Dear Friends,
During my first satsang in Virginia Beach, I looked out in the "audience" and saw a beautiful, heart-warming smile. Her face lit up the church. After the gathering, people came up to me, one by one, to get a blessing. She faced me and looked into my eyes and then gave me a beaded bracelet. I said, "Put your phone number on the e-mail sheet, and we can get together to talk about your spiritual path."
A week later, I called her, and we planned to meet one evening. I drove over under the stormy green sky, eager to see her. I arrived, and there was an immediate connection. The time passed like a dream. We danced and laughed and prayed together, and I was entranced by her gentle love and dazzling beauty. I spent the night and the next day, told her I would be back for the last 4 days of my stay in Virginia Beach. That weekend, I felt anxious and nervous, I lost my appetite, and I felt quite bruised down there.
Then I woke up one morning and decided to say goodbye. So I arrived on Monday evening, and she was very excited to see me. She gave me an orange shawl to wear. I felt scared to tell her. "It is too difficult for me to stay here for four days, so I'm leaving tonight. Remember that I am a renunciant. In fact, orange is the color of renunciation." Not very affected by this statement, she encouraged me to stay for dinner. Indeed, it seems that she just wanted to enjoy the time that we had together. During the evening, she embraced me and "stole" kisses. And in one timeless moment, she kissed my face gently, and I stood in meditation. It was so lovely, and yet, a part of my mind was detached, witnessing the play of Maya. This moment spoke to me. No matter how beautiful the outside world appeared, I was letting it go and diving into the inner world. That inner world was so far beyond any outer sensual experience. Indeed, I had developed some dispassion.
And so, after a soft kiss under the night sky, I drove away, trying to shake off the anxiety. And she walked back to her home, glowing with love. I remembered that I had wanted to experience falling in love with someone, and this was given to me. And yet, in the depths of meditation, the desire was dissolving. I have fallen in love with this Creator...the Creator who has carved her with His own hands. Oh, Lord, I only want You!
With love,
Brian
Friday, July 4, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
The turtle's message
Dear Friends,
I was recently walking barefoot through Deer Park in Newport News, connecting to Mother Nature. The forest was teeming with Life - the song of birds, the scurrying of squirrels - the heartbeat of God. Peacefulness filled my being. The energy of the lake cleansed my field.
Returning to the park road, I looked down and saw a baby turtle crushed by the wheels of a car, its insides strewn about. I bent down and placed my hand over the turtles body, praying for his soul. Tears streamed down my face. The turtle was so innocent. It meant no harm. Just crossing the road peacefully. And it even had a shell to protect its fragile body. How can such a peaceful being be crushed like this? So much broken innocence in the world. Perhaps the person who drove through the park had not seen the turtle. The car, so big, and the turtle, so small. I, too, had missed many of these baby turtles on the road, especially through my ignorance and lack of awareness. And so I wept for the ignorance of the world. And I cried for the the baby turtle, honoring his sweet innocence. Truly people know not what they do. This turtle had awakened my heart to the suffering of the world.
Oh, Lord, I am walking this earth to love my fellow creatures. To relieve the suffering of my dear Earthling friends. To hold all of them in my heart. I moved the turtle's body to the side of the road and covered it with pine needles. Thank you, dear turtle, for sharing your message with me.
With love,
Brian
I was recently walking barefoot through Deer Park in Newport News, connecting to Mother Nature. The forest was teeming with Life - the song of birds, the scurrying of squirrels - the heartbeat of God. Peacefulness filled my being. The energy of the lake cleansed my field.
Returning to the park road, I looked down and saw a baby turtle crushed by the wheels of a car, its insides strewn about. I bent down and placed my hand over the turtles body, praying for his soul. Tears streamed down my face. The turtle was so innocent. It meant no harm. Just crossing the road peacefully. And it even had a shell to protect its fragile body. How can such a peaceful being be crushed like this? So much broken innocence in the world. Perhaps the person who drove through the park had not seen the turtle. The car, so big, and the turtle, so small. I, too, had missed many of these baby turtles on the road, especially through my ignorance and lack of awareness. And so I wept for the ignorance of the world. And I cried for the the baby turtle, honoring his sweet innocence. Truly people know not what they do. This turtle had awakened my heart to the suffering of the world.
Oh, Lord, I am walking this earth to love my fellow creatures. To relieve the suffering of my dear Earthling friends. To hold all of them in my heart. I moved the turtle's body to the side of the road and covered it with pine needles. Thank you, dear turtle, for sharing your message with me.
With love,
Brian
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Let there be Light
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)