Spiritual practices

yoga and meditation 👍

...let's make sure we don't turn this subforum into a space dedicated solely to "mental spirituality." 😁 😉

Ryan Wilson2 said:We are talking about actual practice here, not some form of mental masturbation where you just pour emptiness into a void.

Children, why don't you go run off and celebrate those little "enlightened" mental abilities of yours with John. Once you actually stumble upon something real, then—and only then—can you come back here.

Here we go. 😬

I've recently started practicing tarot, which is helping me better understand the very strong premonitions I've been having lately. 🙂

My routine mostly revolves around Kriya Yoga and So Ham breath meditation. I also incorporate third eye meditations and sessions focused on listening to the inner sound. Once the meditation wraps up, I don't force anything—I just sit there and soak in the silence.

I used to do tarot energy work myself, but lately, I’ve stepped away from it. Between the third eye sessions, whenever I pose a question, these images just surge up from the darkness on my internal screen, and then I start connecting the dots. Honestly, give it a shot—you might be more ready than you realize.🙂

This really ought to be one of the most important threads on this spirituality forum.

If we set aside the tiny handful of people who are already enlightened—though I suspect even they have their own routines—and the massive group of people everyone *claims* is already enlightened (where any attempt at effort might actually just pull you away from your true nature, which can happen), then this topic is specifically for those who actually want to work at it, or are already in the middle of doing so.

The basic premise here is that spiritual seekers, if they weren't just born that way, reach certain milestones through some kind of Sadhana.
Even Zen practitioners, who tell stories about sudden insights and satori, spend hours sitting in meditation almost every day (essentially doing nothing). Raman, after his near-death experience, spent years meditating in a temple or a cave. Ramakrishna reached nirvikalpa samadhi through intense devotion to Kali. Even all those others who experienced spontaneous enlightenment were usually doing *something* beforehand—of course, you could argue whether that effort actually caused the enlightenment, but I think we’ve chewed that one enough over at the Great Master School.
Even Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days for some reason, and Buddha is probably the ultimate example of what a person is capable of when they are truly committed to self-realization.

So, this is a space for those engaged in practice. We can discuss—or cite examples regarding—the theoretical foundations, the different types, the effects, the roadblocks, and the practical successes of various "techniques." By techniques, I mean the more classical definitions: meditation, prayer, japa, kirtan, pranayama, asana... but hey, if watering your plants serves the same purpose for you, I'm all for it.

Personally, I’m drawn to the path of yoga; it seems like the most systematic and clear-cut route for self-development (admittedly, I'm not as well-versed in Western systems, but if anyone knows more about them, please, jump in). In his book "Sadhana," Swami Sivananda provides a solid overview of the various types of Sadhana and the conditions needed to practice them, so I'll likely quote from it occasionally—much of it translates pretty easily into the language of Western systems anyway.

And here is what Patanjali says about the practice:

I, 12:
Practice and [spiritual] clarity leading toward that stillness (nirodha) [which was mentioned earlier in YS, I, 2].

I, 13:
The effort to remain [steadfast in that stillness] is what defines [the essence of] "practice" (abhyasa).

mistybison said:...let's make sure we don't turn this subforum into a space dedicated solely to "mental spirituality." 😁 😉

Here we go. 😬

I've recently started practicing tarot, which is helping me better understand the very strong premonitions I've been having lately. 🙂

Where'd you pick up the deck? 🙂

Look, spiritual practice isn't some separate thing from actual life. It’s all about finding Equilibrium. If you need to move, you move. If you need to settle down, you meditate. If you need to talk, you talk. 👍 If you need to shut up—you shut up. 😁

Rituals? Give me a break. 😁
Maybe just "cleansing" rituals to clear the deck—like tossing out all your old clothes 😁 or deleting useless contacts from your phone... stuff like that.

quietpilot87 As specified:
Where did you pick up those cards? 🙂

I picked up some cards at the Frankfurt Book Fair, along with a guidebook that I didn't care for much. Instead, I have been primarily using the interpretations from this program as my foundation: Master the art of tarot meditation.I’ve been spending less time with tarot lately, focusing more on the I Ching instead. For now, I’m just using coins—I haven't quite progressed to the advanced stages of using yarrow stalks yet—and when I do turn to tarot, I stick to the Rider-Waite's deck. I still need to find better books and deeper interpretations for both, but there is plenty of time to get there. 🙂 If one truly commits to it, life becomes an endless pursuit of mastering time. 🙂

Spiritual practice shouldn't be separate from daily life. It’s all about maintaining Equilibrium; if you need to work, you work, and if you need to find stillness through meditation, you meditate. If it's time to engage with others, you simply communicate. 👍 If silence is what's required, then remain silent. 😁

I believe every individual possesses a unique rhythm and a set of methods that best suit their nature. For me, moderation is essential; nothing should be excessive or lacking. I find that maintaining an equal level of devotion across all layers of existence—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—is vital. My nature demands equilibrium, and whenever that balance is disrupted, it immediately impacts my ability to execute any plans. Consequently, a structured and disciplined lifestyle is incredibly important to me. Even when I don't actively strive for it, circumstances tend to demand it, and I truly feel my best this way. It seems the "golden mean" is the rule that serves me best. 🙂 Of course, this isn't some universal rule that everyone must follow. I believe there are individuals who thrive specifically under extreme circumstances—those moments that push them to transcend their own limits. By immersing themselves completely in a specific field or life mission, they can extract the absolute maximum from their experiences, leading to profound achievements in every sense, including the spiritual.

What kind of rituals are we talking about? Please, share them. 😁
Perhaps consider some cleansing rituals to help you move forward more easily. For example, you might find clarity by simply clearing out all your old clothes. 😁 It’s best to clear out the clutter by deleting unnecessary contacts from your phone. It works just the same for everything else in life.

Breaking free from negative loops isn't easy. It’s incredibly difficult to untangle the knots of thought and emotion that can trap us, swirling around inside for days, months, or even years, ultimately blocking the smooth flow of energy within ourselves and our surroundings. Mastering this process is truly a subtle art. 🙂

It seems to me that rituals function much like symbols; they activate specific energies within us and guide us toward various experiences. Some people find them essential, while others certainly do not.

casualtiger2 said:This really ought to be one of the most important threads on this spirituality forum.

If we set aside the tiny handful of people who are already enlightened—though I suspect even they have their own routines—and the massive group of people everyone *claims* is already enlightened (where any attempt at effort might actually just pull you away from your true nature, which can happen), then this topic is specifically for those who actually want to work at it, or are already in the middle of doing so.

The basic premise here is that spiritual seekers, if they weren't just born that way, reach certain milestones through some kind of Sadhana.
Even Zen practitioners, who tell stories about sudden insights and satori, spend hours sitting in meditation almost every day (essentially doing nothing). Raman, after his near-death experience, spent years meditating in a temple or a cave. Ramakrishna reached nirvikalpa samadhi through intense devotion to Kali. Even all those others who experienced spontaneous enlightenment were usually doing *something* beforehand—of course, you could argue whether that effort actually caused the enlightenment, but I think we’ve chewed that one enough over at the Great Master School.
Even Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days for some reason, and Buddha is probably the ultimate example of what a person is capable of when they are truly committed to self-realization.

So, this is a space for those engaged in practice. We can discuss—or cite examples regarding—the theoretical foundations, the different types, the effects, the roadblocks, and the practical successes of various "techniques." By techniques, I mean the more classical definitions: meditation, prayer, japa, kirtan, pranayama, asana... but hey, if watering your plants serves the same purpose for you, I'm all for it.

Personally, I’m drawn to the path of yoga; it seems like the most systematic and clear-cut route for self-development (admittedly, I'm not as well-versed in Western systems, but if anyone knows more about them, please, jump in). In his book "Sadhana," Swami Sivananda provides a solid overview of the various types of Sadhana and the conditions needed to practice them, so I'll likely quote from it occasionally—much of it translates pretty easily into the language of Western systems anyway.

And here is what Patanjali says about the practice:

I, 12:
Practice and [spiritual] clarity leading toward that stillness (nirodha) [which was mentioned earlier in YS, I, 2].

I, 13:
The effort to remain [steadfast in that stillness] is what defines [the essence of] "practice" (abhyasa).

placidharbor7 "corrects" Master Patanjali:

I, 12:
Stillness and [spiritual] the clarity of water flowing toward practice (nirodha) [as previously discussed in YS, I, 2].

Of course, Master Patanjali knows this! But does any student actually know or even understand it? It seems to me that Patanjali is simply "adapting" his teachings to fit the students of that specific era.

Nice one, Master.
Can you walk us through how you actually reached that state of Equilibrium
and what a practice session even looks like once you've hit it?

casualtiger2 said:Nice one, Master.
Can you walk us through how you actually reached that state of Equilibrium
and what a practice session even looks like once you've hit it?

"...and all the others who experienced enlightenment naturally and spontaneously were actually working on something just before it happened (of course, it's possible to argue that this work or effort has some causal link to the enlightenment itself, but I think that topic has been covered enough at the Great Master School)."

Everyone, that is, except for placidharbor7—he was the one "working" after the fact, specifically aiming for Equilibrium. And even then, it was because, as an American Seeker, he followed those Indian charlatans who treated Awakening like a cheap roadside attraction: J. Krishnamurti and Shree Rajneesh Bhagwan Osho.
It took blood, sweat, and tears for even the concept of Awakening to break free from centuries of manipulation by Vedantic vampires and witches over the white man. In many ways, that's exactly why the "Great School Enlightenment Western World" carries its name.

So, that’s exactly what I’m asking you. What did that Equilibrium actually look like?
What was it like, when things were getting "bloody and messy"?
PS
And how can you be so sure that Krishnamurti and Osho were just "thieves who treated Awakening like a Spanish village"?
Does that mean you’ve somehow cornered the absolute truth on this whole subject?
Or are you suggesting the "white man's path" is the only legitimate way to go—and that all those "Vedantic vampires and sorcerers" are just manipulators by default?

mistybison said:

quietpilot87 As specified:
Where did you pick up those cards? 🙂

I picked up some cards at the Frankfurt Book Fair, along with a guidebook that I didn't care for much. Instead, I have been primarily using the interpretations from this program as my foundation: Master the art of tarot meditation.I’ve been spending less time with tarot lately, focusing more on the I Ching instead. For now, I’m just using coins—I haven't quite progressed to the advanced stages of using yarrow stalks yet—and when I do turn to tarot, I stick to the Rider-Waite's deck. I still need to find better books and deeper interpretations for both, but there is plenty of time to get there. 🙂 If one truly commits to it, life becomes an endless pursuit of mastering time. 🙂

Spiritual practice shouldn't be separate from daily life. It’s all about maintaining Equilibrium; if you need to work, you work, and if you need to find stillness through meditation, you meditate. If it's time to engage with others, you simply communicate. 👍 If silence is what's required, then remain silent. 😁

I believe every individual possesses a unique rhythm and a set of methods that best suit their nature. For me, moderation is essential; nothing should be excessive or lacking. I find that maintaining an equal level of devotion across all layers of existence—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—is vital. My nature demands equilibrium, and whenever that balance is disrupted, it immediately impacts my ability to execute any plans. Consequently, a structured and disciplined lifestyle is incredibly important to me. Even when I don't actively strive for it, circumstances tend to demand it, and I truly feel my best this way. It seems the "golden mean" is the rule that serves me best. 🙂 Of course, this isn't some universal rule that everyone must follow. I believe there are individuals who thrive specifically under extreme circumstances—those moments that push them to transcend their own limits. By immersing themselves completely in a specific field or life mission, they can extract the absolute maximum from their experiences, leading to profound achievements in every sense, including the spiritual.

What kind of rituals are we talking about? Please, share them. 😁
Perhaps consider some cleansing rituals to help you move forward more easily. For example, you might find clarity by simply clearing out all your old clothes. 😁 It’s best to clear out the clutter by deleting unnecessary contacts from your phone. It works just the same for everything else in life.

Breaking free from negative loops isn't easy. It’s incredibly difficult to untangle the knots of thought and emotion that can trap us, swirling around inside for days, months, or even years, ultimately blocking the smooth flow of energy within ourselves and our surroundings. Mastering this process is truly a subtle art. 🙂

It seems to me that rituals function much like symbols; they activate specific energies within us and guide us toward various experiences. Some people find them essential, while others certainly do not.

Sounds like we're on the same page. 👍 It’s all about timing—everything needs its own balance.
Sometimes you talk, sometimes you shut up—that's just how it goes. As long as there's harmony, it works. 👍

I strive to make sure all the theory I've gathered actually lives through my actions... I don't want it to
be just a massive pile of data or some kind of mental ego trip... I want it to be a part of me
entirely, in the present moment and always. That drive is what teaches me
to stay observant and to aim for doing the right thing, regardless of any
internal or external pressure... whatever comes my way.
I also take care of my body in various ways, working to keep it strong.

I’ve had a very similar experience, and for a few years now, everything has finally been settling into place. Perhaps I’m navigating similar waters as placidharbor7?
Actually, I was once the one doing all the searching, but then I just gave up—and that's exactly when everything started flowing to me. Right now, though, I'm struggling to fully embrace certain realizations because of old mental programming. One thing I’ve definitely sensed is the presence of God, but if I start bringing that up in spiritual discussions, people might think I'm just some religious fanatic. It’s truly fascinating how that works when discussing spirituality, even with something like Buddhism.
placidharbor7 once mentioned something about Kosmologos, which I'm quite eager to compare with my own insights.

Maybe Osho and the others only achieved a partial kind of enlightenment. How can I explain? You simply feel it, you know it, you recognize it...

casualtiger2 said:So, that’s exactly what I’m asking you. What did that Equilibrium actually look like?
What was it like, when things were getting "bloody and messy"?
PS
And how can you be so sure that Krishnamurti and Osho were just "thieves who treated Awakening like a Spanish village"?
Does that mean you’ve somehow cornered the absolute truth on this whole subject?
Or are you suggesting the "white man's path" is the only legitimate way to go—and that all those "Vedantic vampires and sorcerers" are just manipulators by default?

When I say "blood," I'm talking about pure intensity. A true Seeker would rather exhaust themselves completely than settle for anything less than total immersion.

casualtiger2 said:So, that’s exactly what I’m asking you. What did that Equilibrium actually look like?
What was it like, when things were getting "bloody and messy"?
PS
And how can you be so sure that Krishnamurti and Osho were just "thieves who treated Awakening like a Spanish village"?
Does that mean you’ve somehow cornered the absolute truth on this whole subject?
Or are you suggesting the "white man's path" is the only legitimate way to go—and that all those "Vedantic vampires and sorcerers" are just manipulators by default?

Look, a truly awakened being can easily see that neither Krishnamurti nor Osho have any clue about the depth of his own personal experience. It took placidharbor7 about ten years just to deconstruct those notorious Indian scams—centuries of indoctrination were his biggest hurdle! Honestly, in all of America, no living soul has ever stepped forward claiming to be enlightened in that specific "Far Eastern" way while actually having significant public support and genuine understanding behind them.

casualtiger2 said:So, that’s exactly what I’m asking you. What did that Equilibrium actually look like?
What was it like, when things were getting "bloody and messy"?
PS
And how can you be so sure that Krishnamurti and Osho were just "thieves who treated Awakening like a Spanish village"?
Does that mean you’ve somehow cornered the absolute truth on this whole subject?
Or are you suggesting the "white man's path" is the only legitimate way to go—and that all those "Vedantic vampires and sorcerers" are just manipulators by default?

Possessing the ultimate Truth naturally includes the answer to this very question, doesn't it?

casualtiger2 said:So, that’s exactly what I’m asking you. What did that Equilibrium actually look like?
What was it like, when things were getting "bloody and messy"?
PS
And how can you be so sure that Krishnamurti and Osho were just "thieves who treated Awakening like a Spanish village"?
Does that mean you’ve somehow cornered the absolute truth on this whole subject?
Or are you suggesting the "white man's path" is the only legitimate way to go—and that all those "Vedantic vampires and sorcerers" are just manipulators by default?

There is no such thing as a "white man's path." However, there is a universal mind that is distributed equally across the entire planet. From within that potential, one should be able to easily bypass the "vampires and witches" peddling every flawed "spiritual" offer under the sun. The first step is dismantling the fame surrounding those Indian enlightenment "clichés." The West is going to overtake the East in self-realization, just as it has already overtaken it in martial arts.

Richard Walker79 said:I’ve had a very similar experience, and for a few years now, everything has finally been settling into place. Perhaps I’m navigating similar waters as placidharbor7?
Actually, I was once the one doing all the searching, but then I just gave up—and that's exactly when everything started flowing to me. Right now, though, I'm struggling to fully embrace certain realizations because of old mental programming. One thing I’ve definitely sensed is the presence of God, but if I start bringing that up in spiritual discussions, people might think I'm just some religious fanatic. It’s truly fascinating how that works when discussing spirituality, even with something like Buddhism.
placidharbor7 once mentioned something about Kosmologos, which I'm quite eager to compare with my own insights.

Maybe Osho and the others only achieved a partial kind of enlightenment. How can I explain? You simply feel it, you know it, you recognize it...

Lao Tzu referred to it as the TAO.
placidharbor7 calls it KOSMOLOGOS.
Honestly? It's nothing special—just one more fancy label for the INEFFABLE.

placidharbor7 said:When I say "blood," I'm talking about pure intensity. A true Seeker would rather exhaust themselves completely than settle for anything less than total immersion.

Look, a truly awakened being can easily see that neither Krishnamurti nor Osho have any clue about the depth of his own personal experience. It took placidharbor7 about ten years just to deconstruct those notorious Indian scams—centuries of indoctrination were his biggest hurdle! Honestly, in all of America, no living soul has ever stepped forward claiming to be enlightened in that specific "Far Eastern" way while actually having significant public support and genuine understanding behind them.

Possessing the ultimate Truth naturally includes the answer to this very question, doesn't it?

There is no such thing as a "white man's path." However, there is a universal mind that is distributed equally across the entire planet. From within that potential, one should be able to easily bypass the "vampires and witches" peddling every flawed "spiritual" offer under the sun. The first step is dismantling the fame surrounding those Indian enlightenment "clichés." The West is going to overtake the East in self-realization, just as it has already overtaken it in martial arts.

As for martial arts involving competition—let's be real—most of that is just physical brawling.😉

Basically, most martial arts originate from the East (well, most of them anyway).
But the real question is: can we even call those ancient eras "the East"? Back in the Pre-Vedic Age, there was no "East" or "West" like we define it today...

There was this one American author—actually, several books by him—that nobody talks about. You won't find much mention of him in spiritual circles, and hardly anyone has heard his name, yet his work could make every Eastern mystic and Western Scientist look foolish at the same time.

He never bothered organizing schools or anything like that. Instead, back in 1927, he mailed out about a hundred copies of his book to the most prominent minds of the era—actual scientists—via mail. Not a single person ever wrote back or even acknowledged they'd read it.
His name was Walter Russell, and he called it the "universal mind."

So, what does your spiritual practice actually look like, steeleagle13?

So, if you throw together some energy exercises, a bit of asana, some pranayama, maybe a few mudras, and a couple of those more advanced breathing techniques... you might just get there. I mean, it doesn't happen every single time, but when it does, you hit that deep meditation state!

Last night, there were 12 of us chanting mantras again.
Even though most people were wiped out from work—not exactly high energy—after about 15 minutes, this sense of pure joy and freshness just started washing over us.
That’s our routine: once a week, singing in honor of the divine. Honestly, even the atheists walk away feeling satisfied when you really open up your heart and throat.

So yeah, singing once a week—it's a simple, accessible, and honestly beautiful spiritual practice.🙂

There is a certain healing quality to singing. However, people tend to obsess over the lyrics rather than simply singing and enjoying the moment. It is the rhythm and the breath that actually heal, release tension, and lift the spirit. Words often just act as a distraction from being present by conjuring up images and triggering old memories.