Blessings to you. Would it be improper to add Swami Kriyananda to the prayer at the beginning of meditation? I believe I have heard a Nayaswami or two do this. If OK what would be the proper way? What would be a way to give up the habit of control the breath in Hong-Sau? Thank you so much!
—Garry, United States
Dear Garry,
Paramhansa Yogananda said that our line of guru ends with him.
Swami Kriyananda is our spiritual friend and guide. He asked us not to add him to our public prayers, unless it is a special occasion, such as his birthday or his discipleship anniversary.
In your private meditation room, you can add Swami Kriyananda into your prayer, if this is what you feel in your heart to do. There are no rules to how you pray in your private meditation room.
About the practice of Hong-Sau meditation:
When you practice the Hong-Sau technique, begin with some breathing techniques to help you focus and interiorize your mind.
Then let go of the breath and observe it without control, as if you are watching someone else breathing.
Every time you notice that you are controlling the breath, let go. This is the practice. You keep bringing your attention back to watching the breath without control.
You can focus on the thought that God is breathing through you. This is God’s breath flowing through you, therefore you can’t control it, only observe it.
Be interested in watching your breath and do it with reverence and respect as you mentally chant Hong-Sau with the natural flow of the breath.
As you continue to practice daily and faithfully, you will gradually be able to let go of the habit of controlling the breath. It takes time, patience and perseverance.
Blessings on your practice,
Nayswami Diksha
