Re: [BardonPraxis] VOM and Center of Stillness Meditation?

["Rawn Clark" <rawnclark@...>]

Dear Martin,

>> I've tried focussing on the inside of my body, the Universe, a candle
flame, the sound of running water and lots more.... <<

Have you tried simply letting go of thinking?

>> Rawn, I hope you had a relaxing break and that you achieved what you
set out to achieve; it's great to have you back. <<

Thanks! :) I had a very relaxing and re-newing holiday and yes, I did
achieve what I set out to achieve.

>> I recently came across your Centre of Stillness meditation file on
your website and have been practicing the first section of that. I was
wondering if that is beneficial at this stage for me, i.e. if it will
help me to achieve VOM, or if at this point it is counterproductive. To
my mind, it seems to bring together mental and astral exercises of step
one (and beyond?) of IIH, so my gut feeling is that practicing it may
help me, but I thought I'd ask the author! <<

Yes, the CSM technique of complete relaxation, followed by separation
from the senses, can be very helpful in achieving an emptiness of mind.
The primary distracters from emptiness are the sensory inputs,
especially "emotional tone" and "mental chatter", so once these are
negated, the emptiness comes very quickly and easily.

I suggest the .mp3 audio recording over the text version. You can find
the downloadable audio file at
http://www.ABardonCompanion.com/MP3-Links.html . Or, if you'll email me
your mailing address (privately), I'll be happy to send it to you in CD
format which you can play in any CD player.

As it happens, I'm presently in the process of re-issuing the CSM
recording in a 2nd, Revised Edition. The current CSM audio file was my
very first attempt at a home recording and consequently the sound
quality is fairly poor in comparison with my more recent efforts. The
new recording will be of a much higher quality and will incorporate a
few minor improvements to the technique along with an introduction.

My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
05 Apr 2003
rawnclark@...
rawn@...
http://www.ABardonCompanion.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BardonPraxis