No other fix

Kadappan shares a very inspiring poem:

Sipping the divine
I lost the respect for the wine

For the hunch it gives lasts all time
And makes me more aware at the same time

Available wide open at no cost
But still it's very difficult to get lost

Constrictions have I made in the form of my mind
Poses restrictions to imbibe the kind

Surfing its ocean for quiet a long spell
I am yet to dive in, to find the pearl

Oh how stolid am I
To still stall on this narrow board of I

Hence without his cocktail mix
I definitely don't have any other fix!

Taken from here: http://thatwhichrules.blogspot.com/2010/12/divine-vs-wine.html

She longs for dissolution

Lavanya shares a poem about Kailash:

A journey to the source of reality
Can it become my destiny?

Not so sturdy I’m, physically
Looking for you, helplessly!

A longing journey of sanctity
Can it become my destiny?

Bemused in thoughts, relentlessly
Looking for you, helplessly!

A Journey to the mountain of Eternity
Can it become my destiny?

Not so strong I’m, emotionally
Looking for you, helplessly!

A yearning journey of spirituality
Can it become my destiny?

I pray to dissolve in you, resolutely
Accept this ignorant, benevolently!

She was high in bliss

Flo Li shares her experience of Inner Engineering & Bhava Spandana:
"As if I could watch my own drama from the audience, I was able to gain much perspective and regain my calmness quickly. No doubt I still experience ups and downs but the dramas in life no longer controlled my life. I felt lighter and lighter day after day…"

Click to read the full post: http://floliblog.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/got-yoga/

Shiva

Lavanya, from Minnesota shares a poem:

I Flag myself, as devotee of you
I have know clue, as who is you!

I ignore all, as they aren’t you
I have know clue, as who is you!

I Worship an idol, as that’s all you
I have know clue, as who is you!

I fast and chant, to please you
I have know clue, as who is you!

I grin as I think, I possess you
I have know clue, as who is you!

Something within, still looking for you
Open my third eye, so I see you!

Something within, still longing for you
Tear of my ignorance, so I hear you!

Something within, still lasting for you
Fade away my fakeness, so I feel you!

Something within, still living for you
Destroy my ego, so I dwell within you!

Sixth Sense

A poem shared my an Isha meditator from Charlotte, NC:

Breathtaking visuals, withheld these eyes two,
Scintillating music, danced in these ears two,
Fragrances and Flavors, were enjoyed too.

And textures a million, sensed these two hands,
Thus ran a life with day to day demands.

Still an existence unaware, that it felt tragic,
Till you came and unleashed the magic,
So wonderful, that it defied all logic.

Now you've kindled an unquenchable thirst,
And set me off on a mad quest,
To find the peak of this Everest.
Thanks for ensuring that this being cannot rest,
Until it knows it’s very best.

Bonfire of the Vanities

Poem on Sadhguru by an Isha Meditator from Charlotte, NC:

Awakened from my slumber
I peek in the yonder,
Who is this? Man or Myth, I wonder.
He coaxes me near,
To erase my fear,
A comfortable warmth, is this the womb or bonfire?
Do I care or has this always been my desire?

Hole in One

A poem shared by an Isha meditator:

A mundane game of golf,
In this game, a hole in one,
A rare one,
If a player can score,
The crowd will soar.


O Golf player, in this game of golf,
Can this ball disappear in the One?
A hole in one,
When you score,
This ball will soar,
Let there be no more.
Shambho

What to give you in return?

Karen expresses her thoughts in a wonderful poem:

NEW DISCOVERIES

Did you happen to know
I'm not so pure as the driven snow.

Driven yes, but not by choice
Compulsions are the way I hoist.

Squandering gifts too precious for words
Falling from Grace, back with the masses and herds.

So why you keep playin’ that tune so sweet?

The one that makes me shiver and shake
Out from my hole like a hungry snake.

And how many times will you take my hand
So tenderly guide me through this land?

Will you forgive my ignorance and blunders yet again?
For now I see it is only You I will be in the end.

Silly questions to a Being so beyond and akin
But I must know for this new found devotion blazes within.

What to give you in return?
Only me, but first I must burn.

You can visit her blog here. http://iyogacafe.blogspot.com/

His journey inward

Raj Arora shares his experience of completing the Inner Engineering Program:
"As I said before it's a journey inward..I got the tools...now on my path to Joyfulness, though miles to go."

To read the complete post, please go to: http://raj-arora.blogspot.com/2010/08/inner-engineering-journey-inward.html

Fortunate that Isha happened

Nanyar shares his most fruitful one year with Isha.

"Its not that I got enlightened, but I was initiated into a different dimension altogether. A dimension I failed to touch with all my scholarly reading, and half-baked meditation."

Read the complete post here:
http://mind-101.blogspot.com/2011/04/one-year-with-isha-yoga-experiences-and.html

Blessed to have experienced BSP

Chris shares his BSP experience with a poem.

"I come to sleep in your lap
Not for a minute do I think this will be an easy sleep of unconscious slumber
Full dissolving calls for potent alchemy

With thunder clapping and rain falling I am visited by the cosmic cobra many times.
She unfolds from my sacrum and pulses her way to my crown.
The powerful hiss surrounds me as my own hood unfolds and my spine reaches for the sky

Even in the midst of my dreams clarity strikes as the snake tightly coils my head and third eye, only to give way to having to probe her majestic mouth with my fear laden fingers
It is this final step and the culmination of the totality which offers me a peek into the bliss of our existence."

She felt worthwhile, valuable and loved

Ellen shares her experience of attending Shambhavi program with Sadhguru in Atlanta, USA.
"I am left with so many impressions........the smiling faces of volunteers, my first glimpse of Sadghuru; the delcious food prepared and served; the relay race at the park, hearing my own laughter and enjoying the comaraderie of my team; the challenge of keeping the volley ball up in the air; the playfulness of Sahdguru as he volleyed the ball in the air to help us earn points, so we could have our breakfast.

How this man draws people together is an absolute wonder and miracle to behold. In his own quiet way, he teaches us that we are all magnificent and if we choose to live a lifeless existence, then that is what we will have. It's impossible to describe how much love I felt in Sadhguru's presence; I wept as he walked by me at the close of the program. At the same time, how in awe I was of his steady manner, his inimitable patience and his ability to speak for hours on end in the same loving, clear way, and his uncanny gift of telling a story and making us laugh; how he caught us off guard (while some of us were getting drowsy) and distracted us -- in order to help us and to help each other!!!

At midday on Sunday -- my limbs aching and my brain feeling numb -- thinking I could not absorb one more word or move my body in any way - I decided I should leave, that I just wasn't up to this challenge. At the same time, I realized that this man would never have let me just walk out of there. He would have asked me where I was going, and then I would have crumbled. So, even without me leaving and him stopping me, I experienced what the outcome would be. I remained because I knew that Sadhguru would challenge me, and I knew that I would be no match for the love that he is. I'm so glad I stayed. I also realized what a pattern this has been for me; just before breaking through, I quit or let myself down -- not this time. I attribute this to the empowerment and love that Sadhguru imbued us with - it's inescapable. Believe me, if someone could and would escape an uncomfortable situation, it would be me. The only difference on Sunday was that someone in the room made me feel worthwhile and valuable and loved. Sadhguru's is to make the world a better place, person by person; then his love is truly limitless, and I've never run into that in a person before this.

Now a day later, back home in NJ this morning, all this is clear to me and if only one day later, after initiation, I have already realized what I now know, how much more incredible will the future be as I continue the practice. I cannot even fathom what the future holds, but I will tell you this - I am more excited right now than I have ever been about my life. I owe this to Sadhguru. Many thanks to all of you who volunteer your time and have devoted your life to his mission, which has become your mission. I bow to you and am honored to have been welcomed into the fold.

Her tears say it all

Lavanya shares a poem after her Bhava Spandana Program with Sadhguru at III:

Sadhguru...

I came to you too full of me
With all the garbage I carried along with me

You threw away the garbage out of me
Also brought all the love, I had within me

I screamed and danced to get the hell out of me
Thought that was all about me

I had boundaries between others and me
Thinking that is safe for me

You broke the safety lock of me
And showed who is the "REAL" me

I feel so light and full of energy within me
If not you, who else could it be

A Thank you couldnt not just express what I want to say
I surrender myself at your feet and My tears would say.

It is "On"

Shibani shares the experience of having Sadhguru Sannidhi at her home.

"Birthing of a New Me is happening on a daily basis or rather every minute! It is almost incredible to watch this happen with oneself and my immediate family!"

Read the full post here:http://manchandashibani.blogspot.com/2010/06/10-days-into-sannidhi-initiation.html

Letter to a friend

A Poem from Isha Meditator, Charlotte, NC:


What is it that makes this heart beat?
What is it that makes the Sun heat?

What is it that makes the planets go around?
What is it that keeps you and me on the ground?

What is it that gave birth to the sea?
What is it that lets you and I see?

What is it that gave flight to the birds?
What is it that speaks these words?

What that is and is not, is far-out,
Damned if you and I weren’t inspired to find out.

Enormous gratitude

Anupama shares her experience of being in the satsang with Sadhguru in Bangalore.

" I was unable to speak for a long time and if I close my eyes, I feel a certain state that can only be described as... ecstasy."

Read her full post here: http://thechroniclesofa.blogspot.com/2010/12/sathsang.html

A milestone

Meera shares about her life one year after Inner Engineering:
"Now, I don't have a reason to get angry on anything. I don't have anger in me to share it with those around me."

Read the full post here: http://mjaishankar.blogspot.com/2010/09/milestone.html

The gift of grace

Anu shares her experience witnessing the initiation of Sadhguru Sannidhi:
"Within a span of a couple of hours the place was transformed to being remarkably profound, and the energy and warmth of the place was reasonably apparent."

Read the full article here: http://anugoyal.blogspot.com/2010/12/sannadhi-gift-of-grace.html

The Snake Charmer

An Isha meditator from Charlotte, NC shares a poem on Sadhguru:

Once, a Snake Charmer came to town,
To trample many a snakes' crown.
Some ran for cover,
Others stood in awe of this power.
Mean ones, docile ones,
Slimy ones, slippery ones,
He charmed them one and all.

They danced joyfully,
Some even bit him foolishly.
He brushed it all aside,
Never missing a beat in his breezy stride,
He charmed them one and all.

O dear snake, surrender or be caught,
With this charmer… your chances are but naught.

Inner Engineering has catapulted her into another journey

Becky shares her 2nd anniversary with Isha & Inner Engineering:
" I can also say with certainty that had it not been for this initiation, I would not have made it this long in India!"

Read the full article here: http://beckyblab.com/4-years-in-india-2-years-of-shambhavi-1-wandering-woman/1295/

He stumbled on the real thing

Here's John's touching review of "Midnights with the Mystic":

It's hard to believe that something as commonplace as a book could really change one's life. Sure I've read many great books in my life from philosophy to art, from self-help to countless biographies. All of them are undeniably interesting, meaningful and insightful, but I must say they never really stick with me. Of course the reading is always enjoyable sometimes even stimulating but once it finished it's on to the next and two weeks later I could barely remember the title.

Midnights with the Mystic was totally different for me. There was an unusual sense of calm clarity that was speaking directly to me. Questions that have lingered in the back of my mind since I was a child were addressed with a such clarity that complex and overwhelming subjects like grief, death, my own divinity became profoundly simple and understandable.

It was as if for the first time I had encountered a sense of pure, unfiltered, and untainted truth that had always been there but I just wasn't aware of it. Being a die-hard skeptic, I looked at the ideas presented from every differing angle I could imagine and everything kept coming back affirmative. Maybe this really is the Truth, I thought.

Could it be that after all these years of education and personal seeking and growth, that I've now stumbled upon the real thing - truth with a capital "T", and it doesn't elude me? Could it be that it's not so far out that it's beyond me and my comprehension? Can I "get" the Truth?

I can joyfully answer "YES!" and the heaviness and scariness of uncertainty has been lifted and my life is profoundly illuminated and forever changed.
--John Donabedian

Shambhavi

Parul, an IE participant from Delhi shares his experience of Inner Engineering.

She's called that cos' she's feminine. I liked the way its sound melted in my mouth, so well, that it fills me up even just to say it.

Shambhavi, its a way of meditation. It is offered and recieved, in a particular way, in the presence of a guru. It can't, be taught and learnt like the usual kriyas, asanas and other forms of yoga or meditation.

That's what is said, and I believe it, at the time it is offered to me, while it is also offered to 1000 odd others present with me in the stadium on 19th of Dec 2010.

Believe it or not, it has you the first time you do it. People say they experience ecstasy. It fills you up with an energy, of a kind, inexplicable by ways of communicating that you already know. That's why, its called ecstasy I guess.

My first time, it sent chills down my spine, and every bit of me froze as if I was inside a freezing water body. As if I wouldn't breathe again, or breathing itself was effort. And without any emotion and lots of pain, I cried.

I cried as I havent cried before. As I don't wish to cry again. If I had let go of myself, that last one percent, I might have shocked those sitting next to me. And then when it was done, when everyone relaxed, stood up and danced, I was still crouching to myself, frozen, empty and exhausted. Tears wouldn't stop. Shivers won't give away.

Later, a teacher explained: Shambhavi is feminine in nature. Feminine, cos it yields easily. You don't need years of practice before she yields for you. She is tender that way. And I loved the way he explained it. Shambhavi, it made sense. It made sense suddenly.

That day, they made us do it again (twice ie.) ; tears yet again, shivers yet again and a long blank, followed by a yearning to be held, consoled, drift away in slumber. Never experienced a blank like that before, like I didn't know where I am, what I am here for, not even an emotion, just cold and the pain.

-Parul Tongaria (Corp HR) BHEL

Auto drivers inspired her

Fida Rose shares about her volunteering experience:

"Its really a blessing to find wonderful people in Isha. I bow down to this wonderful people who have inspired me to break my limitations."

Read the full post here: http://life-after-joining-ishayoga.blogspot.com/2011/03/people-who-inspired-me-to-break-my.html

He bows down

Selva shares his Inner Engineering experience:
"I began to talk to my father, with whom I had a fight and vowed never to talk to him unless it was absolutely necessary."


Read the full article here: http://ishabangalore.blogspot.com/2010/12/isha-journey-to-inner-world-begins-here.html

Runners here!!

A few runners from the Mumbai Marathon share why they do it. They raised Rs.60 lakhs for Isha Vidhya in 2010.


“I am running for Isha Vidhya because by educating a child I am creating an individual who becomes completely self-reliant and is an asset to the nation. Also Isha Foundation has enviable track record for success, impeccable credentials and very efficient utilization of the funds donated”
~ Jamshed Jehangir, Isha Mumbai volunteer, 70 years old, running for Isha Vidhya for last 3 years

“Schools run by Isha Education, in a very short span, have been applauded as a role model school and even the better run schools would be inspired to adapt Isha Vidhya Practices when they see the way the kids from Isha Vidhya, from rural area blossom so wonderfully. Am requesting my friends, acquaintances & corporates for their support, to the Isha Vidhya Project so wonderfully executed.”
~ Rahul Patil, running 21 kms

“I have always been deeply moved by the expectant eyes of grubby little children with good potential but no opportunities. Isha Vidhya is doing a great job of providing high quality education to these rural children at an affordable cost. I am running half marathon to raise as much funds as I can for Isha Vidhya. I am approaching all my friends, colleagues and relatives and urging them to reach out so that every child that is supported through this initiative gets a chance to reach his/her full potential……… I think this is the least that i can do in my small way :)”
~ Kalpana Maniar, running 21 kms for last 3 years


“What I am today, is because of the education that my parents could provide me. There are millions of children in Rural India who are not as fortunate as me. Isha Education has taken up this task of setting up schools in rural Tamilnadu and is committed to providing quality education that is affordable and accessible to these children in their own villages. Having been to one such School near Coimbatore and having seen for myself the joy and happiness bubbling in those rural children. I am supporting this cause. I am sure with its rural schools, Isha will change the face of Rural India. “
~ Meyyammai Ganesh, running 6kms

Off from Baking...On to Samyama

Sumitra shares her experience of Isha.

For the full post, http://www.practicebaking.com/2011/02/adieu-but-not-for-long.html

Totally a new dimension

Anshuman shares his experience with a living mystic:
"It happened yesterday. I was there and yet I was not, I was with him and yet he was not."

Read his post here: http://anshumaniacal.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-encounter-with-living-mystic.html

She is not herself anymore

Ramya shares her post-Anaadhi experience:
"This insignificant person that I am, I have no way to express my gratitude, because nothing is close enough to how I feel."

Read the full article here: http://erramya.blogspot.com/2010/10/3-months-after-anaadhi.html

She went there with no expectations!

Sumitra shares about her life in the ashram:
"I either want to work till I drop, or sit and stare at the hills forever. I am not myself. I am not anything I have known."

Read the full entry here: "http://brainless-wonder.blogspot.com/2010/10/life-at-ashram.html"

What the heaven happened to him?

A very inspiring & touching post from Kadappan, a Ph.D student from PennState:

"It’s not just the external outlook that has changed, but most importantly, the very
core, the engine technology itself has been transformed."

Read the full post here: http://thatwhichrules.blogspot.com/2011/01/wat-de-heaven-happnd-in-me.html

Over a 1000 people did IE with Sadhguru

Some of the sharings from the December Delhi IE program(conducted by Sadhguru) participants(HPCL employees):

Before doing Inner Engineering Programme, I was restless when faced with multiple tasks on hand. Now, I am more calm and able to focus on one task at a time.
-­­Ms. Priya Panjawani |Manager­CSC, LPG, HPCL, Delhi

I was having severe lower back pain before doing Inner Engineering programme in mid December, 2010. The programme was so powerful that even during the programme I had a breakthrough in my lower back pain! I could sit throughout the programme on all
four days without any pain and carry out the various processes some of which required sitting on the floor for two to three hours.
I am practicing the Shambhavi Kriya gifted in the programme, continuously morning and evening without a break. I am experiencing little or no back pain now, more balance and composure in my outlook.
­M P Eshwar |DGM­GGSRL, Project (Evacuation), HPCL, Delhi

I find a distinct change in my outlook to the people, situations and feel immense inward peace.
-­Mr. T K Jha |Manager, GGSRPEP,HPCL, Delhi

Earlier I used to worry more and used to be concerned about what others say about me. After doing Inner Engineering programme I am more focused on what I am and feel more happy and refreshed than earlier.
-­Ms Shweta Singh |Project Engineer, GGSRPEP,HPCL, Delhi

It has been very nice and the correction programme conducted after 15 days of Inner Engineering Programme has benefited me in correcting my mistakes. It has boosted my self confidence and I find myself more relaxed now.
-­Mr. Rajesh Dua |Manager, E&P,HPCL, Delhi

The Programme is wonderful and I am mentally very happy. I am practicing the Shambhavi Kriya regularly & expect the results will be beneficial to me.
­Mr. Surjit Gorain |Officer, E& P, HPCL, Delhi

I feel more at peace, more patient & a feeling of happiness.
­Mrs. Anju Mishra |Manager,LPG, Delhi

I have been doing regular Practice of Shambhavi Yoga Mudra twice a day. On 3 days due to deep Involvement on professional front & being out of station, could not do so. On these 3 days I was finding myself Energy less. Suddenly I find my Energy Level is shooting up day by day post Inner Engineering.
­Mr. M.K.Chandna |Chief Manager­SHE (POL), HPCL, Delhi

I find a Positive change in my behaviour & interaction with various strata of life.
­Mr. K.K. Goel |Manager HR, HPCL,Delhi

Cannot conceive my life without Her

Radha shares her experience of volunteering at the Linga Bhairavi consecration:

"The moment of the birth of the Devi is a sight that I cannot forget until the end of my life. It was so overwhelming and humbling to see the birth of a feminine form whose intensity and power is way beyond our imagination."

Read the full article here: http://radhakvsrainbow.blogspot.com/2010/09/devi.html

Tearing the me in me

An Isha volunteer shares a poem at the start of the New Year:

Successfully wasting yet another year
My mind projects bright the following year

This moment the only doorway to existence
Have I shut listening to my mind's pretense

As my mind becomes more and more cozy
I am just getting terribly lazy

Better I realize that all these year-endings are just to account cost
But never ever a means for me to get lost

As you head towards your ultimate dissolution
I am yet no where near my resolution

Until you make me fully intense
I would just be wasting this life doing non-sense

Without you tearing the me in me apart
How am I to become your own part?

Taken from here: http://ashegaveit.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year.html