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

Lesson 225 - Q&A – Clearing the Clouds

From: Yogani
Date: Tue Aug 17, 2004 11:38am

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


Q: I am impressed with your simplicity in explaining complicated subject like Yoga and meditation. I started practicing the pranayama -spinal breathing for approximately 10 mins followed by 15 to 20 mins of meditation using mantra and about 10 mins rest, twice a day from August 9, 2004. On August 11 evening, I had wonderful feelings, free mind with lot of creativity and energy for the first time in my life. I am very sorry to say this incident never repeated till today even though there is no change in my routine. What could be wrong?


A: It is wonderful that you have had such a clear experience in your early days of meditation. The variation in experience does not mean anything is wrong. It is not unusual for experiences to change over time as we proceed with long term daily meditation. As impurities become gradually less in our nervous system, the experience will become gradually clearer.

Think of it as a slowly clearing cloudy sky. Even on a cloudy day we might see the sun shining through occasionally. Then, over time, as the clouds become less and less, the sun is visible more of the time. Eventually it is all sun. That is how pure bliss consciousness comes up in a purifying nervous system.

Remember to keep your attention on regular daily practices, rather than on the ups and downs of experiences. The practices will keep our journey going steadily forward. Experiences will vary according to how purification is progressing in our nervous system at any given time.

Also keep in mind that we get used to rising pure bliss consciousness very fast, and the contrast will not be noticed as much after a few days of more clarity. Then we become eager for the next level of clarity. The ups and downs and the plateaus in experience are a normal part of the journey - the scenery, if you will. This is also true when ecstatic experiences arise. There is always more. Once we have glimpsed the divine coming from within we are hungrier for God.

Keep up practices over the long term, and your experiences will become gradually clearer as your nervous system becomes pure, eventually giving you the experience of ecstatic bliss all the time.

I wish you all success on your chosen spiritual path.

The guru is in you.

Note: For detailed instructions on building a balanced daily practice routine with self-pacing, see the Eight Limbs of Yoga Book.

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