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lmaher22
USA
217 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 27 2011 : 8:53:41 PM
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Does one have to have a 'Dark night of the Soul' before one awakens as some books suggest? I sure as hell hope not. Depression and fear is a big reason I started meditating.
Thanks,
L |
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Swan
India
256 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2011 : 9:39:37 PM
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I have no answer but one question...
If yes, will you quit? |
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lmaher22
USA
217 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2011 : 10:13:32 PM
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Right now I'd say I'd have to go on but I'd pray for courage. I've had some really horrible physical and psychological things happen to me. Don't wish to repeat any of it. But, once again, I think I'm committed this better way of life and all the people who try to live it.
Thanks,
L |
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Swan
India
256 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2011 : 10:49:42 PM
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Same here....
I would just surrender and let him guide me on the way - whatever it goes through, and yes I would also pray for courage.
I think what you meant by 'Dark night of the Soul' is not a must, otherwise Yogani would have told that in his lessons for the sake of mental preparedness, IMO.
I would want to know what more experienced people thinks.
Love |
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nearoanoke
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 01:19:35 AM
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Dark Night is a terminology used in Buddhism to describe some passing states that one might have to go through before final awakening happens. These states are often described to be negative (painful, depressive etc...)
Yogani doesnt say anything about it but says Pain is not a pre-requisite for inner peace in the below lesson
http://www.aypsite.org/168.html
A more directly related discussion on Dark Night of the soul
http://www.aypsite.org/161.html
- Near |
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karl
United Kingdom
1812 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 03:30:10 AM
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I definitely went through that state. My memories are of being in for as long as I have been meditating. It came to a head when I recognised it for what it was and where it was. Then came the actual ' one dark night'. I suspect that you would inwardly know you are the type that is likely to experience this and have experienced bouts of it prior to meditation.
For those that are going through it and will go through it, remember it is not real, it is your personal method of forcing you up to the light. It's just like going through puberty. Some seem to sweep through effortlessly, others get cracked voices, acne and mood swings.
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Swan
India
256 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 05:31:58 AM
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Thanks Near,
As I read through the lesson 161, it seems that more than feeling the pain and any helplessness associated with pain in general, the person has witnessed the pain to be there, while staying firm with the positivity, courage and hope, and in touch with inner guru.
I hope I will be able to keep my focus like that, should I go through a dark night.
@ Karl, thanks for sharing. How long did it last? Another thought is coming in my mind – can a dark night be triggered by over doing?
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karl
United Kingdom
1812 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 09:23:49 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Swan
@ Karl, thanks for sharing. How long did it last? Another thought is coming in my mind – can a dark night be triggered by over doing?
I was always a bit of a depressive and dramatist right throughout my life. Periods of melancholy have come and gone. The last two years have been more concentrated, though because I was also beginning to witness the balance was retained. I could manage to handle more because the witness allowed that.
The period it came to a head was a few hours long at most. At the time it was unpleasant, but I had made the decision that whatever happened it couldn't be worse than continuing to feel like that. So I went for broke. Death or dishonour 
The relief was incredible. It is all head games of course. A version of scenery. Don't grab it, don't push it away, remain neutral and let it try and do its worst. Definitely a big leap at the time. In context it iwasnt such a big leap, it was just more drama, but when you are in the play it feels very real.
Just know that nothing can hurt you, it can hurt your ego but not you. |
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maheswari
Lebanon
2516 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 1:15:45 PM
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quote:
Death or dishonour
WOW |
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maheswari
Lebanon
2516 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 06:38:59 AM
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| i let the feelings take compelete hold me i witness them.witness the ideas...currently the unpleasant thought and feeling very quickly pass and i am quicky at ease again ,all smiles...minding my own business doing what present itself to be done NOW......such a funny game..really this mind is so funny... people NOT into yoga are way too serious about how they feel and think.... |
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karl
United Kingdom
1812 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 07:37:26 AM
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I used to think like that. Watching everyone's little world, so important. Now, I barely notice unless called upon to interact. Instead it's like watching a tv show with the sound off, patterns of images, colours, movement, space, like the fall of snow in the headlights of a car on a dark night.
I also notice that the all know, that they just prefer to remain engrossed and ignorant and that's perfectly fine. Each in their own time, no hurry. Sometimes if talking to a friend, they are concerned about something and worried. I get them to notice and look inwards for a moment, their eyes reveal that they are briefly awake, then they fall asleep again. Like a deep hypnotic slumber they just don't want to get out of what is comfortable and familiar. Please don't wake me and I don't. |
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maheswari
Lebanon
2516 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 4:36:02 PM
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quote:
Instead it's like watching a tv show with the sound off,
2 months ago i had a similar experience for a whole day...
quote:
Sometimes if talking to a friend, they are concerned about something and worried. I get them to notice and look inwards for a moment, their eyes reveal that they are briefly awake, then they fall asleep again. Like a deep hypnotic slumber they just don't want to get out of what is comfortable and familiar. Please don't wake me and I don't.
you know the Beatles song I m only sleeping? ,the lyrics are quite deep plus the beautiful voice of John Lennon
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric....6BC20013CA62
for the sage what is sleep according to majority is awakeness ...what is awakeness according to majority is sleep |
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karl
United Kingdom
1812 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 5:05:05 PM
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The Guru is everywhere isn't it.
Even more significant by the Beatles, in which the floating down theme is repeated:
Turn off your mind relax and float down stream
It is not dying, it is not dying
Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void,
It is shining, it is shining.
Yet you may see the meaning of within
It is being, it is being
Love is all and love is everyone
It is knowing, it is knowing
And ignorance and hate mourn the dead
It is believing, it is believing
But listen to the colour of your dreams
It is not leaving, it is not leaving
So play the game "Existence" to the end
Of the beginning, of the beginning |
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maheswari
Lebanon
2516 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 02:29:30 AM
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i shared it with some friends few days back |
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