For each of the images described below, do not begin timing yourself until you have gotten a mental glimpse of the scene. Don’t strain too much; if it doesn’t come, just let it go. But try looking at some pictures of the Himalayan foothills before you sit again. Then, next time you attempt the practice, recall them to your mind.
a. Himalayan Foothills
Imagine that you are in the foothills of the Himalayas, sitting next to a small stream and dangling your feet in the water. You feel a little chill from the cool water, but you’re also sweating a little in the heat of the afternoon sun.
1 min.
See a formation of swans flying swiftly across the sky.
1 min.
See the stream, slowly flowing over your feet.
3 min.
See a small boulder, with water gurgling around it.
1 min.
See the vast, unmoving range of Himalayas around you.
2 min.
See the round full moon rising over the silvery Himalayas.
b. Flowing Awareness I (with form)
Choose any one of the following scenes (you may choose a different scene for any given practice session):
Choice 1:
Imagine that your guru has materialized before you and you are sitting at their feet. Keep pressing the feet of your teacher and keep talking, seeking answers to your doubts. Resolve to act according to the advice given.
Choice 2:
Imagine a red triangle with the top pointing downward. In its center is a dancing red lingam, which is emitting white sparks upward—like Diwali fireworks. Let it bring to mind the image of the Mūlādhāra Chakra.
Choice 3:
Imagine a group of sages performing a hōma (fire ritual) in an underground temple. The walls of the temple resound with the mantras being uttered. There is a huge image of a Mother Goddess killing a demon, seen by the flickering light of the fire. There are women being worshiped by some of the sages, also seen by the light of fire.
Choice 4:
Imagine your favorite goddess or god—or just a good friend—standing in front of you. You are chit-chatting with her or him. Behold the visions they show you, or do what they ask you to do. If invited, you can even make love with them. If that happens, you will derive immense benefits and siddhīs—because their love-making passes benign energies.
Choice 5:
Imagine yourself in the company of divine spirits, or apsarās or yakshas. These beings enjoy free love. Join them and let go of all your human inhibitions. Forget that you are a human being and remember that you are a divine being.
c. Flowing Awareness II (without form)
Take three deep breaths. Let go of all thoughts and ideas.
3 min.
See darkness.
If any thoughts arise, don’t judge them as good or bad. Instead you might ask, “Does this belong to the past or to the future? Or am I imagining it altogether?”
7 min.
Remain a pure witness.
If you feel any emotion, try to remain a witness. Don’t think that this emotion should be there, or that one should not. Be a mirror, which reflects anything that happens to be in front of it, good or bad, without choosing. Let go of all choices. If fear takes hold, don’t panic. You can readily summon help by either praying to your guru, or by remembering the wall of fire you created above and banishing your fear into it. If neither approach eliminates the fear, simply get up from meditation, wash your hands, feet and eyes, and start over again.
Alternatively, you might get in touch with your teacher. Usually there are no problems that can’t be solved with the help of your guru. Always remember, even the deepest fears you may have are still merely thoughts. They are part of you, and they can do you no harm. What is there to be afraid of in yourself? These fears will go away.
Now affirm:
“I am extremely happy, here and now. My life-energy is at its peak. I am full of enthusiasm, energy, abundance and love. I express my gratitude to all those who help me. I am blessed, and in turn I bless the entire world.”
When you rise from your meditation, write down all the thoughts and feelings you have seen or experienced in a diary. These notes will help you later in defining the goals of your life and deciding your future courses of action.
No comments:
Post a Comment