds me of shivapuri baba that way. > > > > > > peace to you, > > > > > > steve c. > > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > > wrote: > > > > I have been trying to meditate for a few minutes everyday. I > know > > > > first hand how difficult it is to silence the body let alone > the > > > > mind, even for a few minutes.> > > > > Swamiji was so still. Maa was not in yesterday. > > > > > > > > I knew I couldnt meditate anymore so I decided to watch him. I > > was > > > > sitting a little ways behind him and could only see his back. > He > > > > didnt move - for more than a half hour. > > > > > > > > There were a lot of minor interruptions, late comers straggling > > > in, > > > > > > > > Yesterday, after Arati at the Mandir, we all settled down > > > > to "meditate". Of course, a few minutes into the meditation, I > > had > > > > to open my eyes to take a peep at what others were doing. > > > > > > > doors sliding open and shut,people fidgeting, a cough or two, > and > > > > the occasional snore. Things that get me distracted and unable > to > > > > concentrate. But not Swamiji, he stayed still for the entire > > > > duration. > > > > > > > > To try keeping my body still for more than a coupla minutes ... > > so > > > > difficult. How many years of practice will it take to be still > > for > > > > half hour so effortlessly? I dont know - but when I have > examples > > > to > > > > follow, I sure am gonna try. > > > > > > > > Thank you Swamiji for always being an inspiration. > > > > Sponsor > Links > > > / > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Well said. - Chris Kirner Tuesday, February 03, 2004 7:35 PM Re: Mind following body or body following mind ? Hi Karen,I will happily answer your question, though I hope that if Swamiji has any corrections, clarifications, or additions he will add them.As you may know, the state of meditation is that in which the mind flows on a single idea for a certain period. As that period is lengthened, without interruption, samadhi results. Swamiji describes it in terms of relationship: first there are three, you, the object of meditation or devotion, and the relationship between the two; then there are two, you and the object of meditation or devotion, with the relationship being understood (experienced); finally there is only one. As I understand it, there are two types of meditation. The first is the result of one-pointed devotion toward God. Nothing is required, no asana, no technique, nothing but pure love to the exclusion of everything else. Divine grace takes care of everything. The second kind involves a systematic technique whereby the body is stilled and the mind is focused. In my own experience, this second process is entirely dependent upon the control and expansion of prana shakti in the body, which is accomplished in various ways.When one sits for meditation, one finds a comfortable position, with the pelvic floor pressed on a firm surface, placing the head, neck, and trunk in a straight line. This alone, creates heat in muladhara chakra allowing prana shakti to rise along the spine. This "heating" of the nadis (subtle energy pathways) associated with muladhara (the root) chakra can be increased through the use of mulabandha (the root lock). A bandha is a lock, and there are various types described by hatha, tantra, and kundalini yogas. What mulabandha does is increases the upward flow of prana shakti in the spinal nadis, and prevents (locks) it from flowing back down. This process, intimately connected with the movement of the breath, eventually produces a state of meditation, and gradually "awakens" the kundalini shakti. If someone wants to meditate, in my view, mulabandha is vital. To apply mulabandha one simply contracts the muscles associated with the location of muladhara chakra. In men this is located on the perineum, midway between the genitals and the anus. According to one source, the location is different in women, being located at the anterior portion of the cervix. This place is squeezed and held during practice.As with most things, practicing mulabandha can seem difficult at first. Just locating the exact point of contraction can take some time. Then the muscles must be trained (not too difficult) so that the bandha can be maintained without excessive effort throughout meditation practice. For myself, it seems much easier for men. You will have to judge for yourself how it is with women.The location of muladhara and the point of contraction for mulabandha can be learned by practicing contracting the entire pelvic floor, as well as the buttocks, and paying attention to the general area described until a "connection" is felt. Soon, the energy associated with this practice will become an old friend. This practice, alternated with rest between, will also strengthen the muscles associated with this bandha. Awareness can be increased by repeating the bija mantra of muladhara chakra, Lam, (pron. lung), or by repeating muladhara, muladhara, muladhara... During meditation, it can be difficult to maintain mulabandha as the mind becomes absorbed in other things (like your mantra). Sitting in siddhasan, where the heel is placed firmly against the perineum, helps to hold it. Now, it may be different for women. One authority states that the heel must be placed firmly against the opening to the vagina to accomplish the same thing. I cannot say from my own experience.For men, if siddhasan is too difficult, a rolled-up pair of socks or a towel placed against the perineum and sat on, works quite well in place of the heel.I hope this was helpful. It was probably a lot more than you wanted as an answer to your simple question, but I seem to have a pathological avoidance of simple answers. If I have run on too long please forgive me.Chris, "Karen Borak" <karenborak@e...> wrote:> May I ask please, what is mulabandha? > > Best wishes and warmest regards,> Karen > > > ----- Original Message ----- > Chris Kirner > > Sent: 2/2/2004 4:23:45 PM > Re: Mind following body or body following mind ?> > > Latha,> > Everyone goes through this clunky stage (you already know this of > course). > > I would like to offer some advice/help, but I'm sure you get all the > advice you need there at the Mandir. It will not be long before these > things don't bother you anymore.> > Are you doing mulabandha?> > Chris> > > > --- In , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote:> > Steve,> > I have been thinking on your comments.> > > > I agree if the intent is VERY intense (pun unintended ) , the > body > > doesnt matter at all.> > > > But how many of us can claim that ? And that too, does it happen > > everyday, every minute?> > > > So that is where all the regular practices start - control of the > > gross - the body. Move on to subtler - the breath. And then before > I > > know, the mind has calmed down already.> > > > You are correct - if the mind is very very very sincere, then who > > cares about meditation for 10 mins or half hour. Swamiji defines > that > > burning sincerity as Vyakkulata, and that will take care of me. But > > until I am able to resonate in that high frequency, I have to work > > towards it - right posture, right pranayam, right meditation, > etc ....> > > > Thank you for the discussion> > Latha> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "bingo_ridley" > > <bingo_ridley> wrote:> > > lathananda> > > > > > you are such a sweet person i want to respond to your post but if > i > > > say anything that contradicts swami's teachings, please disregard.> > > > > > if you focus on you inner intent to know/love god, the body will > > > eventually still by itself, as it is actually the body that > follows > > > mind, not the other way around. but of course such a mind is both > > > very disciplined and inspired.> > > > > > so eventually your body becomes sort of rigid in meditation, > which > > > is not at all an unpleasant thing. then you don't worry about if > > you > > > move or not.> > > > > > btw, if you think about amritananda mayi ma, who used to meditate > > > [actually she was in a deep samadhi] in a clump on the floor > under > > a > > > blanket, then you can see there is more than one asana!> > > > > > on the other hand the gita teachers a good asana, and swami > clearly > > > demonstrates that. i believe that is a good thing, like keeping > the > > > temple nice and clean, it is a matter of the order of nature, the > > > human form. it is very inspiring to see someone stand like that, > he > > > reminds me of shivapuri baba that way.> > > > > > peace to you,> > > > > > steve c.> > > > > > > > > --- In , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > > wrote:> > > > I have been trying to meditate for a few minutes everyday. I > know > > > > first hand how difficult it is to silence the body let alone > the > > > > mind, even for a few minutes.> > > > > Swamiji was so still. Maa was not in yesterday.> > > > > > > > I knew I couldnt meditate anymore so I decided to watch him. I > > was > > > > sitting a little ways behind him and could only see his back. > He > > > > didnt move - for more than a half hour.> > > > > > > > There were a lot of minor interruptions, late comers straggling > > > in, > > > > > > > > Yesterday, after Arati at the Mandir, we all settled down > > > > to "meditate". Of course, a few minutes into the meditation, I > > had > > > > to open my eyes to take a peep at what others were doing.> > > > > > > doors sliding open and shut,people fidgeting, a cough or two, > and > > > > the occasional snore. Things that get me distracted and unable > to > > > > concentrate. But not Swamiji, he stayed still for the entire > > > > duration.> > > > > > > > To try keeping my body still for more than a coupla minutes ... > > so > > > > difficult. How many years of practice will it take to be still > > for > > > > half hour so effortlessly? I dont know - but when I have > examples > > > to > > > > follow, I sure am gonna try.> > > > > > > > Thank you Swamiji for always being an inspiration.> > > > Sponsor> > > > > > > > Links> > > /> > To from this group, send an email to:> > > Your use of Groups is subject to the To visit your group on the web, go to:/ To from this group, send an email to: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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