I was in the middle school then;
and was, once, cast to play the role of a boy fostering the wishes of his
parents to become a doctor. The plot of the drama was set under a banyan tree
where Swami Vivekananda meditated.
(Vivekananda attended world parliament of religions in
Chicago in 1893 and was the most sought after guru after his debut speech in
the parliament. His salutation, “My Brothers and Sister in America”, gave him a
three minute standing ovation. Vivekananda is accredited to the introduction
of Indian life practices – including Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama and Prathyahara -to
the West.)
One day the Swami confronted the boy whose brisk walks (I
visionary writer has depicted the child as somebody in the instant
gratification gen) might have disturbed him. In the brief discourse Vivekananda
tried to convince the boy of seeking the truth through latter limbs of Ashtanga
yoga. The boy did change. But the script did not say anything about how his
parents perceived it. The presentation was a hit in the school anniversary
celebrations. For me, it was an opportunity to know Swami Vivekananda. Even
though I did not have access to his style of meditation, I tried to practice it
through instructions from one of my friends. I had many friends practicing Vivekananda
style of meditation then. I too was attracted.
Few year later the practitioners felt the act of focus and
thoughts as a work to the brain. That might have fueled the popularity of
another branch of meditation introduced by Maharishi Mahesh yogi- Transcendental
Meditation (TM) I saw an Ashram by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi popped up in my
neighborhood. Expensive cars and white westerners (we thought all were Brits)
flocked in the Ashram. Now I realize that was the time Maharishi had tremendous
following in the west including the Beatles. I wanted to try that too; did not
work then. I had to wait for another fifteen years to practice TM (Why? It
could be another standalone blog!)
Both meditative styles have their own strengths. Both have
the ability to calm the body, mind and spirit. Among the numerous benefits of
TM, reduction in BP, relaxation, reduction in cardiac diseases and improved
cognitive and work efficiency are my favorites.
I am doing a workshop
on pranayama and meditation on January 17th. The attached flyer has
all the details. Hope to see you there.
Jay
