Awesome satsang with MaBha at Ananda Ashram

To prepare for the Ananda Ashram Teacher Training and just for more and deeper understanding of Guruji's teachings, almost all of the Ananda Ashram Hatha Yoga Teachers and a couple who will be enrolling in the Ashram's Spring 2008 Teacher Training met with Ma Bhaskarananda for satsang yesterday.

It was illuminating to say the least.

MaBha not only is helping us with Guruji's Fundamentals of Yoga and his teachings - but will be showing us how to teach Guruji's Dynamic Meditations as part of our Hatha Yoga Classes.  This makes me tingle with joy!  And we spoke about integrating the teaching of Nada Yoga into all of our classes - so that we can teach everyone how to understand and have a full relationship with Nadam - the cosmic sound of the universe.

All of the above are very unique to Ananda Ashram and to Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati's teachings.

I feel so blessed - and I know everyone in our little satsang felt the beauty of it all too.

MaBha also explained that it is through the MIND that we access the heart - and specifically through the Ajna Chakra.

Chapter 2 of Fundamentals is what we are concentrating on.  The power of Suggestion - Dhyana.

I'm trying to remember all that we covered - because I felt such a tremendous opening of energy and LOVE for everyone at Ananda Ashram and for Guruji - infinite gratitude.

One of the things I asked was - with all the volatile, crazy personalities that come through the Ashram - are we meant to deal with all of them?  And I said - Guruji was a psychiatrist and an enlightened being and could handle all of them - are we expected to do the same?

And MaBha said yes.

It was how Guruji taught us to look fear in the eye - to be able to stand up for one's self.  She explained that the Ashram was where everyone was invited, no one, not even the craziest are exempt - and that we learned in this public setting to see how we dealt with the most difficult of personalities. 

And I remember one of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras about having "indifference towards our enemies."  And I realize that if I have a difficult time with anyone lately - I send them lovingkindness intentions and then detach.  Let go.  Surrender all beings to God and Guruji.  I should teach this more in class as it's automatic pilot now for me.  And the lovingkindness always, always protects me - even as I say something back to the person who is offending me in any way so that I can have suitable boundaries.

"May I be well.  May I have peace.  May I have joy.  May I have love.  May I be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

May you be well.  May you have peace.  May you have joy.  May you have love.  May you be free from suffering and the causes of suffering."

For anyone with whom I have difficulty I send the above (always start with the Self) - and somehow - I end up loving the person - albeit from afar most of the time.  It's better to be in my own company where I find a lot of love and care then in the company of those who have a lot of fear and negativity.  I've found.  small bits of time with the insane and the trouble-lovers.  Lots of alone time with me and God.

And MaBha talked about Guruji's boundless love and giving, endless, endless giving.  Never-ending giving of love to all that came to him.  And how as a Guru he was always laughing and friendly - but when he took you on as a disciple occasionally, he would be firm and direct and at times, it would hurt.

Just like when I cry to him lately - all I hear is "DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA"

and this wonderful Nadam all around - and I end up laughing as he laughs at me and my incredible attachments to suffering...