The Wakeful Way

Divine Love

2012-01-31T14:09:00.000-08:00

We are here to learn how to Love and how to rest and abide in and as this Divine Love and Wholeness.

May this Divine Love shine to the utmost degree in all aspects of our life.

Om Sri Para Prem Namah!

The Big Dance

2012-01-27T15:37:00.000-08:00

One can dance for only so long. The dance can happen in arrogance, "I am dancing", or it can be recognized to be happening spontaneously in Supreme Silence. Either way, the dance will eventually end, returning to Silence. Depending on one's vantage point, this ending can be quite painful with much suffering, or it can happen with great Peace, Acceptance, and Grace. Every moment is an ending and a new beginning, always happening within this Eternal Silence and Peace. When one is deeply clear to what is always here, there is no fear.

Life Is But A Dream

2011-12-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

"Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream."

Awakening as Presence

2011-11-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Resting as Presence.

Only need to cease being distracted,
And abide fully as the Self.

What is always here, present, awake?...

Could it really be that simple?

When what is always here becomes clear,
The challenge then becomes remaining fully
Established in and as That.
It is not a passing state or experience,
It is the unchanging ground of reality,
The true Self, present in the hearts of all.

Om Tat Sat.

2011-10-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

May all crooked ways
Naturally be made straight
Though whole-hearted devotion
To Light and Love
Shining in the Heart.

3~(*

Om Shanti.

Spontaneous Flow

2011-10-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

Spontaneous Flow... happening in Eternal Presence, Eternal Light.

Silence. Here. Now. Awake. Fulfilled.

Yoga

2011-10-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

See beyond all mental distinctions (saint/sinner, female/male, young/old, ugly/beautiful, friend/enemy, relative/stranger, etc.).

Rest in your Heart and see the One Spirit pervading all. This naturally leads to an unconditional Love and Compassion for all, seeing one's Self in all, and all in one's Self.

The Science of Will-Power

2011-10-13T11:23:00.001-07:00

Sankalpa - (Resolve) (Clear Intention)

Tapas - (Forbearance of hardship)

Dharana - (Concentration) (One-pointedness of mind) (Sustained focus applied toward activity at hand)

Vairagya - (Dispassion towards desires of the mind)

Whatever it is that needs to be done, do not put it off, do it now. Build up will-power. Every little choice makes a difference.

The Essential Choice

2011-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

If you chase after fleeting pleasures you suffer. This is the nature of samsara. This is being 'caught in the mind'.

If you bring the light of awareness to the mental imaginings and desires as they arise and remain dispassionate you cut suffering at it's root. By instead remaining devoted to one's sadhana, and the Light within, as difficult as it may be at times, one builds up the spiritual power and comes one step closer to complete liberation from bondage to mind and senses.

This is the essential choice that we are always faced with.

Grace of God / Guru / Self is always Here. It is just a matter of tuning in. For this we must do the necessary day to day work and sadhana so that we can overcome the lazy and fickle nature of the mind, and in turn reveal Our True Power and Grace.

Finding Your True Power

2011-10-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Rest in and as your Center and find your true Power.

This Center has no circumference and contains all things,

is available for all things, and yet is not dependent on any-thing.

Discovering this Center is simultaneously discovering

lasting contentment, fulfillment, and peace.

2011-10-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

Emptiness is form and form is emptiness.

Only when all conceptions are fully dropped and let go of, will the integrated awareness beyond duality be revealed.

Be still and know.

Supreme Devotion

2011-09-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

Unceasing devotion to the Lotus Feet of the Lord, the Heart of one's Being, what is Eternally and Infinitely Here... Allowing all else to simply 'play out' naturally and spontaneously... Always in the wakeful and detached presence of That.

May the Heart of Being always be remembered, honored, loved, and ultimately dissolved into completely, even in the midst of all passing states, waking, dreaming, and deep-sleep.

All form, personality, experience, and so on, are simply passing waves in the Eternal and Infinite Ocean of Being. May we not get caught in the waves, and always rest as the Ocean, simply allowing all waves to spontaneously arise and fall however they may.

2011-08-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Be true to You, to your Heart, to your deepest knowing.

The Journey of Awakening

2011-07-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Granted everyone's path is going to be somewhat unique, though with that being said, here are what I see as some of the key stages in the 'Journey of Awakening'...

A crises, a shift, a spiritual ripening, or grace... call it what you may, somehow presents itself.

Then follows a conscious choice, sometimes after much resistance and hesitation, to respond to an inner pull or calling to become more Awake, Aware, and Clear to what is Here.

There arises an increased willingness and desire to step out of old ways and unconscious behavior, and see with fresh eyes.

With this new openness comes an increased ability to be a more astute and conscious observer of all that arises (physically, mentally, and energetically), without getting entangled, or overly identified in what is seen and observed.

With these newly increased and refined observational skills, old patterns and belief structures continue to fall away. (It is also worth mentioning, the help of a spiritual teacher who has already traversed these waters is of great value. Some may have the maturity to go at it alone, though for most, having a teacher or guide is an invaluable blessing).

Ultimately, when there is great faith in the Teacher and the process, one is able to truly 'let go' and relax into the inherent emptiness of Being that is always Here. With this there is simultaneously a direct insight into the non-reality of self, and with it a total collapsing of the ego-structure. Then, even though the ego-structure may continue to function as needed in this human expression, all of it goes on in a very transparent way, a simple and selfless instrument directed by the Clear Light of Being.

Like the Sun coming out from behind the clouds, all is now clear. Even the journey itself is now recognized as being somewhat dream-like, in the sense that truly You have always been Here, and will always be Here. You took yourself to be a passing cloud, and now You know your Self to be the Boundless Sky, in which all clouds arise, dance, and dissolve.

And with this comes a very simple and direct intuitive knowing:

"All is well... I Am Home."

2011-07-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Stay clear.

Stay HERE.

2011-06-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Generous.

Kind.

Happy.

A Prayer

2011-06-02T14:15:00.001-07:00

May body, mind, and actions be

a conscious and selfless expression of, and

a conscious and selfless offering to,

the One Self in All.

Om Shanti, Om Peace.

2011-06-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

This world and universe is all an expression of the Eternal One,

who is beyond name and form.

Diversity is in the mind, which is sometimes beautiful to behold,

though at the same time temporary and fleeting.

Ultimately, there is no fulfillment in trying to imitate another's expression and dharma (life path). When the Heart becomes the primary focus, the expression becomes quite natural, authentic, and pure... and is in no way contrived or arrogant (ego-centered). It is quite simple, if we just remain tuned into the Heart (the Self within), and allow for the natural flow. Remaining devoted to, and established in, what is always is Here.

The true yoga, offering, and expression naturally arises when we are fully awake, aware, and here.

Om Shanti, Om Peace.

2011-05-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Whether One believes themself to be an enlightened sage,
Or a shameful sinner, both are states of ignorance.

Be clear. Cease identifying with mind and body.

When all is clear and attention rests in the Heart,
Body and mind come into natural alignment with That,
Quite spontaneously and effortlessly.

Wuji ~ Taiji

2011-04-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

To appreciate Taiji (polarity) from the perspective of Wuji (non-polarity) is wisdom.

This is the vision of Truth. Diversity as a natural expression of Oneness.

To appreciate Wuji from the perspective of Taiji is ignorance.

This is dualistic vision, bringing with it attachment, aversion,

conditioned awareness, and a sense of separateness,

which in itself is pain, suffering, and lack of lasting fulfillment.

Therefore, recognize You are the Eternal and Infinite 'no-thing-ness',

that is always HERE. Be not identified with any form, whether it be body, mind, senses, emotion, intellect, breath, subtle energy, experience, and so on, and yet also recognize that all the varied forms and waves of the universe are expressing themselves in You.

Let nature have it's natural and spontaneous play,

and recognize You are not affected in the slightest.

Om Shanti ~ Om Peace

2011-04-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

3~(*

Eternally HERE.

3~(*

Big Mind

2011-03-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Step out of the narrowness, and smallness of the egoic mind. Open up to the expansiveness of your Being which is here and now, boundless, and all-pervading. All that arises whether we call it internal or external, is simply a wave in the Infinite and Boundless Ocean of your Being. You are within all and all is within You.

OM TAT SAT

Repentance

2011-03-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

Repentance is not simply to feel sorry for a wrong that has been done.
This is a necessary first step, though to go no further than this will not do much good.
If one never steps fully out of the stories of the mind, one is likely to repeat similar selfish and deluded actions over and over again. To truly repent is to Be with God, rather than the opposite which is to 'turn away from God' and be lost in the stories of the mind.

Look within, and know thy Self.
Ceaselessly abide as That which you are, and all crookedness will naturally be made straight.
This is true surrender and faith in the Supreme Being.

OM TAT SAT

Reeee - lax...

2011-01-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

When relaxation is total

what is found remaining

is the Light of the true Self,

the Eternal 'I AM'.

Om Shanti.

Love

2011-01-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Santosha

2010-12-27T22:58:00.001-08:00

Contentment is Here & Now.

2010-11-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Quiet mind, open Heart.

2010-11-20T12:06:00.001-08:00

Seated in the Heart ~ Wholeness ~ Love.

2010-11-20T11:50:00.001-08:00

Do not get lost in concepts.

It is quite simple, here & now.

2010-11-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

A beautiful rainbow arises in the Sky and stays for a while. It is appreciated in it's entirety for what it is. When it passes, the expansive and boundless Sky remains, ever peaceful and whole. Even as the rainbow is present, it is the Sky which allows for it to be seen and is the ever-present backdrop. Sometimes dark clouds and thunderstorms may also arise, though if one never forgets this ever-present backdrop, there will always be peace and fulfillment, even in the midst of change.

Presence, clarity, and a gratitude for All of it... as It is.

2010-11-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

Everything is a story,

Until you leave all stories behind,

And abide as That which is not a story.

2010-11-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

Silently observing as these words are typed. Eternally here and now.

This is mind, waking state. A temporary dream.

All dream objects, and dream bodies.

One Consciousness dreaming through all forms.

Forms come and go in the midst of Eternal Consciousness, the Silent Witness.

Perfectly peaceful, not wanting anything.

Wisdom and clarity Itself. One Consciousness.

One Light. One Love. One Self.

Here & Now.

2010-09-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

~ Clear Seeing ~

2010-08-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Wakeful Awareness...

That which has no name,

no face,

no age,

no sex,

no form,

and no belongings.

The support and essence of all...

body,

breath,

thought,

and an infinite variety of waves of various kinds,

and yet in the midst of all of this,

remains perfectly pure and unchanging.

A Boundless Ocean of Oneness and Peace.

2010-08-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

To simply talk about the Self in an intellectual way, is not true knowledge.

To truly know the Self is to Be the Self.

Om Shanti, Om Peace.

2009-11-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

Relax into the Silence of the Soul, here and now, and stay... abiding as the Eternal Truth, regardless of what may happen mentally, physically, or energetically. Just like clouds passing in the sky, simply let all things take their natural course. Remain in the Silence, even in the midst of the movement of the mind or the body... abide as the Eternal Unchanging Self... the One Consciousness in all.

~ Om Tat Sat ~

2009-11-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

Move in Silence.

Speak in Silence.

Think in Silence.

Love in Silence.

Abide as Silence.

2009-10-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

When there is a deep and sustained relaxation

into Witnessing Consciousness and Supreme Silence,

one begins to see with the eyes of wisdom and clarity,

seeing the Truth of Oneness.

In this Supreme Silence arises the Light of Love.

The Sage

2009-10-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

Relaxed.

Kind.

Loving.

Awake.

Relax Into Silence

2009-09-26T23:04:00.001-07:00

No thought...

Just Sweet Silence

& Perfect Peace.

The Higher Road

2009-09-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

In times when we feel most challenged, there are always two options of how to proceed... either from fear, or from Love.

To proceed with Love is to take the higher road, for Love is fearless, Love is selfless, and Love is Divine. Love brings one into a state of peace, contentment, and unity.

We can either look at the challenges that are presented to us as bad things, things to struggle with and to resist, or we can see them as opportunities to become more loving, more compassionate, and more whole. The choice is always ours.

Mindfulness

2009-08-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

The past is determined by how we live in the present,

and the future is also determined by how we live in the present.

It all happens here and now,

therefore live each moment well...

Live wakefully.

The Wakeful Way

2009-08-07T23:35:00.000-07:00

The Wakeful Way is the way of wakefulness, the way of resting more fully and deeply in the essence of Being, the Self within all, the Light of all lights, and the ground of Reality.

The Wakeful Way is to see through all the limited and distorted perceptions of oneself and reality, and instead see things clearly as they are. When we are awake to the true Self everything is seen clearly. Like a light dispelling darkness, Self knowledge cuts through all of the distortions of the mind. It is then that the mind becomes a humble and obedient servant of the Self. Rather than functioning out of it's own confused ignorance, the mind begins to function more fully out of a luminosity and clarity directed by the Light of Wisdom and Truth.

Dispassion

2009-07-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Give in to one desire, ten more are sure to follow. Desires are unquenchable, therefore have dispassion towards what arises internally with the thoughts, as well as with what arises externally... Truly, whether we call it internal or external, it is all mind. Rest in the stillness of your Being. Remain a Silent Witness, break the chains of desire, and be eternally free... Anandoham.

Om, Om, Om.

No Thought... No Judgement.

2009-06-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

Eternal Silence,

Eternal Presence,

Eternal Love.

No mind... Big Mind.

2009-06-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Perfect Wakefulness

2009-06-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Perfect Attention.

Clear, Boundless.

An Ocean of Silence.

Eternal Bliss.

2009-06-01T21:45:00.001-07:00

Instead of focusing on what you are, or are not, "doing", focus on Silence Itself... That which is not doing anything at all, yet through It, all things are done.

May you awaken deeply to this Divine Silence.

2009-06-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Om Purnamadah Purnamidam

Purnat Purnamudachyate

Purnasya Purnamadaya

Purnameva Vashishate.

Om - That is whole.

This is whole.

Wholeness comes from wholeness.

Take wholeness from wholeness, wholeness still remains.

Pay Attention...

2009-05-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

Pay attention,

to what is happening inside.

Silence.

Here, Now.

Without thought.

Awake.

All Will Come To Pass...

2009-05-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Know thy Self.

Enter into Not-Knowingness...

2009-05-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

True Emptiness is also True Fullness, or Wholeness.

Empty Thy Cup

2009-05-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

How can you grow in wisdom if your cup is already full of knowingness?... All that happens is it just overflows. There is no receptivity, no humility... only arrogance and ignorance. When one approaches the Teacher to learn from them and grow in wisdom, they should come with an empty cup, an empty mind. One should be grateful and allow the Teacher to guide and instruct them... Then they become fit to receive the Teacher's grace. An authentic Teacher selflessly leads one on the path to wholeness, fulfillment, and everlasting peace... There is no greater gift one can receive than this. Therefore in the presence of one's Teacher one should be humble, receptive, and deeply appreciative... Empty thy cup... Remain receptive to the One Teacher working through all things. Remain in not-knowingness and you will put yourself on the fast-track to true wisdom and lasting peace.

Humility

2009-05-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

The deepest level of humility,

is when no separate someone remains to be humble.

Silence

2009-05-14T13:38:00.001-07:00

Love and accept your Self 100%

2009-03-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Identify not with the false, distorted, and limited story of yourself that the mind has created, but rather love the whole of your Self… your true Self, the same Self that exists in all things.

To truly love your Self, you must be fully present and accepting of all that you are. You must learn to observe and remain detached from what your mind thinks you are, or what it thinks you should be, and instead stay centered in That which you truly are. Meditate and remain deeply in the unified state of Truth.

By identifying with the mind, which seeks for love and approval from other minds, you become a slave to the mind. When you are resting deeply in the Stillness and Peace of the Self, the mind’s habit of seeking acceptance from other minds will gradually whither and die, leaving the Radiance of Truth to shine clearly in It’s own pristine glory.

Truth is in the Ordinary.

2009-01-26T21:52:00.000-08:00

Simplicity.

Presence.

Naturalness.

Straightforwardness.

Karma

2008-12-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

Karma is simply the law of causation. Just like an apple tossed in the air must return to the ground, a thought deeply focused upon has it's eventual reaction. A thought given attention and interest becomes a feeling, a feeling becomes a desire, desire leads to action, and action has it's eventual re-action. It all starts with a thought and the degree to which it is focused upon and identified with.

Karma Yoga is the practice of freeing one's Self from the bonds of karma. It is the practice of selfless service / allowing thought and action to happen naturally, without any sense of doership. Thought and action may still happen, though the inner Silence witnessing all thought and action becomes the primary focus. When all sense of doership ceases and one is fully established in the silent recognition that they are Unchanging and Ever-Peaceful, even in the midst of thought and action, then one can be said to be free from the bonds of karma. One then simply lives out the remainder of their life as a Jivanmukta, a liberated Being, eternally free from the cycle of birth and death.

- Om Shanti.

The Plight of the "Yoga Teacher"

2008-09-05T00:50:00.000-07:00

The ego is such a very sneaky thing, building itself up wherever it sees a chance, wherever there is a lapse in wakefulness. Yoga teachers must continually be awake and aware and teach from a place of humility and selflessness, otherwise, we are merely “spiritual” egos teaching “student” egos how they too can be “spiritual” egos. If the teacher is not rooted in the Truth and Awareness of the Inner Teacher (existent in both the "student" and the "teacher"), the teacher's ego will unknowingly be built up when they are offered compliments, and praise, and so on by their students. Therefore, to be able to cut through this “spiritual ego” one must be continually wakeful and watchful of the ego-mind and it’s ways. It is only the ego-driven yoga teacher who seeks for name and fame, for praise, and for his own profit and gain. The true Inner Teacher could care less. When we are connected with the Inner Teacher, we are inspired towards such qualities as love, service, selflessness, and humility. As yoga teachers we must continually seek to appreciate the roles we each play in their divine uniqueness, but to also see beyond the roles and recognize the One Consciousness acting through them. For this, a sincere humility, emptiness, and receptivity is essential.

To be truly empty and simple, and a clear instrument of That, is the challenge presented to all yoga teachers. We should celebrate the variety of instruments and the beautiful variety of music that comes out of them, though we should also recognize with deep humility that it is the same One Masterful Musician who plays all instruments, orchestrates them, and silently observes their play as well.

Beloved Self

2008-09-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

The primary question to be asked is, Who am I?... What is true, and lasting? When you explore deeply this question with full attentiveness, and complete stillness of mind, you will then understand experientially what is true, and lasting. It is not a thought, it is the pure experience of what is. You are It, there is nothing else. Only thought creates the idea of separateness. You are Me, and I am You. Really there is no me and no you, there is only One.

Words do not suffice, you must be It to know It, and you already are It, so simply just be That, which you already are.

Sanskrit Vocabulary (For Asana Practice)

2008-09-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Adho – Downward

Anga – Limb
Ardha – Half
Asana – Steady, comfortable pose
Baddha – Bound
Bandha – Lock
Bhuja – Arm / Shoulder
Bhujanga – Serpent / Snake
Chakra – Wheel
Chandra – Moon
Danda – Staff
Dhanur – Bow shaped
Dwi – Two
Eka – One
Ganda – Cheek / Side of face
Hasta – Hand
Janu – Knee
Karna – Ear
Kona – Angle
Mukha – Facing
Namaskar – Prayer
Niralamba – Unsupported
Pada – Leg / Foot
Padangustha – Big toe
Parivrtta – Revolved
Parsva – Side / Sideways
Prasarita – Spread / Stretched out
Purna – Complete / Full
Salamba – Supported
Sama – Straight
Sarvanga – All the body / All limbs
Setu – Bridge
Sirsa – Head
Sthiti – Standing still
Supta – Supine / Reclining
Tan – stretch
Ubaya – Both
Upavishta – Seated
Urdva – Upward
Ut – Intensity
Utthita – Extended
Viparita – Reverse / Inverted
Virabhadra – Powerful Warrior
Vrksa – Tree

The Way of the Sage

2008-09-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

The sage is always connected to the Source, even in the midst of day to day activities. The sage's mind is empty and not-knowing. With full willingness and surrender, he let's the Tao move him and guide him however It may. All movement arises from a place of stillness, not-knowingness, and spontaneity. He is ever awake to what is eternally here and now. Compassionate and loving, he lives his life in selfless service of God, seeing God's presence in all things. Being an embodiment of stillness and peace, he effortlessly flows with whatever comes his way. He is unattached, fearless, and without any desire of his own. Whatever the Tao desires of him, is his desire. The sage is ever content and at peace, blissfully awake and free.