The Maharishi Is Dead
Posted on Feb 6th, 2008
by 
Harshada
Harshada
Yesterday Maharishi Mahesh Yogi left his physical body and with his departure a cacophony of voices arose discussing his life and work. As a contemporary meditation teacher, I feel inspired to add my voice to the din. With all due respect and compassion for Maharishi's devotees, I can't help but feel that this death is a symbolic and positive one for all of us who have ventured into the practice of meditation. The image of Maharishi's body, in his 90's finally resting in peace serves as a metaphor: the mass-guru is dead. The mass-technique is dead.
At the time of Maharishi's upsurge into the mainstream, the world was a much larger place. India was far away and the ideas of the east were exotic and represented a massive departure from the Occidental world-view that dominated in the west at that time. It was time for a movement; movements were moving things. The women's movement promoted the rights of women, the civil rights movement promoted the rights of American Blacks, then there was the Gay rights movement, the environmental movement....the anti-Vietnam War movement. Perhaps western society was so static that movements were significant. It made a splash when we stepped out into the street with painted signs and hundreds of friends and bullhorns. Movements shook things up.
At a time when hippies were dropping acid and trying to open themselves en-masse, when women were shaving their heads and men were growing long pony tails, yoga was the perfect next thing. It was natural. Suddenly there were faces and voices that represented the next evolutionary step for the throngs of young idealists: "Go Inside. The answers are within us. If we change our minds, we change our world." The faces were strewn with long beards and their bodies were robed and fragrant. Maharishi and others were there for us- living representatives of the ancient-and-authentic, the exotic departure. The Next Movement.
The Guru's of the 60's and 70's offered such a breath of fresh Philosophical air. "Transcendence and happiness are your birthrights. Give up the guilt of your parent's religion, chant and be happy! Give up the shallow material life and look inside yourself." People gathered around these masters' methods and practiced together and created communes and ashrams and meditation centers. They dressed up and chanted on the streets and passed out literature and attracted other mass faces- celebrities and politicians to their causes.
At first there were only a few but very soon there were enough to create a kind of marketplace. There was a degree of natural competition. The different paths up the mountain needed stricter definitions, clearer distinctions from each other. These distinctions provided the skeletons for their movements. They provided unshakable core group identities which hundreds and thousands could all adhere to and belong. In some cases exclusivity was demanded of followers. In some ashrams students were threatened indirectly (and sometimes directly) with spiritual failure if they strayed from the flock. Maybe this was due to the Christian influence brought in by the Western followers. By the time the 80s came around, ancient terms like transcendental, ashtanga, and vipassana had become trademarked exclusive brands. Communes became compounds and ashrams became headquarters. Some groups like Maharishi's created huge international organizations with research institutes and PR departments and huge product lines.
Whatever happened, the effectiveness of the Guru's methods also suffered as their missions grew. Many of the movements gradually painted themselves into untenable corners. As their ranks grew and it became impossible for the higher ranked masters or gurus to spend direct time with disciples, they simplified and codified and reduced their techniques to into packable products. "This technique is all you need. All yoga postures can be mastered if you apply these five principles. Follow this meditation for 20 minutes a day and you will become happy and free".
In business this works. In the franchise world or in military culture, this kind of standardization is essential. And truly, this work is HUGELY commendable. Just look at the reach of yoga practice in the US. This month, Oprah Winfrey has named Eckhart Tolle's brilliant book A New Earth as her book club's book-of-the-month. Maharishi's method of meditation is taught in schools all over the world. Over 20 Million Americans practice yoga every week. The movements have left their marks.
Maybe now they're done.
Times are different now. The world is so much smaller than it was in the 60's. People are exposed to so many voices and have a tremendous amount of info at their disposal. Movements have less power. Everyone is part of some movement now. Before the movements stood out because the mainstream was standing still. Nowadays the mainstream is moving. It makes more of a statement to stand still. For today's seeker, it may be more of a courageous move to resist joining a movement than to join one.
What is left out of the mass appeal Guru's work or the mass technique is perhaps the most essential promise of the East's message: Enlightenment. All of these techniques- everything from the Hare Krishna Mantra to the meditation techniques of the rishis, to the yoga postures now prominent in every local gym - were initially developed as stepping stones along the path to Moksha or Liberation. When the Guru's first landed in the West few were setting out to create empires. They were carrying an ancient torch- a message about freedom. They were sharing their wealth of knowledge and the techniques that initiated them into the path towards their own enlightenment. Some even came with the power to awaken seeker's dormant spiritual energy. Just by touching them they could give their students a taste of the divine. But whether they were teaching a technique or giving shaktipat, they were initiating something. They were offering initiation.
Initiation means the beginning. Initiation is something that can happen to a group. A thousand people can be initiated into a technique. A million people can initiate a movement towards freedom. But every one of the million will reach the goal by themselves when they reach. Hundreds of people can come to witness a wedding ceremony, but only the bride and groom will be there for the marriage. Sadhana is an inherently individual process.
In the beginning, we need to conform. We need someone else's technique -something tried and true. At the end- it becomes different. If you read the accounts of the masters' enlightenment, they are all very individual. None say that their conformity to a technique or adherence to a dogma lead to their freedom. And yet, that's what's they leave behind when they go. Their image, their technique, their philosophy. That's all they can leave behind.
The day of cookie-cutter meditation techniques is coming to an end. More and more, today's seekers are empowered to find their own way. If they do have a guide, hopefully they can be fortunate enough to find one that they can befriend. A teacher that can know them and see them and recommend a path just for them. A teacher who eats and lives amongst them and who constantly pushes them back to themselves.
For the millions of us who were initiated by the rishi's -whichever rishi- it's now up to us to become rishis. Its now up to us to stop enshrining them and stop enshrining their techniques. It's high time we take the initiation fire they ignited in us and stoke it to completion. We may have to do this alone. For sure we have to leave the safe confines of the temple and wander into the wilderness. We need to explore for ourselves what is inside us. The masters' teachings are there to guide us, but they cannot hold our hand the whole way. We have to take what they have given us and make it our own. Our bodies are different, our minds are different, our samskaras- our latent impressions - are different so our path will also be different. One technique, one asana practice, one philosophy will due to shape our buttocks or make us a little happier or give us somewhere to go on Sundays, but it wont give us enlightenment if that's what we want. That no one can give.
At the time of Maharishi's upsurge into the mainstream, the world was a much larger place. India was far away and the ideas of the east were exotic and represented a massive departure from the Occidental world-view that dominated in the west at that time. It was time for a movement; movements were moving things. The women's movement promoted the rights of women, the civil rights movement promoted the rights of American Blacks, then there was the Gay rights movement, the environmental movement....the anti-Vietnam War movement. Perhaps western society was so static that movements were significant. It made a splash when we stepped out into the street with painted signs and hundreds of friends and bullhorns. Movements shook things up.
At a time when hippies were dropping acid and trying to open themselves en-masse, when women were shaving their heads and men were growing long pony tails, yoga was the perfect next thing. It was natural. Suddenly there were faces and voices that represented the next evolutionary step for the throngs of young idealists: "Go Inside. The answers are within us. If we change our minds, we change our world." The faces were strewn with long beards and their bodies were robed and fragrant. Maharishi and others were there for us- living representatives of the ancient-and-authentic, the exotic departure. The Next Movement.
The Guru's of the 60's and 70's offered such a breath of fresh Philosophical air. "Transcendence and happiness are your birthrights. Give up the guilt of your parent's religion, chant and be happy! Give up the shallow material life and look inside yourself." People gathered around these masters' methods and practiced together and created communes and ashrams and meditation centers. They dressed up and chanted on the streets and passed out literature and attracted other mass faces- celebrities and politicians to their causes.
At first there were only a few but very soon there were enough to create a kind of marketplace. There was a degree of natural competition. The different paths up the mountain needed stricter definitions, clearer distinctions from each other. These distinctions provided the skeletons for their movements. They provided unshakable core group identities which hundreds and thousands could all adhere to and belong. In some cases exclusivity was demanded of followers. In some ashrams students were threatened indirectly (and sometimes directly) with spiritual failure if they strayed from the flock. Maybe this was due to the Christian influence brought in by the Western followers. By the time the 80s came around, ancient terms like transcendental, ashtanga, and vipassana had become trademarked exclusive brands. Communes became compounds and ashrams became headquarters. Some groups like Maharishi's created huge international organizations with research institutes and PR departments and huge product lines.
Whatever happened, the effectiveness of the Guru's methods also suffered as their missions grew. Many of the movements gradually painted themselves into untenable corners. As their ranks grew and it became impossible for the higher ranked masters or gurus to spend direct time with disciples, they simplified and codified and reduced their techniques to into packable products. "This technique is all you need. All yoga postures can be mastered if you apply these five principles. Follow this meditation for 20 minutes a day and you will become happy and free".
In business this works. In the franchise world or in military culture, this kind of standardization is essential. And truly, this work is HUGELY commendable. Just look at the reach of yoga practice in the US. This month, Oprah Winfrey has named Eckhart Tolle's brilliant book A New Earth as her book club's book-of-the-month. Maharishi's method of meditation is taught in schools all over the world. Over 20 Million Americans practice yoga every week. The movements have left their marks.
Maybe now they're done.
Times are different now. The world is so much smaller than it was in the 60's. People are exposed to so many voices and have a tremendous amount of info at their disposal. Movements have less power. Everyone is part of some movement now. Before the movements stood out because the mainstream was standing still. Nowadays the mainstream is moving. It makes more of a statement to stand still. For today's seeker, it may be more of a courageous move to resist joining a movement than to join one.
What is left out of the mass appeal Guru's work or the mass technique is perhaps the most essential promise of the East's message: Enlightenment. All of these techniques- everything from the Hare Krishna Mantra to the meditation techniques of the rishis, to the yoga postures now prominent in every local gym - were initially developed as stepping stones along the path to Moksha or Liberation. When the Guru's first landed in the West few were setting out to create empires. They were carrying an ancient torch- a message about freedom. They were sharing their wealth of knowledge and the techniques that initiated them into the path towards their own enlightenment. Some even came with the power to awaken seeker's dormant spiritual energy. Just by touching them they could give their students a taste of the divine. But whether they were teaching a technique or giving shaktipat, they were initiating something. They were offering initiation.
Initiation means the beginning. Initiation is something that can happen to a group. A thousand people can be initiated into a technique. A million people can initiate a movement towards freedom. But every one of the million will reach the goal by themselves when they reach. Hundreds of people can come to witness a wedding ceremony, but only the bride and groom will be there for the marriage. Sadhana is an inherently individual process.
In the beginning, we need to conform. We need someone else's technique -something tried and true. At the end- it becomes different. If you read the accounts of the masters' enlightenment, they are all very individual. None say that their conformity to a technique or adherence to a dogma lead to their freedom. And yet, that's what's they leave behind when they go. Their image, their technique, their philosophy. That's all they can leave behind.
The day of cookie-cutter meditation techniques is coming to an end. More and more, today's seekers are empowered to find their own way. If they do have a guide, hopefully they can be fortunate enough to find one that they can befriend. A teacher that can know them and see them and recommend a path just for them. A teacher who eats and lives amongst them and who constantly pushes them back to themselves.
For the millions of us who were initiated by the rishi's -whichever rishi- it's now up to us to become rishis. Its now up to us to stop enshrining them and stop enshrining their techniques. It's high time we take the initiation fire they ignited in us and stoke it to completion. We may have to do this alone. For sure we have to leave the safe confines of the temple and wander into the wilderness. We need to explore for ourselves what is inside us. The masters' teachings are there to guide us, but they cannot hold our hand the whole way. We have to take what they have given us and make it our own. Our bodies are different, our minds are different, our samskaras- our latent impressions - are different so our path will also be different. One technique, one asana practice, one philosophy will due to shape our buttocks or make us a little happier or give us somewhere to go on Sundays, but it wont give us enlightenment if that's what we want. That no one can give.
Access: PublicVideo interview from India-shot in a Banyan Forrest-
Posted on Jan 21st, 2008
by Harshada
Harshada
David Harshada Wagner in India
David Harshada Wagner in India
Come with Us to INDIA!
Posted on Sep 28th, 2007
by Harshada
Harshada
Banyan Education Madhu Yatra to India 2007-2008
Yatra Culture and Retreat Schedule
For centuries, pilgrims have ventured for long distances to attain a spiritual aim or visit holy places in seeking blessings. Our yatra (sanskrit word for pilgrimage) will be a modern version of this kind of inner and outer journey. The idea behind the yatra is that the journey is as important as the destination. In Maharashtra where we will be spending all of our time in India, there is a very strong yatra tradition. The pilgrims -or yatris- in Maharashtra are known to travel to distant temples on foot (often without shoes) chanting the entire way. Traditionally, pilgrims from all paths will observe certain vows to make their journey more special and to prepare them to have the darshan of their beloved diety or pilgrimage destination. Some yatris observe silence, others fast or wear ceremonial clothing during their journey. In some traditions, yatris will even perform harsh austerities like crawling great distances on their knees or bowing completely down onto the ground after every step.
Our journey will be a yatra in several ways. For most of us, this is the first time visiting India- the amazing land which gave us yoga and meditation and the teachings which have brought us closer to God. It is also a yatra in the sense that we will be traveling within India to visit several very sacred sites. On the deepest level, the entire trip will be a yatra to our own deepest Self. We will walk in the footsteps of a number of Indian masters and study their teachings in the very places where they gave them. Above all, we will follow the teaching of the iconic Indian master Bhagwan Nityananda: The Heart is the hub of all sacred places- go There and roam.
To cultivate this experience we will be following a retreat schedule for the entire time we're in India. Every morning will begin early with chai (most accommodations will provide great chai), meditation, hatha yoga, and pranayama. Then each day will feature different activities depending on our location. We will have meditation classes in ancient temples, visit sacred meditation caves, take yoga classes with local teachers, go for walks in the Indian countryside and explore local bazaars. Every day will also feature a sunset (sandya) group meditation session and evening satsang where we can ask questions, debrief the day, and "process" our experience. This is not a tourist trip- the intention of this trip is for deep experience and transformation.
Here is a brief outline about our yatra locations and some of the activities we'll be engaging in:
Mumbai- One of the greatest cities in the world, Mumbai offers a wild palate of experience. It is the financial center of India and also the center of Bollywood -the Indian Musical Film Industry. It is a very old city with lots of history and some of the kindest "city people" anywhere. Great food, deep culture, colors, sights, sounds, fragrance, amazing people. Mumbai will be our first stop and our crash course in Indian life. We will take a day in Mumbai to get acclimated and settled into the Indian vibe before commencing on our journey. We will be staying in a relatively quiet area of "old Bombay" steps away from Mahatma Gandhi's residence and Chowpatti Beach.
Nasik- About 4-hours from Mumbai, Nasik is a small city steeped in tradition and Marathi culture. Situated on the Sacred Godavari river, Nasik features several very old temples and sites which are considered very holy to Hindus. The people of Nasik are warm and loving and incredibly welcoming. In Nasik we will stay at a four star hotel nearby the ancient riverside temple sites and set up a comfortable base for our New Year's trip to Trymbakeshwar.
Trymbakeshwar (trim ba KESH war)- is a small village nestled beneath Brahmagiri- a mountain sacred to local Hindus. It is the site of three significant holy centers. It is one of the sites for the famous Kumbha Mela. It's namesake Trymbakeshwar (pictured above) is one of the 12 most holy Shiva Temples in India. Hindu Pilgrims from all over India come to visit the Trymbakeshwar temple. It is especially known as an auspicious site to pray for ancestors. High above the village is Brahmagiri Mountain- where the origin of the Godavari river is worshiped. Brahmagiri is also said to be the birthplace of the monkey deity Hanuman. Nearby the Trymbakeshwar temple is the tomb of Nivrittinath Maharaj- a very powerful 13th century meditation master. His tomb is now center of pilgrimage and one of the sites we will be using for our group sessions. On New Year's Morning, a special Havan (vedic fire ceremony) will be performed for our group by the learned vedic priests of Trymbakeshwar.
Gangapur- Ganagapur is a rural area nearby Nasik and is known for its natural scenic beauty. We will be spending three nights in Gangapur. Here we will enjoy a "more serious" retreat schedule observing silence, chanting, meditating, practicing yoga, and taking time to deeply examine ourselves. Our retreat site will be self-contained and will provide delicious, simple "ashram" food for our retreat.
Alandi is near the city of Pune and is the site of the tomb of Jnaneshwar Maharaj. Jnaneshwar was the brother and closest disciple of Nivrittinath and a master renowned throughout India. He is most famous for writing significant scriptural commentaries when he was a teenager. Jnaneshwar was in his early twenties when he instructed his disciples to seal him into his tomb in Alandi for him to go into "living samadhi" a deep yogic state similar to suspended animation. It is said that he is still there, alive, within his tomb blessing the meditation of the pilgrims that visit him. In Alandi we will meditate and study the Jnaneshwari- Jnaneshwar's famous 13 century commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita.
Yatra Culture and Retreat Schedule
For centuries, pilgrims have ventured for long distances to attain a spiritual aim or visit holy places in seeking blessings. Our yatra (sanskrit word for pilgrimage) will be a modern version of this kind of inner and outer journey. The idea behind the yatra is that the journey is as important as the destination. In Maharashtra where we will be spending all of our time in India, there is a very strong yatra tradition. The pilgrims -or yatris- in Maharashtra are known to travel to distant temples on foot (often without shoes) chanting the entire way. Traditionally, pilgrims from all paths will observe certain vows to make their journey more special and to prepare them to have the darshan of their beloved diety or pilgrimage destination. Some yatris observe silence, others fast or wear ceremonial clothing during their journey. In some traditions, yatris will even perform harsh austerities like crawling great distances on their knees or bowing completely down onto the ground after every step.
Our journey will be a yatra in several ways. For most of us, this is the first time visiting India- the amazing land which gave us yoga and meditation and the teachings which have brought us closer to God. It is also a yatra in the sense that we will be traveling within India to visit several very sacred sites. On the deepest level, the entire trip will be a yatra to our own deepest Self. We will walk in the footsteps of a number of Indian masters and study their teachings in the very places where they gave them. Above all, we will follow the teaching of the iconic Indian master Bhagwan Nityananda: The Heart is the hub of all sacred places- go There and roam.
To cultivate this experience we will be following a retreat schedule for the entire time we're in India. Every morning will begin early with chai (most accommodations will provide great chai), meditation, hatha yoga, and pranayama. Then each day will feature different activities depending on our location. We will have meditation classes in ancient temples, visit sacred meditation caves, take yoga classes with local teachers, go for walks in the Indian countryside and explore local bazaars. Every day will also feature a sunset (sandya) group meditation session and evening satsang where we can ask questions, debrief the day, and "process" our experience. This is not a tourist trip- the intention of this trip is for deep experience and transformation.
Here is a brief outline about our yatra locations and some of the activities we'll be engaging in:
Mumbai- One of the greatest cities in the world, Mumbai offers a wild palate of experience. It is the financial center of India and also the center of Bollywood -the Indian Musical Film Industry. It is a very old city with lots of history and some of the kindest "city people" anywhere. Great food, deep culture, colors, sights, sounds, fragrance, amazing people. Mumbai will be our first stop and our crash course in Indian life. We will take a day in Mumbai to get acclimated and settled into the Indian vibe before commencing on our journey. We will be staying in a relatively quiet area of "old Bombay" steps away from Mahatma Gandhi's residence and Chowpatti Beach.
Nasik- About 4-hours from Mumbai, Nasik is a small city steeped in tradition and Marathi culture. Situated on the Sacred Godavari river, Nasik features several very old temples and sites which are considered very holy to Hindus. The people of Nasik are warm and loving and incredibly welcoming. In Nasik we will stay at a four star hotel nearby the ancient riverside temple sites and set up a comfortable base for our New Year's trip to Trymbakeshwar.
Trymbakeshwar (trim ba KESH war)- is a small village nestled beneath Brahmagiri- a mountain sacred to local Hindus. It is the site of three significant holy centers. It is one of the sites for the famous Kumbha Mela. It's namesake Trymbakeshwar (pictured above) is one of the 12 most holy Shiva Temples in India. Hindu Pilgrims from all over India come to visit the Trymbakeshwar temple. It is especially known as an auspicious site to pray for ancestors. High above the village is Brahmagiri Mountain- where the origin of the Godavari river is worshiped. Brahmagiri is also said to be the birthplace of the monkey deity Hanuman. Nearby the Trymbakeshwar temple is the tomb of Nivrittinath Maharaj- a very powerful 13th century meditation master. His tomb is now center of pilgrimage and one of the sites we will be using for our group sessions. On New Year's Morning, a special Havan (vedic fire ceremony) will be performed for our group by the learned vedic priests of Trymbakeshwar.
Gangapur- Ganagapur is a rural area nearby Nasik and is known for its natural scenic beauty. We will be spending three nights in Gangapur. Here we will enjoy a "more serious" retreat schedule observing silence, chanting, meditating, practicing yoga, and taking time to deeply examine ourselves. Our retreat site will be self-contained and will provide delicious, simple "ashram" food for our retreat.
Alandi is near the city of Pune and is the site of the tomb of Jnaneshwar Maharaj. Jnaneshwar was the brother and closest disciple of Nivrittinath and a master renowned throughout India. He is most famous for writing significant scriptural commentaries when he was a teenager. Jnaneshwar was in his early twenties when he instructed his disciples to seal him into his tomb in Alandi for him to go into "living samadhi" a deep yogic state similar to suspended animation. It is said that he is still there, alive, within his tomb blessing the meditation of the pilgrims that visit him. In Alandi we will meditate and study the Jnaneshwari- Jnaneshwar's famous 13 century commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita.
There are still spaces left in our retreat!
Posted on Sep 21st, 2007
by Harshada
Harshada
It's hard to believe- but we still have spaces open in our October retreat. They must me open for you and a friend. The retreat is going to be a very special event. Click here for more details and then call to save your place 917 513 8870.
Tagged with: retreats, meditation retreat
Om FIESTA this Saturday in NYC!!!
Posted on Sep 19th, 2007
by Harshada
Harshada
At the last minute we've decided to throw another OM Fiesta!
The great people at Namaste Yoga offered to host a Fiesta at their Upper West Side location and how could we refuse? For those uninitiated, the OM Fiesta is an celebration event combining Chanting OM, Meditation, Merriment and Fund Raising.
This Fiesta will be to celebrate this incredible holiday time. Ramadan, Yom Kippur, Ganesh Chaturthi, the Fall Equinox....... Clearly this is a good time to come together and celebrate. We'll chant OM together with recording artist and Kirtan leader Laura Wolfe and be lead in meditation by David Harshada Wagner. We'll also hear about Banyan's newest humanitarian project- a ground breaking program offering no-cost Deep meditation training and massage therapy to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Yes- its going to be a fine evening -and even finer if you can be spontaneous and get to the Fiesta!
Tell your friends- bring your friends, kids are welcome!
Saturday September 22 7pm
Namaste Yoga 371 Amsterdam Ave New York, NY 10024 212.580.1778
A $10 DONATION TAKEN AT THE DOOR WILL GO TO THE VET'S PROGRAM
The great people at Namaste Yoga offered to host a Fiesta at their Upper West Side location and how could we refuse? For those uninitiated, the OM Fiesta is an celebration event combining Chanting OM, Meditation, Merriment and Fund Raising.
This Fiesta will be to celebrate this incredible holiday time. Ramadan, Yom Kippur, Ganesh Chaturthi, the Fall Equinox....... Clearly this is a good time to come together and celebrate. We'll chant OM together with recording artist and Kirtan leader Laura Wolfe and be lead in meditation by David Harshada Wagner. We'll also hear about Banyan's newest humanitarian project- a ground breaking program offering no-cost Deep meditation training and massage therapy to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Yes- its going to be a fine evening -and even finer if you can be spontaneous and get to the Fiesta!
Tell your friends- bring your friends, kids are welcome!
Saturday September 22 7pm
Namaste Yoga 371 Amsterdam Ave New York, NY 10024 212.580.1778
A $10 DONATION TAKEN AT THE DOOR WILL GO TO THE VET'S PROGRAM
Under the Banyan Tree 30
Posted on Aug 24th, 2007
by Harshada
Harshada
Get it While You Can
This week, those of us on the East Coast got a kind of wake up call from nature. Suddenly the weather turned unseasonably cold. At first it felt like a relief from the sweltering August heat. Then, as the day extended to days, it began to feel like the end of summer. The end of Summer. Ugh. The weather has turned warm again today so I went out for my usual morning walk in the north woods of Central Park. Near the end, I stopped and looked up into the green luminous canopy of the trees. The sun was gentle and golden and the leaves were so green- so luscious. The Summer bugs were chirping, everything was alive. As I looked at all this freshness, my mind flashed ahead a couple of months and I saw the cold leafless branches rattling in the freezing rain. As I thought of the months of late fall and winter when I and so many New Yorkers long for the green, the shorts, the summer bugs, a clear voice poked through, "Get it while you can." I felt really grateful for the days of cold and rain. It was just enough to snap me out of the "dog days" mentality- complaining about the heat and humidity- the social schedule of summer, etc.
This immediately made me think of meditation practice too. I hear from so many people who are in crisis- they're divorcing, their business is tanking, they are having a health crisis. And they want to get relief from their stress and panic and anxiety. Of course, I do help them as best as I can. Of course the practice of meditation does have the power to create miracles in people's lives and inner beings. But once you're in crisis- usually the nature of the crisis is that you don't have time or energy to do things like learn meditation or attend a retreat or take meditation lessons. When you're in crisis, your attention is consumed with "the urgent" instead of "the important".
The message the Park revealed to me this morning "Get it While you Can" was about people getting into meditation when their life is relatively good. Get into lessons or attend a retreat or buy a great book or cd when you have the luxury of time and energy. Focus on what's important while you have a break from the emergencies. Learn the method of meditation when you have less to contend with. For sure, there will come a time when you don't have so much extra time and energy. Then you will wish you had spent the time when you could.
This week, those of us on the East Coast got a kind of wake up call from nature. Suddenly the weather turned unseasonably cold. At first it felt like a relief from the sweltering August heat. Then, as the day extended to days, it began to feel like the end of summer. The end of Summer. Ugh. The weather has turned warm again today so I went out for my usual morning walk in the north woods of Central Park. Near the end, I stopped and looked up into the green luminous canopy of the trees. The sun was gentle and golden and the leaves were so green- so luscious. The Summer bugs were chirping, everything was alive. As I looked at all this freshness, my mind flashed ahead a couple of months and I saw the cold leafless branches rattling in the freezing rain. As I thought of the months of late fall and winter when I and so many New Yorkers long for the green, the shorts, the summer bugs, a clear voice poked through, "Get it while you can." I felt really grateful for the days of cold and rain. It was just enough to snap me out of the "dog days" mentality- complaining about the heat and humidity- the social schedule of summer, etc.
This immediately made me think of meditation practice too. I hear from so many people who are in crisis- they're divorcing, their business is tanking, they are having a health crisis. And they want to get relief from their stress and panic and anxiety. Of course, I do help them as best as I can. Of course the practice of meditation does have the power to create miracles in people's lives and inner beings. But once you're in crisis- usually the nature of the crisis is that you don't have time or energy to do things like learn meditation or attend a retreat or take meditation lessons. When you're in crisis, your attention is consumed with "the urgent" instead of "the important".
The message the Park revealed to me this morning "Get it While you Can" was about people getting into meditation when their life is relatively good. Get into lessons or attend a retreat or buy a great book or cd when you have the luxury of time and energy. Focus on what's important while you have a break from the emergencies. Learn the method of meditation when you have less to contend with. For sure, there will come a time when you don't have so much extra time and energy. Then you will wish you had spent the time when you could.
Happy Gurupurnima
Posted on Jul 29th, 2007
by Harshada
Harshada
mantra mulam guru vacham
puja mulam guru murtim
dyhana mulam guru padam
moksha mulam guru kripa
The root of mantra is the Guru's speech.
The root worship is the Guru's form.
The root of meditation is the Guru's feet.
puja mulam guru murtim
dyhana mulam guru padam
moksha mulam guru kripa
The root of mantra is the Guru's speech.
The root worship is the Guru's form.
The root of meditation is the Guru's feet.
The root of liberation is the Guru's grace.
Salutations to that luminous, wisdom-giving, life-sustaining, grace-bestowing power.
Salutations to that luminous, wisdom-giving, life-sustaining, grace-bestowing power.
Under the Banyan Tree 28
Posted on Jul 3rd, 2007
by Harshada
Harshada
Leaving Room for the Holy Ghost
Back in the 1950's when my Mom was in Catholic High School the priests and nuns would monitor the dances. They would come to the slow-dancing couples with a ruler and measure a distance of at least 6 inches of space between the hot adolescent bodies.
"Leave a little space for the Holy Ghost", they would say.
I love this expression. I've stolen it now and use it all the time. Often when I'm working with a client helping them make a plan or strategize a timeline for a project I will tell them, "make sure you leave a little room for the Holy Ghost!" At first they look at me like I'm crazy, but once they get what I'm driving at, they get it. I think of "the Holy Ghost" as our living energy- the creative energy of the universe. And in my experience- this spontaneous dynamic energy shows up a lot more when we consciously make the space for it.
In the 21st century, "space" has become a rare and precious commodity. In New York City where I live, this is literally true. Real estate prices are out of control, subway cars are packed with bodies, and good luck finding a "space" to park your car.
Space is also a precious commodity (no matter where we live) in our schedules, in our plans and ideas, and in our minds. So as we enter into July, I want to offer this challenge to you- Look at your schedule, your plans, and your mind and ask- are you leaving any room for the Holy Ghost?
When we leave room for the Holy Ghost in our our schedules, we allow for ease and balance. Its such a simple thing, but we rarely do it. If we look at our schedule every day and consciously leave some spaces there it makes a huge difference. We can give ourselves extra time for transitions between things or just leave little moments of break where we can simply relax. For entrepreneurs this is especially crucial. If we work for ourselves and are passionate about our work, we tend to work nonstop and rarely take days off. Giving yourself a day off may feel like "taking your hands off the wheel". Think of it instead like pulling over to the side of the road to take a much needed nap. Keep going and you'll likely end up in the ditch. Set a day every week and let it be your space for the holy ghost. Space out, go for walks, go see a movie, go to a yoga class. Nonstop workers don't have to wait for their day off either. Everyone should put a little space in their daily schedule. Leave a little space for the Holy Ghost. Let that living energy be the focus for a little while. Meditate for 10 or 20 minutes, go sit outside and breathe fresh air for a few minutes.
When we leave room for the holy ghost in our plans it allows the creative force of the universe to move there and bring in ideas, people and situations that are beyond what we come up with with our limited thinking. When you're planning a meeting or writing a talk, leave a little space where everything is not so planned out. Whenever we actually get into executing a plan- it changes anyway -isn't it true? You can plan for that. Make your plans. Set your intentions. But leave room for the holy ghost. Be ready for things to expand and contract.
Our mind is often the most crowded closet in our house. Everything we experience and do goes through the filter of our mind. When our mind is okay- we're okay; and when our mind is out of whack we're not okay- no matter how well everything around us is going. One of the most effective things we can do is to create some space in our mind. Often times our mind troubles us simply because it's over-loaded. Have you noticed how un-troubled you feel while you're watching TV or watching a movie? Its amazing! Husbands cheat on wives, people kill other people, scandals rock the nation -but we can sit there and feel fairly relaxed on our couch watching it all happen. Its because there is just one thing to watch and we have no apparent responsibility for what's going on. Unfortunately, this form of recreation and relaxation only has a temporary relaxation effect on the mind. After the show is over and the bad guy has been caught and the news is over, all of that information is still there in our minds to be processed. Your body and nervous system doesn't know the difference between a gunfight on TV and one in your living room. In the name of relaxing and taking our mind off our work, we often load our mind down with more mental "doo-doo" to deal with.
Our minds crave simplicity and being "off the hook". Our minds crave space. One of the most high leverage ways to create space in your mind is with sitting meditation. Sit down and close your eyes. Let yourself off the hook from all the roles you play and relax. Watch your breath come in and out. Just that- just your breath. Give your mind a break. Imagine a big eraser erasing all the stuff from the surface of your mind. Let it be spacious and clear. Soon enough, you'll have to leap back in to action and complexity. For the time being- let yourself rest. After meditation, be selective with how much you load your mind down again. Leave a little room for the holy ghost.
If you take this challenge and create the needed space in your schedule, plans, and mind you'll be astonished at the results. Chances are you'll get more done, the work will be higher quality, and you will enjoy doing it more along the way. If you want more guidance on any of this -let us know. We're committed to your success and committed to that creative energy flowing through everything you do.
Back in the 1950's when my Mom was in Catholic High School the priests and nuns would monitor the dances. They would come to the slow-dancing couples with a ruler and measure a distance of at least 6 inches of space between the hot adolescent bodies.
"Leave a little space for the Holy Ghost", they would say.
I love this expression. I've stolen it now and use it all the time. Often when I'm working with a client helping them make a plan or strategize a timeline for a project I will tell them, "make sure you leave a little room for the Holy Ghost!" At first they look at me like I'm crazy, but once they get what I'm driving at, they get it. I think of "the Holy Ghost" as our living energy- the creative energy of the universe. And in my experience- this spontaneous dynamic energy shows up a lot more when we consciously make the space for it.
In the 21st century, "space" has become a rare and precious commodity. In New York City where I live, this is literally true. Real estate prices are out of control, subway cars are packed with bodies, and good luck finding a "space" to park your car.
Space is also a precious commodity (no matter where we live) in our schedules, in our plans and ideas, and in our minds. So as we enter into July, I want to offer this challenge to you- Look at your schedule, your plans, and your mind and ask- are you leaving any room for the Holy Ghost?
When we leave room for the Holy Ghost in our our schedules, we allow for ease and balance. Its such a simple thing, but we rarely do it. If we look at our schedule every day and consciously leave some spaces there it makes a huge difference. We can give ourselves extra time for transitions between things or just leave little moments of break where we can simply relax. For entrepreneurs this is especially crucial. If we work for ourselves and are passionate about our work, we tend to work nonstop and rarely take days off. Giving yourself a day off may feel like "taking your hands off the wheel". Think of it instead like pulling over to the side of the road to take a much needed nap. Keep going and you'll likely end up in the ditch. Set a day every week and let it be your space for the holy ghost. Space out, go for walks, go see a movie, go to a yoga class. Nonstop workers don't have to wait for their day off either. Everyone should put a little space in their daily schedule. Leave a little space for the Holy Ghost. Let that living energy be the focus for a little while. Meditate for 10 or 20 minutes, go sit outside and breathe fresh air for a few minutes.
When we leave room for the holy ghost in our plans it allows the creative force of the universe to move there and bring in ideas, people and situations that are beyond what we come up with with our limited thinking. When you're planning a meeting or writing a talk, leave a little space where everything is not so planned out. Whenever we actually get into executing a plan- it changes anyway -isn't it true? You can plan for that. Make your plans. Set your intentions. But leave room for the holy ghost. Be ready for things to expand and contract.
Our mind is often the most crowded closet in our house. Everything we experience and do goes through the filter of our mind. When our mind is okay- we're okay; and when our mind is out of whack we're not okay- no matter how well everything around us is going. One of the most effective things we can do is to create some space in our mind. Often times our mind troubles us simply because it's over-loaded. Have you noticed how un-troubled you feel while you're watching TV or watching a movie? Its amazing! Husbands cheat on wives, people kill other people, scandals rock the nation -but we can sit there and feel fairly relaxed on our couch watching it all happen. Its because there is just one thing to watch and we have no apparent responsibility for what's going on. Unfortunately, this form of recreation and relaxation only has a temporary relaxation effect on the mind. After the show is over and the bad guy has been caught and the news is over, all of that information is still there in our minds to be processed. Your body and nervous system doesn't know the difference between a gunfight on TV and one in your living room. In the name of relaxing and taking our mind off our work, we often load our mind down with more mental "doo-doo" to deal with.
Our minds crave simplicity and being "off the hook". Our minds crave space. One of the most high leverage ways to create space in your mind is with sitting meditation. Sit down and close your eyes. Let yourself off the hook from all the roles you play and relax. Watch your breath come in and out. Just that- just your breath. Give your mind a break. Imagine a big eraser erasing all the stuff from the surface of your mind. Let it be spacious and clear. Soon enough, you'll have to leap back in to action and complexity. For the time being- let yourself rest. After meditation, be selective with how much you load your mind down again. Leave a little room for the holy ghost.
If you take this challenge and create the needed space in your schedule, plans, and mind you'll be astonished at the results. Chances are you'll get more done, the work will be higher quality, and you will enjoy doing it more along the way. If you want more guidance on any of this -let us know. We're committed to your success and committed to that creative energy flowing through everything you do.
Meditate And Create- Its Happening AGAIN! August 10, 11, 12
Posted on Jun 25th, 2007
by Harshada
Harshada
Weekend Retreat With David Harshada Wagner and Stefan Doering
Big Indian, NY
Come and join us for another weekend of meditation, transformation and FUN.
Banyan Director David Harshada Wagner is back with Stefan Doering to lead another transformational weekend retreat in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Meditate and Create is about taking the time to “push the pause button” on your life and examine it from a higher perspective.
Where are you going?
What is really important in your life right now?
Where does your Heart want to lead you?
What is your next step in getting there?
Stefan and David will create the space and time to ask these questions and more.
David will be leading participants in group meditation sessions and silent walking meditations in the Catskill wilderness. Stefan will be leading group sessions aimed at helping people to identify their next steps in making their dreams reality. David and Stefan will also be available for one-on-one consultations throughout the weekend.
All of this in the beautiful, cozy atmosphere of Crystal Spring House near Woodstock, NY.
You provide your own transportation- we provide the rest! Simple delicious vegetarian food, massage, quietude, fresh air- time to unwind. Participants arrive Friday night- the retreat closes Sunday after lunch.
The whole weekend is only $597 per person. If you bring a friend, the fee is only $497
Click here to register one person ($597)
Click here to register two people ($997)
Price includes two nights accommodation and all meals.
Stefan Doering is one of the top executive business coaches in the country. His programs and “mastermind groups” have helped dozens of top executives increase their creativity, profits, and business growth - all the while having a BLAST in their business. He is an avid meditator and has been a great promoter of Banyan. Stefan is the founder and President of B.E.S.T. Coaches INC. Click the link to read more about Stefan.
Space is very limited for this event. IT WILL DEFINITELY FILL UP.
Email us today to reserve your spaces: meditate@banyaneducation.com
Phone: 917 513 8870
Here are some Testimonials from last time:
"I enjoyed the seamless integration of spiritual experience and performance/manifestation that were so artfully delivered." Victor Fiallo, Forest Hills, NY
"The most beautiful thing I experienced this weekend was watching people who love each other interact. I can honestly say that I have not experienced that before. I was also deeply moved by hearing other people's deepest thoughts and feelings. I saw that I was not alone in many of my fears and feelings. I felt connected to the others...." Eileen Korby, New York City, NY
"This weekend opened my eyes to my greatness and the support allowed me to accept it. I am energized and excited about creating what was just a glimmer in my soul to a real concrete achievable mission that is reconnecting me to my passion for life." Sue Baxter, Ridgefield, CT
"I am very grateful to have the chance to have you guys as my teachers for my spiritual and emotional growth. I feel that this is the beginning of a revolutionary and global alliance that will change the world as you guys change each individual. Thank you guys for letting me be part of this transformation." Beatriz Sodowski, New Jersey
"It was an amazing 'awakening and reconnecting to my creativity' weekend! The group of people we shared it with are great. Thank you!" Clarise Ferreira, Merrick, NY
Big Indian, NY
Come and join us for another weekend of meditation, transformation and FUN.
Banyan Director David Harshada Wagner is back with Stefan Doering to lead another transformational weekend retreat in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Meditate and Create is about taking the time to “push the pause button” on your life and examine it from a higher perspective.
Where are you going?
What is really important in your life right now?
Where does your Heart want to lead you?
What is your next step in getting there?
Stefan and David will create the space and time to ask these questions and more.
David will be leading participants in group meditation sessions and silent walking meditations in the Catskill wilderness. Stefan will be leading group sessions aimed at helping people to identify their next steps in making their dreams reality. David and Stefan will also be available for one-on-one consultations throughout the weekend.
All of this in the beautiful, cozy atmosphere of Crystal Spring House near Woodstock, NY.
You provide your own transportation- we provide the rest! Simple delicious vegetarian food, massage, quietude, fresh air- time to unwind. Participants arrive Friday night- the retreat closes Sunday after lunch.
The whole weekend is only $597 per person. If you bring a friend, the fee is only $497
Click here to register one person ($597)
Click here to register two people ($997)
Price includes two nights accommodation and all meals.
Stefan Doering is one of the top executive business coaches in the country. His programs and “mastermind groups” have helped dozens of top executives increase their creativity, profits, and business growth - all the while having a BLAST in their business. He is an avid meditator and has been a great promoter of Banyan. Stefan is the founder and President of B.E.S.T. Coaches INC. Click the link to read more about Stefan.
Space is very limited for this event. IT WILL DEFINITELY FILL UP.
Email us today to reserve your spaces: meditate@banyaneducation.com
Phone: 917 513 8870
Here are some Testimonials from last time:
"I enjoyed the seamless integration of spiritual experience and performance/manifestation that were so artfully delivered." Victor Fiallo, Forest Hills, NY
"The most beautiful thing I experienced this weekend was watching people who love each other interact. I can honestly say that I have not experienced that before. I was also deeply moved by hearing other people's deepest thoughts and feelings. I saw that I was not alone in many of my fears and feelings. I felt connected to the others...." Eileen Korby, New York City, NY
"This weekend opened my eyes to my greatness and the support allowed me to accept it. I am energized and excited about creating what was just a glimmer in my soul to a real concrete achievable mission that is reconnecting me to my passion for life." Sue Baxter, Ridgefield, CT
"I am very grateful to have the chance to have you guys as my teachers for my spiritual and emotional growth. I feel that this is the beginning of a revolutionary and global alliance that will change the world as you guys change each individual. Thank you guys for letting me be part of this transformation." Beatriz Sodowski, New Jersey
"It was an amazing 'awakening and reconnecting to my creativity' weekend! The group of people we shared it with are great. Thank you!" Clarise Ferreira, Merrick, NY
Tagged with: meditation retreats
meditation in New York
February 2008 