Following are daily internal dialogues that can
be practiced over a month, choosing the one below which matches the
date today (If today is the 7th, then choose practice #7). These are
from the booklet "Understanding and Practicing the Teachings of
Swami Rama", which can be viewed and downloaded in pdf format. (Open/download)
Internal dialogue step is a very important step, but
is one that few students understand. To succeed in meditation you have
to develop this important step. You do not begin with meditation itself.
First you learn to set a regular meditation time, and then to have a
dialogue with yourself. In this process you are coming in contact with
your inner, internal states. You are learning about the subtle aspects
of your mind, your own conscience, and at the same time you are also
training yourself.
As you develop the practice of internal dialogue, you
will dialogue about many subjects. You will not just have a single
dialogue on a single topic—internal dialogue will become a normal way of
relating to your own mind. However, to help you get started in this
practice, you may find it useful to have a
specific topic with which to start the dialogue. Start by using the
number on the list which matches today’s date. Remember, you are having
a “dialogue” with your mind, a two-way communication, not just a
“monologue,” merely talking in the presence of your mind—rather, the
conscious, waking state “you” is having a “conversation” with your vast
unconscious. Use the suggestions below to start the dialogue and then
allow the “conversation” to expand naturally. Check-off the dialogue
practice at the end of the day.
The subject of internal dialogue is well described by
Swami Rama in Path of Fire and Light, Vol. II, pp. 102-110.
1. Dialogue with yourself about mistakes you have
made. Don’t condemn yourself or be judgmental.
2. When sitting for meditation, ask your mind to go
to, and to heal aching parts. When you attempt sushumna application, ask
your mind to focus on the nose bridge.
3. Ask yourself, “what do I want?” Raise questions
about the purpose of life.
4. Explain to your mind that it is too worldly and
materialistic.
5. Train the senses by using dialogue; actually
dialogue with the individual ten senses.
6. Ask yourself if you want to meditate, to explore,
to know yourself, and to choose your habits.
7. Ask how you think, why you are emotional, and what
the problems are with your mind.
8. Establish a relationship, a friendship with your
mind; learn to love by being gentle with yourself.
9. Ask yourself, “what do I want?” This may relate to
small things or to the purpose of life.
10. Tell the mind that it has become dissipated, and
should tread the path of light, love, and devotion.
11. Self-counsel about negative emotions. When upset,
ask, “why am I thinking like this?”
12. Ask your mind to open a blocked nostril for you.
Ask your mind to flow with the breath.
13. Consider some problem and ask your mind “what are
some solutions? what should I do?”.
14. Dialogue with that whatever is being observed,
including mental objects and thoughts.
15. Ask yourself, “what do I want?” Remind yourself
of your real identity.
16. Ask yourself why you are doing certain actions.
How do the actions reflect thoughts and emotions?
17. Say to your mind, “please be my friend.” How does
your mind respond?
18. Ask your mind what you have to do. Ask why you
sometimes do not do what you want to do.
19. When distracting thoughts come, remind yourself
of your purpose; tell yourself that this thought or desire is
distracting and will lead you to a fantasy.
20. Ask “does my ego get in my way or not?” Spend a few minutes simply
being honest with yourself.
21. Ask yourself, “what do I want?” This may relate
to small things or to the purpose of life.
22. Ask why you become emotionally disorganized,
forget things, and do not attend to things properly.
23. When sitting for meditation, say to your mind,
“mind, please go beyond the senses.”
24. While doing breathing practices ask your mind to “please flow with
the breath.”
25. Make a contract with the mind to let the mind
whisper those inner secrets to you, and put all things in front of your
mind. Discuss this “contract” with your mind.
26. Ask the mind why it disturbs you in meditation.
How can meditation be improved?
27. Ask yourself, “what do I want?” You will learn
many things when you dialogue.
28. Consider some choices you face in life and ask
buddhi, “should I do it or not?”
29. Ask “is my first thought good or bad—is it clear
or clouded?” Your second or third thoughts?
30. Ask your mind what your fears are and what to do
with them.
31. Say to your mind “please be my friend.” (in
months with have 31 days )
