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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Daily Internal Dialogues

(Daily Goals)

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 )

 

 

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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.