House of Ma
A Ceremony to Begin the Day
A Ceremony to Begin the Day
I realized this morning while relaxing in meditation, that we are all that stands in our way to God, to Ma.
Maybe this is why the world’s religions seem to orbit around the same notion of transcending the ego, of being devoted to a path of self-realization.
A few months ago, I awakened to the center of the universe living within.
This understanding came the same way this morning’s visceral epiphany did. As I sat on the edge of the bathtub, looking out the window at the bamboo and trees, I propped the window open so the wisdom of the birds could flow in. My ego stepped aside, although now that I reflect on it, it was more like my ego was sleeping in, for I felt a calm stillness, no agenda yet, only the inkling to sit in relaxation and openness.
I am inspired to share with you what came, for maybe you will discover the same thing. I’d be curious to know…
Begin by reading the passage below, for it is truly the force that opened the window this morning.
Passage:
When I was five years old, I escaped one afternoon from my parent’s house while everyone was asleep and went for a walk by the river of Jamuna.
Under a tree, seated on a filthy dark blue cloth, I saw a yogi. He was emancipated, with long knotted gray hair, and naked except for a loincloth. He waved to me to come and sit next to him with such a beautiful smile that I lost all fear.
There were two objects on the cloth by him — a tiny statue of a woman with several arms, and something wrapped in a red rag that looked like a small loaf. He pointed to the statue and said, “Ma, This is Ma.”
Then he pointed to his forehead. “In here, Ma. In here, God.” He pointed to his body: “Body is house. House of Ma. Ma is head of house. Ma is big chief of house.” He started to rock forward and backward with his eyes closed murmuring something. Then he picked up some of the white sand of the Jamuna riverbank. “This sand, Ma. This river, Ma. This light, this foot, everything Ma. Understand? Everything same, same. One thing. One thing,” he kept repeating. “All Ma. Dog Ma, plant Ma…” He leaned forward and touched my nose. “You, too, Ma.” Then he reached out for the object wrapped in the red cloth by his side. He unwrapped it slowly. It was an old skull. He took my right hand in his and rubbed it gently on top of the skull. “No afraid,” he said softly. “Death also Ma. Life death same thing. You me same thing. Only one thing. Only Ma.”
— From the book Hidden Journey: A Spiritual Awakening by Andrew Harvey.
Relaxing Ritual:
First, it is important to honor your sacred connection. When you think of God, is there a word you most resonate with?
If not, this can be an experiment to choose one for today, and try it on for size. The word may change while you meditate. And you can always change it tomorrow, or on any day that follows while here on planet earth.
Whatever you choose for this moment: God, Goddess, Great Spirit, Universe, Source, etc… It will be the alternative to Ma if you are drawn to substitute. The purpose of this is to enhance your connection and experience. With all that shared, I recommend first trying it as is, see how it feels.
Three ways to experience this:
- Pre-read, and then do the meditation quietly on your own, at your own pace.
- Another is to do with a friend or family and take turns reading it to one another.
- Listen to what I have recorded for you. It is linked at the bottom of the page.
Whichever you choose, please note the following:
Upon waking, or very shortly after, sit in a quiet place. Ideally near a window, or even outside if there is nature to be heard. If you need to move your bowels or have a glass of warm lemon water, please do. But no caffeine. Just meet any simple bodily necessities. The goal is to do this right after waking.
Read and Experience:
While sitting upright, close your eyes.
Feel your feet on the ground, and notice any sensations there.
Place the palms of your hands on your thighs. Focus on relaxing the body, and your breath.
Begin observing your breathing: watching it flow in, and watching it flow out…
Watching it flow in, and watching it flow out.
Repeat this over and over, allowing your body to relax deeper and deeper.
Allow your mind to let go; to be calm, peaceful, and harmonious.
When you feel ready, bring your attention up to your third eye, the place between your eyebrows. While focusing on this point, say within: “In here, Ma. In here, God.”
Now draw your attention to the palms of your hands touching your thighs, and feel how they connect. Notice the energy flowing there.
Draw your focus deeper into the body, and into the heart, feeling your heartbeat. Concentrate here and say: “Body is house. House of Ma.”
Drop your awareness to the base chakra, the point between the genitals and anus. And notice any sensations or energy here…
Ground into this energy center with your breath.
From this point, slowly send a cord of light into the earth.
As your feet root into the soil and into the layers of the earth, say: This is Ma.
As you travel deeper down, see a light at the center of the earth, as you connect to it, acknowledge: This is Ma.
When you’re ready, begin traveling back up towards your body while remaining connected to this light.
Slowly rise up through the layers of the earth, through the soil, and into your feet, your legs, and to the base of the spine.
Continue upwards along the spine, to the top of your head. And above your head, see a light.
Relax, and open to this gentle light.
Feel this light of love and say: This light is Ma.
Let this light pour down into you, and all around you, watching it radiate like the sun.
Watch that light touch the vibrancy of all the plants and trees, and feel Ma.
Expand your awareness to the ocean, to the lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls… Breathe deeply and feel Ma.
Feel Ma in the air, in the mountains, the rocks, and in all animals, insects, and microorganisms.
Feel Ma in the stars, the sun, in every human being, and in every life form.
Feel Ma in every orchestration.
All Ma.
Revel in Ma..
Breath softly.
And consecrate your daily being, as you feel Ma working through you.