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rabar
USA
64 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 03 2005 : 5:16:22 PM
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Hello, all! A Buddhist Vipassana group is moving from a venue that offers a beautiful setting - carpeted, 'cathedral' ceilings - on Tuesday nights 7:30-9 PM. I attended a few times, and found the atmosphere of the site very conducive, and also very much enjoyed the additional energy boost that comes from meditating in a group. So I asked Yogani how he would feel about having an on-site AYP meditation group take over this space and time. He expressed much enthusiasm, especially as his 100-page "Deep Meditation" book is just becoming available.
If you live in San Francisco, I invite you to consider attending these weekly sessions. We will use Yogani's "Deep Meditation" as a text, with the AYP Lessons book and website as back-up. Of course "The Secrets of Wilder" also will be available on loan or for purchase.
I consider this an experiment in 'leaderless leadership,' and suggest the following starting structure:
7:30 discussion of a chapter from "Deep Meditation."
8:00 a half-hour silent meditation
8:30 question period, followed by, if time allows, another short meditation session.
For those who are beginners, I suggest coming a little early (7 PM) and we can sit in a corner of the upstairs waiting room and discuss how to get started. (By the way, there is as of now no wheelchair access upstairs, but this should change in the next few years).
The Noe Valley Ministry functions both as a Prebyterian Church and as a community center offering various classes that include, T'ai Chi, hatha yoga, breath, Senior Lunch program, and various children music and dance groups. The congregation offers a more structured Christian meditation group on alternate Wednesdays, but obviously the AYP Meditation would not focus on any religion.
The room rental is $55, and I would ask a $5 donation to help pay this. You can reach me at rabar@mindspring.com Also, you can check public transportation and driving directions at:
www.noevalleyministry.org
Excited? I am! |
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yogani
USA
5242 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2005 : 10:24:15 AM
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Thank you, Ramon!
Yes, this is very exciting. The next step in AYP is to "take it to the people." That is, the people around us in everyday life. It can be in informal settings like person-to-person anywhere or in casual gatherings, discussion groups, etc. It can also be in more structured seminars and classes. Any medium will do.
Up until now there has been a gap between the "whole enchilada" writings on practices contained in the AYP lessons and the Secrets of Wilder novel. These contain a multitude of practices and their interrelationships. I wanted to do these first because, as a practitioner, I knew from the beginning all those years ago that it has been largely missing in the spiritual literature. Well, now we have it and can build on it here in the AYP community. That is happening, and it is a joy to see.
But, let's face it, the AYP lessons and novel are a bit much to hand to beginners and expect them to grasp it all. What has been needed is easier doorways into the knowledge that can be practically applied by anyone from day one. Enter the new book, Deep Meditation - Pathway to Personal Freedom, with more "AYP Enlightenment Series" entry-level books on other practices to follow soon. These can be used to introduce the knowledge to the general public. That is what they are for.
So, Ramon, when you stepped up with this opportunity to try it out, naturally I was very interested.
Over the past couple of years, others have expressed interest in forming local groups to help transmit the AYP knowledge and for support to those who are doing the practices. I encourage anyone interested in doing that to move ahead. It can add another layer of growth to your path. Feel free to contact me for suggestions. I will provide whatever support I can, including some free copies of Deep Meditation to help get things started.
The AYP Forums are an ideal place to network for this. We can share ideas and field questions on practices here that are not already covered in the AYP writings. In time, we can develop a flexible AYP teaching guideline that anyone can use to start up a discussion group, seminar or class. So there are a lot of possibilities to expand the "horizontal teaching model," which is person-to-person transmission of the "open source" practices of AYP.
For those who are not inclined to participate in groups or seminars, there are always the AYP books to hand out. The new one, Deep Meditation, is very inexpensive and self-explanatory to anyone who picks it up. So handing them out is also a good way to spread the knowledge. See the AYP Helpers forum for more on ways to obtain AYP books for giving away.
The new book should be showing up on Amazon and in other retail distribution channels this month.
The guru is in you.
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rabar
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2005 : 4:02:09 PM
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Thank you, Yogani, for the resources and encouragement. I'm looking very much forward to seeing the new book! January 5th, 2006, seems an auspicious date to begin the weekly gatherings inasmuch as it coincides with Perihelion, the day when the earth is closest to the sun in its orbit. It's my favorite holy day because I always feel 'closest to the source' at that time. The energies always feel excellent.
Anyone interested should contact me at rabar@mindspring.com, or just mark the date on your calendar and show up between 7 and 7:30 PM at the Ministry, between 23rd Street and Elizabeth on Sanchez - in the left ventricle of the heart of San Francisco. |
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sean
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2005 : 06:20:49 AM
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I was so excited to see this but alas, I work nightshift so can't make it. Is there any interest in finding a weekend slot? If enough people are interested I would even be motivated to poke around for a spot over on East Bay where I'm at ... like a Sunday evening would be swell. Actually I could even host something like this at my place. I live in a decent size and rather beautiful loft in Oakland near Lake Merritt. It could be like a potluck, meditation type thing. 
Sean
http://www.thetaobums.com/forum |
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yogani
USA
5242 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2005 : 07:52:56 AM
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Hi Sean:
Sounds great. See the free offer for Deep Meditation books to hand out over here. It is the least I can do to help out.
To others, you don't have to start an AYP group to be eligible for these free books. We just want to hand them out everywhere. The book itself will do the rest. So step right up!
I hope someone in San Francisco will be able to get Yoga Journal's attention on AYP at some point (circulation over 300,000). I have been trying for over a year, without much luck. Even spent over $1,000 for an ad in there last summer, which did not produce much. They have offices in Berkeley with headquarters (and editorial bosses) now in San Francisco. Any ideas how to entice them to do an AYP book review? A Los Angeles yoga magazine is interested in doing one, but nothing has been published on AYP yet. We really need published book reviews to help get the word out.
The AYP books will be in the two major new age trade shows in the USA next year (INATS), which should help visibility.
Well, all of that is above and beyond nice cozy meditation get-togethers in your loft, Sean. John Wilder and friends were into that as well. I started out that way too. And look what is happening now. Gatherings, especially on practices, are one of the best ways to promote expanding world consciousness, whether they be in the living room, the classroom, or here in cyberspace.
The guru is in you.
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Manipura
USA
870 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2005 : 10:11:35 AM
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Hi Sean - I'd be interested in the Sunday night group - plz keep me posted on this. I'm in the North Bay.
meg |
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Ute
39 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2005 : 11:39:45 PM
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Yogani,
If you want to get Yoga Journal's attention you need.."cute"...and "skimpy tank tops"( expensive one's)
Tongue held firmly in cheek
I let go of my yoga magazine subscriptions. I have been a yoga teacher for over a decade, but I get owerwhelmed by the "billion $ industry"
Ascent and Bindu magzine have more substance and less commercialism. Off course, they also have less circulation..
Blessings,
Ute |
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yogani
USA
5242 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2005 : 08:43:30 AM
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Hi Ute:
I hope that serious open source writings on yoga like AYP can help bring yoga back to its roots of inner silence and ecstasy, and bring the mainstream along with it. That is the goal here. It's a tall order, but we are up to the task, yes?
The tank tops are okay if the practice is for real. Just part of the scenery, you know. 
The guru is in you. |
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Ute
39 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2005 : 1:12:56 PM
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Yes, that is the hope. People come for the clothes and stay for the practice 
The yoga fad is bringing lots of people to yoga, for whatever reason at the start. Many will go on to the next fad, but I think many will find the practice and stay with it. I just find the energy around the commercialization of yoga erratic, but that is how change often presents. I believe that with our practice we can influence where the change goes. And..uhm..I have tank tops too; for me it’s a comfort thing
Blessings,
Ute
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Victor
USA
910 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2005 : 3:31:42 PM
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| I am in the San Francisco area and am very excited about a group starting. Unfortunately I work Tuesday evenings and a Sunday time works much better for me. Regardless it would be great to meet others in the area who are practicing. |
Edited by - Victor on Dec 10 2005 10:29:38 PM |
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rabar
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2005 : 4:03:50 PM
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I'm not completely committed to a Tuesday night, although it happens to be an ongoing 'quiet' time in the multi-purpose building. Problem with Sundays - the mornings until 2 PM are reserved for Presbyterian worship, and there also are occasional Sunday afternoon events such as memorial services, etc.
However the room requires a $400 a month rental, which means I need a local patron to help me prime the pump. I'm working on some ideas. The fall-back position for a starter group would be to offer our living room, which only would seat about 8. But it would be a more modest beginning, and I could just hope that the Tuesday night slot stays open for a while. |
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sean
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2005 : 3:50:48 PM
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I'd love to do gatherings in my loft, although a public space would probably be more practical. I have only a few chairs and also I am not sure now how much longer I will be staying in this place ... my girlfriend is convincing me it's too expensive. 
Rabar, what about any time on Saturday? As for money, if we get a group of 10-12 people to consistently donate $10 each gathering that'd cover the $400 a month. PS - It was your post on Jhananda's group about Yogani that had me find this work, thank you.
http://www.thetaobums.com/forum |
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Jim and His Karma
2111 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2005 : 4:10:34 PM
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| I'm not out there, but I'd suggest starting with the living room. Size will either dwindle or grow. If it grows, the $400/month is easy. If not, you'll benefit from less overhead. Just a suggestion (I juggle this sort of thing in my "real life"). |
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Victor
USA
910 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2005 : 4:37:58 PM
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chairs? we don't need no stinkin chairs!
and I agree with Jim, lets not jump the gun about renting space, lets just get aquainted first. I suggest a meet and greet first |
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Juliet
43 Posts |
Posted - Dec 21 2005 : 11:27:13 PM
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Hi all--
I'm an newbie to AYP (but not to various other practices)--and after just a few days can say WOW! Just what the doctor ordered.
What is going on with the Bay Area group? I'm in Berkeley but in SF all the time and would be keen on a group.
Juliet |
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Phil Morningstar
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - Dec 25 2005 : 9:10:05 PM
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Greetings Folks,
My name is Phil Morningstar and I am also interested in group meditation. I live in Berkeley and am interested in both groups. I am a friend of Rabar and have already discussed the group with him but I also like the sounds of Sean's offer of using his place. I live in a very small apt. and couldn't host it here really. meeting others on this path and comparing notes would be great, Doing meditation in our combined Kundalini charged auras would be even better.
Peace and Love
Phil |
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Juliet
43 Posts |
Posted - Dec 29 2005 : 5:26:53 PM
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I am up for an East Bay group as well.
Juliet |
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rabar
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2006 : 8:53:44 PM
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Well, here I am again, three months later, and not much closer to getting anything going. What's happening in the East Bay? I'm beginning to think I'm not much of a candidate for group meditations, because I happen to snore in samadhi. It sounds funny, but I'm not kidding. Acually, _I_ sound funny, although I'm not around to hear myself. I think that's why the Vipassana group's leader gave a chat on 'noisy breathing' after my second session with them. Anyway, I'm perfectly happy with my approach, so then the question is, am I fit for polite meditation society? I certainly would not want to detract from others' concentrations.
I think I'm fated to continue on this particular trek until either it moves me onto something more silent or -- what? Meanwhile, I still would be very happy to have e-mail from local AYPs and discuss various get-together possibilities. |
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Etherfish
USA
3615 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2006 : 10:24:59 PM
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| just tell them it's an advanced purr/snarl you learned in the himalayas. |
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Manipura
USA
870 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2006 : 11:17:12 PM
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| Hi Rabar - I'm still eager to get together, even on an irregular basis. We could meet and talk about whether there's interest in getting together more regularly. We'll all bring earplugs. |
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Katrine
Norway
1813 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2006 : 04:47:57 AM
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Hi all
I really hope you get this group going (too bad I'm so far away....I would have loved to join in).
Yogani wrote:
quote:
Over the past couple of years, others have expressed interest in forming local groups to help transmit the AYP knowledge and for support to those who are doing the practices. I encourage anyone interested in doing that to move ahead. It can add another layer of growth to your path.
2 years ago I started up meditation groups at my clinic (I have earlier introduced my students in homeopathy to meditation...I simply included it (10 min) in classroom teaching sessions).This time I set the limit to 6 people (7 including me); and I had them sign up for 5 nights (once a week). The session lasts for 1h 45min and in additon to meditating I talk about a spesific topic every night (like: intuition, creativity, resistance, abundance etc). I answer their questions the best way I can. This way, learning to meditate is put in a relevant context. That is important here, since meditation still is surrounded by a cloud of mystisism for many people.
Anyway - my own process skyrocketed after this. I feel so blessed. And the groups are so much fun! After about 6 months more and more people kept asking me if they could come again. So I now have "drop-in-meditation" about once a month (I feel sure it will increase). When they now asked me for a book list, I linked them to amazon.com and Yoganis book: "Deep meditation". I still haven't seen it...I ordered it some time back, so I hope it will reach me soon. I didn't know about the free copies.....it would have been great to hand out some. But....I also feel that it is a book worth paying for (although I haven't read it, I have read Yogani....and he passes the quality control ) .
May all your Nows be Here |
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riptiz
United Kingdom
741 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2006 : 1:38:15 PM
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Dear Katrine,
Meditating in groups is a great way of boosting your progress as the collective energies increases the effect for all.
L&L
Dave
'the mind can see further than the eyes' |
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sean
USA
20 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 5:15:35 PM
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Hello ... well I've moved into a new place. It's another loft, fairly big and still in the East Bay in Oakland. I could probably accomodate a group of 10-15 if everyone brought their own cushions or chairs. Let's get a dialogue about this going, this could be really cool. My email is somlor@gmail.com ...
Sean
http://www.thetaobums.com/forum |
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AYP Group Forming in San Francisco
