How to Live a Bold Life Without Being Loud

        This is a guest post from Stuart Mills. "Remember that life is short and death is long." – Fritz Shoulder Some people associate being bold with being loud, extroverted, and outgoing, and that if we don’t have any of these qualities then we aren’t confident within ourselves.   If you are [...]

Source: http://theboldlife.com/2012/01/live-bold-life-loud/

spiritual help spiritual inner healing

The Spiritual Atheist: An Intelligent Universe without a God of Religion

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2012/01/spiritual-atheist-intelligent-universe.html

positive changes positive life

Abracadabra! (New Podcast)

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2012/01/abracadabra-new-podcast.html

music and spirituality new age spiritual

The Red Tide: What Conservatives Really Want for America

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2012/01/red-tide-what-conservatives-really-want.html

spiritual foundation spiritual friends

An Autodidact’s Schedule

Post written by Leo Babauta. While I’m not as big on goals as I used to be, I do get excited about learning new things. A single blog post I read about making bread is enough to set me off into hours of research about bread-making techniques, a week of experiments in baking and kneading, [...]

Source: http://zenhabits.net/autodidact/

children s spirituality chilling

Meditation Techniques May Guard Against Unhappiness

When the mind begins to wander, a person can become very distracted. This not only makes it more difficult for them to deal with their everyday responsibilities, it can also lead to profound unhappiness. A distracted mind is unable to focus on the present moment, making it difficult to enjoy anything fully. Two of the [...]

Source: http://www.exploremeditation.com/meditation-techniques-may-guard-against-unhappiness/

spiritual blessings spiritual blog

Wordless Wednesday: sunrise sunset

Imagine if you were as sure of love as you were the sun will rise and set each day?

Read the full post here »

Source: http://blog.beliefnet.com/angelsonyourshoulder/2012/02/wordless-wednesday-love.html

being spiritual

Growing Like a Tree.

Voila!! Our new Chinese, kanji scrolls (click picture to enlarge). Here is the site where I bought them--they were hand painted by a trained calligrapher. The closest meaning of the left-hand character, in English, is "love" but to explain it further I have included the description from the website:

This character can also be defined as affection, to be fond of, to like, or to be keen on. It often refers to romantic love, and is found in phrases like, "I love you". This may be hard to imagine as a westerner, but the strokes at the top of this love character symbolize family & marriage. The symbol in the middle is a little easier to identify. It is the character for "heart" (it can also mean "mind" or "soul").

I guess you can say that no matter if you are from the East or the West, you must put your heart into your love. I suppose you could say that the full meaning of this love character is to love your family, spouse, and friends with all of your heart, since all three elements exist in this character.

James: The scroll on the right-hand side, is best translated into English as the following:

The simplest form of peace and harmony. This can also be translated as the peaceful ideas of gentle, mild, kind, and calm. With the more harmonious context, it can be translated as union, together with, on good terms with, or on friendly terms. Most people would just translate this character as peace and/or harmony. This is a very popular character in Asian cultures - you can even call it the "peace symbol" of Asia. In fact, this peace and harmony character was seen repeatedly during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing (a major theme of the games).

James: The picture in the middle, is a close up of a forest of bamboo that I often gaze upon in meditation and contemplation. On days when I can't get to the meditation cushion because of depression, or a busy schedule, I find a picture of nature to be an effective way to concentrate my energy and ground myself in the richness and stability of the present moment.

The present moment, is the only moment, and therefore, connecting with that moment keeps us growing and remembering that the depressing days won't always hang over us. But, it also means keeping us from getting too arrogant and comfortable in our successes by remembering that everything changes. In this way, we are better able to enjoy the pleasures when we have them because we realize they will soon fade.

A stand of trees or bamboo doesn't fight the wind; it survives the inevitable winds of change by swaying with its energy. If it tried to resist powerful gusts, it would break apart. It's deep roots help anchor the tree by steadily pushing deeper and deeper into the ground. In this way, the tree itself can bend and adapt without uprooting itself from overwhelming stress upon a weak root system.

We deepen our roots by staying anchored in the knowledge that the present moment is where growth occurs. If a mature tree's roots stopped growing deeper than the surface area it occupied as a sapling, then the smallest breeze would uproot it and knock it down. The same is true if we stubbornly stop growing, out of fear of failing, or just plain arrogantly thinking that we know it all already and can therefore stop adapting. This is when the roots of a tree rot from neglect; as well as from failing to dig deeper to create stronger roots that widen out into a broad network of stability.

I have been happily reminded of this with a recent slump in my Dharma practice; it's been awhile since I've formally meditated. However, I adapted (like the trees) by meditating other ways; such as focusing deeply upon nature, simple breathing exercises while sitting upon the couch and letting music break down my perceived walls of imprisonment. And, within the past few days, I have found I weathered the storm; the deep and diversified root system, I've been growing these past ten years of Buddhist practice has helped me bend with the strong head-winds but not break.

-I bow to the Buddha within you-

Source: http://thebuddhistblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/growing-like-tree.html

spiritual guides spiritual healer

All About Mahasi Meditation Retreats

About Mahasi Meditation

Mahasi Meditation Retreats

The world of meditation and spiritual growth is simply delightful, and for those interested to learn about meditation there is so much wisdom out there just waiting for you. Today, guest author Axel Gjertsen, will bring some of that wisdom to you in his article below, which is about Mahasi Meditation and Mahasi Meditation Retreats. This article might be just what someone needs in order to start their meditation practice or deepen their work. It is always great to learn about all the different types of meditation that people practice around the globe and you will find much more of such information on Axel's great meditation site Axel G.

If you would like to be a guest author on Mastery of Meditation and Yoga, please email me at anmol@anmolmehta.com.

Mahasi Meditation Retreat

By

Axel Gjertsen

This is the second part in a series of two posts about popular retreat centers around the world. Here is a link to the first article called Goenka Meditation Retreat Centers.

In this post, we'll take a look at Mahasi meditation retreats, which not unlike Goenka meditation stems from a Burmese tradition of vipassana. As you already know, vipassana is a Pali word for insight meditation (more information on vipassana in the following article - Vipassana Meditation Technique and Benefits).

There are Mahasi centers and monasteries in many countries around the world. In addition, several vipassana centers invite Mahasi teachers to lead retreats on their premises. So, you shouldn't have any problem to locate a retreat within a reasonable distance from your home.

The Founder Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana

Burma is a Buddhist country in Southeast Asia with a long tradition of meditation practice. The founder of the Mahasi tradition was called Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana.

It's still quite common that young boys in Buddhist countries ordain as junior monks. Mahasi Sayadaw became a monk at 12 and remained in robes until he passed away in 1982, at the age of 78.

He developed his own style of insight meditation and established centers in a number of countries, especially round Southeast Asia. Mahasi Sayadaw was a respected meditation master who's clear teachings have inspired millions of meditators around the world.

About Mahasi Meditation Technique

The Mahasi meditation technique is quite unique. In all forms of vipassana, the meditator gives attention to the five senses and thinking. For example, the sensation of hunger.

Mahasi Sayadaw developed a system of noting that supports awareness. So, in addition to giving attention to the sensation of hunger, the meditator thinks, “Hunger, hunger.”

The noting makes it easier, especially for a beginner, to be aware of the present moment.

The meditation practice is a combination of walking and sitting meditation. Where the walking generates a lot of mental energy while the sitting meditation boosts concentration.

In the Mahasi tradition, meditators are encouraged to start with walking and alternate with sitting meditation every 30-60 minutes.

About Mahasi Meditation Retreats

The retreats are quite strict, so the meditators have to wake up round 3.30-4.30 in the mornings. Moreover, men and women live in separate parts of the center or monastery.

There is some Buddhist chanting in the mornings and evenings. However, the retreats are open to everyone, regardless of faith.

If you do a Mahasi retreat at a meditation center, they may only have retreats every so often. However, at many monasteries they have so called ongoing retreats where you can join at any time and stay on for as long as you like.

It's not unusual that dedicated meditators do 90-day Mahasi retreats. The flexible schedule has definitely contributed to its popularity.

There are usually three lectures or talks per week where the teacher elaborates on the meditation techniques and the Buddha's teachings. At the end of the talks, there is plenty of time to ask questions.

The meditators are also offered three personal interviews with the teacher a week, where you can ask questions and discuss any difficulties you may have.

There is a strong emphasis of mindfulness practice at Mahasi retreats. The meditators are asked to note every sense impression and thought while eating, resting and doing laundry etc.

Mindfulness practice is a powerful form of meditation that has a most positive effect on your everyday life. The idea is to be mindful from the moment you wake up in the morning until you fall asleep at night.

With practice you will be able to be mindful all the time, even while at home. Mahasi retreats are really good for getting established in mindfulness practice.

During retreats the meditators follow 8 precepts or rules. The precepts support wholesome meditation practice:

Not to kill
Not to steal
Not to lie
Not to masturbate
Not to take alcohol or recreational drugs
Not to eat after midday
Not to listen to music or watch tv
Not to sleep on a comfortable bed

About Mahasi Meditation Teachers

The meditation teachers are monks with at least 10 years in robes. Not only are they experienced meditators, they also have a good grasp of the Buddha's teachings. Keep in mind that the Buddha developed vipassana meditation, so his teachings form the very foundation.

Mahasi monks dress in dark-red robes and have a reputation for being both knowledgeable and disciplined.

My Mahasi teacher was exceptionally helpful and always encouraged me to practice well. Every time I told him about a new insight, he looked focused and said, ”Very good!”

Retreat Costs And Meals

The retreats are not free but affordable. The funds are used to pay for food and general maintenance. If you do a Mahasi retreat at a center as opposed to a monastery, it may cost substantially more.

I have done all of my Mahasi training in a monastery in Malaysia, where devotees bring food to offer to the monks and retreatants. There, the food is not vegetarian.

But most meditation centers try to keep the food vegetarian if not strictly vegan. The two meals are served round 6.30 in the morning and just before noon.

I recommend Goenka And Mahasi retreats to novice and advanced meditators alike. Try both and see what works best for you...

Good luck with your practice!

Axel Gjertsen is a former Buddhist monk and lives in Thailand. He runs axel g which is a personal development site with a focus on meditation. Visit his website to learn more about Mahasi meditation retreats.

Connect w/ Anmol

Related posts:

1. Goenka Meditation Retreats and Information
2. Silent Meditation Retreats | Must Read Tips
3. Free Guide to Meditation Retreats
4. Thai Buddhism Forest Meditation Tradition
5. Vipassana Meditation Technique and Benefits

Source: http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2011/12/08/about-meditation-retreats-mahasi-sayadaw/

finding spirituality free positive thinking

"I Can Never Get To Bed On Time."

2012 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2012 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2012 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! Each week, I post a video about...

Source: http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2012/02/i-can-never-get-to-bed-on-time.html

spiritual reality about positive thinking

Spiritually Speaking, Which Great Teachers Influence You The Most? A List To Help You...

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2012/01/spiritually-speaking-who-influences-you.html

self development self empowerment

Abracadabra! (New Podcast)

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2012/01/abracadabra-new-podcast.html

how to stay positive importance of positive thinking

practice random acts of kindness with yourself

(♥) February is often a month dedicated to practicing kindness and love with other people, but there's no reason why it can't be a time for being kind to yourself as well. This wonderful article on practicing kindness with yourself...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PositivelyPresent/~3/GCY9LDKWyPo/practice-random-acts-of-kindness-with-yourself.html

chakra meditation chan meditation

The Red Tide: What Conservatives Really Want for America

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2012/01/red-tide-what-conservatives-really-want.html

spiritual foundation spiritual friends

Whose is the face of Meditation Oasis?

When we were looking for an icon for our Meditation Oasis podcast in the fall of 2006, we kept coming back to the face which not only became our icon, but part of our website banner. We found the picture in an image library of software we were using. The expression is so compelling. It [...]

Source: http://www.meditationoasis.com/2011/02/14/whose-is-the-face-of-meditation-oasis/

eliminating negative thoughts emotional spiritual healing

It’s Here!

5 POWERFUL REASONS YOU'RE GOING TO  LOVE TAKE YOUR FEAR AND SHOVE IT!   I'd like to share with you these 5 reasons you should buy the course today. #1: This course provides you with the tools and techniques you need to push fear aside and live a life of more beauty, humor, playfulness, and meaning.  [...]

Source: http://theboldlife.com/2012/01/tap-power-fears-transform-life/

good karma good thoughts about life

Bodhi Day Message of 2011: The Gift of the Dharma.

PHOTO CREDIT: Buddha sitting under the Bodhi tree gazing upon the morning star. Image provided by the American Public Broadcasting Service, which was used in their documentary titled, "The Buddha."

Today marks the day that Buddha found his way out of the maze of suffering. Otherwise known as his "enlightenment." Countless Buddhists, worldwide, mark this day each year with personal reflection, meditation, and gratitude. For me, while the actual moment of enlightenment is to be honored, the essence of my celebration on Bodhi Day is that Buddha determined to share his discoveries in the first place!! Upon breaking free of the prison of the mind, he questioned sharing this information.

He wasn't sure if he could be an effective teacher. Remember, he was just emerging from the life of a hermit aesthetic who had given up on society and organized spirituality. Throughout his laborious practice, he had studied under many spiritual teachers, only to realize that true liberation comes from within. No amount of teaching can replace personal insight and awareness achieved through meditative reflection. Given this reality, he wondered if sharing the particulars of his discovery would even make sense or gain interest in a society that was so immensely ingrained in the pursuit of worldly desires.

Why would they listen to some barely clothed hermit who just wandered out of the forest talking about achieving spiritual freedom from just sitting still? Why wouldn't they ignore someone who would not only tell them that the way they'd been living for eons would never make them truly happy, but that even worse, it was causing them deep suffering!! Would he simply be wasting his and their time? But, luckily for us, the profound and unrelenting compassion that comes with the liberation of enlightenment compelled Buddha to share his discoveries. His compassion for those trapped in the suffering of materialism won out.

One of his realizations during his final night of searching was that he was interconnected to all beings. He couldn't have achieved his liberation had it not been for the aid given to him by others who came before him. Thus, given his understanding, it would be like the brain not sharing life-saving information with the rest of the body for him to not offer his wisdom to those would seek him out. It was up to the individual to decide what to do with the information once learned.

I believe that Buddha would be the first one to say that celebrating him on this day is kind but that the center of our focus on this day should be the Dharma itself. Perhaps he would politely remind us of its timelessness and that it is not something be created, but discovered. I think he would not want to be worshiped, because the Dharma belongs to no one and everyone at the same time. It is like oxygen or thermal heat -- universal and timeless. It is not something to own, or sell, or claim as solely yours. That would be like saying you own a patent on the sun. So, the Dharma itself is what I celebrate on Bodhi Day. For Buddha's part, I feel gratitude that he chose to sacrifice the rest of his life to share the discoveries he realized that night, under the Bodhi tree (the scientific name of a Bodhi tree is a banyan fig tree).

Thus, instead of a having a Christmas tree during this month of December, we get into the American, holiday season by decorating a traditional "Christmas" pine tree with Buddhist themed ornaments. Including, a star at the top of the tree that I made from local pine twigs, which signifies the morning star that Buddha saw during the last minutes of the night before his first day as a Buddha. And, at the base of the tree, we place a Buddha statue to signify Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree. I hope you had a peaceful and renewing Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)!!

~I bow to the Buddha within all beings~

Source: http://thebuddhistblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/bodhi-day-message-of-2011-gift-of.html

deep-zen definition of zen

My daily reflections

I have decided to make videos out of my daily reflections. Every day I get s o many e mails thanking me for the insights, love and timeliness of them. I find it amazing how a message will show up on the very day a person needs it.

Here is my first video. I hope you enjoy it and if you have any feedback I’d love to hear it.

http://youtu.be/wqPYEXSJOW0

Read the full post here »

Source: http://blog.beliefnet.com/angelsonyourshoulder/2012/01/my-daily-reflections.html

importance of positive thinking improve positive thinking

Listen to This!! Good Stuff...

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2011/12/listen-to-this-good-stuff.html

everything is spiritual examples of positive thinking

Bodhi Day Message of 2011: The Gift of the Dharma.

PHOTO CREDIT: Buddha sitting under the Bodhi tree gazing upon the morning star. Image provided by the American Public Broadcasting Service, which was used in their documentary titled, "The Buddha."

Today marks the day that Buddha found his way out of the maze of suffering. Otherwise known as his "enlightenment." Countless Buddhists, worldwide, mark this day each year with personal reflection, meditation, and gratitude. For me, while the actual moment of enlightenment is to be honored, the essence of my celebration on Bodhi Day is that Buddha determined to share his discoveries in the first place!! Upon breaking free of the prison of the mind, he questioned sharing this information.

He wasn't sure if he could be an effective teacher. Remember, he was just emerging from the life of a hermit aesthetic who had given up on society and organized spirituality. Throughout his laborious practice, he had studied under many spiritual teachers, only to realize that true liberation comes from within. No amount of teaching can replace personal insight and awareness achieved through meditative reflection. Given this reality, he wondered if sharing the particulars of his discovery would even make sense or gain interest in a society that was so immensely ingrained in the pursuit of worldly desires.

Why would they listen to some barely clothed hermit who just wandered out of the forest talking about achieving spiritual freedom from just sitting still? Why wouldn't they ignore someone who would not only tell them that the way they'd been living for eons would never make them truly happy, but that even worse, it was causing them deep suffering!! Would he simply be wasting his and their time? But, luckily for us, the profound and unrelenting compassion that comes with the liberation of enlightenment compelled Buddha to share his discoveries. His compassion for those trapped in the suffering of materialism won out.

One of his realizations during his final night of searching was that he was interconnected to all beings. He couldn't have achieved his liberation had it not been for the aid given to him by others who came before him. Thus, given his understanding, it would be like the brain not sharing life-saving information with the rest of the body for him to not offer his wisdom to those would seek him out. It was up to the individual to decide what to do with the information once learned.

I believe that Buddha would be the first one to say that celebrating him on this day is kind but that the center of our focus on this day should be the Dharma itself. Perhaps he would politely remind us of its timelessness and that it is not something be created, but discovered. I think he would not want to be worshiped, because the Dharma belongs to no one and everyone at the same time. It is like oxygen or thermal heat -- universal and timeless. It is not something to own, or sell, or claim as solely yours. That would be like saying you own a patent on the sun. So, the Dharma itself is what I celebrate on Bodhi Day. For Buddha's part, I feel gratitude that he chose to sacrifice the rest of his life to share the discoveries he realized that night, under the Bodhi tree (the scientific name of a Bodhi tree is a banyan fig tree).

Thus, instead of a having a Christmas tree during this month of December, we get into the American, holiday season by decorating a traditional "Christmas" pine tree with Buddhist themed ornaments. Including, a star at the top of the tree that I made from local pine twigs, which signifies the morning star that Buddha saw during the last minutes of the night before his first day as a Buddha. And, at the base of the tree, we place a Buddha statue to signify Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree. I hope you had a peaceful and renewing Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)!!

~I bow to the Buddha within all beings~

Source: http://thebuddhistblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/bodhi-day-message-of-2011-gift-of.html

spiritual experiences spiritual foundation

New Beginnings

This is a time for new beginnings. The past is behind us and it is time for us to move forward. Most people don’t strive for new beginnings because the unknown is scary. Even though people may not like where they are at the moment (job, relationship, anything), it is still familiar, comfortable, predictable … [...]

Source: http://www.exploremeditation.com/new-beginnings/

health benefits of positive thinking holistic spirituality

Heaven and Hell

Heaven and Hell; they both live within us. This may be a challenging thought but I really believe we create our heaven or our hell based on our perception. We will all have difficult times to face on our journey. I believe the trick is not to dwell there any longer than we have to. [...]

Source: http://www.exploremeditation.com/heaven-and-hell/

spiritual consciousness spiritual daily

Who is Creating Your Life?

You woke up this morning in some location in the world, on some sort of bed. You may, or may not have a partner or kids to share your life with. You may, or may not have a job....

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EvolvingBeings/~3/6_NY8pMHp8Q/

spiritual breakthrough spiritual consciousness

"The Longer I Stayed, The Larger It Grew."

Early in his career, artist Alberto Giacometti moved into a Paris studio that measured only about sixteen feet square. He didn't expect this to be a permanent situation, but he stayed for the next thirty-eight years. "The longer I stayed,"...

Source: http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2012/01/the-longer-i-stayed-the-larger-it-grew.html

definition of zen describe your spirituality

Non-resistance in Meditation

Comment from Kathy — “I have trouble meditating in general. I can relax completely but then the slightest things disturb me. Things like my eyelids fluttering or an itch. My limbs become restless. Can you advise any strategy to help deal with that so I can stay in that relaxed state?” ———- 11-19-2011 — Meant [...]

Source: http://www.meditationoasis.com/2011/11/18/non-resistance-in-meditation/

how to meditate how to stay positive

So, What Has President Barak Obama Actually Accomplished So Far? Anything? Take a Look...

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2011/12/so-what-has-pres-obama-actually.html

meaning of zen meditation

Meditation Techniques May Guard Against Unhappiness

When the mind begins to wander, a person can become very distracted. This not only makes it more difficult for them to deal with their everyday responsibilities, it can also lead to profound unhappiness. A distracted mind is unable to focus on the present moment, making it difficult to enjoy anything fully. Two of the [...]

Source: http://www.exploremeditation.com/meditation-techniques-may-guard-against-unhappiness/

guided spiritual meditation health and happiness

Listen to This!! Good Stuff...

Source: http://spiritfeast.blogspot.com/2011/12/listen-to-this-good-stuff.html

spiritual guide spiritual guides

China’s bloody crackdown on Tibetan protesters escalates, as self-immolations continue

Xeni Jardin (BoingBoing): Ethnic Tibetans throughout Tibet this week held some of the largest demonstrations against Chinese rule in four years. Chinese forces responded by shooting protesters. Up to 5 are said to have been killed and more than 30 wounded, according to Tibetan advocacy groups. On January 9, a 42-year-old monk became the latest [...]

Source: http://www.wildmind.org/blogs/news/chinas-bloody-crackdown-on-tibetan-protesters-escalates-as-self-immolations-continue

spiritual meditations spiritual mentoring