Double Bay Meditation Sydney

The Solution to Problems

2012-02-29T14:08:00.001+11:00

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

Albert Einstein

This quote from Albert Einstein beautifully expresses the cognition of the Ancient Vedic Rishis (See’ers) - that all problems are based in a lack of consciousness.

If a man has 2% vision then crossing a road is an enormous problem. When we analyse this, it is clear that the problem isn't the road but rather the man's lack of vision. Trying to solve problems by manipulating the elements of the problem (in this case - the road, the cars, the people on the road etc.) is not the solution. The solution is to add a second element - Consciousness.

We need to expand consciousness. In the above example, if we could give the man more vision then crossing a road would become less and less of a problem and with 100% vision it wouldn't be a problem at all.

In our example vision is an analogy for consciousness.

In unconscious (stressed) states, we experience a disorderly world full of suffering and neediness. In this state of mind, we attempt to control other people, places, and things.

As we upgrade our own state of consciousness, we experience a shift in the world around us. Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.

If you would like to shift your experience of life, you need to shift the one who is experiencing it: YOU.

Our meditation technique is not only a profound system for releasing stress but also a supreme tool for the expansion of consciousness.

With love,
Limor

Embracing Change

2012-02-01T17:02:00.001+11:00

A Meditator Asks:

I have heard you say that I should embrace change. How can I overcome my fear of change and embrace change in my life?

Evolution means progressive change. There is no progress in life without change.

Fear of change develops from a lack of awareness of that deep, inner quiet, non-changing aspect of consciousness that we refer to as "Being" or "Pure Consciousness" - the underlying or transcendental aspect of our consciousness.

Being is the foundation of consciousness. Without a foundation, instability is guaranteed and from that fear develops.

When a change occurs and we have insufficient adaptation energy to adapt to that change then we
mal-adapt and our body begins to try to fight or flee from the change. The fight or-flight/stress reaction is a well-known reflex where the nervous system mobilizes a set of physiological responses to a demand/change in environment when it is unable to adapt to the demand marked by an increase in the stress chemicals plasma cortisol and arterial blood lactate, increases in blood pressure, heart rate, blood flow to the muscles and oxygen consumption. This leads to the accumulation of stress in the body.

How can we avoid having this stress reaction in response to a demand or change of expectations?

The most effective course of action is to stabilize our own state of consciousness; to make our own capability, adaptability, creativity, and happiness non-variable. A non-variable, high state of consciousness is the only basis on which we can embrace progressive change in our life and we can consistently meet the demands in our lives without unconsciously resisting the process of evolution and thereby accumulating stress.

We need to simply sit twice a day for 20 minutes and practise the technique that we have been instructed in.

Our technique of meditation is designed to deliver that deep inner quietness to the mind in meditation, and over time with consistent regular practise allows us to experience this with our eyes open - first for a little while and then as time goes on more and more until it becomes a permanent, 24 hour experience - "Being" becomes well established in our awareness.

As our state of consciousness grows and we begin to stabilize that state of Being in our awareness we begin more and more to have adaptive responses to change and our desires become more easily fulfilled. This is the way to live a blissful life.

We can make a decision to stop resisting change and start embracing it by bringing more of that deep, inner quiet, non changing, transcendental aspect of consciousness into our awareness.

If you have lapsed with your practice, you can simply sit and practise your technique again - it will come back to you naturally. Join Group Meditation Meetings - these provide the opportunity to strengthen your practice of meditation through a review of technique, and to broaden and deepen your personal experiences and results through more advanced understanding. Lapsed meditators find this an ideal way to get refreshed. Come and ask questions about your experiences.

With love,
Limor

Upcoming Weekend Retreat - May 24th - 27th, 2012

2012-02-01T14:32:00.004+11:00

All Vedic Meditators are invited to attend this Long Weekend Retreat in beautiful Bundanoon from Thursday 24th May (6.30pm) to Sunday 27th May (2pm).

During the Retreat, you will learn and practice 'Rounding'. ‘Rounding' combines a simple sequence of yoga positions (asanas) and a Vedic breathing technique (pranayama) with your current meditation practice. The result is an 'industrial-strength' program designed to enhance the restfulness of meditation, release your deepest stresses and expand your consciousness.

In addition to advancing both your meditation practice and waking state experience of life, you will come away from the Retreat feeling refreshed and revitalised for months to come.

For further details, please click here: Weekend Retreat.

A weekend of Ayurveda and cooking with Tim Mitchell

2012-01-31T16:09:00.002+11:00

My dear friend and Master Ayurvedic Chef Tim Mitchell will conduct a weekend of Ayurveda and cooking as follows:

Friday 30th March, 6-9pm

Saturday 31st March, 1-5pm

Sunday 1st April, 1-5pm

The course will be held at The Intuitive Well in Bondi Junction and is suitable for everyone. You will learn the basic principles of Ayurveda (the science of longevity) and how you can bring balance to your mind and body through food. You will also enjoy feasting on Tim's delicious cooking.

For further details, please click here: Ayurveda and Cooking March-April or visit the website, Tim Ayurveda.

1 Giant Mind - Film Shoot - Sunday 12th February at 5.30pm

2012-01-27T08:37:00.008+11:00

All meditators (and non-meditators) are invited to a film shoot for the 1 Giant Mind project. 1 Giant Mind is an initiative (created by some of my colleagues) designed to bring a large number of people together in eyes closed silence. You can read more about it by visiting the website: www.1giantmind.org

On Sunday 12th February at 5.30pm in Sydney, there is a film shoot which everyone is invited to.

It will take place at Dudley Page Reserve - Cnr Military Rd & Lancaster Rd, Dover Heights. For further details, please click here: 1 Giant Mind Film Shoot. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Dinner at Mine

2012-01-19T15:24:00.001+11:00

Our dear meditator, Camilla Baker who has recently moved to Sydney from the U.K., has started a fabulous new supper club called Dinner at Mine.

For further details, keep reading below or visit the website: www.dinneratmine.com.

Dinner at Mine, a new supper club in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, sharing 'friendly' food with friendly people.

The ingredients are as locally-sourced, organic/chemical free, and sustainable as possible, and everything is home-cooked by Camilla, with love. Informal yet intimate groups of 6-8 people share a three course meal (plus a treat to take away) for $50 per person.

Please spread the word to anyone you know who is open to new folk and enjoys a good feast!

Too far to travel? Camilla will also cook Dinner at Yours, along the same lines, but YOU get to host.

Double Bay Meditation Centre Christmas Party Photos

2011-12-18T22:42:00.007+11:00

Some photos below of the 2011 Christmas Party.

Our beautiful Ayurvedic Chef Jahnavi preparing our feast

Jahnavi explaining the dishes in the feast

Manie Guenot, Camilla Baker

Tiana Wallace, Vicki Lee

Kirsten Piper, Sandra Hyde

Sandra Hyde, Rodney Blackman

A Rainbow Lorikeet crashes the party

Some of the group enjoying the party

In case you missed Jahnavi's details, here they are:

Jahnavi Vinden-Clark
Personal Chef, Ayurvedic Cooking, Catering and Classes
Mobile: 0431 373 805

Christmas Party - Monday 12th December at 6.30pm

2011-11-23T21:19:00.000+11:00

On Monday 12th December, we will have a Christmas gathering here at Double Bay. We will enjoy group meditation as usual from 6.30pm and then an informal gathering afterwards to celebrate another great year at the Centre.

Catering for our party will be provided by Jahnavi Vinden-Clarke. Jahnavi is a brilliant Ayurvedic Chef who has been studying Ayurvedic Cooking (in Australia and India) since she was young. Until recently, she was the head chef at the Govinda Valley Retreat Centre. She specializes in authentic Indian and contemporary vegetarian cooking. She currently teaches cooking classes as well as offering personal chef services.

Please come along and enjoy some sweets and Chai (made with love by Jahnavi) and socialise with your fellow meditators.

The Conscious Club - Monday 5th December, 6.00-9.00pm at Bondi Pavilion

2011-11-18T12:02:00.003+11:00

On Monday, December 5th, there will not be a Group Meditation Meeting here at Double Bay. Instead, all meditators (and non meditators) are invited to The Theatre, Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach for a Conscious Club event.

The Conscious Club was created by my friends and colleagues, Tim Brown, Gary Gorrow and Lee Te Hira. The idea was to create events for like minded people to share music, movies, keynote speakers, meditation – no experience required - and a meal together all of which is enlightening and entertaining.

The next event is Monday, 5th December at the Bondi Pavilion, 6.00-9.00pm. Everyone is welcome. Please come along and bring friends and family.

For further details, please visit the website, www.theconsciousclub.com

Take responsibility for what you experience

2011-09-28T13:24:00.001+10:00

You don't live in a world, you live in a state of consciousness.

Consciousness means awareness and state of consciousness refers to the degree to which we are aware - of ourselves, others, the world around us.

All knowledge is structured in consciousness; all action is performed on the level of consciousness and all perception and experience comes through our state of consciousness. According to the Vedic world view, "As you are, so you see" meaning the world is a reflection of our own state of consciousness. Just like a man who wears red glasses sees the world as red; in fact, he can see nothing but red. In order to create any change of perception, it needs to be done on the level of consciousness. The glasses simply need to change.

Acquiring a higher state of consciousness naturally yields greater perception, broader awareness and more dynamic fruitful action. Our technique of meditation is not only a technology for the elimination
of stress, but a supreme tool for the systematic expansion of consciousness.

Everything is Self-referral; the following quote which has been adapted from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's book, the Science of Being and Art of Living explains this concept brilliantly and provides a beautiful prescription for the Art of Behaviour:

“The influence of the atmosphere on the individual depends upon his own state of mind. According to his state of mind, the nature of the atmosphere changes. If he puts a red glass to his eye, he sees everything as red; if he looks through a green glass he sees everything as green. Whatever the individual's state of mind, the atmosphere is evaluated accordingly. The individual is responsible for the atmosphere. He creates it and in turn is influenced by it. When his mind is strong, functioning at its full potential, then he is able to make the best use of his surroundings and circumstances.
The art of action and the art of behaviour lie in making the surroundings favourable instead of unfavourable to us.

The atmosphere is there for us to use and not to make us miserable. If someone has said something, it is his action, his responsibility. If it is useful to us then we enjoy it, accept it, think about it, act on it and derive benefit from it. But if it is not useful or elevating to us, then we do not think of it again, we pay no attention to it. We do not bring it to mind and brood over it. If we do so, we shall be polluting our mind with a bad thought.

Therefore, we must so cultivate our minds that we think and act naturally in a manner which is elevating and beneficial. In this way, we will benefit ourselves and others. We do not encourage damaging or malicious thoughts either by rejecting or accepting them; indifference is the weapon to be used against negative situations in life.

This is the art of behaviour. If someone has done us an injustice, we do not harbour it or think about it; perhaps it was a mistake. If we allow it to affect our future actions towards him we are not giving him the opportunity to improve his relations with us, and we also suffer. Even if he does harbour ill-feeling towards us, we heap benefit on him and ourselves if we behave towards him with love and tolerance. In this way, we help the atmosphere to improve and the improved atmosphere serves us better. (When, during meditation) the mind is brought to the level of Being, the body is also brought to the same level. Thus by our thoughts, words and actions and even by our presence, we radiate an influence of life, peace, harmony and joyfulness."

With love,
Limor

Weekend Retreat

2011-09-14T20:41:00.000+10:00

Weekend Retreat - September 2011, Bundanoon

A photo of the group of meditators who attended the recent Weekend Retreat in beautiful Bundanoon.

Participants learnt and practiced 'Rounding'. 'Rounding' combines a simple sequence of yoga positions (asanas) and a Vedic breathing technique (pranayama) with meditation.

The depth and restfulness of meditation is multiplied exponentially as meditators extend the number of rounds through each day, from three to five to seven and beyond, diving deep into Nature and the Unified Field.

It was 3 days of deep rest, advanced knowledge, delicious food and fun.

Thank you to the highly conscious group who attended.

Ayurvedic Cooking with Tim Mitchell

2011-08-23T17:00:00.000+10:00

My dear friend and Master Ayurvedic Chef Tim Mitchell will conduct a 1 day Ayurvedic cooking class on Sunday 28th August from 9.30am to 4.30pm at The Intuitive Well in Bondi Junction.

This class is suitable for everyone. You will learn the basic principles of Ayurveda (the science of longevity) and how you can bring balance to your mind and body through food. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch.

For further details, please click here: Ayurvedic Cooking August 28th or visit Tim's website, www.yogaofthekitchen.com

The Conscious Club

2011-08-21T17:14:00.000+10:00

My friends and colleagues, Tim Brown, Gary Gorrow and Lee Te Hira have created a club for like minded people to share music, movies, keynote speakers, meditation – no experience required - and a meal together all of which is enlightening and entertaining.

The first event is next Wednesday, 24th August at the Bondi Pavilion, 6.30-9.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

For further detail, please click here: The Conscious Club First Event or visit the website, www.theconsciousclub.com

What we put our attention on .... grows

2011-08-17T09:35:00.000+10:00

Magnolia Tree - Double Bay Meditation Centre, August 2011

The most valuable asset each of us owns is our attention.

Whenever a demand or a change of expectations is made upon us, as meditators, we are able to make a choice and ask ourselves the question: where will I place my attention right now?

In other words, do I place my attention on what I feel I am (or someone else is) lacking? Am I going to focus on the worst possible interpretation of this event and construct an assumption-laden storyline to support that viewpoint?

Or, do I make the conscious choice to affirm the high end of all that I am (or someone else is)? And am I going to acknowledge that this too is happening for my highest and best good, even if I don't yet fully understand how and why.

These two directions lead to polar opposite inner experiences: one where we play the victim in an unfair life versus the other where we accept the role of co-creator in a life that is unfolding perfectly.

Attention is like currency. It funds or provides growth to that which we are attending to. In every situation in life there is always a high end and a low end. Sometimes it can seem easier to sulk, to gossip, to negate, and to allow our emotions to control us. If we engage in entertaining these thoughts and actions then we are funding that which we do not want to grow (akin to watering the weeds in our garden).

If we allow our attention to fall on that which we do want to grow – all that is good and worthy in our life – then that begins to grow (akin to watering the flowers in our garden).

We can make the choice to put our attention on the high end in every situation and not to entertain negativity.

With love,
Limor

1 Giant Meditators Photo Shoot

2011-08-04T21:50:00.000+10:00

This Saturday, August 6th, all meditators are invited to a photo shoot for the 1 Giant Mind project.

For further details, please click here: 1 Giant Photo Shoot.

The Bondi Experiment

2011-07-19T16:30:00.000+10:00

Next Monday, July 25th, there will not be a Group Meditation Meeting here at Double Bay. Instead, all meditators (and non meditators) are invited to The Theatre, Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach for a special large group meditation event.

The meeting will commence at 7pm and Thom Knoles will be the keynote speaker. It will be a wonderful coming together of meditators, not only from our community but from many other practices and traditions.

Everyone is welcome at this event, meditators and non meditators alike. Please come along, bring your friends and family, and participate in a great group meditation experiment.

For further details, please click here: The Bondi Experiment.

Special Meeting - Guru Purnima - July 15th at 8pm

2011-07-11T09:01:00.000+10:00

All Vedic Meditators are invited to attend the special Guru Purnima meeting (full moon celebration) this Friday 15th July at 8pm at the North Bondi Meditation Centre; 32 Wentworth Street, Dover Heights.

The meeting will be conducted by Thom Knoles. It will be an evening of stories, eating of rich sweets together, taking in a moonlit stroll, and enjoying the great good fortune of being a meditator at the dawn of the age of enlightenment.

Please bring a flower with you and a wish!

Double Bay Meditation Centre - 5 Years Old Today!

2011-07-09T17:08:00.000+10:00

5 Years ago today (on 9th July 2006), the Double Bay Meditation Centre was officially opened by my teacher, Thom Knoles.

Thom inaugurated the newly built Centre with the first Group Meditation and Knowledge Meeting.

You can see from the photos below of the event that the Centre wasn't quite finished (concrete floors and tissue paper curtains) but a great night was enjoyed by all. Since that time, the Centre has been home to many new students and group meditation meetings. Thank you to all who have shared in making it a sanctuary of Bliss. We hope to continue to bring joy to all who come for many more years.

Limor's famous Kitcheree Recipe

2011-07-07T13:19:00.000+10:00

Kitcheree is basmati rice and mung dal (or red lentils) cooked together usually with ghee and spices and vegetables. Many consider it to be an Ayurvedic panacea helping normalize the digestive system and supporting the healing of the entire body.

It is said that there are 108 different varieties of Kitcheree. My recipe is particularly suited for balancing Vata.

KITCHEREE
(for 3 people)

¾ TB Ghee Heat Ghee,

2 Pinches of Asafoetida/Hing fry spices for a few seconds.

1 ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
½ tsp Fenugreek seeds (careful not to burn these. They shouldn't go darker than a terracotta colour)½ tsp Fennel Seeds
1 tsp Jaggery or Brown Sugar
½ TB Fresh Ginger (grated)

3 TB Yellow Mung Dal (or Red Lentils) Wash together,

3 TB Basmati Rice add and stir around in spices.

2 Cups of Boiled Water Bring to boil and simmer with lid on for up to 1 hour

1 tsp Salt (until cooked).

1 tsp Turmeric

1 cup fresh-in-season vegetables Simmer until vegetables

(Potatoes, beetroot, carrot, kumera are cooked.

pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower,

green beans, spinach, snow peas)

Serve and add Lime or Lemon Juice

and chopped parsley/coriander

and Yoghurt (optional).

P.S. If you want to make a bigger quantity, you can multiply the seeds and vegetables/rice/dal/lentils/liquids but don't multiply the powders (salt, turmeric) exactly; only slighly increase the quantity of powders.

Spice up your life - Ayurvedic Cooking Class

2011-07-05T21:44:00.000+10:00

Some photos below of the recent Ayurvedic Cooking Class held at the Double Bay Meditation Centre; conducted by Ayurvedic Chef, Tim Mitchell. Participants learnt the basic principles of Ayurveda and how to make Ghee (clarified Butter), Paneer (Cheese) and various other vegetarian dishes. It was a day of fun, knowledge and delicious food.

For details of other Ayurvedic Cooking Classes conducted in Sydney by Tim Mitchell, please go to www.yogaofthekitchen.com

Making Paneer (Cheese) from Milk. Draining Curds from Whey.

Scrambled Paneer with Vegetables. Yum!

Spices in a Masala Dhaba Spice Tray

Tim and Limor with Pear, Coconut and Cardamom Muffins about to go in the oven. Yummy!

Meditation boosts Adaptation Energy

2011-06-16T15:44:00.000+10:00

Endocrinologist, Hans Selye (1907-1982) introduced the "general adaptation syndrome" model showing the effects of stress on the human body.

In his work, Selye - 'the father of stress research', developed the theory that stress is a major cause of disease because chronic stress causes long-term chemical changes.

Pressures, tensions, and other stressors can greatly influence normal metabolism.

Selye observed that if the body didn't have sufficient adaptation energy, the body would respond to any external source of stress with a predictable biological pattern - this hormonal reaction is the fight or flight stress response.

He determined that there is a limited supply of adaptive energy to deal with stress. That amount declines with continuous exposure.

Selye concluded: “Every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful response by becoming a little older.”

Thankfully, our meditation technique is a systematic way of eliminating the scars of stress from the body and at the same time topping up our adaptation energy so that more and more we have adaptive responses to demands rather than stress responses.

What we know from science is that our central nervous system acquires deeper rest from meditation than it does while sleeping - which, over time, makes us impervious to the debilitating effects of stress.

The relatively small amount of time we invest in meditation will continue to pay off over and over in every area of life, forever.

Deep rest is the basis for all dynamic action. If being confident, secure, fun, and adaptable were drops of water, meditation would be our ocean.

In the words of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:

“Meditate and enjoy."

"Meditation in the am and the pm."

"Water the root to enjoy the fruit."

"20 minutes in the bank, all day in the market place."

With love,
Limor

Thom Knoles Interview

2011-05-27T16:07:00.000+10:00

http://supernaturalmom.com/radioshow/snmrs-download-library/

This is a great 27 minute interview. Thom talks about Vedic Meditation, Advanced Techniques, Quantum Physics, Human Consciusness and Omnipresence.

Why Meditation is the key to Peace

2011-05-19T14:42:00.000+10:00

No person is an Island. You cannot suffer in isolation; you bring everyone around you down with you. In the same way, one cannot be happy in isolation; it radiates from you and you have a positive effect on everyone around you.

At the end of every day, every individual, through their responses to demands, is either a net contributor to the stress in the atmosphere or a net contributor to harmony in the atmosphere.

Every day we are faced with a number of demands. These are changes of expectations. A simple example might be: waiting in line for 5 minutes to buy a loaf of bread when you expected to buy it straight away. In this situation, there are 2 possible outcomes - we can adapt to this change of expectation and enjoy the opportunity to be in the present moment or we can mal-adapt and have a stress reaction.

If we mal-adapt then stress chemistry (plasma cortisol and plasma lactate) will start flowing through the body and the emotions of anger and anxiety might accompany them. By the time we get to the front of the line and are greeted by the shop assistant, we are in a bad mood and may take this out on the assistant. We have now created stress in the atmosphere.

If, on the other hand, instead of having a stress reaction while we were waiting in line, we enjoyed the sun heating up our body and the other sensory delights that are always available in the present moment, then by the time we get to the front of the line and are greeted by the shop assistant, we are smilingly paying for our loaf of bread. We have now created harmony, happiness and peace in the atmosphere.

As Meditators, we are fortunate to be able to twice a day contact the state of Bliss and remove stress from our physiology. This equips us with the ability to have adaptive and interactive responses to demands rather than reactive stress reactions. And in this way we are making an individual contribution to world peace.

Each individual is an individual unit of world peace. The greatest contribution we can make towards world peace is to experience peace individually in our own lives. If you want a forest of green trees, you need to start planting individual green trees. A peaceful world is a world of peaceful individuals.

With love,
Limor

Thom Knoles tour of Australia - June/July 2011

2011-05-15T15:06:00.000+10:00

My brilliant and inspiring teacher, Thom Knoles will be touring Australia in June and July this year.

Thom has been teaching meditation for the past 43 years. He is a master of Vedic Meditation as well as an expert in physics, psychology, cognitive neuroscience and consciousness.

Thom will conduct two meetings at the Double Bay Meditation Centre:

An INTERMEDIATE MEDITATION MEETING - Monday 20 June 2011, 7pm to 8.30pm - free and open to all Vedic Meditators.

An ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE MEETING – Sunday 3 July 2011, 7pm to 9.30pm - attendance fee of $55 per person. Pre-registration required. Topic: Stabilising Enlightenment by correcting the mistaken intellect.

All Vedic Meditators, regardless of experience level, are welcome to attend both meetings.

For further details of these meetings and Thom's tour of Australia, please click here: Thom Knoles Tour of Australia 2011.

Ayurvedic Cooking Class - Sunday 26th June, 10am - 4pm

2011-04-28T09:31:00.000+10:00

Enjoy a day of Ayurvedic Cooking and eating here at Double Bay!

My dear friend and Master Ayurvedic Chef Tim Mitchell will conduct a 1 day Ayurvedic cooking class on Sunday 26th June 2011 from 10am to 4pm. This class is suitable for everyone. You will learn the basic principles of Ayurveda and how you can bring balance to your mind and body through food. We will also share a delicious lunch. Space is limited to 8 participants. For further details, please click here.

vedicnetwork.com - linking meditators everywhere

2011-04-18T14:15:00.000+10:00

www.vedicnetwork.com is a community portal website for Vedic meditators. This is one more way we are trying to support our worldwide community of meditators. The Vedic Network allows you to search for meditation events by teacher, course name, date, and location, all within a couple of clicks. You can also promote your own business and events, as well as share articles and recommendations with the worldwide community of Vedic meditators for free. Once you have learned to meditate, you are welcome to join the network by listing what you do.

You can review me as a teacher by clicking here and clicking on Rate it!

Upcoming Weekend Retreat - September 9th - 12th, 2011

2011-04-14T15:52:00.000+10:00

All Vedic Meditators are invited to attend this Long Weekend Retreat in beautiful Bundanoon from Friday 9th September (6.30pm) to Monday 12th September (3pm).

During the Retreat, you will learn and practice 'Rounding'. ‘Rounding' combines a simple sequence of yoga positions (asanas) and a Vedic breathing technique (pranayama) with your current meditation practice. The result is an 'industrial-strength' program designed to enhance the restfulness of meditation, release your deepest stresses and expand your consciousness.

You will come away from the Retreat feeling refreshed and revitalised for months to come. For further details, please click here: Weekend Retreat.

What The Bleep Do We Know!? - It's time to get Wise!

2011-04-12T17:47:00.000+10:00

Next time you're in the DVD rental store, I highly recommend - "What The Bleep Do We Know!?"

It is a documentary and a story combined and contains elaborate and
inspiring visual effects and animations. It is truly enlightening
entertainment and a must for anyone interested in expanding their world
view and learning more about the relationship between quantum physics,
human consciousness, psychology and neurophysiology.

Meditation: Change your brain, change your life

2011-03-14T21:41:00.001+11:00

Click on the link below for an excellent article by Deepak Chopra quoting recent research on how meditation changes your brain. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fg%2Fa%2F2011%2F02%2F21%2Fdeepak_chopra_meditation.DTL

Meditation Retreat in Rishikesh, India - February 2011

2011-03-08T15:06:00.000+11:00

Some photos below of our recent Retreat in India. 60 Vedic Meditators from all over the world converged onto the town of Rishikesh in Northern India for a special course on Vedic Mythos faciliated by my teacher Thom Knoles.

Pandit Baskaran (Vedic Meditation Teacher from Chennai) and Thom Knoles

Rishikesh - Shiva statue outside Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Revi Kadoury, Limor Babai and Patsie Polly at Kanjapuri Devi (Mother Divine Temple). Snow Capped Himalayas in the background.

Rishikesh - Raam Jula (Bridge)

Thom Knoles and Vedic Meditators at the Maharishi Ashram in Rishikesh (where Thom trained to be a meditation teacher and the Beatles wrote the White Album)

Limor Babai and Jackson (Vedic Meditator from Los Angeles - who rode that bike from Delhi to Rishikesh) and Sadhu (an ascetic)

Shiva Statue - up close and personal

Vedic Meditators about to swim in the Ganges River

Jules Green, Michael Miller and Thom Knoles watching a Yagya (fire ritual) by the Ganges River

Panchakarma - Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy

2011-02-07T03:32:00.000+11:00

Panchakarma is the natural purification therapy of Ayurveda.

"Pancha" means five
"Karma" means action

The "five actions" refers to a range of cleansing therapies which are designed to purify the body of toxins.

The therapies are personalised based on the specific needs, imbalances and body type of the individual.

Therapies include:
- Various types of massages using oils and milks tailored to the individual
- Nose, eye and ear treatments
- Ayurvedic herbal supplements
- Enemas

Some of the benefits include:
- Highly enjoyable, with two practitioners massaging the body in tandem
- Prevents the recurrence of disease and restores health to the body
- Brings order to the digestive system and improves metabolism

If you click on the link below, you can read more about Panchakarma and the Clinic in Delhi where I have spent the past 8 days.
http://www.maharishiayurvedaindia.org/

This Clinic houses the best (in my opinion) Ayurvedic Doctor in the world, Dr Raju. Through pulse diagnosis, Dr Raju determines your current state of health and any imbalances and then tailors your Panchakarma program accordingly.

In the photo below; Limor Babai and fellow meditators Michalle Smith and Liz Young, all undergoing Panchakarma in Delhi. Also in the photo, master chef Rajender who cooks the most delicious vegetarian meals for Panchakarma clients at the Clinic.

Ayurveda - Knowledge of long life

2011-01-17T14:09:00.000+11:00

Ayurveda is the world's oldest and most comprehensive natural system of health care.

Ayus = Lifespan or Longevity
Veda = Knowledge

Thus Ayurveda translates as "knowledge of long life".

The easiest way to understand the approach of Ayurveda is to review the description of nature that modern physics gives us. Physics tells us the world exists in layers. The surface levels of nature behave like particles and are the domain of classical physics. The deeper, more subtle levels of nature behave like wave patterns in a field (Unified Field) and are the domain of quantum physics. Ayurveda is a health care system based on an analysis of health from the deepest quantum mechanical level in nature.

Ayurveda evaluates all issues in health from the perspective of the Unified Field and its first manifestations. The approach comes from the direct cognition, or experience, of the Vedic Rishis. Rishi means seer. Vedic Rishis purified and refined the functioning of their nervous systems until they could consciously experience and perceive the Unified Field and it's functioning from deep within their own minds. Their cognitions of the laws of nature functioning on this deepest quantum mechanical level became the body of knowledge called the Veda.

The Vedic Rishis described three fundamental fields that are the first expressions of the Unified Field. These fields orchestrate the functioning of the entire physiology on grosser, more manifest levels. Ayurveda calls these three fields (or doshas); Vata, Pitta and Kapha and gives detailed descriptions of their structure and activity within the body.

According to Ayurveda, all disease is caused by imbalances that are present in Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Imbalance in the doshas is imbalance in the body's inner intelligence responsible for proper functioning of all the grosser, more material aspects of the physiology. Treating Vata, Pitta and Kapha is equivalent to enlivening the body's natural healing, balancing and self-repair processes.

There are many ways Ayurveda prescribes for balancing the doshas; these include diet, herbs and lifestyle routines.

I highly recommed Deepak Chopra's book, "Perfect Health" as a fabulous reference book on Ayurveda.

The Nature of Reality - Quantum Physics

2011-01-10T13:58:00.000+11:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF61lhEeGng

In the video link above, Scientists, Fred Allen Wolf, Gregg Braden, Bill Hicks, David Icke and more...speak about the nature of reality.

Quantum Physics is confirming what the Sages,Yogis and Seers have been saying for over a millenia:

Objects only exist when there is a conscious observor.

Reality is a model created by your brain.

Everything is inter-connected; individuality is an illusion.

We are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively.

Meditation is the technique that allows us to experience this one consciousness which is our own least excited state of consciousness.

How Meditation can help in the work environment

2011-01-04T22:34:00.000+11:00

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Paying-attention-to-paying-attention-pd20101221-CC83R?OpenDocument&src=pmm&WELCOME=AUTHENTICATED%20REMEMBER

Click on the link above to read a very interesting article in the Business Spectator on how meditation can help make us more mindful in the work environment.

The article in very aptly entitled: Paying attention to paying attention.

Give the Gift of Acceptance

2010-12-24T16:40:00.000+11:00

A young student who didn't like the way some of his colleagues were behaving commented to his teacher: "Isn't it a shame that they are behaving in this way."

The master smilingly responded: "No. It's a shame when one expects a walnut tree to produce mangoes."

What the master was trying to teach his young student is:
All knowledge is structured in consciousness; all action is performed on the level of consciousness and all perception and experience comes through our state of consciousness.

One cannot expect anyone to behave in any way other than according to their state of consciousness - having any other expectation will always lead to disappointment.

Giving the gift of acceptance means we need to accept that a person is behaving according to their state of consciousness. We do not expect a new born baby to speak perfect English, eat food gracefully and not cry when their favourite toy is taken away. In the same way, we cannot expect an adult who is carrying numerous stresses in their body to exhibit divine behaviour and to always act in a way that is friendly, compassionate and loving.

As meditators, we are fortunate to have a technique which is not only a technology for the elimination of stress, but a supreme tool for the systematic expansion of consciousness.

Acquiring a higher state of consciousness naturally yields greater perception, broader awareness, appropriate behaviour and more dynamic fruitful action.

In order for thinking, behaviour and action to change, one's state of consciousness needs to change.

With love,
Limor

New Years Day Group Meditation - 7am at Bronte Beach

2010-12-22T21:54:00.000+11:00

There will be a gathering of Vedic Meditators at Bronte Beach on New Years Day. Simply turn up at 7am, find a spot on the beach and meditate and then join my friend and fellow meditation teacher, Tom Cronin and the other meditators in the Park for a Chai Tea at 7.45am.

No need to RSVP, just put it in your diary and join in on 01/01/11!

Complimentary Private Meditation Checking Session - Until end of January, 2011

2010-12-12T20:54:00.000+11:00

From now until the end of January, I am offering complimentary private meditation checking sessions to my students (usual fee: $120). If you learned to meditate with me and would like to come in for a 1 hour private checking of your meditation, please email me at: info@doublebaymeditation.com.au to make an appointment. This is an ideal opportunity to have your meditation checked if you are unable to attend a Monday night Group checking meeting or for those of you who have lapsed in your meditation practice and wish to get back on track.

Exploring the Veda

2010-12-12T20:48:00.000+11:00

Below you will see a photo of some of the course participants who just completed the Advanced Knowledge Course entitled Exploring the Veda this weekend. Exploring the Veda is a course of knowledge and tools which are designed for those meditators who wish to fast track their growth to higher states of consciousness. You can read more about the course by clicking here:
http://www.doublebaymeditation.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&menuid=41&Itemid=27&subid=42&selfid=41

Monday night Group Meditation Meeting

2010-12-06T22:19:00.000+11:00

Some photos from tonight's Group Meditation Meeting. These meetings are free of charge for anyone who has completed the beginner's course in Vedic Meditation. They are held every Monday night at 6.30pm. They commence with group meditation (which most people find very relaxing and stabilising) followed by a discussion about the fine mechanics of correct practice of meditation and the life implications of continued practice of twice daily meditation.

Double Bay Meditation Centre - a celebration of Vedic Architecture

2010-12-06T13:59:00.000+11:00

My vision for the design of the Double Bay Meditation Centre was to create a sanctuary in the city where people could come and immediately feel uplifted. Fortunately with the help of my teacher, Thom Knoles and brilliant Vedic Architect Alex Smith (http://www.csa-arch.com.au/) we were able to design and build the Centre in accordance with the principles of Sthapatyaveda or Vaastu.

People who live and work in buildings designed according to the principles of Vedic Architecture report that they think more clearly, make better decisions, feel happier and healthier, enjoy more restful and refreshing sleep and have more energy and less fatigue.

Below are 2 photos of the Centre - one from the outside and one of the meditation room.

Advanced Meeting at Double Bay Meditation Centre

2010-12-05T21:17:00.000+11:00

Below you will see the group after our Advanced Meeting which was held today at 5.30pm. These meetings are held on the first Sunday of each Month and are for meditators who have completed the course, Mastering the Siddhis. The Siddhis program involves practicing a set of Sutras at the end of meditation. For more information, please click here:

http://www.doublebaymeditation.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&menuid=41&Itemid=27&subid=43&selfid=41

The Innocence Of Meditation

2010-11-29T20:48:00.000+11:00

People quite often forget the simplicity of the technique. Often I like to remind my students, that reaching the meditative state is as effortless as a mote of dust falling onto a rose petal. When one engages the mantra, the importance is not to try and manipulate your way into a meditative state by concentrating or controlling, but to effortlessly surrender yourself to the natural desire of the mind to find greater levels of charm. The mantra is the vehicle that provides this charm. Take it as it comes, be effortless.

We are off to Rishikesh, India in February 2011 for our Retreat

2010-11-29T20:27:00.003+11:00

For all those interested in coming on a unique journey please email me at: info@doublebaymeditation.com.au

One Of My Friends Gave Me This Portrait (as she thought it looked like me!)

2010-11-29T20:27:00.001+11:00

Guru Deva

2010-11-29T20:25:00.000+11:00

You don't have to look like Guru Deva in order to meditate. The Vedic Meditation technique doesn't require you to wear orange robes, change your lifestyle, religion or philosophy. It requires no belief or faith. Even if you don't believe in it, it still works. It is a natural technique that is able to be mastered by anybody. The only requirement is that you are able to think. If you can think then you can meditate.

After some procrastination, the blog begins!

2010-11-29T20:18:00.000+11:00

Dear Students,

I have succumbed to the phenomenon of 'blogging'. Over the coming weeks I will share wise words, videos, exciting news and updates, Ayurvedic recipes and much much more in this blog. The mission is simple, to spread the word of the benefits of Vedic Meditation. Vedic Meditation is a simple, natural, effortless technique which produces wide-ranging benefits in all areas of life - mind, body, behaviour and the effectiveness of our activity . Below you will see the group after one of our Monday night meetings which are always free once you have taken the beginner's meditation course. Remember, I am always available on info@doublebaymeditation.com.au or else visit the formal website on http://www.doublebaymeditation.com.au/

With love, Limor