BDG feature: Finding Sanctuary: A Sensitive Soul’s Journey with Buddhism, Mindfulness, and Service

🔗 Read here: https://tinyurl.com/y5bth6ku

#Buddhism #Glasgow #LosAngeles #HongKung #HKU #Switzerland #BuddhistStudies #Happiness #SpiritualPractice #EngagedBuddhism

I finally sent out my newsletter yesterday: a bit of a treatise on the cultivation of spiritual practices. Necessarily, to be true to my experience, there was quite a bit of context that needed to be built. It is not a step by step guide, but rather an elucidation of the kind of mindfulness and considerations I believe we need to have when cultivating such practices.

Due to the depth of information in the post, an exerpt behooves me. I do recommend a read, though, if you're someone interested in this kind of work.

https://sigillosacro.com/cults-of-rebirth/

#Newsletter #Occult #Magick #Esoteric #Witchcraft #Spiritual #SpiritualPractice #Cult

In Zen, we don’t meditate to get answers—we meditate to break through thought.

This practice introduces the use of a critical phrase, such as “Who am I?” or “What is this?” These aren’t questions to solve—they’re tools to guide you beyond the thinking mind.

Stay with the question. Let it deepen. With focused attention, your mind may open into pure, unhindered awareness.

#Zen #Meditation #Koan #Mindfulness #SpiritualPractice #SelfInquiry #Awareness https://youtube.com/shorts/qh2_rkv6NtU

The koan “What is the mind?” invites us to look beyond language, beyond thought, and beyond opinion. It leads us back to the origin of perception—the awareness that exists before thinking begins.

Through meditation and stillness, Zen helps us clear away the noise and return to this source.

#Zen #Meditation #Mindfulness #Koan #SpiritualPractice #Awakening #Presence https://youtube.com/shorts/307uO43zbas

Why sitting meditation alone isn’t enough. Turning every action into meditation helps you move through life with presence and clarity. When your mind is clear, your thoughts are no longer driven by past regrets or future desires—they arise in harmony with the present moment. #Zen #Meditation #Mindfulness #MovingMeditation #DailyPractice #PresentMoment #Dharma #SpiritualPractice #SelfAwareness https://youtube.com/shorts/b1hAwEx6F58

Daily Mindfulness Beats Daily Fear

Tara from KeepComingBack.net talks about how her journaling, affirmations, and small spiritual practices reduce the power fear has over her. 💫 Learn more: www.FishingWithoutBait.com

#Mindfulness #SpiritualPractice #Journaling #Recovery #MentalHealthAwareness #FearlessLiving #Podcast #KeepComingBack #FishingWithoutBait

The Key to Meditation: Just 1 Minute a Day Can Change Everything. The most important part of improving at anything—especially meditation—is consistency. Even just one minute a day of focused practice can sharpen your mind and transform your life. #Meditation #Mindfulness #DailyPractice #Zen #MentalHealth #Consistency #SpiritualPractice #Focus https://youtube.com/shorts/XTYUu1B3-_k

Moving meditation is the practice of focusing so deeply on your actions that your movements become your mantra. #MovingMeditation #FlowState #Zen #Mindfulness #Meditation #ConsciousLiving #Focus #SpiritualPractice #InnerPeacet #DailyMeditation #Dharma #Awareness https://youtube.com/shorts/Y3wfgZmkOYI

Wine for the Allfather as Odin's Day approaches.
#pagan #paganism #norsepagan #spiritualpractice #odin #writer #writing #heathen #altar

The Way Out Is Within! Spiritual Awakening Radio

"To the one who meditates on Him, there comes a perfect peace, and all pain and sorrows depart. Meditate on Him, who contains this universe, whose Holy Name is the whisper on the lips of the entire creation." (Guru Arjan Dev)

@ YouTube:
https://youtu.be/0Pj2Ni9Y8OY

@ Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-out-is-within/id1477577384?i=1000697592106

@ Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/14t9h7Qug62wSi7ZnimqLY

#spirituality #spiritualpoetry #spiritualpractice #meditation #podcasts #SpiritualPodcasts #gnosticism

#ralphwaldoemerson #Wisdom #spiritualpractice #metacrisis

#ramdass #wisdom #spiritualpractice

The Altered State of Meditation According to Maharshi Mehi and Sant Tulsi Sahib (Light and Sound on The Path - Sant Mat Blog): https://SantMatRadhasoami.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-altered-state-of-meditation.html

#spirituality #meditation #alteredstates #consciousness #santmat #radhasoami #satsang #bhakti #sadhana #spiritualpractice

BDG news: ​​​​UN Observes Inaugural World Meditation Day on 21 December with Record-Breaking Online Event

Read here: https://tinyurl.com/55vkeez8

#buddhism #spirituality #spiritualpractice #wellbeing#india #unitednations #usa #newyork #nyc #worldmeditationday #ravishankar #bhikkhusanghasena

Can #entrepreneurship be a #spiritualpractice?

While starting a #company may not make you #spiritual, entrepreneurship shares elements akin to a spiritual practice.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91244074/can-entrepreneurship-be-a-spiritual-practice

The Gnostic Demiurge vs. The God of Love - Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcast @ YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sq1WY3xmc7o

@ Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gnostic-demiurge-vs-the-god-of-love/id1477577384?i=1000667004690

@ Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/13Af3Dg1RmWGbvxH01ytOX

& @ https://SpiritualAwakeningRadio.libsyn.com/the-demiurge-vs-the-god-of-love-kal-mat-vs-dayal-mat

#demiurge #AnuragSagar #Gnostic #Gnosticism #spiritualpractice #SpiritualAwakeningRadio #Spiritual #SpiritualAwakening #SpiritualGuidance #SpiritualAwakeningPodcast #spirituality #meditation #meditate #SpiritualityPodcast #SpiritualPodcast #God #Podcasts #SpiritualPath #SpiritualLife

Experiencing Prayer as a Profound Connection with the Divine

Introduction

In many religious traditions, prayer is often perceived as a means of making requests or interceding on behalf of others. Yet, a deeper understanding of prayer reveals it as a profound opportunity for communion with the Divine. This post explores how we can transform our approach to prayer from one of mere requests to a rich, personal connection with God, drawing from various spiritual traditions.

Exploring Contemplative Practices

Contemplative prayer, practiced in Christianity and other traditions, focuses on fostering an intimate connection with the Divine. In Christianity, contemplative prayer invites believers into a space of stillness and receptivity. For instance, the use of repetitive phrases like “Maranatha” helps to open one’s heart to God’s presence, moving beyond mere supplications to a deeper, more personal engagement.

Similarly, in Buddhism, practices such as Shikantaza, or “Just Sitting,” and Shamatha, or “Calm-Abiding,” cultivate mental clarity and a direct experience of the divine in the present moment. Shikantaza encourages a state of pure awareness, where one simply exists without distraction, while Shamatha develops stability and focus, paving the way for a deeper spiritual connection.

Jewish mystical traditions also contribute to this understanding. Practices like Bittul, the surrender of the ego, and Hitbonenut, profound contemplation, emphasize the experience of God’s presence through the negation of self and deep reflection.

Scriptural Insights on Personal Communion

Jesus’s own practices highlight the importance of personal communion with God. His retreat into the desert for 40 days and nights and His frequent solitary prayers illustrate a model for seeking direct connection with the Divine. Jesus’s teachings, such as in John 15:4-5, where He speaks of abiding in Him, suggest a deep, personal relationship with God. Similarly, Matthew 6:6 emphasizes private prayer as a means of engaging intimately with the Divine.

Jesus used parables to invite personal reflection and insight into God’s kingdom, and His statements about divine unity, like in John 14:20, suggest an intimate, experiential knowledge of God. These elements point to a mystical dimension of prayer, where personal experience and direct connection with the Divine are central.

Comparison of Intercessional Prayer and Direct Communion Prayer

Intercessional prayer and direct communion prayer serve distinct purposes in the spiritual journey, each offering unique approaches to connecting with the Divine.

Intercessional Prayer

Intercessional prayer focuses on making requests or petitions, often on behalf of others. This type of prayer involves asking God to intervene in specific situations, whether for healing, guidance, or support. It emphasizes the role of prayer as a means of advocating for one’s needs or the needs of others. In many Christian traditions, intercessional prayer is a vital aspect of communal worship and personal devotion, highlighting the belief in a God who responds to our requests and concerns. For example, praying for a friend’s recovery or for peace in the world exemplifies this approach.

Direct Communion Prayer

In contrast, direct communion prayer emphasizes a more intimate and experiential connection with the Divine. Rather than focusing on specific requests, this practice seeks to foster a deep, personal relationship with God through stillness, contemplation, and presence. Practices such as contemplative prayer, Shikantaza (Just Sitting), and Bittul aim to transcend the act of asking and enter a space of pure being and direct experience of God’s presence. This approach is less about seeking specific outcomes and more about experiencing a profound union with the Divine. The goal is to immerse oneself in the Divine presence, as seen in the practices of Christian mystics like St. John of the Cross and St. Francis of Assisi, who sought a direct, personal communion with God.

Historical Context and Institutional Influence

The Church’s role as an intermediary historically shaped the understanding and practice of prayer. The focus was often on external rituals and mediation, which influenced how individuals experienced and related to the Divine. This approach sometimes overshadowed the potential for personal, direct communion with God.

However, throughout history, Christian mystics and contemplatives have emphasized direct experience with the Divine. For example:

• St. John of the Cross explored the “dark night of the soul,” a profound spiritual purification leading to union with God beyond ordinary experiences.
• Teresa of Avila focused on deep, contemplative prayer and mystical experiences, offering insights into personal connection with the Divine.
• St. Francis of Assisi exemplified a life of profound spiritual simplicity and deep communion with God, expressed through his love for creation and his radical commitment to poverty. His life was a testament to the possibility of experiencing and embodying divine presence in everyday life.

These figures highlight a tradition of exploring direct and personal connections with the Divine, which contrasts with more institutionalized approaches that focus on intermediary roles and external forms.

Conclusion

Transforming our understanding of prayer from mere requests to a form of communion invites us to deepen our connection with the Divine. By embracing contemplative practices and exploring personal experiences of God, we can enrich our spiritual journey and cultivate a more profound and intimate relationship with the Divine. This journey into mystical prayer and contemplation underscores the value of seeking direct, personal experiences of the Divine, transcending conventional practices to embrace a deeper, more profound spirituality.

Reflective Questions

1. How do you currently experience prayer in your spiritual practice? Are there ways you could deepen this experience to foster a more personal connection with the Divine?
2. In what moments of solitude have you felt a profound sense of communion with God or the Divine? How can you cultivate more of these moments in your daily life?
3. How do the contemplative practices discussed resonate with your own spiritual journey? Are there specific practices or elements you feel drawn to explore further?
4. Reflect on a time when a mystical or contemplative experience significantly impacted your understanding of spirituality. What insights or transformations emerged from that experience?
5. How does the historical context of prayer and mysticism influence your current approach to prayer? Are there any historical figures or practices that inspire you to deepen your spiritual practice?

Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or any questions in the comments section below. I look forward to engaging with your reflections and exploring these ideas further together.

🙏🕊️🙏

https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/14/deepening-prayer-from-requests-to-communion-with-the-divine/

#ChristianMysticism #contemplation #contemplativePrayer #contemplativeSpirituality #directCommunion #Divine #DivinePresence #historicalContext #intercessionalPrayer #meditation #meditationPractices #Mysticism #personalConnection #prayer #prayerPractices #religiousTraditions #scripturalInsights #spiritualGrowth #spiritualJourney #SpiritualPractice #spirituality

Introduction:

Distractions are a common experience, whether during meditation or in the midst of daily activities. They often seem like obstacles, interrupting our focus and pulling us away from the present moment. However, what if these distractions could be transformed from obstacles into opportunities for deeper awareness?

Understanding Distractions as Pratyayas:

In Advaita Vedanta, the concept of pratyaya refers to objects of awareness—anything that arises in the field of consciousness. Distractions, in this context, are simply pratyayas that appear in the mind. Rather than viewing them as problems, we can understand them as natural occurrences in the landscape of the mind, much like clouds passing through the sky.

Integrating Self-Inquiry:

To deepen this understanding, we can integrate the practice of self-inquiry. When a distraction is noticed, instead of becoming frustrated or trying to push it away, we can gently ask, “Who or what is noticing this distraction?” This simple question shifts our focus from the distraction itself to the awareness that perceives it.

In this moment, awareness is present, and by shifting our attention from the distraction to the awareness, we create a space to explore the true nature of the self. This practice not only dissolves the power of the distraction but also redirects our focus to the essence of who we are—the awareness that is always present.

Shifting Perspective:

By adopting this approach, distractions are no longer seen as obstacles but as opportunities to deepen our practice. Each distraction becomes a doorway to self-inquiry, a reminder to return to the awareness that underlies all experiences. Instead of being caught up in the content of the distraction, we use it as a pointer back to the self—the true observer.

Practical Application in Meditation:

Here’s how you can apply this practice during meditation:

1. Notice the Distraction: When a distraction arises, acknowledge it without judgment. It is simply a pratyaya, an object in the field of awareness.
2. Ask the Question: Gently ask yourself, “Who is noticing this distraction?” Allow this question to shift your focus from the distraction to the awareness that perceives it.
3. Acknowledge and Shift: Recognize the distraction as a pratyaya and shift your attention to the awareness itself. This subtle shift can transform the experience, allowing you to rest in the awareness rather than being pulled by the distraction.
4. Return to the Practice: After acknowledging the awareness, gently return to the primary object of your meditation, such as the breath or mantra, with a renewed sense of presence.

The Liberating Effect of This Practice:

Integrating self-inquiry with the recognition of distractions can have a liberating effect on your meditation practice. It reduces the frustration that often accompanies distractions and transforms them into opportunities for deepening your understanding of the self. By practicing in this way, you cultivate a direct experience of the self as awareness, which transcends the fluctuations of the mind.

Conclusion:

Distractions, when approached with awareness and self-inquiry, become tools for spiritual growth rather than obstacles. This practice encourages a shift from identifying with the content of the mind to recognizing the ever-present awareness that observes it all. The next time a distraction arises, see it as an opportunity to explore the nature of awareness and deepen your connection with your true self.

🙏🕊️🙏

https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/transforming-distractions-from-obstacles-to-objects-of-awareness/

#AdvaitaVedanta #awareness #consciousness #distractions #FocusedMind #innerAwareness #meditation #mindTraining #Mindfulness #nonDuality #observerAwareness #overcomingDistractions #pratyaya #selfInquiry #SelfRealization #spiritualGrowth #SpiritualInsights #SpiritualPractice #transcendingMind #unityInDiversity

In the rapidly advancing world of technology, computers and artificial intelligence (AI) have become powerful tools that can perform a multitude of comple tasks. But at the heart of these sophisticated systems lies a simple, fundamental reality: atoms. Just as computers and AI are composed of atoms arranged and manipulated to produce diverse outcomes, so too does the concept of Upadhi in Advaita Vedanta explain how a singular reality (Atman or Brahman) manifests as the pluralistic world we perceive.

Atoms as Atman: The Fundamental Building Blocks

At the most basic level, everything in the physical universe is composed of atoms. These tiny, indivisible units combine in various ways to form all matter—from the simplest elements to the most complex structures. Similarly, in Advaita Vedanta, Atman is the fundamental reality that underlies all existence. Atman, or pure consciousness, is the singular essence from which the diversity of life and the universe arises.

Upadhis as Programs: Creating Complex Outcomes

In the realm of technology, the operations of a computer or an AI system depend on the manipulation of electrical signals and the execution of complex algorithms. These algorithms, or programs, direct the flow of electrons through circuits, creating different outputs—images, sounds, data processing, and more. This is analogous to how Upadhis (limiting adjuncts or conditions) shape the expression of Atman, giving rise to the diversity of forms and experiences in the world.

Just as a single computer can perform a vast array of tasks depending on the programs it runs, the singular reality of Atman can appear as the manifold world when filtered through different Upadhis. The differences we perceive—whether in computers as varied outputs or in life as distinct entities—are ultimately products of the underlying uniformity being expressed in diverse ways.

The Illusion of Plurality: Seeing Beyond the Surface

When we interact with technology, it’s easy to see only the surface-level outputs—text on a screen, music from a speaker, a car navigating the road autonomously—and forget that all these are fundamentally the same at the atomic level. Similarly, in life, we often perceive the world as filled with separate, distinct entities without realizing the underlying oneness of Atman.

The diversity and complexity we experience are like the different functions of a computer: they are real in their context, but they don’t change the fundamental nature of the atoms (or Atman) that make them possible. This is the essence of the illusion of plurality. It’s not that the diversity isn’t there—it’s that the diversity is an expression of something deeper and singular.

Application to Self-Inquiry and Advaita Vedanta

Understanding this metaphor can be deeply enriching for those on the path of self-inquiry and Advaita Vedanta. It highlights the idea that while the world appears to be filled with diversity and complexity, it is all a manifestation of the same underlying reality—Atman or Brahman.

• Self-Inquiry: Just as one might examine the workings of a computer to understand its fundamental nature, self-inquiry involves turning inward to examine the true nature of the self. By asking “Who am I?” or “What is the essence of my being?” we begin to see beyond the surface-level differences created by Upadhis and recognize the underlying oneness.
• Meditation: Meditation allows us to quiet the “programs” of the mind and perceive the unity behind the diversity. In this state, we can experience the stillness of Atman, undisturbed by the fluctuations of the sensory world.
• Seeing the Divine in Everything: Recognizing that all forms and experiences are expressions of the same underlying reality encourages us to see the Divine in everything. Whether it’s the complexity of AI or the simplicity of a single atom, all is an expression of Brahman.

Conclusion: Embracing the Oneness Behind the Diversity

The computer and AI metaphor provides a modern, relatable way to understand the ancient concept of Upadhi in Advaita Vedanta. It shows us how a single, undifferentiated reality can manifest as a vast array of forms and functions, all while remaining fundamentally the same. By recognizing this, we can begin to see through the illusion of plurality and appreciate the underlying oneness of all existence.

This understanding not only enriches our spiritual practice but also deepens our appreciation of the world around us. Whether we are contemplating the nature of consciousness or simply observing the outputs of a computer, we are reminded that everything is an expression of the same fundamental essence. In this realization, we find both peace and profound connection to the infinite reality that is Brahman.

🙏🕊️🙏

https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/the-computer-and-ai-metaphor-understanding-plurality-through-the-lens-of-atoms-and-atman/

#AdvaitaVedanta #AIAndSpirituality #Atman #Brahman #consciousness #divineInEverything #illusionOfPlurality #innerAwareness #meditation #modernMetaphors #nonDuality #oneness #selfInquiry #SpiritualAwakening #SpiritualInsights #spiritualMetaphors #SpiritualPractice #technologyAndSpirituality #unityInDiversity #Upadhi

Developing ekagrata, or one-pointed concentration, is an essential skill in meditation that enhances mental focus and facilitates deeper states of awareness. Here are some steps and techniques to cultivate ekagrata:

1. Choose a Focus Point:

• Select an object of focus, such as the breath, a mantra, a candle flame, or an image. This will be your pratyaya, the object to anchor your attention.

1. Create a Quiet Environment:

• Find a peaceful, distraction-free space for your practice. Minimizing external noise helps reduce mental distractions.

1. Set a Regular Practice Time:

• Consistency is key. Establish a regular meditation routine, even if it’s just a few minutes each day, to build concentration over time.

1. Mindful Breathing:

• Focus on your breath, noticing each inhalation and exhalation. Allow your mind to become absorbed in the rhythm of breathing, gently bringing it back whenever it wanders.

1. Use of a Mantra:

• Repeating a mantra silently or aloud can help concentrate the mind. Choose a mantra that resonates with you and repeat it rhythmically to maintain focus.

1. Visual Focus:

• Concentrating on a visual object, like a candle flame or a mandala, can help fix your attention. Keep your gaze steady and let your mind become absorbed in the image.

1. Progressive Relaxation:

• Begin your practice with a few minutes of progressive muscle relaxation to calm the body and mind, making it easier to focus.

1. Mindful Observation:

• As thoughts arise, observe them without attachment or judgment. Imagine them as clouds passing by, gently returning your focus to the chosen point.

1. Increase Duration Gradually:

• Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as your concentration improves. This helps build mental stamina without overwhelming the mind.

1. Be Patient and Compassionate:
   • Developing ekagrata is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and maintain a compassionate attitude towards any difficulties or distractions you encounter.

By consistently practicing these techniques, you can enhance your ability to achieve ekagrata, leading to deeper meditation and greater mental clarity.

Below is the original source video of the lecture with Swami Parvajika Devyanandaprana, from which these blog posts were inspired. Here you can explore the insightful teachings that have profoundly shaped the content and perspectives shared in this blog.

🙏🕊️🙏

https://youtu.be/tEK6wIanmgY?si=YUnu_NavrgGAWwRg

https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/08/developing-ekagrata-or-one-pointed-concentration-an-essential-skill-in-meditation/

#CandleMeditation #ConcentrationDevelopment #DailyMeditationRoutine #DeepMeditation #Ekagrata #EnhancingFocus #FocusTechniques #MantraMeditation #MeditationGuide #MeditationPractice #meditationTechniques #MeditationTips #mentalClarity #MindfulBreathing #Mindfulness #OnePointedConcentration #ProgressiveRelaxation #RichardSilverman #SpiritualPractice #VisualFocusMeditation