A Four-Week Course in Passage Meditation & An Eight-Week Study Cycle 2010 by The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation Post Office Box 256, Tomales, California 94971 Telephone 707 878 2369 or 800 475 2369 www.easwaran.org
A Four-Week Course in Passage Meditation O v e r v i e w This course is designed to help newcomers establish a daily practice of Eknath Easwaran s eight-point program of passage meditation for spiritual fulfillment. It also provides a review that will enrich the practice of established meditators. The primary focus of this series is meditation on a passage. How to prepare for presenting this course 1. Decide on the location and date for the course and reserve the space. 2. If you are the Coordinator of an official BMCM Satsang and would like us to inform people in your area who are on the BMCM mailing list, please contact us at least four weeks before the first scheduled session. Please give us the following information: the location (including directions), date, time, and your contact information. Contact us at info@easwaran.org. 3. If your four-week course follows a BMCM Regional Retreat, you can give details about it during the Satsang introduction session of your local Regional Retreat. 4. Review each week s schedule before the meeting to get a sense of what you ll need to cover in each session to stay on time. 5. You will find it helpful to reread Passage Meditation before the course begins. 2
Materials in this kit T h e D V D includes four weeks of material. Each week has two sections. There is also an additional section, after the end of the fourth week, for an optional fifth-week session focused on Satsang. T h e C o u r s e G u i d e will walk you through each week s session. It includes discussion questions, introductions to the video clips, and a schedule for timing the session. T h e E i g h t - W e e k S t u d y C y c l e is an optional follow-up program that provides newcomers with a thorough grounding in passage meditation and the eight points while giving regular members a chance to review the core disciplines. T h e h a n d o u t s, which are to be photocopied and distributed at the appropriate time: W e e k 1 : Information about Satsangs Basic Instructions in Meditation Passages for Meditation W e e k 2 : Frequently Asked Questions W e e k 3 : Mantrams Recommended by Eknath Easwaran W e e k 4 : No handout W e e k 5 : Basic Satsang Guidelines Winter 2002 Blue Mountain article The Company We Keep 3
Helpful hints * * * * * * * Provide a sign-up sheet for attendees to record their contact information (name, address, phone number, email address) for your Satsang records. Even if some people do not come regularly, it is often helpful to send them regular updates about the meeting schedule and other activities. The Satsang Coordinator should arrive early to set up materials and greet people as they arrive. Review the BMCM Satsang Guidelines to get an idea of what you want to say about the Satsang and your role as the Coordinator. Review the Frequently Asked Questions sheet (included in the handouts) as well. Take your time at the beginning of the first session so that everyone feels welcome and comfortable in the group. At the first meeting, make a respectful but clear statement about the group s purpose, such as We respect other forms of meditation, but the purpose of this group is to practice Eknath Easwaran s program of passage meditation, so we ask that only this method is discussed and practiced during our time together. As much as possible, start and end on time. You will then have established a group norm that people will accept and count on. If you get through your material faster than planned, it s all right to leave early or spend some time getting to know each other. It s not unusual for participants to drop out as they discover the practice is not for them. Do not get discouraged. Leave discussion about the details of your ongoing Satsang (such as when to meet, etc.) until the fifth week. If you are just getting started, it is best to keep the meeting day and time that you ve already chosen. The most important factors in the success of the Satsang are your regular presence and commitment, so it s important that the meeting day and time works for you. (You ll find more about this topic in the BMCM Satsang Guidelines.) S u m m a r y It can feel a bit overwhelming to launch a Satsang. Please remember it s not all up to you. Simply share your enthusiasm and commitment to Easwaran s program of passage meditation with the group, and the people who are ready will join you. 4
Week One: Starting a Meditation Practice Handouts you ll need: Information about Satsangs Basic Instructions in Meditation Passages for Meditation Introduction (5 15 minutes) Please introduce yourself to the group, explain your role as Satsang Coordinator, and then ask the attendees to introduce themselves by saying a few words about what brought them to the course; if they are familiar with Eknath Easwaran s books; and whether they have already been meditating according to his guidelines. Here s a sample of what you might say: Hello, my name is. I am the Satsang Coordinator for the [city] Satsang. Before we begin, I d like to tell you about the Satsang program. Satsang is a program of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation. Satsang means spiritual fellowship. The program began in the 1980s when the Center launched its first meditation retreat. People came from all over the world and everyone was quite enthusiastic by the end of the retreat. A question that was asked again and again was What are we going to do for support when we return home? The purpose of a BMCM Satsang is to provide support and encouragement to those people who are following Eknath Easwaran s eight-point program of passage meditation. The prerequisite for joining a Satsang is daily practice of passage meditation for at least a month. The general format of the program is 20 to 30 minutes of spiritual fellowship focused on one of the eight points, 30 minutes of inspiration directly from Easwaran s teachings, and 30 minutes of meditation. I have volunteered with the Blue Mountain Center to coordinate this group. The requirements for a Coordinator are that I ve been meditating for at least six months every day, attended a retreat, and have received the Satsang orientation. As a Satsang Coordinator I m not authorized to teach the program. My job is to coordinate this program as it is set up by the Center. The Information about Satsangs sheet will provide you with more information about the program. Video: Section One (15 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: Now we will see a video clip in which Eknath Easwaran introduces the practice of passage meditation, which gives us the tools we need to find our purpose in life and be of service to others. He emphasizes the value of determination and perseverance, and says that success in meditation goes to those who are earnest and try hard, even when meditation is very challenging. Please note: in this video he is talking to an experienced group of meditators, and he encourages them to meditate both in the morning and at night. When you are just starting, meditation first thing in the morning is just fine. 5
Instructions (5 minutes) Hand out the Basic Instructions in Passage Meditation sheet and ask each member of the group to read a paragraph aloud. Anyone who prefers not to read should feel free to pass. Discussion (5 15 minutes) Ask all the members to answer the following two questions, going around the circle. When appropriate, regular members of the group can offer their suggestions about ways to schedule and prepare for meditation. When and where do you (or will you) meditate? What is (or will be) your morning routine to get ready to meditate? Video: Section Two (7 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this short clip, Easwaran speaks about what the inspirational passage means to him. After the video, we will meditate for 30 minutes. When the time is up, I will ring a bell. If anyone hasn t memorized a passage yet, we recommend starting with one of the passages on this handout. Please memorize a few lines of the passage, then meditate on those lines for the remainder of the meditation time. 6
Week Two: Building a Meditation Practice Handout you ll need: Frequently Asked Questions Introduction (5 10 minutes) Ask everyone how their week went. Were you able to meditate every day? If not, what were the obstacles? Did you establish a regular morning routine? Have you memorized a passage? Did any questions come up during the week? If people have questions about their practice, try to look up the answer in the Frequently Asked Questions sheet, or in Passage Meditation (the book). Don t let this opening session go on too long. If there are lots of questions, ask them to write them down for future discussions, or to read Passage Meditation. Attending a passage meditation retreat is an ideal way to get questions answered too: www.easwaran.org/retreats Video: Section One (15 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this video, Eknath Easwaran urges us to keep memorizing new inspirational passages to keep our meditation fresh. He also encourages us not to get upset or annoyed with ourselves when distractions come in meditation. We should not resist them, but rather give more and more attention to the passage. He reminds us that it takes a great deal of patience and perseverance to bring our attention back to the passage each time it wanders. Easwaran also warns us not to give in to sleep in meditation, but to draw away from our back support and let the wave of sleep pass over us. Instructions (5 minutes) Read aloud the following: Distractions in meditation come in many flavors. Let s take a look at a few of them, along with Easwaran s remedies: Double Tracking: The situation where one part of your mind is concentrating on the passage while another part carries on a running dialogue on a different topic. Simply give more concentration to the passage; do not resist the other track, which would only make it stronger. 7
Sleep: As your meditation deepens, your nervous system will relax, and you may begin to struggle with sleep. Move away from the back support, sit up straight, even tilt your chin up a bit to stay awake let the period of drowsiness pass you by. If needed, have a cup of tea or coffee before meditation. Itching, coughing, and other physical sensations: Once you start to meditate, the mind may throw all sorts of sensations at you. When they come, don t resist them, but focus even harder on the passage most of them will disappear shortly. Try not to give in to the sensations. Try to sit still, but if you have to move, move as little as possible. Wandering: Sometimes your thoughts will stray completely away from the passage. When you realize this, don t get angry; just bring your attention gently back to the beginning of the stanza you were on and start over. Discussion (5 15 minutes) Ask the group: What works best for you in dealing with distractions in meditation? How do you keep from getting discouraged? Do you have problems with sleep in meditation? If so, how do you fight it? Video: Section Two (8 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this video clip, Easwaran reminds us that it takes a lot of sustained effort to practice passage meditation. We are gradually trying to slow down the thinking process, so we can begin to catch ourselves during the day before we get angry, or greedy, or afraid. He ends by telling us we really do have a say in what our mind thinks. After the video, we ll meditate for 30 minutes and I will ring the bell when the time is up. 8
Week Three: Maintaining a Meditation Practice Handout you ll need: Mantrams Recommended by Eknath Easwaran Introduction (5 10 minutes) Ask the group how they are doing: How did everyone s week of meditation go? Have you memorized any new passages? If so, what method of memorization did you use? Instruction (5 minutes) Read (or have a member read) the following: What we do during the day affects our meditation. Keeping an even mind that doesn t get too speeded up or agitated will greatly improve our next meditation session. The main tool for maintaining a slowed-down mind during the day is the repetition of a mantram. Hand out mantram sheet A mantram is a spiritual word or phrase (sometimes known as a Holy Name or prayer word ) repeated silently in the mind throughout the day or night. Every spiritual tradition has names, words, or phrases that can be used in this way. The mantram can be used while doing any task that does not require your completely focused attention. Walking, waiting in line, doing mechanical chores like sweeping or washing dishes, and while falling asleep at night are all ideal times for repeating the mantram. The mantram can also be used to steady the mind at times of stress or agitation. Each person chooses his or her own mantram from the list Easwaran recommends (see the mantram handout or chapter 2 of Passage Meditation, or The Mantram Handbook). After choosing a mantram, stick with it. Do not change mantrams. (You can take a week or two to try out a mantram, but after that you should make a firm choice.) 9
Video: Section One (20 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this video clip, Easwaran explains that in order to maintain a steady meditation practice we need to follow the allied disciplines which make up the rest of his eight-point program of passage meditation. Here, he explains the use of the mantram to combat the restless nature of the mind and to help maintain throughout the day the concentration and peace of mind we build up in morning meditation. Discussion (5 10 minutes) Ask the group: What are some ideal times to repeat the mantram? When do you find it especially helpful? How can you remember to get it started? Video: Section Two (6 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this brief clip, Easwaran says that while meditation takes a tremendous amount of will and effort, the mantram is very easy; it s like calling the Lord collect when you have no money. It can be used throughout the day to reestablish security and peace of mind. After the video, we will meditate for 30 minutes. 10
Week Four: Swimming Against the Current (No handouts this week) Introduction (5 15 minutes) Ask the group: Was everyone able to choose and use a mantram? When did you use it? If any member has questions about choosing a mantram that are not clearly answered in the materials, please ask them to contact the BMCM via email at info@easwaran.org. If there is an upcoming retreat in your area, advise them to attend. In looking back over the past three weeks of meditation, have you noticed any changes in yourself? Are they ones you would like to see continue? Do you feel like you want to commit yourself to continuing a daily practice of passage meditation? Video: Section One (12 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this video, Easwaran introduces two more of the allied disciplines for supporting the practice of passage meditation: Slowing Down and One-Pointed Attention. Our society moves very fast, and it s considered proper, even necessary, to do two or three things at once. This atmosphere of distraction speeds up our mind, divides our attention, and uses up our vital energy. Easwaran shows how we can go through the day with a sense of purpose and effectiveness, doing first things first without draining our energy. Discussion (5 10 minutes) What are some of the tips Easwaran gives for slowing down? Are there others you can think of? How does one-pointed attention throughout the day help meditation? What are times when your attention is often divided? 11
Video: Section Two (15 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this final video, Easwaran comments on Training the Senses and Putting Others First two more allied disciplines from his eight-point program of passage meditation. Both of these really go against the current of our modern society and our own conditioned responses. He encourages us to go beyond the habitual likes and dislikes which limit our sensitivity and awareness, and to forget ourselves in the service of those around us. This, he says, is a recipe for true, lasting happiness. After the video, we ll meditate for 30 minutes. 12
Week Five: Satsang Climbing Together Handouts you ll need: Basic Satsang Guidelines The Company We Keep article from Blue Mountain Introduction (5 10 minutes) Last week s video introduced the concepts of slowing down and onepointed attention. Ask the group: Does anyone have any examples from this past week of trying to practice either slowing down or onepointed attention? How do they make your day go better? Video (8 minutes) Before showing the video, please read the following introduction: In this video, Easwaran emphasizes once again the power of perseverance in meditation. With singleness of purpose and faith in passage meditation and its allied disciplines, we can make steady progress. The most important foundation for progress is meditating every day. Easwaran gives several examples of how he learned to follow the advice he now gives us: Put your meditation first. Instructions (10 15 minutes) Read the following: A Blue Mountain Center of Meditation Satsang is a group of people who share a commitment to the practice of Eknath Easwaran s eight-point program of passage meditation. They meet regularly to support and encourage each other, following the format that Easwaran established: fellowship, spiritual inspiration, and half an hour of meditation. Read the Basic Satsang Guidelines handout aloud. Take time to answer any questions or discuss any concerns that might come up in the group. Explain the format you will be using over the next eight weeks as you cycle through each of the eight points. If there is time, ask the regular members to tell a little about what Satsang means to them. Inspiration (25 minutes) Please take turns to read aloud the main article The Company We Keep by Eknath Easwaran, from the Blue Mountain journal. A reprint is enclosed. Anyone who prefers not to read should feel free to pass. 13
An Eight-Week Study Cycle Note: During this cycle of meetings, you may want to schedule a brief optional period (5 10 minutes) for the group to sit silently together, memorizing passages. This provides an opportunity for memorization that is often hard to find in daily life. Week One: Meditation on a Passage Please read to the group: In the depths of your meditation, when you are concentrating on an inspirational passage such as the Prayer of St. Francis, your mind should be like the tongue of a flame in a windless place, motionless and steady. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (20 30 minutes) In the past few weeks we ve heard Easwaran say several times that success in meditation goes to the person who practices sincerely, systematically, and with sustained enthusiasm. What does it mean to practice sincerely? Systematically? With sustained enthusiasm? How does one maintain enthusiasm for meditation? Why is it so necessary? How does meditation begin to train the mind to be motionless and steady? What benefits does this bring to your daily life? Reading (30 minutes) In Easwaran s book Passage Meditation, read from page 47, The Passage to the end of the chapter. Ask each person to read a paragraph or two, and then pass it to the person next to them. Anyone who prefers not to read should feel free to pass. 14
Week Two: Repetition of a Mantram The mantram fits everybody. It does not matter where you live, what you do, or how old you are. Whether you have four degrees or never went to school at all, whether you are rich, poor, or something in between, whether you are sick or well, you can use the mantram. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (30 minutes) What are some routine times in your day when you can regularly repeat the mantram? What helps you remember to get it started? What causes you to stop? How has the use of the mantram made your mind more even? How can we repeat the mantram more often? Reading (30 minutes) Passage Meditation, pages 65 72, 77 86. 15
Week Three: Slowing Down One of the ways to test our progress on the spiritual path is to see how much we are able to free ourselves from the oppressive pressure of time. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (30 minutes) Whatever our age or stage in life, we have all experienced being too busy to put first things first. What does it feel like when we re speeded up? How do you know you re moving too fast? What problems does this cause for you? What concrete steps can you take to slow yourself down? How do you keep an even pace throughout the day without speeding up? Reading (30 minutes) Passage Meditation, pages 93 101, 109 116. 16
Week Four: One-Pointed Attention We can begin practicing one-pointed attention today by giving our complete concentration to whatever we are doing. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (30 minutes) It sounds simple to be one-pointed, but so often our attention is divided. In which activities does your attention often get divided? Have you tried to stay one-pointed in those activities? What does it feel like when you try to do only one thing at a time? What helps you stay one-pointed throughout the activities of your day? Reading (30 minutes) Passage Meditation, pages 117 130, 136 139. 17
Week Five: Training the Senses Just as the body can be trained for virtuoso skills in the pool or on the uneven bars, so our senses can be trained, immensely benefiting ourselves and those around us. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (30 minutes) We can begin to train the senses by gently making choices that add to the health and safety of ourselves, our family, and our friends. What steps might we begin to consider in training our palate? Our eyes? Our ears? What part of Easwaran s eight-point program of passage meditation might help us make some of these changes? Can you think of one small experiment you might try during this next week to begin to train the senses? (Don t start too big!) How might training the senses connect with your will? Reading (30 minutes) Passage Meditation, pages 141 151, 158 161. 18
Week Six: Putting Others First The central law of our being is to live for others, to love others more than we love ourselves. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (30 minutes) We re all used to wanting our own agenda, our own timetable, our own everything. How does one start putting others first? Does this mean all the time, and in all circumstances? Do we always give the other person what they want? Reading (30 minutes) Passage Meditation, pages 163 173, 178 184. 19
Week Seven: Spiritual Fellowship It is not a luxury on the spiritual path to have hard work, or to have the company of spiritually oriented people. These are necessary for our spiritual development. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (30 minutes) The company we keep helps determine the kind of person we become. Trying to stay inspired and enthusiastic about meditation is very difficult without fellowship. A BMCM gathering for people to support and inspire each other in the practice of passage meditation is called a Satsang. How does gathering with like-minded people help us practice Easwaran s eight-point program of passage meditation? How has attending Satsang helped you stay on track? Have you attended a meditation retreat? How did it affect you? Have you tried practicing meditation on your own before? How successful were you? Why do you think Easwaran made this one of his allied disciplines? See if there is a Satsang in your area or join the esatsang at www.easwaran.org/satsang. Reading (30 minutes) Passage Meditation, pages 185 195. 20
Week Eight: Spiritual Reading This is the experience attained by men and women of God in every age and every tradition who have dared to tread the razor-edged path that leads from death to immortality. Saints and sages like Sri Ramakrishna or Shankara, St. Teresa of Avila or Jalaluddin Rumi, the Ba al Shem Tov or Jacob Boehme, all use very similar words to tell what they have experienced with every cell of their being. Eknath Easwaran Discussion (30 minutes) We read Eknath Easwaran s books not only for instruction but for inspiration as well. Why does Easwaran encourage us to read the great mystics? How does it help us practice passage meditation and the allied disciplines? How has reading the mystics affected you? Reading (30 minutes) Passage Meditation, pages 197 214. 21