groups

Thanks for the responses EZ2 and peacewithin. It really is very encouraging to hear from you two. I obviously need to surrond myself more with people of like mind. So much of what I do, I do alone.

In vipassana practice, I spend the vast majority of time with the breath. I agree with you EZ2 that the breath is an ocean and a profound teacher.

I have practiced law for 27 years and that career and my family have left me with not much time. Having a teacher was really not an option for me. No doubt I could have found one somehow, some way. Perhaps, as you say, i was/am just not ready. I learned that when questions came up, to merely permit those questions to exist freely, not put pressure on them and try to answer them with the intellect. Always, always, always, the questions were answered. Sometimes in the middle of a busy day, doing something else entirely, the answer would come. So this process has been my teacher. I put the question into the "silence" and an answer comes back. The universe really is a highly responsive thing. How it works, I don't know, but then again, I don't know much of anything. Like how my body can do what it's doing right now typing this post--not in any detailed sort of way, only generally. Not knowing abounds. Inner knowing, as you point out, is a different animal.

EZ2 you are right that the realizations that occur during meditation are sacred and are not appropriate to share with others.
Another reason they cannot be shared is that they are highly individual, and deeply relevant to the person who experienced it but may not even begin to make sense to anyone else (dreams can be like that as well).
The exception to me is when someone specifically asks about such matters and they do so from a sincere point of view.

It also appears to me that those who have had such experiences have a special quality that makes them more "visible" to each other. They seem to recognize each other without exchanging words or signals.

Raouf, thank you. I do believe that we each have and individual puzzle to put together to become whole; the puzzle deals with trials and tribulations which we have had in our lives that may bring us to believe that we are not whole. In my opinion the experiences a person has in meditation are often happening to heal the riff between who we think we are and what we actually are, and they are in my opinion the most intimate of experiences.

Jeff my friend, I may have mentioned this in the past here in this group before but I think it is worth repeating. It is helpful to pick a place in your home and do meditation in that place on a regular basis. The energies will build up in that place and it will get easier and easier to slip into a meditative state when you go to that place.

Some people will build a small alter in the corner of their bedroom, with a meditation pillow at the base of the alter, and that is where they do meditation on a regular basis.

This is why when we go into a church, temple, or synagogue; most of the time these places are very serene, even when there is no one there, because serenity has been built up in that place by people attending religious services there on a regular basis, praying, etc. in the same physical space on a regular basis. These energies can also be felt in and ashram, rectory, monastery, or other place where people are practicing meditation and prayer on a regular basis. The energies stay long after the people who generated those energies leave left that physical space.

We can create this same ambiance in our homes by praying and meditating in the same physical space on a regular basis. In time you will train your subconscious to know that when you sit in this space it is because you want to meditate, and it will make your meditations more effortless as you practice. It will also help you develop a stronger connection with your inner being.

Studying in the same place on a regular basis can also build up conducive energies. When you go into a library there is a certain ambiance because that is where people generally go to do focused mental activity; study, read, etc.

This concept is also applicable to violence and hatred; if you go to a house where there has been a lot of violence or hatred, even though there is no one there; the violence and hatred can still be felt.

So I am just making a humble suggestion because it is not always possible to be around like minded people to support your practice; building up the energies of serene meditation in your home, in a particular place, you will come to know that you are never alone, and those energies will permeate throughout your house.

Peace and Good Journey

P.S. Jeff when you talk about your law firm in Boston all I can think about is Denny Crane. I really like that show; Boston Legal, but I suppose a real life law practice is nothing like that. :-)

No doubt you put your finger on part of the problem. I used to have a particular location for meditation, but lately I've moved my meditation cushions from pillar to post in my house. I'll take your good suggestion and find a spot to take root.

I never did get a chance to see that show. If I can stumble on it somehow I'll give you a report.

A bow to you in thanks for all your sharing.

J

Lovely illumination on Meditation.
I have gone through every word of
the previous 15 revelations. EZ2
Thank you dear, for an indepth analysis.
Yes, Meditation is basically silencing
the vibrant,vocilating Mind. As we do
that we slowly move to the state of
acquiring a big Zero. Nay total and
blissful Emptiness.

Acquiring Emptiness is the ral fruits of
Meditation.

Wow! Great comments and explanations here. I must say that a thread like this is spiritually instructive and I can feel the Presence here, now.

I so appreciate your detailed knowledge and insight regarding spiritual direction. I agree 100% with what you say, EZ2. It is what has been practiced and taught, and written about for centuries, in many different traditions. At times there may be some differences, but none change the reality of the mystical experience and the need and reason for guidance.

One of the ways I communicate is on a very personal level. I cannot judge any other persons experience justly, so I speak of my own experiences only. I know that only those who are supposed to hear/read my words will understand. It is a matter of communicating Spirit, an individual thing that is very beautiful. If I were to speak to 1000 people, and only one truly heard, that is all that is necessary, because I would trust that the whole event was design for that one soul who was inspired by Spirit.

That said, I have to admit that I was a knocked off my feet from the very beginning, and I guarantee that my physical self was scared, while my spirit was in a state of peace. Every step of the way when it was needed, a spiritual director would appear, or I would be referred to one. They have a spiritual assignment in guiding me, so it is important that they are equally in Spirit, for the growth of an individual to "wholeness". There are many opportunities for ego to run amuck. A spiritual director must try to keep one from being the fool the are in the beginning, and walk with you through the process of peeling off the ego as you journey.

My spiritual journey is very individualized in some ways. I went from being an agnostic a hair from atheism to a mystic in a matter of 2 days. It was a true conversion experience that was repeated twice. Spirit made sure I got the message through my dense mind. LOL My spiritual director told me that God had to hit me over the head with bricks. I knew nothing, and was so far away from anything spiritual, in fact, antagonistic. You can imagine my confusion, and fear at the time. Yet, I totally believed what I experienced as coming from God. My spiritual directors verified and encouraged me, telling me to "relax".

In the beginning years I was very doctrinaire, following the laws and rules. I was very rigid. However, that was part of the reason that I had one prayer that was essential to me, and no others regarding myself. I knew myself very well, and what laid ahead, so I prayed that I would be purified of all things that would keep me from union with my Source. In that prayer, you can see my impatience and the deep desire of my heart rapt in Love.

Anyone reading this must know that you should not pray for this unless you truly mean it. Prayers are answered, and my spiritual path has been one that is filled with difficulties, pain and suffering, more than mystical experiences. I accept all, my prayer was serious and still is. I wanted to be stripped of anything that would block, delay, hinder my coming to union with my Source. However, never have I been without the grace to strengthen me for this difficult journey no matter how painful it got. The stripping away of all attachments, and being open to serving in whatever capacity is necessary, so purification will occur in time for everyone. Some of us zealous souls may get a hefty dose. :-)

I started out on the mystical road, going inward. This is why a contemplative vocation was where I started. The purification came, finding a sychronicity in events that showed me that was not my vocation. I remained a contemplative in the outer world, and sometimes this brought a good deal of criticism from others not understanding the spiritual path. Part of the purification, and purification happens in all areas of life, because it is about transformation and our whole life needs transforming.

The mystic journey led me interiorly, then after years, it evolved into an active service, working in an underground railroad for people fleeing from terror and threats of death. Sometimes justice outweighs laws, and that was a chance I had to take. I trusted in my Source for all I needed. That taught me so much. So I agree with EZ2 that selfless service has an important role in development of our whole person, including the spiritual. I just did it in reverse, mystical to selfless service, but that was needed for a person who once held a pure Ayn Rand philosophy. If I hadn't been knocked off my horse, I would not have walked a spiritual path at all. I share this to demonstrate that sometimes the wise path is not the only way for a hard headed ultra-conservative to get on board. You can see one of the needs addressed in purification.

Over time, I have not lost the my respect for the sacred, it has been transformed into a relationship with everything on a personal level. I am still in awe, but my day and relationships is free flowing and in Spirit as much as possible. I know who I am, my Source, and the liberation, love and peace that flows from continuous union with Source, which doesn't mean one is in a continuous mystical state. It is more an awareness that is very clear. This has given me an openness to share parts of my journey as I am inspired, without fear that I am being sacrilegious. I have come to see no compartmentalization of my life. I share my spiritual life, as my physical life, the two are one, and I have great joy and am at the service of anyone who might be listening or reading what I offer, trusting there is a reason why I am inspired to share something specific. I believe if someone is not receptive, they are not meant to be inspired by or learn from what I am sharing. That is truly fine. I don't stop sharing because I know there is opportunity, and I cannot be concerned with response. I only trust in the fact that I don't need to understand, I just do.

In the beginning, and for some years following, I was aided in my recollection by being in a particular setting. I needed to be free of distractions. Many years later, I suddenly became aware that I was able to go inside in a crowd. It is really a delight to meditate in a city bus or train. It is worth all the efforts to be freed of the limitations of the body and mind. I hold that out as a carrot to encourage people to continue their practice. Know that you alone are not in control of you growth. When we are ready, things evolve in a very simple way, and one day we become aware of a change and go with it.

vasudev speaks of "acquiring Emptiness", this is the frosting on the cake, and brings tears to my eyes. Now, you all are making me ecstatic. Thank you so much for your openness in sharing your journeys and inspiration. Love, peace and joy be in your hearts at all times.

A saying just popped into my mind. "Let go and let God!" You can use any term you wish for "God", but I cannot overestimate the truth of this saying. We learn over time the wisdom contained within it.

It could be a helpful reflection at the end of each day. How did I let go, or hold on to the events, or things, or people that I experienced today. Once we face the facts of our relationship to the world, and have the requisite humility and an open heart to be liberated, we can move into meditation with greater freedom to be changed in the process. Disposition is important, and as EZ2 has said, humility is a needed disposition.

I repeat myself here, but it is important to see true humility as seeing ourselves as we really are, no better and no worse than we are in reality. We must understand that we are in the process of transformation returning us to who we were created to be.

One of the gifts of practicing meditation and seeking spiritual growth is that we see time and time again that changes have taken place almost in secret. One day, it is as if a curtain has been pulled back and we know we have made some progress. It is in these instances that the saying becomes clear..."Let go and let God!"

We have facilitated that through our reflection on our day, our actions, our attitudes, and who we may have offended through our lack of understanding. We ask forgiveness, and we forgive ourselves in accordance with our willingness to forgive others. Every part of self cannot be deceived by Self. In time we cultivate hearts that are as expansive as the universe.

"Let go..."

Peacewithin, I am in awe of your story about the Underground Railroad; all pieces come to the puzzle but not in any particular order. For me service was a dirty word; I once considered serving others as hard work, and I did not like to work.

Funny, because I was lead into the field of social work and I had to learn how to serve others. I had to learn to give without expectation of receiving anything, or thinking that what I was giving would bear fruit. Often it was frustrating because I did not think I was appreciated.

Reading Kahlil Gibran, and other spiritual poets, helped me to understand that “there are those who give with joy and in their giving joy is their reward.” When I let go of all of the expectation serving others became blissful. Now, especially during Thanksgiving time, I look forward to selfless service.

When I am depressed or just out of sorts, going out and volunteering my time to help others brings me right out of that depression. When I am petty about my little world and what is happening to me the bigger picture usually snaps me out of it. It is so easy to get caught up in our little dramas; comparing and contrasting ourselves with others, that we sometimes forget the purpose of our journey is to grow inside out, and selfless service, along with quiet meditation, spiritual studies, etc., has helped me tremendously with my growth.

I grew up in a very strict Baptist household but when I went into the army I lost my religion during the Vietnam War, and became somewhat of and agnostic. I wanted proof that there was and intelligence behind this creation. I was disillusioned by the Vietnam War, and then I lost my eyesight. This was a major turning point in my life. One of my spiritual teachers, a Mahatma, told me that sometimes God has to hit you with a Mack Truck to wake you up. My losing my eyesight for 5 years was like a Mack Truck. It humbled me so that I could be ready to receive something greater.

I now see that everything which I have gone through in my life has bought me to this point where I could be open to spirit. I cursed and struggled along the way, but it was all grist for the mill; it all counted in the unfolding process of life. I am now learning to trust the process of life, no matter how painful sometimes it might be. In my opinion we are all being healed from a very deep level within us, and the stories of our lives are all part of that process. Frequently it does not happen the way we think it should happen but nonetheless it does happen, and others that we meet along the way are a part of our individual growing process; regardless what we may think of them, or not think of them. In my humble opinion we are being molded by unconditional love, for it is that love which is Lord of heaven and Earth.

Namaste :-)

Thank you for sharing that EZ2. You make important points, and I can see the golden opportunity that was yours in your 5 years of blindness. Interesting how when we can not see with our eyes, our inner sight is increased. That is the case even when we haven't lost our eyesight.

You manifest the insight that you gain spiritually through all your life experiences, and how meditation has been an instrument of your growth and wisdom. You are a fine example of how one's life changes can benefit spiritual growth.