Thursday Satsang – December 29, 2022
Via Zoom and In Person Viewing at TMC
“Contemplation for the New Year”
Recorded Lecture by Swami Jaidev Bharati
Followed by a Talk with Michael Smith
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
6:00-7:00 p.m. Gentle Hatha Yoga with Eric Ness
7:00-7:30 p.m. Meditation Guided by Swami Radha Bharati
7:30 -8:30 p.m. Recorded Lecture by Swami Jaidev Bharati
Followed by a Talk with Michael Smith
8:30-8:35 p.m. Evening Prayers
Join us for a recorded lecture given by Swami Jaidev Bharati on contemplation followed by a talk with Michael Smith on stories of the Divine Mother in the form of Our Lady of Guadalupe and some comments on the art of contemplation.
“There is another school called contemplation, “shravana manana nidhidhyasana.” What is contemplation? Contemplation is to discover what truth is. I am in search of truth. I listen to the sayings of great sages and to the scriptures taught by competent teachers. This is “shravana.” I think deeply about these sayings and teachings. This is “manana.” I systematically go on searching and finally, I know truth and integrate it into my life. This is “nidhidhyasana.” And I cannot describe it to anyone…
…In the school of contemplation you learn what is truth. Now you want to contemplate on that teaching. Truth in the world is different from absolute truth…
…A few hints for practice. Don’t speak too much. Those who speak too much speak nonsense most of the time. Speak less, to the point. Reduce, if you are speaking too much. Be conscious that I will not speak much. Second point, “Ok, I will speak whatever I have to speak but I’ll speak strongly and lovingly.” Don’t keep saying “I mean to say, I mean to say, I mean to say.” Many people say, “I mean to say.” It means there is something they mean to say, that they are not saying. Be straight, be gentle when you speak. Your speech will be effective. Those to whom you are speaking will know the language, it will affect their hearts and minds if you speak properly…
Slowly by understanding the great sayings of the sages, you start contemplating the great sayings, “I am atman, Brahman. The atman is within me. I’m not body, not the breath, not the mind, not my individuality but the atman within me is the same Paramatman.” This type of contemplation, constant awareness, is very healthy.” ~ H.H.S. Swami Rama ~
