Be Here Now (Enhanced Edition)

1. Embark on a spiritual journey through various yogic practices

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

Yoga as a path. Yoga offers a comprehensive system for spiritual growth, encompassing various practices such as asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), meditation, and ethical living. These practices are designed to purify the body and mind, ultimately leading to self-realization and union with the divine.

Different yogic paths. The book introduces several yogic paths:

• Hatha Yoga: Physical postures and breath control
• Raja Yoga: Mental discipline and meditation
• Bhakti Yoga: Devotion and love for the divine
• Jnana Yoga: Intellectual inquiry and self-knowledge
• Karma Yoga: Selfless action and service

Each path caters to different temperaments and inclinations, allowing practitioners to choose the approach that resonates most with them. The ultimate goal of all these paths is to transcend the ego and realize one's true nature.

2. Embrace the power of guru and spiritual guidance

"Guru, God, and Self are One."

Role of the guru. A guru is more than just a teacher; they are a living embodiment of spiritual truth. The guru serves as a mirror, reflecting the disciple's true nature and guiding them through the challenges of the spiritual path. The relationship between guru and disciple is based on trust, devotion, and surrender.

Finding a guru. The book emphasizes that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. This process is not about actively searching for a guru, but rather about preparing oneself through sincere spiritual practice and purification. Some key points about finding and working with a guru:

• Trust your inner voice and intuition
• Be open to guidance from various sources
• Recognize that the guru can manifest in many forms, not just as a physical person
• Understand that the ultimate guru resides within oneself

3. Practice renunciation and tapasya for spiritual growth

"Desire is a trap, Desirelessness is moksha (liberation)"

Renunciation. True renunciation is not about giving up the external world, but rather about letting go of attachments and desires. This inner renunciation allows one to live in the world without being bound by it. The book suggests:

• Gradually reducing unnecessary possessions and activities
• Cultivating contentment and simplicity
• Focusing on the essential aspects of life

Tapasya (austerity). Tapasya involves disciplined spiritual practice and self-restraint. It is a process of purification that burns away impurities and strengthens one's will. Some forms of tapasya mentioned in the book:

• Fasting or dietary restrictions
• Periods of silence or solitude
• Physical austerities like cold showers or sleeping on a hard surface
• Intense meditation or prayer practices

The key is to approach tapasya with wisdom and balance, avoiding extremes that may harm the body or mind.

4. Harness the power of mantra and meditation

"OM MANI PADME HUM"

Mantra practice. Mantras are sacred sounds or phrases that, when repeated, have the power to transform consciousness. The book provides guidance on working with mantras:

• Choose a mantra that resonates with you
• Start with short periods of practice and gradually increase
• Use a mala (prayer beads) to keep count of repetitions
• Allow the mantra to become effortless and spontaneous

Meditation techniques. The book offers various meditation practices, including:

• Breath awareness
• Visualization
• Contemplation on sacred texts or concepts
• Mindfulness of bodily sensations
• Witnessing thoughts without attachment

Regular meditation practice helps calm the mind, increase self-awareness, and ultimately leads to deeper states of consciousness.

5. Transform sexual energy and cultivate conscious relationships

"Love without attachment is light."

Sexual energy transformation. The book discusses two main approaches to working with sexual energy:

1. Brahmacharya (celibacy): Conserving sexual energy for spiritual purposes
2. Tantra: Using sexual energy as a tool for spiritual awakening

Both approaches require discipline and awareness. The key is to transform the raw sexual energy into higher forms of spiritual energy.

Conscious relationships. The book emphasizes the importance of bringing awareness and spirituality into all relationships, especially intimate ones. Some guidelines for conscious relationships:

• See the divine in your partner
• Practice unconditional love and acceptance
• Communicate openly and honestly
• Use the relationship as a mirror for self-growth
• Cultivate a shared spiritual practice

6. Integrate spiritual practice into daily life through karma yoga

"Whatever you do, or eat, or give, or offer in adoration, let it be an offering to me"

Karma yoga principles. Karma yoga is the practice of selfless action and service. It involves:

• Performing actions without attachment to results
• Seeing all work as worship or offering to the divine
• Cultivating mindfulness in everyday activities

Practical application. The book suggests ways to bring karma yoga into daily life:

• Dedicate your work to a higher purpose
• Practice mindfulness during routine tasks
• Engage in volunteer work or community service
• Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and humility
• See every interaction as an opportunity for spiritual growth

By approaching life with this attitude, every moment becomes an opportunity for spiritual practice and growth.

7. Approach death consciously as a transformative experience

"Live consciously! Die consciously!"

Death awareness. The book emphasizes the importance of contemplating death as a way to deepen spiritual practice and live more fully. Some practices for cultivating death awareness:

• Meditate on the impermanence of life
• Reflect on your own mortality daily
• Study sacred texts about death and dying
• Practice "dying before you die" through deep meditation

Conscious dying. The book provides guidance on how to approach death consciously:

• Cultivate a calm and accepting state of mind
• Focus on a spiritual practice or mantra during the dying process
• Let go of attachments to the body and worldly concerns
• See death as a transition rather than an end

By approaching death with awareness and preparation, it can become a profound spiritual experience and opportunity for liberation.

Last updated: October 28, 2024