Are you really and truly a yogi?

Most of us have no problem with the first two steps of loving-kindness meditation but many people refuse or detest even attempting the third step described below in Loving-Kindness part II. The ability to remain relaxed and calm of body and mind while doing the third step is a true test of one's conviction of oneness.

The second sutra of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra(s) says that, "yoga is the ability to master the active mind."

And sutra 1:33 says, "Maintain compassion (karuna) for all people no matter what their conditions and you will have a clear, peaceful and calm mind.

And sutra 1:51 says, "The mind has finally become crystal clear and free from any and all distractions."

If you are die hard liberal try imaging Donald Trump in your mind's eye and cover him with loving-kindness for as long as you can. And if you are a die hard conservative try imaging Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff or Chuck Schumer. 

If you are not into politics try imaging a serial killer, child molester, a rapist or someone you cannot stand and give that person loving-kindness for as long as you can. 

While doing the third step notice your internal emotions, reactions and energy. In other words, go inside yourself and become fully aware of your breathing, heart beat, thoughts, body temperature, etc. while you hold the image in your mind's eye. This is a way to study and get to know your self. 

Are you really and truly into oneness and do you really and truly know yourself?  Are you really and truly a yogi?

Loving-Kindness II

When dealing with loving-kindness one has to have an open mind and an open heart mixed in with some imagination. The imagination part is important because we are dealing with unlimited space and time. In this second part of loving-kindness one must really, really have all three and not let negative emotions take over.

Think of someone you really don't like. Envision what they look like, what they might be wearing and doing right now. Allow the loving kindness to shine down on them. Be content and watch them receive the love and the kindness coming from you.

Now let the light get larger and completely envelop the entire world, giving everyone and everything that powerful light of loving-kindness. By being peaceful, loving and kind to all beings you are giving loving-kindness to yourself as well. You may feel like you are lighter and even glowing with internal light.

Loving-Kindness

The practice of loving-kindness is a type of thoughtful meditation where loving energy is generated within the body and then distributed outward. This form of meditation is accomplished by having an open mind and an open heart with a little imagination. As the positive energy rises, negative energy will subside. When yo do loving kindness, see if you can feel the flow of energy.

The first thing you want to do is sit as comfortably as you can wherever you may like. Take a few deep, slow breaths to relax. Breathe normally and place your attention on your breathing. Imagine a soft, white light coming down from above enveloping your body giving you more love and kindness than you have ever had. Feel the light and the love and just let it be absorbed into your being while you relax and breathe. You can even close your eyes to increase its effectiveness. Slowly allow the light to enlarge and encompass anybody who happens to be nearby. Let the soft, white loving-kindness fall upon you and the other people. Now think of someone you love very much and envision what they might be doing at this very moment. Allow the loving-kindness to shine down on them giving them all the love and kindness the light has to offer. Sit for a while and just enjoy watching them receive the love.

This is the first half of the practice. We'll cover the second half in the next post. For now, keep practicing this first part until you really, really have it.  

Manifestations of the Ego

In everyone's heart lays the true nature of the human: love and compassion. When that true nature is suppressed by the ego, negative energy can eat away at the very core of the person, eventually swelling and devouring everything in its path until nothing is left but a creature of despair.

If you have an open mind and are aware enough when the monster arises inside of you, you will be able to recognize it. Your practice will pay off. Simply recognizing this larger than life negative energy will dissolve its power and allow positive energy to flow through you. Love is the purest form of positive energy. Positive energy and negative energy cannot stay in the same body at the same time for very long. Practicing loving-kindness will subdue negative energy every time.

Next, we will take a look at how loving-kindness works.