Meditation – AVA Discussion 7:30 October 6th, 2015 in Ojai, Ca

Haribolo Friends of the Vedas!

Please accept my respects,

Then next gathering of the American Vedic Association Is:

1st Tue: Oct 6, 2015: Meditating… on What? will be discussed at the American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita as It Is Fellowship: Some advice envisioning a beautiful meadow, others suggest counting your breaths or techniques to clear your thoughts. But the best meditation is actually very easy! ● 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

Meditation = Big Business!
Just what exactly is “Meditation” anyway?

For some the word meditation implies “Spiritual” even though it means something different to nearly everyone you ask. In Tibet some monks will sit silently for up to 6 hrs a day. All over Asia there are legends about “Very Elevated Monks” who went off to meditate for extended periods of time. There have even been some speakers that came to Ojai who claim to have gone off and lived alone in a cave for three years as a way of suggesting that was proof of their spiritual acumen. But is living alone in itself a path to enlightenment as implied when we think of Henry David Thoreau? Or is it a path to insanity as we are reminded of when we think of the uni-bomber Ted Kaczynski?

In the West many people claim to start their day with 20 minutes of meditation. If that’s all it takes… than why do the monks in Tibet sit for so long when they can get back to carrying water and chopping wood sooner? If one meditates longer… does that make that person more spiritually alert then the individual who only meditates during an office lunch break?

The Buddhist tradition promotes silence as a way to become more “Mindful” but mindful about what and why? One of the cute New Age maxims often bantered about is that: “Meditation is NOT what you Think!” OK. Well then, if it is not what I think… then is it about what I don’t think? How is it possible to NOT think? Why should I even strive to do that? Is ‘Not Thinking’ the objective of life? If so then when would it be OK to start thinking again? If we can’t stop thinking, then what should be we thinking about? Isn’t there something more relevant, interesting and useful for me to focus my mind on then… seeking out the origin of my own heartbeat?

In the Western world meditation is commercially promoted as a tool for becoming calmer, focusing on your work better, or being able to handle stress more effectively. It is endorsed as a way for you to become more materially competent, so you can be less anxious about acquiring more, rising to a higher social/work status, or being able to produce better art or music. Some practice meditation with the hopeful objective that it will help them excel at their job and in turn get a raise so they can have more toys. How does that type of meditation compare to the retired person who claims to religiously meditate every day when in fact all they have done is learn how to sleep in a vertical position?

We hear all sorts of wonderful things about the power of meditation and it’s ability to change not only the individual, but to reduce crime and virtually usher in the “Age of Aquarius.” If it offers such a huge boon to humanity… then why isn’t it frantically being given away freely to everyone from those who claim to be reaping so many benefits from it?

Finally what is the ultimate goal of meditation? Is it just a good way to prevent ulcers, cope with screaming kids, or impress the boss? Why is there so little said about what meditation will do for you after you die? If you meditate regularly, is that an automatic ticket for Heaven, Nirvana, or merging into the ocean, sun or Brahman? What if you say your mantra incorrectly, or perhaps don’t even have a mantra or a teacher? How does one know if their meditation is legitimate, bogus, outdated, or irrelevant?

It would take quite an effort to seek out answers to these types of questions from the grander body of world mediators because there isn’t just one agreed upon scripture or repository that can be turned to for consistent answers. However we do find a very clear explanation of what meditation is really intended to be in one of the closing verses of the Bhagavad Gita. Notice how clear, simple and comprehensive, Krishna is in regards to His comments about the practice of meditation.

“Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.” – Bg 18.65

Ojai Events!
“Onelove” Gathering at Lake Casitas October 9-12, 2015

The OneLove festival is being produced by one of the co-founders of the Bhakti Fest and apparently is striving to emulate it. I have been invited to participate with the Sastra Rath which will be stocked with all sorts of transcendental books and paraphernalia manufactured by Jagannatha Enterprises. There is also a wonderful opportunity to do Kirtan from my booth which I believe will be in a prominent place as guests arrive to the event.

Having not attended the OneLove festival in the past I am not sure just exactly what to expect but I welcome other devotees who may be in the area to come and join me in sharing Lord Caitanyas mercy during these four days. If you would like to stay on till the weekend of the October 17, then that can also be arranged. I will take the Sastra Ratha out again for Ojai Days on that date, I can provide modest accommodations at my home for those who may be coming from a distance. Please contact me directly if you would like to join me in this effort.

“Ojai Days” Downtown Ojai Street Fair October 17, 2015

Every year Ojai holds a street festival that draws out a wide variety of artists, musicians, dancers and of course, all sorts of social, religious and philanthropic groups. This little town hosts a bizarre collection of diverse lifestyles that make it easy to think of Ojai as the California version of Sedona, the mecca for New Age thought.

On the third Saturday of each year main street Ojai shuts down for “Ojai Days.” I have booked a spot to bring out the Sastra Rath to present Srila Prabhupadas books and reach out to those in the community that are ready to graduate to something more than just an imaginary relationship with God.. This is an all-day affair and a it offers a great opportunity to share what you have learned at the Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship Discussions with those who are lost in the sea of speculative thinking.

I would like to invite those who have the time to come by the AVA / Jagannatha Enterprises booth and spend time sharing what you can with those who want to know more about our gatherings. It makes for an interesting day and is all part of becoming more fixed up in our relationship with Krishna.

For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me. – Bg 18.68

I hope this meets all of you in good health and continuous thoughts about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna!

Thank You!

mayesvara dasa ACBSP
Ojai, California 93023
(805) 640-0405 mdjagdasa@gmail.com & Jagannatha.com