Today’s Meditation:
Hu Allah Hu
A live recording of a Sufi chant that says “there is no God but God” – All is one – All is divine. As you become familiar with the melody and the words, let yourself simply sing and dance with us.
Hu allahu allazi la illaha illa hua
Hu allahu allazi la illaha illa hu
God is God.
Nothing exists without God’s existence.
Hafiz, the wonderful Persian Sufi poet says:
I GOT KIN
PLANT
So that your own heart
Will grow.
LOVE
So God will think, “Ahhhhh,
I got kin in that body!
I should start inviting that soul over
For coffee and rolls.”
SING
Because this is a food
Our starving world needs.
LAUGH
Because that is the purest sound.
Hafiz (translation by Daniel Ladinksy)
(“Hu Allah Hu”, recorded live in Holland by Deva Premal & Miten with Manose. Unreleased. Composition: Chisti Brotherhood/ Ajmer)
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!