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Morning Meditation

Each morning at 6:00am, the most important part of our monks' day takes place. It is more sacred and significant than any of the work that they do. It is their commitment to the inner being and nonbeing, from which all else can emerge and flourish. Today we capture a few sneak shots of the monastic meditation. Not pictured here are the monks who perform late night vigils and, of course, the monk behind the camera. Beforehand is a 5:30am Siva puja. As they sit down to meditate the monks recite a chant speaking of the greatness of renunciation and then repeat a chant to our guru parampara. This is followed by an affirmation for the order and its purpose. Here is a translation of the first mantra, from the Yajur Veda, Mahanarayana Upanishad, 10.21-24:

"Immortality is attained not by work, not by progeny, not by wealth, but only by renunciation.
That which recluses attain is laid beyond the heaven, yet it shines brilliantly in the purified heart.

"Having attained the immortality consisting of identity with the Supreme, aspirants who strive for self-control, who have realized the conclusions of the Vedas and have attained purity of mind through yoga, and steadfastness in the knowledge of Brahman, preceded by renunciation, are released into the region of Brahman at the dissolution of their final body.

"In the citadel of the body there is the small, sinless and pure lotus of the heart which is the residence of the Supreme. Further in the interior of this small area there is the sorrowless ether. That is to be meditated upon continually.

"He is the Supreme Lord who transcends the syllable Aum which is uttered at the commencement of the recital of the Vedas, which is well established in the Upanishads and which is dissolved in the primal cause during contemplation."


5 Responses to “Morning Meditation”

  1. deva seyon says:

    Thank you! Rarely if ever posted!

    The fruit of it all!
    The oceanic bath . . .
    The swim to the core!

    Ring the bells wave the lights!
    All this and more . . . for one simple act . . .
    That most do ignore –

    To utter simplicity we go . . .
    Losing all manner of you and me . . .
    Behind all this commotion . . . the supreme silence of ancient lore.

  2. Rajendra Giri says:

    Om Namah Shivay!

  3. Ashish says:

    Aum Namah Sivaya

  4. Tasha Natarajan says:

    What a wonderful posting. Thank you for sharing.

  5. S. Bala Sivaceyon says:

    Aum Namasivaya.
    Thanks for sharing

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