Sun Aug 3st, 2014 4:00pm Washington Square Park, NYC
Mr. Lock is among the audience. He plays the drum for groups of acrobatic performers that are often in Washington Square Park at the same time.
He has been attending the class since then.
A witness presented us with several photos he has taken of Project Sahasrara and requested that we please accept them as a token of his appreciation.
Fri Aug 1st, 2014 6:40pm Washington Square Park, NYC 
The story of Two Disciples:
Once there were two disciples. After receiving a subject of meditation from the Buddha, they went off to a monastery in the forest. During the rainy season, one of them, who was rather lazy, spent his time warming himself by the wood fire and talking to young novices throughout the first watch of the night and generally idling away his time. (After which he remained sitting without sleep.)
The other faithfully performed the duties of a disciple. He walked in meditation during the first watch, rested during the second watch and again meditated during the last watch of the night.
At the end of the rainy season, both of them went to pay homage to the Buddha, and the Buddha asked them how they had spent their time during the rainy season.
To this the lazy and negligent disciple answered that the other disciple had been idling away his time, just lying down and sleeping, whereas he usually sat warming himself by the fire during the first watch of the night and then stayed up without sleeping.
But the Buddha knew quite well how the two disciples had spent their time, so he taught the idle one by saying that “Though you are lazy and negligent you claim to be diligent and ever mindful, however, in fact you are lazy and the other one is serious and diligent.”
＊＊＊
The lazy disciple thought that his actions, talking about the Truth to younger novices and remaining sitting without sleep, appear to have been more serious than the other disciple’s, who was walking around and then sleeping after that, which meant that the other one was lazy.
However, in reality the results of meditation manifest themselves in one’s way of behavior or one’s expression, so Buddha saw through that and taught what laziness and diligence really are.
There are many teachings similar to this throughout the world, they all teach the importance of the internal aspect rather than the external.
Mon July 28th 2014 1:48am The Cave NYC
WORDS OF THE SEER:
“The activities of the mind are always known,
since its master, the Puruṣa, is never subject to change.”
-Yoga Sūtras 4-18
“Since the mind is an object of perception it cannot illuminate itself.”
–Yoga Sūtras 4-19
Translated by Sanatana
Sun July 27th, 2014 4:30pm Washington Square Park, NYC
EXPERIENCE FROM BACKSTAGE:
Knowing the hours of dedication that went into its creation, observing that first asana in Petal 1 in Washington Square Park sent chills throughout my whole body. The sensation made my body more erect and, with the intense surge of single-pointedness in my mind, wanting to fall deeper into my True Self. Having observed most of the Petals since the beginning, I now realize that the goal of this project was not about bringing Yoga to the people as I had originally thought, but it was for us to be Bold and Revolutionary. -Aniruddha
Sun July 20th, 2014 The Cave NYC
FAMILY REUNION:
“What a blessing it was!” she wrote.
A few days after Gurupurnima, an order for a SATORI book was placed from the other side of the world——————-Australia.
How did she find this book?
I sent her an inquiry and she responded that she and her family had studied Yoga with Shri Mahayogi in Kyoto after finding him in “1989.”
Can this be true?!
I had heard from Shri Mahayogi before about a physicist and his family who were originally from the Soviet Union and used to come to him to learn Yoga while living in Kyoto around that time. However, shortly after they returned to their country, the Soviet Union came to an end and they ended up moving to Australia.
Thrilled at the possibility that this could be the same family, I sent the next question:
“Are you the same family from Russia who used to practice Yoga under Shri Mahayogi’s guidance?”
She replied, “Yes, it looks like we are that family.”
YES!!!!
My heart brimmed and wept with joy as I thought how happy my Master would be to hear this great news.
They found us!!! WE FOUND THEM!!!
I could not stop thinking about it for days.
1989….
It was 25 years ago,
but this is not simply about the passage of time.
Shri Mahayogi was living as a hermit before 1996, the year Shri Mahayogi first visited New York at the invitation of two disciples. After 1996, we, a group of disciples, gradually began to engage more actively in the work of preserving and disseminating the teachings of Shri Mahayogi, the teachings of Yoga. But before then, there was of course no website through which this family could have found Shri Mahayogi again. Rather, the only way one might have had the good fortune of finding him was by word of mouth or by happening upon the name of the Ashrama in a thick phone book. The majority of disciples began to arrive at the feet of the Master after we started to become more active. So, it is indeed a rare and precious occurrence to find someone who can share their experience of those early times and give us insight into how Shri Mahayogi lived and what he was like 25 years ago.
Out of pure excitement I sent another question,
“How did you first find Shri Mahayogi?”
Their Story:
While still living in Russia, Alex, the physicist, came across a book by the Russian psychologist Vladimir Levi that briefly touched on the importance of Yoga. Alex began to wonder what it was. In Russia at that time, there was practically no literature on Yoga available, not to mention any Yoga teachers or classes. Even if Alex had wanted to practice Yoga seriously, it would have been impossible to find an instructor, let alone a true Master of Yoga.
Shortly thereafter, a neighbor gave him a samizdat copy of
“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda. Samizdat is a term that refers to banned literature that was secretly circulated in the former Soviet Union. Alex attempted to learn the practice of Yoga without any guidance whatsoever, and there were moments when he overdid it. Alex’s wife, Lika, remembered, “we nearly lost him a few times.”
At one point, Alex and his friend were on a work-related trip to Italy, and while they were there they attempted to find a real Master. Alex found an address in a phone book, and together they bravely marched there in search of the Master. When they arrived, two “very friendly, lovely ladies” gushed out of the door and tried to shepherd them into the “ashram”. Sensing something amiss, the two hopeful seekers ran off.
Later, Alex, Lika and their daughter, Valeria, moved to Kyoto. The very first thing that Alex wanted to do upon their arrival was to find Shri Mahayogi, whose information, if his memory served him correctly, he had found in the local phone book. It was as if he was on a mission, driven by some magnetic force.
Lika recalls, “We were at a party not long after arriving and Alex was speaking with an American lady. I remember she said, ‘I’m very surprised that you found Shri Mahayogi so quickly! People spend years trying to find him. You have just arrived and already you have found him!’ ”
We offer our gratitude to Lika and Alex for sharing this story!
And, WELCOME BACK HOME!!!
***
The Great Story continues…
Of course, Shri Mahayogi was very happy to hear the great news about this family reconnecting with Shri Mahayogi and the Mission. He informed me that Alex had entrusted him with several items, requesting that he keep them until he was ready to receive them again. Shri Mahayogi held true to this promise for nearly 25 years. Upon learning of the family’s whereabouts, he sent a package to Alex right away, returning the items that he had safeguarded for him for so long.
Again, I am overwhelmed.
What a blessing it is indeed!!
***
Shri Mahayogi today:
Shri Mahayogi still spends most of his time in seclusion today. It is still rather difficult to find him unless one is truly seeking for a Master who can lead them to the Realization of the Self. However, when seekers do at last find him, they receive a warm welcome, as if finally arriving home, and he guides them along their path just as he has always done.
-Anandamali
Sat July 19th, 2014 6:50pm Washington Square Park, NYC
WITNESS:
The sun sets in the west behind skyscrapers,
as the two practitioners face the east.
…All are drawn into the heart of the practice…it is compelling!
observers and I are One…
we are propelled into Silence and yearning
An elderly man stares for almost a half hour in wonder
at the two who meditate before him…
he does not shift his eyes, and at times he faintly nods his head…
A woman sitting next to me says, “Even the puppy knows spirituality!”
People chuckle at the barking dog…
A little girl around 3 years old says, “Mommy—Are they real?”
Mom responds, “Yes dear, they are real.”
Yes! They are Real.
The observers and I are One.
-Kamalakshi
WITNESS:
The disciples’ slow and deliberate movements, their flow into stillness and peace juxtaposed the summer heat and frenzied pace of Washington Square Park. This milieu, this contrast of motion and stillness, was the image of all creation—as it flows from the three elements. It all happened in another space…one not seen. Passersby stopped to observe, and became absorbed in the power of that moment…where all existence lies, the space where “I” exists…Advaita. -Gauranga
Fri July 18th, 2014 7:10pm Washington Square Park, NYC
TESTIMONIAL FROM A WITNESS:
The practice of yoga should be indifferent to what others think, say, or do. It perseveres among the hustle and bustle of New York City like it would in the Himalayas or other areas near its origin. This methodology is embodied by action shown by stillness in poses—with members of the Mahayogi Yoga Mission, focused for over an hour in the middle of a busy crowd. A rare few laugh, some stare, some talk amongst themselves, but all see them persevering. And a few appreciate the intent and are moved to learn more—as a way of life. As their local founder states, “there is only one yoga—a way of life. -Ravi
Sat July 12th, 2014 9:50pm Manhattan, NYC
On the occasion of Gurupūrṇimā
ETYMOLOGY:
The syllable “gu” should signify darkness;
the syllable “ru” should signify the interrupter of it.
Because he is the interrupter of darkness,
he is considered “guru”.
-Advayataraka Upanishad verse 16
To my Dearest Beloved,
SALUTATION:
GURU STOTRAM
(A Hymn To The Spiritual Teacher)
Akhaṇḍamaṇḍalākāraṃ vyāptaṃ yena carācaraṃ |
Tatpadaṃ darśitaṃ yena tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||1||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
who pervades the movable and immovable (animals and plants) with flawless perfection,
and who reveals the truth of the word “Tat (That, Truth)”.
Ajñānatimirāndhasya jñānāñjanaśalākayā |
Cakṣurunmīlitaṃ yena tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||2||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
who opens the eyes of those blinded in the darkness of ignorance,
applying with a stick the eyewash of true knowledge.
Gurur brahmā gurur viṣṇur gurur devo maheśvaraḥ |
Gurussākṣāt param brahma tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||3||
The Guru is Brahmā (the creator), the Guru is Viṣṇu (the sustainer),
and the Guru is divine Maheśvara (Śiva, the destroyer).
The Guru is verily Para Brahman (the supreme principle of the universe).
Salutations to that holy Guru.
Sthāvaraṃ jaṅgamaṃ vyāptaṃ yatkiñcit sacarācaram |
Tatpadaṃ darśitaṃ yena tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||4||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
who pervades all animate and inanimate beings,
including the movable and immovable (animals and plants),
and who reveals the truth of the word “Tat (That, Truth)”.
Cinmayaṃ vyāpi yatsarvaṃ trailokyaṃ sacarācaram |
Tatpadaṃ darśitaṃ yena tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||5||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
who pervades everything in the three worlds (heaven, earth, and hell),
including the movable and immovable (animals and plants),
as the Pure Consciousness,
and who reveals the truth of the word “Tat (That, Truth)”.
Sarva-śrutiśiroratna-virājita-padāmbujaḥ |
Vedāntāmbujasūryo yaḥ tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||6||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
whose lotus feet are adorned with the crown jewel of all Veda,
and who is the sun which nourishes the lotus of Vedānta.
Caitanyaḥ śāśvataḥ śānto vyomātīto nirañjanaḥ |
Bindunādakalātītaḥ tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||7||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
who is the Pure Consciousness, everlasting, tranquil, beyond space, completely pure,
and who transcends the bindu (the origin of creation),
nāda (the subtle vibration at the beginning of creation)
and kalā (the parts manifested in gross forms out of creation).
Jñāna-śakti-samārūḍhaḥ tattva-mālā-vibhūṣitaḥ |
Bhukti-mukti-pradātā ca tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ ||8||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
who is equipped with true knowledge and power,
who is adorned with the garland of True Existence, and who bestows joy and liberation.
Anekajanma-samprāpta-karmabandha-vidāhine |
Ātmajñāna-pradānena tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||9||
Salutations to the holy Guru,
who burns away the bondage of karma, which have accumulated over countless lives,
by bestowing the true knowledge of the Self (Ātman).
Śoṣaṇaṃ bhavasindhośca jñāpanaṃ sārasampadaḥ |
Guroḥ pādodakaṃ samyak tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||10||
The water with which the feet of the Guru are washed truly dries up the ocean of worldly existence and makes known the true essence of prosperity.
Salutations to that holy Guru.
Na guroradhikaṃ tattvaṃ na guroradhikaṃ tapaḥ |
Tattvajñānāt paraṃ nāsti tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||11||
There is no truth higher than the Guru, no tapas (purifying heat) higher than the Guru.
Nothing is higher than the knowledge of True Existence.
Salutations to that holy Guru.
Mannāthaḥ śrījagannāthaḥ madguru śrījagadguruḥ |
Madātmā sarvabhūtātmā tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||12||
My Lord is the holy Lord of the universe, Jagannātha;
my Guru is the holy Master of the universe, Jagadguru;
and my Self (Ātman) is the Self of all beings.
Salutations to that holy Guru.
Gururādiranādiśca guruḥ paramadaivatam |
Guroḥ parataraṃ nāsti tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||13||
The Guru is both the beginning and without beginning,
the Guru is the highest deity, and nothing is higher than the Guru.
Salutations to that holy Guru.
Tvameva mātā ca pitā tvameva
tvameva bandhuśca sakhā tvameva |
Tvameva vidyā draviṇaṃ tvameva
tvameva sarvaṃ mama deva deva ||14||
You alone are my mother, you alone are my father;
you alone are my family, you alone are my friend;
you alone are true knowledge, you alone are wealth;
you alone are everything to me, oh, God.
Sat July 12th, 2014 7:30pm Washington Square Park, NYC
***
The night of the Great Full Moon, the Gurupūrṇimā !!!
SALUTATION:
Namo mahāprabho namo mahāyoginte Oṃ
Salutation to you, the great Lord, the great saint; salutation to you, Mahayogi, Om.
(Gurupūrṇimā continues to the next Echo from The Cave…)
Fri July 11th, 2014 7:00pm Washington Square Park, NYC
MOTIVE TO ACT:
The rare and precious existence of my Master inspires me to rise and take action. The Truth is for everyone so how can I keep such a gift all for myself? Undoubtedly there are many who thirst for it, just like me. With conviction and passion my aim is to bring the teachings of Yoga to bear on each moment of my life and embody their essence more and more, so that I may be an instrument of the Truth. Only by continuously seeking the Truth within myself will I be able to find my brothers and sisters. -Sadhya
