Today I went to AOL satsang at Shangri La. Guruji had a hold for 4 hours and he decided to bless Singapore with his presence. So ta-da the enthusiastic volunteers put up a satsang in Shangri La within 2 days! I was impressed with their arrangement and dedication. More so, with turn out of 1200+ people - he had great following. I am not an ardent follower of his but someone who can command respect and attention of such a crowd intrigues me.
I have done AOL basic course 5 years ago. It was fashionable and I thought - why not. I did not follow up on the course but some thoughts stayed with me till date:
1) Vegetarianism - then I had tasted meet - chicken and fish, just a bite. I was unable to eat the meat because the very idea of killing someone to fill my stomach didn't work for me so I had decided to stay vegetarian but I was not promoting it. However, here I discovered the scientific explanation of vegetarianism - the biological differences which made me an ardent believer and also a promoter of vegetarianism.
2) Breathing - my first intro to the power of oneself through breathing. Though I didn't follow up on Sudarshan Kriya, I followed the basic 'soham' whenever I was stressed or worked up. Though at Samatvam I discovered the workings of breathing, brain and self which now prompts me to do this course again.
3) Spiritual journey begins here.
Today was the 1st time I saw Guruji in person. I was definitely moved - with tears in eyes on his arrival and departure. Somehow I felt this is what I am looking for. It was a great feeling.
Let me jump to learnings of the day which opened up my heart.
1) On recession - people were genuinely worried about this hardtime. So to cope with it ( or any stressful external factor) try these options:
a) Confidence in yourself. Fear not as this bad time shall also pass like bad times in 40s.
b) Look at the less fortunate ones - in political turmoil and loosing life. Is this as bad as Hiroshima?
c) Wake up each day and see the change around you. So this bad times will also change.
d) Give up your worry to the Divine. This is His method of keeping us grounded.
e) Pass it on to the guru = him.
2) Love... before I tell his thoughts, let me tell you I also used to think along this line however the society has set different criteria of evaluating love. So I was not very sure about my thoughts and this had led to conflict in my mind. Today I am at peace.
His idea - Love is silence. Unfortunately we fill up love with too much talk. Why do we ask 'do you love me?' we should be asking - why do you love me so much? We demand proofs of love from our dear one. Infact we should assume that as a fact and never question it. Understand this , our parents, spouse and friends have to prove themselves in the world each day. When they come home, do not expect them to prove their love. A child never asks his mother - do you love me? would you love me till end? No, he assumes this. This should be your love for every relationship!
3) What is the purpose of life? The question that has bugged me since I have gained consciousness of self...
Do not rush to find this answer. Keep this question with you, Who am I? What is the purpose of my life? Ask yourself each day and let it take you little deeper.
4) 40 day principle. Start your meditation and pranayam today and keep going for 40 days. You will see radical change around you. Do not feel guilty if you miss it for a day or 2 but keep going.
We ended with a meditation and it was blissful experience. But I take with me the 40 day principle to adapt a little change in my lifestyle.
One of it is daily writing of good thoughts/ideas/learning. Its 11.16 with 14 mins to bedtime. Good night.