Enlightenment Journal - Spring 2013 by stevehweb

Spiritually Conscious Living in an Awakened World

A Meditation Center in the Kriya Yoga Tradition Center for Spiritual Enlightenment worship

Welcoming all who are seeking Self- and God-realization—a path to spiritually conscious, fulfilled living in the world.

SPRING 2013

Enlightenment

JOURNAL

• Interfaith Worship • Meditation Instruction • Kriya Yoga Teachings and Initiation • Hatha Yoga Classes meditation

• Meru Seminary • Welcome Center and Bookshop • Youth Spiritual Education • Weddings, Blessings, Memorials • Retreats

hatha yoga

• Outdoor Labyrinth, Walking Meditation Path and Gardens

Grief as Love's Doorkeeper Mantra Meditation

study

Inside the Soul: The Battle We Must Fight Every Day and the Key to Victory

Ayurveda:

What's your mind/body constitution? fellowship

Awaken to the One Truth known by many names 1146 University Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 • www.CSEcenter.org • phone (408) 283-0221

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT

Go Straight to the Goal: Spiritual Practice, Realization, and Awakened Living

The Way of Self- and God-Realization Teachings & Practices for Spiritual Fulfillment Everything in the future will improve if you are making a spiritual effort now. —Sri Yukteswar

with Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian Six Tuesday Evenings, April 2 – May 7 7–9 pm

You are the master of the moments of your life. —Paramahansa Yogananda

purposeful, prosperous, and joyful life is the natural expression of spiritual realization. The goal of life and the way to it are inseparable. This course is a six-week immersion in the way of awakened living, drawn from the teachings and practices of Kriya Yoga. Suitable for either beginners or longtime practitioners—it is open to all who are ready to discover their divine potential and live it fully. • Meditate effectively • Establish healthy habits to nurture your well-being • Experience the dynamic balance of ease and intentionality that is the key to success Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian is the Spiritual Director of Center for Spiritual Enlightenment. She was ordained to teach in 1982 by her guru, Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. This course is offered on a donation basis. To register for either the onsite course at CSE Headquarters in San Jose, CA, or to participate online, go to www.CSEcenter.org. There is a $25 registration fee for online participation.

The Path of Kriya Yoga

with Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian

Five Consecutive Evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17

There is divine potential in the heart of every person that awaits our recognition and cooperation. Once we discover this innate potential, what was once a deep yearning becomes the dynamic cause that inspires us to live in the highest way. We can all know why we are here, how to fulfill our divine destiny and experience lasting happiness. This week-long experience of the step-by-step methods of Kriya Yoga for superconscious meditation, healthy living, and Self-realization provides a focused environment for spiritual awakening. The essential teachings of the science of Self- and God-Realization will be offered as well as Kriya Yoga Initiation with Yogacharya O’Brian for prepared students and those previously initiated into Kriya Yoga.

The Wisdom of the Yoga Sutras

with Rev. Sundari Jensen Friday, May 3 , 7– 8:30 pm and Saturday, May 4, 10 am–4 pm (vegetarian lunch provided) Learn spiritual practices to cultivate even‐mindedness, contentment, wisdom and compassion through the study of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the quintessential guidebook for spiritual practice in the Kriya Yoga tradition.

The Way of Discipleship

with Rev. Sylvia Karuna Lunt Two Tuesday Evenings, 7–8:30 pm • May 28 and June 4 This class is an exploration of the universal nature of discipleship and an introduction to its role for a student of Kriya Yoga philosophy and practice. These courses are each offered on a donation basis. To register for either the onsite courses at CSE Headquarters in San Jose, CA, or to participate online, go to www.CSEcenter.org. There is a $25 registration fee for each online program.

FROM THE EDITOR'S CUSHION Everyday, enlightenment.

Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it. —Rabindranath Tagore

The ability to move harmoniously and gracefully from one season into

the next requires us to pay attention to nature—both the external environment and our own body and mind. So much welcome energy arrives with spring—as if to rouse us all from the cave of winter. Life force, or prana, begins to stir. The crocus and her friend the hyacinth make early shows in the garden. Many of us feel the pull to spend a little more time outdoors as the daylight hours begin to lengthen. It’s as if nature herself is sending us invitations to her spring dance: Stretch. Move. Bloom. For us to align with the abundant energy of spring generally requires a little housecleaning, both externally and internally. It’s time to lighten up the diet by moving toward more fresh fruits and vegetables. This would be a good time to sign up for your local Community Supported Agriculture project if you haven’t already done that. Read about the experience of investing in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share in our Healthy Living section. For purifying the mind—quieting our thoughts and deepening our meditation practice— mantra is an easy and immediately satisfying practice. Roy Eugene Davis offers basic instruction in his article on mantra. You can begin practicing today. Before the bloom, the beautiful flower and fragrance that we appreciate, an opening must occur. Every bloom requires letting go. We all know this. And yet, it is human nature to focus on the bloom and forget about the transformation that preceded it. When a mother holds her newborn baby in her arms, the pain of the birth process moves off center stage. As the child grows, there will be many occasions of joy and pain, transforming, growing, celebrating, and letting go. Yoga philosophy advises us to see the connection between pleasure and pain by understanding wholeness—the ground of being, our spiritual nature—that is beyond both. When we remember the unchanging divine essence that we are, we can welcome both the blossom and the breaking open that is part of it. Letting go is necessary to expand our capacity to receive. I have named grief love’s doorkeeper to remind me. Keeping the door open, Ellen Grace O'Brian, Editor

EnlightenmentJournal@CSEcenter.org

Enlightenment Journal

Spiritually Conscious Living in an Awakened World

Enlightenment SPRING JOURNAL 2013

PRACTICE 12 Introduction to Ayurveda

Discover your body/mind constitution

18 Healthy Living: Stay in Touch with

FEATURES 04 Grief as Love’s Doorkeeper How to let go and live more fully

Ellen Grace O’Brian

08 08 Mantra Meditation An easy technique to use

the Earth Recipe: Kale salad with fennel, radicchio, and asian pear

28 Lighting the Path for Children:

The Essential Self Project: How to create a pop-up book demonstrating the Self

Roy Eugene Davis

INSPIRATION

14 Inside the Soul: The battle we must fight every day and the key to victory

20 On the Path: Questions & Answers

A conversation with Michael Nagler

23 Living Kriya Yoga

The path of Self- and God-realization for seekers today

32 Poetry: One Heart Grace

I am the Self, Arjuna, Abiding in the heart of all beings… I am the radiant sun; Among the heavenly bodies I am the moon… And of the seasons, I am the spring abounding with flowers. —Bhagavad Gita

Zoketsu Norman Fischer

AT THE CENTER 11 Meditation Retreats with Yogacharya O’Brian

24 The Yoga Hour 30 CSE Press

Spiritually Conscious Living in an Awakened World

Spring 2013 Published quarterly by: Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (CSE) 1146 University Avenue San José, CA 95126 Annual subscription rate: $20 US, $25 all other countries To Subscribe Write: CSE, Attn: Enlightenment Journal at the above address Call: (408) 283-0221 FAX: (408) 283-1722 Email: EnlightenmentJournal@CSEcenter.org

For more information about CSE: www.CSEcenter.org or use above contact information Enlightenment Journal is published by CSE to provide teachings, inspiration and practical support for seekers of Self- and God-realization. Our motto: “Everyday, enlightenment,” affirms the certain destiny of all people to realize their essential nature, express their innate potential, and live joyously in freedom. Founder & Editor Ellen Grace O'Brian Editorial Staff Sundari Jensen Parthenia Hicks Beverly Kam Elena Kanti Fritchle Chandra Jyoti Swan Tina Rama Margason Nancy Wilson-Gardner Art and Design Staff Clarice Hirata, Tom Pipinou, Nalini Shenefelt, Ron Lindahn Marcella Shanti Macartney

he Bhagavad Gita’s story of the warrior-soul, Arjuna, and the divine Friend, Krishna, begins with Arjuna’s confusion, grief and despair and ends with his clarity and joy. Their dialog begins, and concludes eighteen chapters later, with the same advice: do not grieve. How are we to understand this? What could possibly bring that kind of even-mindedness? What is it that transforms Arjuna’s despair to joy, confusion to clarity, and doubt to faith? Krishna, as the higher true Self, directs Arjuna, the seeking soul, to recognize the spiritual truth about life:

Grief as Love’s Doorkeeper: How to Let Go and Live More Fully Ellen Grace O’Brian Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form. —Rumi

Invisible before birth are all beings and after death invisible again. They are seen between two unseens. Why in this truth find sorrow? The Spirit that is in all beings is immortal: for the death of what cannot die, cease to grieve. (Gita: 2.28 & 2.30)

When we really look at grief, it becomes clear why the Gita, a sacred text that is a manual for how to live a spiritually conscious life, would emphasize it so. Grief pervades our lives. It attends every party we ever give, and in every heart’s pleasure, grief ’s pulse also beats. Grief starts the moment we leave the womb, continues as we are weaned from the mother’s breast, lose our favorite toy, and are introduced to the word, “No.” From the time we enter this world—from our first lessons as a baby to the final departure from the body—we are all being schooled in the art of letting go. All of life’s experiences are about letting go. And so it should be. Releasing our illusionary grip of control on people and circumstances is necessary to expand into the true Self, the infinite, higher reality. Letting go helps us to realize that the things in life can only give that which they are and nothing more. That which is temporary, changing and impermanent in nature—relationships, circumstances, and things—ultimately must leave us, or we must leave them. If we are not conscious of this, we will grieve deeply. However, grief, when encountered, embraced, and released consciously, is a doorway to Love, to the experience of the all-pervading presence of the one Reality.

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To live wisely, to live with love, to live in Love, in the conscious awareness of our innate wholeness, we must understand grief and know how to stay spiritually centered when it arrives. The instruction “do not grieve” does not mean, never feel grief, but rather, do not allow yourself to be carried away by grief, losing touch with the greater truth of life. It is possible to experience grief, yet not be overwhelmed by it. How do we keep our hearts open and not close down to life when it gets difficult? How do we keep our balance in times of loss and gain, joy and sorrow? Here are four ways to keep our hearts open in the face of grief: 1. Remember who you are. Use the power of discernment to see what this life is. Observe what arises and passes away, and what remains constant through it all. Recognize that conditions are ever-changing, but they occur, or arise, on the ground of being—pure existence, which is unchanging. We are that eternal Spirit which is ever whole and complete. Nothing can be taken from Spirit or added to it. 2. Turn your attention to the Inner Light, the divine presence within you, which is your true Self. Focus on that. Krishna’s last instruction to Arjuna is: Fix your mind on Me; be devoted to Me, bow down before Me. You shall attain Me, this I promise you, for you are dear to Me… come to Me alone for shelter. Do not grieve, for I shall free you from all errors. Instead of focusing on sorrow, and turning it over and over in our minds, we can put our attention on Truth or God, however we think of God. Turning our attention within may not remove the sorrow, but it can help us find our way through it and remain open to divine grace. 3. Bless what comes and bless what goes. When we see the larger true Life, we come to understand that all of our life’s experiences are ultimately about letting go. Letting go allows us to expand into the fullness of our spiritual nature, and can support greater love and awareness.

4. Choose to live skillfully. Choose to live with love and wisdom. This is the crux of it. Grief is an experience in life, a momentary experience. What we are is greater than any experience or circumstance. When we live intentionally, focused on our unchanging spiritual nature, we find the strength to bring the light of wisdom and the power of love into any situation, no matter how difficult. And when we do, we see that there is another way for us to live, a way of freedom that allows us to keep our hearts open. We can experience whatever comes and know that it will leave us, but also know that the Truth of our being will always remain. Love will always remain. Grief is Love’s doorkeeper. Tip your hat to it as you walk through the door on your way to greater Love. Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian is the Spiritual Director of CSE.

Open the Door to Your Soul Temple— Greet Your Divine Life with Rejoicing! Sunday Lesson Series with Yogacharya O’Brian Sundays at 9 or 11 am February 17 through April 28 Within the temple of the soul reside the wisdom, power, and divine life of happiness and freedom that we yearn for. We ourselves hold the keys. Find the door, use your key, and rejoice. Rejoice again and again. Subscribe now to receive a weekly CD of these lessons during this nine lesson series. Use the order form on page 31 or visit www.CSEcenter.org. Subscription rate for 9 CDs is $72, which includes weekly delivery (California residents add 8.625% sales tax).

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

Mantra Meditation Roy Eugene Davis

Words are symbols used to convey the reality and meaning of that which they define. By conscious, devotional utterance, intonation, and chanting of a sacred word [mantra] a divine vibration is awakened within our being. —Lahiri Mahasaya

ne of the easiest meditation techniques to use, which is suitable for anyone, is mantra. This Sanskrit word is derived from manas, thinking principle, and tra, that which protects the mind and takes awareness beyond it. A meditation mantra is a sound which serves as an attractive focus of attention during preliminary stages of meditation practice. It may be a meaningless word, a word which has a meaning which may be contemplated as the sound is listened to, or a sound which arises within one's field of awareness. The usefulness of mantra contemplation is that the meditator's attention becomes so involved with it that awareness of physical and mental activities is replaced by awareness of the mantra; thus solving the major problem that many meditators encounter—that of preoccupation with feelings and thought processes. For the purpose of experiencing relaxation and favorable psychological states, one may use any pleasant word or word-phrase as the meditation mantra. This can be self-chosen or it may be recommended by one's spiritual mentor or a qualified meditation teacher. One should feel comfortable with the mantra if its use during meditation practice is to be satisfying. Words commonly used as meditation mantras include God, peace, joy, light, love, Om, and others that have meaning to the meditator or which serve the purpose of practice. Word-phrases may be used, so long as it is understood that they are not to be considered as affirmations for conditioning the mind, but are merely statements of ideal states of awareness to

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

be consciously unfolded and actualized. Word phrases may be, "I am one with God," "I am peace," “love," “light" (or any other quality or attribute of higher significance). The thing to remember is that the meditation mantra is attractive to the mind and so involves the meditator's attention that adjustments to clear states of consciousness can be more easily facilitated. Sanskrit mantras are believed to have the added, beneficial influences of the energy-frequencies of their sounds which have a calming effect on the mind and enliven the nervous system. Common Sanskrit mantras are hong-sau (pronounced as "hong-saw"), so-ham, and others. These are best learned from a qualified meditation teacher, to learn the sounds of the words and how to use them as mantras. When given during initiation into meditation practice, mantras can also be infused with the qualities of the spiritual energies which are present during the occasion of initiation. All Sanskrit mantras derive their potency from the Word (Aum, Om), the primal sound current from which the universes are manifested. When meditating with such mantras, one is encouraged to remember the source of all expressive sounds—the Word or Om that originates in the field of the Godhead. One can then merge in the mantra and go beyond it to transcendental realizations. Listening to the mantra calms the mind and improves concentration. For best results, the ideal is to eventually transcend the mantra, for it, too, is but a technique or tool to be used to facilitate meditation practice. When a mantra is used, it is introduced into one's field of awareness, usually as a mental sound. It may be mentally affirmed at the beginning, then mentally "listened to" as though resonating within one's mind and field of awareness. The key to mantra practice is to give full attention to the inner sound, while remaining relaxed and attentive. Mantras are sometimes mentally listened to in conjunction with being aware of the body's breathing rhythm. When this is done, it is usually experienced during the early stages of meditation practice, until one is sufficiently relaxed and internalized to ignore the breath and give full attention to the mantra and to possibilities of experiencing superconscious states. Variations of meditation technique practices can be learned from a teacher or by personal experimentation. Meditators whose primary interest is to experience relaxation and mental calm usually practice until they experience a stable, tranquil state of consciousness, then rest in it for a duration. Meditators whose aspiration

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2013 Meditation Retreats is higher, will consider this stage as but the starting point for deeper contemplation leading to more profound superconscious unfoldments and insights. Therefore, contemplative meditation is suitable for anyone, regardless of the need or desire for life-enhancement or for more satisfying spiritual growth. Its faithful practice will take one as deep into knowledge and experience of life as aspiration impels. Excerpted with permission from A Master Guide to Meditation, available from CSA Press. Roy Eugene Davis is a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and the Spiritual Director of the Center for Spiritual Awareness, www.csa-davis.org.

with Yogacharya O’Brian

In the Silence of the Soul 4-Day Silent Meditation Retreat

Turn your attention within. You will experience new inner strength and peace. All limitations will vanish. —Paramahansa Yogananda

Center for Spiritual Awareness Offices and Retreat Center Lakemont, Georgia (706) 782-4723 • www.csa-davis.org Visit this informative web site, viewed by truth seekers in more than 141 countries and regions of the world: Free Color Video and Audio Talks by Roy Eugene Davis Books, DVDs, and CDs Online Meditation Retreat and Seminar Schedules Recent Issues of Truth Journal (read or download free) Home Page, Books, and Articles in Eight Languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Turkish, Romanian, Hindi Weekly Guidelines to Inspired Living News and Photos

Vajrapani Retreat Center, Santa Cruz Mountains Thursday Evening, June 6 through Sunday Afternoon, June 9

xperience periods of silent sitting group meditation as well as solitary walking meditation in nature. Daily spiritual teachings on superconscious meditation and balanced living will be offered as well as study sessions and devotional chanting. Prior meditation practice is recommended. Retreat Accommodations: $325/dorm, $375/semi-private or $500/private Preregistration and advance accommodation fee payment is required. Program is offered on donation basis.

A Meditation and Yoga Retreat for Women CSE World Headquarters with Yogacharya O’Brian, Sally Kempton, and Acharya Shunya Pratichi Mathur July 24-27, 2013 Discover your innate spiritual fullness, the source of delight within you that can bring light to your eyes, joy to your step, and love to your life.

Summer Meditation Retreat

with Roy Eugene Davis and Yogacharya O’Brian Center for Spiritual Awareness in Lakemont, Georgia August 12-16, 2013 Contact CSA to register: 1.706.782.4723 10

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

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Introduction to Ayurveda:

Body/Mind Constitution & Functions of the Doshas by Cynthia Ambika Copple

"Awareness is the healer. When we listen to our body, we remove the obstacles and allow our natural intelligence to restore us to our natural balance."

yurveda, the original holistic system of health and rejuvenation, originated 10,000 years ago in the ancient Sanskrit Vedas of India, and is still practiced there today. It has been traditionally used to promote wellness and restore health, and especially to increase energy; improve digestion and elimination; take charge of one’s life and health; detoxify and cleanse; and rejuvenate the immune system. The body heals itself. The Ayurvedic system works to correct the underlying imbalances that block the body's own natural healing processes. Ayurveda teaches how disease develops through an imbalance in the many forces constantly at play internally (thoughts, feelings, emotions) and externally (the changing environment, diet, weather, seasons, stresses). The dynamic equilibrium of these forces in an individual is his or her unique constitution, and illness is seen as any variance from the individual's constitutional balance. The following information is an introduction to the Ayurvedic system of identifying three primary doshas or elements—vata, pitta, and kapha—that make up an individual’s body-mind constitution.

Vata: In the body/mind, Vata is the force behind all movement, oxygenation, catabolism, the movement and change that result from the breakdown of matter into energy. The seat of Vata is the colon; it's responsible for the action of the nervous system. If your primary nature is Vata, you have a lean and thin body structure, like to move and be active, like change, are creative, talkative, spontaneous and tend to irregular eating and sleeping habits. When out of balance, you may experience constipation, spacieness, aches and pains, fear and anxiety. Imbalances associated with Vata primarily are arthritis, brittle bones, asthma, gas, pain, accidents, and Alzheimer's. Pitta: Pitta is the force behind all transformative processes, including metabolism, and digestion. Heat, energy, acidity are the byproduct of Pitta processes. If your primary nature is Pitta, you have a sharp intelligence, strong will-power, have strong “gut feelings,” and sharp hunger. You are a good organizer, and may have issues of control. When Pitta is out of balance, you may experience a tendency to anger and irritability, have a tendency to have acid indigestion or loose bowels. Imbalances associated with Pitta primarily are skin, heart, blood, liver problems, and acid indigestion. Kapha: Kapha is the force behind the process of liquefaction and solidification; all secretions and form are the byproduct of Kapha processes. It is anabolic, storing energy in matter.

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

If your primary nature is Kapha, you have a strong, sturdy physical structure, are slower to move and talk, have good long-term memory but may be slow to learn. You like regularity, can miss meals without losing energy, eat less, don't like to exercise or change, accumulate (weight, wealth), are fertile, and compassionate. When Kapha is out of balance, you may experience a tendency toward attachment, or depression. Imbalances associated with Kapha are: obesity, depression, tumors, cysts, asthma, and diabetes. (There are V, P and K types of most diseases, including diabetes; all three doshas are usually out of balance during diseases). Quick Constitution (Prakriti) Checklist The primary use of this information is to reveal what preventive diet, lifestyle, and herbs you should use to stay healthy. The column with the highest number will usually reveal your primary dosha; the next lowest number is your secondary dosha. Some people may be tri-doshic (have an equal count from all three columns). For each category in each row, put an X in the column to the left of the quality you feel describes you most. Put a mark next to the column that describes you best as you are (or were) when feeling most healthy (your nature) not when you are ill (unbalanced). You may choose one or two in each row; if you choose three, don't mark it at all and go on to the next row. Attribute Body Type

Kapha

Pita

Vata

”x“ Quality

Sturdy, solid, muscular may put on weight.

Moderate, soft, slight belly. Weight tends to be the same.

Slim, wiry, moves a lot, very tall or very short.

Appetite

Low, slight.

Strong hunger.

Up & down.

Digestion

Slow. Eats less.

Fast. Eats a lot.

Variable.

Sleep

Long, over 8 hours.

Moderate, 7-8 hours, sound.

Less, 6 or less hours.

Evacuation

Regular, sluggish, may have tendency towards constipation.

With ease, 1-2 times a day, may have tendency towards diarrhea, light color feces.

Irregular, may have constipation, hard, dark feces.

Energy

Slow, steady.

High, passionate, may burn out.

Irregular

Work Habits

Likes regularity, slow and complete, may procrastinate, good long term memory.

Likes to organize, managerial, ambitious, strong "gut reactions," fast comprehension, likes learning.

Creative, likes variety & change, lots of ideas, good short term memory.

Emotions

Compassionate, may tend to attachment.

Passionate, may tend to anger, resentment.

Uplifting, may tend to worry, anxiety.

Add up your total count from each column. Column Totals: _____ Total _____ Total _____ Total Cynthia Ambika Copple, Ayurvedic Consultant in Santa Cruz, California since 1982, is Director of Lotus Holistic Health Institute and President of Lotus Herbs. www.LotusAyurveda.com

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We begin by mastering the senses. That is, not to let it push us into activity but to experience its impulses. Krishna never says they shouldn’t be there. He says experience them, but do not yield to them. He uses a beautiful image in the previous chapter: just like rivers that flow into the ocean but they don’t make the ocean overflow. Desires flow into our mind, but in the case of a wise person, but they do not overwhelm that person. She or he has the capacity still to decide. OK—do I still do this thing? Is it for the good of all? Is this going to make me more aware of the beings around me? Or is this only going to harden my selfish, self-enclosed frame of reference and separate me from others? Then we can act accordingly.

Inside the Soul:

The Battle We Must Fight Every Day and the Key to Victory A Conversation with Michael Nagler

his Yoga Hour conversation between Yogacharya O’Brian and Michael Nagler explores the dynamics of the inner battle to fully express our divine nature, skillfully portrayed in the Bhagavad Gita. Yogacharya O’Brian: The battle portrayed in the Bhagavad Gita is a universal one, the struggle of every person to live consciously, or as Paramahansa Yogananda put it: To live by the promptings of the soul and not simply from habits and patterns in the mind. What does the Bhagavad Gita tell us about this? Michael Nagler: Many passages in the Gita are inaugurated by a poignant question by Arjuna. Among those, I think this is the most poignant, where Arjuna says: “Why do I do things that I do not want to do? That I know are wrong; it is as if I were in the grip of some kind of power. Krishna, what is that power?” Krishna immediately says it is selfish desire (kama), it is anger (krodha) and both of these arise from the guna of rajas. Krishna goes on to explain this guna of rajas—this tendency of restless, aggressive action—resides in us in our senses, our mind, and our intellect. It is in that arena that we have a chance of overmastering that power.

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

Similarly with the mind and the intellect, these impulses are coming at us all the time but we can develop what the Gita calls vijnana or the capacity of discriminative discernment which allows us to tell “Oh oh, this one is coming from the ego. That one is coming from my higher Self. I am going to say no to the first one and yes to the second one”. This discernment process goes on constantly as much as we want it to. Yogacharya O’Brian: I was thinking about the image of the chariot representing the various components of the body/mind—the chariot, horses, reins and the driver seated in it. The horses represent the senses. We don’t want to let the horses be in charge of where we are going! But without discrimination and the control of the purified intellect, the horses will just take off. Michael Nagler: The Upanishads describe the mind as the reins. We were given a mind to control the impulses of the senses—not to yield to them, not to make them seem delightful, not to fool us or to make us permanently happy. Once we get the mind free from spontaneous, random thoughts and associations, we can use it to control those impulses and keep our life on the right track. Yogacharya O’Brian: How do we keep our life on the right track? We began our conversation with Arjuna’s question: “By what influence is a person compelled to commit error as if by a force that is contrary to personal will?” It reminded me of a poem of Rumi’s translated by Coleman Barks. Who makes these changes? I shoot an arrow right It lands left… I dig pits to trap others and fall in…

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We might think we are moving in one direction but find that the results are not what we were looking for. The Gita tells us that all action has consequences and that it is not possible to refrain from action. We must act. What practical wisdom does the Gita have for us about how to act? Michael Nagler: How can we carry out what is called a karma act without accumulating karma, without the spiritual residue that haunts us? We tend to approach this by thinking: What actions should I do and what actions should I avoid? The Gita says it is more subtle than that. Even if you do the action that is ordained for you to do, that matches your strengths and weaknesses that the world needs, if you think that you are doing it, you are entrapped in illusion. That is going to stain you, taint your consciousness. Yogacharya O’Brian: Because of the fundamental error in perspective—thinking that there is a separate self to be the doer. Michael Nagler: The Buddha will go so far as to say, there is no separate self, it is an illusion. In practical terms I cannot disabuse myself of that illusion. I still think that I exist after all these years. But what I can do is detach myself from the fruits of the action so I no longer allow myself to be driven by the results. I recognize the act is being done through me by a force to the extent that I keep my selfish desires out of the picture. Not being attached to the fruits does not mean we don’t pay attention to the results. It means we don’t try to personally benefit from that. If I were a doctor and someone who is ill comes in to my office and I help that person, I am allowed to notice that the treatment worked, feed that in, so that I will be a better doctor next time. I am even allowed to be happy that the person is better and that I played some role in it. I can pay attention to the fulfillment that I feel from that but I am not going to do that in order to get money or to get my colleagues to think I am terrific or any kind of personal benefit that doesn’t affect others but only benefits me.

Yogacharya O’Brian: The Gita doesn’t say that we shouldn’t have goals or work with intention, but we need to understand that the outcome does not belong to us. It is not for our self-gratification. Michael Nagler: That is the three-fold, simple—not easy—but simple secret. Do the right thing. Do it nonviolently. Then step out of the picture. As Thomas Merton once said: “We are not required to accomplish anything; we are required to do something that God can make something out of.” Yogacharya O’Brian: The Gita has quite a bit to say about doing our work as worship, doing it as an offering so it becomes a path to divine remembrance, not for self, but for the One. Michael Nagler: The possibility of restoration—complete happiness—is within every one of us. It is within our grasp as long as we can get over this delusion that we need to fill ourselves with something outside of us and calm our minds down so we can detect the source of joy and wisdom within us. Every single one of us can have the greatest joy and the greatest success in life. Michael Nagler is the founder and president of the board of the Metta Center for Nonviolence Education. He is the author of The Search for a Nonviolent Future, as well as other books on peace and spirituality including The Upanishads (with his spiritual teacher Sri Eknath Easwaran). www.mettacenter.org

To hear the entire conversation, www.unity.fm/program/theYogaHour

Yogacharya O’Brian: You are describing karma yoga, the selfless yoga. Michael Nagler: The secret about karma yoga you can boil down to three things: To pick the right act; to do it with the right means which almost inevitably means nonviolence; and then to not be attached to the personal fruits of the action.

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

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HEALTHY LIVING

Stay in Touch wit h t he Eart h Team up with your organic local farmers for healthy food and a healthy planet

piritually conscious living includes every aspect of our lives—relationship with self, others, and the planet. The simple, but profound, definition of yoga as “oneness” means that we are awake to the wholeness of life and our connection to it all. Food is a living key to recognize the interconnectedness of life. Yoga teaches that the covering of the soul that makes up the physical body—called the annamaya-kosha in Sanskrit—is literally food. Without food, the physical body perishes. The food sheath not only makes up each individual body, it is shared with all of life.

An easy, adventuresome, and delightful way to enhance our connection to a healthy body and a healthy planet is now available in many communities through investing in a Community Supported Agriculture program. A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is a partnership between the farmer and the community. The benefit for the community member is that they know where their food is grown, who is growing it, and how it is grown. The benefit for the farmer is that they are able to raise needed income at the beginning of the season for all the

startup costs for the coming year and a greater connection to the people who eat what they grow. Another benefit to becoming a CSA shareholder is that the money you spend stays in your local economy. Shareholders receive a box of produce each week for the duration of the season. The cost for a share is determined by the size—whether you are purchasing food for an individual or a family. Every week the box is filled with fresh, seasonal, and organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers grown in your own area. The adventure comes in when you receive your box and see what the farmers and the earth have provided. How will you prepare that kale? Many CSA farms also produce a newsletter and even help with the recipes. The kale recipe shown here and the information about CSAs was harvested (with permission) from the website of Route One Farms, a Santa Cruz area farm that offers a CSA program. (www.route1farms. com) You can find out more about CSAs at www.localharvest.org.

Kale Salad with Fennel, Radicchio, and Asian Pear Prep Time: 10 minutes Serves 4 1 bunch Dino kale, washed, dried & de-ribbed 1 clove garlic, very finely chopped 3 T. extra-virgin olive oil 1 T. lemon juice 4 leaves radicchio 1 Asian pear (or an apple) 1 small bulb fennel Salt and pepper to taste Cut the kale in ¼ inch thin strips and place in a large bowl with the garlic. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil and lemon juice and shake until emulsified. This is your dressing. Pour the dressing on the kale and garlic mixture and use your hands to “massage” the dressing into the kale, distributing it evenly. Set aside to marinate while you chop the remaining ingredients. Cut the radicchio into short strips about ¼ inch thick. Add to the kale mixture without stirring. Core, halve, then quarter the Asian pear and cut it into very thin slices that are still crunchy, about 1/8 inch thick. Add it to the kale mixture without stirring. Remove the fronds from the fennel and slice the bulb in half. Cut a triangle shape in each half to remove as much of the tougher core as possible. Slice the fennel about 1/8 inch thick and add it to the bowl. Toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! From www.route1farms.com—Adapted from autumnmakesanddoes.com, 12/12.

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

On the Path: Questions & Answers

Questions are submitted by participants during spiritual practice classes with Yogacharya O'Brian. It seems to me that as the awareness of my essential Self grows stronger, so does the ego. The more I engage in spiritual practice, the more I am self-critical and aware of my ego-drives. How can I get free of this? As our awareness is clarified and we are more capable of, and interested in, observing our states of mind and consciousness, we can initially be more aware of our shortcomings. In the past we might not have noticed, or cared too much about thoughts, speech, and behavior that were out of alignment with our highest goals. When we take up a spiritual practice, we bring greater attention to that. Whatever we focus our attention on is strengthened. This maxim gives us the solution to this dilemma. Instead of focusing on falling short of your goal or expectations, put your attention on your progress, on what is positive, and affirming. You can also simply notice how the critical mind works. Just observe it without trying to change it or buy into everything it presents. Know that you are the observer, the witness, the eternal Self that makes observation possible. Subtly shift your identification from the ego self to the essential Self as you do this. The more you meditate through to the level of superconsciousness and rest in that, the more you will be established in awareness of your true Self.

Help! Whenever I try to meditate, I fall asleep. What can I do? Use your discernment first to find out why you are falling asleep. Are you getting enough rest? Some people fall asleep when they stop to meditate because they are genuinely tired and need rest. Make sure your self-care is in order, that you get plenty of rest, a nourishing diet, and moderate exercise every day. If poor self-care is not the cause, then there are a few easy adjustments you can make to your practice itself: adjust your posture, your breath, and/or your gaze. One of the first places to look to bring more energy and wakefulness to your meditation is your posture. Make sure your spine is straight, your head is erect. Whether you are sitting on a cushion or a chair, your posture should be relaxed, but firm and intentional. The next intervention you can make is to practice some deep breaths before you begin, filling your lungs to capacity and strongly exhaling. Feel that your entire body is energized and your mind is clear. You can also use any of the energizing forms of pranayama, such as fire or bellows breath if you know them. The third option is to meditate with eyes open. Find a neutral point of focus, such as a point on the wall in front of you, something that will be without movement. Keep your gaze steady. Any three of these changes, or all three, should prove helpful. Inspiration for Spiritually Conscious Living There are hundreds of things we have done in our lives which we wish we had never done, but which, at the same time, have been great teachers. As for me, I am glad I have done something good and many things bad; glad I have done something right, and glad I have committed many errors, because every one of them has been a great lesson. I, as I am now, am the resultant of all that I have done, all I have thought. Every action and thought have had their effect, and these effects are the sum total of my progress —Swami Vivekananda

Don’t mentally review any problem constantly. Let it rest at times and it may work itself out; but see that you do not rest so long that your discrimination is lost. Rather, use these rest periods to go deep within the calm region of your inner Self —Paramahansa Yogananda

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

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LIVING KRIYA YOGA

New Release from CSE Press

The Path of Self- and God-Realization for Seekers Today Kriya Yoga practice removes all obstacles to Self- and God-realization. —Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 2.2

Once Before Time

A Universal Creation Story for Children of All Ages Written by Ellen Grace O’Brian Illustrated by Thanasi Pipinou This beautifully illustrated, non-sectarian book is an inspiring, original story of the Divine One as both Father and Mother, the source and support of all that is. The clarity of the story and the exquisite original artwork make it perfect for supporting a child's spiritual life and a delightful book for children and adults alike. 48 pages, Full Color, Hardcover with Dust Jacket • $16.95 To Order email: bookshop@csecenter.org • call: 408-283-0221 x29 Or use order form on page 31.

When Paramahansa Yogananda came to America in 1920 with the blessings of his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, his mission was to bring the universally applicable and practical teachings of Kriya Yoga to spiritual seekers in the West. Steeped in ancient, time-tested Vedic wisdom and his own spiritual realization, Paramahansaji lit the soul fires of seekers everywhere he went with a message of truth—One Reality expresses as all that is and it is the certain destiny of every person to realize it. God is the life of every person. When that is known, the self-conscious sense of isolation falls away and one can live in harmony with the highest wisdom. True freedom ensues and a life of unconditional joy becomes possible. Liberation from the illusion of being separate from the Source and from one another is the foundation for global peace as well as individual happiness. Roy Eugene Davis, as a young man from the Midwest, met Paramahansa Yogananda in 1949. He was accepted for discipleship, trained by him, and later ordained by Paramahansaji to represent this tradition of Kriya Yoga. Mr. Davis has taught this practical, direct way to God-realization throughout the world for over fifty years. He trained and ordained Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian, the spiritual director of CSE. Kriya Yoga is an intentional, universal approach to Self-realization and spiritual enlightenment—complete awakening to full knowledge of the Infinite. It is an integrated spiritual path that brings together the most effective elements of all systems of yoga. Emphasis in this tradition is placed on healthy, purposeful, conscious living and superconscious meditation practice. Kriya Yoga practice facilitates the direct experience of our essential nature. This is accomplished when all obstacles are removed and the practitioner’s awareness is restored to wholeness. The goal of Kriya Yoga is to realize the truth of our essential nature as spiritual beings and to live in harmony with that truth. The essential practices of Kriya Yoga are superconscious meditation; insightful study of scripture and of the nature of reality; self-discipline for conscious living; and surrender of the illusional sense of being separate from the Source of Life. The divine nature of every person is honored. The purpose of spiritual practice is simply to remove any obstacle that obscures the expression and the full realization of that innate divinity. As all souls are inherently divine, everyone naturally yearns to awaken to his or her innate potential and to live a fully conscious, joyful life. Kriya Yoga provides the way.

CENTER NEWS

Download free, inspiring programs with Rev. O’Brian and guests directly from iTunes or from www.unity.fm/program/theYogaHour. Tune in with your smartphone at LIVE 365. Archived programs available include: Divine Alchemy: How Yoga and America are Changing Each Other The arrival of Yoga in America, especially through the influence of Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda, profoundly impacted the way we experience religion and spirituality in the West. Once considered a mysterious and esoteric practice suitable to only a few, yoga and meditation are now embraced by millions every day for everything from stress relief to a path of enlightenment. Phil Goldberg, author of the book American Veda, which includes extensive research on this subject, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to take a fascinating look at how practices in the West are also influencing the way yoga is taught and experienced. Discover some fascinating and important questions about tradition that are arising as a result of these changes. (1/24/13) Learn to Let Go and Live Fully: The Practice of Nonattachment Dr. Kusumita Pedersen, Professor of Religious Studies, returns to the Yoga Hour for an in-depth conversation with Yogacharya O’Brian about nonattachment, one of the essential practices of the spiritual life. Aparigraha, often translated as nonattachment, also means nonpossession, nongrasping and nondesiring. How is it possible to find such freedom in a culture that stimulates desire and greed at every turn? Discovering the answer to that question holds a key to our highest happiness. (11/1/12) In Praise of Mother Earth: Wisdom for Living in Harmony with the Earth from the Prthivi Sukta, Verses from the Atharva Veda Our relationship to the earth, often overlooked by those seeking enlightenment, is critical to our spiritual awakening, well-being and the well-being of all. How can our spiritual practice help us recognize our connection to the earth? Dr. Christopher Key Chapple co-author of the new book In Praise of Mother Earth joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a timely conversation about what the ancient Vedic teachings can offer us for healing ourselves and our world. (4/19/12)

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

MEDITATION AT CSE

The practice of meditation is much like the process of digging a well for water that is so freely available and abundant. It teaches us how to awaken to the spiritual presence that is always there and is the real foundation of our existence. As we consciously dig deep, contacting the spiritual depths of our own being, and invite that presence forth in our daily lives, it begins to bless us, to flower, and to bear the fruit of peace and harmony in all our affairs. CSE freely offers instruction in the basic philosophy and practice of meditation, including how to begin and maintain a regular practice. Group meditation is offered daily, both morning and afternoon. Meditation gardens are open to the public from dawn to dusk. Meditation retreats are also available. • Morning Meditation: Monday–Saturday, 6:30–7:30 am • Afternoon Meditation: Monday–Friday, 4–4:30 pm • Wednesday Noon Meditation: each week from 12–12:45 pm • Meditation Instruction: First Sunday, 2–4 pm; third Monday, 7–9 pm Visit www.CSEcenter.org for a schedule of all meditation programs.

Live Your Life with Purpose How to Fulfill Your Divine Destiny Many people may doubt that finding God is the purpose of life; but everyone can accept the idea that the purpose of life is to find happiness. I say that God is Happiness … Bliss … Love … Joy that will never go away from your soul. So why shouldn’t you try to acquire that Happiness? No one else can give it to you. You must continuously cultivate it yourself. —Paramahansa Yogananda

t a certain stage of our spiritual awakening we experience a sense of yearning for more—more happiness, more bliss, more love, and a joy that will never go away. We yearn to know what the purpose of our life is, and wonder how we can fulfill our divine destiny. It is possible to awaken and find our right place in life. We can discover our divine purpose and unique role in this important time of planetary awakening. When we do, we discover that our whole life has been preparing us for a life of service. We are called by Life to play an inspired part and make a significant contribution of leadership in this awakening age. If you have been contemplating how to live more fully, how to realize your life’s purpose and make a profound contribution to an awakening world, consider committing yourself to a transformational program in contemplative education that will prepare you to realize your potential. Listening to your inner yearning is the key. We don’t know the exquisiteness of the path that is before us until we follow it. Connect with the yearning, listen, and take the next step. Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? —Mary Oliver

Live Your Purpose Seminary Discernment Retreat with Meru Seminary Faculty Friday April 19 • 7-8:30 pm and Saturday April 20 • 10am-2pm A Transformed Life Meru Seminary Open House with Meru Faculty, Alumniand Students Tuesday, May 7 • 7-9 pm

A Transformational Program Ministry and Leadership Training in the Kriya Yoga Tradition since 1996 To increase peace in life: seek the silence of meditation, the company of those who are spiritually awake, uplifting conversation with others on the path, and work devoted to God. —Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian

Meru Seminary provides a visionary educational experience that supports the development of spiritual leaders in all walks of life. Rigorous academic standards, in-depth spiritual training and practice in an established enlightenment tradition, engaged community service learning, and one-on-one mentoring all combine to provide a well-rounded program for spiritually oriented students. A four year Master of Divinity degree is offered through the seminary as well as several certification programs and continuing education for professionals. Classes are arranged to provide working individuals the professional support, training, guidance, and spiritual direction necessary to further their spiritual growth and participate in the transformation of our awakening world. Those who complete the Master of Divinity degree are prepared for service in the greater community as ministers or lay leaders trained in the Kriya Yoga tradition. Our curriculum and seminary environment demonstrate our commitment to: • Self- and God-realization • Interreligious harmony • Experiential learning • Authentic expression • Balanced living For more information: seminary@ CSECenter.org or (408) 283-0221 x17.

LIGHTING THE PATH FOR CHILDREN

The Light Within There is a Light that shines beyond all things on earth, beyond us all, beyond the heavens, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. This is the Light that shines in our heart. — Chandogya Upanishad

Atman = Self Artwork Project A Pop-up Drawing Materials • Blue cardstock or paper • Yellow paper with circle drawn for light of the Self • White paper for clouds • Glue sticks, scissors, pens, markers Directions

In the Chandogya Upanishad, a story is told about Indra, who is seeking to learn about the Atman, the Self or eternal nature of each one of us. He questions Prajapati, his teacher, who uses the metaphor of sky and clouds to describe the nature of our true Self. Our essential nature dwells in each of us just like the radiance of the sun. It is the light that shines in the eternal blue sky of our existence. Because all beings come from the Source of the light, all contain that light within. This light is called Atman, the eternal spirit and light within each one of us, the Self. At times, clouds can obscure our light and distract us from knowing and experiencing our true radiant nature. Our minds become intrigued with the clouds, and we become involved in stories. These stories can sometimes cause us to feel unhappy,

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2013

scared, sad, lonely, or angry. They can also cause us to feel happy and joyful. However, these feelings are not lasting, as clouds move on and the story changes. True, lasting joy comes from relating with the Atman, the light. Our practice is to ignore the clouds, and to focus our attention on the clear sky and the light of the Self. We do this during meditation. As we focus, the clouds naturally go away on their own. In this way, our light is magnified, and we feel the peace and joy within. From this place of peacefulness, we are free to act in accord with our inner wisdom in whatever circumstance comes our way. One way to help children realize this teaching is to create artwork together that describes the relationship between Atman—the Self—and our body-mind experiences in life.

1. Cut 3” off the bottom of blue paper. Fold like an accordion, so there are 3 sections. 2. Glue accordion pleat onto blue paper, a little up from the bottom. 3. Create clouds using white paper 4. Add words or images of things that get in the way of seeing your true Self, the light within you, onto the clouds. 5. Glue clouds on the pop-out fold. 6. Create sun using yellow paper and glue to blue paper behind clouds to represent the light of the Atman. 7. Write “Atman = Self” on top. You can also add an affirmation such as: I meditate on the inner light, and the clouds disappear so that I can see clearly.” Enjoy! Rev. Elena Kanti Fritchle serves as Youth and Family Minister at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment.

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BOOKS AND AUDIO CDs by Ellen Grace O'Brian

Once Before Time hardcover, 48 pages $16.95 This full-color, beautifully illustrated, non-sectarian book is an inspiring, original story of the Divine One as both Father and Mother, the source and support of all that is. A delightful book for children and adults alike. Living the Eternal Way: Spiritual Meaning and Practice for Daily Life softcover, 180 pages $12.95 An introduction to Yoga philosophy and meditation. Practice suggestions and workbook pages included. A Single Blade of Grass: Finding the Sacred in Everyday Life hardcover, 200 pages $16.00 Inspiration on topics essential to the spiritual life, such as contemplation, inner guidance, contentment, and surrender. The Sanctuary of Belonging softcover, 40 pages $11.00 A collection of devotional poems giving voice to the soul's radical love for spirit.

CSE PRESS ORDERS/SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Four Ways to Freedom: Love, Discern, Meditate and Serve $10.00 Spiritual seekers will be inspired by these four lessons on spiritual practice drawn from yoga’s universal teachings on the ways of devotion, wisdom, selfless service and meditation.

To order titles fill out this form and mail or fax to CSE

Patanjali‘s Yoga Sutra: Wisdom for Enlightened Living $5.00 Practitioners of meditation and students of yoga philosophy will enjoy this dynamic overview by Rev. O’Brian of important themes and practices found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the classic text on yoga. 1 CD

______ (1 CD) Patanjali‘s Yoga Sutra $5.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________

In the Presence of the One: Lessons from the Upanishads $24.95 Six inspirational lessons from the Upanishads touch upon the heart of the spiritual quest—how we can know the Truth about who we are, what God is, and live in the highest way. 5 CDs with study lessons. Arise! Actualize Your Spiritual Potential: Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita $35.00 Key themes found in the Bhagavad Gita—including how to experience inner peace, enhance your power of discernment, realize true happiness, and fulfill your destiny. 6 CDs with study lessons. Radical Prosperity $15.00 A life-altering look at the spiritual principles of prosperity consciousness and how to apply them. 3 CDs The Single Pearl: Lessons from the Gospel of Thomas $30.00 Ten soul-stirring lessons drawn from the Gospel of Thomas on the way of spiritual growth and ultimate realization. 5 CDs

Qty

Title

Total

______ Once Before Time $16.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ Living the Eternal Way $12.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ A Single Blade of Grass $16.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ The Sanctuary of Belonging $11.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ (2 CD) Four Ways to Freedom $10.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ (5 CDs) In the Presence of the One $24.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ (6 CDs) Arise! $35.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ (3 CDs) Radical Prosperity $15.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ (5 CDs) The Single Pearl $30.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ ______ (9-CDs) Open the Door to Your Soul Temple $72.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ (weekly subscription, Book and CD SubTotal $________ includes shipping/handling) Tax (CA only) x 8.625% $________ U.S. Shipping & Handling: 1 item $3; add $.50 for each additional item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ Shipping and Handling Outside of the U.S.: Double the U.S. postage amounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ Enlightenment Journal Annual Subscription [ ] new [ ] renewal U.S. $20.00 Foreign: $25.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $________ TOTAL AMOUNT $________

Name (and contact name if business)__________________________ Phone_______________ Address__________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_______________________________ Email_________________________ Method of Payment: Check (payable to Center for Spiritual Enlightenment) Credit Card:

Visa

Credit Card Number_____________________________________ Exp Date __ __ / __ __ Name (as it appears on card)________________________ Signature____________________ Center for Spiritual Enlightenment 1146 University Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 Tel: (408) 775-8472 • Fax: (408) 283-1722 www.CSEcenter.org • Email: bookshop@CSEcenter.org

SPIRITUALLY INSPIRED POETRY One Heart Grace As we make ready to eat this food we remember with gratitude the many people, tools, animals and plants, air and water, sky and earth, turned in the wheel of living and dying, whose joyful exertion provide our sustenance this day. May we with the blessing of this food join our hearts to the one heart of the world in awareness and love, and may we together with everyone realize the path of awakening, and never stop making effort for the benefit of others. — Zoketsu Norman Fischer

This poem begins with a prayer of gratitude for the food we put into our bodies, and then opens us up to the higher meaning of nourishment – that it is not exclusively for our bodies. Every meal we receive is dependent on the coming together of all life: plants, animals, people. Even the air, water, sky and earth must be in participating alignment for us to receive the miraculous grace of a meal. The poet asks us to consciously receive this profound offering in the awareness that we are one—“join our hearts together/ to the one heart of the world.” He suggests that we do not live for ourselves alone, but that we are here to provide nourishment to each other, in all ways. We are each other’s keeper in our quest for awakening. The grace of the Divine comes through the food and into our hearts so that we become truly, one loving world. Zoketsu Norman Fischer is an American Soto Zen roshi, poet and Buddhist author practicing in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki. He is a Dharma heir of Sojun Mel Weitsman, from whom he received Dharma transmission in 1988 Parthenia M. Hicks, M. Div, Poet Laureate Emerita, Los Gatos, is the poetry editor of the Enlightenment Journal.

Go Straight to the Goal: Spiritual Practice, Realization, and Awakened Living

The Way of Self- and God-Realization Teachings & Practices for Spiritual Fulfillment Everything in the future will improve if you are making a spiritual effort now. —Sri Yukteswar

with Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian Six Tuesday Evenings, April 2 – May 7 7–9 pm

You are the master of the moments of your life. —Paramahansa Yogananda

The Path of Kriya Yoga

with Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian

Five Consecutive Evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17

The Wisdom of the Yoga Sutras

The Way of Discipleship

Spiritually Conscious Living in an Awakened World

A Meditation Center in the Kriya Yoga Tradition Center for Spiritual Enlightenment worship

Welcoming all who are seeking Self- and God-realization—a path to spiritually conscious, fulfilled living in the world.

SPRING 2013

Enlightenment

JOURNAL

• Interfaith Worship • Meditation Instruction • Kriya Yoga Teachings and Initiation • Hatha Yoga Classes meditation

• Meru Seminary • Welcome Center and Bookshop • Youth Spiritual Education • Weddings, Blessings, Memorials • Retreats

hatha yoga

• Outdoor Labyrinth, Walking Meditation Path and Gardens

Grief as Love's Doorkeeper Mantra Meditation

study

Inside the Soul: The Battle We Must Fight Every Day and the Key to Victory

Ayurveda:

What's your mind/body constitution? fellowship

Awaken to the One Truth known by many names 1146 University Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 • www.CSEcenter.org • phone (408) 283-0221

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT