Meditation proficiency can be acquired by practice. Curiosity about possible outcomes of meditation practice, aspiration to experience clear states of consciousness, devotion to practice, and the application of time-tested procedures such as regulation of breathing rhythms, prayer, and directing the body's vital forces upward to the higher brain centers, can be helpful.
~Roy Eugene Davis
Sometimes, even after years of meditation practice, it is helpful to go back to the basics. Approach each session with delight and curiosity because you really never know what to expect and aspire to go deeper each time. Begin with focus on the breath or a mantra, waiting for that switch from concentration into the peacefulness of meditation itself. Imagine your breath moving through the spiritual eye, that point between and above the eyebrows so as to move energy to the higher brain centers. Then return to the point of focus each time you notice a distraction. Gently end your time of meditation with gratitude, knowing that your practice is the highest form of self care and that no such effort is ever wasted.
The person who has inner peace can abide in this state even in the midst of outer discord.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
When we begin a daily meditation practice, we get short glimpses of inner peace that are not dependent on outer circumstances. This deep peacefulness is our true nature. As we continue to meditate this peacefulness expands and starts to last longer into our day. Even on those days when we think our mind has been busy throughout our time of sitting, if we have intended to quiet the mind, we will have had moments of peace. Those moments are where the healing happens. After some time we can access this peace even outside of meditation by taking just one conscious breath. We can develop helpful habits like repeating silent mantra, such as "I am peace" to calm the mind whenever we feel challenged, worried, frustrated or angry. As our practice becomes steadier, we are happily surprised to be the level-headed one in times of discord. This promise of inner peace turns out to be the one true thing we can really count on supporting you and those around you.
The depth of realization attained in meditation is measured by the acts of love and compassion it inspires.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
For those of us who have a regular meditation practice, how are we to judge its effectiveness? The first level answer is not by what happens during meditation. Even on those days when the mind seems as restless as the wind, our constant returning to a point of focus brings many benefits: an improved ability to concentrate, increased awareness of what is occurring in the mind, and an ability to be present as we go about our daily activities. Often others notice the real benefits of our meditation practice before we do: an abiding calm peacefulness and a pleasant disposition despite outer circumstances. However the greatest blessing of meditation is that natural compassion with all those we come in contact with because we realize that we are not really separate from each other at all.
With faith, we know that divine will prevails. There is no struggle to accomplish. There is only the necessary work of showing up fully and removing whatever obstacles are there.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian
It is amazing when we start to notice how trusting in divine will, or whatever name you choose give the universal power for good. Once we begin to trust in that power we find the right guidance is always there for us. Recently I had to make a big decision that involved others I was working with. It was an important and difficult decision for us all. I took the time to slow down and take my time, letting go of feeling like it was “my” decision. The next day I meditated and asked for divine guidance. After meditation several people contacted me, people that I trust. With their support, wisdom and the inner knowing that I felt, we came to the right decision. Once that happened others who I was working with said “Thank you.” Some said “ I feels so relieved with this decision.” Some wondered if a something different could be done but understood and supported the decision. Roy Eugene Davis said “There is a power for good that runs the universe. All we have to do is cooperate with it.” There is no need to struggle. Just show up, have faith, have patience and ask for guidance. You will receive it.
Changing any habits or behaviors that are not consistent with living to our fullest potential requires discipline. First, we discipline our mind to engage in introspection for greater understanding, then we discipline our speech and actions to conform to a new behavior, one that satisfies our vision of a fulfilled life. None of it has to wait for anyone else. Whenever we are ready, we can discipline ourselves for change.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Generally self-discipline has a bad reputation in the US, but from my time of spiritual practice, I have learned that self-discipline is really just doing the right thing. Roy Eugene Davis said "Do what you know you should do." What helped me most was keeping a diary about the area I was working on, for example generosity. After some practice, I learned to curb my tendency to say "No" when asked about showing generosity. With the discipline of introspection I realized that saying no was just my fear of not having enough. Through the discipline of discernment I realized all that I did have and could decide what the appropriate level of generosity was for me. Self-discipline supported me in gaining a better knowledge of myself and gave me the tools to act in the world in a more positive way. It is a wonderful tool when exercised with understanding and compassion.
As a rule, those on a spiritual path are advised to cultivate environments and lifestyles that are infused with sattva, uplifting qualities that contribute to clarity in body and mind. We do this by paying attention to what we surrounding ourselves with and what we consume or take in through all our senses -- this includes food, conversation, media exposure, and so fourth.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
When I exercise good judgment and participate in uplifting activities, it naturally makes me feel good and allows me to be useful to others. But the clearest lessons come to me when I violate this sensible advice. When I overdo it and eat food that is ill advised, I always seem to be surprised that I don't feel good later. The same thing goes for watching too much junk TV. Why am I surprised when I have trouble sleeping properly afterwards? Or have trouble meditating in the morning. Isn't it wonderful when life sends is these gentle reminders?
Life is an ever-expansive present moment that we divide into past and future. Everything meets in this moment—the thoughts and deeds of our past, our current experience, and our future. The tree and its fruit live in the seed.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Recently someone asked me what my thoughts were about karma. That Sanskrit word is often given a negative connotation. People will say, when something bad happens, "Oh that is karma getting this person back for the bad deed they did in the past". Karma is described by Roy Eugene Davis as "subconscious tendencies which may influence thoughts, choices, moods and actions". Karma can be tendencies that were acquired in the past, or tendencies that are being acquired now, in the present moment. Paramahansa Yogananda described these karmic tendencies as seeds. As Yogacharya says in the quote above, "the tree and the fruit live in the seed." What kind of tree do we want to live with? Do we want a scraggly, unhappy tree that bears bitter fruit or a tree that is fresh and alive, bearing abundant sweet fruit? We can start now, in this present moment, by planting the seeds for the "tree" we want—the life we want. It is all in how we approach life. It's our decision to make. We can move beyond the past, beyond previous mistakes we made or difficulties that came into our lives. We can change our karma. We can plant positive karmic seeds now, through our uplifting thoughts, words and actions. As we move forward in our lives, from moment to moment, we can reap the positive karmic fruit. Our meditation practice calms the mind and teaches us to observe ourselves and our thoughts. Let go of the past and move forward in life with joy, now, in this present moment.
Consider living to be a great adventure. Be interested in the possibilities of learning, doing, and accomplishing. Enthusiasm is evidence of your appreciation for life and living.
~Roy Eugene Davis
The past year has been challenging for all of us. Of course we could have taken an entirely negative approach and say that life was not the the way we wanted to be or now we can start to re-engage with the world on new terms. The reopening that is taking place can provide all kinds of wonderful opportunities if we are receptive. The great Indian saint, Ramakrishna, said that "the winds of grace are always blowing; all we have to do is raise our sails." We can see this life as a great adventure and see how grace (that benevolence that is all around us) is working in our lives. I have embraced an entirely fun, new hobby in the past few months. What opportunity has presented itself to you? Can you consider this life as a great adventure?
Even-mindedness is the doorway to real enthusiasm and compassion; it’s our entryway to delight and to play.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
We can experience our lives as delightful! In the teachings of the spiritual practice of yoga, we are told that there are four spiritual goals in life: to live our life in the highest and best way, to have pleasure in life, to have the prosperity that we need to live in the highest way and the fourth goal is to be free. Even-mindedness means we are not worried, angry, or expecting praise for work that we have done. It means we are content with our life and have faith that the choices we make and the actions we perform will bring us what we need and want and will ultimately serve the highest good. Our daily meditation practice, when practiced with intention and a smile, will bring even-mindedness and delight to our lives.
The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success.
Paramahansa Yogananda
The spiritual practice of nonattachment shows us that failure can be a blessing in disguise. It is satisfying when our useful efforts turn out as we would like them to, but it is perhaps even better to accept lessons from the universe when things do not turn out as planned. As a young man I struggled to earn a living in academia and then in banking, but eventually found joy doing what I love in the entirely different field of high tech. If you are struggling, perhaps it is time to let go and walk forward on a different path.
Be kind, truthful, and honest. Discipline your thoughts and actions. Concentrate on essentials and disregard nonessentials. Think about what is most important to you and focus your attention on those matters.
~Roy Eugene Davis
Personally I find that just paying attention to my choices as I make them helps me usually do a decent job of being kind, truthful, and honest. My daily meditation practice has made me more aware of my thoughts and actions. The real challenge for me is concentration on essentials. Outdated habits and desires can masquerade as essentials especially when I am tired. For me the question is what do I want to really accomplish in the rest of my life and what habits that don't serve this goal am I willing to drop? Radical honesty seems to be the only guide.
Discipleship
Mother
you have shown the doves
where and how to build their nests
in the temple eaves
I am the lost one
the generation
who did not learn to sew
the recipes of my grandmothers
are gone
I left that house.
Now you
must show me
the simple
weaving together
of the soul life.
Ellen Grace O'Brian from her book of poetry, The Moon Reminded Me
By the practice of meditation, you will find that you are carrying within your heart a portable paradise. – Paramahansa Yogananda
Our true inner nature is bliss as is reflected in the name given to this great spiritual teacher; ananda means bliss. At first we get brief glimpses of inner happiness during our daily meditation practice. As we continue and lengthen our time of meditation on a daily basis, this inner contentment is accessible during throughout the day. We come to realize that this bliss is our very nature and that it overshadows any outer source of happiness, but also enhances our joy with outer sources of happiness. Paradoxically, this makes it easier to be successful in a world we find increasingly supportive of our worthy goals. This is your portable paradise.
There is a great universal good now unfolding, and you are a part of it. Everyone is.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
In this day and age when we are bombarded with bad news, divisive news and angry news we think that is all there is going on in this world. But there is so much more good in the world. We can each accept our responsibility to be a part of the universal good. We can each be attentive to small kindnesses that we receive and to offer those small kindnesses to others, each day. Our regular meditation practice calms our minds and opens our hearts to the good all around us.
Poet Danusha Lameris said "What if they (small kindnesses) are the true dwelling of the holy, these fleeting temples we make together when we say 'Here have my seat.' 'Go ahead, you first.' 'I like your hat."*
Be attentive. You are a part of the universal good.
Words reveal volition—the choice point of how and what we will create in our lives. Mindful speech is a key to mastery.
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
When we first begin meditating, we become aware of the fascinating cacophony of desires, fears, images and wisps of thought churning through our minds. Little by little we learn to let most of them arise and fall away by themselves, lending energy to only those that seem useful. Next we learn the power of voice as we choose to speak aloud only those ideas that serve a real purpose. Then grace takes over and allows us to manifest in the world those words that serve a greater good. In Chapter II:36 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali states that "when one is firmly established in truthfulness, immediate and specific results of actions are experienced." Look back over your life for signs of these "specific results". You may be surprised at how much you can be grateful for. May awareness of the power of your speech bring healing and good will to all.
Have you imagined that meditation is stopping all thoughts? That is like trying to stop the wind. Let the wind be while you take shelter in the stillness of the Self. Thoughts may continue but they need not disturb you or interrupt your meditation. The wind doesn't blow all day. Eventually it quiets down. Give no regard to the thought activity and it will subside.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian, from her book Living for the Sake of the Soul
When I was beginning to meditate I had this idea that I should have no thoughts during meditation. Many people have that idea and stop practicing because of it. I was continually frustrated, which stirred up my mind even more. I'd look at the others around me who were sitting quietly and in what I thought was a thought-less meditation, but not for me. By the grace of God, I continued to sit and at some point let go of the expectation of a certain experience during my meditation practice. I started to see how my life was changing. I was experiencing more calmness in my life, more awareness of and trust in my intuition and a clearer mind. I was also experiencing more awareness of grace that carried me through difficult times. Once I let go of the expectation of what I thought meditation should be, I began to look forward to this time in silence each day. Now I still have times when I go on a "think-a-thon" during my time of sitting, but I just gently notice it and am grateful for the noticing. I bring my self back to my technique and slip into peace again. "Let the wind be while you take shelter in the stillness of the Self."
Meditate more and more deeply, until calmness and joy become second
nature to you. It is thinking that it is difficult that holds you apart from it. Never
think of joy as distant from you, and it will be with you always.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
The key to meditation is simply to meditate every day, to use those techniques like following the breath that still the mind, and to lengthen our time of meditation as the weeks and months go by. One day we fall into a well of joy that is our own true nature and we begin to share this inner joy with all those around us. The renewal of spring and the promise of Easter open our consciousness to this possibility of boundless joy.
It is on the inward condition that the outer reality depends.
~Roy Eugene Davis
This weekend we are celebrating the life of the great Kriya Yoga master, Roy Eugene Davis and commemorating the anniversary of his passing on March 27th, 2019. Roy is the guru of our guru, Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian. Guru means the dispeller of darkness or teacher. We were fortunate to know this master teacher in our lifetime.
This quote from Mr. Davis is a reminder that in order to live a life where we are content, happy and experiencing abundance in all ways, it is important to cultivate our inner life. My regular, steady practice of meditation, prayer and living an ethical, God-centered life is what sustains me and supports me when I experience the rough seas that are inevitable. I may initially feel panic, fear or anger when the boat rocks, but being anchored in my soul nature always brings me back to that steady, calm place of peace that is who I am at the core of my being. I am able to witness myself, honor my feelings and discern how best to steady the boat. Instead of staying in that anger or fear, I can change my mind and dwell in that place of peace. It is a much more pleasant place to be.
True contentment is revealed through a quiet mind.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
A strong contentment practice can shield us from the suffering of life's challenges. We can begin with simple gratitude for the many gifts we may tend to ignore: the sweetness of mere existence, the beauty of the gentle daily cycle of morning, afternoon evening and night, the powerful gift of our conscious awareness of consciousness itself. Contentment is its own reward. Yogic teachings say that through contentment, unlimited joy is realized. Try beginning the day with meditation and then follow it with contentment practice. This virtuous cycle can lead to an end of suffering in which the mind is quiet and suffused with joy.
