Smiling Buddha Kriya.
This is one of my fave meditations. I think I like to say “fave” a lot.
Along with “totally”, “completely”, “really”, “love”, “ever” and “ness”, which I obvs add onto like … um, every word. Oh, and actually. Can’t forget that one.
Please don’t think I don’t notice these things about myself, because I totally {see! there I go again) do. Just please also know that I wholeheartedly mean them, especially busting out with “love.”
The BF says that we don’t really love all the things we say we love and should use another word, but I prefer to disagree on that, because it sure feels like love to me … prime example: sweets.
When I’m eating chocolate cake and say I love it, it is love … all sorts of warmth and acceptance and highs that I feel, which is followed by a horrible crash and low, isn’t that kinda like our relationships?
But, back to Buddha.
I decided to bond with my dear boy this afternoon in the yard. A gorgeous Sunday here — November was kind enough to listen to my warm weathered requests — so I had to take advantage of the day.
Since I skipped out on Zen this a.m., even forgoing a “planned” morning yoga session that was to take the place of Zen for bed — hey, sometimes, bed just needs to win out — I thought I better make it up to Buddha.
It felt so good … so delicious to be outside … just sitting. Like, on the actual ground, which I rarely do, because I get all up in my head and start thinking of what insects I might be sitting on, therefore killing, or how many of them might be crawling on me and omg, am I getting dirty?
Kicking off the shoes, and plopping down on the earth was just what I needed. I mean, I am an Earth sign … this connection is a necessity.
When it comes to meditation, many times, I let the meditation pick me, I see what I’m drawn to and then immediately go with it.
Without even realizing it this afternoon, I found myself in Smiling Buddha Kriya. Letting go. Opening up my heart. Letting another piece of myself surrender … it seems to happen every time I practice yoga and meditation … some part of me is released.
I don’t do every pose and kriya perfectly … in fact, far, far from it. I am still learning. Trying to master.
There are poses I see my fellow Yogini’s doing that pang me with envy — a full pigeon or peacock being two great examples and I momentarily think, I’ll never get there.
That just isn’t me.
And it’s not — at this moment. I have no doubt with dedicated practice it is possible. But, that’s just it — the thing I believe gets lost so much with yoga — it’s not a destination point.
It has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with perfecting a pose, or showing everyone that you can do the most challenging ones out there.
That does not make one a yogi.
To me, a yogi is made throughout the practice itself … of truly becoming the breath, the mind, the body control and awareness. And living with this awareness in all that we do, of bringing the breath into every aspect of our lives.
The body is our great vehicle, and the breath the key to the driver’s seat.
For any of you interested in Smiling Buddha Kriya, here it is:
Sit in Easy Pose. Bend ring and little fingers, pressing them down with the thumbs, keeping index and middle fingers straight, palms forward. Elbows are pressed back and a 30 degree angle is made between the upper and forearms, the forearms parallel to each other.
Concentrate at the third eye diligently and mentally chant : Sa Ta Na Ma
Sa – infinity
Ta – life
Na – death
Ma – rebirth
The whole mantra means, “I am truth.” Make sure the elbows are pressed back and the chest is out. Continue for 11 minutes, then inhale deeply, exhale, open and close the fists several times, and relax.
Comments: Historically, this is an outstanding kriya. It was practiced by both Buddha and Christ. The great Brahman who taught Buddha this kriya found him in a nearly starved, unhappy condition. Buddha was unable to walk after his 40 day fast under the fig tree. He began eating slowly and that great Brahman fed him and massaged him. When Buddha finally began to smile again, the Brahman gave him this one kriya to practice.
Jesus learned this in his travels, too. It was the first of many that he practiced. If you love a man as great as he, it is important to practice what he practiced in order to earn his state of consciousness.
You have probably seen this mudra in paintings and statues. It is a gesture and exercise of happiness and it opens the flow of energy to the heart center. You needn’t worry about learning this kriya to be a Buddha or a Jesus — just learn it to be yourself!
Be a little selfish in your higher consciousness. master the technique and experienced the state it brings. Then share it by creating beauty and peace around you.
Enjoy and go forth in practice!