A Story from the Life of P. R. Sarkar
Yoga is the panacea of all human ailments, in the physical realm, in the psychic realm, and also the spiritual realm.
Meditation for Adults
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
The Determined Turtle
Once upon a time, in a beautiful lake, there lived a turtle and a pair of swans. The three friends spent their days together, sharing stories, exchanging news, and talking about everything under the sun.
The Holy Shadow
LONG, long ago, there lived a great sage who was so good that the amazed angels came down from heaven to see how one could be so godly.
Unlocking Vitality
Yoga provides a comprehensive solution through the integration of physical postures (asanas), breath regulation (pranayama), and meditation.
Nasruddin & the Garden
Once upon a time Nasruddin was very excited about growing a garden in his front yard. It included vegetables and flowers. But when the plants started coming up, so did an enormous crop of bright yellow flowers called dandelions among them.
Baba and the 5 Charging Bulls
A Story in the Life of P. R. Sarkar Once upon a time Prabhat had a childhood friend who was quite a bit younger than he was. Manoranjan often saw Prabhat sitting for hours, meditating with his eyes closed in the outdoor Shiva Temple. This impressed Manoranjan very much. Manoranjan was walking home from school one day when a group of 5 bulls started chasing… Read More »Baba and the 5 Charging Bulls
Kiirtan Quiz: What Do Ya Know?
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?
How to Spice up Kiirtan with Kids
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
A Study of the Transformative Benefits of Meditation
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.
Remember When Meditating
“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
What Can Kids’ Meditation Look Like: Some Possibilities
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
A Study of the Transformative Benefits of Meditation
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
Spiritual Stories for Children
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
Stories from the Life of of P. R. Sarkar/Anandamurti
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
The Guest House
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 Golden Buddha
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.
Tips for Adult Meditation
There are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ meditations. All that matters is that you seriously engage the meditative process, regardless of the content that arises. Every meditation is a step toward greater inner freedom.
A Story from the Life of P. R. Sarkar: A Garden Story
In Anandamurti’s home in Calcutta, before going for his morning walk, every day he would look at all the plants. The woman who was taking care of the plants told me that one day he went on to the roof and was looking at one plant which had a small flower.
Some Pointers for Teaching Meditation to Adults
Sit in a comfortable position.Disconnect your senses from the external world.Create a relaxing mental nature landscape.Focus your awareness on breathing in and breathing out. Concentrate on something greater than yourself: Your Inner Voice or The Great. Superimpose Baba Nam Kevalam on the rhythm of the breath.Baba Nam Kevalam means that Great One which is the nearest and dearest to you, or Love is All There… Read More »Some Pointers for Teaching Meditation to Adults
The Neohumanist Practice of Walking Meditation. Walk for all beings.
For the next time you are forest bathing or walking in the woods or walking around town. Try this. Walking meditation can be practiced alone or with a small group in the park. When practicing in this way, everyone is silent and walking in single file. It is designed to synchronize body and mind while in nature. If you are not one to sit and… Read More »The Neohumanist Practice of Walking Meditation. Walk for all beings.