We will spend 10 minutes observing the breath

and from that coming to an awareness of the observer,

getting close to yourself.

Observe the breath.

Become aware of the observer.

Mind may wander,

but your attention must be with the breath and yourself.

Then begin with vigorous breathing,

and when you feel the lightness,

follow up with the rhythmic breathing.

Deep and long breathing, strong enough –

you should be able to hear yourself breathing

to make the observation/attention sharp.

Allow yourself to relax in yourself.

Your attention, your observation, keep with the breath,

and therefore with yourself.

Really as an observer there is an inner quietness.

You must be relaxed and settled in that quietness of

the observer while you continue with the

observation of the breath, your attention of the breath.

 

The mind may wander away your attention.

Learn to see that.

Learn to be aware of that.

Know that you are the observer

of the nature and the state of your mind,

and it is given to you to keep the attention with the breath

or allow the mind to carry it away.

The body posture must be straight and erect.

Lift from the base of your spine to keep it straight.

 

Alert within yourself.

There must be a sharpness to all things that you do.

Be alert.

Keep your attention with the breath.

 

Your attention with the breath –

Your awareness of yourself as the observer.

 

Now you can turn the attention inwards to yourself.

Concentration in the heart of your being,

while you continue to be aware of the observing quietness.

In the heart of that quietness you are concentrated.

You have relaxed and yet you are alert.

 

Again, keep your attention with yourself.

Your concentration must be at the heart

of that quietness of your being.

The mind will try to carry you away.

Learn to see that.

 

Get inside yourself.

 

We will do kirtan for a while.

Kirtan must come from the heart

and reach you deeper within yourself.

Stir up your heart…

 

Govinda Bolo Hari Gopala Bolo…

 

Go with all your heart to your own heart.

Seek in the depth of your own heart –

The face of divinity.

 

 

Arya Vihar

24 October 1995