Though I've led meditation groups all over the world, yesterday's 'Turning In' -- a one-day workshop -- in Sydney's eastern suburbs, was a first for me.
Participants (of whom there were 20) were chiefly new to meditation, and clearly their expectations about meditation -- as hard work, dry and somewhat serious -- were blown apart. The schedule started with Osho Nataraj, a wonderful dance meditation of one hour's duration, and, after the breakfast break, was followed by Osho Nadabrahma, a much less active technique. The Vipassana sitting and walking meditation was preceded by some minutes of 'Gibberish' -- a fun way to release all the noise and activity in one's mind and any residual physical tension. In my experience, it's much easier to be still and silent, and to watch the various thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations that come and go, if one does some form of activity, such as Gibberish, first.
After lunch, to wake up our energy we danced to one of the tracks on Karunehs's wonderful 'Global Spirit.' From my place in the front, watching over the group, it was such a blast to see hjow enthusiastically everyone entered the dance....where only an hour ago they had all been like statues, serenely watching their breath. Such a clear demonstration of Osho's wonderfully rich vision that embraces the exuberant and the esoteric, that sees no contradition in letting the inner child out to play after the non-nonsense Buddhist Vipassana. No wonder he calls his take on meditation: Zorba the Buddha!
There was a time for discussion immediately after lunch, and then we launched into Hara Stop! -- a strategy by which to first find one's inner locus of consciousness or centering, and then to test if one can stay connected to it despite being immersed in a simulation of a busy day in the city. Osho Kundalini -- always a favourite, with its gentle shaking and dancing before the passive stages, was the final meditation.
After it, we all sat together to assess how the day had been. Asked to provide one word to sum up what the experience had given them, or their verdict on it, participants said, variously: "Bliss ... alive... balanced... serene... harmonious... interesting... outstanding", and more....
For my part, the workshop was as fun and enriching as any workshop I have led in Europe and elsewhere. I realised that I don't need to rush off overseas whenever I long to be immersed in this kind of experience! Like truth itself, it is right here, on my doorstep.
Our next scheduled workshop is Saturday February 5th: The Osho Retreat. See my workshop schedule for more details.
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