Modern life is frantic (to say the least!)
It can also get… a little dry.
In your imagination I invite you to compare the continual stream of notifications and never ending daily tasks… with a simple agrarian life, tending to a field, just a few thousands of years ago.
Which one is more peaceful?
What is the mind doing in both places?
Sure, back then I bet there was no end to the grind of physical labour… but the current epidemic of mental health illness indicates something is out of whack in the mind of modern times.
The practice of yoga first evolved in situations where there was a slower pace of life… and people had far less busier minds.
But do these ancient practices work with the fast paced modern minds we have developed?
Our answer; a resounding Yes.
But Yoga is not static.
Throughout the ages, practice has evolved to suit the current requirement of humanity.
And the requirement today is to tame a savage beast (a mind overcome by the internet, social media and work!)
On the path of Yoga, there is effort to reduce our thoughts so that we can attain a sense of reconnection to Self (Soul / Atman.)
Different schools emphasise some practices over others.
There are many limbs, and even more methods.
In the West, we have almost exclusively prioritised asana (seat / posture) or the physical component, over all else.
But don’t let this modern fascination with gymnastics kid you… Yoga has many more that are suitable tools for taming the mind.
In the words of my Hatha Yoga Guru, not many attain enlightenment from stretching alone (otherwise, where are all of the enlightened contortionists!?)
And just as a good craftsman requires only a few simple tools to create a masterpiece… so too we must focus our efforts on learning first the ‘hammer and chisel’ of Yoga.
These will carry you much further than the elaborate (and sometimes strange) esoteric practices.
Sure, if you want to, you can go to the local tool shop and blow thousands of dollars on fancy tools… but without the correct knowledge, all you will become is poorer and possibly, more confused.
As an Ashram, we focus on imparting simple tools that you will actually use and that actually work.
After all, with our busy lives, no-one has time to waste.
Himalayan Meditation is the hammer.
Trusty. Reliable. Versatile.
Use it to hammer a nail, bash something into place, work a chisel or scratch your bum… there is a reason why all carpenters carry one on their hip.
Himalayan Meditation combines two ancient Yogic paths.
The first is called Raja Yoga, also known as Dhyana (or meditation.)
Tried and true, this method involves witnessing the appearance of thought and sensation and stilling the body and mind to reveal ‘consciousness’ itself.
It is as simple as it gets (though can be hard to be consistent enough to see results.)
The second yogic practice that Himalayan Meditation weaves is known as Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of devotion.
Here, we make an offering of our time and attention towards something we take as possessing the values we wish to inherit.
This is more difficult in modern times because as a society, we have largely disconnected ourselves from the spiritual realm.
Bhakti Yoga looks like this;
If you want to embody the forgiving, pure love of Christ, you offer your meditation towards Him.
If it is the equanimity of the Buddha you seek, you give the practice to Him.
Or you can find a Saint, Sage or Guru to whom you are drawn, and use meditation as an offering to them.
Our Ashram has a surprising spiritual hero and mentor, a Catholic Saint, St Therese of Lisieux. She embodied such great devotion that for us, she shows us clearly the path of the Heart.
“What” you give your meditation to is not as important as the fact that you give it to something beyond you.
This is the unique aspect of the Himalayan Meditation (Samarpan Dhyan) practice.
The giving up of responsibility is a trick that pacifies the mind, and opens the heart.
It also makes you stay motivated.
Don’t worry, if you are less ‘theistic’ and prefer to offer your meditation to nature / the cosmos / the universe… that’s cool too!
Persistently offering your attention towards a spiritual great results in humility, and the openness of heart translates to a happy demeanour.
This is the fastest way to peace.
Both meditation, and devotion.
If you are an existing meditator, we invite you this week to weave in the element of devotion (bhakti yoga) into your practice.
Perhaps you light a lamp at an icon of a spiritual mentor or Guru… or maybe you can make a simple prayer in your meditation for their guidance… feel this one out as you feel called!
If you are a Bhakti that loves the divine and chants or recites mantra, we invite you to see that the emptiness of meditation can be a practical method of moving towards your beloved… so after your devotional practice or prayer, put down the mantra and rest in the stillness of your pure awareness.
Himalayan Meditation is a modern weaving together of these two great paths, brought to society by Swami Shivkrupanand after years of extreme practice in the Himalaya.
The principles of the practice are compatible with all belief systems and are shared free from race, religion, caste or creed.
On our journey, we haven’t found a better Yogic method for modern times.
If you are seeking a sense of stillness in the constant movement of life, and are feeling drawn to this practice, we would love you to join our upcoming Soul Retreat.
The next retreat is over New Years and is a great way to close off 2023 and set up 2024 as your most peaceful year yet, we guarantee that your Soul will thank you!
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Upcoming Soul Retreats:
28th December to 1st January 2024
Please get in quick if you’d like to secure your place as our NY retreat will sell out!
We pray that you have a beautiful, still and loving week ahead.
