Q&A

 

 

How difficult is meditation to learn?

 

The technique is quite simple and has been designed so that even young children can learn and practice the meditation. It can be learned in a short period of time from a person who is trained to teach meditation (an acharya) and to transfer the energy of the mantra.

How much time does meditation take?

 

 Meditation only takes 20 minutes twice a day. Generally when one starts meditation the need for sleep decreases. This is because the waking mind can go into a deep state of relaxation when meditating. This state is much more restful for the mind then the sleep state. Additionally one can go through a day with a reduced level of stress and fatigue. Often one can gain one to two hours of alert awake time from the regular practice of meditation.

Do I have to sit cross legged on the floor?

 

Sitting in a cross legged position is beneficial for meditation but it is not necessary. The most important points regarding position is that the spine is straight and the feet are not flat on the floor. Many people are quite comfortable sitting in a chair with good back support. There are yoga positions (asanas) that can be easily learned and practiced that will assist in preparing the legs and knees for sitting on the floor comfortably.

What if I forget my mantra or some of the technique?

 

Call the person who taught you the meditation. He or she can assist you by phone or meet with you again in person.

 

Why are private lessons taught for free?

 

The meditation we teach simply assists you to unlock the potential that lies within you. You already have the treasure inside, it is not appropriate for us to charge for handing you the key. Things of such a deep spiritual value can have no dollar value attached. We do charge for programs, retreats, publications and other services, but donations are never requested in conjunction with initiation or lessons. They are all freely given.

We do appreciate donations to Ananda Seva Mission to support our work. Ananda Seva is a tax-exempt 501c.3 organization and we depend almost entirely on donations to support and expand our programs.

What do I need to do to prepare for individual meditation instruction?

 

Come freshly bathed and in light comfortable clothing. Allow two hours for the instruction and the discussion before and after. Also give yourself some free time afterward to allow yourself to integrate the experience. Before instruction you will be asked to read an explanation of the code of ethics, and the process will be fully explained.

What is the best way to help me maintain the meditation on a regular basis?

 

The mind is like a musical instrument, the more you practice the more proficient you will become and the more pleasure you will derive from the practice. New meditators find the greatest benefit in meditating with others who do the same type of meditation. Your teacher will lead a group meditation once weekly for this purpose and there is no charge for attendance. The energy of the group will greatly assist you in maintaining the practice on a daily basis. You will learn more philosophy and practices each week, and you will have the opportunity to talk with others who are facing the same challenges and enjoying the same benefits.

 

What Is Ananda Seva Mission?

 

Mission Statement 2012

 

Ananda Seva is an International Network of communities and individuals dedicated to meditation, yoga, spiritual community and new paradigms for sustainability.   Ananda Seva works globally to bring about a more just, humane, and caring human society and for the welfare of the Earth and all living creatures and plants which share this precious resource.

 

Ananda Seva offers a systematic process of spiritual instruction rooted in the ancient teachings of Tantra and Astaunga Yoga, incorporating karma (service), bhakti devotion) and jina'na (knowledge) yogas, providing for the balancing of body and mind and the unfolding of the direct experience of the Divinity within. Services include:

• Individual and group instruction in meditation and yoga practices by highly trained Ac'arya's (Yogic ministers), Free of charge.
• Ongoing personal spiritual consultation and guidance. Free of charge.
• Local, regional and international retreats.
• Training seminars to enrich the experience of the spiritual journey.

 

Who Founded Ananda Seva?

 

Prabhat Ranjain Sarkar, who lived from 1921 to 1990, created a spiritual path known as Ananda Marga or Path of Bliss in 1955. To his students he was known by his spiritual name of Shrii Shrii Anandamurtii. (Anandamurtii means embodiment of Bliss) He was also called Ba’ba’ by many. Until 1955 Sarkar balanced his life as a spiritual teacher, husband and father. After 1955 the Ananda Marga organization was formed and he then devoted all of his time to being a spiritual teacher. In 1996 Ananda Seva was formed to provide an ongoing channel for His continuing guidance.