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Originally posted by yogani


"...bhakti is the fuel of all spiritual progress....(spiritual desire and devotion) to inspire daily spiritual practices, which completes the connection between our spirtual longing and effective implementation of sadhana."

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Originally posted by Doc

A suggested aid in establishing "daily spiritual practices" is to set up a meditation and prayer table or shrine in the home. On this home altar, religious or spiritual artwork or images which are personally meaningful and inspirational should be displayed, along with a wooden holder or sand filled container for burning incense, candles that can be lit during meditation and prayer sessions, and perhaps offerings of fresh fruits and flowers. In this way, all of the physical senses can be incorporated into the Sadhana, and the shrine serves as a reminder to practice regularly in its presence.

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"Lesson 21:Objects of meditation
Meditation is the bridge between attention on an object and the
great beyond we know as bliss consciousness without thoughts or
external sensory experience. The goal is to make that journey
repeatedly, like clockwork, on a daily basis. The technique we use is
simple, yet delicate, relying on the natural ability of our mind to
become quiet. Other forms of meditation may not be so simple and
natural, and may involve focusing on intellectual meanings or on
multiple objects. This can bog down passage of the attention to the
expanded realm of bliss consciousness residing within us. This is not
to say other forms of meditation will not work. But in our approach,
simplicity and efficiency are at the forefront. This is an advanced
method of meditation anyone can do. We will discuss meditation on
other objects from the point of view of the method we are using here.

What is the difference between meditating with our technique using a
mantra, versus using chakras (energy centers in the body), a
religious icon or other physical objects? Again, it is a matter of
simplicity and efficiency. The goal is to bring the attention beyond
the thinking process, and, in doing so, take the attention beyond
outer sensory experience. The mind is the neurological process in us
that links consciousness with the outer world. It is a very intimate
connection. Our attention, engaged in the dynamics of the mind, is
always an inch away from experiencing the divine bliss of pure
consciousness. When the mind is allowed to come to rest, we are
there. So we begin with the mind, the most intimate connection to
bliss consciousness we have. We begin inside, so we can quickly and
easily go deeply inside. If we were to begin with a physical location
in the body or a physical object, we could still go deep. No question
about it. But it is a longer journey, a more complicated journey. The
further outside we are when we start, the more physical, intellectual
and emotional baggage we have to shed on the way in. This is also why
we do not verbally utter the mantra during meditation, or give any
attention to meanings while meditating. It is an inner process right
from the start. By beginning meditation with a thought, using the
specific procedure, we bypass external obstacles in the nervous
system that can bind our attention. Ultimately we dissolve them
naturally from the inside going out, rather than trying to dissolve
them from the outside going in, which is not easy."

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Originally posted by Anahat

....does bhakti yoga mean worship solely to Krishna? I know this might sound silly to ask.....but its kind of a serious deal to me

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Originally posted by Chard

I hope this goes with this thread... but I wanted to share that when I have experienced too much bhakti or too much intense unconditional love (I assume that's what bhakti is) I have felt light-headed almost to the point where I feel like I'm going to pass out and feel like I'm going crazy (I know this sounds intense but it's the only way I can describe it and the closest I've felt to insanity). I had this experience a couple months ago intensely and a few random moments (on a much lesser scale ) since then. Has anyone else felt this and why does this happen on a physical level? My practices were very out of balance then but are self-paced now. So it's not an issue now but I'm just wondering how that happens because it was pretty scary to experience. Thanks!
Be well all!
Chard

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