Author: harinam

Yogi, teacher, healer

Today: Be aware of proper conduct in relation with the social structure – from the I Ching

Be aware of proper conduct in relation with the social structure.  Use discipline, but not too much severity.  Allow yourself and others to act freely within accepted norms.  Improve yourself by observing the good in others.  Free yourself of negative tendencies and become the example.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
The family is society in embryo; it is the native soil on which performance of moral duty is made easy through natural affection, so that within a small circle a basis of moral practice is created, and this is later widened to include human relationships in general.
Words have influence only when they are pertinent and clearly related to definite circumstances. General discourses and admonitions have no effect whatsoever. Furthermore, the words must be supported by one’s entire conduct.
In the family the proper mean between severity and indulgence ought to prevail. Too great severity toward one’s own flesh and blood leads to remorse. The wise thing is to build strong dikes within which complete freedom of movement is allowed each individual. But in doubtful instances too great severity, despite occasional mistakes, is preferable, because it preserves discipline in the family, whereas too great weakness leads to disgrace.
While observing how thunder and wind increase and strengthen each other, a man can note the way to self-increase and self-improvement. When he discovers good in others, he should imitate it and thus make everything on earth his own. If he perceives something bad in himself, let him rid himself of it. In this way he becomes free of evil. This ethical change represents the most important increase of personality.

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Today: I Ching

Today: “Wisdom, character and consciousness conquer everything” Yogi Bhajan

“Wisdom, character and consciousness conquer everything.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: On the full moon and lunar eclipse – from the I Ching

This is a moment of radical change.  The pressures are enormous.  We are best served by our reliance on our inner character, steady, constant in the face of external upheaval.  This supports today’s reading.  If we are not compromised by the chaos we will be instrumental in producing future change and a return to order.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
Duration is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances. It is not a state of rest, for mere standstill is regression. Duration is rather the self- contained and therefore self-renewing movement of an organised, firmly integrated whole, taking place in accordance with immutable laws and beginning anew at every ending. The end is reached by an inward movement, by inhalation, systole, contraction, and this movement turns into a new beginning, in which the movement is directed outward, in exhalation, diastole, expansion.
Heavenly bodies exemplify duration. They move in their fixed orbits, and because of this their light-giving power endures. The seasons of the year follow a fixed law of change and transformation, hence can produce effects that endure.
So likewise the dedicated man embodies an enduring meaning in his way of life, and thereby the world is formed. In that which gives things their duration, we can come to understand the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.
If a man remains at the mercy of moods of hope or fear aroused by the outer world, he loses his inner consistency of character. Such inconsistency invariably leads to distressing experiences. These humiliations often come from an unforeseen quarter. Such experiences are not merely effects produced by the external world, but logical consequences evoked by his own nature.
The hexagram as a whole points to a time of joyous, hopeful progress. Spring is approaching. Joy and forbearance bring high and low nearer together. Success is certain. But we must work with determination and perseverance to make full use of the propitiousness of the time.  We must take heed of this change in good time. 

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Today: Rely on your inner nature to produce great external changes – from the I Ching

Rely on your inner nature to produce great external changes.  Do not indulge in distraction and diversion from the outside to satisfy inner needs.  Multiplied by everyone, strict adherence to this principle will produce great social transformation.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
The joyous mood is infectious and therefore brings success. But joy must be based on steadfastness if it is not to degenerate into uncontrolled mirth. Truth and strength must dwell in the heart, while gentleness reveals itself in social intercourse. In this way one assumes the right attitude toward God and man and achieves something. Under certain conditions, intimidation without gentleness may achieve something momentarily, but not for all time. When, on the other hand, the hearts of men are won by friendliness, they are led to take all hardships upon themselves willingly, and if need be will not shun death itself, so great is the power of joy over men.
True joy must spring from within. But if one is empty within and wholly given over to the world, idle pleasures come streaming in from without. This is what many people welcome as diversion. Those who lack inner stability and therefore need amusement, will always find opportunity of indulgence. They attract external pleasures by the emptiness of their natures. Thus they lose themselves more and more, which of course has bad results.
Political revolutions are extremely grave matters. They should be undertaken only under stress of direst necessity, when there is no other way out. Not everyone is called to this task, but only the man who has the confidence of the people, and even he only when the time is ripe. He must then proceed in the right way, so that he gladdens the people and, by enlightening them, prevents excesses. Furthermore, he must be quite free of selfish aims and must really relieve the need of the people. Only then does he have nothing to regret.
Times change, and with them their demands. Thus the seasons change in the course of the year. In the world cycle also there are spring and autumn in the life of peoples and nations, and these call for social transformations.

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Today: “If a woman sits with folded hands” Yogi Bhajan

“If a woman sits with folded hands in her lap for a few minutes everyday, and feels she is a container so vast that she contains the whole universe, she will never feel weak or have any problems. There is nothing beyond woman except God.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: live up to the honors and position entrusted to you – from the I Ching

You must live up to the honors and position to which you have been entrusted.  Serve as your vision and skills permit, regardless of the physical resources you have at your disposal.  As hindrances to advancement in your service are cleared, hold to your discipline and devotion to see it through.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
To hold firmly to great creative powers and store them up, as set forth in this hexagram, there is need of a strong, clear-headed man who is honoured by the ruler. The trigram Ch’ien points to strong creative power; Kên indicates firmness and truth. Both point to light and clarity and to the daily renewal of character. Only through such daily self-renewal can a man continue at the height of his powers. Force of habit helps to keep order in quiet times; but in periods when there is a great storing up of energy, everything depends on the power of the personality. However, since the worthy are honoured, as in the case of the strong personality entrusted with leadership by the ruler, it is an advantage not to eat at home but rather to earn one’s bread by entering upon public office. Such a man is in harmony with heaven; therefore even great and difficult undertakings, such as crossing the great water, succeed.
The way opens; the hindrance has been cleared away. A man is in contact with a strong will acting in the same direction as his own, and goes forward like one good horse following another. But danger still threatens, and he must remain aware of it, or he will be robbed of his firmness. Thus he must acquire skill on the one hand in what will take him forward, and on the other in what will protect him against unforeseen attacks. It is good in such a pass to have a goal toward which to strive.
Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not to try to cover up poverty with empty pretence. If a time of scanty resources brings out an inner truth, one must not feel ashamed of simplicity. For simplicity is then the very thing needed to provide inner strength for further undertakings. Indeed, there need be no concern if the outward beauty of the civilisation, even the elaboration of religious forms, should have to suffer because of simplicity. One must draw on the strength of the inner attitude to compensate for what is lacking in externals; then the power of the content makes up for the simplicity of form. There is no need of presenting false appearances to God. Even with slender means, the sentiment of the heart can be expressed.

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Today: “Working by heart means…” Yogi Bhajan

“Working by heart means using your feelings and emotions to lead you to your spiritual sense of existence.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Look to greatness and forsake all distraction – from the I Ching

It is just as important to examine where you place your attention as it is for people who look up to you and place their trust in you.  Be sure your example comes from the highest sources.  Your focus on the greatness that you see and experience will produce great abundance.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
In order to obtain a following one must first know how to adapt oneself. If a man would rule he must first learn to serve, for only in this way does he secure from those below him the joyous assent that is necessary if they are to follow him. If he has to obtain a following by force or cunning, by conspiracy or by creating factions, he invariably arouses resistance, which obstructs willing adherence. But even joyous movement can lead to evil consequences, hence the added stipulation, “Perseverance furthers” – that is, consistency in doing right – together with “No blame.” Just as we should not ask others to follow us unless this condition is fulfilled, so it is only under this condition that we can in turn follow others without coming to harm.
The thought of obtaining a following through adaptation to the demands of the time is a great and significant idea; this is why the appended judgement is so favorable.
When the right connection with distinguished people has been found, a certain loss naturally ensues. A man must part company with the inferior and superficial. But in his heart he will feel satisfied, because he will find what he seeks and needs for the development of his personality. The important thing is to remain firm. He must know what he wants and not be led astray by momentary inclinations.
It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his will is directed to what is great. Such a time of abundance is usually brief. Therefore a sage might well feel sad in view of the decline that must follow. But such sadness does not befit him. Only a man who is inwardly free of sorrow and care can lead in a time of abundance. He must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven.

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Today: “This life is not for wasting” Yogi Bhajan

“This life is not for wasting. It is for reaching the wonderland of your own consciousness.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: contemplate the universe; remain free – from the I Ching

If you can contemplate the underlying workings of the universe, you can make great contributions to the health and well-being of the community and nation.  This would require an independence of thought and action, not a party to others’ agendas.  Serve the governing structures, but do not become a part of any fixed structure.  You should remain free to choose your associations and maintain friendly relations with them.

A wanderer has no fixed abode; his home is the road. Therefore he must take care to remain upright and steadfast, so that he sojourns only in the proper places, associating only with good people. Then he has good fortune and can go his way unmolested.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
Contemplation of the divine meaning underlying the workings of the universe gives to the man who is called upon to influence others the means of producing like effects. This requires that power of inner concentration which religious contemplation develops in great men strong in faith. It enables them to apprehend the mysterious and divine laws of life, and by means of profoundest inner concentration they give expression to these laws in their own persons. Thus a hidden spiritual power emanates from them, influencing and dominating others without their being aware of how it happens.
This describes a man who understands the secrets by which a kingdom can be made to flourish. Such a man must be given an authoritative position, in which he can exert influence. He should be, so to speak, a guest – that is, he should be honoured and allowed to act independently, and should not be used as a tool.
WHEN A man is a wanderer and stranger, he should not be gruff nor overbearing. He has no large circle of acquaintances, therefore he should not give himself airs. He must be cautious and reserved; in this way he protects himself from evil. If he is obliging toward others, he wins success.
A wanderer has no fixed abode; his home is the road. Therefore he must take care to remain upright and steadfast, so that he sojourns only in the proper places, associating only with good people. Then he has good fortune and can go his way unmolested.

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Today: “To be blessed is to live in gratitude” Yogi Bhajan

“To be blessed is to live in gratitude, so that God can fulfill you forever.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Collectively overcome our limitations – from the I Ching

We have limits as to what we can accomplish individually.  No amount of discipline or effort will change that.  We must therefore use the inner truth that we share with others in order to multiply our individual strengths and apply them.  Then we can accomplish anything.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
Limitations are troublesome, but they are effective. If we live economically in normal times, we are prepared for times of want. To be sparing saves us from humiliation. Limitations are also indispensable in the regulation of world conditions. In nature there are fixed limits for summer and winter, day and night, and these limits give the year its meaning. In the same way, economy, by setting fixed limits upon expenditures, acts to preserve property and prevent injury to the people.
But in limitation we must observe due measure. If a man should seek to impose galling limitations upon his own nature, it would be injurious. And if he should go too far in imposing limitations on others, they would rebel.
Therefore it is necessary to set limits even upon limitation.
If one is too severe in setting up restrictions, people will not endure them. The more consistent such severity, the worse it is, for in the long run a reaction is unavoidable. In the same way, the tormented body will rebel against excessive asceticism. On the other hand, although ruthless severity is not to be applied persistently and systematically, there may be times when it is the only means of safeguarding against guilt and remorse. In such situations ruthlessness toward oneself is the only means of saving one’s soul, which otherwise would succumb to irresolution and temptation.
In dealing with persons as intractable and as difficult to influence as a pig or a fish, the whole secret of success depends on finding the right way of approach. One must first rid oneself of all prejudice and, so to speak, let the psyche of the other person act on one without restraint. Then one will establish contact with him, understand and gain power over him. When a door has thus been opened, the force of one’s personality will influence him. If in this way one finds no obstacles insurmountable, one can undertake even the most dangerous things, such as crossing the great water, and succeed.But it is important to understand on what the force inner truth depends. This force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Close ties may exist also among thieves; it is true that such a bond acts as a force but, since it is not invincible, it does not bring good fortune. All association on the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. Where the community of interest ceases, the holding together ceases also, and the closest friendship often changes into hate. Only when the bond is based on what is right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over everything.

Meditation
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Today: “A failure is only a step on your way to success” Yogi Bhajan

“A failure is only a step on your way to success.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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Today: Do not settle – from the I Ching

Do not settle.  If your heart is not in it, divorce yourself from it.  Then you will find the freedom you cannot imagine while still shackled to a loveless situation.  You will shine.  Abundance is not far behind.

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching
“
Affection as the essential principle of relatedness is of the greatest importance in all relationships in the world. For the union of heaven and earth is the origin of the whole of nature. Among human beings likewise, spontaneous affection is the all-inclusive principle of union.
A girl who is in a lowly position and finds no husband may, in some circumstances, still win shelter as a concubine.
This pictures the situation of a person who longs too much for joys that cannot be obtained in the usual way. He enters upon a situation not altogether compatible with self-esteem. Neither judgement nor warning is added to this line; it merely lays bare the actual situation, so that everyone may draw a lesson from it.
It is not given to every mortal to bring about a time of outstanding greatness and abundance. Only a born ruler of men is able to do it, because his will is directed to what is great. Such a time of abundance is usually brief. Therefore a sage might well feel sad in view of the decline that must follow. But such sadness does not befit him. Only a man who is inwardly free of sorrow and care can lead in a time of abundance. He must be like the sun at midday, illuminating and gladdening everything under heaven.

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Meditation: NM345- Strengthen and enhance the radiant body

We have ten bodies.  The projection of the radiant Body, the tenth body, determines how other people see us and how we see ourselves.  It can be shiny and protective, or dull and porous.  We also use our Radiant Body to heal.  If it is strong enough, we can heal people with our mere presence.  This is a goal that is our challenge in this age, where so many people need to be healed and there is so little time.

This meditation strengthens and enhances the Radiant Body.

NM345-MindAndMentalityII-ScopeAndProjection-I-AmNothingButGod

Tantric Har

Today: Pray when you are not in difficulty! Yogi Bhajan

“You do prayer when you are in difficulty. Pray when you are not in difficulty! That is the attitude of gratitude.” Yogi Bhajan
(via Ram Anand)

 

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