Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 03:59:43 (EST)
From: Jean-Michel
Email: None
To: Everyone
Subject: Third Technique Update!
Message:
Hi everybody

I’ve received an interesting email from
a premie I personally know.
He received k recently, from the BM Himself.
That person was surprised when he read the explanations
of the 3rd technique as explained in the article on the site.

Here is how the BM Himself now explains the 3rd technique :

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Jean-Michel

I have decided to describe to you the 3rd technique the way I learnt it from Maharaji.

This is because I noticed it is different to the way described in the Info section of this site (although as I now know, things change quite a bit!)

I was told to close my eyes and imagine my master was swinging me on a swing. As he said those words, he showed a side-to-side motion. He said to just relax, don't force anything.

Later I found it hard to visualise going from side to side as I breathed in and out , so I asked Belkis in a Knowledge follow-up and she said she imagines swinging 'forward and back', more in the same direction as the natural motion of the breathe. So that's how I practiced it from then on. I always imagined Maharaji was swinging me and I was sitting on a swing
(there is a photo of him sitting on a swing, smiling that they sell at the events).

If you need any more clarification please ask. This is to the best of my memory.
I note it introduces the 'visualisation' or 'remembrance' of Maharaji himself into the meditation, unlike the way described on the site.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 04:48:57 (EST)
From: Jean-Michel
Email: None
To: Jean-Michel
Subject: Third technique history
Message:
Here is how the 3rd technique used to be explained in the early 70s :

1/ Unlike other modes of Japa (apply the mind un-interruptedly and without break, to a particular object), as embodied in the scriptures, the aspirant in the practice of Ajapa Jap is simply told to confine the attention of the mind on the ‘Flight of Hans’ within the nasal apertures (at the top of the nose), merely as a conscious subject. ‘Hansa’ is a mysterious sound movement, and so are the two other two famous Vedic Mantras - the ‘Om’ and the ‘So-Ham’. These 3 top-most Mantras of the Vedas are the subject matter of Para-Vani - the source of all spoken and written language.

Then, as the correction shows in the source (see below), it changed to :

2/ Unlike other modes of Japa (apply the mind un-interruptedly and without break, to a particular object), as embodied in the scriptures, the aspirant in the practice of Ajapa Jap is simply told to confine the attention of the mind on the ‘Flight of Hans’ within the nasal apertures (at the top of the nose), merely as a conscious subject. ‘Hans’ is a mysterious sound movement which is the subject matter of Paravani - the source of all spoken and written language and can be understood by the grace of a Satguru.

(Source : ‘Satgurudev Shri Hans Ji Maharaj, Published by Divine Light Mission, B-19/3, Shakti Nagar, Delhi 7, India - Page 53)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here is how it’s been explained in the 70s-80s :

First : Concentrate on the breath as it comes in and goes out. Rrepeat the words 'so' and 'hung' on each inward and outward breath

Then : Keep your eyes closed. Be aware of your breath going in, and your breath going out. Breath normally. Follow what you feel, and let your focus go inside.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++*

My first temporary conclusion is that Satgurus explained Holy Name in different ways, and that there might be several Holy Names.
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 08:51:52 (EST)
From: Cheddar with attitude
Email: David.Studio57@btinternet.com
To: Jean-Michel
Subject: Third technique history
Message:
Meditation on the breath is a pretty standard form of meditation which is practised the world over. Pregnant mothers are often told to meditate on their breath and breath meditation is a standard form of relaxation therapy. If gurus want to add things to it to make it sound more mystical then so be it. But it's just the breath goddamnit!

Adding Hindu words and mantras to it or visualisations of the master only serves to try to make it appear like some special knowledge. In my view such additions only interfere with something that is quite naturally ours - the breath. There's no need to add a mantra or visualisation to the naturally occuring breath.

For those people who want a mantra to practise while doing breath meditation, here's one which you'll find helpful.

On the in breath repeat the word FUCK and on the out breath repeat the word YOU. This is the divine 'word' that is written about in scriptures. This has been called the 'Mahamantra' and has been passed down from master to devotee for countless ages. Visualisation of the master may also help with this mantra.
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 14:02:57 (EST)
From: Selena with attitude
Email: None
To: Cheddar with attitude
Subject: Third technique history
Message:
Now if we combine your FUCK YOU with the old version SO HUNG
we have quite the combination, don't we?
Couldn't resist.
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 21:18:50 (EST)
From: magic
Email: None
To: Cheddar with attitude
Subject: Third technique history
Message:
Vulgarly cute, Cheddar.
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Date: Fri, Jun 12, 1998 at 02:47:45 (EST)
From: Carol
Email: None
To: Cheddar with attitude
Subject: Third technique history
Message:
Thanks for a laugh Cheesey!!! It's insidious that visualization of the master swinging is now the way the practice is taught!!carol
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Date: Fri, Jun 12, 1998 at 11:02:30 (EST)
From: Scott T.
Email: None
To: Carol
Subject: the swinging third technique
Message:
Carol:

It reminds me of this 60s poster with this guy squatting on a wildly careening swing like a monkey with a sort of crazed look on his face. The title of the poster was: 'This is Man... On His Swing.'

-Scott
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 09:35:36 (EST)
From: Robyn
Email: sundogs
To: Jean-Michel
Subject: Third technique history
Message:
Dear JM,
It is the last instruction that I received but the mahatma also said to 'follow' the breath up and down the center of your body. It was hard to imagine how to do for me until he brushed by my and I had my first experience with that racing column of energy, fantastic!
Robyn
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 09:30:12 (EST)
From: Robyn
Email: sundogs@hotmail.com
To: Jean-Michel
Subject: Third Technique Update!
Message:
Dear Jean-Michel,
I don't know if this will translate but YUCK, CA CA, GAG ME, I can't even comprehend it, it nauseates(sp) me! Any powerful experience I have had with the Word, which I believe is the 3rd technique has been a fast moving column of energy racing UP and DOWN the exact center of my body, not by my spine, what does that have to do with a swing or that big pile of BM on the seat! God, and I thought I wouldn't post much, I just got here!
Robyn
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 10:55:29 (EST)
From: JM
Email: None
To: Robyn
Subject: makes me feel dizzy ....
Message:
really,
I've tried it, makes me feel dizzy! and like vomiting!

No need of the BM in between,
can you imagine this, the fucking fat guy inside of me ?
between me and myself ?

How can people believe in this ?

I can't believe this!
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 11:13:56 (EST)
From: Robyn
Email: sundogs@hotmail.com
To: JM
Subject: makes me feel dizzy ....
Message:
Dear JM,
Thinking about it is bad enough I don't think I'll be attempting it ever! The real thing, feeling, meditating on what is inside is so much better. That shit is just stupid! I can't imagine that I would have fallen for the whole thing today, I hope not!
Robyn
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 13:19:33 (EST)
From: JW
Email: None
To: Jean-Michel
Subject: Outrageous
Message:
Jean-Michel, thanks for that information. I find it very disturbing if true, and perhaps evidence of an additional attempt of BM to give himself some sort of place in 'knowledge.'

Your friend said:

I was told to close my eyes and imagine my master was swinging me on a swing. As he said those words, he showed a side-to-side motion. He said to just relax, don't force anything.

I think it has been mentioned here, that in his little speeches, BM seems to have a difficult time reconciling how he fits into the whole knowledge scenario, and premies seem to have the same problem. He tells people that the experience is within them, and that it's very simple, so, why do you need him?

In the 70s and 80s BM said you couldn't even experience knowledge witout his 'grace' and that the real, supreme, experience he was offering was 'devotion' to the master, anyway, hence he was central to the whole trip.

Now, of course, the 'knowledge lite' he offers, doesn't appear to have such a dramatic 'devotion ' component, just a 'gratitude' trip, which is less of a connection to him. This connection is especially when it was someone else, a mahatma, initiator, or instructor who actually revealed the techniques to the person. So, where is BM in all of this? Very unclear.

So, I think one of the ways he has tried to keep his meal ticket going was to fire all the instructors and start revealing knowledge himself. That way, at least the 'gratitude' thing was in his court. Now, it appears he is taking this farther, by trying to inject himself right into the techniques through some form of 'visualization' of swings (or maybe slings) with the BM pushing your swing, or something equally stupid. If this is true, it is truly outrageous and more evidence of the willingness of this man to do just about anything to keep himself the object of worship for a meditation experience that has zippo to do with him, even if it extends to manipulating and trivializing the supposed ancient meditation techniques.

It also says something about the supposed ancient tradition of the techniques that he can change them willy-nilly to suit his own megalomaniac views of himself.

I wonder if his brother, Sat Pal, has also modified the techniques to suit his own need to be the center of attention.
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 13:48:26 (EST)
From: JM
Email: None
To: JW
Subject: Satpal's techniques
Message:
I wonder if we'll get the 'other' version of the
4 techniques!
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 20:29:04 (EST)
From: Rick
Email: None
To: JW
Subject: JW
Message:
JW,
I received the LOTU tape in the mail today. Many thanks; I'm about to watch it. I've been looking forward to this.
Rick
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 15:50:35 (EST)
From: John
Email: None
To: Jean-Michel
Subject: Third Technique Update!
Message:
Wouldn't you like to go up in the air
up in the air so blue
Oh I do think it the pleasantest thing
ever a child could do
-Robert Louis Stevenson

I think this new technique is really cool.
I just tried it. It works.
BolieShrisatgurudevmarajkijai!!

But seriously folks, over the years I've tried visualizing all kinds of things - floating on the water, flying with my arms spread out, diving off a cliff, Jessica Lange, Susan Sarandon...uh wait a minute what we were talking about?...oh yeah, and basically they all work, because following the breath has become a comforting thing for me to do.

Now let's see, what are you supposed to visualize about the Master when you do nectar?
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 18:51:06 (EST)
From: Scott T.
Email: None
To: Jean-Michel
Subject: Canine unmentionables
Message:
Jean-Michel:

Thanks for the update on the swinging new way to practice HN. I think the appropriate term for this concept is 'insinuation.' Imagine this fat middle-aged alcoholic philanderer swinging on a swing, somewhere between you and God... in your way like a pudgy obnoxious Dennis Rodman clone. Now, try to relax. Imagine your life, and your savings account floating gracefully away from you and down the drain. Just relax. Take it easy. Back and forth. In and out. Up and down. Around and around. Don't upchuck. Just relax.

-Scott
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 19:46:41 (EST)
From: Iola
Email: None
To: Scott T.
Subject: 3rd Technique
Message:
I can't stop laughing. Your right about the bank account. Some of you folks should be on Saturday Night Live.

What do you think of going to the programs and not buying or supporting it other than the $15 to cover your seat (ass)?
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 21:19:07 (EST)
From: Scott T.
Email: None
To: Iola
Subject: 3rd Technique
Message:
Iola:

What do you think of going to the programs and not buying or supporting it other than the $15 to cover your seat (ass)?

Maybe once in 25 years, if I could talk about 20 other exes into going with me. It might be fun. I just spent a week in Malibu and had a lovely time. I can honestly say I didn't even think about Maharaji until I stayed with some exes on the last night. And Maharaji was barely incidental to that experience. I had a better time going to watch my friend's kids take karate classes, and going together for an evening walk in the neighborhood. I said something about James Carvel having the attention span of a four-year-old, completely forgetting that there was a four-year-old in the crowd. When she piped up 'I'm four!' I was afraid I had offended her. Just glad I didn't make the same comparison about Maharaji. That would REALLY have been offensive.

-Scott
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Date: Fri, Jun 12, 1998 at 02:53:45 (EST)
From: carol
Email: None
To: Iola
Subject: 3rd Technique
Message:
Hi Iola! That's my aunt's name! I'm just trying to catch up on posts and saw your entries. I thought the $15 was optional for reserving a seat. Is that necessary?
carol
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Date: Fri, Jun 12, 1998 at 10:10:54 (EST)
From: Robyn
Email: sundogs
To: carol
Subject: 3rd Technique
Message:
Dear Carol,
Perfect example here of ignoring/answering posts. I've read a few of yours and really enjoyed 'hearing' your soft spoken voice in my mind, having spoken to you recently but thought why say it. I said it because I think you'd enjoy getting a reply and knowing that you and others are in mine, and others, I'm sur, thoughts often.
<3
Robyn
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Date: Thurs, Jun 11, 1998 at 22:28:52 (EST)
From: Robyn
Email: sundogs
To: Scott T.
Subject: Canine unmentionables
Message:
Dear Scott,
Good to see that wit again!
Robyn
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