With the recent turmoil in Ferguson springing from racist conflicts and civil outrage, I am moved to share some ancient Yoga wisdom on the root cause of the issue .
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We are not our body - We are the spirit within. I had a dream the other night of a dear friend of mine. I knew that it was my friend, Aaron, because he was at his place of work, talking to me in the same tone and manner that he always does. He made me feel the same way in my heart that he always does. There was no doubt it was him. The thing that was different in this dream was that it was not his body that I know him to be in, and relate to in waking hours. His body was older and a different ethnicity, but I knew that it was him. So how did I know it was Aaron? I can tell by the spirit soul inside his body that is my friend. The essence of Aaron is inside as the eternal spirit soul. We usually identify with what we see externally - I am man, I am woman, I am old, young, Hispanic, Russian, etc. - but really we are not these identities. Our true identity is the spirit soul that exists within the material body. The spirit soul has no age, gender, ethnicity, profession, etc. In my dream, Aaron was wearing just some fabricated exterior body, but the spirit - the person I was relating to inside the body - was him. Even my dreams help me to understand that the body is not “me.”
Our bodies are a temporary home. When we leave these bodies, we - the soul - keep on living eternally. It is no wonder that when we see the empty body of a person we know at their funeral, they don't look like themselves. It is because they - the spirit soul - is no longer there. Their very essence is missing. The soul - the person - is gone from the body, leaving a body that is just an empty vessel. In the ancient Yoga Texts it is said: 'Aham Brahmasmi' I am spirit. I am not matter. I am not the body. I am not the mind. I am the eternal spirit soul, the eternal spark of the Supreme ॐ. In the famous, ancient Bhagavad-Gita, our eternal nature as a spirit-soul is further explained; "For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain." (Bhagavad-Gita As It Is 2.20) In the Katha Upanisad also we find a similar passage which reads: na jayate mriyate va vipascin nayam kutascin na vibhuva kascit ajo nityah sasvato 'yam purano na hanyate hanyamane sarire (Katha 1.2.18) "The meaning and purport of this verse is the same as in the Bhagavad-gita, but here in this verse, there is one special word, 'vipascit' which means learned or with knowledge. The soul is full of knowledge, or full always with consciousness. Therefore, consciousness is the symptom of the soul. Even if one does not find the soul within the heart, where he is situated, one can still understand the presence of the soul simply by the presence of consciousness. Sometimes we do not find the sun in the sky owing to clouds, or for some other reason, but the light of the sun is always there, and we are convinced that it is therefore daytime. As soon as there is a little light in the sky early in the morning, we can understand that the sun is in the sky. Similarly, since there is some consciousness in all bodies--whether man or animal--we can understand the presence of the soul." We invite you to come learn more about your true identity and eternal spiritual nature at the Bhakti Yoga Shack in Anahola. We host a kirtan gathering every Sunday and invite you to join us. Please contact us for more details. www.bhaktiyogashack.com The Shack offers a weekly community kirtan chant event singing our praise. The evening includes Meditation, Kirtan and Ecstatic Dance. No experience is needed only a sincere desire to chant your heart open. The Bhakti Yoga Shack nestled at the foot of the lush mountains of Anahola, on the beautiful island of Kauai in Hawaii offers a WONDERFUL evening of friends, dancing, LOVE, and kirtan coming together sharing the Joy of Kirtan though a night-long of devotional songs. Kirtan is a practice of mantra chanting accompanied by music that stills the mind and frees the heart, sung in call-and-response style. Kirtan comes from the yoga path of Bhakti (love and devotion) as a means to reconnect with our truest self though devotional chant. Kirtan is the calling, crying and yearning of the soul to connect with The Divine . It is said in the ancient Yoga texts the Supreme Lord is unattainable by wealth, fame or erudition, but is captivated by unalloyed devotion. The beauty is that the power of the chants themselves are purifying and allow us to taste a drop of the nectar of spiritual love and become fully absorbed in a state of meditation. The Bhakti Yoga Shack offers both a gentle and an ecstatic night of kirtan song; be prepared to dance, chant and relax deeply into a state of Kirtan Bliss. For those just touching in on the kirtan singing path, remembering the wise African proverb ~ ‘If you can walk, then you can dance, if you can talk, then you can sing’! Kirtan is for anyone and everyone regardless of background. It is the universal language of the heart. Kirtan singers Radha and Gopal and friends invite you to join them in an uplifting evening of Sacred Kirtan Chant. Bring a dish to share for the vegan pot-luck community dinner, together lets have a wonderful Kirtan Gathering on Kauai. www.bhaktiyogashack.com Many people believe that the goal of spiritual life is to destroy the ego. However, from a yoga perspective this makes no sense.
Ego means the self or atma – the individual spirit soul who is temporarily residing within a material mind and body. The ego is who we are eternally - our pure identity that stays the same regardless of the various material forms we take on birth after birth. There is no question of destroying the ego. It is what is there when anything that can be removed is removed. It is the spirit soul in a completely purified, natural state. Ego cannot be altered or destroyed - but it can be covered. The false ego is what covers us when we take on a material form. It is the misconception that we actually are the material mind and body that we are temporarily wearing. When we take birth in a particular material form, we experience ourselves through the lens of that form. If we are born in a human female form, we think I am a girl or a woman. I am a particular age, ethnicity, nationality, economic and social status, religion, mentality. We think I am this or that – all referring to the material mind and body that we are wearing. But in actuality, we are none of these things – we are the pure spirit soul who is wearing these mental and physical “clothes.” False ego is the mistaken belief that we are the material clothes. Real ego is fully knowing that I am the eternal spirit soul who is wearing the clothes. Spiritual life involves purifying our consciousness of misconceptions about who we are. When we know who we truly are – eternally are – we can be true to our self. We no longer mistake our self for our body. Thus, we can live in a way that is in harmony with our true nature, even while we are still wearing this physical body. Living in this deep level of integrity, we are naturally happy, peaceful, fulfilled. In the yoga scriptures, the recommended method of purification for this day and age is mantra meditation (which includes kirtan). A true mantra is the Absolute Truth in sound vibration. This spiritual sound vibration descends from the spiritual platform to the material world without losing any of its potency. In mantra meditation, a person hears and chants or sings this spiritual sound and thus puts themselves in the direct presence of the Supreme. This has a profound purifying effect on our consciousness. With regular practice, we are gradually purified of all that is artificial and thus we experience our true loving and joyful nature. Of the different types of recommended mantra meditation, kirtan meditation tends to be the easiest for people to practice. We invite you experience the joy of Kirtan for yourself every Sunday at Bhakti Yoga Shack in Anahola on the beautiful island of Kauai. Contact us for details or visit us on Facebook, Google, You Tube, or our website: bhaktiyogashack.com Happiness is our natural condition. When we are in our natural state, happiness comes easily and spontaneously. We do not have to spend lots of money or take intoxicants or try to control those around us in order to be happy. All these things do not bring real happiness anyway - only temporary, superficial happiness, at best. All we need to do to be happy is to uncover the happiness that is already within us as an inseparable aspect of our true nature. This is exactly what Kirtan does. When we hear and sing or chant sacred yoga mantras, our minds and hearts gradually become purified of all that is unnatural to us. The more we practice Kirtan meditation, the more our consciousness becomes purified and the natural joy within us is revealed. This is why Kirtan feels so good. All the mental and emotional dirt and grime we've accumulated - that has been weighing us down for so long - is literally being washed away. As the radiant joy in our heart of hearts is more and more revealed, we feel increasingly uplifted, revitalized, peaceful, and fulfilled. This is our natural condition. Through regular practice of Kirtan yoga meditation, we can live naturally happy. Experience the joy of Kirtan for yourself every Sunday at Bhakti Yoga Shack in Anahola on the beautiful island of Kauai. Contact us for details or visit us on Facebook, Google, You Tube, or our website: bhaktiyogashack.com What is kirtan? In layman's terms kirtan is a simple and yet very powerful way to meditate. kirtan is an ancient form of mantra meditation accompanied by live music and. Unlike your typical music event, kirtan is not a concert performance but is an interactive journey of self-discovery. Kirtan is generally performed with two or more persons in call and response fashion where a kirtan leader sings a mantra and others respond by repeating the chant while capturing the melody and mood it was sung. As singing is the universal language of the spirit and the song of the soul, kirtan is an effortless and joyful way to meditate for everyone. Singing sacred mantras accompanied by music, focuses the mind very easily and naturally on the beautiful sound vibrations of kirtan, transporting one into a deep relaxed state of meditation. The singing and chanting of kirtan helps to shift our consciousness to a higher state of awareness, reawakening one's inner spiritual connection. Kirtan can be said to be food for the soul and can easily shake off a bad mood, getting us out of our head and into our heart space. But most importantly kirtan is fun - Kirtan lifts the spirit and brings joy to the heart!
I often find my dose of kirtan meditation a very essential part of my week. In fact on the odd day I miss attending the kirtan at the Bhakti Yoga Kirtan Shack my week starts off with a chronic case of ' manic Monday blues'. Days feel long and tedious, and those little things like spilling your chai tea on your new white blouse while on the way to a meeting, or tripping over that lego that your kids left in the hallway the night before, tend to niggle at me just a little more than they should. Then something bad happens one too many of these common mishaps we all face at one time or another hit me all at once piling up just enough to tip me over the edge and send me into a full slump ruining my otherwise perfect day. How do I react ? I slam the door, yell at my kids and jump in a hot bath to try relax and distress from the day events- and soon realize upon a moments reflection -that wasn't really my husband leaving his dirty dish in the sink or the fact he didn't replace the empty toilet roll , or the lego's in the hallway I had missed my night of kirtan the most important part of my week! There are many ways to unwind but Kirtan is the way I cope better with stress and improve my physical and mental well-being. Participation in Kirtan focuses the mind very easily and naturally on the beautiful spiritual sound vibrations, which have the effect reawakening one’s spiritual consciousness and giving that feeling of complete rest that we all seek. Kirtan lifts the spirit and brings joy to the heart. Conclusion;Kirtan does something to me that no one else can, it makes me internally happy! Find your inner bliss through kirtan! Join in the kirtan fun with Radha, Gopal and friends at the Bhakti Yoga Kirtan Shack in Anahola it happens once a week on Sundays. www.bhaktiyogashack.com For nightlife; I suggest the Sacred Kirtan Meditation evening. It's a local experience happening once a week at a little of the beaten track Yoga Studio called 'Bhakti Yoga Shack' . The vibes are great and you will leave feeling uplifted and clear. The night begins with a group Aumming circle and Hawaiian lei making class, authentic spicy chai tea is served, meditate with live Indian and world music, healthy nutritious home cooked dinner and the evening ends with ecstatic dance and a delicious dessert treat! It's by donation and only happens on Sundays 5.30pm around 20 -35 guests attend. You will enjoy it immensely and never forget it- so go check it out! You can find more information at their website kauaikirtan.com you won't find the address online you will have to text them to RSVP 808-551-6610 SEE YOU THERE! This was exactly what I needed. Once I walked in the energy felt so right. I met Radha and Gopal as soon as I arrived. They are so cool. The conversation was on point!! Radha played some soothing music and we did some group meditation and talked me through the relaxation process. I focused on my breath....The entire experience was awesome. I have been to a bunch of different yoga places but the Bhakti Yoga Shack is easily my favorite. It is with a spiritual approach that focuses on clearing the mind and senses. After I came out from the first meditation session, I came with an open mind and heart pleasantly surprised towards my outlook at life and its various perspectives. People who come here are very community minded and I could feel the kindness and compassion in the room radiate not only from themselves but flowing towards others also. Everything was beautiful and perfect and I felt a healing touch out of this world...! About Kirtan: If you love Kirtan, this is the place. If you are new to Kirtan, it's the craziest thing in the entire world that you'll ever love doing. If someone had told me that a years ago I would have said "you've got to be kidding." But I checked it out, ( I give everything a once over) and I'm hooked now what I can I say. A good thing sticks with you! I will be back for more every time I visit Kauai. Please come check this place out, there is something for everyone. You can find out more on their website bhaktiyogashack.com This is a donation-based yoga place. They recommend donating $5-20 but it's up to you. See you there! Alohaaaa http://www.yelp.com/topic/anahola-unique-to-do-on-kauai “Blissful meditative experience, I enjoyed the experience so much that Kauai is filled with golden sparkling happy memories ”Reviewed September 17, 2013 via mobile Kirtan enjoyed with Radha & Gopal is so special I can't wait to journey again to Kauai and meditate together in the harmonious wonder of such amazing people and sublime atmosphere. Kirtan is incredible! Thanks guys, had an amazing time, many good wishes, I recommend this Kirtan experience to everyone! Visited October 2012 Was this review helpful? Ask Sijado about Sacred Kirtan Bhakti Yoga Shack, Owner at Sacred Kirtan, responded to this review. Sijado, thank you very much for sharing your Blissful Meditation Experience with us, we are very happy to be holding these uplifting Sacred kirtan meditation gatherings with the community and providing space for a one of a kind kirtan experience on the island of Kauai. We are very touched with all the positive reviews we have received and encourage you to keep sharing the love of kirtan meditation around the world in your own towns and country. I hope you enjoyed the beautiful Hawaiian flower lei we gifted you and we look forward to your next visit to join us for more kirtan down in Anahola at the Bhakti Yoga Shack - Aloha Namaste. www.kauaikirtan.com Kirtan Review; Beautiful warm experience of connection with God through music friends and food.
“Divine gathering!” Reviewed September 17, 2013 I have lived in Kauai for many years. Since I discovered the Sacred Kirtan group I have never been more delighted about my community here! It is very extra ordinary to spend an evening in such an uplifted atmosphere with lovely people singing, dancing, meditating, and having some nourishing food! Thanks for all who host this and those who participate and make this possible! Visited October 2012 Was this review helpful? Ask Ali N about Sacred Kirtan Bhakti Yoga Shack, Owner at Sacred Kirtan, responded to this review,
Thank you so much Ali for your positive Kirtan review and great feedback of the Bhakti Yoga Shack. It is a joy to have made the personal connection with you at kirtan, and a friendship that will last a lifetime. Much gratitude for your volunteer work and service supporting this community activity and offering here on Kauai. It is heart warming to have you attending these kirtan gatherings and sharing the joy of this growing yoga community and meditation gathering with us. It is people like you that inspire us to keep giving. It is our honor to host these lovely kirtans and to have you as our guest down in little Anahola along side the river at the Bhakti Yoga Shack! We sincerely thank you for your wonderful ongoing support week after week , and look forward to seeing you this Sunday for more kirtan and another great evening of Sacred Kirtan, Mahalo Aloha Namaste. www.kauaikirtan.com A magical evening happens once a week on Kauai; You may not have heard about it if you are new to the island, but if you stay long enough it won’t be long before you hear the locals chatting over the “coconut wireless” and you receive a friendly invite to the “kirtan” in Anahola. (As to be sure the islands very best communication is “word of mouth” when if comes to local happenings.) The Sacred Kirtan gathering located at the 'Bhakti Yoga Shack' ; a small cottage along the Anahola stream, surrounded by green pastures of grazing cows, and a stones throw to the beach. The evening begins early with a lei making circle where friends connect over small talk while threading Hawaii’s beautiful tropical flowers into colorful leis to decorate the room for the kirtan event, and to later honor and adorn the new comers in the proper island style. The fragrance of fresh Indian spices mixed with the smoke of incense fills the air. Smiles are freely handed out as the room soon fills with guests sipping hot Chai from ceramic mugs gathering on the floor in a meditation circle plumping up their yoga cushions, settling in for their weekly dose of kirtan. Sacred Kirtans at the Bhakti Yoga Shack are held on Sunday evenings at 5.30pm and followed by a delicious community shared vegan pot-luck dinner, guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share or give a love donation. The vibe at the Bhakti Yoga Shack is relaxed and full of the 'Aloha spirit' that Hawaii is so famous for. Hosts Radha, Gopal and friends are very receptive kind friendly and welcoming to newcomers. By the end of the evening you are sure to feel among old friends. So next time you are on the Hawaiian islands and want to step into bliss be sure to check out the Bhakti Yoga Shack! where kirtan mantra meditation is a natural doorway to the spiritual dimension where there is joyful relationship between individual spiritual consciousness and Ultimate Consciousness.' www.bhaktiyogashack.com page contents Meditation doesn't come easy for many people. And that's where kirtan-an ancient participatory music experience-offers another method. Without the work of mentally quieting the mind, kirtan can carry us effortlessly to a place of quiet, to stillness. One of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world, kirtan call-and-response chanting comes to us from India. Using ancient Sanskrit mantras, the kirtan calls upon sacred energies which serve to quiet the mind, purify our consciousness, remove obstacles, and bring us back to the center of our being.
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