Spirituality Archives - Samahita Retreat

The Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha

Kirsten Mia — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:57:46 +0000

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels: Embracing the world in all its complexities…

Life can be hard at times. We can feel overwhelmed, sad, fed-up, worried or confused, wanting to sometimes just run away or, like an ostrich, bury one’s head in the sand. Neither of these things will provide us with any meaningful or long-term solutions to our dismay or suffering, so what can we do instead? In today’s blog, we’ll unpack the framework of Buddhist philosophy. Throughout the ages, humans have sought to understand the meaning of life, a way out of pain and suffering (dukkha). Upon reaching enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha – meaning “the awakened one”) shared his first sermon in India, and spoke about the 4 Noble Truths, which form the basis of his teaching from then on. The philosophy of Buddhism was born, to see things as they are, not the way we wish them to be, a way out of suffering…

The 3 Jewels – The Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha is one of the first steps in following the Buddhist teachings, a way to formalize one’s commitment and faith. Taking refuge doesn’t however mean retreating or escaping from life and its realities, rather, embracing life and all its complexities. The essence of Buddhism is about liberating the mind, freeing oneself from our human conditioning and to realize our true nature.

“Remember that awakening, freedom from suffering, salvation, if you will, liberation, omniscience, Buddhahood, all come from your own understanding, your insight into your own reality. It cannot come just from the blessing of another, from some magical empowerment, from some sort of secret gimmick, or from membership in a group.” (Robert Thurman – Buddhist and professor at Columbia University)

Buddhism has spread all over the world, and over the course of its development, different schools of thought and ritual emerged to become the branches known today as Mahayana and Theravada, and there are subsects to these as well. (such as Vajrayana, Zen, Tibetan, Nichiren) Without going into too much detail here, the philosophy and doctrinal foundation is the same with a slight difference of interpretation. The foundations for all Buddhists, are based on the key principles; The 4 Noble Truths, the Noble 8 Fold Path, the 5 Precepts, and the 3 Jewels – The Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha.

I take refuge in the Buddha – Zen teacher Robert Aitken said of the First Jewel…

“This refers, of course, to Shakyamuni, the Enlightened One, but it also has a far broader meaning. It includes mythological personages who preceded Shakyamuni and dozens of archetypal figures in the Buddhist pantheon. It includes all the great teachers of our lineage … but also everyone who has realized his or her nature — all the monks, nuns, and lay people in Buddhist history who have shaken the tree of life and death. In a deeper and yet more ordinary dimension, all of us are Buddha. We haven’t realized it yet, but that does not deny the fact.”

I take refuge in the Dharma – Robert Thurman said of the second Jewel…

“Dharma is our own reality that we seek to understand fully, to open to fully. Dharma, therefore, also consists of those methods and the teaching of those methods that are the arts and sciences which enable us to open ourselves. The practices that we do, which will open us, which follow those teachings, which implement them in our lives, in our practice, and in our performance, which deploy those arts: they are also Dharma.”

I take refuge in the Sangha – The late Chogyam Trungpa said of the third Jewel…

“The sangha is the community of people who have the perfect right to cut through your trips and feed you with their wisdom, as well as the perfect right to demonstrate their own neurosis and be seen through by you. The companionship within the sangha is a kind of clean friendship, without expectation, without demand, but at the same time, fulfilling.”

Below is a little more detail into the foundations of Buddhist philosophy. I encourage you to do your own further research, there’s so many interesting and wonderful things to learn!

The 4 Noble Truth’s

The logical process of seeing life, seeing things as they are.

The truth of suffering (dukkha) – Life is suffering. (stress, discomfort, disease, dissatisfied)
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya) – Desire, craving through the senses, wanting more for the Self (as opposed to the whole).
The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha) – Change our perception and reduce our attachment to desire, suffering will reduce.
The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga) – The way to the ending of suffering, the middle way, the Noble 8 Fold path.

The 5 Precepts/Virtues (panca-sila)

The precepts are the guidelines with which to live a moral and ethical life.

Abstain from killing – not senselessly killing other beings, concern for the welfare of others.
Abstain from stealing – Taking only what has been given, developing a sense of fair play and generosity towards others.
Abstain from sexual misconduct – Not misusing the senses, to lead a more simple and balanced life.
Abstain from wrong speech – Speak truthfully and kindly, not to gossip or lie.
Abstain from the use of intoxicating substances that cause inattention – Avoid intoxicants like alcohol, unnecessary drugs, even caffeine to allow the development of inner clarity needed to be mindful.

The Noble Eightfold path

To train the practitioner in 3 areas: wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline.

Right understanding – Seeing everything in the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. Eliminate ignorance.
Right intent – Commitment to the path. This must come from the heart, recognizing the equality of all life with compassion. There to help and support.
Right speech – Awareness of the impact of our words, thoughtful communication.
Right action – This encompasses the 5 precepts as well as safeguarding our Earth.
Right livelihood – The work you do in the world must not harm anyone or anything or compromise any of the precepts.
Right effort – Cultivate enthusiasm, a positive attitude in a balanced way. Focused action.
Right mindfulness – Being aware of the moment, clear, undistracted, fully absorbed. This forms the basis of meditation.
Right concentration – Once the mind is uncluttered, you can then turn it to focus on an object. Release from the control of past pains and future mind games takes us closer to freedom from suffering. Meditative absorption.

Buddhism is a rich and deep philosophy which welcomes all faiths and people. The philosophy and teachings are realistic and practical, allowing us to embrace our existence, train the monkey mind, provide insight into our reality, to change the way we act and respond. To live in fullness with empathy, compassion, complete embodiment of the human experience while touching the essence of our true nature, in the now.

References:

https://buddha101.com/p_jewels.htm

https://studybuddhism.com/en/essentials/what-is/what-is-the-sangha

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma

https://intellectuallyfit.com/buddhist-four-noble-truths-simplified/

https://buddho.org/buddhism-and-morality-the-five-precepts/

https://www.learnreligions.com/the-four-noble-truths-450095

https://www.learnreligions.com/brief-guide-to-major-schools-of-buddhism-449971

https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/pluralism/files/the_dharma-the_teachings_of_the_buddha_1.pdf

https://www.learnreligions.com/taking-refuge-becoming-a-buddhist-450056

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Jaya Bhagavan – Love, sound, devotion – gimme some bhakti

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The post The Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha appeared first on Samahita Retreat.

The Ripple Effect…

Kirsten Mia — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 04:54:30 +0000

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” Dalai Lama

Oftentimes in life we walk around like zombies or do things out of habit with not much awareness and little thought of the consequences. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying: “For every action, there’s an equal or opposite re-action.” So what does this metaphor mean and how much of an impact does this have on our lives and others’? In today’s blog we’ll explore the effects of our actions, thoughts and efforts and how they ripple outwards into the world…

The science behind the ripple effect

Everything we do in life bears a consequence, either positive or negative. Every choice we make from something as simple as deciding to exercise in the morning or smile at the stranger on the bus impacts our lives. Philosophers and scientists have been theorizing about the mysteries of the Universe since the 1600’s. Galileo and Descartes came up with their ideas to explain cause and effect, paving the way for Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation. At the time, the mathematical equations were so powerful that scientists came to believe that everything in the Universe could be determined and calculated simply by applying the math – determinism. Quantum mechanics then started to take the spotlight and in the 1920’s, Einstein came up with the Unified Field Theory. In the 60’s meteorologist Edward Lorenz then coined the term “Butterfly effect” (Part of Chaos Theory) in which he determines that it was virtually impossible to forecast long term weather predictions as nature is far too complex and minute variables can have far reaching interconnected consequences. In a nutshell, all these theories and mathematical equations are attempting to explain how matter/particles interact with each other and gravity/electromagnetism and time on a subatomic level. When you go down far enough, beyond particles or matter, there is only energy, and since everything is energy, how are you directing YOURS and what impact does it have on your life and in the world?…

You are not powerless

In this day and age we are closely connected to each other through our access to information, travel, advances in technology and the sharing of ideas. We live in a global village, we share global problems like pollution, poverty and corruption, but we somehow feel that most of things are out of our hands and we can’t really do much to create positive changes, we get despondent. But we can, just by starting with ourselves, not getting caught up in the complexity of it all, simply doing your bit. Think about the past, historical events that have taken place, how changes in society have come about, they didn’t happen overnight. They were created by the ripple effect, actions of the few that have influenced the many, over time. As individuals we certainly do have the power to make a

difference and instead of pointing fingers, blaming and wasting time on what other people are doing, we can all think, what am I doing, daily. As they say – Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Helper’s high!

Life is not easy, nor is it meant to be, there is much suffering and pain. But in between the difficulties and challenges of life, there is also joy, happiness, kindness and compassion. It is in our human nature to help others when we see they are in distress. Scientific research shows that helping others brings happiness to yourself, acts of kindness releases those feel good hormones, a phenomenon known as helpers high. The power of the kindness-ripple effect has the ability to change our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Research has shown that practicing meditation increases our empathy and compassion for others. It changes one’s perspective, shifting away from the me and mine Self, allowing the mind and heart to open to others. Compassion is not just a passive practice/word, it is a verb, requiring action, a response.

A Bodhisattva-in-Training…

In Buddhist teachings, there is a Sanskrit term for a being who is headed for enlightenment and encompasses the qualities of compassion and altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others): Bodhisattva. We may not be able to liberate ALL beings from pain and suffering but we can work on ourselves and find ways to help others along the way, especially within our own communities. We can become a Bodhisattva-in-Training, following a path that is more meaningful and fulfilling. Samahita has always been involved in supporting organizations and charities, being as sustainable as we can be, doing our bit to make a difference. So where to begin? It doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t need to be on social media, just start. Begin today, with a small gesture, a kind word, a smile… A smile that can ripple out into the world!

References:

https://medium.com/the-abs-tract-organization/the-ripple-effect-8c8495d46554
https://yourstory.com/2023/07/butterfly-effect-small-actions-big-changes
https://exploringyourmind.com/the-theory-of-the-ripple-effect/
https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/butterfly-effect.htm
https://www.happiness.com/magazine/science-psychology/benefits-of-kindness/
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_helpers_high

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The post The Ripple Effect… appeared first on Samahita Retreat.

What is your state of mind? Perhaps yoga has some insight!

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 04:54:27 +0000

Here’s a topic …..
Is there an easy way to define yoga?
Will it be just as simple to explain yoga? This is more involved, though rewarding, read. Or skip through it by only reading the bolded parts.On one level, a good grasp of any topic can be explained in a simple manner. True. Yet at the same time it is easy for the receiver to miss the nuances and take the simple as the full and accurate explanation.

Hence, on the other level, especially from those who gave their words to yoga over 500 years ago, yoga cannot be understood if not experienced, explaining it, even defining it can only mislead. True.

So both are true. Well, we need a working meaning and explanation. And this is possible. It may start simple but must continue to be unpacked. More interesting, the process of unpacking is (part of) the process of yoga.

What we then face is not just the polyvalence (many meanings and uses) of the word yoga (in Sanskrit) but when it is used specifically in relation to the inner process yoga is then both a state (as an outcome) and a process. in fact, the first sub-commentary on the Yoga Sutras noted “one knows yoga by yoga.”

Then there is the personalized definition of yoga and the modernized (for each generation and time) explanation of yoga. This is why we will mainly hear that yoga is doing “yoga” as āsana. On one level it is not entirely inaccurate, but it is a subset of yoga, with varying degrees of importance in how it (āsana) is weighted based on the individual.

It is easy to get sidetracked and even confused trying to figure this out. Which is why getting a good grasp of the original material and interpretation from those who have studied it well (typically scholars who also practice, but not exclusively) is a path to understand yoga better. It goes beyond what “I want yoga to mean for me,” such as happiness, compassion, being nice, breathing, an open body, and more. All these are important to life but are not the (sole) property of yoga and can arise through several modes of life. So the curious mind looks deeper, reads more, reflects, unpacks this material. And it takes time.

Then you may come across: yoga is union. Union of what? Oh, the universal soul (among other terms) and the individual soul. But this definition, most often used, comes up in the religious-oriented explanations of yoga. Which is fine and makes sense to many.

The other approach is yoga as integration. We live fractured lives. Our minds are agitated, meaning the mind state is not one of real harmony. There are moments but it is not steady and can get disturbed. Here yoga and meditation are synonymous. An integration of the disparate factors that make up a life that otherwise disturb, as the original commentary on classical yoga puts it, the “river of mind”.

Integration, meditation, is often related to the Sanskrit word of samadhi. Most of the yogic literature goes into these higher states of mind, the experience of samadhi. However, very few involved in yoga and the entire world of mediation has experienced samadhi. Of course if you give it a loose definition of a “concentrated mind” capable of deep introspection, perhaps trance, then many will claim it. But these, at best, are “bhāvana”, short-lived experiences. Not indicative of transformation. Yet positive.

Samadhi, therefore, as integration, gets at how well channeled the “river of mind” has become so that no external factor disturbs it. Those who have stabilized this still encounter the same onslaught of life’s challenges. Yet channeled is a natural state, one of peace, translated as calm to some, love to others, kindness and compassion to another group, clarity and strength to yet others, really all these combined with total integrity. This state endures through all experiences, whether we label them positive or negative. It does not mean everyone who interacts with one who has channeled the “river of mind” is pleased. It may mean the opposite at times because the recipient’s state of mind is still fickle and disturbed. Which is practically all of us, some more so, some less so.

So yoga as samadhi as integration is a transformed mind state, an ability to go deep within but more importantly to maintain that powerful current while in the world. Naturally, it is personal. And for many it is a far off (but not impossible) ideal.

Some may quote the Yoga Sutra and explain this as nirodha of the activity of the mind state. But nirodha is such a final experience that if it was the case then you wouldn’t be “here”. A working approach of a more practical nature, where integration takes place, and where the initial stages of samadhi begin and mature, is “ekāgra”, another Sanskrit word.

Ekāgra means one-pointed. Or channelled. Apply this to the flow of the “river of mind”. Mind has passed beyond the state of disturbance, agitation, moments of switching between calm and distracted or worse. In fact, this fickle and disturbed state of mind is more or less the state of mind of almost everyone practicing meditation, yoga, or any similar form of inner process. It is termed in Sanskrit as vikshipta (actual transliteration is viksipta).

We now find ourselves with a meaning and short explanation, yoga as the entire inner process where the flow of the “river of mind”, your mental state, integrates and transforms from vikshipta, being fickle and unreliable, to ekāgra, as clear and undisturbed, integrated. The same temptations and insults will come to both but the latter state is not swayed, tempted, or disturbed. The offense does not have any impact.

Some would consider this similar to, if not the same as, stoicism. And in a way there is very little difference.

But there is. Because how you approach the integration that channels the flow of the “river of mind” has given yoga its more conspicuous explanation and identification. Posture. Breath. Sitting meditation. Treatment of others. Handling of oneself. Yoga in practice and in life.

Now you “know yoga by yoga.” Meaning, if you do yoga mainly as poses or a mix of poses and breath (to keep it simple), then they are considered yoga when done in terms of how they affect the flow of the “river of mind”, to a more harmonious state, to ultimately complete channeling (ekāgra) and an eventual “not here anymore” (nirodha).

As noted in my own research we can see where the process of yoga plays out: “From viksipta to ekāgra is where identifiable and tangible effects of yogic-meditative practice can hypothetically be observed and measured,” (Dr. Paul D in “Breath, Stress and Health: a biocultural study of psycho-physical (hatha-rāja) yoga”).

Such a meaning and explanation is different to “yoga” today, but still you can do yoga today and find this. If you now understand WHY anything under the name of yoga (poses, breath, etc.) is done, it can change your whole approach. So the next time you do āsana, a yoga pose or set of poses, when done internally, attentively, with awareness on the state of mind, though working the body, it is actually meditation, it is actually a process of integration. It is yoga.

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Paul Dallaghan’s expertise with breathwork, body and meditative practices comes from three sources: over 25 years of daily dedicated practice and teaching these techniques; immersion in the original culture through one-on-one direct training in practice and study of ancient texts; doctoral scientific research at a leading US university (Emory) on yoga and breath in terms of stress, health and aging. Paul occupies a unique space to impart genuine teaching and science on these practices, acknowledged by his teacher and lineage (Kuvalayananda) in India as a Teacher-of-teachers and a Master of Breath, identified to carry the tradition (Pranayama). This places him as the only master-level yoga and breath practitioner currently immersed in scientific academic research on breathwork, stress and health. His sincere and ongoing role is to teach, write and research to help put out experienced and authentic information on these areas in a world full of confusion and conflicting messages both off and online.

For more on his background see his bio.

The post What is your state of mind? Perhaps yoga has some insight! appeared first on Samahita Retreat.

Jaya Bhagavan – Love, sound, devotion – gimme some bhakti

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 04:54:46 +0000

Yoga at its core means the connection with that which does not change, with pure consciousness, with everything that is beyond what you perceive or cognize, with the ‘other’, with the ‘not this’, with what is truly internal, with what some call one’s true nature, with what others call the Divine.

Yoga ultimately is that experience. But yoga is also the way, the means, the path there. In the broadest of sense, it is then anything you engage it that opens that up internal experience.

This “anything” has also tripped up many-a-person along the way, confusing sensory-bound indulgence and mindlessness abandon to be ‘that’, ‘not this’, internal, ‘other’. It is tricky. Consider the peak moment in sex that, done right, has the potential to bring you to ‘beyond this’. One moment. How? Because you totally absorb within and completely lose connection with all ‘this’. Though it only lasts a few seconds (and that’s if it’s supersonic good!).

However, it is most common to absorb in the sensual delight (sex in this example, but most aspects of life) and miss the otherness of the moment. The sensory pull is part of the process to draw you in and get started. Being with that process. As you watch the sensory power you can (potentially) go past it, into that inner absorption. Otherwise, it’s the same addictive chase of any external element, to give some stimulation without real absorption.

This is why yoga has several prefixes. I don’t mean all the brandnames of āsana that exist today, and definitely not the tacky gimmick names stuck onto yoga. Words like karma before yoga, for example, mean you forget this temporary-ordinary-self through the needed work and get absorbed within.

The main practices that constitute as yoga in a practical sense come from the classical literature, especially Patanjali and the Hatha-Rāja yoga teachings. This is the base of our contemplations, breath practices, and body refinement and regulation by āsanas, kriyas, and more. This body part has spread and mutated as different physical methods, some with people’s names, some with gimmicks, and some quite good. Few practice, or even know, the full classical with Hatha-Rāja yoga, that we know as Psycho-physical yoga.

” As bhakti yoga it is that devotion to pure absorption in ‘not this’, or for some the ‘Divine’. As a yoga it is a way to an absorbed outcome. The way of open-heart devotion. …..”

All that’s great. However, sometimes you want to just sing, dance, express yourself from your heart. Love, sound, and devotion. Yes, you keep up the routine of practice as described before. Yes, you handle your life and all its responsibilities. But your heart cries out also to fly.

This is devotion. This is bhakti. It evolved as the main religious approach amongst the people of India over the centuries. As bhakti yoga it is that devotion to pure absorption in ‘not this’, or for some the ‘Divine’. As a yoga it is a way to an absorbed outcome. The way of open-heart devotion. Completely different than Psycho-physical yet totally complimentary, possible to combine both or follow either one separately, individually. What has happened in the past and recent years is both have been diluted or the religious devotion path has merely subsumed some physical elements.

Even bhakti can be downgraded and made superficial, all about being alternative, or merely singing and dancing. So how can you have those elements and go beyond them? Can you do this and forget yourself? Yes, whether it’s bhakti as theistic religion or bhakti yoga as devotion from the heart. Non-theistically theistic. Meaning you dig all the deities, dance, sing, and love with them all.

This is Jaya Bhagavan. Praise the Lord in another culture. Or God is great. Same same.

Bhagavan is the Lord. But it’s also the Divine. Or it’s whatever non-theistic theistic Deity that gets to your heart. In that sense it’s Īśvara. But most of all, it’s “open your heart to me” and be the happiness, absorb within.

The beautiful female saint of India, Ananda MayiMa used to sing this phrase “Jaya Bhagavan” all day. Long along ago I heard a recording of her do so. Captivating. Super simple.

I then lived in a tiny studio above one of the few yoga studios in NYC back then, which was also above the restaurant I worked in with a Thai restaurant inbetween. My micro world forming before I knew it. Some time in 1995 or 96 a sign was on the door “Krishna Das tonight”. I wondered “what’s that?” I soon found out. There was less than 10 of us at these weekly gigs in these early days. Within a few years he had gained quite the success, many hundreds showing up. Large venues, Tours.

In those live events, and later on his Live on Earth album, came his singing of Jaya Bhagavan. It was one of those that captivated my mind, entered my heart, took me beyond the body, perhaps getting a sense of Ananda MayiMa, and losing it … going somewhere within.

Fast forward a decade and the incredible Irish singing voice of Jack Harrison is with me here, at the then Yoga Thailand, now Samahita. And I say “Jack, you gotta sing some of these.” Sarve sham was born and came out to the world in 2007 (Wind Across the Sea, live at Yoga Thailand). Sarve sham of Jack is the Hallelujah of Leonard Cohen or Bohemian Rhapsody of Freddy.

Another decade. Time for more. I implored Jack to add Jaya Bhagavan to the musical repertoire. He did. We made it into Samahita Live, back in 2015. I hadn’t heard the track in a while and it came on at home last week. I was immediately, unabashedly drawn to dance (wow, alone!!) and raise my hands and lose it.

It’s such a powerful version. The voice, the tune, the simple yet complete words.

There I am in bhakti. In that moment. Jaya Bhagavan.

Listen to it. Or find one of your other favorites. Other greats singing and playing at Samahita over the years have been the incredible Daphne. The spectacular Edo and Jo. The gifted Bibi. The drum rocking John. The sweet-souled Ron & Meenakshi. And many others guesting in with us.

What a joy to touch that devotion. It fills your heart. We’ve included a soundbite of Jack on Jaya Bhagavan, live, here, on Samhita’s video.

And we’re coming back to do even more. From living in my 3sqM room above Jivamukti over 25 years ago to now, this devotion and the being in yoga is still with me. And that is Samahita. It even survives the most uncertain of pandemics. On to whatever comes next.

How? I don’t know. All I can say is … it must be …. Jaya Bhagavan.

Go sing, dance, love.

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As a result, Paul occupies a unique space to impart genuine teaching and science on the breath, body, and meditative practices, seen as a Teacher-of-teachers and identified to carry on the tradition of Pranayama. His sincere and ongoing role is to teach, write and research, to help put out experienced and authentic information on these areas of how we live, breathe and be, to help people improve their mental and physical health, and live more fulfilling lives. For more on his background see his bio [/av_textblock] [/av_two_third][/av_section]

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The post Jaya Bhagavan – Love, sound, devotion – gimme some bhakti appeared first on Samahita Retreat.

Be Comfortable with Not Knowing

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 04:54:26 +0000

If you were to be able to take a walk through the grounds of Samahita today you would still see staff keeping the place clean and our teachers still in the shala keeping the vibes and energy fresh. In fact, as I walk back into the main yoga shala it still possesses that electric vibration and special feeling.

That shala was a mental image 15 years ago, put to paper, planned out, and constructed. It was built for people to be in, to engage in practices that have been done for centuries. In line with what these ancient teachings recommend such a shala is a place of peace yet vitality, supportive and serene, to allow you to go within, to aid you in the transformation of consciousness. This space, this shala, has a purpose. Not built to double-up as some event space in a hotel with yoga on its menu. The opposite of that. To offer the experience to learn, practice, and delve deeper into yourself in a unique space dedicated to change, for you, for people, to be here, with the necessary hospitality infrastructure.

Just outside this shala hangs a blackboard where weekly insightful and motivational messages would be written for all who enter or pass by. Yet this blackboard has remained with the same message in chalk since March 19, 2020, the day the global situation stopped us all in its tracks.

On that board is written …. “Be comfortable with not knowing, it is only then the answers come.”

Following the previous weeks’ theme of “trust” and “not knowing” this message adds another beautiful element to it. In fact, “be comfortable with not knowing” is sufficient. Whatever answers then come may not be what you were looking for or expecting. But that is the point of comfort in not knowing.

It is effectively letting go. Going with the flow. In terms of outcome. Not in terms of how you take care of yourself, get up, continue inner work, which is not easy, but essential for a better world. You do but let go.

In this sense answers come because you have let go of the agenda, not of the purpose. You gladly get up, commit and do. Comfortable. Who knows what is coming up today? But you have things to do and you do them, without procrastination, hesitation, excuses. This is the great anxiety reducer.

The answers that come are what is needed because you have not blocked them with ambition, insecurity, greed, jealousy, fear. You now have attuned yourself “to do the needful” (gotta love that Indian phrase), avoid guessing the future, embrace building towards it instead. While present, now. How? Because you are “comfortable with not knowing”.

Of course what I describe is a point of balance. The ability to be cheerful, smile, yet still not know. The power to get up, do, plan, without craving, personal desire, demand-driven.

What I describe here is part of this ancient teaching, how to achieve a heightened state of mind that is stable, robust, compassionate, strong, more powerful than its cravings and desires. Yet not everyone is ready to agree or embrace such an approach. Because the cravings and desires overpower the clear discernment that sees through all this.

It is that discernment that is at the heart of the yogic-meditative path. Hopefully you can apply, remind yourself, “hey, it’s ok to not know, be comfortable with it.” But it’s not ok to not do, give up, forget, dismiss, criticize, complain. The former comfort lets the “answers” flow, the latter blocks and distorts what’s coming down the line.

As you practice, tune within, attune yourself to this point of balance, remind yourself it’s ok to not know, cos I will know soon anyway, as it all unfolds. Keep exercising discernment, discriminative thought so the drama doesn’t suck you in and pull you under.

Hopefully these shala doors will open soon and you’ll be able to visit here, walk down the path, smelling that food, looking at the blue water, and you see that perennial message as you pass the yoga shala … “be comfortable with not knowing.”

Bravely on, with kindness and truth.

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The post Be Comfortable with Not Knowing appeared first on Samahita Retreat.

Can you plan, trust and let go all at once

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:58:06 +0000

Some might consider these mutually exclusive. But in reality they are mutually supportive and synergistic. The limit is not in how these separate “-ing”s function but in the degree of your conditioned thinking and linearity.

Maybe tonight before you go to sleep pull up a copy of the Bhagavad Gita and only read the second chapter (for now). In these lines you will read about ‘buddhiyoga’ as the faculty of insight and discernment. According to the teacher, Krsna in this case, it is capable of bringing about a certain degree of self-control. It becomes a circular process of being both a particular state of mind you “see” (hence a cognitive state) and a method, as in a form of practice, for maintaining it.

This means your approach to all the different aspects in your life, from daily routine to practice to relationships, is filled with your effort to look into each encounter, reflect, aim to understand the nature of it, show up fully and present. Such a continued effort results in a mental state that does this quite naturally. Mutual reinforcement.

Initially this can only come from your attitude of “determination”, as verse 2.41 points out. The mind left to its own devices is lazy, fickle and follows the path of least resistance. Buddhi, genuine and sincere effort, intelligent, and understanding, requires a degree of effort where there is no room for a lazy mind. This determination is not all passion for your project or ambition to “make it”. It is filled with a much higher degree of conscientiousness. Do right by others and be true to yourself, make the effort, care.

Effectively it arises and improves by (one of my favorite references to what yoga is) a “skillfulness in action”, noted in verse 2.50, developed through determination and rigor in how you handle your tasks (in verse 2.47).

But that’s only half of the “skill”, rather simultaneously you are able to let go of all personal attachment to the results of your actions, noted in verse 2.48. The outcome of that is a profound level of emotional regulation borne from non-dependence.

So as you trust and let go this does not mean you give up, do nothing, convincing yourself you are “going with the flow.” Damn, there’s work to be done. People are hungry, afraid, suffering. Meals must be cooked. Bills must be paid. Love must be given (yes I know, this is not forced but how easily and freely does it flow? Impeded by a lazy, which is a selfish, mind …..?).

So the daily routine needs some degree to, in certain instances, extremely high level of planning. Without a lazy mind but one that cares and makes the effort. Yet equally wastes no mental effort on controlling or desiring outcomes that only arise from your possessive, craving, and insecure aspect of mind.

Plan. Do. Put up your best effort. Trust in how things unfold. Be in the moment. Be satisfied as you end the day with your effort. Enjoy the space post-effort that is filled with being and not craving.

When the outcome arrives (in simplistic terms) then assess what’s next. Maybe you need to redouble effort having learnt what you did was not planned well enough, lacked in genuine effort. Or maybe the outcome is quite beneficial which now can be shared with others.

So tackle your day with determination and subsequently a skill in action that is divorced from what you want from it but filled with how you engage and handle it. In this instance it trumps your passion for it. Passion, as we know, eventually wanes. Determination and skill can only improve and grow.

So be a Buddhi-Yogi and plan-trust-be. And enjoy your bedtime reading tonight.

For more on his background see his bio.

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The post Can you plan, trust and let go all at once appeared first on Samahita Retreat.

You know it but do you mean it?

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 01:54:32 +0000

The majority of people being good folk naturally intend to mean what they say, have their actions follow their words. Does this really happen for you? Have you observed a gap between words and action in yourself, perhaps in others too? The point of the question is not to lead us into judgment or criticism or a larger philosophical discussion on the nature of intention and action. Rather the purpose here now is to highlight that we may be good at saying great things, giving wise advice, being nice, but when it comes down to owning it and imbibing it in ourselves the gap remains.

To make the point and keep this short and sweet I will repeat a statement I wrote here almost a year ago:
Trust in the unknown
Can you? It makes sense. It applies everything learnt from a yoga practice. It is relevant in a time of complete uncertainty. It may even be advice you give others. But what happens personally to you?

What lies ahead is most definitely unknown. To take care of your actions and thoughts now impacts what happens next and how you respond. But there is also a wide space between what you do now and how our day, week, interests, aspirations, life plays out.

Rationally you know this. It’s unknown.

Emotionally you lost this. Ahhh. Anxiety, thoughts in the form of micro-worries.

“When you say you’ll do something then do it. When you express a sentiment then mean it. When you promise faithfulness and loyalty then be it.…..”

So what will it take to “trust in the unknown”? To not just say words but be it?

This one may take some time to deeply ingrain but more conscious thought, conscientious action, a willingness to remind yourself “it’s ok, I don’t know, I trust”, to chill enough to watch life play out in front of you even while you go out about your beezness.

But you can also strengthen it by applying the same sincere approach in all words uttered. When you say you’ll do something then do it. When you express a sentiment then mean it. When you promise faithfulness and loyalty then be it. It means know and understand what you’re taking on, saying, and how that code runs through your system.

The outcome will be integration, a consistency of heart to mind (completely different to a consistency of repeated actions).

I hope this makes sense. It needs thought and reflection, which is part of practice. It reaches an inner stability when one doesn’t have to question should they do something, or when one doesn’t doubt, or get lost in worry and anxiety, because it is your inner code and personal ethic. You mean what you say and not say what sounds nice and appealing.

Without this quality years of asana and breath and Om and looking at chakras are narcissistically indulgent yet ineffective, only leading one in circles which we vainly think is progress but is really self-delusion dressed up in nice words, great statements, self-defensive expressions.
Of course it is not easy and we all trip up. But start by being aware of this and then promise to watch it in yourself. Continual awareness and reminding oneself is the path to transforming the way the mind behaves.

Look at all you think, say and do. And maybe “Trust in the Unknown” is a reality for you revealed by a complete unshakable state of being, clear, unworried, present, revealing true joy.

Over to you.

For more on his background see his bio.

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What are we doing here?

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Wed, 05 May 2021 13:13:33 +0000

There are many perspectives and opinions to answer such a question. But how many of them truly satisfy our deep yearn to understand? We can also ask it in a few different ways: what’s life about? why was I born? is this all it is? am I supposed to be doing something here?

We might say life is a process and is about spiritual evolution. Yet this response falls short on two almost opposing knowledge structures. First off evolution, as the word has been understood since the mid-1800s, is based on identifiable traits that are inheritable, passed on from one generation to the other with its mutation, so after a certain number of generations a change has occurred. Human bipedalism and brain change are considered to have followed this trajectory with changes in the species along the way. Yet is “spirituality” a trait? Can it be inherited? It seems to be more a feature of the human, one could say all beings, condition. But then what is spiritual evolution?

Attempting to answer that from the various spiritual traditions, particularly those that are non-dual reveals that such a term is a misnomer. If our essential nature is spirit (for want of a better word), not all this materiality, we find spirit is untouched, never affected or changed. It is only obscured through association with a material-based consciousness. This means there is no need or even possibility of a spiritual evolution as spirit “is” already and always has been and always will be.

So it seems we cannot identify this as a material inherited trait nor is it relevant in actual terms of spirit. Back to what are we doing here? The issue appears to be the true identity or nature, non-material that already “is,” is obscured. And our conditioning in the form of fixed ideas, prejudices, attachments, fears, and so on all obscure this. So much so we identify with a “not-me”, by my name, what I do, etc. and come up with phrases like “spiritually evolving” to feel better about the degree of obscuration Yet the term has some practical value admittedly.

“If this is why we are here then it is to understand ourselves, not merely our personality, but our fundamental behavior and thought patterns. It is to understand and care for others, help, be kind, and know when to walk away lest you get caught up with someone crafty (think “the serpent”)……”

If one is working on deep patterns through various practices and techniques with an overall continuous discernment then it is reasonable to term this as spiritual work. And progress in this, meaning reducing the distortions in my behavior and character, undoing misunderstanding, away from self-identification, has then in its own language become “spiritual evolution”. If this is why we are here then it is to understand ourselves, not merely our personality, but our fundamental behavior and thought patterns. It is to understand and care for others, help, be kind, and know when to walk away lest you get caught up with someone crafty (think “the serpent”).

But lastly, and very important to this, is more than just being a nice person, because the world is primarily full of nice people (maybe not nice corporations!!) but to actively go in and do the work, inside. This involves a focus on one or several of how one works the body, the breath, into the heart, mental processing. And this is why guidance is needed.

Yoga gets described and termed as many things. Most of the time because people don’t know any better and so the reduced form resonates the most, like body mechanics and breath measures and morality. But this is not yoga. And though intentions are the best, it can leave one going around in circles. uh oh, no spiritual evolution. Because the inner work is tricky. Without guidance and someone who really gets it we may stay on the same circle of doing without the inner transformations that arise.

However, this is very personal. Start by not having an opinion. Look at what you do. What advice are you given. What do you have as a practice not merely a routine. Always be sincere and seek good help, real clear advice. Not many really know the path, hence the challenge. And look at how you take on these practices and apply the continuous discerning throughout the day. It takes that much to get at spiritual evolution. All while being a nice person but knowing your boundaries with some “tough compassion.”

Be nice, help others, be kind to others, maybe that is a full time path, which only a very few manage due to life circumstances. So you with a job, relationship, world responsibilities need to also have an inner practice, which means regular and sincerely committed to, no excuses.

Wishing that as your own personal “spiritual evolution” into understanding what am I, are you, are we all doing here.
Stay positive, stay at it, stay centered

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Empathy – What sets us Apart

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 04:37:56 +0000

There are a myriad of responses to what is it that sets us apart? Apart from other species? Apart from other human beings? Apart from spirit itself? Apart from other beings in this multidimensional universe? In short, in keeping ourselves apart, separate from ourself, our center, others, we are automatically divided, separate, apart. The distinction appears to be in a mindset that flows towards connection with ourself and with others, or it flows away from who we are at our core and away from the well-being of others. Do we see division, problems, issues, people to blame? Is there an inner connection beyond an imagined or verbally justified one when communicating with others?

The linchpin here is empathy. Yes. Empathy sets us apart. Not necessarily human beings and other species as empathy is observed in other creatures. Empathy, or its lack, seems to separate people, its lack blocking the inner connection, the spiritual quest, setting us apart from ourselves in reality. Its lack acts as a dividing factor, a block in intercommunication.

So what is empathy? In a simple sense, can you feel, sense, and viscerally understand what another person, or creature, is going through? Your pet dog or cat just might have that with you as they snuggle up to you when you’re not feeling great. And they want the same. A child might express it innocently as they feel it and come to comfort you. Or your local neighborhood dolphin is well tapped into it. It seems we are all capable of it. Even cruel tyrants felt it for those they cared about. Such empathy, though, becomes situational and fleeting. Can we embody it all the time in all situations? Some studies refer to empathic burn out. Though a real event, it is the opposite end of the empathic spectrum to the tyrant’s case. And yet it is not a robust response either.

“A greater understanding of how people behave, the nature of this world as out of balance, its place as a tricky learning ground of a variety of experiences can strengthen, not replace, your empathy.

Balance is key. Empathic maturity. Which blends into compassion. Maybe we can call this empathy-with-understanding. This form of robust empathy comes loaded with kindness, strength, and caring. Your empathy will lead to kind behavior, you will care, you will also be a strong support, not getting burnt out, which means not identifying with the other’s situation though feeling and understanding it all the same. This is important for an overall spiritual evolution, both personally and collectively. The more you can connect within, the greater empathy and compassion are but also the greater their balance. Radiate it from your heart as opposed to it overpowering you. It becomes a self-perpetuating, reinforcing process, deeper within, greater empathy without.

As a careful observer of human behavior, recently I was considering certain human responses to certain people in certain situations (conveniently vague here), and that politeness seemed not be present, kindness was not forthcoming, a lack of understanding of the other’s case was rampant, with little supportive behavior to help the other, whereby a trigger for a whole cascade of positive effects was just lost. It brought up my empathy actually, feeling the lack of this set of behaviors. And of course that hurts the heart as we want to see a world improving. The understanding is, unfortunately, some people behave without an empathic sensibility to others. Though I know there is little I can do about that personally in many people’s cases, I can do something by tuning into it myself, bringing it up in my own practice, delving into forgiveness from there, so whoever I interact with it is present. That in its small way is a shift in the right direction. And it keeps it robust and avoids falling victim to empathic burn out.

Yet it seems it’s easy to forget and fall into situational empathy, when it suits and to whom you feel it is appropriate. But it is something, a ‘muscle’, you could flex everyday as you look around you. It will rise more naturally in how you feel when you see other creatures or people in some uncomfortable situation. And our response? Kind and care. We have a choice in how to respond but empathy is automatic from inside. If it’s not then it can be built, if focused on. And if you believe you feel empathy that involves strong emotionality then a greater understanding of how people behave, the nature of this world as out of balance, its place as a tricky learning ground of a variety of experiences can strengthen, not replace, your empathy.

Come from the heart. Be kind-hearted. In effect, pure of heart. That may be the answer to the final question posed above, communication with other life forms (beyond this planet) are waiting for our collective empathetic levels to rise because then ’they’ know it’s a good time to visit and share their learnings in this universe. But that aside, for now build it into a daily forgiveness practice, as our brief video in this email highlights.

In empathic love, care, and kindness, on earth or amongst the stars, being centered is still crucial.

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Bhramari Humming Breath Benefits

Dr. Paul Dallaghan — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 04:54:25 +0000

The practice of the ancient hathayoga humming breath “Bhramari” has been recommended for hundreds of years that when done repeatedly and correctly produces “an indescribable blissful experience that fills the mind” (1). Similar to the practice of repeating the sound of Om on an exhale, it is a wonderful practice that delivers many benefits.

Om & Bhramari Practice History

The practice of repeating the monosyllabic sound of Om on one exhalation is noted in ancient texts over 2,000 years ago. In addition to the prolonged exhalation value as noted in our previous blog: The Power of Exhalation it introduces a vibration due to the sound of Om across the pharynx, nasal, and sinus regions.

Bhramari is a later developed hathayoga practice, documented almost 700 years ago in hathayoga’s classic text, the Hahthapradipika, but has most likely been practiced longer than that. It imitates the sound of the black bee which lends it its name in Sanskrit. This is also a humming type of breath but more isolated to the region of the soft palate in the naso-pharyngeal space. You can find this space by turning your tongue back and seeing the point you can touch with your tongue. Or, if adventurous, open your mouth, put one finger directly in and back and it should touch the back end of the soft palate. Bhramari’s vibration happens just beyond that on the pharynx’s muscular wall. When sitting silently with soft breath it is also the first space you feel the touch of the breath inside after having entered the nostrils. Or open anatomy book, or online, and look for this “naso-pharyngeal” region.

” Bhramari offers the advantages of regulated breathwork and the added health benefits of increased nitric oxide production in the nasal and sinus regions.”

Four Key Benefits of Bhramari:

Psychological well-being

Bhramari’s relationship to the practice of Om places it in the context of psychological well-being to focus and clear the mind resulting in a calm, peaceful state. The recitation of Om is recommended in the classical yoga teaching to give such an effect and bhramari follows closely, giving, as noted, “an indescribable blissful experience that fills the mind” (1)

Physiological well-being

In addition to a healthy mental impact it has benefits on the body’s psychological functioning:

Blood pressure regulation aid

Recent discoveries involving the molecule nitric oxide (NO) confirm humming’s valuable health-promoting effects in terms of blood pressure regulation to antimicrobial defense (2). It states the isolated practice of humming on exhalation can increase nasal NO levels 15-fold compared to quiet exhalation (3).
Management of anxiety

As a dedicated breathing exercise inserted into a routine, (see Breathwork for Anxiety and Other Difficulties), Bhramari offers the advantages of regulated breathwork and the added health benefits of increased nitric oxide production in the nasal and sinus regions.
Sleep support

Bhramari also provides support with sleep disturbances by helping induce a feeling of calm before bed. It is an ideal practice for the end of the day and one of your best aids to quieten the busy mind and allow genuine relaxation and proper sleep restoration to occur.

The simple yet highly effective practice of Bhramari has an all-round positive effect on both our Psychological and Physiological wellbeing. You can add this on to any existing meditative or breath practice routine. Or just practice it separately to enjoy its benefits as it’s highly portable, meaning you can do it anywhere.

Link to Main Article:
The Power in Yoga’s Approach to Upgraded Breathing

References

The Hathapradipika, chapter 2, verse 68 on bhramari. An original hathayoga Sanskrit text dated to approx. 1450 CE
Culotta, E., & Koshland Jr, D. (1992). NO News Is Good News. Science, 258(5090), 1862-1865.
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/258/5090/1862
Weitzberg, E., & Lundberg, J. O. (2002). Humming greatly increases nasal nitric oxide. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 166(2), 144-145. doi:10.1164/rccm.200202-138BC
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.200202-138BC

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