chanting and meditation
Paramhansa Yoganangda (1893-1952) is one of the most renowned yoga masters of the 20th century. He wrote the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi" and, famously, brought the teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation to the west - living in America for most of his adult life. He described the Kriya teachings as "the airplane route to enlightenment." Whether we become enlightened in this lifetime or not, the practice of meditation brings real and wonderful benefits. Meditation practice changes the anatomy and physiology of the brain; it improves physical, mental and emotional health - bringing increased levels of peace and happiness; and it brings spiritual benefits as we become more aware of our own higher Self, and of the higher intelligence operating in the world.
In his teaching of Kriya Yoga meditation Yogananda said that "chanting is half the battle". I've been meditating for 15 years and can vouch for the incredible benefits this has brought. Our minds can be easily distracted. I have found that chanting for just 5 to 10 minutes before meditating helps create in my mind a calmness and focus which other methods do not bring so easily. In addition Yogananda spiritualised many of these chants, chanting them continuously until he felt a connection with God/Divine Mother/Christ Consciousness. These chants thus become a direct line to higher levels of consciousness.
The purpose of this page is to offer you some chants to sing (or simply listen to) before meditation. You may have your own meditation practice, in which case just listen to the chant before your meditation.
In his teaching of Kriya Yoga meditation Yogananda said that "chanting is half the battle". I've been meditating for 15 years and can vouch for the incredible benefits this has brought. Our minds can be easily distracted. I have found that chanting for just 5 to 10 minutes before meditating helps create in my mind a calmness and focus which other methods do not bring so easily. In addition Yogananda spiritualised many of these chants, chanting them continuously until he felt a connection with God/Divine Mother/Christ Consciousness. These chants thus become a direct line to higher levels of consciousness.
The purpose of this page is to offer you some chants to sing (or simply listen to) before meditation. You may have your own meditation practice, in which case just listen to the chant before your meditation.
You may find it helpful to sing initially at a normal singing volume and then more quietly as you interiorise the feeling of the chant. I find it helpful to sing mentally towards the end with the attention at the point between the eyebrows -the spiritual eye.
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Blue Lotus Feet
Engrossed is the bee of my mind On the blue lotus feet of my Divine Mother (x2) Divine Mother my Divine Mother (x2) Divine Mother my Divine Mother (x2) |
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If you would like to learn more about Yogananda's teachings and Kriya Yoga meditation you may like to visit https://www.ananda.org/meditation/how-to-meditate/ where you'll find a 14-minute introductory video sharing all you need to know to start an effective meditation practice.
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Door of My Heart
Door of my heart open wide I keep for Thee (x2) Wilt Thou come, wilt Thou come, Just for once come to me (x2) Will my days fly away without seeing Thee my Lord (x2) Night and day, night and day, I look for Thee night and day (x2) |
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"Your mind should continually whisper: 'Night and day I look for Thee, night and day.' That is the philosophy of life by which you should live" - Paramhansa Yogananda