Om

What You Resist, Persists

Do You Mean "Inside" Inside?!

Where My Intuition Led Me

Mon June 29, 2015 update: Mar attended her first yoga class yesterday and proved to be very flexible for a beginner.

Yesterday my intuition led me on a relatively quick journey that ended with a wonderful surprise that will undoubtedly make a major difference in at least one person’s life.

Perhaps you’ll say it was luck, that there’s no such thing as an inner voice that taps into the great universal wisdom that will guide us on a truer path if we are just still enough, just quiet enough to listen...

Read for yourself and judge.

It started at Roberta’s memorial service, my mother-in-law. There was one guest no one expected to see, but made all the sense in the world that she would be there: it was Mar, Roberta’s main caregiver at her assisted living home where she passed away in hospice.

Mar became Roberta’s favorite person in the world. Not only did she quickly come running anytime Roberta cried out for something (“Mar, something’s wrong with the T.V!"), she took pride in making Roberta look beautiful. She cut her hair, painted her nails, dressed her in the stylish way Roberta preferred, accessorizing her with flashy earrings and necklaces before going to the doctor’s, or even just to take a walk up the street.

In the speeches at the memorial, Mar was one of the most often-mentioned names. She later said Roberta was like a mom to her, and that there was no way she would miss this event, even if it meant taking a day off of her new job and taking multiple buses from Pasadena to Long Beach to be there…

Yes, she came by bus(ses).

Once I found this out, I naturally offered to drive her home. She accepted, and proceeded to wash dishes until we left. You couldn’t stop her if you tried.

On the way home,  a couple things came up in conversation: yoga (I don’t need much prodding here); the fact that her current job was very shaky; and the fact that the group of people she lives with are about to go back to the Philippines for good, leaving her stranded with no place to live.

Big challenges.

First: she was fascinated with the idea of yoga because of her constant back pain. Plus, she could share what she learned about yoga with her elderly patients.

But isn’t yoga expensive, she asked?

I told her the place I go to only accepts donations, and only after you’ve been going for a while to make sure you like it.

This must be where my intuition kicked in: should I just take her to the ashram now to see what she thought?

She didn't live that close. If she went, it would take two buses, or one bus and a half hour walk.

So I asked if she wanted to visit and she said yes, agreeing it would be an adventure. 

What do you think happens when a professional caregiver meets two nuns who have devoted their lives to the service of others? Instant connection. They all took an immediate liking to each other.

I think Mar even blushed when one of the baijis served us bowls of sliced watermelon. Mar is used to doing the serving, but she accepted graciously.

I mentioned that Mar is looking for a caretaking live-in situation, and the baijis said they would put the word out to their devotees.

Then, as we were about to leave... one of the baijis emerged from the kitchen saying she had prepared us something to eat, and did Mar like spicy food?

She said yes, and we followed them into the kitchen.

An ageless man was already sitting at the table eating the tasty food. This was Kanti, a Naturopathic doctor whose rumored age is so advanced, he himself is the greatest testament to the effectiveness of his herbal remedies. 

So when this Naturopathic doctor – who sees many elderly patients – heard that Mar is looking for a caregiver live-in position, what do you think happened?

This: he pulls a business card out of his shirt pocket that belongs to a Filipino man he just met with who owns a caregiving agency. He said this man is a friend, and that he's a gentle, Catholic God-fearing man who would do anything to help anyone.

…

I asked if it would be okay for Mar to call him, and Gautam baiji said she could arrange an introduction at the ashram, which would be a better way to meet. Kanti agreed.

Like I always say (or at least I’ll always say it now): “Come for the yoga, stay for the possibilities.”

Was it intuition or luck that created this connection?

An advanced spiritual training school says: "Psychic ability, a sixth sense, the gift of prophecy, clairvoyance, clairsentience - there are many names to describe this quality we simply call "spiritual intuition." Everyone has intuition; the degree to which it is used varies from person to person. Intuition is often defined as "a knowing, without the use of rational processes." 

The challenge is to tune out worldly distractions to hear it, which yoga and meditation have helped me do to a higher degree. And if you were affected by this piece at all, just know that I wouldn't have written it - and you wouldn't have read it - if I hadn't started my practice of yoga and meditation nine months ago. I wouldn't have had the pleasure and privilege of being a conduit for this force/energy/Spirit to assist Mar, a most-deserving person if ever there was one.

Om Chanting is the Best

If you ever get a chance to do some Om chanting with a group of people, like the fictional Don Draper did from "Mad Men," accept the invitation and you'll probably never look back.

Whether it's in someone's living room or back yard, on the beach or a hiking trail, a yoga studio or an ashram, you will probably love it and want to continue.

Most people feel a little ridiculous at first, but you get over it quickly. Many find this to be the easiest form of meditation and relaxation.

By end of the session, you will feel amazing and will probably have the best sleep of your life that night.

You'll usually sit comfortably on the floor in the lotus position, or against a wall or in a chair if necessary. A straight spine is important, as is your relative comfort.

If you haven't been invited, you might search on Meetup.com for groups in your area. A local ashram will usually provide this opportunity, as ours does on Wednesday nights.

Click here for spiritual benefits to chanting Om and click here for medical benefits to meditation overall.

Most of all, have fun.

The Difference Between Prayer and Meditation

Extreme Yoga - Only Pros Should Attempt

Although I prefer ancient Hatha and Kriya yoga, I think it's fun to "entertain" some challenging positions that may or may not be considered traditional yoga. 

By entertain, I mean look at the poses and wish I could do them.

I once heard that some of the acrobats at Cirque Du Soleil stretch for three hours before a performance or rehearsal.

 

Just remember to be careful out there.

Don't Even Think About It

DAYC Collects and Donates over $60,001 to Nepal Relief

In the two months since Nepal was rocked by a massive earthquake, the Divine Art of Yoga Center (DAYC) in La Habra has collected over $60,001 for its sister ashrams in the region that now feed 600-700 people daily.

The benefit of having the funds go from ashram to ashram is that 100% of the money goes directly to the needy in the form of food and other necessities (the photos are from internet news reports).

 

The reason I mentioned $60,001+ was donated -- instead of merely writing $60,000+ -- is because when people in Indian cultures donate money, the added "1" on their check signifies God. It also indicates this is not the last donation this person will make.

You can make your first (or next) donation here at the Divine Service Home website.

And don't forget to add the 1.

Meditate On That!

The Yoga Heard Round the World

Exciting reports about mass yoga sessions around the world are pouring in. In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself led the largest group in history, as Guinness World Records will surely confirm.

Our own open house at the Divine Art of Yoga Center went very well, with walk-ins, drive-ups, and even several people on bikes.

Most people said the same thing: "I've always passed by this place and was always curious..."

For local readers who are also curious, our yoga times are:
Sat & Sun @ 8:30am 
Mon & Wed @ 9am
Wed. at 5:30pm
Followed by breathing exercises (pranayama) at 7pm (this one is a favorite and fills up fast)
Donations only.

Okay, now back to Modi mode:

What the Sage Said

For the first official International Day of Yoga, I thought I'd feature the beautiful words of the great sage Paramahamsa Prajnananda (thanks Claudia!):

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

Loving and Divine Soul,

Let the choicest blessings of God and Masters be upon all of you. I greet you on a special day of dual significance. First, it is the summer solstice, and second, it is the first International Day of Yoga.

Summer solstice is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs once a year when the sun moves farthest north geographically, creating the longest day and the shortest night in the northern hemisphere. For the next six months the duration of daylight slowly shortens in the northern hemisphere and gradually lengthens in the southern hemisphere. Although this is a physical phenomenon, it has spiritual significance. Swami Shriyukteshwarji, a great master of Kriya Yoga and an exponent of Cosmic Astrology, emphasized this spiritual aspect: The body has two poles like the earth or a magnet. The North Pole is in the fontanel and South Pole is in the lower part of the body. Sunlight represents spiritual consciousness. By practicing meditation and yogic techniques we can increase inner awakening. By increasing spiritual consciousness we can live with love, joy, peace, and harmony.

This year the United Nations will celebrate the northern hemisphere summer solstice as the International Day of Yoga. During the last general assembly of the U.N., Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, emphasized the role yoga can play to bridge the gap between nations and help make a better world. He requested the assembly designate a day for a celebration. Over 175 nations lauded the proposal, and as a result June 21 will be celebrated as the International Day of Yoga. Yoga is a gift from the great rishis of India. Yoga was revealed to them as a result of their sinceresadhana (practice of self-discipline), and Yoga transcends all the limitations and boundaries that human beings have created. Yoga is practiced in different forms with love all over the world, and people benefit tremendously. It is a time-tested treasure that creates a healthy body, mind, and intellect filled with harmony and peace. It is non-sectarian and is beyond religious dogma.

The modern world provides every possible form of fast communication and a plethora of information. On this special day, I want to tell you that the great masters of India such as Swami Vivekananda and Paramahamsa Yoganandaji used sincere and selfless effort to plant the seed of Yoga and meditation around the entire world. Swami Vivekananda brought the message of Yoga to the West and Paramahamsa Yoganandaji nurtured it into a huge banyan tree. Now a myriad of methods are taught by countless teachers all over the world.

When we celebrate this special day, we should keep the basic principles of yoga in our minds and hearts. The simplest meaning of yoga is union. Let the practice of Yoga bring unity, amity, love, and harmony within and without.

The second meaning of Yoga is inner transformation. Every Yoga practitioner should try to eradicate inner vices and bring forth good qualities; as a result goodness will spread everywhere.

The third meaning of Yoga is self-discipline. We should learn to discipline our lives, desires and expectations. The world is passing through many crises - inequality, concentration of wealth, increased human suffering, global warming, spread of fatal diseases, terrorism, and above all, the thoughtless destruction of nature. Through self-disciplined and compassionate lives, we can impact the world and make it a better place not only for us, but also for future generations.

The fourth meaning of Yoga is to live in peace and manifest peace during every breath, thought, word, and deed.

During this celebration I offer my homage to the great masters of Yoga who tirelessly brought its message from India to the rest of the world. Their sincere efforts, fathomless love, and Yoga practices have become part of the lives of countless millions.

Let the practice of Yoga make the world free of disease and all discrimination and make the world a beautiful temple of the Divine.

Let us practice and spread Yoga for inner peace and peace everywhere.

With Love,

Prajnanananda

Yoga Doesn't Care About What You Have Been...

Strangers Are Just Friends I Haven't Met Yet

Divine Art of Yoga Center is Celebrating International Day of Yoga

International Day of Yoga is this Sunday, and the Divine Art of Yoga Center is celebrating with free yoga passes, food, and other fun activities.

A most excellent musician, Ben Choudhuri, will be giving tabla demonstrations as well.

It's Father's Day also, so we hope fathers will stop in for a gift of free yoga passes and food at 851 W. Whittier Blvd. in La Habra.

See you Sunday!

Yoga Leads to Great Things

Is Yoga for the Rich?

 

I was listening to the Yoga Talk podcast while they were reviewing an article called "Is Yoga for the Rich?"

The hosts discussed the cost of yoga, which can get fairly high in some cases (designer yoga wear, upscale studio costs, retreats, etc.).

They also pointed out that a yoga practice can "cost" valuable time.

Yogis (a person proficient in yoga) know that any time the spend doing yoga pays them back many times over - they have better health; they feel better throughout the day; major and minor physical tasks are easier to do, and so on.

Still, it would be helpful for many if there were less expensive ways to do yoga, and preferably close to home.

That's why non-profit yoga centers are so great. You pay what you can (donations) and there is probably one very close to your home that a google search would turn up.

You can also look for a non-profit ashram that accepts donations like the one I go to. They welcome everyone, spiritual and non-spiritual alike.

Once you've attended enough sessions, you can do it at home on your own (or with youtube videos) which is the easiest and cheapest way of all. Or get together your own little group of yogic friends in the biggest living room you can find and have a blast!

The bottom line is, it doesn't matter what you're wearing or how nice the yoga studio is - what's happening inside you is where the practice really pays off.

Clever Logo and What it Means - International Day of Yoga

Keep the Fire Low - A Story

​A man was ​lost in the forest for days until he found the guru he was looking for. Overcome with exhaustion and hunger, he collapsed at her feet. She promptly gave him food from her campfire, then waited patiently until he could speak.  

 

“You expected me?” he asked, referring to the prepared food. 

“Is that what you came to ask?” 

“No. I am seeking answers to life​, which has become so difficult."​

​She smiled and seemed to look through him.

“You searched for me a long time. How did you find me?”

​“For years I heard stories about your wisdom. I decided to seek you out by asking others.” ​He showed her some worn maps. “They gave me directions which didn't work very well. I almost starved to death.”

She took the maps and glanced at them. “These are from someone else’s journey.” She tossed them into the fire.

“What else did you do to find me?” she asked gently.

​

“I prayed.” 

“Did that help?”

“No, but I heard that's because some prayers aren’t answered. So then I used my mind to conjure food and water.” 

“Did you succeed?”

“No, but I almost became food for a bear.”

She laughed. “Maybe his conjuring abilities are better than yours.”

​He frowned. “Usually I can make things happen in my life, but the old ways don’t seem to work as well. I just want answers.” 

Her eyes grew brighter. “I’m prepared to give them to you.”

He sat up in anticipation. 

“You probably noticed that you only found me when you’d given up the other's maps.”

“Yes.”

“You also had to give up your usual tricks of attracting and creating because they were running counter to another force at work.”

“How do you know this?” 

“Because you still had something deep inside you giving you direction. You did find me, after all.”

He became very excited. “Yes, I did! Can you help me get access to that all the time?”

“You do not need a guru for this. Meditation alone allows you to touch the divine inside you for all the answers, any time.” 

“The kingdom of God is within you,” he recited.

“Yes.”

“Is that it?”

“Tell me what else you want.”

He looked embarrassed. “Well, sometimes I want… things. Nice things. Maybe some comfortable things, too.”

“That is very honest. You can pray for things. You can attract things to you.”

“That's okay?”

“It is, and you will continue to do that until you are less interested in those things, and more interested in what your true self wants. I'm talking about the part of you that is connected to the divine, your soul… It’s always been there, gently guiding you to your bliss, and now you’re hearing it come through more clearly, even as you try to deny it or silence it.”

“If it’s my soul speaking, as you say, wouldn’t I want to hear it?”

The guru tossed another stick on the fire.

“You would think, but people have many habits accumulated over a lifetime that distract them from hearing it. It is easier to watch one hour of T.V. than spend two minutes listening to that voice, your own true voice.”

He struggled with this. “If it’s really my voice, why am I such a stranger to it?”

“Because your ego has been running the show, protecting you from harm, but also keeping you from your own deepest self. Which is love, by the way.”

“So my ego’s the bad guy?” 

“No, it’s a useful tool, like fire on a stove. Use it carefully to cook food, just don’t let it burn down the kitchen.” 

“So you’re saying it’s okay to ask for material things…”

“Or you can let the ego fall away and see the God in you and go from there.”

He was awestruck. “Why would I do one when the other is so available to me?”

“Because the Ego is fierce. It fights for relevance and control every second.”

The man thought for a moment. “So how do I keep the "fire on the stove" low?”

A piece of wood suddenly shifts in the campfire, and the flames rise higher. The guru sees this and hands a cup of water to the man. 

He nods, and tosses the water on the fire. The flames recede and become manageable. 

“Meditation,” he says.

The guru nods.