The image usually conjured up when meditation comes to mind is of a tranquil setting free of distractions with meditator quietly disengaged from the external environment. Classical instruction does incorporate practices for restraining the flow of attention away from the streams of the sense gates to inhibit the leaking and loss of vital force. Pratyahara or inward turning of flow of attention is considered a prerequisite to consolidating the stabilized awareness required for intensified concentration that leads to meditation.
A more powerful shift is actually required to reverse habitual mental tendencies that undermine the ability to enter into the vast domain of clear relaxed alertness, that characterizes satisfying meditation. The reorientation moves away from restraint of senses or thoughts to undisturbed listening.
Interestingly, communication begins with listening. More often than not, what we call communication is laced by an underlying desire to promote our own point of view or opinion. Have you ever caught yourself already formulating your reply even before another person has completed expressing their own view? In the ancient Vedantic model of self-inquiry or deep inner work, the progressive three phase method used begins with a silent, uncluttered mental “listening” free of pre-conceptualized content. This silent receptivity is the heart of real communication, that brings together subject and object in appreciative commonality, where one’s initial point of view is held in such a way as to accommodate “both/ and” rather than “either/or.”
Silent listening is the essence of meditation, when still inner knowing emerges, or actually, ceases to be obscured. What is then received is directly from the universal source of all wisdom that will communicates with all, in the avikalpa state, free of mentation but with a silent open heart.
Meditation as an unequalled life skill.
The ability to quiet, still and heal the mind is essential, today more so than ever. But for many meditation remains difficult, illusive, and for some boring.
Effective training in meditation involves insight into how the mind works.
The mind by yogic definition is a fourfold psychic instrument (antarkarana). This level of our personal experience is intensely conditioned. The way we think, feel, imagine, dream, fantasise, intuit, know, react and respond is greatly impeded by conditioned entrained states of mind.
LEARN TO MEDITATE
Session 1 - Saturday 17th August - 2.30-5.30pm
Session 2 - Saturday 31st August - 2.30-5.30pm
Shantarasa in Strathalbyn
Learn the foundations for a deep and rewarding meditation practice with Keval, a meditation teacher of 50 years.
Meditation can be infectious when the method of practice has unique traditional origins.
Keval will guide a practice that you will find easy to implement as a personal practice.
Many people say their minds are too busy and they have been unsuccessful in meditating. Keval has instructed hundreds of practitioners who now enjoy the ability to find stillness and peace within and without. It just takes a little practice like all things.
For additional support once you have learned the basics-
We offer regular Meditation Sessions on MONDAY evenings.
Keval guides a supported practice session both in person and online. The Monday sessions have been ongoing now for over 4 years and has a steady group of practitioners deepening their skill and joy in the experience of meditation. You would be most welcome to attend and help develop a beautiful practice.
We would like to help you find a means that nourishes and calms the mind and gives deep peace!!