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With early spring rains and warming temperatures heralding the earth’s annual renewal,    we as an intimate part of Nature experience  this same powerful force that impels “the green shoots to break the winter ground.”  Primal energies stir us to clean our closets, organize our desks, repaint rooms, cleanse our bodies and open our hearts, rejuvenating ourselves on every level.  As  the heavy earthen darkness of Winter yields to  the cleansing showers of Spring,  Mother Nature herself  invites us to bring our bodies into harmony with this seasonal change by lightening up.  She offers a bounty of new spring greens (both bitter & astringent in quality) to purify and detoxify our tissues from the heavier diets of winter.  Since the beginning of time, ancient cultures have participated  in Spring cleansing observances to preserve the health of their communities.

The 5000 yr old science of Ayurveda describes three combinations of energy  (doshas) at play in our bodies as well as the natural world: Vata, Pitta & Kapha.  Vata, the cold, mobile, drying force of air,  & space, (“that which blows”) dominates  the season of autumn & early winter; Kapha, a combination of the solid,  liquid elements earth and water,  (“that which sticks” -  think of mud!) is on the rise in late winter and early spring;  Pitta, (” that which cooks”) composed of the warmth of  fire &  fluidity  of water, expresses itself thru the seasons of late spring and summer.

By understanding the qualities inherent in each season, we can create health & balance in our physiology and bring more harmony and bliss to our mental & emotional natures.

Kapha, the dosha or natural force that governs strength, immunity, structure & lubrication in our bodies, is oily, slimy, cool, moist, sticky, heavy, stable, strong and soft. As Kapha slowly  accumulates in late winter-early spring, (  a result of heavier  winter holiday eating and improper digestion & elimination), congestive disturbances like sneezing, coughs and colds may result as the body tries to reduce and balance  Kapha .   With the  seasonal change in the angle of the sun, the earth begins to thaw & warm. This  signals  us to shift our food intake to lighter, dryer fare in order to open up the body’s channels or srotas, to easily clear congestion & toxins,  known as ama in Ayurveda. Springtime allergies, though not directly related to Kapha accumulation, do reflect an increase in ama from improper digestion, which ultimately gets deposited in other weakened tissues of the body, creating symptoms.  Higher springtime pollen counts can trigger these symptoms.

To  balance ourselves with these springtime energies, we can add more warmth, dryness and lightness to the body with Diet, Exercise, special Pranayama tecniques, Spices, Herbs, Herbal teas, Ayurvedic fasting and Panchakarma according to our unique constitution. ( An Ayurvedic practitioner can individualize all of these practices for you and the latter two require this professional attention.)

DIET:

Favor  warm, freshly prepared , whole organic  foods that increase light & dry qualities in the body.   Include spinach, dandelion greens, endive, lettuces and other cooked leafy greens.   Emphasize lighter, dryer grains like millet, quinoa; poultry or dryer fish like sole.  Enjoy roasted veggies or whole grain toast, &  toasted sandwiches.  Fruits like cherries, berries or pomegranates.  Apples and pears are also astringent.

Warming, even hot & pungent spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cayenne, jalapenos, chili flakes, onions,  garlic are all proven remedies for Kapha and help to liquefy toxins for release from tissues.  Add while cooking or sprinkle on food.  (CAUTION:  Avoid these heating spices in cooking and in the following recipes in cases of high Pitta  - inflammatory conditions – such as ulcers, colitis, canker sores, bleeding hemmoroids etc.)

Kapha Spice Mix:

1 Tbl. Fenugreek seeds

2 tbl. Whole coriander seeds

1 tbl. Ground ginger

1 tbl. Whole cumin seeds

1 tbl. Ground turmeric

1 tbl. Gr. Cinnamom

1 tbl. Dried sage leaves

1 tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder

–Grind finely in electric grinder and store in spice jar

Ginger Chutney: (reduces Kapha)

1 tbl. Lime juice

1/3 cu. fresh squeezed orange juice

¾ cu. chopped peeled ginger root

½ cu. raisins

Combine in food processor & grind.  Enjoy a small taste before or with meals.

Avoid ice cold water & cold juices which can increase congestion & colds esp. during this season.  Also avoid sweet, sour & salty foods which also increase congestion like  cookies, candies, donuts, ice cream;  limit yogurt, (unless freshly homemade in small amts.)  cheeses, junk foods, stale food.  Cut down on red meats which are very heavy and amagenic.

HERBAL TEAS – some possibilities to reduce Kapha ,  Ama,  and gently stimulate metabolism, digestion and elimination:

Classic cleanser to clear ama and reduce Kapha:

In a full 1 qt. thermos of boiled water steep & sip thru the day:

1 tsp. fennel

½ tsp. coriander

½ tsp cumin

Ginger Tea:

1 glass warm water

1 tbsp. raw honey (never boil honey) (honey is astringent, drying)

½ fresh lemon or lime

1/8 tsp. fresh grated ginger

Cinnamon Ginger Tea

1 stick cinnamon

3-4 cloves

¼ tsp fresh grated ginger root

Boil in a cup of water 2-3 minutes and when slightly cooler add 1 tbsp. honey

EXERCISE - Keep your metabolism lively with 30 minutes of  daily moderate-intensity exercise:  brisk walking,  hiking, biking are some activities that increase internal heat, prevent congestion, and encourage the release of cellular toxins.

ASANA & PRANAYAMA

Sun Salutations and warrior poses as well as vinyasas (linked, flowing poses)  are warming and stimulating for the body. Since the seat of Kapha is in the lungs and stomach, we want to cleanse these organs of excess accumulation of mucous and phlegm, so poses like twists and backbends are also effective.

Kapalabhati ( forceful exhale, quiet inhale) & Bhastrika (forceful exhale and inhale) & Surya Bhedana ( breathing in through the right nostril and out left) Pranayamas increase heat in the body. Agni Sara kriya helps to increase digestive fire and cleanse the lungs and stomach.  (drawing the stomach in and up while holding the breath out).   Consult with an instructor of Yoga for proper technique and individual suitability as per constitution.

HERBS- Investigate Triphala, a combination of three(bitter & astringent) fruits , and Trikatu, a combination of three pungents.  Both these formulas  improve digestion, elimination and reduce congestion. (Consult your health care provider before taking herbs.)

BODY THERAPIES AND NETI POT – Cleansing the nasal passages with lukewarm salt water in the spring daily or as needed followed with sesame oil anointing ( with a clean little finger, gently oil inside of nose); helps open nasal passages and encourage sinus drainage. Dry brushing the skin with raw silk gloves, a natural brush or loofa before self massage with oil & showering , will stimulate the lymphatics and promte detoxification through the skin.

AYURVEDIC FASTING & PANCHAKARMA – consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner to learn about these powerful cleansing protocols.  One simple method of Ayurvedic fasting is to dine on cleansing Kitchari for lunch and dinner for three to seven days.  You can find many Kitchari recipes online.

MEDITATION – LAST BUT MOST PRIMARY:

Learn  and practice Regular Effortless Meditation, which takes us to the source of our liveliness, Consciousness Itself.  From this  contact with Pure Consciousness, our energies are perpetually renewed & rejuvenated, bringing eternal Springtime and bliss to every level of our beings.

Dr. Paul Dugliss, M.D., founder of New World Ayurveda in Santa Barbara, California, will be at the Blue Lotus Sanctuary in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho from December 15, 2009 through December 20, 2009.

He will be offering a Solstice Mediation Retreat from Friday evening, December 18, 2009 through Sunday afternoon, December 20, 2009.

He will also be available from December 15th through December 18th for consultations, meditation instruction, and initiation. Please contact Patricia @ 208.665.1946 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

“Education is the key to health. My goal is to teach my patients how to maintain and promote their health. Ultimately, my desire  is that they learn so much and so well that they no longer need my services.” ~Dr. Paul Dugliss, M.D.

Ayurvedic Consultations: Ayurveda recognizes that physical well-being is connected to the biological cycles of nature, to the deeper laws of nature, and to the universe itself. Ayurveda is the premier holistic medicine, incorporating detailed knowledge of the interactions between consciousness, mind and body. Ayurveda is the mother of all natural medicines, and incorporates diet, herbs, aromas, yoga, meditation and other modalities to restore balance and correct difficult to solve physical challenges.

Ayurvedic Counseling is applying the knowledge of consciousness and balance to help with psychological and spiritual challenges. Modern psychiatry relies heavily on drugs to help with mental and emotional problems, almost to the exclusion of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy often overlooks the important role physical imbalance plays in perpetuating emotional states. Ayurvedic Counseling allows the physical body to be balanced through diet, herbs, and yoga. It also addresses emotional challenges but it does so utilizing techniques of consciousness to move the process to a faster resolution. Approaching emotional challenges from the level of the body, mind, and spirit makes Ayurvedic Counseling a truly holistic approach.

I came across this website called YogaDownload.com that I thought looked interesting. Not only do they offer free 20 minute yoga routines for download, but they have lots of options if you are willing to pay a few bucks. Each class can be downloaded in a 20 minute, 30 minute, 60 minute, or sometimes even longer versions. And each class, despite its duration, also comes with a pose guide sheet in PDF format.

I also noticed one option was to build your own custom routine. All the different segments of a good yoga routine are broken into approximately 5 -10 minute sections. You can mix and match, pick and choose, and build your own custom routine. Each segment only costs $.50.  And you also get the pose guides for each segment.

Join author Cheri Calvert for a Book Reading/Signing of The Garden Song – A true story about rape.

Monday, October 12, 2009
7pm – 8pm

Location:
Blue Lotus Sanctuary
613 Dollar Street
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Click here for a Printable PDF Flyer

Visit http://www.the-garden-song.com for more info.

Donna Sferra has been practicing Anusara yoga since 2002 with her beloved teacher Patricia Berger. She recently finished a year long immersion and teachers training course offered by Karen Sprute-Francovich who is a certified Anusara yoga instructor.   With the love and encouragement of both teachers Donna is inspired to teach and continue to grow in yoga (union of body, mind and spirit.)

Donna is a Physical Therapist Assistant so brings her knowledge of anatomy and physical rehabilitation along with patience and a keen eye for observation.

She is in the process of applying for Yoga Alliance Registration and plans to further her knowledge in the Anusara tradition.   She is dedicated to bringing joy, challenge, and inspiration to her students.

Restoring the Sacred Feminine

Inspiration,  Gentle Asana, Pranayama, Restorative poses, Yoga Nidra & Meditation to nurture the heart & body, deeply relax the nervous system and revitalize Prana.  Don’t miss these special sessions!

Wednesdays: July 29 | Aug. 5 | Aug. 12
7-9pm:  $15 each session  or  $40 for all three evenings

March 2009 – Cleanse & Renew for Spring
Learn how to uncover and recover your radiant health

Join Ayurvedic Physician Dr. Nandan Lele from Pune, India, Patricia Berger, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and your Coeur D’ Alene Ayurvedic Community now.

Attend classes – participate in demonstrations – detox and rejuvenate
(via Panchakarma “PK”) – learn asana, pranayama, meditation

CLEANSE & RENEW PROGRAMS

March 18th – April 3rd – Individual Consultations
By appointment with Dr. Nandan LeLe from Pune, India, and Patricia Berger Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. Create your personal Spring Detox program or simply address a health concern. Choose from a range of affordable and doable cleansing programs for additional cost (Purvakarma/Panchakarma)
Cost: $70./consultation; (additional cost in conjunction with cleansing programs)

“Detox & Rejuvenate”

You choose: At Home Cleanse ($150)
Two Day Cleanse with Treatments ($200 Day)
or full Five Day Cleanse with Treatments ($1000)

(Price includes consults & follow-up support)
Dr. LeLe and Ayurvedic Practioner P. Berger will assist with your physical, mental and spiritual renewal program via Ayurvedic treatments and yoga practices. No two people are alike and no two Detox and Rejuvenation Therapies (PKs) are the same.

Click here for YOGA ASANA & PRANAYAMA CLASS SCHEDULE

March 19th – “Renew & Rejuvenate with Ayurveda. Clear Up Chronic Health Conditions and Shed Excess Weight. INCREASE ENERGY, REDUCE STRESS” – Free Introductory talk
Learn Ayurvedic principles that apply to you personally which will change your life and your health.
Pilgrim’s Market 4th St. CDA 7:00 – 9:00

March 21st & April 4 – ” AYURVEDIC NUTRITION: Experience Optimal Energy & Conquer Food Cravings With The Six Tastes”
Morning: Lecture plus Herb & Spice tour – Pilgrims, 9:30 am-12:00 pm Cost: $20.
Afternoon: Hands-on cooking demonstration & recipes to help you learn how to prepare delicious foods that promote health and well being.
Blue Lotus Sanctuary 613 Dollar St. CDA 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Cost: $30.

March 26th – “Age Gracefully”
Interactive class that will instruct and demonstrate simple lifestyle changes that make life cycles and transitions easier, happier, healthier for – YOU.
Pilgrim’s Market 4th St. CDA 7:00 – 9:00 Cost: $20.

April 1st – “Home Remedies For Common Imbalances”
Interactive class that will help you learn to skillfully choose Ayurvedic home remedies to deal common imbalances (insomnia, indigestion, colds, arthritis, excess wt., etc.) using herbs, teas, food, yoga & breath work as medicine.
Pilgrim’s Market 4th St. CDA 7:00 – 9:00 Cost: $20.

To apply for your personal Cleansing Program or
for further information, contact Patricia Berger
Phone: 208.659-9447 or Email: oneheart@bluelotussanctuary.com

Over the course of six days, Margo’s skilled, loving & deeply nourishing Ayurvedic treatments brought renewal to my body , reawakened bliss in every cell & cleared away mind-fog. ( I count my sisters’ birthday treat of a nurturing massage with our Goddess friend Carlysle the day before coming to Maui as part of this experience, so I was able to address all 7 dhatus ? tissue layers- in the body with this retreat time.) Last evening Margo led me thru a restorative practice designed to support digestion & integration on every level. The accumulation of my surrender, & all procedures & therapies, has lifted the veil of confusion & restored great clarity to the mind. The luminous simplicity of insight will guide me in the days ahead as I readjust the emphasis of my yoga practice and work patterns to truly nourish myself at this cycle of life in accordance with my highest understanding. With all good intention, I have continued to choose a work pace & style of practice which has allowed vata to accumulate and exhaust me. I have had glimmerings of this over the past months & years and made little changes, but fears and the force of habit kept me doing basically the same stuff in the same old ways that worked as a younger woman and are simply not appropriate or desired by me anymore as I head into decade 7. I envision a life of vibrancy will continue to unfold that will include work & service and also be more internally focused, with lots more play, slower deeper yoga and meditative stillness, time in nature with those I love. Somehow I have been quite confused about how to create this shift, but not anymore. I guess I needed to take the vata edge off with oily nurturance ? snehana – and the embrace of Mother Maui in order to really see the road to change.! Though I don?t know all it will entail, the direction is sure?it feels like a strong current of intention & knowing flowing from within.

“?When you do things from the soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy??”
Rumi

Speaking of seeing with all eyes, ,every day along with full-body abhyanga, I received nasya & karma poorana, therapies designed to open and purify the senses of sight and hearing and to balance prana vata. Thorough head and facial massage, working with important marma points, prepare one for the reception of oil in the ears & nose. The 3rd eye is anointed, and Margo also placed special vision-enhancing drops in my physical eyes (which stung at first and then immediately shifted into a bright coolness.) This sense therapy, hrid basti (warm oil applied in a dough ring over the heart to calm & lighten and ? as I experienced- draw the overactive mind into the heart,), two shirodharas (a 20 min. stream of warm oil over the forehead & crown,) and her amazing work on my neck and back completed the incredible transformation I slowly experienced over the course of a week. It is impossible to fully describe the accumulated effect of these treatments on the body and mind. As I felt my self coming back to life, on the second to last night I asked myself, ?what happens, that I so lose track of the fullness of being which is possible for a human to experience?? I know myself again, in a grounded and calm way, and the worlds (inner & outer) feel vast & spacious.

I cannot overestimate the importance of the container for this experience: silence & solitude. It allowed such a deep receptivity to the full sensual experience of Maui, profound rest and Purvakarma. Also the Grace of many Teachers who appeared to challenge & inspire me ? a priceless gift I did not expect. My location just a short walk from the place of treatment fulfilled another need for my overstimulated organism: : ease of access and no driving. Of course, the dietary protocol also offered cleansing & grounding support. Next year when I do this, I will give myself an additional week to just be still and integrate the changes before heading back . I will have an interim few days in Phx. with Aurora this year before heading home. I am more convinced than ever of the need to bring these rejuvenation therapies into a wider understanding for the renewal of body-mind energies and the unfoldment of consciousness on the planet. They can really be incorporated as a lifestyle , into shorter programs and daily routines as we know. It simply requires understanding and discipline to reap rich rewards. And periodically, to withdraw for a time with the
intention of a thorough cleanse( PK), or primarily rejuvenation focus as I did. If one is thoroughly educated and prepared with a protocol, a self-administered retreat could curtail expense. But if one finds a trustworthy, nurturing practitioner and context, the aspect of surrender into the hands of such a therapist can allow a fuller release and rebirth. The optimal length, venue, & style of retreat chosen depends on one?s needs
& resources at the given time; this one just really worked for me in my current state. It surely reinforced the joy I feel receiving & offering such experiences in the midst of immense natural beauty & spiritually charged company.

As I think of returning home, I am looking forward to the challenge of
finding my balance and maintaining the silence of equanimity midst the routines of daily life. I like what Vipassana meditation teacher Sharon Salzburg has to say about balance: “there is an ease that comes that comes with realizing we stumble all the time, lose our balance & fall, and find that there is another tightrope waiting ? that mind based in equanimity has space enough to allow for a full range of emotions, and to see around them, or through them, so that everything becomes workable.”

Walking along country roads this morning inhaling the wafting, pungent scents of ozone mingled with subtle florals & warm horse hay after a day of rain?intoxicating. The brightness after gray seems incandescent?everything
lit from within and swaying in the strong morning breeze. I am wrapped to minimize the vata-increasing effects of the wind?but even tho’ Margo reiterated my classic book -case high vata, I couldn’t stay inside.

I know Shakti is active everywhere and at all times, but sometimes her play is more apparent?like at dawn here on Maui. At night she rests in the arms of her beloved Shiva, slumbering in the depths of Haleakala, which rises behind my island house. Then before the first light she wakes, and in a lavish display of glory & generosity, she spreads herself across the sky with infinite variety of subtle shades & hues, illuminating the sea, mts., grasses & trees, so that all one can do is pranam in silent ecstasy or whirl across the lawn in wild praise of this miraculous unveiling of Self.

Puffy clouds billowing against yesterday’s blue sky have morphed into a dark shroud this morning; the island is wrapped in gray. Out my big picture (!) window, an east wind bends the palm trees & blows the rain in horizontal
sheets across the lawn . I decided to stay in to meditate.

The BIG PICTURE is all around me as well as within. The gift of this place opens my eyes as never before. Sinking deeply into the daily annointings & Ayurvedic treatments, my eyes, ears, mind and heart realize the Truth that
has always been present. Stillness reigns. My busy- mind plans, thoughts, anxieties & worries about future unfoldments, bodily health, work schedules & priorities begin to soften & dissolve into the vast silence of the Heart. They will surely recur and show themselves as the dancing ego, but inner guides and teachers here have reminded & assured me that we are already totally Free and can humorously & affectionately even, meet & embrace our fears from the real ground of Self. We just have to decide , & choose to live our freedom. This is good news for me, whose mind
occasionally creates such turbulent weather that I make myself physically sick. I have definitely overi-dentified with thought.

As this Maui storm swirls and howls around the house, I am content to just be here. Up till today it’s been sunny, but I’ve only driven the 20 min. to the beach once. I stopped at the grocery store to replenish the vegetables
& fruit I bought on the way in. The island is loaded with attractions, shopping & magical places, and this is the first time I have been here and gone nowhere. Other than Margo and occasionally Jeffrey, I’ve spoken to noone, and this has also softened my face & mind. I sit, dance, (Susan has an amazing music collection), walk, do yoga, cook my simple meals, clean up, nap, read a little. I feel the heartbeat of the world here more strongly
than other places, for some reason. Every time I come to Maui this has happened. Maybe it’s the poignant awareness of being on a small speck of land out in the ocean that brings the cries of the planet more loudly to my ears. Here I am always naturally impulsed to Tonglen & Metta practice.

Karen’s Indian journal has especially touched me (www.gardentstreetyoga.net ), as well as writings from the Gurus of the house ( Ramana Maharshi & various disciples as well as some Buddhist teachers & the passionate poetry of Rumi).

Some jewels of inspiration:

“Dedicate a quarter of a second to the Self” – Poonjaji

“Who Am I?”

“‘Absorption into the Source’ or core of existence (the Heart) is what the paths of Karma, Bhakti, Yoga & Jnana teach.

When the mind withdraws from external objects of sense & beholds it’s own effulgent form, that is true wisdom.

Whence does this ‘I’ arise? Seek this within This ‘I’ then vanishes. This is the pursuit of wisdom. ”
Sri Ramana Maharshi

As a Tantrika, I understand this Advaitic teaching well, and enfold it into the knowing that all sense objects also enshrine & reveal the shining truth “I AM” if we have the eyes to see! There is nothing that is not Shiva- the Heart is all-pervasive.

“The deeper the humility with which we conduct ourselves, the better it is for us. Everything that is offered to others is really and offering to oneself. Not to desire anything extraneous to oneself is Vairagya or Dispassion. Not to give up one’s hold on the self is Jnana or Enlightenment. Thus Vairagya and Jnana are really one and the same. Pledged to Vairagya, every aspirant must dive deep into herself and realize the precious Atman, the Self Absolute.”
-Ramana

There is more, but I need to move the body now!

After lunch:

Since last Friday I have only eaten kitchari. Every day I make it fresh & switch off the vegetables for a little variety. I rotate thru asparagus, beets, chard, kale, island carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, onions, garlic, ginger, turnips, with fresh turmeric, & seeds of, coriander, fennel, cumin,,mustard sautéed in ghee. Sometimes I add salt & herbes de provence. And a tsp. or more of flax oil over all. The first couple of days, I added a few sardines for lunch. I forgot, for breakfast I make a warm shake with overnight -soaked almonds & dates with some stewed apples and cooked Ezechial cereal. I will continue thru Thursday and then start adding different grains and slowly bits of fish & other animal protein. I
haven’t missed sugar and am feeling lighter, and very grounded at once. Also, I have been eating enough that I haven’t lost weight. This was to be a different kind of rejuvenation, with more emphasis on building & nourishing than cleansing. I will add some nourishing oil bastis toward the end of the week. The coriander-cumin-fennel tea , walking, asana (& agni sara kriya) & my own warm- oil belly massages supplement Margo’s work and elimination of “old stuff” on every level. Decided to do my Spring cleanse early so I can be ready to help the kula next month! Love the simplicity.

From “Meeting Papaji”, a collection of essays gathered by Roslyn More

Enlightenment is here and now! We are all enlightened, but we don’t know it. Bondage is only a concept, he says. It’s not real. We can wake up from the illusion right now. All we need is a desire for freedom and one moment of inner silence. One moment between two thoughts, two breaths. No need to meditate or practice. ( I strongly believe making time regularly to be in meditative stillness is essential.; the postures for this can vary according to need and temperament.) Nothing to learn, nothing to do. Nothing to reach, grasp or understand. One only needs to keep quiet. That means not doing anything, not stirring a single thought, having no desire, no wanting, no attachment, no expectations.” Shanti Devi

Every person is realized. It is only doubt that makes you think you aren’t realized. When there is a new statue about to to be presented at a ceremony, and there is a sheet wrapped around it to cover it, is the statue there? Of course it is. When the sheet is removed you see the statue. Realization is always there, and you see it when the doubts are removed. Surendra

When Hui Neng was asked by one man “Please teach me the truth,” Hui Neng said the same words as Ramana: “Keep quiet.” When the man became quiet, Hui Neng asked, now when your mind is not dwelling on good or bad, at this very moment, who are you? What is your original face?” As soon as the man listened to these words, he at once became enlightened.” Chandra

The most that he (Poonjaji, disciple of Ramana) offers is a method to be quiet. When you just don’t follow thoughts, the Self that you are reveals itself naturally. And if people had a difficult time being quiet, then he would introduce the second method, which is self-inquiry. When a thought arises, instead of following it, ask yourself, “Toi whom does this thought occur?” “What is this’ I’? “Where does this ‘I’ arise from? This is a simple way of turning consciousness back to itself. The method is direct. When consciousness turns back to itself, then that’s all there is, and the Knowing is present.”‘??When I arrived in Lucknow, satsang was taking place in his house right next to this busy road with taxis, rickshaws & traffic. It was the most chaotic, noisy, polluted scene, with the sound of cars honking all the time. The setting seemed like a distraction until I realized the immense freedom taking place in the middle of everyday existence. There was nothing romantic about it. There was always the filth
and the garbage and the pigs nearby. But after awhile everything became extraordinarily beautiful. It became a magnificent sight.  Dasarath

From “You Are That ? Satsang With Gangagi

There may be enormous pain in any individual life. Pain is part of the texture of life. It is the unnecessary suffering that habits of mind support. When pain is met as it is, as simply pain, it can be experienced as beautiful. It doesn’t need to be anything different. When it is rejected and something”not painful” is reached for, pain is experienced as suffering.