BMC Newsletter #39

Dear students of meditation and those who search for wisdom's way

Today, I reflect on how the Yoga Center is doing here in Blackstone. The center is still here, but the interest is not. We started off with a flurry, but the snow didn’t stick and all the good intentions have melted away. People will call, usually a woman and a friend or daughter, promise to show up, and never do. But the center stays open, every Wednesday evening. I am here…for something.

My assessment of this empty center is that the center is no longer in alignment with my center. I am not a Hatha yoga teacher. Not only is my 70-year body unable to get in the postures without back strain and attacks of vertigo, but my practice has focused on meditation—that is what I do, in one form or another, 24 hours a day. The true center is within, and my thoughts circle around that “hole” of abundance like moths around a candle, trying but afraid to go in.

So why kid others and myself. I am someone who is just inviting people to share with him the practice of meditation. This is the way that has brought the doves of peace and joy to my life, and here is the food that will attract them to your life.
(As I write these words at my pond Friday morning, a beautiful morning dove lands, walks around my feet, goes to the pond and drinks, then, his wings making that unique dove noise, flies off.)

Now if someone wants a yoga routine, I’ll certainly help them, but the Wednesday night session will be a sharing of meditation and whatever instruction is asked for. If someone wants instruction in a yoga routine they can come on Tuesday evening, by appointment.

Why is it beneficial to have a group meditation? Whenever people gather together with the same intent—no matter what the intent— their efforts are magnified and obstacles, with the help of many shoulders, can be pushed aside. Meditation is not a passive activity or retreat from real life; it more like a house cleaning so your life will have room for your dreams. Meditation does not remove suffering; it allows us to transcend suffering so that suffering’s hidden light can rise above the clouds that we may see the horizon once more. Meditation does not pull troubles up by the roots like weeds—meditation shows us how to transform our troubles into compost for flowers.

So, the sign will be changed to The Blackstone Meditation Center, and here, with the grace of my Guru, Shri Swami Satchidanda, will be a place where the obstacles and forces of darkness can be removed from our path.

Thank you,
Ed
Om Peace
7/13/07
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