prayer

For the next few weeks these posts will be devoted to the topic of prayer. Meditation leads to surrender; surrender leads to prayer. For now, let's define prayer as remembering the Divine (God if you prefer that term).

The first thing to note about prayer is that we are always in prayer.

Our thoughts and hopes are always directed toward something; it may be hoping that our job situation will improve, that we might lose some weight or that we might become a better person. Some of us are locked into what I might call "negative prayer" ... that is, putting our focus on the negative aspects of life.

Worship is defined as love and devotion to something. Wanting things like a better job, more money, and such things is, in fact, an act of worship. Of course, we worship that which we believe will bring is happiness and peace.

In spiritual circles worshiping things is called idolatry

So now the question (because we are always in worship) is: " What are you choosing to worship"?

Think about this .... ok?

bob

Meditation is, at the root, a profound surrender of everything we think, feel, and experience. It is a willing and loving submission to the Unknown.

So ... during our practice periods we simply sit in stillness and let that which is not seen guide us ... guide us Home.

Empty yourself utterly,

bob

why effort in meditation practice is important

Unless you make tremendous efforts, you will not be convinced that effort will take you nowhere. The self is so self-confident that unless it is totally discouraged it will not give up. Mere verbal conviction is not enough. Hard facts alone can show the absolute nothingness of the self-image. 



Sri Nisargatta Maharaj