Devotees & friends of Paramahansa Yogananda met this weekend in Austin for a mini-Convocation, a time of spiritual renewal & meditative bliss. For those of us in Texas it was a great time to enjoy the presence and wisdom of monastics of the SRF order without having to travel to California.
The Austin Meditation Group did a superb job of organizing and hosting the event. Their friendliness made everyone feel welcome. At their fully stocked book room I was able to pick up extra copies of classic SRF titles.
Throughout the weekend, we had a chance to see, through the examples of Brother Naradananda and Brahmachari Gordon, how years of following Master's teachings can transform one's life.
The monastics were loving, calm, humorous, and full of wisdom, all soul qualities enhanced by years of regular meditative practice.
Brother Naradananda opened the Friday night lecture with the parable of the king with four wives. He also reminded us that meditation techniques aren't the whole process. They will take us to the door of God but only devotion will take us through that door.
On Saturday, Brahmachari Gordon reviewed the Hong Sau Technique of Concentration and the Aum Technique of Meditation. We ended with a group practice of the Energization Exercises.
He reminded us of Master's advice to Daya Ma whenever she felt overwhelmed or needed help in her daily activities. Master told her: "Just put your mind here." (the Spiritual Eye, the point just above the center of the eyebrows)
The Saturday night Kriya Yoga Initiation ceremony was beautiful, devotion-filled and powerful. New initiates received initiation into the Kriya Yoga technique and formally entered into the Guru-Disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda. For previous initiates, Kriyabans, it was a chance to renew our vows and deepen attunement with our guru.
During the petal ceremony, Brother Naradananda showered us with red rose petals, symbolizing the blessings of God and Guru. In addition to going up and down the aisle throwing out petals, he also went through each row showering us with petals. It was a magical and deeply moving ceremony.
During the Sunday morning service, Brahmachari Gordon discussed devotion and ways to deepen our attunement with God and Guru.
"What we concentrate most strongly upon becomes our greatest reality."
Daya Mata
At the Sunday Closing Program, Brother Naradananda talked about priorities and service. "This is the path of meditation and activity." -- Master
On Monday, those of us who were free enjoyed a walk and a picnic lunch with the brothers at Barton Springs. It was wonderful to get outside and enjoy the fresh air after three days in a hotel. Both brothers were relaxed and personable, managing to spend time and conversation with everyone in the group. It was a blissful weekend, one that I will always remember.
The Austin Meditation Group did a superb job of organizing and hosting the event. Their friendliness made everyone feel welcome. At their fully stocked book room I was able to pick up extra copies of classic SRF titles.
The monastics were loving, calm, humorous, and full of wisdom, all soul qualities enhanced by years of regular meditative practice.
Brother Naradananda opened the Friday night lecture with the parable of the king with four wives. He also reminded us that meditation techniques aren't the whole process. They will take us to the door of God but only devotion will take us through that door.
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| The Spiritual Eye |
He reminded us of Master's advice to Daya Ma whenever she felt overwhelmed or needed help in her daily activities. Master told her: "Just put your mind here." (the Spiritual Eye, the point just above the center of the eyebrows)
During the petal ceremony, Brother Naradananda showered us with red rose petals, symbolizing the blessings of God and Guru. In addition to going up and down the aisle throwing out petals, he also went through each row showering us with petals. It was a magical and deeply moving ceremony.
During the Sunday morning service, Brahmachari Gordon discussed devotion and ways to deepen our attunement with God and Guru.
Daya Mata
1 comment:
So thrilled for you to have had this time of spiritual renewal and connection with fellow devotees. Thanks for allowing us a peek at the blissful weekend! The tips you shared will serve us all...
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