The discussion began with the "art of awareness" and practice of zen. Every action done with awareness is a meditation and used example of "zen walking" where awareness is given to each movement of every step taken. Zen can be practiced right now - understand you are already in zen, already expressing love and compassion. Maharaj said it is important to be completely relaxed in who we are at every moment. This will allow growth to happen. Relax into who you are and completely accept yourself and allow the seed to grow.
Maharaj emphasized that acceptance is very important for our growth. Through complete acceptance of inner world and outer world, this will allow the love and compassion and right actions to happen. Be aware of restlessness and unclutch - when we are restless we have fallen into the mind. Find the source of restlessness - watch the mind and how it wants to have cooperation. Maharaj discussed the restlessness that comes with fasting and is usually active for 1 1/2 hours at a time. The following YouTube video describes how fasting on Pradosham is an opportunity to have a sudden enlightenment experience. Recommended discourse to watch on Pradosham is available at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XGUxEciWws
Maharaj also discussed how we are each a unique expression - uniqueness of each individual - and use this awareness for acceptance of who we are. Mind and ego come from tension - when we practice the sutra of acceptance and relax into our Being - we take away the fuel for the ego and the mind. Keep events and actions as possibility not as planning.
Cherish the inner space - whatever is going on in the body - allow the system to update. This is the art of being relaxed. Accept sorrow, sadness, depression - this will allow to these emotions and moods to leave. It is our non-acceptance of these emotions that keeps them with us. Practicing acceptance will leave a void - it is bliss. Maharaj said to just sit and relax in silence for 21-minutes and the peace and bliss created from this experience will run for 24-hours. He recommended we do this for 21-days -noting that "21" is a mystical number to work with.
All Guru Mantra Initiates are highly encouraged to participate in the "Inner Awakening: 21 Days Enlightenment Intensive", a meditation program which is to be held in Bidadi this year in the month of December, from December 1-21. It would be completely unique and kindle the enlightenment inside every being"
Swamiji recollects a very beautiful story from life of Buddha: "When Buddha was pleaded by one of his disciples with a request to grant enlightenment to all the people who are suffering and bestow them peace at once? Buddha replied with a smile to go and get all those who need
enlightenment and he said he would be more than happy to do so. With Buddha's blessings, the disciple goes out to get people who could come and get Buddha's grace. He returned to Buddha with nobody and says there are however two people who want the grace but to have blessed in the place wherever they are!"
This is a beautiful story which shows how much we choose to be in bondage and misery! Let us take a decision at least for once to plunge into bliss! To awaken the celebration inside us! Let us all relax and rejuvenate with 21 days of Inner Awakening in the Presence of the Master who is abode of bliss and grace!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgDpxhL-3Ks.
