Dear Friends,
What is inspiration? Breathe light into the being, and see how life changes. One's expression can become more joyous, excited, and full of vitality. If the being contains the darkness of depression or anxiety, one must empty oneself first before the light of inspiration can shine forth. Otherwise, it is easy to feel inspired one day and then lose that brilliance the next.
One way to live an inspired life is to associate with inspired people. The energy of such people will rub off on others. I love the depiction of Saint Francis in the movie, Brother Sun Sister Moon. He fell in love with God, the Holy Father, and began to beam love, joy, and compassion. He was awakened to his Soul, and when the human being is awakened to the Soul, it shines forth such inspiration that negativity cannot easily survive in this light. So his friends were highly influenced by the light, and soon, they followed him, renouncing their worldly life too. Even the Pope himself was deeply moved by the power of Saint Francis' Presence and encouraged him to spread the Teachings.
Swami Purna has been an inspiration to me. His Presence has so absolutely overwhelmed my soul that it is singing to the heavens. One can imagine a thousand angels from heaven singing together in one room, and perhaps that would touch upon my experience with Swamiji. My inner state is often exploding with such energy that sometimes I can barely contain it. I want to share this Energy with others, and so, I set off on the road to hold satsangs. Satsang is about inspiring people - bringing the Energy of Peace, Joy, and Love. Awakening the Soul. Realizing there is only the One. God said, "let there be Light and there was Light."
With love,
Brian
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Songs for Swamiji
Dear Friends,
Many people have asked me to record my harmonium music, and I procrastinated for years, remembering the endless hours I had spent recording my first CD of mantras in the apartment closet in Austin. Last November, I passed through Phoenix, AZ and held a satsang at Gilbert Yoga. One man offered his private home studio for recording. "This must be a sign," I thought. Over the weekend, I went to visit him, and we recorded 11 mantras in about 5 hours. I called the album "Songs for Swamji." These 11 mantras contain Swamiji's Grace. They cleanse the mind, body, and soul. They focus on the paths of Divine Love, Bliss, Abundance, Devotion, Peace, Non-Duality, etc. Such a simple way to surround oneself with the Energy! Here are the mantras:
1) Omkaram Bindu Samyuktam Nityam Dhyayanti Yoginaha Kamadam Mokshadam Jaiva Omkaraya Namo Namaha
2) Narayan Sri Narayan
3) Lakshmi Mata Namo Namah
4) Anandam Premanandam
5) Sia Ram
6) Hari Om
7) Om Namo Purnaya
8) Om Sarvesam Svastirbhavatu, Sarvesam Shantir Bhavatu, Sarvesam Purnam Bhavatu, Sarvesam Mangalam Bhavatu, Sarve Bhavantu Sukinah, Sarve Shantu Niramaya, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kaschid Dukha Bhagbavet
9) Jaya Jaya Jagadamve Ma Ambe
10) Sri Purnji Karange Vera Par Re Manua Kahe Ko Dare
11) Om Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnat Purnamudacyate Purnasya Purnamadaya Purnamevavashishyate
The more one is relaxed, the deeper the Grace can heal the being. It is very useful to meditate to music and allow it to do what it wants with you.
With love,
Brian
Many people have asked me to record my harmonium music, and I procrastinated for years, remembering the endless hours I had spent recording my first CD of mantras in the apartment closet in Austin. Last November, I passed through Phoenix, AZ and held a satsang at Gilbert Yoga. One man offered his private home studio for recording. "This must be a sign," I thought. Over the weekend, I went to visit him, and we recorded 11 mantras in about 5 hours. I called the album "Songs for Swamji." These 11 mantras contain Swamiji's Grace. They cleanse the mind, body, and soul. They focus on the paths of Divine Love, Bliss, Abundance, Devotion, Peace, Non-Duality, etc. Such a simple way to surround oneself with the Energy! Here are the mantras:
1) Omkaram Bindu Samyuktam Nityam Dhyayanti Yoginaha Kamadam Mokshadam Jaiva Omkaraya Namo Namaha
2) Narayan Sri Narayan
3) Lakshmi Mata Namo Namah
4) Anandam Premanandam
5) Sia Ram
6) Hari Om
7) Om Namo Purnaya
8) Om Sarvesam Svastirbhavatu, Sarvesam Shantir Bhavatu, Sarvesam Purnam Bhavatu, Sarvesam Mangalam Bhavatu, Sarve Bhavantu Sukinah, Sarve Shantu Niramaya, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kaschid Dukha Bhagbavet
9) Jaya Jaya Jagadamve Ma Ambe
10) Sri Purnji Karange Vera Par Re Manua Kahe Ko Dare
11) Om Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnat Purnamudacyate Purnasya Purnamadaya Purnamevavashishyate
The more one is relaxed, the deeper the Grace can heal the being. It is very useful to meditate to music and allow it to do what it wants with you.
With love,
Brian
Friday, May 9, 2014
A Poignant Moment
Dear Friend,
Sarah invited me to a hold a satsang for her Reiki Share group near Fort Worth, TX. I came in spite of my desire to attend another event that evening. Around 15 people showed up to join in satsang and a Reiki Energy exchange afterwards. After the gathering, Sarah tried to attend most of the gatherings I held in the area. It was not easy for her since she was also taking care of her 1 year old son, Jake. But she went out of her way to go to satsang.
One day, she told me she had seen Swami Purna behind me at that first gathering we had coordinated together. The Energy had called her to go more deeply into the Teachings - read His book, do His spiritual practices and connect to the mantras. She attended His conference calls and the recent retreat in Pennsylvania. Gently she would ask for guidance about how to connect to Swamiji more deeply, and I would share my own experience.
Recently Sarah went on a camping trip with her son, Jake (now 2 years old), and others. She walked alone into the woods to listen to the conference call with Swamiji that morning. Toward the end of the call, Jake approached her and took one of the earphone buds to put it up to his ear. He listened attentively, connecting to Swamiji's Grace. Sarah sent me this picture of the moment...a moment captured in history...a turning point on the wheel of Life. As I gaze at this picture, I have tears in my eyes. Jake was returning Home...
With love,
Brian
Sarah invited me to a hold a satsang for her Reiki Share group near Fort Worth, TX. I came in spite of my desire to attend another event that evening. Around 15 people showed up to join in satsang and a Reiki Energy exchange afterwards. After the gathering, Sarah tried to attend most of the gatherings I held in the area. It was not easy for her since she was also taking care of her 1 year old son, Jake. But she went out of her way to go to satsang.
One day, she told me she had seen Swami Purna behind me at that first gathering we had coordinated together. The Energy had called her to go more deeply into the Teachings - read His book, do His spiritual practices and connect to the mantras. She attended His conference calls and the recent retreat in Pennsylvania. Gently she would ask for guidance about how to connect to Swamiji more deeply, and I would share my own experience.
Recently Sarah went on a camping trip with her son, Jake (now 2 years old), and others. She walked alone into the woods to listen to the conference call with Swamiji that morning. Toward the end of the call, Jake approached her and took one of the earphone buds to put it up to his ear. He listened attentively, connecting to Swamiji's Grace. Sarah sent me this picture of the moment...a moment captured in history...a turning point on the wheel of Life. As I gaze at this picture, I have tears in my eyes. Jake was returning Home...
With love,
Brian
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Satsang for Children
Dear Friends,
In New York, I was invited to join a Kid's Series to hold satsang for the children. Upon arriving, I was greeted by a cheerful woman who said she had come to see me with her son, Martin. Martin appeared to be 9 years old, his mind in the state of a very young child. The woman wanted healing for her son. I said hello to Martin, and he greeted me after a prompting from his mother. I gave her a mantra to help heal his mind and brain and awaken his third eye. We talked a bit.
Then the kids came in and we all sat down to satsang. I didn't have any plans. I played the harmonium and sang with them. One of the children, a girl of about 6 years, put her head on my leg and hugged me. Another poked at the harmonium, trying to pump more air into it. The others were fidgeting and singing along, "Hari Om, Hari Om." Then we all did a gibberish meditation, talking nonsense words for about a minute before they started to get tired of it. After singing "Sia Ram" together, Bernadette, the facilitator who had been doing a healing for Martin, said, "I feel angels with us during that mantra!" Then I introduced the mantra, So Ham, Hamsa. "So Ham means 'I am That'" I said to the children. Certainly we didn't go into more detail about this definition. How could I explain such a chant? I don't even understand it! "Hamsa means 'I am the swan.' Does anyone know what a swan looks like? Can anyone draw a swan?" Then 3 kids and an adult began to draw swans. It was silent. "This is the first time we've been in silence today!" exclaimed Bernadette. After several minutes, they revealed their masterpieces. Indeed, they were excellent drawings of a swan. The young woman was an artist who had drawn a very beautiful swan.
And as we concluded, a boy handed me a purple oragami swan with a white marking on it. "I made it. It's for you." Well, I was touched by this kind gesture. Purple is the color of the Royal Path, the Raja Path that Swami Purna shares with disciples. And the swan represents the shining soul - absolute purity. "Thank you so much," I said to him and then gave the kids a hug before I left. Later, I was told that everyone had enjoyed the satsang.
With love,
Brian
In New York, I was invited to join a Kid's Series to hold satsang for the children. Upon arriving, I was greeted by a cheerful woman who said she had come to see me with her son, Martin. Martin appeared to be 9 years old, his mind in the state of a very young child. The woman wanted healing for her son. I said hello to Martin, and he greeted me after a prompting from his mother. I gave her a mantra to help heal his mind and brain and awaken his third eye. We talked a bit.
Then the kids came in and we all sat down to satsang. I didn't have any plans. I played the harmonium and sang with them. One of the children, a girl of about 6 years, put her head on my leg and hugged me. Another poked at the harmonium, trying to pump more air into it. The others were fidgeting and singing along, "Hari Om, Hari Om." Then we all did a gibberish meditation, talking nonsense words for about a minute before they started to get tired of it. After singing "Sia Ram" together, Bernadette, the facilitator who had been doing a healing for Martin, said, "I feel angels with us during that mantra!" Then I introduced the mantra, So Ham, Hamsa. "So Ham means 'I am That'" I said to the children. Certainly we didn't go into more detail about this definition. How could I explain such a chant? I don't even understand it! "Hamsa means 'I am the swan.' Does anyone know what a swan looks like? Can anyone draw a swan?" Then 3 kids and an adult began to draw swans. It was silent. "This is the first time we've been in silence today!" exclaimed Bernadette. After several minutes, they revealed their masterpieces. Indeed, they were excellent drawings of a swan. The young woman was an artist who had drawn a very beautiful swan.
And as we concluded, a boy handed me a purple oragami swan with a white marking on it. "I made it. It's for you." Well, I was touched by this kind gesture. Purple is the color of the Royal Path, the Raja Path that Swami Purna shares with disciples. And the swan represents the shining soul - absolute purity. "Thank you so much," I said to him and then gave the kids a hug before I left. Later, I was told that everyone had enjoyed the satsang.
With love,
Brian
Saturday, March 29, 2014
One young girl
Dear Friends,
Recently I held a satsang at Unity Church in Stockton, CA where about a dozen people joined in communion. One young girl sat right in front of me on the floor and listened very intently. For some reason, I felt a powerful joy flowing through my being, and so, joy became the theme of the gathering. In Sanskrit, the word is "sukam." In one of the meditations, I suggested that everyone remember a time when they felt great joy. We visualized it and brought back the feeling of that moment in time. Then I asked if anyone wanted to share their memory. The girl in front raised her hand and said, "When my mom and dad got back together." Her parents were there, beaming. I closed my eyes, feeling deeply moved.
"What she says is very symbolic," I said. In many spiritual and religious traditions, God is defined by the Mother and Father, the husband and wife. One side of God cannot exist without the other. According to Christ, he represents the Father/Mother. According to Vedic tradition and Hinduism, Shiva and Shakti or Purusha and Prakriti are the two aspects of God. The Father principle is that inconceivable aspect that witnesses creation while the Mother principle is creation itself. It is usually easier to worship the Mother since she is associated with form. The Father is above and beyond the mind, the expression of non-duality. As the Mother and Father come together as One, we realize the Supreme Being, the One God. This idea is very philosophical since we cannot comprehend It. Only when we realize It can we Know.
Yet this small girl innocently stated perhaps the most profound realization in the universe. When Mother and Father join, True Joy dawns, and we return to our Source. I, too, am happy that her mom and dad got back together!
With love,
Brian
Recently I held a satsang at Unity Church in Stockton, CA where about a dozen people joined in communion. One young girl sat right in front of me on the floor and listened very intently. For some reason, I felt a powerful joy flowing through my being, and so, joy became the theme of the gathering. In Sanskrit, the word is "sukam." In one of the meditations, I suggested that everyone remember a time when they felt great joy. We visualized it and brought back the feeling of that moment in time. Then I asked if anyone wanted to share their memory. The girl in front raised her hand and said, "When my mom and dad got back together." Her parents were there, beaming. I closed my eyes, feeling deeply moved.
"What she says is very symbolic," I said. In many spiritual and religious traditions, God is defined by the Mother and Father, the husband and wife. One side of God cannot exist without the other. According to Christ, he represents the Father/Mother. According to Vedic tradition and Hinduism, Shiva and Shakti or Purusha and Prakriti are the two aspects of God. The Father principle is that inconceivable aspect that witnesses creation while the Mother principle is creation itself. It is usually easier to worship the Mother since she is associated with form. The Father is above and beyond the mind, the expression of non-duality. As the Mother and Father come together as One, we realize the Supreme Being, the One God. This idea is very philosophical since we cannot comprehend It. Only when we realize It can we Know.
Yet this small girl innocently stated perhaps the most profound realization in the universe. When Mother and Father join, True Joy dawns, and we return to our Source. I, too, am happy that her mom and dad got back together!
With love,
Brian
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Light versus Dark
Dear Friends,
Swamiji said that the darkness cannot exist without the Light. In other words, darkness is just another shade of the Light. This idea shatters every conception of the mind.
My mind seems to be addicted to competition, comparison and judgment. It wants to feel higher than others...more powerful...needed by others. This feeling is filling a void of worthlessness and insecurity. Because of this desire for being higher than others, I cannot fully enjoy the Love that is the very nature of the Light. The Light is behind all of creation and yet the mind chooses to believe that it needs to get more Love. It chooses to feel empty.
It is amazing to note that I got interested in spirituality because of Dr. David Hawkins' book, Power versus Force. He says that one can measure the consciousness of anything through a scale of 1 to 1000. This scale appealed to my competitive drive, and I was interested in reaching 1000, the height at which Jesus had reached. So my competitive aspect created a momentum that pushed me towards intense spiritual practices, striving, and renunciation. Therefore, I hold deep gratitude for this part of myself. It has been a good friend because it has tried its best to serve me.
Now this competitive part is rather painful because it is pushing forward and worrying about not getting enough Grace and not understanding why to let go. The Light exists everywhere. Therefore, we are swimming in the Grace all the time. We are always in satsang. There is no lack of Light, no need to get more or be afraid that there is not enough. Who am I competing against? What am I striving for? And how can I be worthless when the very nature of my being is Light. So by sharing with others, I am opening myself to clearer states of realization of that Light. And when the world is filled with deeper realization, everyone thrives. Besides, it would be quite lonely, standing at the top of a mountain, witnessing a lovely view, with no one to share it with.
I am making a conscientious effort to see how beautiful everyone and everything is. The One Light has a powerful ability to show up as so many characters in the Divine Play. As I see the beauty everywhere, my mind is softened, judgments fall away, and I begin to share. Love flows through my heart like a river. There is only the Light.
With love,
Brian
Swamiji said that the darkness cannot exist without the Light. In other words, darkness is just another shade of the Light. This idea shatters every conception of the mind.
My mind seems to be addicted to competition, comparison and judgment. It wants to feel higher than others...more powerful...needed by others. This feeling is filling a void of worthlessness and insecurity. Because of this desire for being higher than others, I cannot fully enjoy the Love that is the very nature of the Light. The Light is behind all of creation and yet the mind chooses to believe that it needs to get more Love. It chooses to feel empty.
It is amazing to note that I got interested in spirituality because of Dr. David Hawkins' book, Power versus Force. He says that one can measure the consciousness of anything through a scale of 1 to 1000. This scale appealed to my competitive drive, and I was interested in reaching 1000, the height at which Jesus had reached. So my competitive aspect created a momentum that pushed me towards intense spiritual practices, striving, and renunciation. Therefore, I hold deep gratitude for this part of myself. It has been a good friend because it has tried its best to serve me.
Now this competitive part is rather painful because it is pushing forward and worrying about not getting enough Grace and not understanding why to let go. The Light exists everywhere. Therefore, we are swimming in the Grace all the time. We are always in satsang. There is no lack of Light, no need to get more or be afraid that there is not enough. Who am I competing against? What am I striving for? And how can I be worthless when the very nature of my being is Light. So by sharing with others, I am opening myself to clearer states of realization of that Light. And when the world is filled with deeper realization, everyone thrives. Besides, it would be quite lonely, standing at the top of a mountain, witnessing a lovely view, with no one to share it with.
I am making a conscientious effort to see how beautiful everyone and everything is. The One Light has a powerful ability to show up as so many characters in the Divine Play. As I see the beauty everywhere, my mind is softened, judgments fall away, and I begin to share. Love flows through my heart like a river. There is only the Light.
With love,
Brian
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Brotherhood
Dear Friends,
Recently I received a call from Dana who wanted to support the Wander for Truth cause while I stayed in San Luis Obispo. He offered me a private room at his community complex, connected to a large kitchen and lounge room. When I arrived, he had left a bowl of fruit, bottles of coconut water, and a potted plant to welcome me. Almost every morning, we chanted together and then he treated me to breakfast. Sometimes he would juice fresh organic vegetables and share the drink with both me and his neighbor who had had a difficult operation recently.
One morning, we sat together by the Rock at Morro Bay and chanted 108 mantras for the Ocean and all the beings in it. A seagull alighted on a bolder behind us and listened to the sound of the holy name. Sunlight sparkled on the waves. The Ocean calmly held all of these waves. It was a clear symbol of Swamiji.
Dana coordinated a special satsang at the community building and invited everyone in the co-housing complex. That night, I expressed stories about the Buddha, and we chanted mantras connected to the Buddha's energy. A beautiful stillness opened in the space of the gathering. Buddha had come. Later on, I discovered that many of the attendees were practicing Buddhism - a lovely synchronicity.
After one satsang in San Luis Obispo, Dana and I went home to celebrate Shivaratri. It was my last night there. We lit a candle for Shiva and did a puja, honoring the God of Transformation. I went through the 1,000 names of Shiva. Halfway through, I started to laugh uncontrollably, and Dana began to laugh. We laughed for a few minutes with tears in our eyes. The mantra I was chanting had so many syllables. I tried saying it but I kept breaking into laughter. It was difficult to go on. Finally I composed myself and finished the rest of the holy names. It was so delightful to honor Shiva. The energy washed over the room and cleansed us with His Presence. It cleansed the world...
Dana and I parted in friendship...in brotherhood...in devotion.
With love,
Brian
Recently I received a call from Dana who wanted to support the Wander for Truth cause while I stayed in San Luis Obispo. He offered me a private room at his community complex, connected to a large kitchen and lounge room. When I arrived, he had left a bowl of fruit, bottles of coconut water, and a potted plant to welcome me. Almost every morning, we chanted together and then he treated me to breakfast. Sometimes he would juice fresh organic vegetables and share the drink with both me and his neighbor who had had a difficult operation recently.
One morning, we sat together by the Rock at Morro Bay and chanted 108 mantras for the Ocean and all the beings in it. A seagull alighted on a bolder behind us and listened to the sound of the holy name. Sunlight sparkled on the waves. The Ocean calmly held all of these waves. It was a clear symbol of Swamiji.
Dana coordinated a special satsang at the community building and invited everyone in the co-housing complex. That night, I expressed stories about the Buddha, and we chanted mantras connected to the Buddha's energy. A beautiful stillness opened in the space of the gathering. Buddha had come. Later on, I discovered that many of the attendees were practicing Buddhism - a lovely synchronicity.
After one satsang in San Luis Obispo, Dana and I went home to celebrate Shivaratri. It was my last night there. We lit a candle for Shiva and did a puja, honoring the God of Transformation. I went through the 1,000 names of Shiva. Halfway through, I started to laugh uncontrollably, and Dana began to laugh. We laughed for a few minutes with tears in our eyes. The mantra I was chanting had so many syllables. I tried saying it but I kept breaking into laughter. It was difficult to go on. Finally I composed myself and finished the rest of the holy names. It was so delightful to honor Shiva. The energy washed over the room and cleansed us with His Presence. It cleansed the world...
Dana and I parted in friendship...in brotherhood...in devotion.
With love,
Brian
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