Today’s Meditation:
River Man
Celebrating the flow with Miten’s song. He sits beside the river and the river bestows its teaching to a silent heart. “…It’s not about the water, it’s all about the flow…”😊
Close to the water, that‘s where i am
The river is my teacher
Close to the water, that‘s my plan
The river is my teacher
Clean or dirty that‘s the way she goes
It‘s not about the water it‘s all about the flow
I am the river man
Close to the water i‘m on holy ground
The river is my teacher
I love to hear her singing, i love that sound
The river is my teacher
She takes the path of least resistance, i know
She says it‘s not about the distance, it‘s all about the flow
I am the river man
Well i could‘ve been a carpenter
Carving buddhas out of trees
And i could‘ve been a fisherman
Sailing out on the seas
But i became a ferryman
And in ones and twos and threes
I carry you over to the other side
Carry you over to the other side
Carry you over to the other side
Carry you over to the other side
Carry you over cross this river
Deep and wide
You can take my hand
I am the river man
Close to the water
That‘s where i‘ll end my days
The river is my teacher
Her words of wisdom come
In most melodious ways
The river is my teacher
She‘s still rolling – rolling down in my soul
It‘s all about the rhythm of life,
It‘s all about how we roll…
I am the river man
I am the river man
And I carry you over to the other side
The river is my teacher
Listen to the river now
I am the river man
(“River Man”, from the album “Temple At Midnight” by Miten. Composition: Miten)
We are honoured to receive you.
Meditation may look serious, but as your practice deepens you will discover a joyful activity. Meditation is an adventure into Nothingness. An experience of ‘relaxed awareness’.
We are here to replenish the spirit and rejuvenate the cells, so take the time to slow down. Find a comfortable space to sit, where you can be relaxed and at the same time, alert.
Sit with an upright spine if possible, and relax your shoulders. Remember, meditation is not a serious activity. It is a gift from ourselves to ourselves.
Make sure you will be undisturbed for the duration of the session.
If you choose to lie down remember this activity is not about falling into sleep, so bring your attention to the incoming and outgoing of your breath, and stay alert.
As the mind wanders, take care not to blame yourself.
Just simply come back to the mantra and the rhythm of your breath.
We suggest you meditate with closed eyes so you will be undistracted by any external sensation.
Our suggestion is to create a daily ritual that will support your meditation.
This could include:
- Lighting a candle.
- Lighting incense or using an aroma lamp.
- Ringing a temple bell (or chimes) at the beginning – and at the end – of every session.
We are practicing relaxed awareness. So do what you can to stay alert, and as your system gradually slows down you will become aware of the sounds around you. Listening to every sound, as God’s orchestra, your attention will eliminate the chatter of the busy mind.
Chant the mantra OM 3 times with the mudra ‘Namaste’.
This will tune you consciously into the energy of the sangha – your brothers and sisters and fellow travellers, who are also joining the meditation.
The duration of the meditation will be about 10-15 minutes. If possible, meditate at the same time, in the same location. This will create a nurturing habit that will support your practice.
Most meditations will include chanting and we encourage you to chant with us – the words and translations given each day will deepen your experience.
If you find that some of the mantras are too difficult, don’t worry. Just close your eyes and let the mantra penetrate your being. Let its transformative power wash over you.
Often we feel the effect of meditation when chant is completed. So don’t miss this powerful moment. Sit quietly for a few more minutes with your eyes closed, and give thanks by bowing in Namaste.
Complete your meditation with the Sanskrit prayer for Universal Peace:
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
And – remember – the quality of your meditation will radiate peaceful frequencies into the cosmic field – you are contributing to the welfare of your global human family.
Have a joyous meditation!