Fun Frolick Footsoaking Video

Do you feel the need to clear out, but just dont know if getting a footsoak is too challenging? Two brave women in Canada risk everything to perform this amazing miracle of getting a little tub and enjoying a refreshing footsoak.

Kingdom Come & Gone?

by flickr user: WTL Photos (CC)

(What If) The Kingdom of Heaven
Might have come and gone
What if you didn't see it come,
blinded by the siren song.

Ages and centuries,
It took to finally come
it wasn't a moment or a flash
but it stuck around quite long

When angels from heaven
made earth their second home
When the merciful God
Sent His power all alone

(What If) The Kingdom of Heavan
Might have come and gone
What if you didn't see it come,
blinded by the siren song.

There was distinct laughter,
of children and grown-ups,
There was a new smile, everlasting
Like a sun beyond the dust

There was much rejoicement,
And celebration of Truth
There was no written word,
There was no silly book

(What If) The Kingdom of Heaven
Might have come and gone
What if you didn't see it come,
blinded by the siren song.

There was an open door, And everyone came in
Tasted the bread, giving up on their sins
The door remained open, free to come and go
But now there's a shining light, beyond the closing door

Be careful of the company, you may choose to keep
Be careful of the leading voice, that tends to weep
Be aware of the boat, your feet are standing in
Don't drift too far, as you wanna be on the inside, yes within

(What If) The Kingdom of Heaven
Might have come and gone
What if you didn't see it come,
blinded by the siren song.

Now the play is almost over, the curtain callers rise
The doors of the theaters will close at some time tonight
In your happiness you want to see, that you don't exit
That lie as trap for fools and tools, on the left and right

The lights turn off,
the blind scamper, To find a solid shore
The drifters who drifted too far,
They find themselves in heaven no more.

(What If) The Kingdom of Heavan
Might have come and gone
What if you didn't see it come,
blinded by the siren song.

Knowing Your Inner Being

Before getting to inner peace and balance, it is important to know the inner being. This animation introduces you to the system of chakras and channels within us. To know more about chakras and channels you can read on Sahaja Yoga Intro Book website.

Loving the Weather

How does your mind react to weather and changes in weather? I was 21, and in my infancy of self-realization. I had just come across a wonderful friend, Rupesh, who was practicing Sahaja Yoga for a few years and carried a genuine calm demeanor that would disarm the most aggressive people.

creative commons licensed pic by tamaki on flickr

His sage advice that one must not indulge in cursing the weather went deep into the heart and built reverance for nature like never before. Self-realization had once again transformed the inner being in a Sahaja (spontaneous) manner. The natural urge to curse extreme weather has dissolved into reverance for the elements of nature: sun, wind and yes, even Michigan snow.

Yesterday there was snow in mid-Michigan, and I was picking up two friends from MSU - one Indian and one from Togo, Africa. They saw snow for the first time and were mesmerised. I am sure, being yogis, they will cherish snow for its beauty rather than hardship for a long time to come.

How Does Sahaja Work?

Welcome to the Learn Sahaja Yoga blog! This is the place to get some info on Sahaja Yoga form of meditation through videos, text and informative links to other educational websites. To start off, lets answer the question: What is Sahaja? Amongst other things, Sahaja means simple, spontaneous and easy. It is a way of doing things the smooth and easy way. Sahaja Yoga means getting union or awakening in a spontaneous way. The following video demonstrates the method aptly:

Kuchipudi Dancer's Website & Blog from Brazil

Stumbled across a blog of Ana Paiva, showcasing an upcoming dance presentation in Brasilia. Check it out, and turn on your portuguese-to-english translator. Ana is a talented kuchipudi dancer trained in India at the PK Salve Academy of Arts, where many practioners of Sahaja Yoga go to learn music and dance, with a spiritual focus. Meditation and ascent play a far greater role in the development of students as compared to other schools of indian performing arts.

Ana's Website & Blog

Do you feel sleepy while meditating?

We are at a fair and I just worked on a person who has tried meditation but would always fall asleep.

She was describing a problem which I experienced in my first months of sahaja yoga meditation.

The problem comes from the right side being overworked. Right side, or pingala nadi, is the sun channel. It gets exhausted when we are overworked and under rested.

When the kindalini rises and finds over stressed chakras, she does not force herself. But out of concern for the meditating subject, she induces action of the left side to balance out the right. Sleep is a blessing of the left side, and a cure for many right side issues like hypertension.

At the end, our dear subject, flora, revealed she indeed suffer from high blood pressure. This confirmed the relationship between meditation, hypertension and sleeping off.

It took me about four months before I was able to meditate without dozing off... But that was seven years ago and well into the past.

Looking for Links to Mother's Visits?

Here is the place:
http://sahaj-az.blogspot.com/2008/11/visits.html

Audio Podcast 1.1 from GLM

The audio podcast for the new programs has begun with the first 10 minute installment of music and mother's words here:

Kingdom of God in the Gospels

I am reading Tolstoy's The Gospels in Brief. The description of the kingdom of God is so amazingly true. Especially the part where the filtering of chosen ones is described by two parables: the farmer and the fisherman. And also the clear warning by Jesus that the parables might eventually be twisted by knaves for selfish purposes.

Programs in USA, Australia - Weekend of Diwali

AUSTRALIA November 7, 2008
9:00 am	to	4:00 pm

Sahaja Yoga is again holding a Self-realisation Stall in Chatswood Shopping Mall, Chatswood in Sydney, on Friday 7th November, from 9.00 am till 4.00 pm.

This will be held as part of the twice-yearly Charities Day held in Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, just down from Chatswood station.

USA (Michigan)

Catch us in the bodyworker area of the Phenomenews BMS festival!

The Body Mind Spirit Festival Fall 2008: November 8!

MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE - SOUTH CAMPUS
SPORTS & EXPO CENTER

Directions: TAKE I-75 FROM EITHER NORTH OR SOUTH TO I-696 EAST TO THE HOOVER/SCHOENHERR EXIT (24)
GOING UP THE THE RAMP TO THE LIGHT AT HOOVER.
TAKE A LEFT TURN ON HOOVER GOING NORTH TO 12 MILE ROAD
TURN RIGHT ON 12 MILE GOING EAST TWO MILES TO HAYES
AND FOLLOW THE YELLOW SIGNS THAT WILL SAY
BODY MIND SPIRIT FESTIVAL.

JSM!!

A Prayer and A Reason for Creation

Two beautiful posts coming from Australia offering a prayer and answering the eternal question of why the world was created?

The prayer is beutiful as it builds surrender and gives strength in the process. Such a blessing of Sahaja. The reason for creation explores the need for reflection of beauty. Without reflection of God's own glory in creation, God would not be able to enjoy that reflection.

“Why has God created this beautiful universe?” has been a question asked for thousands of years. The reason is very simple to understand. This beauty that is created cannot see itself. In the same way, God who is the source of beauty, cannot see His own beauty. Like a pearl cannot enter into itself to see its beauty, like the sky cannot understand its own beauty, the stars cannot see their own beauty, the sun cannot behold its brilliance. In the same way, God Almighty cannot behold His own being. He needs a mirror. And that’s how He has created this beautiful universe as His mirror. MORE

“Forgive me for what I’ve done, and forgive those who have done harm to me.” More

Labels Dissapear

And in the beginning, we were handed a kite,
That would soar high, bring day to the night,
We took it high in the sky,
Now it comes down, but it's spirit is high.

We took a name, but whats in a name?
We took an identity, now its lost the same.
We took in everyone, and they stole the gates.
We took in thieves and thugs, now the plunder us on.

Now why will anyone trust another vagabond?
Now why should anyone keep faith in time?
Now why should anyone expect any better?
Now why shouldn't anyone become a go-getter?

We have been taken care of,
by a Soul much greater than ours.
A Soul that encompasses, the expanse
of this earth.

This Soul has taught us, how to
live a life of sacrifice
How to give away your last pennies
Without putting up a fight

We have been made stronger,
Cause our faith runs much deeper
Our beliefs may now and then suffer
but we shall always be in surrender.

O! This Sahaja life...

How does the brain responds to Sahaja Meditation?

The following informative page answers questions on how the brain responds to Sahaja meditation. It's calming effect can be seen from the brain activation patters observed via EEG. Here is an extract. Go here for the full article.

Electrophysiological studies (EEG) measure the electrical activity from groups of neurons on the surface of the scalp. EEG studies comparing the brain activation of long-term Sahaja Yoga practitioners (11) to short-term Sahaja Yoga meditators (16) found specific brain activation patterns corresponding to the subjective feelings of thoughtless awareness and happiness experienced by the Meditators (Aftanas and Golocheikine, 2001, 2002, 2000). In their EEG measures, the long-term meditators showed increased power in low band frequency EEG activity of theta and alpha, which was particularly pronounced over the left frontal regions.

Can meditation help your body & mind?

from the BBC, a report on meditation and its benefits. To locate a meditation meeting near you, visit (for USA) www.sahajayoga.org ; To learn about meditation related topics with live online workshops, visit www.freemeditation.tv

Only we can destroy ourselves

Children of one Mother

Listening to the wisdom of old

We feel safe

Playing with each other in her watchful gaze

We feel safe

Her feet in the corner of our eyes

We feel safe

Climbing on the mountain – aware of her presence

We feel safe



The stranger’s voice is whispering

May sound like fun

The stranger’s gaze is tempting us

May make us feel all grown up

The stranger’s tasks lead us to new adventures

May make us feel curious



The voices of wisdom sound so stale

When we start to grow up

The children’s playful gestures seem so boring

When we start to grow up

The Mother protective gaze appears so limiting

When we start to grow up



In the strange world

We don’t need our Mother

In the strange world

We are above the others

In the strange world

The stranger’s affection sets us apart



The Mother feels so far

When the confusion sets in

All grown up

The safety of her voice has lost its comfort

Being lost in our greatness looses its fun

When the guilt sets in



Luckily the Mother’s loving hands are never far

When we become small again

Luckily her gaze is still as loving

When we move back into the presence of her being

It may take a little time

But the play of the children will be sweet again

- by Walter L., USA

Only we can destroy ourselves

Children of one Mother

Listening to the wisdom of old

We feel safe

Playing with each other in her watchful gaze

We feel safe

Her feet in the corner of our eyes

We feel safe

Climbing on the mountain – aware of her presence

We feel safe



The stranger’s voice is whispering

May sound like fun

The stranger’s gaze is tempting us

May make us feel all grown up

The stranger’s tasks lead us to new adventures

May make us feel curious



The voices of wisdom sound so stale

When we start to grow up

The children’s playful gestures seem so boring

When we start to grow up

The Mother protective gaze appears so limiting

When we start to grow up



In the strange world

We don’t need our Mother

In the strange world

We are above the others

In the strange world

The stranger’s affection sets us apart



The Mother feels so far

When the confusion sets in

All grown up

The safety of her voice has lost its comfort

Being lost in our greatness looses its fun

When the guilt sets in



Luckily the Mother’s loving hands are never far

When we become small again

Luckily her gaze is still as loving

When we move back into the presence of her being

It may take a little time

But the play of the children will be sweet again

- by Walter L., USA

SahajaTravel as a Guru

Photo by MusMs

Traveling for Sahaja is a great equilizer. It exposes you to new energies. Sometimes the new energies can be strong awakenings brought about by concepts hitherto unknown. New ways of spreading the love, new ways of strengthening collectivity, new ways of connecting and new ways of looking at the self.

And it works both ways. When you travel out and when others travel to you and bring an invisible bag of goodies, which are ideas.

This past weekend, two dynamic yogis from Toronto landed in Michigan. In the tradition of Sahaja hobbithood, we did what we usually do. Spread love, poster around, eat, sing, make merry and share stories. We sown seeds in each other's hearts and lands. We'll try to nourish these seeds by visiting each other more often and see the seeds sprout in the light of truth and rain of Mother's love.

Karma cola

I don't wanna get my karma cola (F# maj)

Sitting in a leaky, black gondola

of blind faith, that's just not me!

 

I don't wanna get instant nirvana,

I'd rather just have a nice banana

of the Truth, that sets me free

 

I'd rather be a little disillusioned

Waiting for dawn in mild confusion

in the night, of ignorance

 

I'd rather be miles from the nearest shore

Than give in to a lie, fable or lore,

from a vagabond, just out of jail

 

I'd rather go hungry, parched and weary

than turn around, regretful & sorry

for a life, lost & wasted.

 

I'd rather be poor man of sound mind,

Than win a contest of the popularity kind,

that'd do no good, to the brotherhood

 

I'd rather be a star pale and faint,

Than a comet that shines for just a moment,

And dissapears, leaving us here

Leavin' us here.....

 

I'd rather be a bathroom singer & crazy,

memories of love clear some hazy,

In the heart, where its always summer

 

I'd rather be a million dollars in debt,

Than have binding obligations set,

to be a slave, of a twisted knave

 

'Rather be dissolved the grand illusion,

Than stay afloat in false confusions,

of the torrid mind: rational & unkind

 

Rather be person, kind and wrong,

Than sing a dry, boring, rational song,

from the mind, that illusive find

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solution for Insane Times

Los Angeles, and then Detroit has become a the latest newsmaker for violence related to the financial meltdown. Insanity draws closer. If you feel mildly worried or concerned and need peace, I recommend meditation using Sahaja Yoga. There is even a local meeting place close to Detroit. So do not wait and act now for a balanced life.

Marocco Sahaja Yoga Tour

A group of European yogis currently on a realization tour in cities of Morocco, in Northwest Africa. As you see in the attached pictures they also offered a piece of cloth worn by Shri Mataji to the Atlantic ocean, the cloth was placed in a lamp and the offering was done on the request of Shri Mataji Herself.

Couchiching Seminar Recollections (Late September 08)

Toronto area collective organizes 4 or 5 "Going Deeper" seminars for their newly established seekers (as 'young' as 2 weeks). This is not the International Toronto Seminar that happened in early August ,when Mother was expected to visit Canada. 

The best part is that they make the Sahaj vidya teaching (treatments, Sahaj culture) a fun experience! Here is a quick rundown of some nice things we observed:

How to make an alter: Instead of a "talk-by-yogi" two yogis used a role-playing improvisation skit to educate and entertain everyone on all aspects & principles of making a decent alter at home. The audience was forced to participate as the 'actors' made well rehearsed 'mistakes'. Being an instructional person, I was amazed at the power of skits to impart Sahaj concepts.

There were some men-only sessions (head massage) and women only sessions (how to wear a sari) and combined sessions (how to clear house of negativities.) 

The evenings started with talent shows - skits, music etc by yogis. After a tea break, the bhajan group would break out their well polished bhajans which alone make the trek to toronto worth it. 

These are two day seminars. Recent synergy has resulted in Toronto and Detroit collectives to think about supporting programs in the border cities of Detroit/Toronto. More on that later.

Bullesha's Master, Shah Inayat - On Love

The nature of life on earth is illusory and in the Sanskrit tongue it
is called Maya or illusion, and every soul having the spark of the
divine love, forgets the use and the purpose of that spark and begins
to love itself most.

By a keen study of human life, man will find that as a rule, when he
claims that he loves, in reality he loves himself, he loves his own
benefit in life, he loves another for the help that other gives, for
his goodness, for his kindness, for his service, but in all this he
surely loves himself, and it is for himself all the while he thinks he
loves another.

It is a very high stage in the path of love when man really learns to
love another with a love that asks no return, when he does not seek
love for the sake of love in return, then love becomes pure, the lover
gives, and gives and gives, but even that is not the purpose of life,
it is still greater. The Perfect One who is the source and origin of
the whole creation, is the Perfection of Beauty. All beauty on earth
or in heaven belongs to Him, and the purpose of the creation of every
soul is to progress in the path of love until the soul arrives at a
stage where it may find the Perfection of Beauty.

The development of love is often hindered by different obstacles in
life. The first obstacle is ourselves. We begin our life with
selfishness, and all that we want is for self, and if there is a
tendency to love, it is for one's own happiness, and one's own joy.
When the question comes, 'How much do you love me, and how much do I
love you?' it has come to be a trading in love. 'I love you, but you
do not love me' is as much as to say, 'I have bid so much, and I
expect a return of love'. This is trading in love, and trade cannot
lead anywhere, because it makes one think of the self, and love is
beyond that. To love is to give; it is not to take at all. The true
lover never speaks of what he has done for his beloved, for he loves
for love's sake, not for the sake of a return.

Bullesha's Master, Shah Inayat

If: Rudyard Kipling (High School Time Inspiration)

If 

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

                                                                                                                                                     - Rudyard Kipling    

Centered, in some respects...