How to be a princess without marrying a prince

image from huffingtonpost

An alternate title for this is, "How to be a prince without marrying a princess" (‘cause it can go either way). ;)

There’s a lot of talk about the recent royal wedding of late.  Well, I have news for you.  You can be a royal, too!

My Teacher tells me if I can truly understand and practice raja yoga meditation I can be the king (or queen) of my self and I can rule over my sense organs, and the faculties of my spirit: mind, intellect and nature (sankaras).  Then, I can be free of the clutches of the external or the chaos of the world. 

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“The first power you have to have

is power over yourself”, 
my Teacher always tells me.

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"Royalty simply means sovereignty- the ability to fully be in command of yourself.  Then, you can harness the second power- to serve."

"In essence, the function of royalty is to help others.”, my Teacher shares.

I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of a kingdom since I was young.  Little did I know that in the world of spirituality, my subjects are my eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hands and my physical body along with my inner world- mind, intellect and nature (sanskara).

Over the years, I’ve developed easy strategies to rule over my subjects:

image from lastlemon.com

1.  Let go of waste

Years ago, I’ve observed that my eyes like to watch stories of other people and other places.  Then, my mind wanders off to these visual imagery.  My weak intellect cannot discipline the childish mind so it lets it squander my time.  The lazy nature I have supports the idle mind and so the childish mind rules.

Eventually, I realized that it does not serve my spirit to let my eyes and mind rule me.  Gradually, I decreased listening to the wants of my mind which in turn made my intellect stronger.  The more I say no, the more the rational part of me (intellect) wins.  In the end, I was able to let go of my addiction.

image from chopra.com

2.  Start and end my day with a spiritual practice

“The early morning hours are the best time of the day.”, says my Teacher.

  
So, I start my day with a 30 minute meditation.  It has helped me stay grounded in the last 9 years.

  

In the same way that I take care of my physical body daily- bathing, eating and sleeping, my Teacher tells me it’s necessary to nurture my spirit every single day as well.

  

“Take a spiritual bath twice daily.”, my Teacher admonishes.

  

As such, I make it a point I wrap up the day with 30 minutes of meditation, as well.

  

image from ici.radio-canada

  

3.  Keep spaces for silence, inspiration or affirmation during the day     

  

It wasn’t easy for me to step into silence, at first.  Yes, I can keep my mouth shut in an instant but my intellect (the rational part of me) finds it hard to stop the chattering of the mind right away.  So initially, I relied on music to tie my mind and heart (also known as intellect) together.

  

When I feel weak, I remember Mulan, my favorite Disney princess.

When someone doesn’t like me, I play "Let it Be" in my head

And, India Arie's "I Am Light" can immediately transport me to that space beyond form and matter.

  

I actually have a playlist or affirmation list for all the times in between- the minutes in my day when my mind doesn’t need to focus or concentrate.

    … while taking a shower

    … while washing my hands

    … while cooking

    … while on the road

    … while walking 

    … while eating

    ... while waiting

I once clocked in all my times in between in a day.  I averaged 8 hours!  Therefore, I can never say I don’t have time to take care of my spirit.    

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"The first power is the power 

to control the self.”, says my Teacher.

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That’s the first step to sovereignty, a.k.a. royalty, a.k.a. freedom.

So, I take mindful steps to be free from the dictates of others, demands of society, turbulence of the world and even the chaos of my own inner world.  How about you?  What price do you pay to be free? 

meditation by Release Your Wings

I want to be a monk

A recent weekend retreat made me revisit this long-lost, forgotten dream.

Flashback
Four years ago, on my first trip to the raja yoga's headquarters in India, despite all odds, I squeezed in an appointment with the administrative head to tell her that I want to surrender.  In my head, this meant that when I get back home I will quit my job, leave my family, stay in the meditation center and teach yoga. Like a giddy first-timer, I awaited a favorable response.  However, Dadi Janki, the 93 year old spiritual leader looked at me sternly and said, "Only when you are light and accurate".

Present
At the moment, if I resubmit my application, I think I will still be turned down.  Yes, I am light but I'm not yet accurate.  I've been wondering,  "Why not simply rest on my easy nature?".  After brooding on this, I realize that if I allow myself to be so carefree, I may just fall off the cliff as a result of my carelessness.  Accuracy is the string which allows the kite of lightness to fly.  Without the right discipline, the kite will fall to the ground or go wayward in the vast horizon.  I now understand that a strength ceases to be a strength when it reaches its extreme.  Like a highly organized person without concern or sensitivity for others may turn out to be arrogant and controlling.  A sweet charismatic person without the ability to discern may end up being dependent on people or condoning even of wrong behavior.  Therefore, the right dose of complimentary virtues is required to bring about the best version of me as a strength needs to be balanced by another virtue for it to fully realize its power.  I do need to be light and accurate.

The Plan
Being a monk (that's how I prefer to call the volunteer raja yoga teachers who stay in the meditation centers) is still at the top of my bucket list.  If I ace being accurate, I think I will get it.  Now, as I finish the things I have to finish as I journey towards my goal, I will do this one thing- be on time (for every appointment, meeting, or class) !

Why I Go to India

My family and friends often ask me why I go to India every year. “I meditate”, is my usual short reply.  I know they think I only sit down the whole day.  That is hardly the case.  Let me show you…

**Welcome to Gyansarovar!  This is the second largest of the 3 campuses of Brahma Kumaris in Rajasthan, India.  It is a modern facility complete with huge halls for classes, dining areas, computer shops, telephone booths, art galleries, and dormitories.  The university is powered by solar energy.

In Madhuban (how we fondly call the university), most of the students start their 

day at 4am.  Personally, I feel that the best time to meditate is at dawn 
before the world wakes up.

Then, I go for chai or walk.  Here, I came across 2 Rajasthani women one early morning. 

At 7am, I attend class. This is Dadi Janki, the 97-year old administrative head of Brahma Kumaris 

sharing with us.

**In Madhuban, my focus is the study and meditation.  I can do that because there everything’s prepared for us: meals, snacks, laundry, and room cleaning. They even arrange the tours.  We have 2-3 classes daily but one may come and go as he pleases.  Attendance is not taken.
 

**In the afternoon, all departments close down for siesta.  We usually rest or go around until 5.30pm.  The picture above was taken in the museum at Peace Park.

**By the way, we also play.

**And sit down for chit-chat.

Before the day ends, we have dusk meditation.  Here, our group climbed Baba’s Rock for
a view of the sunset and a beautiful yoga experience.

**Often, my friends ask if yogis levitate.  No, we don't but because the mind is taught to think of the right things, one feels very light yet stable.  Nothing esoteric really.

And you might be wondering why everyone's in white.  Well, since, we're in a university, students are required to wear a uniform but guests may come in any attire.  

I think I still haven't answered the question.  Let me put it this way, going to India is my "me-time".  It allows me to look within, look up, and only then will I look out.  It's a beautiful experience.  I hope you get to try it as well.


**Photos courtesy of Agnes Roque

           

Become God's Right Hand - Messengers of Peace

Keynote Address of Dadi Janki- 6th June 2010, Inauguration Programme

Our message of peace should reach every corner of the world.

We are all messengers. Speak from the heart and the message
will reach another's heart - it will give an experience of peace.
This year, I found that there is an intense desire in everyone,
everywhere to understand what spirituality is. This is because
science gives only temporary experiences. However, if you
know how to go into deep silence, the attainments you will
be for long term - eternal!

Everything is filled with falsehood and violence - it has reach the
stage of unrighteousness. Now more than ever before, it is
important for religious and political leaders to understand that
we all have to learn to come together and unite. This is our
message. This new place is a place for everyone to come
together - to clear all differences between languages, religions,
colors. It is a tension free space - because there
is attention. Our attention is within, on our own self.

In this - we have to learn three things. To live in the world,

one needs to learn how about the things of the world - money,
houses, cars, etc...But we also need to learn how to take care
of this body and for this I need to understand that I'm the
driver and I will be able to manage the car well. Today, all
of you should leave with a driver's license to drive your own
car! Learn to pay attention on what to think, what not to
think, where the light is red and where it's green. Everything
should be done at the right time and in the right way.

Secondly, sometimes you say, OK, I don't want all those extra
things, but at least I need something. People who think like
that go to God with a list of things. Very few pray asking to
know how to experience peace or love.

Thirdly, there is too much thinking about others - this one
shouldn't be doing this or that. We fill our heads with this.
We create libraries of all different kinds of information. Now
it is time to make your brain and heart free. I don't need
anything. Combine east and west and become best. This is
not a message, it's a reality.

I don't want people to say that I am better than before. I
want us to change night into day - to dispel the darkness
and give sight to the blind. Then all types of desires will
finish. What do I have to do for this? Time gives signals
and God says - do this. What He says, should
become visible. In our eyes there should be spirituality
and love towards everyone. Become a practical example
of these teachings so that others see me and also want
to become like that.

We have to be like good machinery, free of weaknesses.
Where does the power to be like that come from? From
a good atmosphere created through our internal pure,

peaceful, elevated and determined thoughts. You'll
see wonders. Don't let anything from the outside touch

you and if there is emptiness inside, let God fill it. Then,
whatever God gives me, I should distribute to others.

The message of Raja Yoga is not difficult - become a master
of the mind and senses by realizing that you're child of God,
the Ocean of knowledge, peace, powers, virtues, etc... Just
be like Him. Look at God and only follow Him. It's not that
you have to follow a guru, no, follow God's directions. Make
your inner feelings like His - good wishes and
pure feelings for all. Constantly keep checking and changing
your feelings so that there isn't even a drop of pollution inside.

We need to create this kind of atmosphere for the world-for
our safety. Become clean inside and you will be safe. I myself

have to clean myself. Make this commitment to clean the self,

and keep the inner mirror of heart very clean. Then you'll see
God not only above but in front of you. When you look through
a glass, you see many but when you look at a mirror, you only
see the self. So become such mirrors so that others see themselves.

Do not have the ego of "my" and the attachment of "mine". Remain
free and become God's right hand - a light hand. Perform such
actions that it becomes easy for others to be cooperative with you.
If you are light, those helping you will never give excuses and say,

"I can't do this". Be light, take might and everything will work out

right. Don't compare yourself with others. Have the awareness that
I'm soul in a body and God is the one making me do things. With this
awareness you won't lose your happiness. Heaviness comes when you
think of yourself as a doer. Within one second become light and take
might from God.

Om Shanti