Be Here Now, a simple concept that has profound implications. Imagine if we were fully present in our jobs, the problems and solution that we could see and actively work toward. Imagine the love and joy that we could share with friends and family because we are no longer weighed down by emotional baggage, and a desire to escape into fantasy when things are not going our way.
It is very pleasant and peaceful, Being Here Now, though it can slip through our fingers quite easily. Here one moment, and gone the next.
Ram Dass a spiritual teacher of yoga that many considered a Guru or remover of darkness and guide to the light of the soul recently transitioned into pure spirit (December 22, 2020). His book, Be Here Now was the first book on yoga I read that descried the more mystical and spiritual side of yoga. Spiritual heights that could free one from suffering, and make this body and mind an offering to truly selfless service for the good of all beings. It would have seemed like a pipe dream to me, but the practices of yoga were pleasant, and stress relieving, practical, and not terribly difficult for the most part. Gradually this body and mind is becoming more pleasant and well adjusted, life feel less of a struggle, and I feel happier to help with a smile no less.
Be Here Now has many of these yoga practices described within. The guiding message is very practical, we all have the potential to Be Here Now. We do find presence here and there. And this awareness can be nurtured in different ways. An effective path is meditation, contemplation, and reciting of sacred stories of pure beings. The Ramayana, one of these sacred stories, one way to gain this clarity found in the state of Being Here Now. Ram Dass was guided by the light of Ram though his Guru, and through the Ramayana.
I invite you to continue studying the Ramayana with me in the New Year within the frame of “Be Here Now.” Let us actively engaging in practices of presence and loving action in our everyday life whether with friends, family, at work, or privately, seeking the Truth every moment, courageously giving our attention to peace and joy :-) Bless you, my friend, thank you for spending time Here Now with me, may you always have the light of Love to help guide you into the present moment :-) May we all serve the Lord to the best of our ability like Sri Ram Dass :-)
For a practice that might bring you into the present moment quickly I recommend Japa, repetition of a holy name to quite the mind waves. Ram Dass would repeat the name “Ram.” Over and over. Find a quite space were you will not be disturbed, take a seat either on a mat or on a chair, trying to have as upright a posture in the back as possible. Repeat, “Ram” as many times as you can. Allow yourself to be carried away by the sacred vibration, resonating deep within. This is a difficult practice, do not be deceived, but it is among the most simple and effective yoga practices if one practices with surrender and faith.
Join me next week for the next part in the Ramayana. Hanuman, within the demon city, Lanka, meets a dear devotee of Sri Ram, Vibhishan.