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Babaji; the Gurus and Masters that followed him and their various spiritual approaches. => Self Realization Fellowship meditation techniques; specifics => Topic started by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Jun 24, 2019 02:37 am



Title: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Jun 24, 2019 02:37 am
Bad habits are the worst enemies you can have. You are punished by those habits. They make you do things you do not want to do, and leave you to suffer the consequences. You must drop bad habits and leave them behind you as you move forward. Every day should be a transition from old habits to better habits. In this coming year make a solemn resolution to keep only those habits that are for your highest good.

The best way to get rid of your undesirable tendencies is not to think about them; do not acknowledge them. Never concede that a habit has a hold on you....You must develop “won't” habits. And stay away from those things that stimulate bad habits. ~ PY. https://yogananda.org/make-new-determinations-be-what-you-want-to-be

I find that habits are so persistent- even good ones - that they are hard to rid them when we want to. I often try to develop my memory and remember people, places and names that I have forgotten. However today while meditating I recognized the power of  a good habit being a bad one. I was meditating and suddenly tried to remember a grocery item I had bought that was on sale at the store. I could not remember it but my mind went on obsessing about what the item was despite telling myself I would not think about it. It seemed the more I told myself it wasn’t important and what was important now was meditating I still came back to the thought. Finally I did remember the item and my mind seemed somewhat relieved. The point is that even good habits can plague us in meditating.

Although we may obsess and dwell on thoughts whether they are good or bad. It is, rather, a condition of the mind which is obsessed about various thoughts. The mind has a hard time letting such thoughts flow on when they are no longer appropriate to the situation.


Title: Re: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: Rod Sterling on Jun 24, 2019 04:03 am
Some of us can obsess about obsessions we obsessed about. There are weapons that are simply thoughts. For the record, prejudices can kill and suspicion can destroy.


Title: Re: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: guest88 on Jun 24, 2019 06:44 am
Thank you divine friend for the inspiration.
I found this video today, it is very soothing and helpful.
https://youtu.be/WD92rXhJkCI


Title: Re: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Jun 24, 2019 08:20 am
See photo

Your video came to you by divine order. It is an answer to both our concerns.

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: guest88 on Jun 25, 2019 02:07 am
Thank you for the wonderful photo.


Title: Re: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: guest88 on Sep 02, 2019 06:37 am
Is it possible to be habit free?

Gurunath in this video is very endearing, playful and passionate about God- and he says something I found very important...
He says,
"I also am a chocolate man. Don't let this be an excuse: because I ate the chocolate I cannot meditate." He says we can reach the deepest forms of meditation while still having distractions- but do not let the distractions become excuses.

https://youtu.be/aSbWu8dthAM

So... Do not let your bad habits excuse you from practicing meditation.

And from a sympathetic viewpoint, Steve, even though you were distracted- at least you were practicing meditation. You do this routinely and it's like doing your good deed for the day.

I love the quote from PY.


Title: Re: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Sep 02, 2019 04:22 pm
I will be sure to watch this later Eric. Yes meditation has become such a habit to me that I have the challenge of not knowing when it interferes with my duties to this body, others and the earth that gives to us. Life is full of balance and knowing when to practice asceticism and when to practice seva (service to others and the body we must maintain). Also many of us - including myself - are unable to practice meditation long hours because our mind wonders too much on material phenomena which keeps us in need of worldly duties. It is amazing to see someone like Amma who no longer needs to meditate because she and the object of meditation have become one. She only helps others understand meditation and spends all her time serving others as an example of meditation in action.

Saw it this guy is terrific and knows how to connect with us mortals!!!


Title: Re: Habits and how they affect meditation
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Sep 03, 2019 02:29 am
Jai Chocolate Man Jai Guru!