"One who is not connected with the Supreme...can have neither transcendental intelligence nor a steady mind, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?" (Bhagavad Gita Ch. 2 Text 66)
Where is a moments peace to be found? In a world where we are constantly bombarded by an ever increasing number of distractions, to find just a moment, a single instant of peace within a day, week or even more, is virtually unheard of. Externally we have various engagements and obligations to work, family, friends, maintainence of our bodies etc. that keep us almost constantly occupied from the time we wake up till the time we go to sleep. And if these obligations get met and we find some free time, our minds are constantly racing, giving us one proposal or another to keep us busy and distracted. So amidst this barrage of activity from within and without, where is the peace to be found?
We must have some shelter, some place we can go to escape the distractions, which can bring us back to the essence of who we actually are. Since the reality of our daily lives is one of hustle and bustle, this shelter must be one that can come with us where ever we are and be at our disposal when ever we recognize the need to take a break from what ever is happening around us. Even if we physically can't escape the obligations and demands of the world, we can always have a way to achieve the peace and happiness we are seeking right there within reach. This is to be found in spiritual (or transcendental) sounds. Regardless of how busy we are, we can bring these sounds onto our lips or into our minds. When we do this, the cleansing and nourishing effect of these sounds begins to act, and a sense of peace is experienced, like an oasis in a vast desert.
One of these spiritual sounds is the mantra "Gauranga" Pronounced "go-RUN-ga". We can say this mantra either out loud or in our minds, and the more we do, the more we can find that moments peace we are all looking for.
To learn more about this practice of achieving lasting peace and happiness, please come by one of the meditation or yoga classes.
Take care and all the best.
Namaste,
Rob
Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with idea of meditation. When we think of meditation, the image that might come to mind is of a person sitting quietly with legs folded in some remote place, attempting to quite the activities of the mind and senses.
Although a mantra meditation practice can be done in this way, the external environment is not so essential for achieving success in the practice. The focus of this mantra meditation practice is on the mantra, or sound, being chanted/repeated by the practitioner.
The word mantra means mind deliverer. These mantras have the ability to deliver the mind from all those daily distractions that keep us from experiencing real peace and happiness. It has this ability because of the spiritual nature of the sound that makes up the mantra. The potency that comes from these spiritual sound vibrations brings a feeling of calm over the body and mind, and has a purifying and nourishing effect on you, the spirit soul.
Since the sound is the focus for the meditation, it is possible to do the practice just about anywhere and with any amount of time. Not only is this practice of mantra meditation extremely effective for all who do it, but it is also easy, convenient and fun.
To learn more please join me at one of the upcoming classes.
It is part of the philosophy to make this practice available to everyone with out charge. Therefore, all classes are free.
I hope to see you at class soon!
Rob
soulspark108@gmail.com (801) 913-0880
These days, yoga is one of the most popular words among those looking to develop a healthy lifestyle. We can easily find yoga classes almost anywhere in the world, and have our choice of what "style" of yoga we would like to do. A yoga practice can make us feel relaxed, energized, calm, focused, limber, strong etc. There are so many amazing physical and mental benefits that come from practicing yoga. But is this all, or does the yoga system have more to offer?
Most people are aware that yoga came to the western world from India. In India, people have been practicing yoga for many thousands of years. These ancient yogis practiced yoga to achieve a variety of different results. When we think of practicing yoga, usually the physical practice of yoga postures, or asanas, is what comes to mind. This, however, is merely one part of the yoga system.
The word yoga actually means union. The English word yoke, to join together, comes from the word yoga. Unlike the word yoke, yoga is more specific in its definition. Yoga specifically refers to the joining of the individual soul, jiva atma, with the Supreme Soul, Paramatma. The yoga system takes the practitioner through a step by step process from lifestyle habits to deep meditation on the Supreme. This process gradually develops one's understanding of who they are, what their nature and purpose is, and what their relationship with other individuals and God is. From the application of this understanding a person is freed from the anxieties of life and is reinstated in their natural position (yoga), bringing a deep sense of peace and happiness that can not be shaken by anyone or anything.
To learn more about how to apply the system of yoga and receive all the great benifits a yoga practice has to offer, stop by one of the upcoming classes.
Namaste,
Rob
soulspark108@gmail.com 801-913-0880
