Compassionate action flows naturally from one who sees the underlying unity of all life with the light of the awakened heart. We know compassion because it is a divine quality that already exists in us. We yearn to experience it more fully because we have tasted it. The sweetness of it is within our own hearts; our conscience speaks of it daily. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her book Living for the Sake of the Soul
Our meditation practice opens up our hearts and minds to observing and experiencing all of life as one. We experience the unity of all of life and understand how we are not individual beings in a separate existence from this manifest world. We come to know and experience how our existence affects all of life as all of life affects us. We are interconnected. As we understand our connection with life, compassionate action just flows from that. It is natural to us. Yogacharya has given the example that we wouldn't desire to taste ice cream if we hadn't already tasted it. We have many soul qualities—divine qualities that are the essence of our being. Love and compassion are two of them. Taste the sweetness. Be the sweetness.
Sorrow and desire are married. When desire leaves, sorrow cannot remain. We often cling to desire, thinking it will lead us to happiness without realizing that it also brings suffering. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Any desire coming from an egocentric perspective is bound to lead to sorrow because constant change is the nature of worldly fulfillment. If we pin our happiness on a shiny new acquision, we will eventually be disappointed when its allure fades or the relationship doesn't go the way we think it should. It is fine to have desire but not to pin our complete happiness on that thing or relationship. Our true happiness lies within ourself. So where does this leave us? In the spiritual teachings of Kriya Yoga we are advised to attune our consciousness with that divine order which guides the universe. When we follow our intuition, our soul guided wisdom, we will always do or say the right thing and not be attached to the outcome of what we think the desire will bring. Our daily practice of meditation unleashes intuition and shows us the way forward.
Grace is how wisdom arises, and we receive the light of inspiration. Grace supports the earth and its atmosphere—all things are possible through divine grace and power. Each breath we take, we take through divine grace. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her blog The Transformative Power of Divine Grace.
This topic of grace is a favorite of mine. I think it is because I can imagine grace blowing like a soft breeze all around me, giving life to me and to all. It is not something that we see and we can easily ignore it but it is always there. When we remember it, we can appreciate this divine gift and it makes our lives so much easier. We don't have to do anything to earn it or work hard to see it, we just have to open our hearts and our minds to allowing the awareness of it. The famous spiritual teacher Ramakrishna said "The winds of grace are always blowing, all we need to do is raise our sails." Gratitude is one way to have the awareness of grace. When we grateful for whatever comes into our lives, we become aware of grace. Even when we are experience a difficult time in our lives we can experience grace. Sometimes those difficulties take us in a direction that we might not have gone in and through that we have new positive experiences. If we take the time to be grateful, even just being grateful for the food on our table and those who made it possible for the food to be there, we can experience the grace in our lives. We have so many opportunities to experience grace each day, if we stay open to it. In the same blog as the above quote came from Yogacharya O'Brian says "Life is infused with divine grace and beauty. It is always, forever, trying to show us that. When we look upon it with gratitude, we are free to see it."
Indulging in moods is a great cause of unhappiness that hurts us and others, too. Remember that you are the soul with the power to resist and overcome any mood. With soul power, open your mind to contentment. It is available to you in this moment. Call it forth and claim it. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian Living for the Sake of the Soul
When we leave on the TV or listen to the news too much, it is easy to fall into a sour mood. Just as we wouldn't expose ourselves to toxic chemicals, why overexpose ourselves to what may be toxic around us? Yogacharya O'Brian also says "With contentment practice, one plants seeds of happiness and peace in the present moment. These seeds contribute to the healing of the past and the flowering of peace in our future." Contentment comes from focusing on the divine, on grace and on bright possibilities. When we mentally affirm positive outcomes and work to support them, wonders occur. What could you do to empower a practice of contentment?
Vital force is the conscious energy of Spirit that gives life to the soul. When we are living according to divine guidance, expressing the soul's purpose in thought, word, and action, then we are appropriately using our vital force. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her book Living the Eternal Way: Spiritual Meaning and Practice for Daily Life.
The right use of vital force is an important spiritual practice of Kriya Yoga which is spelled out in the scripture of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In the Yoga Sutras it says "Let nothing distract you from right living and experience great vitality." This is about using our energy wisely and focusing on what supports our life purpose. I find that when I overdo, feeling that only I can do a particular task or that this task has to be done at a specific time, or I can't say no to someone, I find that I can get tired and cranky with people and I begin to feel put out and not happy. Others don't want to be around me. When we focus on what is important, that which supports our mental and physical health, connecting with our soul guidance—doing what we know we should do, we are energized in a way that brings a deep sense of fulfillment. Observe what depletes you or energizes you. Follow your inner guidance. When we are connected with that, our thoughts, words and actions benefit those around us and the world. Connect with your inner vital force and experience great vitality.
The belief “I need this or that to bring me happiness or security” affirms lack. Realize your wholeness now. Then watch what is added unto you from your abundance consciousness. Watch. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Our daily meditation practice makes us aware of the contents of our mind and gives us the power to change what goes on in the mind. When we catch ourselves complaining about what we don't have we can recall the principle that 'like attracts like.' Thoughts of lack attract that experience in the real world. A strong gratitude practice reminds us of what we do have and attracts abundance in an entirely graceful way. We begin to see all in our life as a gift. Try this every day for a week and you may be surprised. Affirm abundance.
Above all, be steadfast in meditation. It is the boat that carries us across the river of delusion and keeps us from being lost in the whirlpools of anxious thought. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
We are living in a time when anxiety is rampant. The list of things we could be anxious about is long regarding the state of our nation and the world and we also may have our own personal issues. I can easily be in a whirlpool of anxious thought. I do realize that allowing myself to sit in that whirlpool is not doing myself or anyone else any good. Being in a positive frame of mind is more supportive for myself and those around me. Now, more than ever, my regular, daily meditation practice supports my positve state of mind. It is what is needed for my own health and well-being and for that of the world. Just imagine the impact when we are all sending out waves of peaceful energy. All those waves overlap and come together in strength. This is how, as individuals, we can change the world. We have a choice. We can sit in the whirlpool of anxious thought or we can change our thoughts and as Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." Step out of the whirlpool of anxiety and send out waves of peace. Calming our minds with meditation is the key.
It is on the inward condition that the outer reality depends. ~Roy Eugene Davis
This week we are celebrating the life of the great American Kriya Yoga master, Roy Eugene Davis and commemorating the anniversary of his passing on March 27th, 2019. Roy is the guru of our guru, Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian. Guru means the dispeller of darkness or teacher. Jeff and I were fortunate to know this master teacher in our lifetime. This quote from Mr. Davis is a reminder that in order to live a life where we are content, happy and experiencing abundance in all ways, it is important to cultivate our inner life. My regular, steady practice of meditation, prayer and living an ethical, God-centered life is what sustains me and supports me when I experience the rough seas that are inevitable. I may initially feel panic, fear or anger when the boat rocks, but being anchored in my soul nature always brings me back to that steady, calm place of peace that is who I am at the core of my being. I am able to witness myself, honor my feelings and discern how best to steady the boat. Instead of staying in that anger or fear, I can change my mind and dwell in that place of peace. It is a much more pleasant place to be.
Shiva Temple at The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment
The depth of realization attained in meditation is measured by the acts of love and compassion it inspires. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
For those of us who have a regular meditation practice, how are we to judge its effectiveness? The first level answer is not by what happens during meditation. Even on those days when the mind seems as restless as the wind, our constant returning to a point of focus brings many benefits: an improved ability to concentrate, increased awareness of what is occurring in the mind, and an ability to be present as we go about our daily activities. Often others notice the real benefits of our meditation practice before we do: an abiding calm peacefulness and a pleasant disposition despite outer circumstances. However the greatest blessing of meditation is that natural compassion with all those we come in contact with because we realize that we are not really separate from each other at all.
What has amazed you recently....in a positive way? What about the amazing unfolding of divine potential revealing itself every day? ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from Dharma 365! Live Your Higher Purpose
Neuroscientists have found that our brains are wired to see and hang on to the negative. This comes from our cave-person ancestors to needed to constantly look out for danger in order to be safe. It is easy to get caught up in what is negative. It brings down our energy. So it takes self-discipline to look around and see and hold on to the amazing beautiful life around us.
One of the three foundational principles of Kriya Yoga is self-discipline. We use self-discipline to follow our soul desire which is always guiding us towards living our highest and best life. Yogacharya O'Brian says that "We use self-discipline to thrive. We notice amazing. We feel it. We let it occupy our thoughts and our feelings. We notice how amazing our life is. We practice this—religiously and scientifically. The 'world is a tree bowed down with fruit'(1)." May we have the discipline to see that and make sure we enjoy it."
Live each moment completely and the future will take care of itself. Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each moment. ~Paramahansa Yogananda
This advice from Yogananda does not advocate an indulgent approach to life, but is based on this powerful truth: when we live mindfully and make rightly guided decisions, we act in harmony with all of life. When we live without fear of the future and regret about the past we feel content. Our daily meditation practice gives us the tools to let thoughts which are not useful arise and fall away. We can come to live in the joy which is our true inner nature and enjoy the freedom of a peaceful life.
Kindness is the way we enter the family of all beings. It is how we truly experience belonging. This is why serving others is so satisfying—when we do, we enter the sanctuary of belonging. When we stop leaving others out of the circle of love and kindness, we, ourselves, come into right relationship with life. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
The Dalai Lama said, "Kindness is my religion." The practice of kindness is outcome of the spiritual practice of not harming. It is one of the first spiritual principles for right living that is offered in the yogic scripture called the Yoga Sutras. "Cultivate nonviolence and experience the world as your friend." The Golden Rule, as stated in the Bible, Love your neighbor as yourself is a unversal teaching.Most spiritual traditions have a form of the Golden Rule. It is the important foundation for living our lives in the highest and best way. With this practice we realize our oneness—our connection with all of life. In this day and age when there is so much strife and division in our world it is important to remember that kindness is a simple act. It doesn't take much.
Develop a beginner’s mind by practicing non-attachment to views. Adopt a perspective of openness, curiosity, and willingness to discover. Amazing possibilities reveal themselves to an open mind. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Non-attachment doesn't mean that we don't care but it is a spiritual practice that helps us understand that everything in this manifest world is changeable, including our views, our relationships and our things. There are so many benefits to the practice of non attachment: -non-attachment can be a necessary prelude to open us up to soul guidance -it frees us from the snares of attraction and aversion and leads to freedom from grasping or pushing away -non-attachment lowers our stress levels -it saves energy and lets us focus on what is important -non-attachment opens our consciousness to enhanced awareness of grace in our lives where we live with more equanimity
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the ancient scriptures that teach about Kriya Yoga, the promise of the practice of nonattachment is we are freed from greed and can see life clearly.
Develop a beginner’s mind by practicing non-attachment to views. Adopt a perspective of openness, curiosity, and willingness to discover. Amazing possibilities reveal themselves to an open mind. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Non-attachment doesn't mean that we don't care but it is a spiritual practice that helps us understand that everything in this manifest world is changeable, including our views, our relationships and our things. There are so many benefits to the practice of non attachment: -non-attachment can be a necessary prelude to open us up to soul guidance -it frees us from the snares of attraction and aversion and leads to freedom from grasping or pushing away -non-attachment lowers our stress levels -it saves energy and lets us focus on what is important -non-attachment opens our consciousness to enhanced awareness of grace in our lives where we live with more equanimity
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the ancient scriptures that teach about Kriya Yoga, the promise of the practice of nonattachment is we are freed from greed and can see life clearly.
Prosperity is evident as a continuous, timely flow of resources, events, circumstances, and relationships appropriate to and supportive of our meaningful purposes in life and that amply provide for our needs. ~Roy Eugene Davis
In the teachings of the philosophical teachings of Yoga, there are four overarching goals in life. The first is knowing our purpose in life—to know what is best for our and others well-being and live in harmony with all of life. The second is to prosper—to attract what we need to fulfill our purpose in life. The third is pleasure-life is meant to be lived fully and enjoyed. The fourth goal is to awaken to the knowing that we are all units of Divine Energy. Being prosperous is not only financial prosperity but, as Mr. Davis says it is also relationships and circumstances that support us in living our lives in the highest way. Two practices that can support your awareness of prosperity in your life are having gratitude and being generous. In her book, The Jewel of Abundance, Yogacharya O'Brian says "Change your mind and consciousness from lack to abundance, and wealth will naturally follow...True wealth is access to resources on all levels—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual." We already have all that we need, we just need to awaken to that knowing.
Words reveal volition—the choice point of how and what we will create in our lives. Mindful speech is a key to mastery. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
When we first begin meditating, we become aware of the fascinating cacophony of desires, fears, images and wisps of thought churning through our minds. Little by little we learn to let most of them arise and fall away by themselves, lending energy to only those that seem useful. Next we learn the power of voice as we choose to speak aloud only those ideas that serve a real purpose. Then grace takes over and allows us to manifest in the world those words that serve a greater good. In Chapter II:36 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali states that "when one is firmly established in truthfulness, immediate and specific results of actions are experienced." Look back over your life for signs of these "specific results". You may be surprised at how much you can be grateful for. May awareness of the power of your speech bring healing and good will to all.
Sweep away negative and self-defeating thoughts with a conscious outbreath. Welcome happiness back into your heart and mind with a conscious inbreath. It only takes a moment—one transforming moment. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
The events taking place this week will go down in history. For some it is a time to complain, to be fearful, anxious, and worried. Watching or reading the the news may keep us informed, which is important, but the design of news programs is to focus on the worst because that is the most sensational. Social media can be even worse. For those of us who have a regular practice of prayer and meditation, it is important that we don't allow ourselves to slip into despair. We won't be able to help ourselves or anyone else from that place. It is a time to rise above, to see the good around us, to be the uplifting presence of the light of peace and love in the world. Our regular meditation practice supports us in observing ourselves so that we don't go too far down into distress. We can stand back and realize what is happening and make a different choice. Our regular meditation practice calms our minds and brings us back to our hearts. Spending time in that quiet space supports us during our day in discerning what the right choices are to make. As Yogacharya says just taking one conscious breath calms the mind and body and brings us back to our peaceful center. Letting go of fear will let you see the light all around you and allow you to go forward with contentment and love. If you don't already have a daily practice, set an intention for this year to do that. It's more important than ever. Begin each day with intention, contentment, and love.
All this is full. All that is full. When fullness is taken from fullness, Fullness still remains. Introduction to Isha Upanishad, translated by Eknath Easwaran
This immanent realm we perceive is infused with a perceptible aura of wholeness. It comes from and is part of the transcendent realm (God beyond God). This fullness imbues every element of creation and beyond. This fullness can never be depleted. Viewed from the perch of meditative awareness, all is divine fullness. Haven't you felt this when looking into the eyes of an infant, when walking out of the forest into a beautiful green meadow or when watching a sunrise or sunset on the beach? The promise is that if we persist in our deepening meditation practice, we can walk in this fullness all the days of our life.
The law of karma is perfect. Harming harms us. Acts of love return to bless us. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Karma is a Sanskrit word that literally means the results of actions. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us that we cannot refrain from acting. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali tell us that actions have consequences: good, bad or a mixture of the two. Even our thoughts have karmic consequences. Through our thoughts, words and actions we are planting seeds. Daily meditation practice nurtures our witness consciousness which enables us to observe and modify our actions in real time. We are fully responsible for our own karma so that we can plant positive seeds for the future. Especially in these difficult times it can be very liberating to act out of love. As we move into this new year, let us make the commitment to plant positive seeds for our and the world's future.
With the opening of the New Year, all the closed portals of limitations will be thrown open and I shall move through them to vaster fields, where my worthwhile dreams of life will be fulfilled. ~Paramahansa Yogananda
The coming of the new year is a wonderful time to affirm our intention to flourish on all levels. Take Yogananda's affirmation and personalize it for yourself. Then after meditation, know and feel its power to overcome obstacles as you repeat the affirmation several times feeling its truth now, even before it comes to pass. Then live in the secure knowledge that all our worthwhile goals can be achieved as we cooperate with a supportive universe.
