Alright, so thank you very much for coming. We’re very happy to see so many people interested in the subject of reincarnation. So we’re going to begin with a little meditation. This is part of the yoga teachings. And there are many different yoga systems. But in all the different yoga teachings or systems or paths, meditation is one of the main activities. So that’s how we are going to begin.
And there are three reasons for this. Number one, we’ve probably been quite active or busy all day and we need to relax, slow down, settle in a little bit. Number two, the meditation will help us to understand our subject matter a little more clearly, a little more easily. And finally, you get to learn the meditation and you can take it home with you.
So in the packages that you received, there are two cards with mantras on them. This is the type of meditation we are going to be doing. Mantras are transcendental sounds. They originate in the spiritual realm and descend into the material realm. Because they come from the spiritual dimension, they bring with them great spiritual power. When we come in contact with this sound vibration, automatically we will receive great spiritual benefit.
So in the package there are two mantra cards. We’re going to use the one that has GAURANGA NITAI GAUR on it. Everyone see that one? GAURANGA NITAI GAUR. This is a mantra made from two mantras really, but we are just going to use the top, GAURANGA. You’ll notice GAURANGA is divided into four syllables GAUR-RA-ANG-GA. And to just make sure we have our pronunciation correct, we can practice saying that now. First I will say the mantra and then everyone can respond. Everybody ready?
GAUR-RA-ANG-GA
GAUR-RA-ANG-GA
(audience repeats twice)
Very good. Now, our technique is also very easy. It’s a deep breathing technique. We begin by breathing in through our nose very slowly and gently, but also very deeply. We want to take the air all the way down to the lower abdomen. When we inhale, silently in the mind we will chant GAUR-RA-ANG-GA. Then when our body’s filled with air, we begin to exhale and out loud we chant GAUR-RA-ANG-GA. And then we’ll repeat this several times.
Before we begin, we want to relax. And to help us relax, we’re going to take a big breath and let it out. Then while we do the meditation, we want to listen very closely to the sound. And also put our mind on the sound. In other words, meditate on the sound.
I’ll give you a demonstration so you can see exactly how it works, and then we can all do it together. And we always encourage everyone to take part in the meditation. Okay, so here’s the demonstration. I’m going to begin by taking a big breath and relaxing. Now very slowly, gently and deeply I inhale and chant Gauranga in the mind. (on the outbreath, chanting out loud)
GAUR-RA-ANG-GA
GAUR-RA-ANG-GA
Alright, it’s just that easy. So let’s all do that now. It’s good to sit erect in your seat, this helps us to breathe. Feet flat on the floor is actually the best. Now all you have to do is simply follow my guidance, remember to relax, meditate on the sound, and when we’ve finished, just sit quietly for a couple of moments so you can feel the effect.
Okay, everybody take a big breath, let it out, and relax. And now very slowly, gently and deeply inhale and chant Gauranga in the mind. (on the outbreath, chanting out loud)
GAUR-RA-ANG-GA. GAUR-RA-ANG-GA. GAUR-RA-ANG-GA…
(repeated several times, with the audience)
Two more times. (repeated twice, with the audience)
HARIBOL. So you can see this is a very easy meditation to do, and maybe also you’ll find it’s quite relaxing. It’s an excellent way to start your day, it’s also an excellent way to end the day just before you go to sleep at night. So take your cards with you and you can practice on your own. And just as a reminder, tomorrow night we’re giving a complete presentation on meditation. So we invite you.