The Pain Body

· When the Pain Body arises, take the fullest advantage of it as possible to regain the energy and aliveness that is trapped there. Big Steps are possible here. This is where all the Heavy Shit is, Man – where “normal” negative emotions are magnified 20 or 50 or 100 times. Not just incremental brown stuff!

· Sit with the Pain Body – and notice it an as object. Observe its energy, its turbulence, its feeling, and give it a gentle embrace. Do not get caught up in the “thoughts”, the story, the mind stream that accompanies it. Notice it as it is happening (with great alertness) and just be the observer of the energy movement itself.

· The Pain Body will gradually subside, but may take a while. Accept the Pain Body. It Is As It Is. It is not “fun”, it is not pleasant, but it is worth completing it without getting “sucked in” by the thoughts, if you can.

· While the Pain Body is still active, and you are observing it – also feel the Inner Body in places where you still can – often the Pain Body has not occupied the hands or the feet and so you can still feel the aliveness in these areas. Feeling the Inner Body in this way is a part of letting Space arise around the Pain Body.

· Some Space and Stillness will arise around the Pain Body when you become the Witness. When this occurs you will feel a sense of Peace.

· Dealing with the Pain Body will need the increased Presence “generated” (not really generated) by the items in the first list. Being in the Body will help greatly in being able to notice the Pain Body when it arises. Be Prepared, and welcome the Pain Body when it comes – do not fight it – Say “YES” to the existence of the Pain Body. Accept the Pain Body fully, and feel the Inner aliveness of the Body at the same time (amazing that you can do both at the same time!)

https://arhivaspirituala.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/eckhart-tolle-spiritual-practices.pdf

Technique:The Breath - Eckhart Tolle

Discover inner space by creating gaps in the stream of thinking. Without those gaps, your thinking becomes repetitive, uninspired, devoid or any creative spark, which is how it still is for most people on the planet. You don't need to be concerned with the duration of those gaps. A few seconds is good enough. Gradually, they will lengthen by themselves, without any effort on your part. More important than their length is to bring them in frequently so that your daily activities and your stream of thinking become interspersed with space.

Someone recently showed me the annual prospectus of a large spiritual organization. When I looked through it, I was impressed by the wide choice of interesting seminars and workshops. It reminded me of a smorgasbord, on of those Scandinavian buffets where you can take your pick from a huge variety of enticing dishes. The person asked me whether I could recommend one or two courses. “I don't know,” I said. “They all look so interesting. But I do know this,” I added. “Be aware of your breathing as often as you are able, whenever you remember. Do that for one year, and it will be more powerfully transformative than attending all of these courses. And it's free.”

Being aware of your breathing takes attention away from thinking and creates space. It is one way of generating consciousness. Although the fullness of consciousness is already there as the unmanifested, we are here to bring consciousness into this dimension.

Be aware of your breathing. Notice the sensation of the breath. Feel the air moving in and out of your body. Notice how the chest and abdomen expand and contract slightly with the in and out breath. One conscious breath is enough to make some space where before there was the uninterrupted succession of one thought after another. One conscious breath (two or three would be even better), taken many times a day, is an excellent way of bringing space into your life. Even if you meditated on your breathing for two hours or more, which some people do, one breath is all you ever need to be aware of, indeed ever can be aware of. The rest is memory or anticipation, which is to say, thought. Breathing isn't really something that you do but something that you witness as it happens. Breathing happens by itself. The intelligence within the body is doing it. All you have to do is watch it happening. There is no strain or effort involved. Also, notice the brief cessation of the breath, particularly the still point at the end of the outbreath, before you start breathing in again.

Many people's breath is unnaturally shallow. The more you are aware of the breath, the more its natural depth will reestablish itself.

Because breath has no form as such, it has since ancient times been equated with spirit the formless one Life. “God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the man became a living creature.”5 The German word for breathing – atmen – is derived from the ancient Indian (Sanskrit) word Atman, meaning the indwelling divine spirit or God within.

The fact that breath has no form is one of the reasons why breath awareness is an extremely effective way of bringing space into your life, of generating consciousness. It is an excellent meditation object precisely because it is not an object; has no shape or form. The other reason is that breath is one of the most subtle and seemingly insignificant phenomena, the “least thing” that according to Nietzsche makes up the “best happiness.” Whether or not you practice breath awareness as an actual formal meditation is up to you. Formal meditation, however, is no substitute for bringing space consciousness into everyday life.

Being aware of your breath forces you into the present moment – the key to all inner transformation. Whenever you are conscious of the breath, you are absolutely present. You may also notice that you cannot think and be aware of your breathing. Conscious breathing stops your mind. But far from being in a trance or half asleep, you are fully awake and highly alert. You are not falling below thinking, but rising above it. And if you look more closely, you will find that those two things – coming fully into the present moment and ceasing thinking without loss of consciousness – are actually one and the same: the arising of space consciousness.

http://res.allpdftools.com/allpdftools/pdf-download-resources/A_New_Earth.pdf

Technique:Object Consciousness And Space Consciousness

Most people's lives are cluttered up with things: material things, things to do, things to think about. Their lives are like the history of humanity, which Winston Churchill defined as “one damn thing after another.” Their minds are filled up with the clutter of thoughts one thought after another. This is the dimension of object consciousness that is many people's predominant reality, and that is why their lives are so out of balance. Object consciousness needs to be balanced by space consciousness for sanity to return to our planet and for humanity to fulfill its destiny. The arising of space consciousness is the next stage in the evolution of humanity.

Space consciousness mans that in addition to being conscious of things – which always comes down to sense perceptions, thoughts, and emotions – there is an undercurrent of awareness. Awareness implies that you are not only conscious of things (objects), but you are also conscious of being conscious. If you can sense an alert inner stillness in the background while things happen in the foreground – that's it! This dimension is there in everyone, but most people are completely unaware of it. Sometimes I point to it by saying, “Can you feel your own Presence?”

Space consciousness represents not only freedom from ego, but also from dependency on the things of this world, from materialism and materiality. It is the spiritual dimension which alone can give transcendent and true meaning to this world.

Whenever you are upset about an event, a person, or a situation, the real cause is not the event, person, or situation but a loss of true perspective that only space can provide. You are trapped in object consciousness, unaware of the timeless inner space of consciousness itself. The words This, too, will pass when used as a pointer can restore awareness of that dimension to you. 

Another pointer to the truth in you is contained in he following statement: “I am never upset for the reason I think.”

http://res.allpdftools.com/allpdftools/pdf-download-resources/A_New_Earth.pdf

Technique:Allowing the diminishment of the Ego

The ego is always on guard against any kind of perceived diminishment. Automatic ego-repair mechanisms come into effect to restore the mental form of “me.” When someone blames or criticizes me, that to the ego is a diminishment of self, and it will immediately attempt to repair its diminished sense of self through self-justification, defense, or blaming. Whether the other person is right or wrong is irrelevant to the ego. It is much more interested in self-preservation than in the truth. This is the preservation of the psychological form of “me.” Even such a normal thing as shouting something back when another driver calls you “idiot” is an automatic and unconscious ego-repair mechanism. One of the most common ego-repair mechanisms is anger, which causes a temporary but huge ego inflation. All repair mechanisms make perfect sense to the ego but are actually dysfunctional. Those that are most extreme in their dysfunction are physical violence and self-delusion in the form of grandiose fantasies.

A powerful spiritual practice is consciously to allow the diminishment of ego when it happens without attempting to restore it. I recommend that you experiment with this from time to time. For example, when someone criticizes you, blames you, or calls you names, instead of immediately retaliating or defending yourself – do nothing. Allow the self-image to remain diminished and become alert to what that feels like deep inside you. For a few seconds, it may feel uncomfortable, as if you had shrunk in size. Then you may sense an inner spaciousness that feels intensely alive. You haven't been diminished at all. In fact, you have expanded. You may then come to an amazing realization: When you are seemingly diminished in some way and remain in absolute non-reaction, not just externally but also internally, you realize that nothing real has been diminished, that through becoming “less,” you become more. When you no longer defend or attempt to strengthen the form of yourself, you step out of identification with form, with mental self-image. Through becoming less (in the ego's perception), you in fact undergo an expansion and make room for Being to come forward. True power, who you are beyond form, can then shine through the apparently weakened form. this is what Jesus means when he says, “Deny yourself” or “Turn the other cheek.” 

This does not mean, of course, that you invite abuse or turn yourself into a victim of unconscious people. Sometimes a situation may demand that you tell someone to “back off” in no uncertain terms. Without egoic defensiveness, there will be power behind your words, yet no reactive force. If necessary, you can also say not to someone firmly and clearly, and it will be what I call a “high-quality no” that is free of all negativity.

If you are content with being nobody in particular, content not to stand out, you align yourself with the power of the universe. What looks like weakness to the ego is in fact the only true strength. This spiritual truth is diametrically opposed to the values of our contemporary culture and the way it conditions people to behave.

Instead of trying to be the mountain, teaches the ancient Tao Te Ching, “Be the valley of the universe.” In this way, you are restored to wholeness and so “All things will come to you.”

Similarly, Jesus, in one of his parables, teaches that “When you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place so that when your host comes, he may say to you, friend, move up higher. Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Another aspect of this practice is to refrain from attempting to strengthen the self by showing off, wanting to stand out, be special, make an impression, or demand attention. It may include occasionally refraining from expressing your opinion when everybody is expressing his or hers, and seeing what that feels like.

http://res.allpdftools.com/allpdftools/pdf-download-resources/A_New_Earth.pdf

Story:Celebration is an Attitude

Celebration is gratefulness for whatsoever life gives to you. Whatsoever God gives to you, celebration is a gratitude; it is a gratefulness. To me, life in its totality is good. And when you understand life in its totality, only then can you celebrate; otherwise not. Celebration means: whatsoever happens is irrelevant -- I will celebrate. Celebration is not conditional on certain things: 'When I am happy then I will celebrate,' or, 'When I am unhappy I will not celebrate.' Celebration is unconditional; I celebrate life. I have told you and I will tell you again....

A Sufi mystic was very poor, hungry, rejected, tired of the journey. He went to a village in the night and the village wouldn't accept him. The village belonged to the orthodox people, and when orthodox Mohammedans are there it is very difficult to persuade them. They wouldn't even give him shelter in the town. The night was cold and he was hungry, tired, shivering with not enough clothes. He was sitting outside the town under a tree. His disciples were sitting there with great sadness, depression, even anger. And then he started praying and he said to God, 'You are wonderful! You always give me whatsoever I need.' This was too much. A disciple said, 'Wait, now you are going too far, particularly on this night. These words are false. We are hungry, tired, with no clothes, and a cold night is descending. There are wild animals all around and we are rejected by the town, we are without shelter. For what are you giving your thankfulness to God? What do you mean when you say, "You always give me whatsoever I need?"' The mystic said, 'Yes, I repeat it again: God gives me whatsoever I need. Tonight I need poverty, tonight I need being rejected, tonight I need to be hungry, in danger. Otherwise, why should He give it to me? It must be a need. It is needed and I have to be grateful. He looks after my needs so beautifully. He is really wonderful!' This is an attitude that is unconcerned with the situation. The situation is not relevant.

Celebrate, whatsoever the case. If you are sad, then celebrate because you are sad. Try it. Just give it a try and you will be surprised -- it happens. You are sad? -- start dancing because sadness is so beautiful, such a silent flower of being. Dance, enjoy, and suddenly you will feel that the sadness is disappearing, a distance is created. By and by, you will forget sadness and you will be celebrating. You have transformed the energy.

This is what alchemy is: to transform the baser metal into higher gold. Sadness, anger, jealousy -- baser metals can be transformed into gold because they are constituted of the same elements as gold.  There is no difference between gold and iron because they have the same constituents, the same electrons. Have you ever thought about it, that a piece of coal and the greatest diamond in the world are just the same? They don't have any difference. In fact coal pressed by the earth for millions of years becomes a diamond. Just a difference of pressure, but they are both carbon dioxide, both constituted of the same elements.

The baser can be changed into the higher. Nothing is lacking in the baser. Only a rearrangement, a recomposition is needed. That is the whole of what alchemy means. When you are sad, celebrate, and you are giving a new composition to sadness. You are bringing something to sadness which will transform it. You are bringing celebration to it. 

Angry? -- have a beautiful dance. In the beginning it will be angry. You will start dancing and the dance will be angry, aggressive, violent. By and by, it will become softer and softer and softer, when suddenly, you will have forgotten anger. The energy has changed into dancing.

But when you are angry, you can't think of dancing. When you are sad, you can't think of singing. Why not make your sadness a song? Sing, play on your flute. In the beginning the notes will be sad, but nothing is wrong with a sad note. Have you heard, in the afternoon sometimes, when everything is hot, burning hot, fire all around, and suddenly from a mango grove you can hear a cuckoo start singing? In the beginning, the note is sad. She is calling her lover, her beloved, on a hot afternoon. Everything is fiery all around, and she is hankering for love. A very sad note, but beautiful. By and by, the sad note changes into a happy note. The lover starts responding from another grove. Now it is no more a hot afternoon; everything is cooling down in the heart. Now the note is different. When the lover responds, everything has changed. It is an alchemical change.

You are sad? -- start singing, praying, dancing. Whatsoever you can do, do, and by and by, the baser metal is changed into a higher metal -- gold. Once you know the key, your life will never be the same again. You can unlock any door. And this is the master key: to celebrate everything.

http://oshoworld.com/onlinemag/oct07/htm/media.asp

Inner and Outer Space - Eckhart Tolle

Your inner body is not solid but spacious. It is not your physical form but the life that animates the physical form. It is the intelligence that created and sustains the body, simultaneously coordinating hundreds of different functions of such extraordinary complexity that the human mind can only understand a tiny fraction of it. When you become aware of it, what is really happening is that the intelligence is becoming aware of itself. It is the elusive “life” that no scientist has ever found because the consciousness that is looking for it is it.

Physicists have discovered that the apparent solidity of matter is an illusion created by our senses. this includes the physical body, which we perceive and think of as form, but 99.99% of which is actually empty space. This is how vast the space is between the atoms compared to their size,and there is as much space again within each atom. The physical body is no more than a misperception of who you are. In many ways, it is a microcosmic version of outer space. To give you an idea of how vast the space ins between celestial bodies, consider this: light traveling at a constant speed of 186,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second takes just over one second to travel between the earth and the moon; light from the sun takes about eight minutes to reach the earth. Light from our nearest neighbor in space, a star called Proxima Centauri, which is the sun that is closest to our own sun, travels for 4.5 years before it reaches the earth. This is how vast the space is that surrounds us. And then there is the intergalactic space, whose vastness defies all comprehension. Light from the galaxy closest to our own, the Andromeda Galaxy, takes 2.4 million years to reach us. Isn't it amazing that your body is just as spacious as the universe? So your physical body, which is form reveals itself as essentially formless when you go deeper into it. It becomes a doorway into inner space. Although inner space has no form, it is intensely alive. That “empty space” is life in its fullness, the unmanifested Source out of which all manifestation flows. The traditional word for that Source is God. 

Thoughts and words belong to the world of form; they cannot express the formless. So when you say, “I can feel my inner body” that is a misperception created by thought. What is really happening is hat the consciousness that appears as the body – the consciousness that I Am – is becoming conscious of itself. When I no longer confuse who I am with a temporary form of “me,” then the dimension of the limitless and the eternal – God can express itself through “me” and guide “me.” it also fees me from dependency on form. However, a purely intellectual recognition or belief “I am not this form” does not help. The all important question is: At this moment, can I sense the presence of inner space, which really means, can I sense my own Presence, or rather, the Presence that I Am?

As much as possible in everyday life, use awareness of the inner body to create space. When waiting, when listening to someone, when pausing to look at the sky, a tree, a flower, your partner, or child, feel the aliveness within at the same time. This means part of your attention or consciousness remains formless, an the rest is available for the outer world of form. Whenever you “inhabit” your body in this way, it serves as an anchor for staying present in the Now. It prevents you from losing yourself in thinking, in emotions, or in external situations.

http://res.allpdftools.com/allpdftools/pdf-download-resources/A_New_Earth.pdf

Abundance - Eckhart Tolle

Acknowledging the good that is already in your life is the foundation for all abundance. The fact is: Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world.

Try this for a couple of weeks and see how it changes your reality: Whatever you think people are withholding from you praise, appreciation, assistance, loving care, and so on – give it to them. You don't have it? Just act as if you had it, and it will come. Then, soon after you start giving, you will start receiving. You cannot receive what you don't give. Outflow determines inflow. Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you already have, but unless you allow it to flow out, you won't even know that you have it. This includes abundance. The law that outflow determines inflow is expressed by Jesus in this powerful image: "Give and it will be given to you."

The source of all abundance is not outside you. It is part of who you are. However, start by acknowledging and recognizing abundance without. See the fullness of life all around you. The warmth of the sun on your skin, the display of magnificent flowers outside a florist's shop, biting into a succulent fruit, or getting soaked in an abundance of water falling from the sky. The fullness of life is there at every step. The acknowledgment of that abundance that is all around you awakens the dormant abundance within. Then let it flow out. When you smile at a a stranger, there is already a minute outflow of energy. You become a giver. Ask yourself often: “What can I give here; how can I be of service to this person, this situation.” You don't need to own anything to feel abundant, although if you feel abundant consistently things will almost certainly come to you. Abundance comes only to those who already have it. It sounds almost unfair, but of course it isn't. It is a universal law. Both abundance and scarcity are inner states that manifest as your reality. Jesus puts it like this: “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

http://res.allpdftools.com/allpdftools/pdf-download-resources/A_New_Earth.pdf

Feeling the Inner Body

Although body identification is one of the most basic forms of ego, the good news is that it is also the one that you can most easily go beyond. This is done not by trying to convince yourself that you are not your body,but by shifting your attention from the external form of your body and from thoughts about your body – beautiful, ugly, strong, weak, too fat, too thin – to the feeling of aliveness inside it. No matter what your body's appearance is on the outer level, beyond the outer form it is an intensely alive energy field.

If you are not familiar with “inner body” awareness, close your eyes for a moment and find out if there is life inside your hands. Don't ask your mind. It will say, “ I can't feel anything.” Probably it will also say, “Give me something more interesting to think about.” So instead of asking your mind, go to the hands directly. By this I mean become aware of the subtle feeling of aliveness inside them. It is there. You just have to go there with your attention to notice it. you may get a slight tingling sensation at first, then a feeling of energy or aliveness. If you hold your attention in your hands for a while, the sense of aliveness will intensify. Some people won't even have to close their eyes. They will be able to feel their “inner hands” at the same times as they read this. Then go to your feet, keep your attention there for a minute or so, and begin to feel your hands and feet at the same time. Then incorporate other parts of the body – legs, arms, abdomen, chest, and so on – into that feeling until you are aware of the inner body as a global sense of aliveness.

What I call the “inner body” isn't really the body anymore but life energy, the bridge between form and formlessness. Make it a habit to feel the inner body as often as you can. After a while, you won't need to close your eyes anymore to feel it. For example, see if you can feel the inner body whenever you listen to someone. It almost seems like a paradox: When you are in touch with the inner body, you are not identified with your body anymore, nor are you identified with your mind. This is to say, you are no longer identified with form but moving away from form identification toward formlessness, which we may also call Being. It is your essence identity. Body awareness not only anchors you in the present moment, it is a doorway out of the prison that is the ego. It also strengthens the immune system and the body's ability to heal itself.

http://res.allpdftools.com/allpdftools/pdf-download-resources/A_New_Earth.pdf

Solar System

Time is Relative
Planet Revolution Period Rotation Period
Mercury 87.96 Earth days 58.7 Earth days
Venus 224.68 Earth days 243 Earth days
Earth 365.26 days         24 hours
Mars 686.98 Earth days 24.6 Earth hours
Jupiter 11.862 Earth years 9.84 Earth hours
Saturn 29.456 Earth years 10.2 Earth hours
Uranus 84.07 Earth years 17.9 Earth hours
Neptune 164.81 Earth years 19.1 Earth hours
Pluto(dwarf) 247.7 years  6.39 Earth days

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/

Story:Rajarsi Janakananda

Master told Rajarsi: 'I make one request to you -  that in spite of your many responsibilities you arrange your schedule so that you have a period of meditation each day.' 

Rajarsi resolved to follow his Guru's instructions, no matter how difficult it might be. Conditions at his home were not favourable, so he arose early each morning and went to his office to meditate. To insure that he was not interrupted, he would leave a note on his secretary's desk, which she would see when she came to work: 'I am in conference. Please do not disturb.' He smiled when he said to us: 'Of course, I never let on that I was "in conference" with God.' 

The staff may not have understood what he was doing, but they had tremendous respect for him; and it was accepted that until ten a.m. every day, he was 'in conference.' This continued for all the years from the time he met Master until his retirement. It was the foundation of his liberating spiritual progress."

http://www.yogananda-srf.org/lineageandleadership/Rajarsi_Janakananda_Biography.aspx

Story:Nothing is in your control..Just Relax

Mullah Nasruddin had a dream. In the dream he was bargaining to buy a car. "I'll give you one thousand, nine hundred and ninety eight dollars," said Mullah. "No, no," said the dealer. "Then I'll give you one thousand, nine hundred and ninety nine dollars." "No, no," said the dealer. "Two thousand dollars is the final price." While this argument was still going on, Mullah woke up. He felt so bad, he said, "Such a nice deal." He suddenly closed his eyes again, "Okay, now I'll give you two thousand dollars. I don't mind paying you one dollar more. You give me the car. Let's do the deal now." A dream world. Even in a dream there is possessiveness, because that has sunk so deep in us. Just know that it is not in your control. Nothing is in your control. Then the fear of doing something about it will just disappear. So you don't need a lot of courage to lose your control. Just relax. 

We think we are holding the roof. Things happen by themselves. This is a little revolutionary. May be it may raise many questions in your head, but thoroughly examine this statement in your life. All the events that have happened just fell into place for you to be where you are just now. You see the entire phenomenal world is happening on its own. You only have to watch. 

https://books.google.co.in/books?id=H4TVBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT7&lpg=PT7&dq=Mullah+Nasruddin+had+a+dream.+In+the+dream+he+was+bargaining+to+buy+a+car.&source=bl&ots=ODnKsy45li&sig=ypVK-eakrTBsbtaMuxJ1wftaHgc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mEO6VNu9DoWXuASG74D4BA&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Mullah%20Nasruddin%20had%20a%20dream.%20In%20the%20dream%20he%20was%20bargaining%20to%20buy%20a%20car.&f=false

The Eight Aspects of God

There are eight aspects in which God can be experienced: as Light, Sound, Peace, Calmness, Love, Joy, Wisdom, and Power.

To experience Him as Light during meditation brings calmness to the mind, purifying it and giving it clarity. The more deeply one contemplates the inner light, the more one perceives all things as made of that light.

To experience God as Sound is to commune with the Holy Ghost, or Aum, the Cosmic Vibration. When you are immersed in Aum, nothing can touch you. Aum raises the mind above the delusions of human existence, into the pure skies of divine consciousness.

Peace is an early meditative experience. Peace, like a weightless waterfall, cleanses the mind of all anxiety and care, bestowing heavenly relief.

Calmness is another divine experience. This aspect of God is more dynamic and more powerful than that of Peace. Calmness gives the devotee power to overcome all the obstacles in his life. Even in human affairs, the person who can remain calm under all circumstances is invincible.

Love is another aspect of God — not personal love, but Love infinite. Those who live in ego-consciousness think of impersonal love as cold and abstract. But divine love is all-absorbing, and infinitely comforting. It is impersonal only in the sense that it is utterly untainted by selfish desire. The unity one finds in divine love is possible only to the soul. It cannot be experienced by the ego.

Joy is another aspect of God. Divine joy is like millions of earthly joys crushed into one. The quest for human happiness is like looking around for a candle while sitting out of doors in the sun. Divine joy surrounds us eternally, yet people look to mere things for their happiness. Mostly, all they find is relief from emotional or physical pain. But divine joy is the blazing Reality. Before it, earthly joys are but shadows.

Wisdom is intuitive insight, not intellectual understanding. The difference between human and divine wisdom is that the human mind comes at things indirectly, from without. The scientist, for example, investigates the atom objectively. But the yogi becomes the atom. Divine perception is always from within. From within alone can a thing be understood in its true essence.

Power, finally, is that aspect of God which creates and runs the universe. Imagine what power it took to bring the galaxies into existence! Masters manifest some of that power in their lives. The expression, ‘Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,’ describes only one side of Jesus’ nature. The other side was revealed in the power with which he drove the moneychangers from the temple. Just think what magnetism it took to combat single-handedly all those men, entrenched as they were in habits and desires that had been sanctioned by ancient custom!

People are often appalled by the power they see expressed in the lives of saints. But remember, you will never find God until you are very strong in yourself. Power may exercise less appeal on your mind than other aspects of God, but it is important to realize that divine power, too, is a part of your divine nature.

Whatever aspect of God you experience in meditation, never keep it contained in the little chalice of your consciousness, but try always to expand that experience to infinity.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/prayers-and-healing-techniques/the-eight-aspects-of-god/136791785493

Story:Padmapada - An epitome of Guru Bhakti

Padmapada was one of the four disciples of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The other three being Hastamalaka, Totaka and Suresvara.

Padmapada's original name was Sanandana.

This story is one of my favorites and illustrates the great Guru Bhakti of Sanandana.

One day when Sankara was staying in Kashi, he and Sanandana happened to be on the opposite banks of river Ganges. The disciple was drying his masters clothes. 
Sankara wished to let the world know about the great bhakti of his disciple. Shankara bathed in the river and after the bath wearing his wet clothes called out to his disciple to get the dried clothes. 

Sanandana, impelled by his devotion for his guru, thought to himself, " if my master asks me to do something, I must do it at once" It pained him that his master was wearing wet clothes. He was now like the one possessed, possessed of love and devotion to his guru. There was no time for rational thinking.

It did not occur to him that he should take a boat to cross the river, he was oblivious of the turbulence of river Ganga. The only thought that possessed him was that his Guru asked him to get bring his clothes.

So as if he were walking on firm earth, he just walked!!! He walked on the river without any thought that he might by drowned or that his guru's clothes would get wet again.

When there is such devotional fervor in the disciple will not God exalt it to the plane that it deserves ? That's exactly what happened the very moment Sanandana started walking.

A miracle happened ! As Sanandana walked on the river, Gangadevi placed lotuses for him to walk upon. In other words lotuses bloomed underfoot as he took each step. He himself was not aware that he was walking on the lotuses.

People stood agape with wonder over Sanandana's guru bhakti as he crossed the big river and brought his guru's clothes.

Shankara asked him in jest " how did you, my boy, cross Ganga? " Even then it did not occur to Sanandana to turn back and look. He just replied .."by merely thinking about you, the vast ocean of samsara is reduced to knee deep water. When you had bidden me to do something what was so remarkable about my crossing the Ganga " 

It was then that Shankara showed him the lotuses and since they had borne Sanandana's feet he called him "PADMAPADA"

http://viveknshwetha.blogspot.in/2011/08/padmapada-epitome-of-guru-bhakti.html

Technique:Mental Health

Dr. Carl Meyer a psychiatrist was giving a lecture on mental health when someone asked him, “what advice would you give to a person who is about to have a nervous breakdown?” Dr. Carl Meyer did not say, take a Compose or take rest etc. etc. 
His answer was, “Lock up your house, go across the railway tracks, find someone in need and do something to help. That will cure you of your depression.”

So remember the two important points are:
1. Do something out of love.
2. Help someone in need.

There is another story of Vincent Peale: 

He walked into a super store, made the purchase and while he was standing at the billing counter, he remarked to the man at the counter, “How beautiful is your handwriting.” The man’s face immediately lit up. For most of us the person at the counter is just a piece of furniture. We go pick up the bill, make the payment and walk away without registering the presence of the person. We never think of complimenting such a person. 

Take a little time just to say to a taxi or auto driver, “Thank you, you drove so fast, or so smoothly, or I was in such a hurry, and you helped me reach in time.” Just say something to make him feel nice and human. Recognize that they are a soul and not a part of the landscape day in and day out. We recognize the importance of the poor auto driver only on a heavy rainy day. Let there be a soul to soul contact. It doesn’t cost you much. Check your consciousness. It takes you one step closer to kutastha consciousness. It also not just makes the other person happy but also yourself happy.

Rather than be always striving for personal happiness, try to make others happy. In being of spiritual, mental and material service to others you will find your own needs fulfilled. As you forget self in service to others, you will find that, without seeking it, your own cup of happiness will be full.

- Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda,

http://devotee2devotee.com/devoteeforums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=293&sid=33eedd8bad32f5656c64e0c660c233cc

Technique:Key to Deepen Meditation

Story of Brother Anandamoy ji

Once brother was with gurudev in desert where guruji was writing scripts..at lunch time brother went upstairs on roof to meditate..he choose the place just above guruji's room. Sometime later he felt that someone was coming up.. who sat next to him. He was very happy that guruji is next to him.. and he went in deep meditation... afterwards when he opened his eyes he found the ashram dog sitting next to him. Brother says..the thought that gurudev was next to him helped him to go into deeper meditation.. even today after so many years brother sits to mediate with the thought that gurudev is next to him.. Always sit to mediate with Guruji.

http://devotee2devotee.com/devoteeforums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=484&sid=a3eac18e6cc050dce026cf45768d108c

Technique:Communion with Saints

Whenever you desire to commune with any saint, think first of his image in the spiritual eye, then relax and concentrate in the heart, trying to feel some of his main characteristics. For instance, of Swami Shankara, think of wisdom, of Lahiri Mahasaya, a joyous perception and wisdom and devotion; of Yogananda, joyous perception and wisdom and devotion; of Sri Yukteswarji, wisdom and calm perception of bliss. Then lose yourself in the perception, and the soul of those individuals will possess you. You will act, reason, think, feel like them. Sometimes this might last for hours or days. When this is perfected, ultimately you will see them with closed eyes. When that can be done at will, you will see them with open eyes. This is the mystery of inner communion with saints. Practise that with unfailing zeal until you are certain of this communion.

- Rajarsi Janakananda, A Great western Yogi

Story:Suffering and God's Existence

A man went to barber to get his hair cut. The barber and the man got into a discussion about the existence of God. The barber argued that there is no God, because there is so much pain and suffering in the world. The man tried to tell him that there is a God, that is loving and forgiving and everything good, but barber would not hear it, still he stuck to his belief that there is no God. The man dropped it, and plus (Swamiji said) you don't want to argue with a barber that is cutting your hair. When this man left the barber he saw a man with long, dirty, matted, shabby hair, and he brought this man to the barber. He said to the barber, "you know there are no barbers in the world" and the barber said : "what are you talking about i'm right here i'm a barber." The man kept on" no, there are absolutely no barbers in the world" and the barber said, "that is not true I AM A BARBER and I am standing right here..." So the man went and got the person with shabby hair and said "look if any barbers existed, this man would not have this shabby, dirty hair!!" And he proved his point to the barber that just because this man doesn't actually go to the barber doesn't mean that barbers do not exist. Similarly just because we don't seek God, doesn't mean he does not exist.

http://devotee2devotee.com/devoteeforums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=869&sid=36f8b260ee5c395803a56bec70c21621

Story:God Hides from Men...

It was God who created the world and later men to live there. The men He created always placed before Him, one desire or another asking Him to fulfill them. He was pestered by them with several demands and complaints. God called Angels and asked them to show Him some place where He could hide Himself from men.

Angels Said, "Go to the peak of Himalayas."
God said, "Men would climb Himalayas out of craziness, If not for Him."

Angels suggested an alternative, asking Him to hide at the depth of the Ocean.
God nodded His head in disapproval, saying that men already are using sonars, radars for detection.

Then, Angels suggested to hide behind Sun, But God said that men are already using telescope etc, so they may reach there.

Then God came up with an idea saying, "He will go and hide Himself in the hearts of men. That is the one place where they will not search for Him."

God immediately decided to do so. Till date man searches for God in every place except his own heart.

Technique:Smile Breath Meditation

With eyes closed Sit comfortably with hands clasped and legs crossed
Bring smile onto your face and spread it whole body as if your total body is smiling. Feel all cells, organs, body parts are smiling.
Feel each breath of you is bringing more joy of smiles into you and spreading.
If you have any discomfort or pain already existing in your body feel that part or area smiling and any mental-relation-financial issues are also filled with smile.
Next feel this energy-bliss-peace is radiating to the place where you live and gradually to whole globe and universe.
Benefits-Pure smile instead of plastic smile always exists on your face.
Since smile is contagious you will become a source of joy-peace-oneness.
You can witness any pain in and out with smile without any shaking.

Expressing and Experiencing Divine love in Daily life

I sought love in many lives. I shed bitter tears of separation and repentance to know what love is. I sacrificed everything, all attachment and delusion, to learn at last that I am in love with Love—with God—alone. Then I drank love through all true hearts. I saw that He is the One Cosmic  Lover, the One Fragrance that permeates all the variegated blossoms of love in the garden of life.

Many souls wonder wistfully, helplessly, why love flees from one heart to another,- awakened souls realize that the heart is not fickle in loving different ones, but is loving the one God- Love that is present in all hearts.

The Lord ever silently whispers to you:
I am Love. But to experience the giving and the gift of love, I divided Myself into three: love, lover, and beloved. My love is beautiful, pure, eternally joyous; and I taste it in many ways, through many forms.

As father I drink reverential love from the spring of my child's heart. 
As mother I drink the nectar of unconditional love from the soul-cup of the tiny baby. 
As child I imbibe the protecting love of the father's righteous reason. 
As infant I drink causeless love from the holy grail of maternal attraction. 
As master I drink sympathetic love from the flask of the servant's thoughtfulness. 
As servant I sip respectful love from the goblet of the master's appreciation. 
As guru-preceptor I enjoy purest love from the chalice of the disciple's all-surrendering devotion.
As friend I drink from the self-bubbling fountains of spontaneous love. 
As a divine friend, I quaff crystal waters of cosmic love from the reservoir of God-adoring hearts.

So My love is playing hide-and-seek in all human hearts, that each might learn to discover and worship, not the temporal human receptacles of My love, but My love itself, dancing from one heart to another.

I want them to learn to speak the ultimate truth: "Love the One Love in all of us." 
To tell another, "I love you," is false until you realize the truth: "God as the love in me is in love with His love in you."

Without speaking a word, I have loved you always. I alone can truly say, "I love you"; for I loved you before you were born; My love gives you life and sustains you even at this moment; and I alone can love you after the gates of death imprison you where none, not even your greatest human lover, can reach you. 

I am the love that dances human puppets on strings of emotions and instincts, to play the drama of love on the stage of life. 
My love is beautiful and endlessly enjoyable when you love it alone; but the lifeline of your peace and joy is cut when instead you become entangled in human emotion and attachment. Realize, My children, it is My love for which you yearn!

Those who love Me as only one person, or who imperfectly love Me in one person, do not know what Love is. 
Only they can know Love who love Me wisely, faultlessly, completely, all surrenderingly— who love Me perfectly and equally in all, and who love Me perfectly and equally as all.

- Divine Romance, Paramahansa Yogananda

As you see the sky, know it is the Lord looking at you. 
As you look at the sun, know that the Lord is giving vitality to you. 
As you look at the moon, know the Lord is giving you love. 
As you look at the flowers, know that the Lord is smiling at you. 
As you look at people, know the Lord is asking to be recognised and crying for deliverance. 
As you look at saints, know that the Lord is talking to you.
- From Rajarsi Janakananda, A Great Western Yogi book

For all that has been - Thanks! To all that shall be - Yes!

"For all that has been - Thanks! 
To all that shall be - Yes!" 

UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold (pronounced HAM-mar-shold), theologian, poet, humanitarian, athlete, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961, wrote this prayer in his personal journal (published after his death under the title "Markings" in 1964). 
Imagine how much better the world would be if you and I could simply embrace that statement and live it! 

Quotes:
There is a calmness to a life lived in Gratitude, a quiet joy. - Ralph H. Blum

It is gratefulness that makes the soul great. - Rabbi Joshua Heschel

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is 'thank you,' it will be enough. - Meister Eckhart

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. - Melodie Beattie

The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated - William James

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. - Eric Hoffer

Be thankful for what you have and you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures - Thornton Wilder

There are souls in this world who have the gift of finding joy everywhere - and leaving it behind them when they go - Frederick William Faber

The affect of one good-hearted person is incalculable - Oscar Arias Sanchez

Unselfish acts are the real miracles out of which all the reported miracles grow - Ralph Waldo Emerson

If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand, extraordinary things begin to happen. - Loretta Girzartis

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. - Oscar Wilde

Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you. - Eileen Caddy

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them - John F. Kennedy

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie

"For all that has been - Thanks! 

To all that shall be - Yes!" 

http://www.thecreatrix.co.nz/words/82-pages/368-thankyou-quotes

Story:The Benevolence Of Sant Eknath

An incident in his life highlights his broad mind, forbearance and compassionate nature.

Sant Eknath lived in a village called Prathinapura, in Maharastra. He practiced Bhagvath Dharma - singing the names and glories of the Lord. He performed pooja to the idols of Rukmini and Panduranga which was presented to him by his Guru - Sri Janardana Swami. Sant Eknath was particularly famous in his village for his patience; nobody ever saw him angry, and nothing could ever make him lose his temper. Almost all his fellow-villagers paid respects to Eknath for his great virtues.

In the same village, there were a few vagabonds who used to regularly meet for gambling. One morning it so happened that one of them arrived late. When the others looked at him with a questioning look, he said, "I had been to Sant Eknath's residence to pay respects to him. So I could not come here in time."

On hearing this, the others guffawed and with a mocking tone asked him, "So my friend, what is so special about this gentleman, which makes you fall at his feet?"

"Sri Eknath never loses his temper under any circumstance. Isn't this trait unusual?"

They teased him further..."How can he who never gets angry be called a human?" On hearing thus, he immediately answered, "That is the reason why I regard him a saint..." The conversation which started in a light vein, took a serious turn... In the end, one of them challenged, "I shall make Saint Eknath lose his temper, and prove to you all that he is no different from others and I shall accomplish what I just said by tomorrow itself."

The next morning, Sant Eknath went to bathe in the Holy Godavari river early in the morning. While he was returning, the one who threw down the gauntlet, was waiting for Sant Eknath on a rooftop with mouthful of Paan (Betel leaves and Betel nuts, usually taken after meals). While walking back home, Eknath suddenly felt something wet falling on him. Without any signs of surprise, and without losing his composure, he walked back to the river for a holy dip.

The defiler was surprised, but when Sri Eknath returned from his second dip, he again spat on this great saint. Sri Eknath again went back to the river for a dip without losing his calm. But the vagabond was persistent in his efforts to make this saint angry, and he kept on spitting at Saint Eknath. 

Each time he spat on the saint, he could not even detect a faintest frown in Eknath's face. As the twilight of the dawn started to bounce off from the glittering waters of Godavari, the vagabond got tired of spitting at Eknath. 

He was totally bewildered on seeing the patience and forbearance of Eknathji. While his mouth was aching stiff due to repeated spitting, Eknath was looking as composed and as fresh as he was early in the morning!

The vagabond, feeling guilty and ashamed, rushed down to fall at the feet of Saint Eknath. Saint Eknath, with eyes brimming with compassion and love even for this offender, blessed him. 

Now the vagabond was totally perplexed, "Swamiji, how is it possible for you to be like this?" 

Saint Eknath replied, "Brother, if you can stick so stubbornly to this vice of harassing sadhus, it isn't the least surprising that I, on my part, should stick to my virtue of not losing my temper.I am on the way to offer my morning worship to my Lord. The dirt on my body can be easily cleansed by a dip in the river, but if I let anger enter my mind, it defiles the mind, and no amount of bathing in any river cancleanse me of this impurity.Worshipping with an impure mind would not bear fruits."

Remembering Sant Eknath when we get angry would help us to regain our composure without much difficulty.

http://creative.sulekha.com/india-s-great-saints-the-benevolence-of-sant-eknath_246601_blog

http://storydekho.blogspot.in/2014/09/story-dekho-paitience-and-tolerance.html

Story:Why Me?

Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983.

From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: "Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"?

To this Arthur Ashe replied:
The world over -- 5 crore children start playing tennis,
50 lakh learn to play tennis,
5 lakh learn professional tennis,
50,000 come to the circuit,
5000 reach the grand slam,
50 reach Wimbledon,
4 to semi final,
2 to the finals,
When I was holding a cup I never asked GOD "Why me?"
And today in pain I should not be asking GOD "Why me?"

"Happiness keeps u Sweet,
Trials keep u Strong,
Sorrow keeps u Human,
Failure Keeps u Humble,
Success keeps u Glowing,
But only God Keeps u Going..
Keep on Going.."

http://creative.sulekha.com/happiness-keeps-u-sweet_39991_blog

Story:Spiritual Friendship

http://www.aryaloka.org/community/friends-sangha/

Joke:Knowing Nothing

A monk asked Zhaozhou, “I have come here and know nothing. What are my duties?” 
Zhaozhou said, “What’s your name?” 
The monk said, “Huihan.” 
Zhaozhou retorted, “A fine ‘knowing nothing’ that is!” 

http://www.enlightened-spirituality.org/Zen_Humor.html

Joke:What is Buddha?

A monk asked famous Chan Master Zhaozhou Congshen (Chao-chou, 778-897): “What is the Buddha?” 
The master replied: “The one in the hall.” 
The monk said, “But the one in the hall is an image, a mere statue, a lump of mud.” 
Zhaozhou agreed, “That’s true.” 
“So,” persisted the monk, “what is the Buddha?” Zhaozhou responded: “The one in the hall!” 

The Master was trying to tell his disciple that the Buddha could not be known by asking questions such as 'What is the Buddha!' The Buddha is to be experienced; it is to be understood through an awakening. When awakening happens, you understand that you are Buddha! This is how the Buddha can be understood. 

It is like this: I have tasted nectar. Just by explaining the sweetness of it to you, by explaining its texture to you, by explaining about my experience of it to you, can you understand anything about nectar? No! But if you just taste it once, you will know exactly what it is! Only tasting will help. Until then you can have an idea that it is sweet, that it is smooth etc, that's all. But you cannot feel the real joy of it till you taste it for yourself.

http://www.enlightened-spirituality.org/Zen_Humor.html

Joke:Visiting teacher

When Ch’an Master Te-shan (782-865) arrived at Kuei-shan monastery, he carried his bundle with him into the teaching hall, where he crossed from east to west and then from west to east. He looked around at all the monks assembled and said, “There’s nothing here, no one.” Then he went out.

http://www.gurusfeet.com/spiritual_joke/visiting-teacher