Self-Realization through Yoga Meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra

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Meditation, Mind and the
Flight Management Computer

by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati
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A modern metaphor for mind and meditation.

The modern aircraft autopilot system is called a flight management computer. It is so sophisticated that it can take off, operate, and land a plane. All the pilot has to do is enter the instructions into the computer. Imagine one next step: that the computer could be operated by voice. All the pilot would have to do is say, "Airplane, please take me to city 'X'." The computer would do all of the complex calculations and operate the controls of the plane.


(747 cockpit)

The mind is an incredible instrument that operates all of our automatic inner processes, as well as the actions we do consciously. Now, for a moment, imagine that you could "ask" your mind to do actions for you, similar to the way our pilot might "ask" the computer to operate the airplane. Imagine that you could "ask" your inner wisdom aspect of mind (buddhi) for insights about this or that.

This is meant literally, not just metaphorically. It is a process called "internal dialogue" or "vichara" in Sanskrit. Internal dialogue is a process whereby one part of the mind is talking to another part of the mind. This does not mean split personalities or psychosis. It is an extremely practical tool that prepares one for meditation. It is the important tool of contemplation.

"Mind, please focus on the touch of the air flowing in the nostrils."

"Mind, let's not fight, you and I. Mind, please be my friend."

"Mind, please allow the body to relax. Please allow it to be still."

"Mind, please heal that aching part that is disturbing meditation."

"Mind, please focus on the feeling space at the heart center."

"Mind, what do I want? Why? Is this useful? Is it better that I keep doing this, or that I let go of this?"

"Mind, what's wrong with my meditation? What do I need to do to make it better? What do I need to cease doing to make it better?"

"Mind, what can I do in my daily life to make life a joy, a pleasant practice of meditation while doing my actions?"

Insights and answers will definitely come. It is the mind that causes the breath and body to move, be tensed, or do other actions. Asking the mind to change these will have an effect, whether quickly or slowly. The deep inner wisdom is available, and will gradually come just by asking. It is a literal practice. Literally form the words in your inner mind field. If asking a question, pause, and wait. The response may come in words, feelings, thoughts, emotions or sensations. Something will come. Make it a dialogue, the way you would have a conversation with another person.

 

 

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This site is devoted to presenting the ancient Self-Realization path of the Tradition of the Himalayan masters in simple, understandable and beneficial ways, while not compromising quality or depth. The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality. This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand. We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga. Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called bindu, leading to the Absolute.

 

 

Yoga Nidra Meditation CD by Swami Jnaneshvara
Yoga Nidra CD
Swami Jnaneshvara