SPIRITUAL FESTIVAL 2007

                 STABILIZING THE SPIRITUAL MINDFIELD

                 ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES & SUMMARY

           Prayash-chitta and Chitta Prasadana:

             through Self-Examination & Meditation

                                                 June 21^st  to July 30^th – 2007

 Self-Examination, Meditation Practice: Mantra Japa

 

·        Maintain mindfulness and an attitude of self-examination throughout the day. Observe thoughts and emotions asking oneself, “What transgressions did I commit?” “

·        Where there was fearful or aggressive thoughts/words/actions ask, 

      “What was it in me that evoked that response and reaction

·        What right thing that should have done have I omitted, replacing such negativity with kindness and compassion. (Refer to Swami Veda’s Yoga Sutra summary of I:33 on Chitta prasadhana.)

·        Nadi Shodhana (channel purification) 3 times a day

·        Three to five malas of personal mantra japa daily

·        Six malas of Ityukta japa daily, and for any thought critical of anyone, do 11 recitations of Gayatri.

·        At juncture points in your day (or about every 2 hours), sit for 2 minutes, observing the flow of breath in the nostrils and repeating your personal mantra.

·        Recite the Gurur Brahma Prayer and the morning or evening prayers

·        Surrender samskaras & random thoughts to the inner Guru

·        Resolve to enter into non-self-centered meditation

·        Om Tat Sat Brahmarpanam Astu - dedicate prayers to the enlightenment and happiness of others.

·        Your last formal thought at night should be the Gurur Brahma  prayer and entry into meditative mode as you fall asleep.  Your sleep will become a meditation. Awaken with Yoga Nidra before rising.

·        Participate in World-group Meditations.  See dates for 2007: June 30, July 30, Aug. 28, Sept. 26, Oct. 26, Nov. 24, Dec. 23.

 Hatha Yoga

 

·        A practice of hatha yoga to purify the body, breath and mind. Consider undertaking a practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) during this 40 days. Please refer to the section in Swami Veda’s Philosophy of Hatha Yoga where he talks about asana as worship.  Use whatever asana practice you undertake as a way to strengthen your link with the lineage through whom all blessings flow.

  Meals

 

·        If possible do not eat alone. Take a small portion and give it to a companion or co-worker.  If it is embarrassing and not socially acceptable, then surrender the first portion to the Great Prana of the Universe.

·        Recite Grace. 

·        Eat 5 mouthfuls less than enough to fill the stomach at each meal. 

·        No solid food after 9:00 p.m.  A glass of liquid may be taken at  night.  Special health and medical situations are exempt.  Total fasting is not   suggested.

·        Try to avoid eating meat or fish during the month although you may serve it to your family.

·        Ask the Center's guidance regarding balanced diet.

 To further deepen your practice

 

·        Read and contemplate themes from past Festivals such as: vasu-deva principle, ahimsa, inner cycles & transitions, silencing past habits, contemplation & stillness, refinement of pleasures, surrender to the Guru within.  Transcripts of these are available from the Meditation Center .

·        Consider taking a vow of one month's celibacy, but only with the happy consent of your spouse.

·        Keep a personal journal on subtle violence in personal life, e.g. an unjustified sharp tone of speech, or in using objects obtained by violence and disregard for the rights of other living beings.

·        Dedicate 10 percent of your month's income plus one dollar to a charity of your choice (not necessarily the Center), in addition to your usual commitments.  Through this ancient Western and Eastern tradition of tithing, one learns the way of giving sacrifice joyfully.

·        Look for ways to reduce your possessions, acquisitions and energy consumption at least 10%.

·        Conquer anger, laziness and selfish thoughts. 

·        Vow to give special love to your family and reach out to others, beyond your blocks and fears.

·        Experiment with a practice of silence (see Swami Veda's booklet on silence for more details). This could be through observing your speech in daily life to see if you are using more words than necessary, speaking louder than necessary and if your tone and voice evokes a positive response in the listener. You could  undertake to practice a half day of silence or a longer period.

·        Take a one or two-day, or longer, personal retreat.  Contact your Center or any of the Spiritual Committee members for arrangements or suggestions. 

·        On Guru Purnima day you may decide to undertake further observances of self-purification for next year. Ask for the Year of Sanctity Guidelines.

 In reviewing the guidelines and making your own commitments, please keep in mind your own capacity. Success with a series of smaller goals will lead to greater purification and capacity for next year. Assess your own capacity and do not try to push to complete "on time." Accommodate for your family responsibilities.

 

For  inquires or questions please contact:

AHYMSIN International Office in Rishikesh:

Attention: Smita and Neela

Ahymsin@gmail.com 

 Sadhadakagrama@yahoo.com

 The Meditation Center , Swami Ritavan Bharati

 631 University Ave NE,  Minneapolis, MN 55413;

 612-379-2386; FAX: 612-379-2456;

E-mail: info@themeditationcenter.org ;