Weekly Guided Meditation & Scriptural Study - April 27, 2013 - Focusing of the Mind

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DISCUSSIONS ON SWAMI CHIDANANDA’s DAILY SVADYAYA AND 

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Svadyaya for April 27, 2013 Focusing of the Mind

Radiant immortal Atman! Beloved sadhakas and seekers!

Some sadhakas are very impatient. They want to have the experience at the very beginning of their sadhana. And they think that only such experience constitutes the sign that they are progressing. They want to have a tree within days of planting a seed! You should not be too impatient. You must have sufficient abhyasa (practice) before you start looking for results.

This impatience in sadhaka is a result of not realising that a good part of sadhana goes not into the structure of spiritual life, but into its foundation. When the foundation of a building is being built, no structure is seen above the surface of the ground. Someone looking from far off will see nothing there. Yet something important, something indispensable is being done. If you want to see walls and rooms within a few days of starting the construction, it is impractical view and approach.

Many spiritual teachers offer techniques, which will show results. Someone presses your eyeballs and make you see flashes of light. There are organisations that promise this type of spiritual experiences, awakening of Kundalini, siddhis (psychic powers).

But then, are you trying to lead a spiritual life, or do you want to get some results? What is that you understand about a life of nivritti, of renunciation, of seeking? Are you paying attention to your spiritual life or are you paying attention to your mental acrobatic? These questions have to be very, very definitely made part of your consideration. Spiritual teachers lay down together with sadhana some principles, certain ideals, some way of life.

First and foremost, try to know that all sadhana, all yoga-abhyasa have one aim: to remove distraction of the mind and focus it. And thus bring about a state of one-pointedness, concentration, and to integrate your life, your thoughts, feelings emotions, sentiments, imagination and aspirations towards one unified quest, one clearly defined goal. All sadhana—japa, meditation, kirtan, puja, upasana—should make you totally absorbed, one-pointed, completely focussed. The focussing of the mind is sadhana, that is abhyasa. It is the key to success. It is the solution to all problems. And it does not come in a day. A life governed by principles, moving towards an ideal is yoga and sadhana and spiritual life.

God Bless You! Swami Chidananda

Additional reading

“Yoga in daily life” by Swami Sivananda

“Advices on Spiritual Living” –by Swami Chidananda

“The Tree of Life” by Swami Krishnananda

(March 14,2013) Spiritual culture by Swami Sivananda

Spiritual message for the day- From Sadhana Tattva or The Science of Seven Cultures for quick evolution of the Human being by Swami Sivananda

SPIRITUAL CULTURE

v  Go to bed early. Get up at four o'clock. Answer calls of nature, clean your mouth and take a bath.

v  Recite some prayers and Kirtan Dhvanis (devotional songs). Practice Pranayama (breathing exercises), Japa (repetition of the Divine Name of God) and meditation in the early morning. Sit on Padma, Siddha, or Sukha Asana throughout, without movement, by gradual practice. While you meditate, forget the outside world totally. Gradually increase the period of meditation. 

v  Perform the daily prayers of your religion. Do not fail to fulfil your obligatory duties.

v  Write your favourite Mantra or Name of God in a notebook for ten to thirty minutes, daily.

v  Sing the Names of God (Kirtan) and pray for half to one hour at night with family and friends.

v  Make annual resolves on the above lines. Regularity, tenacity and fixity are essential. Record your Sadhana in a spiritual diary daily. Review it every month and correct your failures.

Notes: (a) An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory. Practice Yoga, Religion and Philosophy in daily life and attain Self-realization.

(b)These (thirty-two) instructions give the essence of the Eternal Religion (Sanatana Dharma) in its purest form. They are suitable for modern busy householders with fixed hours of work. Modify them to suit your convenience and increase the period gradually.

(c) In the beginning take only a few practicable resolves which form a small but definite advance over your present habits and character. In case of ill-health, pressure of work or unavoidable engagements replace your active Sadhana (spiritual practice) by frequent remembrance of God.

Additional reading at Divine Life Society website