Through meditation I will stop the storm of breath, mental restlessness, and sensory disturbances raging over the lake of my mind. Through prayer and meditation I will harness my will and activity to the right goal.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
This affirmation is by the man who who became a great Yoga master and reminds us that even he had to struggle to overcome the restlessness of the mind. All of the great teachers tell us that it can be done. The concentration techniques such as focusing on the breath can take all of us to the depths of meditation if we use them consistently with intention and energy. The first level obstacles in our way are our own lack of intensity, application, and will power. How miraculous it is that we all have full control over these.
Balance renders life fruitful.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
We often hear about having balance in our life, but what does that really mean and how do we achieve balance? The teachings of Kriya Yoga are all about balance. At the basic level we can look at what we eat. Do we eat food that bring us health and well being or do we eat food that might taste good in the moment but bring us discomfort in the long run? Are we getting enough sleep so that during our waking hours we are able to respond to stressful situations with discernment rather than react and maybe say or do something that is not useful? During our busy day do we take breaks for rest and sweetness? Do we take some time in the silence of meditation each day? Do we take time for light exercise each day? Can we turn away from what we find stressful (like the news) and turn towards things, situations and people that are uplifting and bring us joy. Turn away from what you know isn’t good for you and towards what lifts you up. As Roy Eugene Davis, the esteemed teacher of Kriya Yoga said “Do what you know you should do.” When we do that, our lives are more grace-filled - our lives are fruitful. That is balance.
We attain what the heart is fixed upon.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
The Vedic teachings that inform our practice of meditation say “You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny." If our deepest desire is to realize our ultimate potential in life, we stand a chance of attaining it. These teachings also say that we come into life with downward drives like the desire for pleasure and aversion from what we wish to avoid. Our job is to take the acute self awareness from our meditation practice, turn away from the downward drives, and moment by moment pursue what is most uplifting in life. What is most important for you to attain today?
Peace comes in a moment but takes a lifetime to realize. It is not something we attain; it is a way of life. Fill your day with peaceful moments that become a peaceful life.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian
Yogacharya offers us a sweet reminder in these turbulent times to remember that we want peace to be our way of life. This is where we all feel at our best. It is so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the moment, then we worry, get frustrated, angry and sad. Our physical, mental and emotional health suffers. Let's turn away from that and turn toward peace. How do we do that? When we become aware of our state of mind and we decide we want peace we can find the peaceful moments right where we are. We can just decide to do whatever it is we need to do to do to allow joy and peace to be our way of life. Take a walk, play with our furry animals, read something uplifting, take a moment to pray-to meditate. Stay away from what stresses you. Yesterday, we realized we needed to do something different from our normal daily routine and got out of the house and took a drive, away from what was stressful. We both came home refreshed and happier-at peace. Our meditation practice teaches us to see what is going on in our minds. The more we practice, the easier it gets until it is almost automatic. Live joy and be joy. Live peace and be peace.
Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
The pursuit of simplicity in life is in harmony with the core spiritual practices taught by Yogananda. Right use of our energy frees us from the wasteful expenditure of time and energy. When we look at how we spend time we can liberate great amounts of it for useful purposes. The practice of non-stealing, not feeling like we lack for anything, can lead us to reduce clutter from our homes and transfer things to others who can make better use of them. Devotion to harmlessness can free us from compulsive attempts to tell others what they should be doing and free energy for our own self-transformation. Harmlessness makes us better listeners and can save us from saying things we might later regret. Simplicity can lead us to inner contentment, that powerful practice that frees us from seeking happiness in the gratification of desires and puts us in touch with our own innate joy. Spend some time pursuing simplicity and see what it can do for you.
Remember, people suffer only because they think things ought to be different
from what they are.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
This year of 2020 has given most of us a great many challenges in many different ways, both great and small. Our normal way of living has completely changed. At the beginning of this pandemic we all thought it would be over in a month or two. Now we don't know when or if ever life will get back to the way it was. How do we cope? The teachings of the spiritual philosophy of Kriya Yoga tell us that we can be content and peaceful in our lives even in a time of turmoil. The key to contentment is twofold. The first part of this contentment practice is our regular meditation practice which brings a calm presence into our lives and also strengthens our ability to observe ourselves. The other is the practice of dispassionate nonattachment, not being attached to the way we think things should be. We can observe ourselves when we get frustrated or upset and discern what we can let go of in order to be content with the present circumstances. Then we can move forward with the right actions that support us in living the life that we want to live. We don't have to suffer.
When the mind is singularly concentrated in meditation, all distractions are arrested. But until such interiorization is mastered, the devotee must persistently practice mind control; and he/she should also take common sense measures to eliminate, or at least minimize, invasive external stimuli.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
We should choose a clean quiet place to meditate so that we are not disturbed. But more importantly, we should use a technique of concentration to bring all our attention to a focal point, such as the breath. This persistent and intense concentration captivates the mind and over time will make it our willing helper, rather than the inner critic it can become without mindful control. The goal of effortless freedom is gradually earned by consistent, joyful discipline. Rather than consider discipline in a negative manner, we can embrace it as a path to freedom.
Established in a comfortable, steady meditation posture, in a clean and appropriate place; There, intent upon practice, with thoughts and senses controlled, one should engage in meditation to purify the mind.
~Bhagavad Gita 6:11,12
The Bhagavad Gita is scripture that comes from India and is thought to have been written 4-5000 years ago. It teaches us about meditation and ethical living and how both practices work together, supporting us in living a life that is free from suffering, among other spiritual concepts. These two verses tell us about having a firm, steady but comfortable posture. The next verse instructs us to hold the body, head and neck erect, motionless and steady, gazing into the spiritual eye. The importance of posture (in Sanskrit the word for posture is Asana) with similar instructions is taught in another important scripture, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjaliwhich were compiled about two thousand years ago. These instructions are time-tested. If we truly want to realize the benefits of meditation and experience true peace, posture is very important. Lying down or slouching in a chair may bring relaxation and sleep but will not allow us to experience meditative consciousness. Meditate with intention and experience pure awareness.
The Sanskrit term mantra means a spiritual tool for the mind, a formula for reaching higher states of consciousness... Mantra practice liberates the mind from the confining structure of thought form. It frees the mind from the constraint of concepts and allows it to be a vehicle or conduit for higher understanding and insight.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian From her book The Jewel of Abundance
We can use a mantra from a sacred language such as the So Ham mantra in Sanskrit (So - That / Ham - I am, meaning I am that which I seek) or an English word like 'peace' or a phrase such as 'I am peace.' Silent repetition of the mantra at the beginning of our practice can captivate the mind and make it easier to reach a single point of focus. The normal chatter of random thoughts can fall away and leave us in that state of deep peacefulness which is our true nature and which we call meditation. Try using mantra at the beginning of your practice and you may find it a very valuable tool.
Meditate deeply and you will erase all fears and gain the unshakeable consciousness of soul freedom. After every deep meditation, you will find yourself becoming freer inside.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
With the fires that we are currently experiencing all throughout California and in our area of Sonoma County, we are all experiencing some fear and worry. For some who have been evacuated from their homes, there is fear that the homes that they love could be destroyed. For those not evacuated we are on tenterhooks, waiting for the call. Everyone is experiencing discomfort at some level with all of the smoke. As always, I turn to my spiritual practice of meditation and the teachings of the sages, the wise teachers, that calm me. Regular meditation is the key to the door of inner peace. I find that my regular practice has given me the tools to stay calm and from that place make the right decisions at the right time. I can then extend that calm energy to my family and friends. I become free from uncontrolled fear and anxiety. I am able to then think clearly. It is so much easier to live from that place. This is the freedom that a regular meditation practice brings.
When we focus on flaws, the problem gets bigger, and the energy for dealing with it gets smaller. When we focus on the existence of basic goodness, the energy for positive change is enhanced.
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
In this time of turmoil in the world, most of what we hear in the news is all the negative. Although we want and need to know what is happening in the world, it can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. That stress leads to physical, emotional and mental dis-ease and depletes our energy. When we allow ourselves to only focus on that, that is all that we experience. It takes some work, but taking some time each day to see the positive gifts all around us keeps us physically healthier, mentally stronger and spiritually enriched. All we need to do is spend some time in nature, slow down and really take in the beauty of what we see—even just a walk around the block looking at the neighbor's gardens. When our outlook is positive, we can radiate that out to others and affect the world view. Our meditation practice slows us down and offers an opportunity to create positive changes in our bodies and minds and allows us to get in touch with Reality, which is only good. Our positive energy levels increase. Focus on basic goodness and create positive energy.
[A] common belief that blocks happiness is the idea that it's selfish to be happy when so many people around us, or in the world, are suffering. This, too, can be easily remedied by becoming aware that our happiness doesn't take away from the happiness of others — it contributes to it.
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian - from her book The Jewel of Abundance, (2018, New World Library)
This true inner happiness is not the temporary relief we feel when a desire is satisfied, but the very core of our own nature. Meditation brings us in touch with the bliss that is at the heart of our being and at the center of Reality. This true happiness enables us to be skillful in service to others in the midst of challenges and frees us from overly identifying with changing events and turbulence in the mind. This happiness enables us to be useful and frees us not from pain but from suffering. Embrace your happiness!
The seeds planted in this moment are the flowers of our future. Be mindful of your thoughts and emotions. They are the seeds that blossom and bear fruit according to their nature. If we yearn for peace, we must cultivate it first in our own consciousness.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her book Living for the Sake of the Soul
In times of turmoil it is easy to be angry and fearful. When we plant negative seeds, we experience the fruit of those seeds. Our meditation practice trains our mind to turn toward the positive. The more we practice, the easier it is to see the good in the world. When we encounter the negative, it becomes almost automatic to turn our minds toward the positive. We can then act from that place of positivity. Our positive actions and our peaceful outlook can bring real positive change to a tumultuous world. Plant seeds of wonder, love and compassion. Experience peace and a happy life for yourself and for others.
To expect mundane events, circumstances, or relationships to provide us with peace of mind and soul-satisfaction is to invite eventual disappointment and discontentment because all outer conditions are changeable and impermanent.
~Roy Eugene Davis
Meditation and harmonious living offer us a way out of this dilemma. A steady meditation practice puts us in touch with the inner peace and joy that is our true nature. Daily immersion in the peace of meditation then gives us an inner harmony that can survive these changing circumstances. As we redirect our activities to serve the greater good, meditation becomes easier because there are fewer causes of disturbance in the mind. The peace of meditation allows us to live our lives with greater equanimity.
Use discernment to guide the senses. Without the guidance of wisdom, senses are like a runaway train without a conductor.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Every day, every moment we are making decisions, big and small. We can react or respond. Quick reactions that come from anger or upset can take us down a path that we really don't want to go. They can cause difficulty in our relationships. This is the runaway train that our senses can take us on. Our meditation practice teaches us to observe our minds. In our daily life, as we observe, we can take the time to discern how we want to respond and take the best action for ourselves and those around us. In this time of history when we are living in so much turmoil, having control of our thoughts, speech and actions supports us and the world around us. When we are in control of that train we feel more at peace. Listen to your wisdom guidance. Live a happier life.
Meditation is a way of life. It is learning how to be present. Meditate because you love yourself. Meditate because you love life.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Our attitude determines our experience. Think back on days when you were full of cheerful enthusiasm. Didn't things just turn out better? Weren't other people just kinder? On days when events around us are overwhelming, it may seem that nothing goes right. Daily meditation prepares us for a day filled with positive energy and joy. Meditation clears the mind and brings us back in touch with the natural joy which is our inner nature. Even when times are difficult, meditation nurtures a positive attitude and enables us to better support others.
In the stillness of the quiet , if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.
~Howard Thurman
In this time of local and global upheaval, it is very easy to get caught up in fear—fear of the unknown. When we find ourselves feeling anxious, worried or afraid, just pause for a moment, breathe and wait for your calm nature to return. From that place you can then decide if you need to take action, or just rest in the peace of your being.
Our world needs more of us to be able to stay calm and think and act rationally. We can be that presence of peace in our homes, with our friends and co-workers and in our communities as a whole. Take the peace that you experience in meditation out into your day. Our world needs your calm presence. Be that.
Meditation is not a cure-all. It won't get us a job, pay the bills, or heal a broken marriage. It will, however, enhance our ability to do any of that, and more. Meditate deep enough, often enough, and long enough, and we see. Everything improves when we become more aware.... We see our self, everyone, and everything as it is.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from The Jewel of Abundance
Our daily meditation practice gradually helps us overcome the prejudiced coloring that the ego applies to events. We become less dependent on external signs of approval and bring a self-generated peace into every encounter. We become more aware that the universe is supportive in both good times and when we encounter difficulties. We experience control, not over pain, but realize freedom from suffering. Fear and stress give way to the abiding joy that we realize is our true nature in meditation.
We cannot stop our thoughts. But we can change them. And changing our thoughts changes everything. When we change what we focus on, we change our experience of life.
~ Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Our thoughts are not who we are. We are greater than our mind and our thoughts. We know that because we can observe our thoughts. In the philosophical teachings of yoga, thoughts are described as fluctuations in the mind-field. Through our meditation practice we become more aware of the thoughts we have and become aware that we have the power to change them. When we observe thoughts that are disturbing, we realize that we can change our minds and entertain thoughts that are more pleasing and beneficial to our body, mind and spirit. We can calm the fluctuations. A calmer mind allows us to sleep better and make better choices for our health. A calmer mind allows us to have better relationships. A calmer mind allows us to live a more peaceful, more content life. Change your experience of life.
While we are training the mind to be still, we reap numerous benefits from our practice - our stress level is reduced, we become more peaceful, our ability to concentrate improves, and we notice more frequent bouts of contentment.
~ Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Studies show that it can take as little as eight to ten weeks for new meditators to experience these benefits when we meditate for at least twenty minutes every day. As we continue to deepen our practice, life flows more gracefully and we notice that the universe supports all our worthwhile goals. Re-commit to your meditation practice starting today.
