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Date Posted: 04:26:55 04/17/04 Sat
Author: Sundarar - 25 Mar 2004
Subject: essentials for rapid progress in kriya


Friends

Paramahansa Yogananda often said kriya yoga plus devotion was the way to God. Doctor Lewis often lectured on the two elements.
Someone posted Bhupendranath Sanyal's Gita awhile back and he addedin sensory control as well. I have thought on each very seriously as these 3 great ones all agreed on these points. Here is what I have determined so far.

Kriya: concentrated, deep, long kriya sessions for as many years as necessary

Devotion: Has 2 parts--desire or affection and surrender. (This is highlighted on the Anandamoy tape "Devotion")Desire for God must be burning longing such as a man drowning for air. The right conception of God is necessary---the essential aspect is bliss. A personal God is optional. Regardless, it should be something the chela can love. Emotion will not do.
Surrender-The higher end of devotion is surrender of the ego. In meditation while looking at the star it is advised to surrender to it--not to "churn the ether". Let the ego dissolve.

Devotion is also practiced by seeing all happenings as coming from God and having no resentment or resistance from the ego. This resentment gives way to doubt which is a killer on the path of Yoga. Itsays in the Gita the doubter is the most miserable of mortals. As regards meditation experiences, one should have a "what will be will be" attitude and should not snap at God like a hungry dog,as Anandamoy says.
Devotion also means seeGod as the doer of all actions.

My concept and actualization of devotion had really evolved the last 15 years with my growth. It is kriya that purifies this as we need to have pratyahara 1st before we even begin with pure devotion. Sri Yukteswar says in Holy Science devotion or bakti is merging in Om. This is my reality now, as opposed to placating some savior or diety to offer me protection and ego survival and sensory delights.

Perhaps those from other kriya lineages than SRF can comment, is devotion at all stressed in your lineages? Seems many of Lahiri's writings hold the relentless practice of kriya as devotion enough. Sanyal seems the exception to this.

sensory control: Many times this is labeled bramacharya, which is not conservation of sex energies only but all 5 senses. Many authorities agree on this. Moderation is the goal as repression won't work. But what is moderation? Achalananda of SRF told me once it is "a little less than you want". Seems many yogis say the place to start ones sensory control is with the palate. Gandhi oft said if you control this sense the other 4follow. In particular, the sex organ is linked up with the sanse of taste in the 2nd chakra. These two are the most troublesome. Again, what is moderation--I think you have to find your capacity, that is where your mind, body and emotions agree, thats your capacity. I read Lahiri said sex 2 times a month is a good guideline for most devotees. Anyone else read this? What about meat eating in other kriya lines?
Of course watching minimal TV is Anandamoy's favorite control and little speech is another (this is one of the 5 organs of sensory action).
This sensory control is a good addition to kriya and devotion in my opinion, as an uncontrolled life will leak the peace gained by the 1st two steps.

Sanyal says weakness in any one of these 3 areas can restrict rapid progress. It is true, I have seen few people with all 3 in tow.

I am eager for replies, sharing or discussion.

pranams

Sundarar

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