OpenSourceSpirit.org http://opensourcespirit.org Applying open source to spirituality Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:09:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 en hourly 1 Sri Vidya Tantra Lectures by Swami Rama http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/sri-vidya-tantra-lectures-by-swami-rama/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/sri-vidya-tantra-lectures-by-swami-rama/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:09:39 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=820 Four lectures by Swami Rama on Saundaryalahari, the Wave of Beauty, which is a prominent text of Sri Vidya Tantra. The wave of creativity, love and bliss of Shakti is one and the same with Shiva. The lectures contain practical advice on advanced meditation practices of Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra. The four lectures are divided into a total of 41 parts for the YouTube presentation.
This remarkable lecture series is deep, clear and direct. For any aspirant to the development of the inner awareness and realization, Swami Rama’s lectures contain gems of wisdom from the sages of the Himalayas.

]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/sri-vidya-tantra-lectures-by-swami-rama/feed/ Zikr in Chechnya http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/zikr-in-chechnya/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/zikr-in-chechnya/#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:56:30 +0000 Jim http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=818 This compelling Zikr ceremony on YouTube hooked me. So I did a little research on Chechen style Islam. It appears as though their ecstatic circle zikr is widespread, oft-practiced, and central to the culture.

Here’s a quote from Chechnya: Calamity in the Caucasus that I found fascinating….

The Qadiriya originated in Baghdad in the twelfth century and was brought to Chechnya by the Dagestani sherpherd Kunta Haji. Qadiri worship is more dramatic; its adepts perform in the loud zikr in which they rush round in a circle, shouting holy prayers even louder and louder in an ecstasy of clapping and stamping. When Jokhar Dudayev seized power in 1991, the zikr became a political spectacle, and dozens of dancers gathered in the central square in Grozny and danced more and more furiously. When the Russians were poised to invade, it became an independence dance as one desperate dancer rand around the circle brandishing a Chechen flag, pressed in by a crowd of rhythmically clapping people.

]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/zikr-in-chechnya/feed/ Yogachaitanya: New Yoga CDs http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-new-yoga-cds/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-new-yoga-cds/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:42:20 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=809 Sounds of Transformation

Yogachaitanya has created a CD set for yoga practice and sadhana, with Yoga Nidra as the first in the series. He explains the concept behind the CDs to Carol Sill, while discussing the practicality behind using the CDs for daily sadhana.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-new-yoga-cds/feed/ Yogachaitanya on Yoga Nidra (Pt.2) http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-on-yoga-nidra-pt2/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-on-yoga-nidra-pt2/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:41:58 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=806 Yogachaitanya continues his discussion of the practice of Yoga Nidra with Carol Sill. He describes how surfing influenced his early exploration of the states of mind and body. He also touches on the topics of breathing and meditation and the implications and range of possibilities for the application of yoga nidra - for both athletes and recovery from surgery.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-on-yoga-nidra-pt2/feed/ Yogachaitanya on Yoga Nidra (Pt.1) http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-on-yoga-nidra-pt1/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-on-yoga-nidra-pt1/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:40:25 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=803 Yogachaitanya discusses the practice of Yoga Nidra with Carol Sill. Working with the neural and physical systems, the practice creates a wholistic experience for the entire being, which benefits all systems of physiology. Functioning between the waking and sleeping state, the practice enables one to return to a place of optimum efficiency, addressing deep layers of consciousness and emotional being.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/04/yogachaitanya-on-yoga-nidra-pt1/feed/ John Brozak on Zikr http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-on-zikr/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-on-zikr/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:46:59 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=713
John Brozak explains what is meant by “Zikr”. This is a fundamental mystical practice of the Sufis, outwardly seen as chanting the name of Allah. He discusses the relationship of chanting, intention, prayer, and remembrance of God.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-on-zikr/feed/ John Brozak: Sufi Journey (Pt.2) http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-sufi-journey-pt2/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-sufi-journey-pt2/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:44:13 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=711

John continues to share his journey. After taking time away from the Sufis, and exploring fine wines, John’s involvement with the Men’s Movement led to Vancouver Men’s group, and back to the Sufis once more through Rumi.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-sufi-journey-pt2/feed/ John Brozak: Sufi Journey (Pt.1) http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-sufi-journey-pt1/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-sufi-journey-pt1/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:40:19 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=707
John Brozak briefly shares the first years of his Sufi Journey, from connecting via Sam Lewis in San Francisco, through time with Sufi teacher Reshad Feild and involvement with the Turkish Sufis.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/john-brozak-sufi-journey-pt1/feed/ Are you shy or reluctant to share spiritual experiences? http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/are-you-shy-or-reluctant-to-share-spiritual-experiences/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/are-you-shy-or-reluctant-to-share-spiritual-experiences/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:35:39 +0000 Jim http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=705

Carol Sill and Jim Van Wyck talk about some of the benefits to sharing spiritual experiences, and have a little fun while testing the technical aspects of using Google Talk and recording the discussion.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/03/are-you-shy-or-reluctant-to-share-spiritual-experiences/feed/ Jelaluddin on Sublime Music http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/jelaluddin-on-sublime-music/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/jelaluddin-on-sublime-music/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:12:25 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=702
Music has always been fundamental to the Sufi path. Pianist, composer and musician Jelaluddin Gary Sill continues his talk about Sufism, music, improvisation, inspiration and his own process in creating music that reflects the flow of spirit.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/jelaluddin-on-sublime-music/feed/ Jelaluddin on Sufism and Music http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/jelaluddin-on-sufism-and-music/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/jelaluddin-on-sufism-and-music/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:08:44 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=698
Accomplished musician Jelaluddin Gary Sill discusses his experience in music, in the light of Sufi teachings and wisdom. In a free-flowing talk, he touches on many aspects of the process of improvisation.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/jelaluddin-on-sufism-and-music/feed/ Divination and the mystery of life http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/divination-and-the-mystery-of-life/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/divination-and-the-mystery-of-life/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:56:20 +0000 Jim http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=695

Experienced intuitive arts practitioner, Deanne Mineau, talks about divination and the mystery of life, particularly in relation to the Tarot. As a professional Tarot practictioner, Deanne has for many years offered intuitive guidance through divination.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/divination-and-the-mystery-of-life/feed/ Runestones & trusting in the present moment http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/runestones-trusting-in-the-present-moment/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/runestones-trusting-in-the-present-moment/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:42:53 +0000 Jim http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=691

Intuitive counsellor Deanne Mineau shows us her runestones, discussing their use in divination, and talks about how trusting in the moment can help reveal a deeper understanding of our lives.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/runestones-trusting-in-the-present-moment/feed/ Journal to your Future Life http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/journal-to-your-future-life/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/journal-to-your-future-life/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:54:12 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=683
Ren (Karin) Watson talks with Carol Sill about her inspired new method of using journaling to discover, focus and create life-goals that come to you. From creative lists to your spiritual intentions. Recorded at a Circle of Women Retreat in Roberts Creek, Canada.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/journal-to-your-future-life/feed/ A Few Random Thoughts on Christianity http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/a-few-random-thoughts-on-christianity/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/a-few-random-thoughts-on-christianity/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:12:32 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=672
Donald Grayston shares some thoughts on the place of Christianity in a pluralistic society. Christianity in our time is in a state of decline, and in a state of renewal - one in which Christians are looking for ways to accept themselves as part of a pluralistic society.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/a-few-random-thoughts-on-christianity/feed/ Donald Grayston on Thomas Merton http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/donald-grayston-on-thomas-merton/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/donald-grayston-on-thomas-merton/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:35:40 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=553
Donald calls Thomas Merton his “spiritual advisor in absentia”. Merton’s ideas of contemplation & a contemplative life … his visit with the Dalai Lama, and most surprisingly … how Merton’s long-censored book on peace is startlingly relevant to the current Iraq situation.

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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/02/donald-grayston-on-thomas-merton/feed/ Aleksandra: Death Doesn’t Exist http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-death-doesnt-exist/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-death-doesnt-exist/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:05:14 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=551

Aleksandra shares her reflections on the meaning and process of death with Carol Sill. These ideas are based in her deeply devotional meditative experience, which has evolved over several decades.
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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-death-doesnt-exist/feed/ Aleksandra on Spiritual Evolution http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-spiritual-evolution/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-spiritual-evolution/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:59:35 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=544
Aleksandra talks with Carol Sill about the evolution that occurs in spiritual life, the awakening to the point where we wish to go further.
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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-spiritual-evolution/feed/ Aleksandra on the Soul http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-the-soul/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-the-soul/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:05:08 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=540 Aleksandra continues her conversation, reflecting on the concept of the Soul.


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]]> http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-the-soul/feed/ Aleksandra On Spiritual Life http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-spiritual-life/ http://opensourcespirit.org/2009/01/aleksandra-on-spiritual-life/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:00:18 +0000 Carol http://opensourcespirit.org/?p=533 Aleksandra talks with Carol about her experience and learning on the spiritual path, the benefits of the spiritual life and living the right life for you.


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