Learning Kundalini

Spirituality
#21

[QUOTE=Babs;71924]I am new to this forum, and live a long way away from any teachers. I am self taught in yoga and meditations, following my inner guidance. I am doiing a lot of reading and trying out different styles, different ways. A couple of years ago I became vegetarian and started practicing pranayama as taught by Swami Ramdev, I learned via DVD’s. It is hard to find the right way the right approach, but for me to follow my inner guidance has worked now for many years. I also do Kundalini yoga, maybe not the true one but the benefits I have had is tremendous. My physical , mental and emotional being is healing on a deep level, to me this is the most important way if you benefit from what you are doing follow it. Follow your inner guidance.

Just my thoughts
Barbara[/QUOTE]

Dear Barbara,

I do not want to disqualify the importance of inner guidance, for surely it has merit. Also, I am happy to hear about the benefits you are enjoying. However, the guru/disciple tradition is not an arbitrary one. I encourage you to find a self-realized teacher who can offer you guidance, even if that teacher is not geographically near. The truth is that very few people can pull themselves up by the bootstraps and plumb the depths of Self all on their own. I am sure that there is some individual living in this world who can read a series of Time-Life books on the subject of construction and then, with no experience or personal training, go out and build a house, but you must recognize how rare that person would be.

If inner guidance was all that is necessary, why did you watch DVD’s teaching breathing techniques or attempt Kundalini Yoga? Isn’t it obvious that inner guidance alone is insufficient for most? An experienced teacher is an indispensable resource; don’t deprive your self of such a valuable tool. “No man is an island.” We need one another. The guru needs to pass on his understanding and experience as a part of his/her journey, and the disciple needs the wisdom and experience that the sage has to offer.

I wish you all the best, and I sincerely hope you find what your heart is truly searching for.

Warmly,
Arthur

#22

Dear Arthur,
I fully agree with you, but while one has no guru or has not found the guru, following your inner guidance will help a lot as I have certainly experienced. I have gone through massive healing crisis, physical and mental by just keep on centering myself and following my inner guidance. Yes I have learned some ways and ideas from reading and researching the internet and put together my own routine or routines that suite what I need each day, having the awareness and observation to understand my body, mind and spirits need and then following this.
Well maybe you have some insights how I could find my master.
Thanks
Barbara

#23

[QUOTE=Babs;71927]Dear Arthur,
I fully agree with you, but while one has no guru or has not found the guru, following your inner guidance will help a lot as I have certainly experienced. I have gone through massive healing crisis, physical and mental by just keep on centering myself and following my inner guidance. Yes I have learned some ways and ideas from reading and researching the internet and put together my own routine or routines that suite what I need each day, having the awareness and observation to understand my body, mind and spirits need and then following this.
Well maybe you have some insights how I could find my master.
Thanks
Barbara[/QUOTE]

Dear Barbara,

I empathize with what you are saying, and I think most of us can relate to some degree. You don’t currently have a teacher, but you still have a desire to grow and even be transformed. Like I said earlier, I don’t want to devalue your inner guidance (inner guru), because it is very useful and even necessary. I only want to encourage to continue searching for someone who has traveled ahead of you and can provide guidance based on hard earned experience.

Unless you are fortunate enough to have someone like this nearby, you may need to travel. I don’t know if I can help give you any more detailed help than this, but feel free to PM if you like. I will do what I can.

Warmly,
Arthur

#24

yogiluver, what do you mean by a cultish vibe ? it is easy in the west to forget that the eastern approach to spirituality is very different than the approach of the west to life that some of it might look “cultish”… like surrendering to the guru with complete trust and so on.

#25

Atmadarshan_1,

Yogilover is referring to the hundreds of cults in America, India, etc. - Surrendering to such a cult guru is certain spiritual and mental death. He is wise to ask such questions. If you honestly do not know the different between a cult and an authentic teacher, check out the show “Guru Busters” on YouTube. Also you could research the cults of Osho/Rajneesh, Mahesh Yogi, ISKON, Mormonism, Scientology and so on. Namaskar.

#26

Properly understanding the meaning of the word cult will bring realization that any group can be categorized as a cult.

#27

Ray,

When I am using the word ‘cult’ I am referring to the sects that teach hypocritical doctrines, surrender to an impersonal god-head-guru-person (“Sri Mataji” etc.), extort their followers for money, and subject them to dehumanizing conditions. I am not referring to ancient cults of Sanatan Dharma etc. I am speaking of modern day cults like OSHO, Mahesh Yogi, Mataji/Sahaja Yoga, Kriyananda, etc.

Do you understand my meaning? It is different than your meaning.

#28

[QUOTE=omshanti;72432]
Do you understand my meaning? It is different than your meaning.[/QUOTE]

I assumed the way you intended, realizing there is nothing negative with the word cult; Alcoholics Anonymous can be defined as a cult, along with any political party, religion or any other organization, I understand your intent.

Consider substituting “spiritual circus” for “cult”?