Note: For the complete lessons, with additions, see the AYP Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living Books.

Lesson 72 - Q&A – Please tell me exactly what to do

From: Yogani
Date: Thu Jan 8, 2004 11:34am

New Members: It is recommended you read from the beginning of the archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first lesson is, "Why This Discussion?"

Q: If I give you all the particulars in my life – my lifestyle, my habits, previous and current spiritual practices, my experiences – can you tell me exactly what to do with these spiritual practices you are describing so eloquently?

A: I am sorry, I cannot. With this approach, that has to come from you. The goal here is to provide everything you need to set up a good routine of spiritual practices, and evolve to higher levels of practice and experience over time under your own responsibility and supervision. General guidelines for practice are provided, along with the necessary precautions -- plenty of precautions. It is not possible for me to individually guide every person, particularly since everyone has different tendencies, a different background in spiritual practices, and different manifestations of experience from past practices.

These lessons are being written for the masses. If they prove to be worth their salt, I hope they will eventually reach the masses. That is in the hands of all the members, you, for it is mainly by word of mouth that good information is transmitted. My job is to make these lessons as good as they can be for a public audience. Maybe it is an impossible task. Time will tell.

Someone once said, "The difficult we can take care of straight away. The impossible will take a little longer."

This approach is not for everyone. Some (maybe many) will need the personal assistance of an outer guru or teacher close by. If you determine that this is your need, then by all means go and find a guru or teacher. In that case, consider these lessons to be a general resource. They are designed for that too. They are designed to crank up your bhakti (spiritual desire), and that may inspire you to go find an outer guru. Or, one may be attracted to you by your increasing longing. That would be perfect. Others will do fine with these lessons alone, utilizing the guidelines given. It is up to you -- and that light perking up in your heart.

Of course, feedback and questions are welcome. All emails are answered to the best of my ability. I am happy to make suggestions, but I am not in a position to design a customized program of practices for everyone. Many sincere inquiries have come in and I am honored to receive them and respond. Inquiries and responses of general interest are posted to the lessons. Like this one.

The guru is in you.

Note: For detailed instructions on building a daily practice routine, see the AYP Eight Limbs of Yoga book.

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