Meditation Retreat: full length audio on Buddhism for beginners

August 7, 2008 – 1:20 pm
Jack Kornfield teaches that the astonishing truth at the heart of Buddhism is that there is not only a way out of suffering and into a more deeply fulfilling life, but that this concept is not a myth, it is an attainable reality. He says that this can be available to you the moment you open your eyes through the power of skillful inquiry. This fact has been proven for generations by those from many walks of life who have studied and learned what the Buddha taught, who have then applied it, testing it and proving that this is true for them, that it does work. In Buddhism for Beginners, celebrated teacher and author Jack Kornfield teaches you how to experience these gifts and share in this vast spiritual tradition. His album, a full-length audio retreat, which was created specifically for first-time students, offers an ideal way to learn Buddhism’s ...

One of the authentic Himilayan yogis of our time

July 20, 2008 – 4:22 pm
Swami Sundarand, also known as Swami-ji, is considered a true ascetic, and thought to be one of the last authentic Gangotri Himalayan yogis of his time. He studied at the feet of Swami Tapovan Maharaj, (1889-1957), a Gangotri Himilayan yogi who lived in the Indian Himalayas in Gangotri and Uttrakashi when the area was all but inaccessable. Sundarand's teacher, Swami Tapovan Maharaj, wrote Wanderings in the Himalayas (Himagiri vihar), a classic yoga book on yogic life in the Himalayas in the late 19th and early 20th century. Swami Sundarand took the brahmacharia sadhu vow over 59 years ago and has devoted his life to a rigorous daily practice of meditation and spiritual practices. From 1946 until 1957, Swami-ji lived with Swami Tapovan in his master's hut, or Kuti, in the then remote area of Gangotri, at an altitude of 10,400 feet. His master bequeathed the hut to Swami Sundarand who, ...

Can we possibly save our forests and their knowledge?

July 15, 2008 – 11:15 pm
"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll. I don't have the answer, especially in light of how fast deforestation is destroying our global hope for survival. Meanwhile I've found a book that addresses global and subnational issues of the world's forests, societies and environment, taking an independent, non-governmental point of view. The authors make recommendations for modern science and modern society regarding the successful transition from deforestation to a more sustainable and equitable future for the world's forests. These are based on transitions that are already taking place. And here's a video from National Geographic that touches also on this issue. In it we meet a ...

Meditation breathing and postures for Zen practice

June 5, 2008 – 12:52 pm
In simple terms, Zen meditation can be thought of as a means of letting go of pessimistic thoughts and simply relaxing. In Buddhism, it is a contemplative discipline performed to achieve calmness in the mind and body. Most importantly, it assists you as a meditator in your understanding of the nature of life and in receiving enlightenment. To fully experience the positive results of Zen meditation, there are three general methods to consider: Concentration Koan Introspection Shikantaza Concentration is the main emphasis in beginning your Zen meditation practice, and you can start by focusing on your breathing. Do this simply by counting the number of complete rounds of breath, an inhalation and exhalation being one round of breath. Allow your breathing be the shield to any distraction. Another way to concentrate uses Koan Introspection. A Koan is a story, dialogue, question or statement containing aspects or qualities of enlightenment that the outer mind may not understand ...

More Quantum Enlightenment thoughts on the Mind of God

June 3, 2008 – 10:39 am
The teleconference meditation retreat held on Sunday, June 1st, entitled, Quantum Enlightenment, was a successful start as the first in a new series of TeleMeditation Retreats I have planned for this year. I presented for a half-hour on some of the latest science on DNA and on the quantum principles in our own bodies that activate the enlightenment or awakening process. I also gave my views on how we can use this information to refine our capacity to receive enlightenment as imagery or other sensory input to awaken our innate spiritual memories. Then I lead participants in a guided meditation, in which they received keys to enhance the process for experiencing direct enlightenment from the Inner Teacher. The class was enthusiastically received by participants who asked thought-provoking questions during the Question & Answer session, and commented on how powerful this information is. Many who attended called me later to tell me ...

Learn how to effectively meditate, pray and make affirmations

June 2, 2008 – 7:02 am
Is there an easy way to achieve a better sense of focus and concentration? You know that when you're disturbed, or it's difficult to concentrate, it can affect your judgment and even the quality of your work. Here are some simple things you and do to increase your ability to stabilize your mind no matter what kind of environment you're in. Of course, meditation is a good way to develop resilience to stress. During meditation, you create more than just a mental space to achieve a certain degree of enlightenment. You involve the whole being, including the marvelous attributes of your heart to bring you a sense of what HeartMath calls 'coherence', which included the heart, mind, body, emotions and spirit. The effects of meditation vary from person to person, and even on the conditions you may be facing. Factors such as mood, your unique character and individuality all come into play. ...

Replay of Quantum Enlightenment Teleconference Class and Meditation Retreat

June 1, 2008 – 9:15 pm
The TeleMeditation Event on Quantum Enlightenment went well. Participants and others have asked me to post the announcements I made preceding the lecture and meditation. So here they are, for anyone reading the blog to learn how to access the replay of the class. You can also learn more here about my private telephone healing sessions, and about the group healing sessions with darshan that I am now offering. If you wish to receive the numbers to dial in to the replay or receive a CD you can request them here on this blog. The same is true if you would like to inquire about the individual and small group healing sessions with darshan: write me here at the blog comments and ask me to put you on my mailing list. Your email will not be displayed but I can use it to get you the information you need and send ...

Spiritual retreat: how to receive to become a master

May 31, 2008 – 9:43 am
You can still register for the special retreat I am leading tomorrow, Sunday, June 1st. I am enthused about sharing the new information about Quantum Enlightenment that I have recently received, in addition to some astonishing research. You'll also learn how to practically use the information from this class to "become" the spiritual master. So I invite you to discover how you were made to not only "receive" enlightenment but "be" enlightenment. At the end of a short presentation, I will lead a special guided meditation, and afterward I will open the line for questions and answers, or any comments. You can also ask questions here on this blog by entering them or anything you may like to discuss in the Comments block, below. Enrollment is still open and it's easy - you can register online and instantly receive the dial-in numbers and code for this class. Learn more at: http://telemeditationretreats.com/quantum-enlightenment-registration.html I look forward ...

Meditation MasterMind groups forming to meet during TeleConference Retreats

May 30, 2008 – 12:54 pm
One of the benefits of meditating in a group is the ability to transcend time and space and come away feeling not only the benefits usually attributed to the effects of this healing and transformational practice, but something more. That something more is to be explored in a group master mind, where we will support one another from the creative power we share, love one another from our harmonious unity, and share and multiply the enlightenment. We will use time-honored and tested tools for pooling our spiritual resources to recreate our individual and collective reality. If you seek to create a reality that transcends what the mundane or everyday world offers then you are ready to experience, not just read or hear about, the quantum realm of possibility. If you or your group would like to make arrangements to meet with me for a small group darshan and healing meditation session, just enter ...

Quantum Enlightenment Class and Meditation Teleconference Sunday June 1st

May 29, 2008 – 1:31 pm
How do certain areas of the brain assist you with using the information your senses receive to create a more grounded and, at the same time, more exalted spiritual reality? Have you seen or heard of recent DNA research that goes way beyond conventional thought? Would you like to experience meditation as a means to not only better understand the holographic awareness or nature of the mind, but also use it to receive personal enlightenment and initiation by your Inner Teacher? Can you explore the possible universes explained by quantum physics to receive this enlightenment? How do belief and faith help take you into the mystical realms of union with the mysterious 'Other', the same one with whom Zen masters merge while in deep meditative states of satori or kensho? And how does this facilitate our evolution toward a collective state of Quantum Enlightenment? Join me during my class and meditation Teleconference on Sunday June 1st ...

Gayatri Mantra is meant for the realization of God

May 27, 2008 – 8:14 am
Did you know that the Gayatri mantra is one of the oldest and most powerful of Sanskrit mantras? Hindus believe that if you chant the Gayatri mantra and focus on it with your mind and heart while you go about your life doing your best at the work that is yours to do, your life will be filled with happiness. In this video, courtesy of YouTube, Deva Premal and Miten share the Gayatri Mantra.

Guided meditation: it’s benefits and what you can expect

May 26, 2008 – 8:07 am
Meditation can help help you develop a sense of tranquility, calmness, and inner peace. It can also assist you with conditioning your mind with thoughts that can improve the condition of your life. In guided meditation, you listen to the voice of a teacher who gently leads you through a visualization or contemplation process. You are guided to focus on thoughts and feelings that are described in such a way that you focus on a goal or state of mind or circumstance such as healthful habits, peace, or harmonious relationships. Meditation is so much more than just sitting cross legged on the floor, with your eyes closed and repeating a mantra. For many it is a way to reach a peaceful and calm state, whether through a sense of union with the Divine or simply creating and entering a blissful cushion away from the stress of living. Guided meditation can help ...

Meditation Music: Relaxing ethereal sound and images for healing

May 25, 2008 – 5:20 pm
The peaceful music in the video below, Mandala Meditation, can be used as background music while you meditate or engage in any peaceful activity. You can find more music like this as the accompaniment to delicious guided meditations from the album, Meditation Oasis: Guided Meditations for Effortlessness, Emotional Ease and Letting Go.

Using affirmations as part of your guided meditation experience

May 24, 2008 – 6:56 pm
Do you have an unusual or new way to use affirmations for self healing? I'd love to hear from you in the comments. As you may know, every thought and inner statement creates a physiological response. Listening to affirmations (and I also repeat them either silently or vocally) helps you learn to better choose your thoughts. Regular listening to mind-healing, positive affirmations can help you in your resolve to strengthen and empower your will to choose your own life experience. Of course you can use affirmations any way you like: You might say one of them over and over as a form of meditation. You can read one and then just contemplate it as the focus of your meditation. A great way to use affirmations is to write one in your journal. Contemplate its meaning in your life, then journal about your meditation experience with that affirmation. You can keep a daily log, adding ...

Intuitive Success: Having it all or just bobbing along?

May 23, 2008 – 4:37 pm
In my 3-month e-course, The Meditation Portal, which launches next month, I originally intended to provide only 12 lessons to go with 12 Guided Meditation MP3s from the Legacy TeleMeditations series I presented last year. But I decided to provide 2 additional lessons. In the final lesson, “Week 14 - Bonus: Intuitive Success", I provide important information that if you choose to make use of it, can help you achieve success in many areas of your life. Sometimes grasping even one vital key can make a difference between bobbing along, allowing life to carry you where it will, or enjoying true intuitive success. What is Intuitive Success? Intuitive success is a powerful yet subtle way of approaching the mundane areas of life, not with some type of superhuman, outer means to force change, but with the more sublime and irresistible magnetism of intention. If you choose to deal with your entire life in ...

Applied anatomy and physiology of yoga: an illustrated manual

May 22, 2008 – 8:36 pm
Ever wonder what the term 'hatha' means, as in 'hatha yoga', and how it can help you with your meditation practice? 'Ha' is a Sanskrit term meaning sun, while 'tha' means moon. The practice of hatha yoga is the way toward realization or union with the Supreme. It involves disciplined exercise and spiritual practice or meditation. Two reasons to perfect the asanas, or postures, in hatha yoga can be to: Renew your body’s energies and achieve optimal health and well being Discover comfortable meditation poses to hold for longer periods of time I'll be announcing, here and at my TeleMeditation Retreats site, the release a meditation e-course, in which I discuss the possible inclusion of hatha yoga as an adjunct to your meditation practice if you are not already doing so. One of the ways you can begin is by looking at the study and practice of hatha yoga as a means of comfortably ...

Before the Rains: Exotic love affair or intelligent film?

May 21, 2008 – 12:45 pm
Linus Roache (L) and Nandita Das (R) in Before The Rains, an MIP/Roadside Attractions Release. Photo credit: Alphonse Roy   In the press release for this new film, Deepak Chopra says, "What makes “Before the Rains” so touching is that it isn't what it seems to be about. It seems to be about a quietly good Englishman, a planter in south India, who wants to build a road to the top of a mountain. "He must complete this road before the monsoon rains arrive and wash away all his hard work. The road will bring money for him, jobs for the locals, and a better future. "But in Santosh Sivan's melancholy, lyrical, and intelligent film, this quiet Englishman stands for the tragic twilight of empire, and his "goodness" is rife with betrayal and arrogance beneath the surface. "He destroys the life of his mistress, unravels his family, and almost causes an innocent man to be ...

Insight meditation practice for embodying spiritual principles that uplift

May 20, 2008 – 1:57 pm
A comprehensive study of the insight meditation tradition can teach you many things, including the Buddha's teaching on how happiness itself arises in consciousness. The Buddha developed and taught the insight meditation method of using the power of mindfulness and living by its associated precepts leading to ethical living. The basic practice is supported by a style of proper sitting posture and breathing. Usually this is taught by an instructor in the tradition passed down since the time of the Buddha. You are taught the importance of 'bare attention' and focusing your awareness in the present moment to gently deal with any and all thoughts. Mindfulness in motion is another insight meditation practice; it is also called 'walking meditation'. Walking Meditation w/DVD & CD-ROM byAnh Huong Nguyen and Thich Nhat Hanh is a great guide featuring 5 audio guided meditations for walking meditation. As you begin practicing insight meditation, you will learn ...