Teacher has group sex with students

New twist in ‘freak’ teacher’s alleged teen [student] sex scandal

It was all a misunderstanding.

(Law&Crime Network) INDIANA, USA - Law&Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber. Former substitute teacher Brittany Fortinberry is already facing dozens of charges involving sex with minors [who were students].

Now her legal saga has taken a new turn, as a corporation files a civil [financial] complaint against her. Law&Crime’s Jesse Weber discusses the disturbing case details, as well as the new filing with former sex crimes prosecutor Marian Braccia. More

Teacher Brittany Fortinberry student sex scandal wearing The Scream masks

• People Magazine: Teacher allegedly forced young boys as young as 13 into group sex, then threatened to kill herself if they told
• Indiana teacher Brittany Fortinberry faces 41 felonies for abusing boys, using drugs, gifts, and threats. She allegedly hosted masked group sex, forcing teens to wear Scream masks. Victims say she laced food with hallucinogens
• Brittany Fortinberry, teacher accused of orgies with students, forced to sell house (New York Post)
• WHAS11 News: Brittany Fortinberry is facing almost 30 felony charges... | Facebook

• Law&Crime Network, Aug. 4, 2025; Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

The Buddha: magic, ESP, miracles (sutra)

Kevatta (Kevaddha) Sutta: What the Buddha was like

A Central Asian king, Scythia

(DN 11) Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One (the Buddha) was staying at Nalanda in Pavarika's mango grove.

Kevatta the householder approached the Blessed One, bowed, and sat respectfully to one side. Sitting there he said:

"Venerable sir, this [city of] Nalanda is powerful, both prosperous and populous, filled with people who have confidence (faith) in the Blessed One. It would be good if the Blessed One were to direct a monastic to display a miracle of psychic power from his superior human state so that Nalanda would to an even greater extent have confidence the Blessed One."

When that was said, the Buddha said this to the householder:

"Kevatta, I don't teach the monastics in this way: 'Come, monastics, display a miracle of psychic power to the lay people [Buddhists] clad in white.'"

A second time and third time, Kevatta the householder repeated his request.

"Kevatta, there are these three miracles which I have declared after having directly known and realized them for myself. What are they? They are:

1. the miracle of psychic power,
2. the miracle of telepathy, and
3. the miracle of instruction.

• Buddhist psychic powers: abhinna
• The Buddha on magic: iddhi
• Four Roads to Power: iddhi pada

The Miracle of Psychic Power

Supernormal: Science (Dr. Radin)

"What is the miracle of psychic power? There is the instance of a disciple who wields manifold psychic powers.

• Having been one, he becomes many.
• Having been many, he becomes one.
• He appears, and he vanishes.
• He goes unimpeded through walls, ramparts, and mountains as if moving through space.
• He dives in and out of the earth as if it were water. He walks on water without sinking as if it were dry land.
• Sitting cross-legged, he flies through the air like a winged bird.
• With his hand he touches and strokes even the sun and moon [Surya and Soma], so mighty and powerful.
• He exercises influence with his body even as far as the brahma worlds.

The power to carve or melt stone?

"Then someone who has confidence and conviction in him sees him wielding manifold psychic powers... exercising influence with his body even as far as the brahma worlds. He reports this to someone who has no confidence and no conviction, saying to him, 'Isn't it awesome, isn't it astounding, how great the power, how great the prowess of this wandering ascetic? Just now I saw him wielding manifold psychic powers... exercising influence with his body even as far as the brahma worlds.'

"Then the person without confidence, without conviction, might say to the person with confidence and conviction: 'Sir, there is a charm called the Gandhari Charm by which the ascetic wielded manifold psychic powers... exercising influence with his body even as far as the brahma worlds.'

"What do you think, Kevatta? — Isn't that what the one without confidence, without conviction, would say to the one with confidence and conviction?"

"Yes, venerable sir, that's just what one would say!"

"Seeing this drawback to the miracle of psychic power, Kevatta, I feel horrified, humiliated, and disgusted with the miracle of psychic power.

The Miracle of Telepathy

The Buddha's grace and charm

"What is the miracle of telepathy? There is the instance of a wandering ascetic who reads the minds, mental events, thoughts, and ponderings of other beings, other individuals [saying], 'Such is your thinking. Here is where your thinking is. Thus is your mind.'

"Then someone who has confidence and conviction in him sees him reading the minds... of other beings... He reports this to someone who has no confidence or conviction, saying, 'Isn't it awesome, isn't it astounding, how great the power, how great the prowess of this wandering ascetic? Just now I saw him reading the minds... of other beings...'

Real Magic (Dr. Dean Radin)

"Then the person without confidence and conviction, might say to the person with confidence and conviction: 'Sir, there is a charm called the Manika Charm by which the ascetic read the minds... of other beings...'

"What do you think, Kevatta? — Isn't that what the one without confidence and conviction would say to the one with confidence and conviction?"

"Yes, venerable sir, that's just what one would say!"

"Seeing this drawback to the miracle of telepathy, Kevatta, I feel horrified, humiliated, and disgusted with the miracle of telepathy.

The Miracle of Instruction

'Tis better to teach the Path to pure freedom

"What is the miracle of instruction? There is the instance of a wandering ascetic who instructs in this way: 'Direct your thought in this way. Do not direct it in that way. Attend to these things in this way. Do not attend to them in that way. Let go of this. Enter and remain in that.'

"This, Kevatta, is called the miracle of instruction.

"Furthermore, there is the instance of a Wayfarer (Tathagata, the Buddha) appears in the world, worthy and rightly awakened by his own efforts. He teaches the Dharma admirable in the beginning, admirable in the middle, admirable in the end.

"He proclaims the pure life [of wandering asceticism, monasticism] both in its particulars and in its general essence, flawless, surpassingly pure.

"A householder or householder's offspring, hearing the Dharma, gains conviction in the Wayfarer and reflects, 'Household life is cramped, a dust laden path. The gone forth [from the home to the left home] life is like the open air.

Conscious Universe (Dr. Radin)

"It is difficult living at home to practice the pure life totally flawless, totally pure, shining like a polished shell. What if I were to shave off my hair, put on saffron robes, and go forth from the home life to the left home life?'

"After some time, that person abandons a mass of wealth, large or small, leaves a circle of relatives, large or small, shaves off hair, puts on saffron robes, and goes forth from the home to the left home life.

"When one has thus gone forth, one lives restrained by the rules of the Monastic Code (Vinaya), seeing danger in even the slightest fault.

"Consummate in virtue, one guards the doors of the senses, is possessed of mindfulness and alertness (vigilance and clear comprehension, sati-sampajanna), and is content. More

What is the "Gandhari Charm"?

Maitreya Buddha as Central Asian king, Himalayas

Gandhāra is a person's name, a place (country, mahajanapada) in which in one Jataka Tale the Bodhisatta was reborn as its king, the name of a mountain in the Himalayas (Himavā, J.vi.579), and also the name of the script (Kharosthi) and language of the region (modern Afghanistan/Pakistan). So by adding -vijjā ("charm") we can begin to piece together this explanation:

Gandhārī-vijjā is listed in G.P. Malalasekera's Buddhist Dictionary of Pali Proper Names: "A charm whereby one could become invisible and multiform [shapeshift], pass through all obstacles, through earth and water [USO, UFO, UAP], and touch the sun and moon (D.i.213) [suggesting advanced extraterrestrial technology].

"Elsewhere (J.iv.498) the charm is mentioned as being only useful for the purpose of making oneself invisible.

"The Theragāthā [Attestations of Enlightened Elders] Commentary (I.51f) distinguishes a Lesser and a Greater. [The Brahmin] Pilinda-vaccha knew the former and thought that the Buddha would teach him the latter. The charm enabled him to travel through the air [vimana, UFO, flying saucer, levitation?] and read the thoughts of others.

• 

  Sakka sends us to keep an eye on your progress.

  [Devas from the "Realm of the Thirty-Three," or Tavatimsa, and the Realm of the Regents of the Four Directions are said to be able to do these things when they surveil earthlings and their progress in sila, samadhi, and insight into the Dhamma (morality, unification of mind, and penetration of the Buddha's Teachings). This would seem to be accomplished by hovering in a vimana every fortnight and reporting the results to Sakka King of the Devas (aka Śakra, Shakra, Indra) in the Hall of Truth (Sudhammā) in Tavatimsa Heaven. "Gandhari" in Wikipedia]

Buddhaghosa (DA ii.389) explains that the charm was so called either because it was invented by a sage named Gandhāra or because it originated in Gandhāra. More

• What is the Buddhist Path to Enlightenment?
• Ven. Thanissaro (trans), Kevatta Sutta (DN 11) edited by Dhr. Seven and Amber Larson, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly; G.P. Malalasekera, Buddhist Dictionary of Pali Proper Names

How a chicken can fly: path to enlightenment

Gary Larson (art); Dhr. Seven (poem), Ashley Wells, Amber Larson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

A flood? Why didn't you fly? - I lost the balloon.

"Oh, how sad, Chicken Bob, to see you try.

They call you Fryer, but you're meant to fly."

He muttered, I thought, asked, "Hey, what the cluck?"

I sat and I pondered: What could be up?

My eyes lifted as thought-balloon drifted.

Wide pupils shifted, reading, it's scripted:

How bright the idea that balloon brought!

Better the bulb than the darkness of thought.

Now what if he rows as I provide lift?

I get him to float, won't he flap his wings?

Now "what if" is no way to live a life.

For what if I ask, and he but denies?

So sinched at the waist, a string through his strut,

Seatbelt fitted in haste, he levitates up!

The helium balloon wafted him high.

I said, "Daft bird, see, it's better to try!"

Analysis

What is at the very heart of wisdom?

-So, Seven, you're saying, through symbolism and Gary Larson's comic strip, that we should figure out a novel solution and try it?

Poetry is not symbolic. I'm just telling a story about a scared bird, Chicken Bob, who thought he couldn't. Then with a little help he could. It's like when I try to meditate, I can't. But with a little help, who knows. Once my teacher applied peppermint essential oil to my upper lip to keep my attention at the breath as it goes in and out (anapanasati bhavana). It worked. It was subtle, but peppermint is brightening and kept me awake and vigorous, yet not too excited as green tea might do. I would never have thought of that. "Plant helpers" can go a long way to bring us to the verge of samadhi and insight. But without a deva to point that out, it's hard for a fledging sitter or an old bird set in his ways to make progress.

O, hail, Kwan Yin, Goddess of Compassion!

-Ingenius! So you're saying everyone should try peppermint to advance their sitting practice.

I'm saying no such thing. I'm just telling a story about a scared bird, Chicken Bob, who thought he couldn't.

-Is he "Chicken Little," symbolically?

No, he's Chicken Bob.

-Ah, and is "flying" meditation?

No, meditation is meditation, generally of two kinds, initial calming and subsequently systematic practice with a purified mind to know-and-see.

-Know-and-see what?

Ultimate materiality (kalapas) and mentality (cittas).

-What does that mean?

There are particles of perception, and discreet mind-moments that form the stream of consciousness we take to be one thing when it's really part of an impersonal PROCESS going on. We take this process to be a "self," and we cling to it.

-Isn't it a "self"?

Heart of Perfect Wisdom (Prajna Paramita)

No, it's not-self. The Heart Sutra makes this clear: form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness are the Five Aggregates or "Heaps" clung to as self. But they are not self.

• Isn't it a self that clings to self? 
• -No, a "self" doesn't cling; ultimately speaking, form clings to form, feeling to feeling, perception to perception, mental formations to mental formations, and consciousness clings to consciousness. The whole entanglement is ignorance, avidya, and snapping out of it to wisdom, knowing-and-seeing, and right view is "awakening" or bodhi).

-What ARE they then?

They are impermanent, disappointing, impersonal (empty) phenomena arising and passing away. When we see that directly, we can let go.

-If we let go, is that flying?

Letting go is freedom. Enlightenment is possible in this very life, right here right now, because there's only now, right?

-The past is not real? The future is not real?

One is a memory, one is a dream, and all that's real is right now. This present moment is real and it's all that's ever been real. Forget the rest. Be at your best RIGHT NOW.

-Is that what Ram Dass (Harvard's Dr. Richard Alpert) was saying when he famously said, "Be here now"?

I don't know. But it's good advice. Be. Here. NOW.

-Isn't that Eckhart Tolle's advice?

I think it might be Byron Katie's advice. Do The Work, asking the Four Questions. That'll bring you into the present moment, that is this NOW.

-Then who needs help?

Sometimes we need help. People weren't just spontaneously awakening until the Buddha arose and pointed the Way, revealed the Path, gave step-by-step instructions to make an end of all suffering right now.

-Those instructions still exist?

Yes, they do. Each teacher might put a spin on them unique to each individual's capacity and unique experience, but the fundamentals are right there in the ancient texts.

-Which texts?

The Pali canon is pretty reliable. Pa Auk Sayadaw has renewed their vitality and cleared the cobwebs and so has awakened students like Beth Upton, Ven. Dhammadipa, Sayalay Susila, Sayalay Dipankara, Tina Rasmussen, Stephen Snyder, and my own erstwhile teacher. Even Ayya Khema and her student Leigh Brasington, with the help of a Sri Lankan meditating monk, made it back to the original right-stillness (samma-samadhi) practices for calm. Vipassana is a little more involved.

-But the Heart Sutra is in Sanskrit not Pali!

It is, and isn't it amazing that it is the mostly widely read "discourse" in Mahayana Buddhism, yet no one gets what it's about?

-What's it about?

Ven. Sariputra, foremost in wisdom

"Emptiness" (shunyata). The mark of things is that they are all impersonal. All composite "things" (dharmas) are anatta, "not self." The "perfection of wisdom" is the direct realization that all things are impersonal -- particularly those five things clung to as a "self": form (body) [arrangements of the Four Elements or characteristics of materiality]; feeling (sensation), perception (all we perceive), mental formations (all the other psychological stuff), and the hat trick consciousness (awareness) [the four characteristics of mentality].

-And that made you think up a bird poem?!

No, there's no symbolism. I'm just telling a story about a scared bird, Chicken Bob, who thought he couldn't.

Gradual Instructions to Enlightenment, Pt. 1

"Gradual Training" (accesstoinsight.org); Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Gandhara Buddha (ArunHaridharshan/flickr.com)

The Buddha's Teaching, the Dharma, was taught in an incremental way. This method of "gradual instruction," or ānupubbī-kathā, appears in countless sutras.

It always follows the same arc: As a skillful teacher, a "master physician," the Buddha guides hearers (savakas) from first principles to progressively more advanced teachings, all the way to the fulfillment of the Four Noble Truths, which is the full realization of nirvana.

Perceiving those capable of understanding the liberating message, regardless of their appearance or caste or social standing, he taught them in this way. There is the example of the leper:

Having encompassed the knowing of the entire assembly with his knowing, the Blessed One asked himself, "Who here is capable of understanding the Dharma?"

He then noticed Suppabuddha the leper sitting in the assembly, and the thought occurred to him, "This person is capable of understanding the Dharma."

Turning his attention to Suppabuddha the leper, he gave a step-by-step discourse, that is, a talk on 

• generosity,
• a talk on virtue,
• a talk on heavens.
• He declared the drawbacks, degradation, and danger of sensual attachments and the rewards of renunciation, of letting go, of freedom.

Then when he perceived that Suppabuddha the leper's mind/heart was ready, malleable, free from the hindrances, joyful, bright, and temporarily purified (released), he gave a talk on the Dharma unique to enlightened ones (who have realized it for themselves):

1. suffering
2. origination
3. cessation
4. the path leading to its cessation (to complete liberation).

And just as a cloth freed of stains would properly absorb a dye, as Suppabuddha the leper was sitting in that very seat, the "stainless eye of the Dharma" arose in him: "Whatever is subject to arising is also subject to cessation" (Verses of Uplift, Udana 5.3).

This "gradual instruction" pattern of a sutra (a suture, a thread that ties them together) progressing through stages was utilized by the Buddha to prepare listeners' hearts/minds before speaking on the more advanced teaching of the Four Noble Truths.

The stock passage (e.g., DN 3, DN 14, MN 56), according to Ven, Nyanatiloka (Buddhist Dictionary), runs as follows:

"Then the Blessed One gave a gradual instruction -- that is to say, speaking on giving (letting go), virtuous conduct (sila), and the heavens (sagga), then explaining the peril, the folly, and the depravity of [craving and addiction to] sensual pleasures and, moreover, the advantages of renouncing.

"When the Blessed One perceived that the listener's mind was prepared, pliant, freed of obstacles [hindrances], elevated and lucid, he explained that exalted teaching particular to the buddhas (buddhānam sāmukkamsikā desanā), that is: suffering, its cause, its undoing, and the path [to its undoing]" (BD).

Ajahn Chah: How to teach Buddhism

Ajahn Chah (ajahnchah.org) via Ven. Sujato; Dhr. Seven, Ellie Askew (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Think about it. If someone says something that ought to make you angry and you just let it go instead, people might think you’re crazy.

So when you teach others about Buddhist things, they won’t easily understand.

The Buddha-Dharma has to be internalized for them to actually understand it.

For example, in this country, people love beauty. If you say, "There are ugly/repugnant things to consider," they won’t listen. If you talk about "aging" or "illness," they’re displeased. "Death"? They won’t hear it. This means they aren’t yet ready to understand.

If they won’t believe you, don’t fault them for that. It’s like trying to barter with people to give them something new to replace what they have. But they don’t see any value in the thing you’re offering.

If what you have is obviously of the highest value, of course they'll accept it. But why won’t they believe you now? Your wisdom is insufficient.

So don’t get angry with them saying, "What’s wrong with you, dummies? Don't you realize what I'm saying?" Don’t do that.

You have to teach yourself first -- enough to establish the truth of the Dharma in yourself -- and develop the proper way to present it to others. Then they'll accept it.

Yoga training and 2015 trip to India

Editors, Wisdom Quarterly; Jeanne Heileman (Yogaworks.com/Larchmont)

Come and see the wonders of North India with Jeanne Heileman (internationalyoga.com)

Yoga instructors Jeanne Heileman and Sarah Ezrin, YogaWorks, Larchmont More info

.

YogaWorks trip to India with Jeanne Heileman

This free event is the perfect way to find out more about what makes the YogaWorks method, and YogaWorks Teacher Training, the gold standard for yoga in the U.S. and beyond. The session begins with a free hour class taught in the YogaWorks method followed by a information session led by the trainer. This session is highly recommended for students considering our teacher training, as well as serious students of yoga who are curious as to what taking a teacher training involves and how to take their yoga practice to the next level. Space is limited; RSVP recommended to hold a spot. There will also be a presentation on the upcoming trip to India. More

YogaWorks, Larchmont

Just east of Hollywood, California Larchmont Village has as a casual feel to it, the main street lively with foot traffic. Smack in the middle of the bustle sits Center for Yoga, a peaceful, homey studio steeped in history. Originally founded in 1967 by Ganga White (of White Lotus fame), Center for Yoga was the first yoga studio to open in Los Angeles. Maty Ezraty, one of the original YogaWorks founders, worked as a manager at the Center before moving on to open her own studio on Montana Avenue.
 

Spanning two floors, this charming space has three yoga rooms including a rope wall and a giant main room with high ceilings and a life-size Buddha. True to its classical roots, the studio attracts many devoted yoga students from the Los Angeles area. They come for advanced Mysore style Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow Classes. Beginners also have a wide variety of Level 1 classes to choose from, like YogaWorks signature and Iyengar.

Enjoy a FREE WEEK of unlimited yoga, meditation, and exercise at YogaWorks

Join us on our trip to see the wonders of India, January 2015 (internationalyoga.com)

Gradual Instruction to Enlightenment

Amber Larson and Dhr. Seven, Wisdom Quarterly; "Gradual Training" (accesstoinsight.org)

(ArunHaridharshan/flickr.com)

Gandhara-style Buddha

The Buddha's teaching, or Dharma, has the notion of steady, incremental self-development. This method of "gradual instruction," anupubbi-katha, appears in countless sutras. It always follows the same arc: 

As a skillful teacher, a master physician, the Buddha guides hearers from first principles to progressively more advanced teachings, all the way to the fulfillment of the Four Noble Truths, which is the full realization of nirvana.

Perceiving those capable of understanding the liberating message, regardless of their appearance or caste or social standing, he taught them this way. There is the example of the leper:

 

Having encompassed the awareness of the entire assembly with his awareness, the Blessed One asked himself, "Who here is capable of understanding the Dharma?" He then saw Suppabuddha the leper sitting in the assembly, and the thought occurred to him, "This person is capable of understanding the Dharma." 

The Buddha taught daily for 45 years

Turning his attention to Suppabuddha the leper, he gave a step by step discourse, that is, a talk on generosity, a talk on virtue, a talk on heaven(s). He declared the drawbacks, degradation, and danger of sensual attachments and the rewards of internal-renunciation, of letting go, of freedom.

 

Then when he perceived that Suppabuddha the leper's mind/heart was ready, malleable, free from hindrances, joyful, bright and temporarily purified (released), he gave a talk on the Dharma unique to enlightened ones (who have realized it for themselves):

1. suffering
2. origination
3. cessation
4. the path leading to liberation.

And just as a cloth freed of stains would properly absorb a dye, as Suppabuddha the leper was sitting in that very seat, the stainless eye of the Dharma arose in him: "Whatever is subject to arising is also subject to cessation" (Verses of Uplift 5.3).

This "gradual instruction" pattern of a sutra (a suture, unifying string) progressing through stages was utilized by the Buddha to prepare listeners' hearts/minds before speaking on the more advanced teaching of the Four Noble Truths. The stock passage (e.g., DN 3, DN 14, MN 56) runs as follows:

"Then the Blessed One gave a gradual instruction -- that is to say, speaking on liberality, virtuous conduct, and the heavens, then explaining the peril, the folly, and the depravity of [addiction to] sensual pleasures and, moreover, the advantage of freedom.

"When the Blessed One perceived that the listener's mind was prepared, pliant, freed of obstacles, elevated and lucid, he explained that exalted teaching particular to the buddhas, that is: suffering, its cause, its undoing, and the path [to its undoing]."

The Mindfulness Meditation Institute

MindfulnessMeditationInstitute.org via PasaDharma.org

There is a Community of Mindful Living in Raleigh, North Carolina, with long-time followers of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings.

One recently founded the Mindfulness Meditation Institute. Charles Francis' purpose is to help meditators get the most from their practice. The institute has a companion website and weblog with useful resources to help Buddhist communities learn then transmit the practice:

• articles on mindfulness meditation
• free ebook on mindfulness and relationships
• writing meditations for healing and mindful consumption
• instructional CD for beginning and experienced meditators
• mindfulness meditation retreats

• The Mindfulness Revolution: Transforming Society
• Travelogue: Mongolia
• Photojournalism (Reuters)
  

Recommended: 2012 Yoga Teacher Training

Yogini Ami Fox (Fox Power Yoga); Wisdom Quarterly

"The hardest yoga posture anyone will ever do is simply walking in a yoga studio door."

Yoga teacher training will commence on Feb. 21, 2012 and continue until June 28. This is for future yoga teachers and practitioners who want to deepen their practice.

Fox Power Yoga’s emphasis is teaching students how to teach yoga. The objective is for students to walk out with the ability and confidence to teach Level 1-2 and Level 2-3 formats.

There is an emphasis on safely working with mixed levels, awareness of meaningful modifications, breath (pranayama), use of props, posture assists, sequencing, and cadence.

Fox Power Yoga’s emphasis is to teach a class weaving the physical, mental, and spiritual (yogic trinity) into a dialog.

Homework will emphasize weaving spiritual life lessons into classes so that a beginning teacher can do more than simply correct alignment. Alter students' life perspectives and give them meaningful insights to chew on. The result is being prepared to teach various styles to any group in a way that leaves them feeling great and ready for more!

Even the stiffest most conservative men can learn to yoga since they need it the most.

• Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-10:00 pm
• Every other Sunday 10:00 am-7:00 pm
  

The course will also explore the unifying themes of various yoga styles as well as fundamental differences. Discussions will include: how to lead a yogic lifestyle, the evolution of yoga, the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga), exploring Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, as well as a brief look at the science of Ayurveda, diet, and the chakras.

Full attendance qualifies one for a Yoga Alliance 200 certificate. Adjunct faculty will include:

• Clinical psychologist Dr. Jenny Lance (RYT 500) to explore the role of yoga as therapy for depression, anxiety, and trauma
• Dr. Baba Singh and Nimrita, Kundalini Yoga
  
• Marta Jaspberg, Iyengar and Restorative Yoga
• Matthew Moyer, Mysore Ashtanga Yoga
  
• Roger Nolan, whose background includes Buddhist Vipassana (Insight) Meditation to teach Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for depression
• Tracy Krosnoff, Shadow Yoga...
  

Kalyani: "Meditation Now" (4-5-6)

Text by WQ; camera/sound by Bright Idea; filmed on location in Southern California

Lust is great -- not seeing the danger in it -- great fun and a great distraction in meditation. When greed (lobha) is present in the mind, there will be no serenity, no mindfulness, and consequently no enlightenment. Purification by concentration on a single suitable object is the antidote. And when the mind is strong, remaining effortlessly on the object, there is no danger of slipping into the uncomfortable trap of sensual craving.

Ill-will (dosa) is miserable -- easy to see as a danger -- in that incinerates calm and collected states. Insight is the result of dispassion, whereas anger is explosive, reducing effort to cinders. Most people, though not all, recognize anger as unhelpful and unpleasant. Most do not recognize how much annoyance, irritation, and resentment is being carried around. That is, until they try to sit. The antidote is cultivating the

Four Divine Abidings:

1. loving-kindness (metta)
2. active compassion (karuna)
3. joy-in-others-happiness (mudita)
4. equanimity while looking on (upekkha)

These give rise to acceptance and appeasement. One becomes unflappable and able to respond. The fourth, warm detachment, should not to be confused with cold indifference. Trying it, tasting it, one will agree. But thinking about it, prejudging, one will argue. The Buddha taught these Divine Abidings not to be philosophical but because they work.

Sleepiness and sluggishness comes from making too little effort -- stemming from indifference, lack of confidence, lack of sleep, or stressed adrenals from an exhausting lifestyle -- and a habit of ignorance. If in the past one was not keen to hear the truth, not interested in things as they are, but negligent, heedless, inattentive, then mindfulness, diligence, and one-pointedness will take more effort. Resting well before sitting and persevering is the antidote.

Restlessness and worry or being "scattered" results from too much effort or allowing the mind to drift to unsuitable objects. (Giving unwise attention to thoughts, worries, or triggers results in more restlessness). More effort makes one more awkward. The more one wants something, the less one is able to get it. The same is true in dating. More confidence/faith (the opposite of doubt) and less apparent concern with outcomes means MORE success. With more success comes more confidence (even less doubt). The same is true in meditation and seeing the light of a concentrated (purified) mind. An appeased and pacified heart helps. Stress hinders. Over effort quickly leads to dissatisfaction and prematurely giving up.

Uncertainty or nagging/distracting doubt (a lack of confidence in the Teaching, the Teacher, or the Taught) is overcome in two ways. Set it aside for now and meditate. If "don't worry" is no kind of instruction, then "get confident" might be. Getting up and getting one's questions answered. There exist many books, many teachers, many successful meditators. Entangled in a net of views, one will not discover a way out. The way to enlightenment, meditation, or skill in concentration is NOT thinking.

Thinking does many amazing things. It may even bring one to the Dharma. But it does not lead to the goal (bodhi/nirvana) nor even to mundane accomplishments. (Do as much of it as is pleasing, but never in place of meditation). Instead, suspend disbelief, lay down the doubting mind, abandon trying to reason from a position of ignorance. The Truth is true; thinking won't make it otherwise. The Truth is inviting. There's a time to argue, a time to study, a time to investigate and question. That time is certainly not when one is sitting on a meditation mat.

Sitting is the practice of sitting (analogous to the rural practice of spinning a wheel with a stick) -- sufficiently mindful, almost effortlessly concentrating. Kalyani proves that it is attainable even now in what Hinduism labels the Kali Yuga and Christianity calls the End Times.