A Journal for Spiritual Living ek Published by the Blue Blue Mountain has been called one of the fore- most teachers of meditation Center of Meditation in our times. From his arrival & Nilgiri Press Mountain in the United States in 1959 on www.easwaran.org ESTABLISHED BY EKNATH EASWARAN the Fulbright exchange pro- Spring 2013 FOR PRESENTING HIS EIGHT-POINT gram until his passing in the fall of 1999, he taught to mod- Volume 24, Number 1 PROGRAM OF PASSAGE MEDITATION ern men and women his eight- point program, based on his unique method of meditation Deep in the hearts of all he dwells, hidden on memorized inspirational Behind the gunas of law, energy, passages from the world’s The Path of And inertia. He is the One; he rules great religions. Many thou Over time, space, and causality. sands of people representing Meditation the full range of cultural and I am a very ordinary man who has made religious backgrounds attest by Eknath Easwaran to the benefits of his teaching. the common mistakes most of us commit He continues to teach through in our ignorance. But through the blessing his thirty books on spiritual here is nothing like medita- of my spiritual teacher, my mother’s living – over a million cop- tion on earth. Each day it is new mother, I was enabled to turn inwards in ies in print in twenty-seven to me and fresh. I find it difficult search of “the Lord of Love, who dwells in languages – and through the to understand why everyone the heart of every creature.” In my search I ongoing programs and publi Tdoes not take to it. Millions dedicate their followed a systematic program utilizing cations of the organiz ation he founded in 1961 to carry on lives to art, music, literature, or science, every aspect of daily living, not withdraw- his work: the Blue Mountain which reveal just one facet of the priceless ing from family and society but Continued Center of Meditation and jewel hidden in the world. A life based on participating in life to the fullest on page 5 its publishing arm, Nilgiri Press. meditation on the Lord of Love within pen- From our archives: Eknath Easwaran, 1993 etrates far beyond the multiplicity of exis- tence into the indivisible realm of reality, where dwell infinite truth, joy, and beauty. In meditation I see a clear, changeless goal far above the fever and fret of the day. This inner vision fills me with unshakable security, inspires me with wisdom beyond the reach of the intellect, and releases within me the capacity to act calmly and compassionately. Until I took to meditation, I could not even conceive of the existence of this higher dimension. Once I began, I had to search for it through years of apparently unre- warding labor and recurring periods of anguish and agony, doubt and despair. It took many years of systematic, sustained practice to dispel the enveloping fog pro- duced by the restless mind in its frantic search for fulfillment in the world without. When this fog is dispelled completely, the Shvetashvatara Upanishad tells us what we shall see:
In the depths of meditation, sages Saw within themselves the Lord of Love, Who dwells in the heart of every creature. BLUE MOUNTAIN
blue mountain 1 The Path of Meditation Blue Mountain Center of Meditation The quarterly journal In one of his earliest The Center offers instruction in meditation and pieces as founder of the allied living skills, following the eight-point program of the Blue Mountain Blue Mountain Center of passage meditation developed by Sri Eknath Center of Meditation of Meditation, Eknath Easwaran. The approach is nondenominational, Easwaran gives inspira- nonsectarian, and free from dogma and ritual. It can Spring 2013 tion for achieving the be used within each person’s own cultural and reli- supreme goal of life and instructions in gious background to relieve stress, heal relation- ©2013 by The Blue the eight-point program of meditation he ships, release deeper resources, and realize one’s Mountain Center of followed himself. highest potential. Meditation, Inc. 8 Meditation: Questions & Answers Easwaran enjoyed fielding Passage Meditation: An Eight-Point Program founder practical questions from 1. meditation on a passage Silent Sri Eknath Easwaran serious students. Here we repetition in the mind of memorized inspirational present some of the passages from the world’s great religions. Practiced answers that throw light for one-half hour each morning. board of trustees on the instructions in his 2. repetition of a mantram Silent Christine Easwaran books, especially the one most urgent to repetition in the mind of a Holy Name or a hallowed Nick Harvey new students: "Can he still be my teacher phrase from one of the world’s great religions. after he has passed away?" Sultana Harvey Practiced whenever possible throughout the day or night. Diana Lightman 3. slowing down Setting priorities and Terry Morrison 10 A Living Teacher In our email forums, reducin g the stress and friction caused by hurry. Beth Ann O’Connell students who never met 4. one-pointed attention Giving full Easwaran tell how they concentration to the matter at hand. blue mountain find him a living presence 5. training the senses Overcoming executive editor in their lives. conditioned habits and learning to enjoy what is beneficial. Christine Easwaran 6. putting others first Gaining freedom from selfishness and separateness; finding joy in Post Office Box 256 helping others. Tomales, ca 94971 7. spiritual fellowship Spending Telephone 707 878 2369 time regularly with other passage meditators for Facsimile 707 878 2375 mutual inspiration and support. Email [email protected] 8. spiritual reading Drawing inspiration from writings by and about the world’s great Web www.easwaran.org spiritual figures and from the scriptures of all Printed on recycled paper religions.
The Blue Mountain Center Eknath Easwaran depends on donations to Schooled in both Eastern and Western traditions, carry on its work. Every Eknath Easwaran took to the spiritual life amidst a gift, large or small, is much successful career in India as a professor of English appreciated and put to good The Blue Mountain journal is free. Postage literature, a writer, and a lecturer. After coming to use. The Blue Mountain the University of California, Berkeley, on the costs apply for delivery outside the US. Center of Meditation Fulbright exchange program, he established the For a two-year subscription to Canada or is a 501(c)(3) California Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in Northern Mexico, the cost is $15. nonprofit corporation. California in 1961. His 1968 Berkeley class is believed For all other countries, the two-year Contributions to the Center to be the first accredited course in meditation at any subscription cost is $25. Please visit our are deductible from state Western university. His deep personal experience website, www.easwaran.org, to sign up to and federal income tax. and his love for his students have made the ancient receive the journal. art of meditation accessible to those who hold jobs and lead active lives among friends and family. 2 PUBLISHER’S PAGE
and follow the instructions. But pose behind this series is to make this Easwaran was an experienced teacher. legacy available to our readers. He knew that basics need repeating, One of these questions is particu- Passage and that the basics of meditation are larly urgent today: If, as he says in his absolutely critical. In the 1960s he used books, everyone needs a teacher, can Meditation to repeat his instructions in medita- those who never met him still be his tion every Saturday night, week after students? Can he guide our practice week, to students who must have when he is no longer around? heard them dozens of times already. As it turns out, Easwaran was actu- And he urged everyone practicing ally asked this question several times his method of meditation to read the while he was still very much alive. His book again once a year. answers are the heart of this section. Toward the very end of his life, For myself, I might add that since his Christine Easwaran after months of silence imposed by his passing, many new students have told illness, Easwaran announced that he us that they find him a living presence in their lives. We ith this have included issue we begin Many questions about meditation can be some of their testi- a series on Sri monies, taken Easwaran’s answered by one simple reminder: Read the book mostly from our Weight-point program of medi- Young Adult email tation, starting with medita- carefully and follow the instructions. But one group, in the box tion and the program itself. on pages 10–11. In 1978, when books on the question is particularly urgent today: Can he still When Sri subject for the general reader be my teacher? Can he guide my practice when Easwaran was were few, it seemed natural to alive, we would title Easwaran’s contribution he is no longer around? often go to his eve- simply Meditation. Today, ning talk troubled buyers facing hundreds of by some unspoken choices look at the cover and ask, wanted to give a very special talk. The question and find that question “What kind of meditation?” So many hall was overflowing. And what was answered, indirectly but clearly, with- things are called meditation now, and the surprise topic? The basics of medi- out it even being asked. Today people there are so many methods! That is tation and his eight-point program: who never met him say they have the why, in 2005, we decided to retitle his always the same, but powerful in their same experience when watching a book and his eight-point program simplicity, quite sufficient, he assured video of those talks. It’s a familiar with a name other writers had given us, to take any of us along the spiritual refrain: “He just seems to be speaking it much earlier: Passage Meditation. path as far as we wanted to go. to me!” Except for a new preface by Our lead article, “The Path of From the young people I have met Easwaran, that 1978 classic is Meditation,” is one of the earliest pre- since Easwaran's passing, I have no unchanged. Over twenty years of sentations of his eight-point program: hesitation in saying that he continues teaching, however, Easwaran’s audi- inspiration followed by instruction. If to guide everyone who turns to his ence grew, bringing many new stu- you have read it before, please take a books and talks with an open heart. dents, more books, and fellowship few minutes to read it again; it is pure I see this unfolding daily at Ramagiri groups around the world. All this led Easwaran. Ashram. Our retreats here in Tomales to fresh questions, which Easwaran The article that follows, “Medita- aim at helping meditators new and old tried to answer throughout his life. tion: Questions and Answers” (p. 8), learn from Easwaran like this: directly, In this series we want to bring these includes frequently asked questions in much the same way in which we answers to a much wider audience. with, we hope, new light thrown by learned from him during his lifetime. Though most of these questions fresh answers from our archive of have been asked over and over, many unpublished material. We are finding can be answered by one simple quite a lot of this material as we reminder: Read the book carefully explore what he left us, and one pur- For the Board of Trustees 3
THE PATH OF MEDITATION
Continued measure possible. My in the evening also, preferably at the It is in pardoning that we are from page 1 experience fits more or very end of the day. pardoned, less into the traditional period of ӧӧSet aside a room in your home to be It is in dying to self that we are sadhana or spiritual disciplines used only for meditation and spiritual born to eternal life. referred to by the sages, but even a reading. After a while that room will ӧӧ Do not follow any association of lifetime is a small offering for so pre- become associated in your mind with ideas or try to think about the pas- cious a jewel. We do not need to wait meditation, so that simply entering it sage. If you are giving your attention until the great culmination of our will have a calming effect. If you can- to the words, the meaning has to sink sadhana to reap rewards. As our atti- not spare a room, have a particular in. When distractions come, do not tudes and actions become focused on corner. But whichever you choose, resist them, but try to give more and an overriding goal, integration takes keep your meditation place clean, well- more attention to the words of the place at the deepest level in character, ventilated, and reasonably austere. passage. If your mind strays from the conduct, and consciousness. Sri ӧӧSit in a straight-backed chair or passage completely, bring it back gently Krishna asks in the Bhagavad Gita: to the beginning and start again. “How can you use all your intelligence on the floor and gently close your without being integrated? How can eyes. If you sit on the floor, you may ӧӧWhen you reach the end of the pas- you use all your creative faculties need to support your back lightly sage, you may use it again and again without being integrated? How can against a wall. You should be com- until you have memorized others. It you be at peace without being inte- fortable enough to forget your body, is helpful to have a wide variety of grated? How can you be happy with- but not so comfortable that you passages for meditation, drawn from out being integrated?” Meditation is become drowsy. all the world’s major traditions. I rec- integration. ӧӧWhatever position you choose, be ommend chapters two and twelve of On the strength of my own experi- sure to keep your head, neck, and spi- the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord’s Prayer, ence, I offer here an eight-point pro- nal column erect in a straight line. As the Twenty-third Psalm, the Beati- gram which can be followed by every concentration deepens, the nervous tudes, and the first chapter of the person capable of some resolution, system relaxes and you may begin to Dhammapada of the Buddha. I have some endurance, and some sense of fall asleep. It is important to resist this also translated some of the Upani- dedication. tendency right from the beginning, shads for use in meditation. Whatever by drawing yourself up and away you choose, the passage should be An Eight-Point Program from your back support until the positive and practical, chosen from wave of sleep has passed. a major scripture or a mystic of the 1 Meditation on a Passage highest stature. ӧӧ Then, in your mind, go slowly Most of us have grasshopper minds, through an inspirational passage dispersing our attention, energy, and The secret of meditation is simple: from the scriptures or the great mys- desires in all sorts of directions and you become what you meditate on. tics. I usually recommend the Prayer depriving us of the power to draw When you use the Prayer of Saint of Saint Francis of Assisi: upon our deeper, richer resources for Francis every day in meditation, creative living. Using an inspirational Lord, make me an instrument of you are driving the words deep into passage for meditation every day, as thy peace. your consciousness. Eventually they instructed below, helps to slow down Where there is hatred, let me sow become an integral part of your per- the furious, fragmented activity of the love; sonality, which means they will find mind so that we can gain control over Where there is injury, pardon; constant expression in what you do, it. The slow, sustained concentration Where there is doubt, faith; what you say, and what you think. on the passage drives it deep into our Where there is despair, hope; minds. Whatever we drive deep into Where there is darkness, light; 2 Repetition of a Mantram Where there is sadness, joy. consciousness, that we become. “All A mantram is a powerful spiritual for- that we are,” declares the Buddha, “is O Divine Master, grant that I may mula which, when repeated silently in the result of what we have thought.” not so much seek the mind, has the capacity to trans- ӧӧMeditate for half an hour every To be consoled as to console, form consciousness. There is nothing morning, as early as is convenient. Do To be understood as to understand, magical about this. It is simply a mat- not increase this period; if you want To be loved as to love; ter of practice, as all of us Continued on to meditate more, have half an hour For it is in giving that we receive, can verify for ourselves. next page 5 THE PATH OF MEDITATION
Continued from Every religious tradi- It is not enough to talk about this; Look only at him. Listen only to him, previous page tion has a mantram, often we must learn to slow down the pace no matter what distractions come in more than one. The name of Jesus of our lives. To do this it is a great the way. When you give someone itself is a powerful mantram; Catho- help to start the day early; that is how your complete attention, that helps lics also use Hail Mary or Ave Maria. you set the pace for the day. Have him to give his best attention to you. Jews may use Barukh attah Adonai; your meditation as early as possible. Gradually, over a period of years, this Muslims repeat the name of Allah or Don’t rush through breakfast. Allow becomes an effortless pattern of Allahu akbar. Probably the oldest enough time to get to work without graceful behavior. Buddhist mantram is Om mani haste. At any time during the day padme hum, referring to the “jewel in when you catch yourself hurrying, the heart.” And in Hinduism, among repeat the mantram to slow down. 5 Training the Senses many choices, I recommend Rama, In order to slow down, it is neces- “Stimulate the senses” is the slogan of Rama, which was Mahatma Gandhi’s sary to gradually eliminate activities the mass media around us. One West- mantram, or the longer mantram outside your job and family responsi- ern historian goes to the extent of which I received from my own spiri- bilities which do not add to your spir- calling our modern civilization sen- tual teacher, my grandmother: itual growth. At first people feel at a sate. Therefore, we have to be loss for what to do with the time they extremely vigilant to ensure that we Hare Rama Hare Rama save by dropping courses in kite- do not come under the tyranny of the Rama Rama Hare Hare making and flower arrangement. senses. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna What we lose in activity we gain in Our five senses are much like pup- Krishna Krishna Hare Hare intensity by learning to rest content pies. When we let them do as they on each moment. The British poet like, they may end up ruining the Select a mantram that appeals to John Donne says, “Be your own home whole house. If we train them, they you deeply. Then, once you have cho- and therein dwell.” We can find our become sensitive, responsive, and sen, do not change your mantram center of gravity within ourselves by free from conditioning. The senses again. Otherwise, as Sri Ramakrishna simplifying and slowing down our must be obedient if we are to live in puts it, you will be like a man digging lives. freedom. This is not a plea for sense- shallow wells in many places; you will It is essential in this connection not denial, but for training the senses never go deep enough to find water. to confuse slowness with sloth, which to be clear and strong. Indulgence Repeat your mantram silently breeds procrastination and general blunts the fine edge of the senses, jan- every time you get the chance: while inefficiency. In slowing down, attend gles the nervous system, adds to the walking, while waiting, while doing meticulously to details, giving the restlessness of the mind, and clouds mechanical chores like washing very best you are capable of even to the judgment. dishes, and especially when you are the smallest undertaking. In order to train our senses, we falling asleep. You will find that this is have to exercise discriminating not mindless repetition; the mantram restraint over the food we eat, the will help to keep you relaxed and alert. 4 One-Pointed Attention books we read, the movies we see, the Whenever you are angry or afraid, People today split their attention in music we listen to, and the places we nervous or worried or resentful, many ways. Background music while frequent. Food is an important place repeat the mantram until the agita- we eat, study, or work prevents us to begin. Mahatma Gandhi was fond tion subsides. The mantram works to from being fully aware of what we are of pointing out that control of the pal- steady the mind, and all these emo- eating, studying, or working at. Eat- ate is a valuable aid in controlling the tions are power running against you ing or drinking while watching a mind. When we misinterpret a sense which the mantram can harness and movie curtails our capacity to appre- craving as a hunger signal, we often put to work. ciate the movie. In all these activities overload a stomach that is already full. the mind is two-pointed. Everything To control such cravings, eat only 3 Slowing Down we do should be worthy of our fullest when hungry and eat temperately. In the modern world we are condi- attention. This is making the mind Have a balanced diet, preferably from tioned to live faster and faster. We are one-pointed, which means utilizing a variety of whole-food sources, and only beginning to see that speed all its resources. eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegeta- makes for tension, surface-living, and When you are talking with some- bles. Avoid strongly flavored, spiced, insecurity. one, give him your full attention. overcooked, and deep-fried foods. 6 THE PATH OF MEDITATION
6 Putting Others First 7 Spiritual Fellowship meditation, is a particularly good I place a good deal of emphasis on the When trying to change our life, we time for such reading, because the family, for it provides countless need the support and companionship thoughts you fall asleep in will be opportunities every day for expand- of others with a similar goal. If you with you throughout the night. ing our consciousness by reducing have friends who are meditating • our self-will, selfishness, and separ- along the lines suggested here, you ateness. Dwelling on oneself always can get together regularly to share a By practicing this eight-point pro- constricts consciousness. To the vegetarian meal, meditate, and per- gram every day, we can learn “to love extent that we put the welfare of oth- haps read and discuss inspiring, prac- the Lord with all our heart and with ers first, we break out of the prison of tical spiritual works. Share your times all our soul and with all our might.” It our own separateness. of entertainment too; relaxation is an is then that he reveals himself to us in When we dwell on ourselves, we important part of spiritual living. the depths of our consciousness build a wall between ourselves and Who has ever seen a mystic with a through an act of infinite grace. “He others. Those who keep thinking sour face? who approaches near to Me one span, about their needs, their wants, their I will approach near to him one cubit; plans, their ideas cannot help being 8 Spiritual Reading and he who approaches near to Me lonely and insecure. The simple but We are so immersed these days in one cubit, I will approach near to him effective technique I suggest is to what the mass media offer that it is one fathom; and whoever approaches learn to put other people first within very helpful to give half an hour or so Me walking, I will come to him run- the circle of your family and friends, each day to reading the scriptures and ning; and he who meets Me with sins where there is already a basis of love writings of great mystics like Saint equivalent to the whole world, I will on which to build. When husband Teresa and Sri Ramakrishna who greet him with forgiveness equal to it.” and wife try to put each other first, for have verified the scriptures in their So says the Sufi mystical document example, they are not only moving lives. We can cultivate a universal Mishkat al-Masabih. Or as they have closer to each other; they are remov- outlook by steeping ourselves in the been saying down the ages in India, ing the barriers of their ego-prison, spiritual awareness of the mystics of when we take one step towards the which deepens their relationships all religions, countries, and epochs. Lord, he takes seven steps towards us. with everyone else as well. Just before bedtime, after evening But this first step we must take. • QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
to answer this question for oneself: What distinguishes your method “Who am I? What is my life for?” of meditation? Meditation: When that question is answered, it brings the realization that you are The method of meditation Questions & not separate from the rest of life. Then I follow is really a program for the you feel at home everywhere. When whole of the day. All the eight points Answers I came to this country, everyone of this program work together, and all warned me against culture shock. It are aimed at the training of attention, By Eknath Easwaran took me just two hours to feel at home both during the period of meditation here, and that only because I had to itself and during the rest of the day. We hear a lot today about the get back my land legs after being so The value of this is that if you can benefits of meditation. Are long at sea. Everybody on earth is succeed in training your attention to a there particular benefits to the really very much the same. Outwardly great extent, you can deal with most of method you teach? we look different, but when you see the emotional problems in life. Little behind the physical mask – which is things that should be treated as pin- Thta ’s a very helpful question. what the word personality signifies, pricks grow to be serious problems Today, I think, everyone knows there from persona, a mask – you see that not because they are serious in them- are physical and emotional benefits to everyone is the same. This indivisible selves but because of the continuing meditation, particularly in relation to unity of life is the divine ground of attention they receive when we dwell stress, which seems epidemic today. In existence by whatever term you call it. on them. Training attention enables addition, a lot of people have come to you to turn your attention away from me with some serious personal prob- that problem to something more posi- lem, physical, emotional, or spiritual. In your books you seem to say tive, more promising. Here meditation can help directly, and that meditation can banish In other words, it’s very much like I am gratified to say that I have seen depression. changing channels on TV. When you hundreds of students get over a seri- don’t like something on TV, you can ous problem and go on to lead very Lifed to ay is so fraught with change to something worth watching – beneficial lives. problems that it is natural to feel and when you don’t find anything There is a second category – many burdened by them and to doubt one’s worth watching, you can turn the TV of them artists, some of them scien- capacity to deal with them effectively. off. That is the final achievement in tists – who want to release deeper cre- In such cases, the burden often comes training attention. When our attention ative faculties that they feel are locked not so much from the problems them- is caught in something unproductive, up within them. Everyone has these selves as from the inability we feel such as worrying or replaying old deeper resources, and here too medi- about dealing with them. In such situ- resentments or regrets, we can just tation can help. ations, meditation can help decisively switch the program off. But there is a third kind of human by releasing inner resources that are To change the metaphor, just as you being in every country: those who available to all of us but are often hid- park your car and turn off the engine have come to the end of their material den by clouds of insecurity and doubt. at the end of the day, you can learn to tether, who have played with all the Chronic depression, however, is park your attention. And just as turn- toys of life and found that they cannot a very different matter. This kind of ing off the engine saves gas, when you satisfy the hunger for meaning and condition can be life-threatening, and park your attention, all the vital purpose in their hearts. It touches my it requires expert attention. In such energy that is used in worrying and heart very deeply when they come and cases I urge everyone to work closely dwelling and brooding on the negative say, “We want to realize God.” with a qualified professional, and in aspects of life is conserved. That is why In all religions the mystics tell us: particular never to combine this meditation brings more energy, more We are born, grow up, go to school, method of meditation with psychoac- drive, more confidence that you are up get jobs, grow old, and pass away even tive drugs. Meditation may seem sim- to life’s challenges. without knowing who we are. So the ple, but we should always remember The practical benefits of this are real purpose of meditation is, first that we are dealing with the most immense. Everybody in the world and foremost, to enable everyone – powerful instrument the world has knows that we react to people. If you in every country and every religion – seen. are angry, I am angry. If you dislike
8 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
me, I dislike you. If you avoid me, I I’m deeply drawn to the Prayer of Is meditation the same as yoga? avoid you. And my teacher used to say, Saint Francis, but I have trouble "Do you want to be like a tennis ball, with words like “God” or “Lord” The word yoga comes from a which obeys the racquet? Don’t you or “divine master.” root meaning “to unite.” In that sense, want to live in freedom?" Control over yoga is that which unites me with the your attention brings freedom. You When I talk about God, I am Lord of Love in my heart. It is both no longer react; you can choose your referring to an underlying reality that the method and the state of conscious- response. You lose the capacity to be is closer to me than this body, dearer ness in which personality is com- angry against angry people, to move to me than my life. In every major pletely united, top to bottom. away from people who move away religion there is a tradition that main- When many people use the word from you. Eventually you even lose the tains, on the basis of direct experience, yoga today, however, they are thinking capacity to think negatively, to have that this spark of divinity is present of the physical exercises called asanas any kind of ill will against anybody at in every creature. So in meditation, in Sanskrit, which are really part of a all. And as our ancient scriptures say, when we repeat the prayer that begins much larger body of theory and prac- when all capacity for ill will is gone, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy tice that includes meditation. I have what is left is original goodness. When peace,” we are not referring to any- benefitted a great deal from these all capacity for hatred is gone, what is body outside us. We are calling on our exercises, but if you are practicing the left is original love. deepest Self, which is the same in all. method of meditation I teach, please don’t combine it with other methods or with asanas that involve controlling Do I have to change my religion Is meditation different from the breath or other bodily functions. to practice meditation? prayer? Some of the passages are prayers. Meditation can be prac- Can anyone meditate? ticed in every religion, and without When most people talk about professing any religion at all. It is not prayer they mean petitionary prayer: In principle everyone can a dogma or a belief; it is a dynamic, making an appeal for help of some learn to meditate, but there are practi- tremendously powerful discipline, a kind from outside. Meditation is very cal limitations. For example, I don’t mighty tool that can be mastered by different. Even if the words are those recommend this method for children – anybody with daring and drive. In fact, of a prayer, such as the Prayer of St. say, for anyone younger than eighteen I would say that training the mind Francis, what we are doing with those – because a certain measure of experi- to be calm, clear, and compassionate words in meditation is not asking for mentation with life is required to learn under all circumstances is the very anything from outside, but unify- that nothing outside can satisfy us. If essence of religion. ing our attention and turning it deep you want to give your children a flying This method of meditation is based inward to the source of all wisdom start for when they are ready, I recom- on inspirational passages from the within. mend the mantram – and the younger world’s great scriptures and mystics, so In many traditions, this too is called they start, the better. it fits perfectly into any religious tradi- prayer – a deeper kind or “degree” of Even for adults, there are a few tion. You can choose to meditate on prayer distinguished by names like who are not in a situation where this passages only from your religion, but “interior prayer” or “prayer of the method can be practiced safely. As I I always recommend using passages heart.” But whatever the language, we said, I don’t recommend my method of from all religions because this lets us should always remember that in medi- meditation for anyone using psychoac- see the one supreme reality from dif- tation we are not calling on any agency tive drugs or living in a controlled envi- ferent points of view. Every religion outside us but within, at the very cen- ronment such as a prison. Other meth- has its own point of view. ter of our being. That is why the mys- ods may help in such environments, There is no disloyalty to your own tics say that God knows what is in but I can speak only from what I know. religion in this. I like the reply that your heart. We don’t have to put it into Here too, what I would recommend is Mother Teresa once gave: “I love all words. When you have a deep longing the mantram, and only when the religions, but I am in love with my to go deeper in meditation, that’s the instructions in my books are Continued on ow n .” best prayer. followed very carefully. next page
9 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How do I choose a passage for meditation? A Living Teacher Comments from some of Sri Easwaran’s latest students, who never met him but A meditation passage is not find he is a living presence in their lives. just a selection of words. When you are following the words with complete I am 21 years old. When I was 19, I fell into a deep depression. I came concentration, the passage is a power- across easwaran.org and began to practice passage meditation. I have found a ful instrument for making changes wonderful spiritual teacher . . . in consciousness of which we are not aware. In other words, not every passage Easwaran became my teacher right away although I never met that appeals to you on the surface level him. He came into my heart and stayed. will work beneath the surface of con- sciousness. That is why I ask everyone Easwaran happens to be the only one whose message goes deep into to choose from the passages in God my heart, and I’ve been searching for long. For me, Easwaran is very much Makes the Rivers to Flow, which I have alive. He “discusses” with me, always giving the answer I need, and I can feel chosen very carefully from many, his presence every day in my life. many possible selections to ensure that each one will contribute positively Sri Easwaran put my life upside down when I started following him. to the transformation of character, Bhagavad Gita and other holy books became alive, days became meaning- consciousness, and conduct. Some of my criteria are very simple. ful, bitterness and depression fell away from life. I know no other teacher like A meditation passage should be uni- him, so deeply wise and yet humorous, eloquent and tolerant, seeing the unity versal, and it must be positive. You of all religions yet totally devoted to Krishna. Words are simply not enough to may have noticed that in some of the describe how much I appreciate him. passages I translated for meditation, if there is a negative note in the original I haven’t been with Sri Easwaran for very long, but it seems to me it is omitted in my version. These are he has always been with me all along. not just selections for an anthology; He is the exact teacher I need, showing me the path to that deep security, they are instruments for making very love, and joy but never ever pushing me on to it. specific changes in personality. When Gently, consistently guiding me to the way of the heart, but still letting me used in meditation, these are living make my own choices, standing by me in complete faith that sooner or later I words full of power. You are driving the passages so deep that the contents won’t need that redirection. of mystical awareness they embody And my heart is ever fonder for having received his love and teachings. will explode like a depth charge, filling your mind and your life with the high- I feel a close connection to Sri Easwaran even though I have never est ideals and the skill to translate met him in his physical body. I feel as if he is talking directly to me when I those ideals into daily behavior. That read his books. He has given me insight to understand spiritual concepts by is why I always insist that the passage talking in language I am able to understand. The teachings are designed for be stamped with the personal experi- householders and people living busy lives, and the teachings are relevant to ence of a man or woman who has real- modern times. He has given me a direction and purpose in life. He is a great ized God. In God Makes the Rivers to guru. Flow, in the few cases where the source is in doubt, you can think of Having grown up as an Evangelical Christian, finding Easwaran these passages as being offered by me directly. was like finally finding the wick beneath the flame. All I knew was fire, Again, the purpose of a meditation but he guided and guides me to the Source, where I find Relationship and passage is to provide daily inspiration. Connection with God, nature, people, and my true Self. It is literally a daily If it does not stir you inwardly, don’t blessing to having come to know him. Truly, our Divine Master responded use it at all. I have been a lover of in the most extravagant way to Sri Easwaran’s utterance of the Prayer of Saint poetry since childhood, but even Francis. And he is still a shinning, magnificent instrument of God’s peace. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
beautiful poetry may not be appropri- ate. Just because a passage is beautiful I was stumbling in the dark, trying to find something to hold on to, or dramatic does not mean it is suit- when by chance (actually, I no longer believe chance) I found Easwaran, or able for meditation. he found me. He has answered every question that no one else could answer Last – but definitely not least – the passage should be thoroughly practi- and given me so much hope. He reignited my faith in God and belief in cal. It should express values that can religion. The simplicity of his language, his analogies, his ability to provide be translated into daily living with modern, everyday examples to illustrate ancient truths, his inclusivity of great benefit to yourself, your family, everyone and his gentle humour makes him a perfect guru. I cannot possibly and your community. This is a quality put into words what he means to me. not easily found. Poetry and practical- ity need not always go together; pro- Whenever i hear Sri Easwaran – singing mantrams, videos filled fundity and practicality need not with wisdom and light but wise humor, through the words in his books – always go together. Many scriptures in every time, I catch myself smiling at how simple and true he makes every- the great religions do not lend them- thing seem. He makes me hopeful and optimistic and ambitious and focused selves to daily practice. If you ask me, about reaching that goal of being simple and true and loving. He reaches out, for example, how to get over anger, I can tell you: one, two, three, four. If holding and supporting as I walk on this difficult path, all the while smiling you ask how to get over greed, I can with his twinkling eyes. tell you: one, two, three, four. That’s This feeling of truth and the sense of Sri Easwaran goes in only one direc- the kind of practice that is essential. tion. It grows with you, changing you from inside out.
I remember one moment in my young adult life when I rolled up How do I choose a spiritual the windows of my car and literally cried out to the Universe, to Jesus, to teacher? God, for help. There was a big ordeal going on in my head. Yet after I had let it all out, I wouldn’t have been able to explain to you or to myself what it was This is a common difficulty today, that I was crying out for. with so many people offering to be To me Easwaran was help sent to guide me to what it was that I cried out spiritual teachers and meaning differ- for. He speaks in a language I can understand. He awakens the possibility ent things by what they promise. Here again my answer would be of making gains towards this place, regardless of what I think. He shows me very practical. In choosing a stockbro- the steps. He steps aside when my ignorance has its way. When I return, he ker, for example, we don’t choose just continues instruction where we left off. When all is unsure and dark, his ten- anyone in the Yellow Pages. We look der voice brings back light. When I fumble, he assures me that it is a time of up their records, ask people who have celebration in my heart. He changes languages when I’m ready. I hear him done business with them, study what I clapping, warming his hands with bright enthusiasm saying, “Ahhhh, there’s imagine they call their “philosophy of nothing on the face of the earth like meditation!” investing” to see if it makes sense to us. If we take so much trouble in choosing Easwaran came on my path by grace. I changed direction, and a stockbroker, I think we should take Easwaran is my teacher to show me that direction. I don’t think guide is an at least equal trouble in choosing a appropriate word, as I believe God is guiding. But he is a teacher: a wise, spiritual teacher. We don’t really kind, warm and loving teacher, whose spirit lives in his words and through embark on the spiritual path until we have chosen, but this kind of prelimi- us, following his path. I am eternally thankful to him from the bottom of my nary exploration is essential. heart. His teachings are a profound help and big part in my life, a source of Don’t be misled by robes or external strength, wisdom, comfort, courage, kindness, love and clarity I constantly paraphernalia. I see hundreds of peo- draw on and it never fails. It’s become the foundation of my life. The eight- ple misled by that. Instead, always fold path is my guide for living and I become more secure, strong and solid compare what a person teaches with with it. Thank you, dear Easwaran. It’s felt in my heart. how he or she lives. Someone who is really aware of God will never Continued on do anything selfish, never next page QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Continued from exploit others, never dis- first I felt very much on my own, but great bearing on this question. I don’t previous page criminate against others, at every stage, when I turned to her think my grandmother needed my never try to accumulate personal for guidance, I found answers to my love for her security. But the more profit or prestige. Most important, questions, often by remembering I gave of my love to her, the less the such a person will never try to get you something she had said or done. I barriers between her and me, which to do something that you feel is have no hesitation whatever in saying meant that I was able to enter into the immoral. Gandhi was very fond of a that her presence is every bit as real to recesses of my consciousness by the hymn that said, “Lord, please give me me today as the so-called realities of love I was giving her. The more self- love and devotion, but don’t deny me material existence. She is more real to will I removed, gate after gate in con- common sense." me than she was when she was in her sciousness used to be opened for me When you find a teacher you want body – much more alive to me, much by my own love. It wasn’t her love that to follow, you will need to move closer more real to me, than most of the did that; it was my own love and loy- as your commitment deepens. This is people I know. alty. This is how I began to understand not a matter of geography. There are The love between student and from my own experience why the some people in whom there is a win- teacher is completely spiritual. It is scriptures always emphasize complete dow open in their consciousness, who non-physical, non-material. That is love and loyalty to the teacher. It is so have played with the toys of life and why the Hindu and Buddhist sages say that we may open gate after gate after grown tired of them. When people that even death cannot separate the gate in consciousness until finally the like this come to me and listen to my student and the teacher. It is a tremen- seventh gate is opened and you and voice or watch my videos, they say dous promise, but there have been your teacher are one. they want to move closer and closer many examples in the annals of mysti- and closer. cism where this has been proved to The retreats we offer are for this the satisfaction of sincere seekers. You speak of the dangers of purpose, as well as the many books My teacher and I are one because meditation. Is one of those and the video and audio recordings we loved each other so passionately, dangers having more than one of my talks that we have published. so endlessly, that we became one. It teacher or more than one method If I had had these books to read when is possible for all of us to attain this of meditation? I was beginning, how much it would supreme state by extinguishing self- have helped me! I wrote them because will, which is the only thing that could To borrow the words of Sri I needed such books and I didn’t find separate my grandmother from me or Ramakrishna, having more than one them anywhere. There is not a page in you from your teacher or anybody else. teacher or more than one method of them that is not based on practical One of the best ways of deepening meditation is like digging too many experience. the relationship with your teacher, wells at the same time. You won’t get I have said many times that St. therefore, involves the relationship water anywhere at all. Francis lives in the words of his prayer. between self-will and loyalty. Often, One reason for this is rather subtle. Gandhi may be said to live in the sec- in my early days, I did not see the wis- In meditation, what we are trying to ond chapter of the Gita, on which he dom of my grandmother’s attitudes do is slowly unify consciousness. That based his life. Similarly, you can say and answers in important matters is the root meaning of the word yoga. that I live in my eight-point program, concerning my life. My vision was Trying to follow more than one and I can assure you that I live in these really rather fogged intellectually. Yet teacher or more than one method is audio and video recordings for those even though my intellect used to tell just the opposite of this. Most people who are practicing my method of me that my view was more likely to be will find an initial period of explora- meditation to the best of their ability correct, I had such love for my grand- tion necessary, but the spiritual jour- and following the instructions faith- mother and such loyalty to her that I ney only begins when we select a fully with an open heart. found it easy to subordinate my opin- teacher and resolve to follow his or The main thing is that you should ions to her wisdom – which, of course, her method of meditation without have unified love and respect for your proved over and over to be greater reservations. teacher. The barrier is not physical or than my own. This has always helped But to answer your question, it is geographical. You have to remember me find greater clarity in a difficult sit- not just a matter of not making prog- that when I started to meditate, my uation. ress. Here we are getting into very own spiritual teacher, my grand- The relationship between the dangerous ground. Most of the activity mother, had already passed away. At teacher and the disciple in India has a in meditation is below the surface of 12 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
consciousness, where combining garded these instructions and got into when it benefits those around you? instructions can be combustible with- serious trouble. There are other dan- How long is your span of attention? out our even being aware of what is gers too. That’s why I say that if you These are the signs of progress in happening. want to meditate longer, meditate half meditation. To take just one example, there are an hour in the morning and then powerful breathing exercises which another half-hour in the evening. are followed in the great monasteries How about overwhelming of the Himalayas. Very stringent con- emotions that come up during ditions are applied because such exer- What about unusual experiences meditation? cises are intended to be practiced in in meditation, such as strange environments where food and air are thoughts or sensations? We should never forget pure and the mind is completely pro- that meditation is a superb discipline tected from sensory stimulation. Knowing the mind, I can – and the emphasis is always not on When these conditions are not met, assure you that it has a number of superb, but on discipline. even simple-seeming disciplines as aces up its sleeve. The day you start to Even in the early years of medita- breathing exercises can damage the meditate seriously, the mind knows tion, there are many times when nervous system without one even it is going to be told to listen to you, waves of emotion can sweep over us. being aware of what is happening. I and the mind doesn’t like that at That is the time to concentrate more have seen cases of this myself. That is all. It may do its best to distract you and not to observe the emotion or why I never recommend any kind of with sensations such as nausea or an analyze it, either during meditation breathing exercises to anyone trying overwhelming urge to cough or other, or during the day. Don’t try to bask in to follow my method of meditation. more outrageous phenomena. In such the emotion or wallow in it. I think it cases, the very best strategy is to give is Catherine of Siena who warns that more attention to the inspirational in such cases we can be like a bee that You caution us to stay at thirty passage. When you give more atten- is caught in its own honey. When you minutes when starting out. Is it tion to the words, you will not pay are able to concentrate even more on harmful to start out at a longer attention to these distractions. That’s the passage during a wave of emotion, period? the answer. it becomes a valuable aid. You are able The inspirational passage, let me to harness it – not consciously, but Thta ’s a very important keep repeating to you, is your safety net. because it is absorbed into your con- question. I tried to work this out dur- Never let go of the inspirational passage centration. Instead of letting it act as a ing the days when I was teaching at whatever the temptation or the diffi- deterrent, it becomes a valuable factor my university, and I discovered that culty. Ignore all distracting phenomena in your progress. less than thirty minutes is not enough and keep your mind on the passage. On Even after meditation, some of the time. It’s like physical exercise. I’m a deeper level of consciousness there is backlog of such experiences may fol- told we are supposed to exercise thirty a kind of Alice’s Wonderland on either low you into the day. Don’t dwell on minutes to get aerobic. My personal side where you cannot distinguish them, don’t describe them to others, observation is that we need thirty between fancy and fiction. This can be don’t write about them. Every time minutes of concentrated meditation to quite harmful, so it is best to be scrupu- that wave of emotion comes up, get the mental aerobic effect. lous about holding on to the passage repeat the mantram. But this is a case where more time right from the beginning. is not better, and in some cases it can One reason we may find lights and be dangerous. What takes place in sounds and so on intriguing is that we Does this mean suppressing meditation is not just going through take them for evidence of progress. emotions? the words of the passage slowly. When Something is happening! Beneath my concentration is deep, all physiologi- gentle ways, however, I am a very Meditation does not aim cal processes can be slowed down, and hard-nosed mystic. I’m not impressed at removing emotions. You can turn the pressure may be more than your by supernatural experiences; I look for every negative emotion into positive. nervous system can take. Again, this is changes in character and conduct. Anger, fear, greed, and other destruc- from personal observation of many, How selfless can you be? Can you tive emotions are power that can be many students. I have seen a few peo- restrain your senses when necessary? transformed and harnessed Continued on ple who, in their enthusiasm, disre- Can you go against your self-will for going forward. So don’t next page 13 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Continued from think that you have to days, inspired by Gandhi, wanted to remember speaking on the Upani- previous page get rid of your emotions. make some contribution to a free shads to a full room in a bookstore in What you have got to learn is to be in India. But I knew I didn’t have the San Francisco. They seemed so the driver’s seat and not let your emo- capacity. It was after I took to medita- responsive to my presentation that I tions drive you. tion that I realized there are resources decided to give instructions in medi- With meditation, over a long, long in each of us that can be of benefit to a tation. Then I started meditating, and period, every emotion is brought under lot of people. The deeper you go, the within a few minutes I had lost aware- control. This puts you in the driver’s greater the resources, and with that ness of the outside world. When I seat always, so that you will never be will come greater opportunities for opened my eyes, there were only swept away. That is why I emphasize service. The condition is that these three people left in the room: myself, over and over that you should keep resources be used in living for others. my wife, and the owner of the book- your foot near the brake and both Otherwise that bank will be closed for store, who had to wait before she hands on the steering wheel, and your you and the check will bounce. could lock up. vision should be completely clear. Years Many of the young people that I That was the first pebble that was ago, when Christine and I were driving ran into in Berkeley in the early days thrown. Obviously there were no through the beautiful scenery of Ari- had high ideals. It took a while to dis- ripples! But years later, when I was zona, we passed a tall tree by the side of cover that not all people with high invited to teach the theory and prac- the road on which there was a sign. I ideals are ready for the spiritual life. I tice of meditation at the University of looked up and read, “You should be had a natural inclination to look upon California, Berkeley – the first credit watching the road.” In meditation you a person doing selfless work as capa- course in meditation, I believe, ever should have all your attention on the ble of spiritual disciplines. It’s a very offered at an accredited university in passage. The moment you find you have favorable atmosphere, but the desire the West – we had a thousand stu- lost the words, get back to the passage. to go against personal desires comes dents and thirteen dogs. We had to ultimately through what in tradi- stop registration because the hall I want to make a difference. tional language is called grace. That wouldn’t accommodate more. And it Does meditation help the world, is what I mean by the window in con- wasn’t just talk; they were all meditat- or only me? sciousness being open. ing except for the dogs. In those days, I was so simple in In other words, even though we First and foremost, medita- my faith that I really thought we may not see it, the ripples of selfless tion on an inspirational passage would be able to get meditation prac- work do spread. That is why I feel I drives the ideals of that passage deep ticed in all the churches in Berkeley. I have concrete evidence now that even into consciousness, where tremen- discovered to my great discomfiture a few good, energetic, loving people dous resources are waiting to be that they were not even prepared to practicing meditation will be able to brought up to the surface and har- give us a place to meet. But I still bring about salutary changes in our nessed in selfless service. That is the hope that by the end of the century country and our society very quietly, principle of meditation: we become there will be a much greater number without claiming any credit at all. what we meditate on. of people who are ready for the spiri- Actually, if you look at the work of As you know, before I took to medi- tual life, which for me begins with the the Blue Mountain Center, you will tation I was a very literary type of chap. training of the mind – meditation see it has only one root. I just want to My world was mostly the world of let- and the mantram. Then we can help reduce suffering. I want to release ters. I was never an unkind man, and I to change the whole pattern of our people from the great burden of suf- don’t think I harmed anybody at all, civilization, which is so obsessed with fering that comes to everyone today, but most of the time all that I was con- pleasure, profit, and possessions. I whether rich or poor, by showing cerned about was literature. But I had have good reason to believe that even everyone how to transform anger into some fleeting awareness of the unity of one person who meditates and is able compassion, ill will into good will, life, and when I came across suffering to be at peace with himself and others and hatred into love. I don’t go in for it really used to shatter me. It would can influence everyone around. demonstrations, but according to the haunt my dreams. What made it so You must have heard the illustra- Buddha, the real activists are those thoroughly despairing was my inabil- tion that if you toss a stone into water, who banish anger and greed and ity to relieve it. I did have a desire to the ripples will spread on their own. hatred and violence from the human contribute to life; many of us in those When I started this work in 1960, I heart. •
14 Passage Meditation Retreats in 2013
Dillon Beach, where Easwaran took daily mantram walks. All our retreats at our retreat house in Tomales include a mantram walk here.
Retreats at our retreat house in Tomales (just north of San Francisco) and in Chicago, Colorado, New York, Oregon, and San Diego (See full calendar on back page)
One-day & weekend Passage Meditation Explore how to: The retreat will retreats held in include: beautiful and spiritually Developed by Eknath * Find deeper meaning in replenishing locations Easwaran, passage your work and relationships * Workshops to explore meditation is a simple, * Relieve stress and find passage meditation Questions & Enrollment: practical tool for everyday calm Two group meditations life. Easy to learn, it fits * Contact [email protected] * Navigate important life (each session is 30 minutes) or visit our website at naturally within any choices Vegetarian home-cooked www.easwaran.org/regional lifestyle. * * Naturally be at your best meals We offer a sliding scale fee All are welcome: no prior Time for rest and structure, financial aid, and experience needed! * relaxation special discounts for young adults. * Information about free resources for ongoing support
Visit www.easwaran.org/retreats or call us at 800 475 2369 Page heading Blue MountainMEDITATION Center of Meditation RETREATS Nonprofit Nilgiri Press U.S. Postage BLUE Box 256, Tomales, California 94971 paid Santa Rosa, CA MOUNTAIN Permit #191
A JOURNAL FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING BASED ON EKNATH EASWARAN’S
EIGHT-POINT PROGRAM To receive an electronic edition of this journal, please visit www.easwaran.org/bluemountain OF PASSAGE MEDITATION or contact us at [email protected] or at 800 475 2369.
The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation
Retreats in Tomales, California, and across the US in 2013
Spend a day, a weekend, or a week In Tomales, California Across the US learning how passage meditation March 22–24: Returnee Weekend April 12–14: Oregon (Mt. Angel) Weekend can help you to bring calm and replenishment April 5–9: Senior Half-Week April 13: Oregon (Mt. Angel) One-Day into your daily life. April 20–26: In-Depth Weeklong June 21–23: New York (Ossining) Weekend May 17–19: Introductory Weekend June 22: New York (Ossining) One-Day We offer programs at our retreat house on California’s beautiful north coast June 7–9: Returnee Weekend August 2–4: Colorado (Golden)Weekend & at various locations around the US. July 6–12: In-Depth Weeklong + Young Adults August 3: Colorado (Golden) One-Day August 3–9: In-Depth Weeklong September 7: San Diego One-Day Weekend retreats run from 4:00 p.m. Friday to August 16–18: Introductory Weekend September 27–29: Chicago Weekend 2:00 p.m. Sunday. August 23–27: Senior Half-Week September 28: Chicago One-Day September 21–27: In-Depth Weeklong For full information, or to October 4–6: Returnee Weekend enroll, visit us at October 12–18: In-Depth Weeklong www.easwaran.org/retreats November 8–10: Young Adult (18–35) or contact us at Weekend 800 475 2369 or November 15–17: Introductory Weekend [email protected] December 6–8: Returnee Weekend