Curriculum Materials for 21 Stages Trainers
Transcript of Curriculum Materials for 21 Stages Trainers
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CurriculumMaterialsfor21StagesTrainers
Thismaterial includesinstructionsforpartsofthecurriculumflowthatarenot inthestudentmanual.Thestudentmanualcoversall thestagesandthethree journeys indetail. Ithasan introductiontoallthe stageswhich isused forall the courses. It also includesa fewsectionswhichareessential to thestagesprocessofmeditation.
InthisdocumentIhaveincludedtheoverviewsofthedaybydaycourseflowandothercommentaryforthetrainers.Ihaveseparatedthematerialsthestudentsneedforreferenceandleftthecourseguidancethroughbreaks,discussionsandvarious interactions to the trainer toguideasneeded.ThesearenotpreformattedaswedidforthecoursemanualsinTransformation.
Togetasenseoftheflowandintensity levelforthesedeepmeditationexperiences Ihaveputaflowchart foreachof the three journeys through the21stagesdaybyday.Although thesequenceof theexperiencesispartofthecoursethetimingsthatarelistedfortheentiredayarejustforillustration.Thelengthofthemeditationsisfixed.Thetimingsforthestart,ends,breaks,discussionlengthsandothersare up to the trainer to provide the best experience. See the letter from theDirector of Training forsomesuggestions.
In addition to the overview provided in the flows of the days, I have added pieces that fill out thesections in the flow that are interactive exercise topics, recommended kriyas, home study for eachjourney,andothercommentstoassistindeliveringthesecourses.
Contents
CurriculumFlows
CrystallizetheSelf
ExpresstheSelf
TranscendtheSelf
Contentsofthe21StagesManual
CurriculumTransitionPieces
KeyFocusDiscussions
InteractiveProcessesUsedinEachJourney
Kriyas
HomePractices
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CurriculumMaterialsfor21StagesTrainers
CurriculumFlows
Thefollowingsnapshotsofthecourseflowsshowtheprocessandsequenceofthecourseactivitiestocreatethedepthofexperienceofthestagesoftheself inmeditationthatwewantstudentstoreach.Eachjourneyofsevenstagesis itsowncompleteprocess. Ideallyastudentwilltakeeachofthethreecourses periodically.Onemay be takenmore frequently than others depending onwhat the studentwantstoemphasizeintheirdevelopment.Goingthroughthejourneysinorderofthestagesthemselvesis idealsincethere isaprocessofgradual refinementthatoccurs fromstagetostage.Thecurriculumdesign preserves the integrity and spirit of what our teacher intended in sharing the experience ofstagesanddeepmeditationforeveryone.
KRI has yet to conclude the bestway for this to integrate into the processes of theATA structure intermsofrequirementsforthoseparticipantsseekingfulllevelthreecertificationbytheschool.
The important things to note are the sequence and timing of the meditations, the division of theprocesses into four stages on one day and three on the next in each journey, the skill enhancementexercisesandtheinteractiveexercises.
Thetimesattachedtothisflowaresuggestions.Thatwillvaryaccordingtoyoursituationandjudgment.Thetimesofthemeditationsthemselvesarepartofthemeditationsasgiven.Forexample,tooptimizegroup participation, orientation and the different backgrounds of the students who come for thepractice,whetherintheATAornot,trainersmayaddanafternoonornightbeforedoingtheprocessofa journey.This timemightbeusedtocreateagroupconnection, reviewallmeditations,mantrasandunderstandtheexpectationsandthebasicapproach.Witheveryoneorientedto thematerialandthesamegoalthecoursecanhavegreaterimpactandsuccess.
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CurriculumMaterialsfor21StagesTrainers
JourneytoExperienceandCrystallizetheSelf-DayOne
JourneytoExperienceandCrystallizetheSelf
DayOne
Welcome;Introductiontothetrainersandsupportingstaff.Overviewofthedayandtheprocess.meetandgreet
8:30-9:15am
KeyFocusforthisJourney.Thechallengeandtheskillstodevelop.Howtoengagethesepractices,paceyourselfandprogress.
9:15-9:45am
TheKundaliniMantraMeditation:theAdiShaktiMantraastheDNAofKundalinitoinitiateenergyforallthestages
9:45-10:30am
Chant371/2minutes
Break 10:30-10:45am
InteractiveProcess:toLocatethesensationoftheself;howwecansortdistraction,rumination,commotionandhijacksandidentifyoursenseofself.HowUpset,Boredom,IrritationandFrustrationhappeninourlivesandhowwedealwiththeminmeditation.
10:45-11:15am
Stage1Meditation-Upset11:15-11:50am
31min
Lunch noon-1:15pm
Walking/BreathwalkMeditationandSocial 1:00-1:15pm
Stage2Meditation-Boredom1:15-2:30pm
62min
Break 2:30-2:45pm
Stage3Meditation-Irritation2:45-3:20pm
31min
Break+walking 3:20-3:40pm
Stage4Meditation-Frustration3:40-4:45pm
62min
Break 4:45-5:00pm
GuidedVisualizationExerciseandKriyatoamalgamatethebasecampmeditations
5:00-5:30pm
Closing:Debriefandconcludesession 5:30-6:00pm
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JourneyOnetoExperienceandCrystallizetheSelf-DayTwo
JourneytoExperienceandCrystallizetheSelf
DayTwo
Welcome,DayOverview;checkin 8:30-9:00am
KeyFocusoftheday:meditationtasksforfinalascentfrombasecamptothepeakofcrystallization.Primaryskillstouse.Blockstoovercome.
9:00-9:45am
ExerciseKriya9:45-10:15am
31min=HarAerobicSet11min+twistdance5min+freedance11min
Break 10:15-10:30am
Stage5Meditation-Focus10:30-11:10am
31min
Break 11:10-11:25am
Stage6Meditation-Absorption11:25am-12:30pm
62min
Lunch 12:30-1:45pm
InteractiveProcess:CrystallizeanImageoftheSelf;asseedoftheinfiniteinthefinite;asselfthatisconsciouswitnessandonewhouseswilltoselectanddirect
1:45-2:15pm
Stage7Meditation-CrystallizetheSelf
2:15-4:45pm 21/2hours
Part1 MeditationHumeeHumBrahmHum31min
Part2 MeditationHumeeHuminHeartLotus31min
Part3MeditationHumeeHuminTraatikDhianMudra31minutes
Part4 MeditationHumeeHuminPartnersmudra31min
Part5
MeditationHumeeHumHandsCrossedHeart31min
Afterthisdeepmeditationdoadeeprelaxationfor31min.Itisrequired.
DeeprelaxandhealwiththeGong4:45-5:15pm
31min
Groupdanceorbreakandwalking 5:15-5:30pm
ClosingandPersonalPractice;forindividualcontinuoushoningtheskill
5:30-6:00pm
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JourneyTwotoExpressandDistilltheSelf-DayOne
JourneytoExpressandDistilltheSelf
DayOne
Welcome;IntroTeachers;overview;meetandgreet
8:30-9:15am
KeyFocusandHowtomasterthisjourney.Keychallenges.MeditativeSkillsweneedanddevelopandhowtoprogresseffectively.
9:15-9:45am
TheKundaliniMantraMeditation:theAdiShaktiMantraasDNAofKundalinitoinitiateenergyforallstages
9:45-10:30am
371/2minutes
Break 1030-1045
InteractiveProcess:Howdowesidetrack;howdowedistillselfthroughthewelterofdistractions;whatisitliketobesteadyandcertainintheself;whendoeshappinesscomefrombeingnotfromcomparison;howtobecontentcontainedandthereforemoreprojectiveandexpressivenotjustreflectiveorreactive.Thefourstageswefacetoday
10:45-11:15am
31minprocess
Stage8Meditation-Rasa 11:15am-Noon
Lunch Noon-1:00pm
SkillEnhancement:WitnessYourConsciousnessfromwithinYourSelf1:00-1:15pm
11min
Stage9Meditation-Delight1:15-2:00pm
31min
Break 2:00-2:15pm
SkillEnhancement:PartnerandGroupKundaliniHealingandMentalBeaming
2:15-3:00pm
groupsof8:2couplesencircledby4otherpeopleso
2rounds15minapiece
InteractiveProcess:howdoestheabilitytostabilizeyoursenseofself,createaprojection,savorasensationandrelaxyourprojectionhelpyoudevelopcharacterandtheabilitytohealinyourlife?Whatisyourexperiencetodayinsavoringandthesenseofraptureinconsciousness?
3:00-3:30pm
Stage10Meditation-Politeness3:30-4:10pm
31min
break 4:10-4:25pm
StageElevenMeditation-Humility
4:25-5:50pm
11/2hours
bowingkriyasanddeeprelaxationsequence
harhum11min;break;hariharrockpose31min;deeprest/gong;akalsat11min
Closing:debriefoftheday;moveandshare
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JourneyTwotoExpressandDistilltheSelf-DayTwo
JourneytoExpressandDistiltheSelf
DayTwo
Welcome,OverviewoftheDay,Checkin 8:00-8:30am
FocusoftheDay:whataretheskillsofmeditationweneedandhowweattendtothemduringthisfinalascentofthisjourney.Howdoeselevationandneutralityletusactasacontrolledratherthananuncontrolledpolarity?Whataretheblocksanddiversionsatthisstageofthepath?
8:30-9:00am
IntroducetheKundaliniLayaMantra
9:00-9:30am
WarmUpexercisesfor15min
PracticeChantfor11minutes
Precisioninformandsoundaswewillpracticefor21/2hourslater
Break 9:30-9:40am
InteractiveProcess:Discusswhatholdsusbackfromacceptingourownelevationinconsciousnessandcharacter;whatisyourexperiencewhenyoubeamyourmindandsuspendintoanaad?Inthisprocesswedirectournaadandenergythroughthecentralchannelandtapthekundalini.Whatmakesthiseasyandeffectiveinyourexperience?Whatistheeffectofbeamingyourmindintotheinfinite?
9:40-10:05am
25min
Stage12Meditation-Elevation
10:05-10:40am
33+3=36
Adaneel
11minAdAneelmax
then11minharharatarclineforpit
11minmoreofadaneel
Break 10:40-10:50am
SkillEnhancement:PranayamClearingwithBreathofFire
10:50-11:25am
preparefornextmeditationtogoabovepolarityandhandleallpolaritygracefully
31min
Break 11:25-11:30am
Stage13Meditation-GracefulEnlightenment11:30am-Noon
31min
lunch Noon-1:30pm
InteractiveGroupProcess:Howdoesabsorptionintoyourelevatedselfhelpyouactpracticallyandintuitivelyineverythingyoudo?Howdoesthishelprelationships?Whatisneededduringthemeditationtosenseyourselfsensingyoursselfandstayingdeeplyintheflowofthenaad?Whatisitliketoimmerseoneselfintonaad?Mentallyprepareforthemeditation.
1:30-2:00pm
30min
Stage14Meditation-ExpressyourSelf
2:00-5:00pm
LayaYogakundaliniMantraMeditation
45mintotal
Naadpreparation15min
Chant31min
SankhMudraKriyawithNadiSodhanaLayaKriya
35min
LayatoBeamandCreate 31min
LayaSukhSadhanaMeditation 35min
LayaforSubtleBodyandSelf 31min
Deeprelaxationandgentlegong5:00-5:30pm
31minutes
ClosingProcesses:debriefing,sharing,homepracticesuggestions 5:30-600pm
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JourneyThreetoTranscendandSublimatetheSelf-DayOne
JourneytoTranscendandSublimatetheSelf
DayOne
Welcome;IntroTeachers;overview;meetandgreet 8:30-9:15am
KeyFocusandHowtomasterthisjourney.Challenges.Skillsinmeditationthatweneedforthisjourney.Howthechallengestoprogressareremovedinthefirstfourstages:Presence,Radiance,Stillness,andtheprojectionofthePreacher.Howdoourself-concepts,eventhehigherones,limitourmoveintothissublimerealmofmergerandtranscendence.Howtoprogressintheseparticularmeditations.
9:15-9:45am
TheKundaliniMantraMeditation:theAdiShaktiMantra;theDNAofKundalinithatinitiatestheenergyforallthestages.
9:45-10:30am
37.5minutes
Break 10:30-10:45am
InteractiveProcess:Whatdoesitmeantotranscendtheself?Howdoyouexperienceintuition?Howarenoselfandinfiniteselfthesame?WhatisyourdefenseagainstmergerandsurrendertoyourhigherselforGod?
10:45-11:15am
31minprocess
Stage15Meditation-PresencelikeaBeacon11:15am-12:30pm
75min
Lunch 12:30-2:00pm
Stage16Meditation-EverywhereRadiance2:00-3:45pm
Individual+partnerexercises
DeepRelaxationwithProjectiontoTeacherandOngNamoplayed15-31minutes
3:45-4:00pm
Stage17Meditation-PrayerfulStillness4:00-4:45pm
31min+11min
Break 4:45-5:00pm
Stage18Meditation-Preacher5:00-5:30pm
31min
ClosingProcess:Debrief,Sharing,Movementand/orSong 5:30-600pm
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JourneyThreetoTranscendandSublimatetheSelf-DayTwo
JourneytoTranscendandSublimatetheSelf
DayTwo
Welcome,OverviewoftheDayProcess;Check-in
8:30-9:15am
KeyFocusfortheFinalAscentofthisJourney.Lettingtheegogo.Beingclearonego,selfandtheinfinite.Attuningtotheformless.Gainingabodyofsoundthatisourcreativevoicetobeawareandtomanifest.Whatarethekeyskillsofnon-attachment,self-correctionandmergerandwhataretheblocks.
9:15-9:45am
TheKundaliniMantraMeditation:theAdiShaktiMantra;theDNAofKundalinithatinitiatestheenergyforallthestages.
9:45-10:30am
37.5minutes
Break 1030-1045am
InteractiveProcess:Whatisourexperienceofshuniaa.Howdoyoudistinguishthatfrompassivityanddetachment?Howisneutralmindnecessarytoleverageourinfiniteself?Howislovepartofthisrealityandemotionnot?Whenshuniaaisproperlyunderstood,howdoesitactasagatewaytothehigherselfandabarriertofantasyand"true-believer"extremism?
10:45-11:15am
31min
Stage19Meditation-Teacher11:15am-Noon
31min
Lunch Noon-1:00pm
Stage20Meditation-Sage1:00-1:45pm
31min
Break 1:45-2:00pm
Stage21Meditation-InfinitePulse2:00-4:30pm
21/2hoursSodarshanChakraKriya
DeepRelaxation4:30-5:00pm
31min
InteractiveProcess:howdowecreatemanifestationinourlifeusingintentionthroughplacingabija,apotentiatedseedofsoundormentalprojection,intoourinfiniteorunknownself?Whatisitliketorealizeweareco-creatorsthroughourinnocenceandintentionwiththeformlessOne?Whatisthekeydifferencebetweenthepracticalco-creationwithintentionandmagicalthinking?
5:00-5:30pm
ClosingProcess:Debrief,Sharing,Discussionoftheco-creativenatureofourtranscendentandimmanentself;beingfullyaliveandfullyhuman.Suggestedhomepractice.Suggestedhomepractice.
5:30-6:00pm
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TableofContentsfortheStudentManualforthe21StagesofMeditation
TableofContentsIntroduction..................................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Realization.....................................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
TheNatureofMeditation.............................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
UseofLayaMantraintheMeditations............................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
TheStagesofMeditation..............................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
JourneyOne:ToExperienceandCrystallizetheSelf.......................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
JourneyTwo:ToExpressandDistilltheSelf....................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
JourneyThree:ToTranscendandSublimatetheSelf......................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
JourneyOne-ExperienceandCrystalizetheSelf.........................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage1-Upset..............................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationtoConquerUpset...............................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage2-Boredom.........................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:SeeYourHorizon...............................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage3–Irritation.........................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:EyeglassTraatik.................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage4-Frustration......................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:Self-HypnosistoDissolveFrustration...........................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage5-Focus..............................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:ForFocusandanAlertMind.............................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage6-Absorption......................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:ForAbsorptionintheCrystalBeing...................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage7–ExperienceandCrystallizetheSelf................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:ToExperienceandCrystallizetheSelf..............................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Journey2-ExpressandDistilltheSelf.........................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage8–Rasa...............................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
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MeditationSeriesforRasa....................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage9-Delight............................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:ForDelight,DestinyandCreativeFlowinLife...................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage10-Politeness.....................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationforPoliteness......................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage11-Humility........................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:BowingBeforetheInfiniteforHumility............................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:SpeakingHumblybeforetheCreativeInfinity..................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:BowingforHumilitytoTransferPrana..............................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage12-Elevation.......................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationforElevation.......................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationforRasasandtheInnerEye................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationforElevation.......................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage13-GracefulEnlightenment...............................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationforGracefulEnlightenmentandStrengthofHeart............Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage14–ExpressandBeYourSelf..............................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
TheLayaYogaKundaliniMantra......................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:ToCleartheChannelsandRaiseKundalini.......................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationontheLayaYogaKundaliniMantra....................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:SankhMudraKriya...........................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
LayaMeditationtoBeamandCreate....................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:SukhSadhana....................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationtoExpressYourRealSelfandDeveloptheSubtleBody.....Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Journey3-TranscendandSublimatetheSelf..............................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage15-PresenceLikeaBeacon................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
TattvaSiddhiMeditationforPresenceLikeaBeacon...........................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage16-EverywhereRadiance...................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:RadianceEverywhere........................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage17-PrayerfulStillness.........................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
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Meditation:DeekshaPatra-forPrayerfulStillness..............................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
StageEighteen-Preacher.............................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:ChautayPadmaNirgunMantra........................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage19-Teacher.........................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:TeacherMeditation-TraatiktoSeetheEnergy................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage20–Sage.............................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationfortheSage:SarbGyanKriya.............................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Stage21-InfinitePulse.................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationforInfinitePulse:SodarshanChakraKriya........................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
SkillEnhancement.........................................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
TheKundaliniMantraMeditation.................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
TheAdiShaktiMantra......................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Meditation:AdiShaktiMantra.............................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
WitnessYourConsciousnessfromWithinYourself.......................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
MeditationtobePracticedbetweenStage8andStage9...............Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
Healing,MentalBeamingandDelight...........................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
ExercisetobePracticedbetweenStage9andStage10..................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
BreathofFirefor31Minutes........................................................................Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
PranayamClearingtobePracticedbetweenStage12andStage13Error!Bookmarknotdefined.
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CurriculumTransitionPiecesBy this I mean the parts of the daily flows that orient students to the activities, createtransitionsbetweensections,andadjustthespaceandenergyofthegatheringinthewayonlythetrainercanassessanddo.
Daily welcomes. This refers to normal daily orientation as needed. It includes some briefoverviewofthedayand logistical items ifneeded.We includedameetandgreetprocessonthe first dayof each journey. Ideally it is someprocess that connects participants and alertstheirminds to thedirectionof theparticular journey.On the seconddayof the journeysweincludeda“check-in”butthisisanyactivitythathelpspeoplerelax,connectandprocesstheirexperiencesandchanges.
ClosingProcesses.Thesewillvaryasthecreativityofthetrainerandtheneedsofthegroup.Itis always to help consolidate the experiences and help students take this into their non-workshoplife.Atclosingofeachjourneywealsogivestudentsasuggestedhomepractice.
Breaks.Theseareatkeypointsandaresuggestions. The idea isalwaystoallownormalself-careduringthisintensemeditationprogram.Theyarealsotocreateameasuredbuildupoftheeffectsofthemeditationsasweprogressformstagetostage.Thespecificinstructionsareuptothetrainers.Theyaregenerallyaround10-15minutesbutmayvaryasneededandastimeallows.
DeepRelaxation.Thisisnormalandcanbeguidedaccordingtothetrainer.Afewmeditationsrequirethedeeprelaxation;theseareindicated.Quiet,musicandorgentlegongisuptotheinstructor.Hereisanexampleoftheinstructionsforthisafteroneofthedeepmeditations:
After this deepmeditation do a deep relaxation. It is required. Lie downon your back. Relaxeach part of your body. Feel your navel center, heart center and browpoint. Gradually relaxyourmindintoapositiveupliftingvastness.Gobeyondbeing.Letgoofallefforts.
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Listen to a gently played gong or relaxing mantra music. Ideally listen to 31minutesofanorchestralPaistegongplayedgently.
Relaxfor31minutes.
Gradually comeback to yourbodyand full alertnessafter the relaxation.Takeabreak.Walk,chat,andtakecareofpersonalneeds.Anythingbutmeditate.Cometoearthandappreciatethejourneyyoutook.
KeyFocusDiscussions
These are sections done eachmorning to outline the central features ofmeditation thatwedevelop in the days stages. It is based on the materials in the student manual and theexperienceofthetrainers.It includesthechallengesnaturaltothestagesthataredealtwith.Onthefirstdayofeachjourneythisdiscussionisaboutthefirstfourstagesandgivesacontexttohowweprepareourmindwiththenewlevelofskillsinmeditationtocultivateandstabilizeourgrowth.Ontheseconddayitisasimilardiscussionbutinformednowfromtheexperiencesof the previous day of meditations. It is about the final ascent leading to the deep 2 ½meditation practice. It identifies themain skill and the challenge of the highest stage of thejourney.Herearebrieftopicalnotesforeachofthesekeyfocusdiscussionsinthecurriculumflows.Besidesthesethoughtswerelyontheexperience,wisdom,andhumorofeachtrainertomakethisdiscussionrelevantandeffective:
FirstJourneyDayOne
Key Focus: how do we sense our self when we are under so many emotions andreactions to our emotions? Our mind must learn to recognize its own defenses ofboredom, irritation, frustration and upset. The first task is to becomemindful of ourfeelingsasweletthempassthroughus.Thesecondistobealertandtostaypresentforall our experienceswithout isolation ormentalwithdrawal. To begin this journeyweinitiatethekundalinienergysothatallthechakrascanbeflexibleandwecanwakeupand change.Discuss how topace yourself andhow to let each shift of consciousnessfrom themeditations settle intoyourpsyche.Consider the challengeand the skills todevelop.Whatisthebestwaytoengagethesepractices,paceyourselfandprogress?
FirstJourneyDayTwo
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KeyFocus:whatarethemeditationtasksforthefinalascentfromthebasecampofskillsandstagesfromdayonetothepeaktodaytocrystallizethe
senseofself?Discuss
the primary skills to use and the blocks to overcome. What is the enticement ofabsorptionandhowdoes focushelpusenter intoa flow in life? Is focus aneffortoreffortlessifwebegintosensethecurrentoftheself?
SecondJourneyDayOne
Key Focus: How tomaster this journey.What are the key challenges in the first fourstages? What are the basic meditative skills that we need to develop and can weprogress effectively.What does it mean to be aware that we are aware rather thansimplymindfulof things?What is it like tosense thepresenceof the lightof selfandhowitchangeswitheachinteraction?Howdoweengagethingsfullyandnotbelosttounintentionalself-hypnosisormentalhibernation?
SecondJourneyDayTwo
KeyFocus:whataretheskillsofmeditationweneedandhowweattendtothemduringthis final ascent of this journey. How does elevation and neutrality let us act as acontrolledratherthananuncontrolledpolarity?Whataretheblocksanddiversionsatthis stageof thepath?Whydowe say in thispartof the journey to recognize ratherthanseek?
ThirdJourneyDayOne:
KeyFocus:Howtomasterthisjourney.Whatarethechallengesofthisjourneythroughthe stages and what are the specific skills in meditation that we need. How thechallenges to progress are removed in the first four stages: Presence, Radiance,Stillness,andtheprojectionofthePreacher.Howdoourself-concepts,eventhehigherones, limitourmove into this sublimerealmofmergerand transcendence?Whatarepracticalexamplesof this shiftofperspective thataccompanies the subtleopeningofintuitioninthesestages?
ThirdJourneyDayTwo:
KeyFocus:forthefinalascentofthisjourneythecoreprocessistolettheegogo.Howcanwebecomeclearonego,selfandtheinfinite?Whathappenstoourperceptionandoursenseofselfasweattunetotheformless?Whatdoes itmeantogaina“bodyof
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sound” that holds and projects our creative awareness tomanifest fromour formless infinity? What are the key skills of non-attachment, self-
correctionandmergerandwhataretheblocksweconfrontatthisstage?Howdoesthepowerofbhaktiandshaktibothserveyourconsciousnessatthisstage?
InteractiveProcesses
Thesearemeanttobeinteractivediscussions.Thecanbedoneinwholegroupsorsmallorinpartnersoramixaccording towhat isneededandwhat fits the flow,energyandsizeof thegroup. Eachone is in thecurriculum flow tohelp the studentselaborate in theirown termstheirexperiences,changesandchallenges.Theywillencounterunfamiliarlevelsofexperiencesandthemselves inthemeditations.This isachancetoworkbothwiththequestionsthatthejourneysgiveusand theskills inmeditation thatwegain. It iseachperson formulating theirexperienceanddeepeningtheirunderstanding.Hereisabriefnotethatgivesthetopicalareasforeachoneinthecurriculumflows.
FirstJourneyDayOneMorning
InteractiveProcess: groupdiscussionabouthowwe locate the sensationof the self.Howcanwe sortoutdistraction, rumination, commotionandhijacksand identifyoursense of self? What are your experiences of this? What is it like when your mindentrancesyouinsteadofsupportingyourawareness?Howcanyourecognizewhenyouwake up from distractions? Can you notice before you are into an entrancement ofemotion? HowdoUpset,Boredom, IrritationandFrustrationhappen inour livesandhowdowedealwiththeminmeditation.
FirstJourneyDayTwoAfternoon
InteractiveProcess: Sit insmallgroups.Meditate for5minutes.Bringyourself intoadeepneutralmind.Senseyourselfasapresence.Becomeconscious thatyouare theonewhocanwitnessandsenseeverything.Meditateon thesensation thatyouareaseedoftheinfiniteinthefiniterealmsoftimeandspace.Youflowthroughlife.Youarebright.Youcaneasilyselectasensationthatyouoriginateandonethatyouletintoyourconsciousness.Whenyouarecompletelyawareandobjectivelypresenttoyourselfasawitness,letyourmindgiveyouanimageorametaphorthatcapturesthatsenseofyourself.Thensharetheresultwithyourpartnersinthesmallgroup.Asyoureadyyourselfforthedeep2½hourmeditation,what is it liketofocusonthesensationoffocusinguntilyouareapurewitness?
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SecondJourneyDayOneMorning
InteractiveProcess:Howdowesidetrack;howdowedistillourselfoutfromthewelter of distractions that beset us whenever we engage in our projects andrelationships in theworld?What is it like tobe steady and certain in the self?Whendoeshappiness
comefromourbeingandnotjustfromcomparisontoothersorfromouracquisitions?How can we use the meditative mind to be content, contained and therefore moreprojectiveandexpressiveinsteadofjustreflectiveandreactive?Howdothefourstageswe face todayofRasa,Delight,Politeness,Humilityhelpusdealwithothers inawaythathonorsandmaintainsourintegrityofself?Whatisyourexperienceifyoulosethismeditativestanceinarelationship;howdoesthataffecttherelationshipwithyourself?
SecondJourneyDayOneAfternoon
Interactive Process: how does the ability to stabilize your sense of self, create aprojection,savorasensationandrelaxyourprojectionhelpyoudevelopcharacterandtheability toheal in your life? In thehealingexercisewhatmeditative skillwasmostimportant? Inordertotruly letyourawarenesscreatehealingyouhaveto letallyoursensations into your awareness. What is the meditative skill that lets your self staypresentandhealinghappen?Howhaveyoublockedthathealingplaceandthoughtyoucouldnothealwheninfactitisanaturalcapacityinallofus?Whatisyourexperiencetodayinsavoringandthesenseofraptureinconsciousness?
SecondJourneyDayTwoMorning
Interactive Process: Discusswhat holds us back fromaccepting our ownelevation inconsciousnessandcharacter;what is yourexperiencewhenyoubeamyourmindandsuspendintoanaad?Inthisprocesswedirectournaadandenergythroughthecentralchannelandtapthekundalini.Whatmakesthiseasyandeffectiveinyourexperience?Whatistheeffectofbeamingyourmindintotheinfinite?
SecondJourneyDayTwoAfternoon
Interactive Group Process: How does absorption into your elevated self help you actpracticallyandintuitivelyineverythingyoudo?Howdoesthishelprelationships?Whatisneededduringthemeditationtosenseyourselfsensingyourselfandstaydeeplyinthe flowof thenaad?What is it like to immerseoneself intonaad? If youhavegonedeeplyintothenaadbefore,howdoyoustaypresentandawareandnotsimplyattend
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to the pleasant feelings it brings?What do you think is the simplest andbestwaytoprepareforthisstageofmeditation?
ThirdJourneyDayOneMorning
InteractiveProcess:Whatdoes itmeantotranscendtheself?Howdoyouexperienceintuition?Howarenoselfandinfiniteselfthesame?Whatisyourdefenseagainst
merger and surrender to your higher self orGod?What is it like in your personal liewhen you overcame that hesitation?Underwhat condition does giving only give youmoreofyourself?
ThirdJourneyDayTwoMorning
Interactive Process:What is our experience of shuniaa? How do you distinguish thatfrompassivityanddetachment?Howisneutralmindnecessarytoleverageourinfiniteself? How is love part of this reality and emotion not? When shuniaa is properlyunderstood,howdoesitactasagatewaytothehigherselfandabarriertofantasyand"true-believer"extremism?
ThirdJourneyDayTwoAfternoon
Interactive Process: how do we create manifestation in our life using intention byplacing a bija, a potentiated seed of sound ormental projection, into our infinite orunknownself?What is it liketorealizeweareco-creatorsthroughour innocenceandintention with the formless One? What is the key difference between practical co-creationwithintentionandmagicalthinking?Whatcanitmeantousetheenergy,thetapas, of deepmeditation to clear your fate and support your destiny as a completehuman being who is creative, divine, prosperous, grateful, courageous, kind andhumble?
SkillEnhancementExercises
Therearethreeoftheseintheprocessofthecourse.Theyareincludedintheirownsectioninthestudentmanual.Theyfitintoaspecificplaceinthecoursecurricula.Theyareallduringthesecondjourney.Eachonefocusesonapartofthemeditativeskill thatwedevelopaspartofdeepmeditationinthestages.Theyarebetweenthestagesandaretoensureafocusontheskills needed and to deepen the understanding of what abilities those skills give to the
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practitioners. The studentmanual has detailed descriptions.Here is a shortenedtopicallistofthem.
SecondJourneyDayonebetweenStages8and9
Skill Enhancement: Witness Your Consciousness from within Your Self. This practicedevelops the ability to see your self watching your self. It moves meditation fromobservingmindfullytosensingyourownsensitivity.Itopenstheuppercentersofthe
headtobeawareoftheflowofyourlifeandpastlives.Itbeginstheprocesstosavorlifefrominsidetheconsciousnessofsensationsratherthaninsensationonly.
SecondJourneyDayonebetweenStages9and10
SkillEnhancement:PartnerandGroupKundaliniHealingandMentalBeaming.Thisisapivotalexperienceformanystudents.Itfocusesonhowwecanjoinintotheexperienceof another person and regain our own self after. It is the essence ofman y forms ofkundalinihealing.Itprovidesanexampleofhowwemergeasanindividualwithanotherandhowthegroupconsciousnessisaffectedsimplybyobservinghealinginothers.Thisdeepenstheexperienceofthenextstages.
SecondjourneyDaytwobetweenStage12and13
SkillEnhancement:PranayamClearingwithBreathofFire.This31minuteexerciseisameditationonbreath,purityandlightnessoftheself.Itbalancesallthemeridiansandhelpspassthecriticalbarrierintomergerandenlightenmentwherewecannotbringanybaggage form thepast. For this clearing the somaticbase is very important. This alsoremindsstudentsofYogiBhajan’schargetomaster31minutesofBreathofFire.
Kriyas
Bothofthesekriyasaretohelpandintegratetheprocessesofthefirstjourneyaswecrystallizethe senseof self. Each trainermayhaveequivalents they favor. Youmayhavemore time inyourcourseandwishtoaddkriyasatsadhanasthatsupportthephysical,mentalandspiritualneeds of the day. The few that are in the curriculum flow during the processes of the firstjourneyarelistedhere:
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IntheFirstJourneybeginningoftheday
The purpose of this exercise kriya is simply to wake people up, distribute andgenerateenergyandmovecirculationtopreparefortheday.Thiscanbeanythingthatworks. I recommend theHarAerobic Kriya for 11min then5minutesof the twistingdance exercise and then 11 more minutes of free style dance and bhangra. That isvariety,energy,largemovementsandfun.
IntheFirstJourneyendoftheday
GuidedVisualizationExerciseandKriyatoamalgamatethebasecampmeditations.Hereisabriefdescription.Thishastwoparts.
PartOne: The kriya is found in theKRImanualReachingMe inMeonpgs. 9-10. It iscalled “Balancing the Three Psyches”. This kriya is only 15minutes long and activelypreparesthemindtobalancethethreesourcesofyouractivepsyche.
PartTwo:thisisavisualizationledbyYogiBhajan.Itsupportsoneoftheprimarytasksof these stages to let gooff theemotions and the self-judgments youhave. In it youconsciouslyshifttoasenseofyourselfthatreliesontheinfinite.
Sitineasypose.Placetherighthandinafistwithindexfingerpointingupwithyourarmnexttoyourside.Bendtheleftarmsotheforearmisparalleltotheground;armatthesideandwiththepalmfacingup.Makeagianmudra.Focustheeyesatthetipofthenose.
Now inhaleandchant theGobindayMukandaymantraeithermonotoneormusically.Surveyyouremotionsandallthereactionsanddifficultiesyouhavefaced.Sensealltheemotionsthathavepassedthroughyourmindduringthemeditations.Becomeawareofall thatyouhave learnedandall yourmistakesandmisunderstandings.Appreciateallthestrengthyouhavegainedandalltheintegrityyouhavefoundinyourheartasyou.Thenasyouchantprojectallyourgratitudetothe infinite thatsupportsyour journeythroughtimeandspace.Feelyouhaveallsupportandprotectiontoaccomplishwhatistrueinyoursoulandheart.Continue11to15minutes.Theninhale,holdandrelax.
HomePracticesRecommended
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Attheendofeachcoursewewanttorecommendahomepractice.Thestudentshave a wealth of materials and profound experiences together. One of the
expectationsweshare is thatwe repeat thesecourseswhenwecan-onceayearorat leastperiodicallytokeepdevelopingtheentireprocessanddepthofmeditation.Whenwedothattheyareneverthesamebecausewehavematuredandourcircumstanceshavechanged.Weareabletoderiveincreasingbenefitsfromthepracticesofthe21stagesofmeditation.
We do not have a requirement for this course. Practice whatever has struck you as mostneededforyourself.
Wewillhowevermakeasimplerecommendation.Fora40daypracticetodirectlypolishtheprimaryskillofthejourneytheycompletedo:
JourneyOne 31minutesofHumeeHumBrahmHuminTraatikDhyanMudraasdoneinstage7
JourneyTwo 31minutesoftheLayaYogaKundaliniMantraasinStage14
JourneyThree 31-62minutesofSodarshanChakraKriya
In additionwe encourage students to experimentwith the KundaliniMantra- the Adi ShaktiMantra. On its own do it for 37 ½minutes. At some point do the 2 ½ hour 40 sadhana ofchantingthisinthemorning.
Wedonottrackthisaspectofthecourse,butencourageitandhopesomepartnersorgroupswilldoittogethertoshareexperiences.Ideallythe40daylongekongkarwillbepartofKRI’songoingglobalofferingandthisrecommendationcanalignwiththat.