Surrender Into Abundance

Art by Yonya Engel
https://tonyaengel.com/

In light of the war in Gaza and the on-going systemic oppression, colonization, displacement and genocide of the Palestinian people by Zionists and the state of Israel, a prosperity meditation in this moment seems trite and callous. But a wise man, an artist colleague of mine, once told me, "You can't give from a deficit. You can't be a philanthropist and be poor." That really stuck with me. For years, I have been giving from a deficit. And once again, I find myself hitting a rough patch in life which really makes me feel helpless in this situation. SO I am going to pace myself with the information I take in and images I expose myself to. I am not going to sink into despair about not having control over the injustices all over the world but particularly in Palestine. I will focus on what I can do. I will pray. I will share the commentary of my friends who are cultural critics artists and activists. I will continue to Boycott Divest and Sanction Israel. AND I am going to make this meditation my priority. I have to keep breathing. Let's breathe together. 

TO BEGIN: Sit in an Easy Pose, with a light jalandhar bandh, or neck lock. Keep the spine straight. Rub your hands together. Press your thumbs against your sternum holding your hands in prayer pose. Roll your eyes in and up towards your third-eye. If you are unable to sit in "easy pose," you may sit on a sturdy chair and cross your feet underneath your chair. 

On two breaths, chant the opening mantra ONG NA MA GURU DEV NAMO which means I bow to the infinite wisdom within. Do this 3 times. For the proper cadence and pronunciation, listen here. If you like what you hear, you can purchase my mantra music on Bandcamp.

MUDRA: Hands in gyan mudra. Index finger pressed against the thumb. Right arm is bent with hand at eye level. Left hand is resting palm up on the left knee. 

Eyes: Eyes are closed.

MANTRA: *Translation from Gurmukhi to English*

His blessings are so abundant that there can be no written account of them.

The Great Giver does not hold back anything.

There are so many great, heroic warriors begging at the door of the Infinite Lord.

So many contemplate and dwell upon Him, that they cannot be counted.

So many waste away to death engaged in corruption.

So many take and take again, and then deny receiving.

So many foolish consumers keep on consuming.

So many endure distress, deprivation, and constant abuse.

Even these are Your Gifts, O Great Giver!

Liberation from bondage comes only by Your Will.

No one else has any say in this.

If some fool should presume to say that he does,

he shall learn, and feel the effects of his folly.

He Himself knows, He Himself gives.

Few, very few are those who acknowledge this.

One who is blessed to sing the Praises of the Lord,

O Nanak, is the king of kings.

Repeat the prayer eleven times. Takes about 15 minutes. 

NOTES ON THIS MEDITATION:

This meditation is a prayer. The 25th Pauree of Japji. It is said to change poverty into prosperity. It works on the pranic body, the aura, and the radiant body, moving the energy from the body to the Heavens. When the mind comes out of duality, prosperity is there. 

TO FINISH: Inhale deeply, hold the breath for ten counts, then relax completely. Say aloud the Warrior Healer's Affirmations.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together and bring them to prayer pose, palms touching thumbs pressed against your sternum. Chant Long SAT NAM on one breath. Repeat this for a total of three times. Bring your hands to your forehead and bow. This seals the work in your frontal lobe. Your center for decision making. 
So there it is. Inshallah, we will generate enough resources to provide for ourselves, our families and make positive changes in this corrupt Capitalistic world. 
Any questions, and/or to participate, you can find me on IG @rhythmandbreathyoga

And please, don't forget to send donation love if you benefit from the contents of this blog. The Beggar's Bowl is at the top of this blog. Any amount is greatly appreciated. If you are participating in the 40 day meditation $20 is the suggested heart donation. Payable thru CashApp $hangriLuz or PayPal: jogobonitoink@yahoo.com. At the very least, mention me by my name in your prayers and positive thoughts : )  

Last Resort Meditation: From Darkness to Light

So, you've tried what feels like everything. And still...there is no movement. Whatever it is you are trying to move: your love life, your professional life, your pesky pandemic pounds. But have you tried the Last Resort Meditation? Neither have I. 

It is said that this this practice was given as a “last resort” for when life isn’t working. It’s a meditation on “Wahe Guru Wahe Jio" the mantra for ecstasy. “Wahe Guru” is said to impart the experience of The Divine, and to take us from darkness to light. When we’ve lost sight of the bigger picture...this practice helps bring us back. 

The meditation also brings relaxation, strength, and mental clarity. It dissolves anger, negativity, and positions us for victory. 

It all sounds great to me! I want to win. Let's do it for 40 days and see what blessings this meditation brings. 

TO BEGIN: Sit in an Easy Pose, with a light jalandhar bandh, or neck lock. Keep the spine straight. Rub your hands together. Press your thumbs against your sternum holding your hands in prayer pose. Roll your eyes in and up towards your third-eye. If you are unable to sit in "easy pose," you may sit on a sturdy chair and cross your feet underneath your chair. 

On two breaths, chant the opening mantra ONG NA MA GURU DEV NAMO which means I bow to the infinite wisdom within. Do this 3 times. For the proper cadence and pronunciation, listen here. If you like what you hear, you can purchase my mantra music on Bandcamp.

MUDRA: 

EYES: Eyes are closed. No specific focus is mentioned.

MANTRA: Take a deep breath and chant 

WHAA-HAY GUROO WHAA-HAY GUROO WHAA-HAY GUROO WHAA-HAY JEE-O

in monotone 8 times on one breath. Remember chanting is NOT singing. 

If you are not able to do the eight repetitions, do the amount of repetitions you are able. Build your lung capacity.

Continue for 11 minutes. 

TO FINISH: Inhale deeply, hold the breath for ten counts, then relax completely. Say aloud the Warrior Healer's Affirmations.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together and bring them to prayer pose, palms touching thumbs pressed against your sternum. Chant Long SAT NAM on one breath. Repeat this for a total of three times. Bring your hands to your forehead and bow. This seals the work in your frontal lobe. Your center for decision making. 
Any questions, you can find me on IG @rhythmandbreathyoga

Please, don't forget to send donation love if you benefit from the contents of this blog. The Beggar's Bowl is at the top of this page. It has been updated and should be working. Any amount is greatly appreciated. If you are participating in the 40 day meditation it is a minimum of $15+ Payable thru CashApp $hangriLuz or PayPal: jogobonitoink@yahoo.com. At the very least, compensate me for my labor by mentioning me *by my name* in your prayers and positive thoughts : ) Thanks!

Meditation into Being: I AM I AM!

Art by Swatantr Jyoti

I believe it is part of human nature to seek to be whole. From the moment we enter the world, we rely on others not only for our survival but for emotional connection. The swiftness in which all of our needs are met either breeds security or insecurity. This need for positive reinforcement only becomes greater with age. We not only seek people but things to give meaning and shape to our lives. Our identities ultimately become wrapped up in external forces which more often than not, leads to our own suffering. When we lose these people and things, or are unable to acquire that which we desire, we feel incomplete, incompetent or as if there is something missing. The beauty of a regular meditation practice, is our connection to our Highest Self helps us to  detach from the physical realm and connect to our Divinity thus making us whole. We are/were never lacking or disjointed. This meditation connects the finite and the infinite Self making us whole. Details are in the notes. 

TO BEGIN: Sit in an Easy Pose, with a light jalandhar bandh, or neck lock. Keep the spine straight. Rub your hands together. Press your thumbs against your sternum holding your hands in prayer pose. Roll your eyes in and up towards your third-eye. If you are unable to sit in "easy pose," you may sit on a sturdy chair and cross your feet underneath your chair. 

On two breaths, chant the opening mantra ONG NA MA GURU DEV NAMO which means I bow to the infinite wisdom within. Do this 3 times. For the proper cadence and pronunciation, listen here. If you like what you hear, you can purchase my mantra music on Bandcamp.

MUDRA: Place the right hand over the right knee. Keep the elbow straight and the hand relaxed in Gyan Mudra (the index finger tip on the tip of the thumb). Raise the left hand in front of the Heart Center 6 inches (15 cm) from the chest. The palm is flat and faces toward the chest. The fingers point to the right.

Eyes: Eyes are 1/10th open

MANTRA: Chant out loud I AM as you draw the left hand closer to the chest to a distance of about 4 inches (10 cm). Then chant I AM as you extend the palm straight away from the front of the chest to a distance of about 12 inches (30 cm).

Then take a short breath through the nose as you draw the hand back to the original position of 6 inches (15 cm) from the chest.

Create a steady rhythm with the mantra and the breath. The hand and the breath move in rhythm and strengthen your ability to maintain a sense of self as your awareness expands.

Continue for 11 minutes. 

NOTES ON THIS MEDITATION:

A yogi cultivates the relationship between the finite sense of the Self and the Infinite sense of the Self. The mind often forgets this relationship when it becomes attached to a particular emotion or object that it wants to keep. One of the important habits the yogi instills in the mind is the ability to break that trance of attachment by a shift to the perspective of Infinity.

This is also the perspective of Being. You exist before the objects you collect, and even before the body that you use. It is very powerful and effective to remind the mind of your true identity with your Infinite Being. Without this awareness, philosophy, ethics, and spirituality will reduce to ritual participation. What the yogi seeks is to participate in life with authenticity and wholeness.

TO FINISH: Inhale deeply, hold the breath for ten counts, then relax completely. Say aloud the Warrior Healer's Affirmations.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together and bring them to prayer pose, palms touching thumbs pressed against your sternum. Chant Long SAT NAM on one breath. Repeat this for a total of three times. Bring your hands to your forehead and bow. This seals the work in your frontal lobe. Your center for decision making. 
Any questions, you can find me on IG @rhythmandbreathyoga

Please, don't forget to send donation love if you benefit from the contents of this blog. The Beggar's Bowl is at the top of this page. Any amount is greatly appreciated. If you are participating in the 40 day meditation $15+ is the suggested heart donation. Payable thru CashApp $hangriLuz or PayPal: jogobonitoink@yahoo.com. At the very least, mention me by my name in your prayers and positive thoughts : )