Sahaj Meditation Technique Sri Ravi Shankar

AOL course teaches the timeless spiritual principles like being in the present moment, accepting everyone and accepting all situations, not being carried away by other’s opinions and not to resist things but accept things as they are.

The four main principles of Art of living are

Present Moment is inevitable

This is one of the first principles and it has been spoken about by all the great teachings from the Buddhist to new age. The art of living teacher keeps repeating ‘What’s happening now’ every few minutes to drive home the point of coming to the present moment. For a better understanding of being in the present moment read ‘The power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. Also read the discourses of Osho Rajneesh and J Krishnamurthi to have a good understanding and practice of this aphorism. In fact many of the AOL teachers do not understand the purport of being in the moment and just get a lot confused while explaining this.

Expectations reduce the Joy

Expectation is futuristic and will make us get out of the present moment.

Accept everyone and every situation as they are

This is an important spiritual teaching taught in many different spiritual schools. It is important to understand that we should not blame people for all the ills plaguing us. There is also no point just going on about the negative qualities of people. Instead if we accept people as they are our miseries caused by our prejudiced and biased opinions will subside and we will feel calmer and more composed. A calmer and composed mind creates a relity which is also peaceful.

What you resist persists

We become fixated on things we resist and hate. Prevent this from happening by awareness.

Don’t be a football of other’s opinion

Be on your own and don’t worry too much about what the other people think about you. Most people don’t have time to think about others and they all will be thinking about what other people are thinking of them.

Smile and be unconditionally happy

Even if it is artificial initially it will become second nature after some time. Fake it till you make it.

SAHAJ MEDITATION Technique

Bija Beeja Beej mantras of Godessess are used (Aim from Sarasvati, Shrim form Lakshmi, Kreem form Kali, Hrim from Maheshvari/Parvati, Shyama from Krishna, sometimes even Ram). 20 minute in the morning and 20 Minutes in the evening. Emphasis lies on relaxation and silence. No concentration but whenever mind wanders away from mantra just gently bring it back. And gently observe "What's happening NOW ?" while thinking the mantra effortlessly and easily. Mantras are chosen based on Age, Occupation and Inclination. Example: Shrim is for businessmen and for ages between 25 – 35. Aim is saraswathi mantra good for studies. Also remember the four main principles which are very important for a good and pleasant meditation : Present Moment is inevitable, Expectations reduce the Joy, Accept everyone and every situation as they are, What you resist persists

Important for Sahaj teachers to know characterstics of mantras and map them appropriately to the people’s inclinations. A little bit of intuition is required. But most mantras are given in a predictable way.