Just as the roots and stems of the lotus remain under the water and only the leaves and flowers float above it – and although it is born in the mud, it sustains its love for the stars – in the same way, people sitting in the lotus posture and in remaining in the world, can keep their minds above their mundane environment. – Anandamurti/Nama Shivaya Shantaya
In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of mental and physical well-being cannot be overstated. As we navigate our daily lives, many are searching for ways to enhance their overall health and happiness. One practice that has gained significant attention is meditation.
Meditation is a way of keeping our inner balance when the outer balance has been lost. Teaching these practices can be the greatest gift you may give a child. While it strengthens emotional intelligence and intuition, it also reaches into the higher layers of mind (subconscious, unconscious, etc.) of mind. ** For the 3-10 year old child to engage in meditation, the practice needs to… Read More »What Can Kids’ Meditation Look Like: Some Possibilities
By Jalaluddin Rumi This being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness, Some momentary awareness comesAs an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all!Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,Who violently sweep your houseEmpty of its furniture.Still treat each guest honorablyThey may be clearing you outFor some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice,Meet them… Read More »The Guest House
The Emperor’s Quest Once upon a time, the Emperor of China had no children so there was no one to become the next ruler when he was gone. The Emperor loved plants more than anything, everyone knew this and so they were not surprised when he issued a very special challenge: “I will hold a contest to choose my heir,” he said. “Anyone who wishes… Read More »Spiritual Stories for Children
The Whistling Bird Stories of Prabhat’s unusual ways spread through his school. Many of children were very curious about him. Odd stories about young Prabhat were whispered. Whispered tales circulated—some said Prabhat could understand the songs of birds. Others swore they had seen him talking with animals. One afternoon, Prabhat was sitting under a large tree with his friends when a heated argument broke out… Read More »Stories from the Life of of P. R. Sarkar/Anandamurti
“Oh tranquil spiritual aspirant! Spiritual practice (sadhana) is your great bow. Set the arrow of your mind, sharpened with meditation, on this bow. Now, inclining your mind toward Him, pluck and twang the string of the bow and pierce your target – that indestructible Supreme Soul.” – Anandamurti (Subhasita Samgrapha II, 34) If you did sadhana for 2 hours and concentrated on your mantra for… Read More »Remember When Meditating
Enhancing Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-being By Didi Ananda Sainjana Here is the outcome of the survey done with thirty practitioners of yoga and meditation recently. The practitioners consist of both male and female ages from 20 to 55 years. They have each been meditating for a duration of ten months to ten years. In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of mental and physical… Read More »A Study of the Transformative Benefits of Meditation
By MahaJyoti Glassman What is Kiirtan The practice of kiirtan is simple repetitive chanting for 2-5 minutes or more. This method of rhythmic singing is called kiirtan. Singing kiirtan supports kids in preparing their minds and bodies for meditation by engaging the sensory organs (eyes, ears, touch) and motor organs (arms and legs) towards the Goal. The power of mantra, a collection of sacred sounds,… Read More »How to Spice up Kiirtan with Kids
One should be as humble as the grass and as tolerant as the trees, one should give respect to those whom no one respects, and always do kiirtan to the Lord. – Anandamurti Definition & Origin The mind cannot remain vacant. Whenever there is no important job to do, do not waste your time in idle thinking, because idle thinking means mental deterioration, mental degradation,… Read More »Kiirtan Quiz: What Do Ya Know?
Once upon a time in the 1950’s a group of monks from a monastery had to relocate a Buddha statue made of clay from their temple to a new location.