Regarding the Arm Swinging technique, it is good to note that it can be done not only when you are standing still, but also when you are walking. Most every morning, I walk down to the temple and Student Union as I swing my arms and silently chant some Mantras.
And, just a reminder that according to the ancient Qigong masters, physical health has to do with development of connective tissue rather than muscle.
Watermelon is very cooling and good for Pitta. I understand that according to Chinese Medicine, the seeds are extremely cooling. Once one gets over the programming that the seeds are to be spit out, the crunch is actually enjoyable… like popcorn!
Watermelon is also, according to Chinese Medicine, very purifying… flushing out all sorts of toxins. They say that eating a large amount can result in a great excretion of fluids at first (even loose stools) which are Pitta and toxins. But then, everything normalizes as the Pitta disperses.
The sun and moon’s rays have an effect on the earth. Of course, when we refer to “rays” here, we mean it not just on the more superficial levels, but also on the astrological and Transcendental level. Normal sun and moon shine create a normal environment for the earth. Physical earth is made up of the five elements and those five elements have a certain balance under normal conditions. The same is true with our physiology.
The eclipse affects the sun and moon rays, creating an abnormal environment for the earth. This also upsets the balance of the five elements, upsetting our environment on earth and also our physiology, including our mind and emotions. Scientists have done research and found that during an eclipse, there is an increase in bacteria and viruses.
Because there is imbalance physically, it is suggested that people not eat or drink because the body does not process food and water correctly. It is a little bit like avoiding certain foods when a person is sick. Some do not eat from sunrise to sunset that day and others just avoid eating near the time of the actual eclipse. Because there is an imbalance mentally and emotionally, it is suggested that people go inward and meditate or chant mantras.
It is advised not to look at eclipses. Even if you do not look at the eclipse, the effects of an eclipse last 3-6 months. It states in the Vedas that as a result of an eclipse, there can be changes in nature and natural disasters can occur.
For people, with the lunar eclipse, the effect is on the mind/emotions, whereas with the solar eclipse, the effect is more on the whole body and health.
During the whole solar eclipse (in Asheville, this would be from 1:00-4:05pm), it is best to stay inside and not look outside or even allow light in. During the eclipse, it is best to meditate or chant, and it is a good time to go inward. Finish solid food 3 hours prior to the start of the eclipse and wait to eat 2 hours after the eclipse ends. Shower right after the eclipse and then you can start cooking. Don’t save cooked food to eat after the eclipse, including in the refrigerator. No showering, drinking, or eating during the eclipse.
Monday, August 21, 2017 – Solar Eclipse info for Asheville:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/asheville?iso=20170821
1:08 pm Partial Eclipse begins
2:37 pm Maximum Eclipse
4:01 pm Partial Eclipse ends
If you are visiting or staying at Mount Soma, once Sri Somesvara Temple has been purified (probably after 6:00 pm), then offer a red flower to the Sun (outside at the Navagrahas), and do Pradakshina 9 times while chanting “Shri Ram Ravaye Namaha.”
This particular eclipse especially affects those people whose Moon is in the sign of Cancer, Leo, or Virgo in their Jyotish (Vedic astrology) chart. Those people whose Moon is in Scorpio or Pisces also need to make sure to follow the guidelines suggested above.
Phase 1 was so inspiring! Since immediately after the course, my mind has been on Phase 2. It is incredibly exciting. There is certainly a finesse involved in teaching these subtle, yet powerful, techniques. It required several years to find the ‘in,’ i.e., how to convey the techniques to others. Some of you may remember early attempts at the beginning such as ‘the cave,’ meditation powder, hand placements, and even the first teaching of Phase 1 to the Ashram people.
It was incredibly gratifying to see how easily, how seamlessly, everyone in Phase 1 took to the techniques. Now that the proper ‘in’ has been found (“Well begun is half done!”), I can hardly wait until Phase 2 begins! As enthusiastic as the response was to Phase 1, Phase 2 and then Phase 3 get increasingly incredible.
Though references to these techniques can be found here and there, to my knowledge, the actual method of practice is simply not available, lest it be perhaps in the Himalayas at some obscure ashram closed to but a few devoted members. I honestly believe this is the first time in recorded history that they are offered to the world. It is humbling to have found them. Discovering them is, by far, the greatest thing I, as a teacher, have ever done.
We will be offering Phase 1 again this winter at Mount Soma, so there is still an opportunity to join the group and do Phase 2 with everyone next summer. It is not certain when and how the techniques will be offered again. This first Phase 1-3 series will be the one that has my utmost attention.
These techniques not only make meditation extremely powerful and profound, but also fun and fascinating. I hope those of you who did not have the opportunity to take Phase 1 already, will be able to join us this winter and continue on with the group through the adventures of Phase 2 and 3. The Kingdom of Heaven does indeed dwell within. Take the journey!
May 20, 2017 was another great day. Lots of people fillled Hanuman Park for Hanuman Jayanthi. The chanting and bhajans were wonderful. The feeling of family, community and devotion filled the air. Beautiful!
View more pictures on the Hanuman Jayanthi Photo Gallery.
The Truth about Religion and Flatlining
