A conversation with Nipun Mehta conducted by Vlad Moskovski

For the last fourteen years, Nipun Mehta and a team of dedicated volunteers have been revolutionizing what it means to embrace generosity and bring it into daily life. CharityFocus has inspired thousands of people around the world and include projects such as: Smile Cards, Karma Kitchen, Karma Tube, and many more. CharityFocus is an experiment in the joy of giving and together this community works from the intent to “be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Vlad: Is there an underlying philosophy to CharityFocus that informs everything you do?

I think one of the core underlying values is that everybody has something to give. This goes against the grain of our dominant culture. Even early on when I was giving, people would tell me, “You have to have something before you can give.  Go out and get some money and then you can give.”  But that is a reductionist view of giving. Yesterday, I was talking to a woman who is really engaged with the deaf community. A typical response of our dominant culture is, “Those guys really need to learn how to talk and communicate” and she is saying, “Maybe that’s not the answer. Maybe they have different gifts.”

Another friend was telling me a story of talking to a homeless guy who treated him to a coffee. It was so profound for that fellow to *receive* that cup of coffee from a homeless man.  And he does it every time they meet.  Someone did something really nice for that homeless man once and he was never able to thank them but now he wants to pay it forward. Underneath this coffee is a certain kind of inner transformation. That’s one of the fundamental pillars of CharityFocus, that in any situation, you can manifest a heart of service.

Vlad: What is the connection of generosity and spiritual growth?

Before you practice any act of kindness you have to have an intent and our capacity to deal with the subsequent thoughts is what manifests spiritual insight.  Regardless of what happens at the external level of  impact, that inner transformation and insight is ours to keep. This is why sages say that it doesn’t matter if you give a million dollars or a penny — what matters is *how* you are giving it. And when you approach it in that way, generosity is a great catalyst for spiritual growth.

All of a sudden life looks very different. Everywhere you are trying to say, “Where can I give?” Even if you can’t give anything, the fact that you had that thought carries the potential for inner transformation. To be generous you have to recognize interconnectedness between you and the other. First step along this generosity path is a sense of sacrifice or even faith.  If I give something away, I’ll have less of it, so you need to figure out a compelling reason for you to suspend your selfish tendencies.  The second step is to realize, “Oh, when I give, I actually receive.” The third step, after you’ve done a lot of giving and receiving is to see it as a dance — sometimes you may give a lot, sometimes you may receive a lot. It does not matter, you are just doing a dance and you can’t dance unless you let go.

Vlad: There is a big focus on doing small acts rather than big ones. I think the quote you share from Mother Theresa is, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Do you think this empowers people?

Surely.  If we look at the world through the lens of inner transformation, it really does not matter how big or small our act is.  What matters most is that we are in the space of inner generosity. When we continue doing ‘small acts with great love’ and we hold that space within us, it starts to shift our deepest sub-conscious from a me-orientation to a we-orientation.  Our culture tends to admire those who do big things and we often create halos around them but really that just points to our own insecurities about sub-consciously wanting to be powerful like them.  When we let-go of that and start being we-centered, those patterns come undone.  If you really break it down, all those people in positions of leverage are just doing the same small acts that you and I might be doing.  They might have come together in an elegant way or in a way that is very visible or has created a dramatic impact, but that is just happenstance.  If we get caught up in that, we lose the capacity to be still and hence to love.  So the keyword in “small thing with great love” is love; small is all there is, but it is love that shifts our orientation and empower us.

Vlad: What I hear is an element of humility.

Gandhi used to say, “I am less than dirt” and a lot of people look at that and say, “Oh, he is so humble.” He is not trying to be humble — he is actually lower than dirt. We are all dirt that has come together for a short period of time and that is going to disintegrate again. We are constantly integrating and disintegrating and in that whole unfolding, our highest capacity is to be an instrument of a Nature and our lowest capacity is to be an instrument of our ego.  Ego leads to separation and isolation and everything seems like an uphill battle. But when we are instruments of nature, when we see ourselves as we really are — lots of molecules arising and passing in each moment — and become catalysts for something much larger than the ego.  In its early stages, that creates a sense of humility, but over time it becomes a way to be natural, to be inter-connected with life and to be a servant of a constant emergence.

Vlad: How has meditation influenced you?

Without meditation, I would be in a very different space and CharityFocus would have taken a very different trajectory. Meditation has given me a view of my inner landscape, of my mind, and that’s been priceless.  It shows me that how I’m aware of a very small portion of my mind and yet each of my daily decisions are influenced by my subconscious parts.  That’s a jarring insight.  It means we’re basically throw darts in the dark and hoping to find happiness.  People smoke even when they know it’ll cause them intense suffering.  Why do we do it?  Because of the heavy yet subtle conditioning of our mind.  It pleases our senses in the short-term, so we are taken by it.  We do that with all our subtle habits too.  Meditation, then, helps you see that clearly.  And not just see it, but also realize the depth of that problem and ultimately start to unravel it.  Its very humbling endeavor [laughs] but also invaluable.
Even more troublesome, for someone like me, is that the problems that meditation uncovers aren’t going to be solved by putting them on your todo list.  Getting milk from the store is easier, creating revolutions is easier, changing other people is easier … than changing yourself at the depth of your being.  That takes a lot.  The real revolution is the inner revolution.   When we serve and allow “what is” to do its natural dance, that’s a revolutionary act.  Sometimes things work out just the way we want them, sometimes they work out exactly opposite how we want them.  It’s all good.  We have to just stop putting a spin on it.  It’s not positive thinking, not negative.   The problem is thinking it self.  These are simple things to say and very hard to put into practice. [laughs]

Vlad: What is the direction you see CharityFocus going?
Really, the main thing I’d like CharityFocus to do is stay true to its values.  With that foundational strength, it’ll be fun to see how we can get creative with the power of inner transformation and shift our cultural narrative towards greater generosity. For example, after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, there was no looting.  People were civil.  That was not the work of some nonprofit organization telling everyone, “Ok, please be good.  Don’t fight.”  No.  It happened because of their culture, because of the 5000-year plan of their ancestors.  In 5,000 years, people are not going to remember a building or an organization; they are going to remember values and if those values are aligned with our basic human nature, and in way that generosity clearly is, then its going to survive.  So I hope that CharityFocus continues to work a 5,000 year plan and continue to plant seeds for tress we will never see.

For more info visit:
CharityFocus (incubator), DailyGood (news), Karma Tube (videos), HelpOthers (kind acts), Conversations (artists), iJourney (wisdom), KarmaKitchen (US), MovedByLove (India), CFSites (technical)

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What is an out of body experience?

An out of body experience (obe) is when the consciousness, meaning the individual himself, makes a transition from operating with his – her physical body to operating with the astral. Another way to put it is that person transitions from the physical, everyday reality into a parallel but different dimension. This dimension is more subtle than ours, but always there. It remains invisible to many of us because we lack the psychical perception to see into it.

Projecting into this parallel dimension is temporary, it can last from a few seconds to a couple of hours in rare cases, but inevitably we must return to the physical body. The process of moving into the astral dimension is dependant on the energetic connection between the physical and the astral body. This connection, sometimes called the silver cord, allows us to travel into the astral dimension and keeps our two bodies connected and safe. It also allows energy and information to flow between the two bodies.

Out of body experiences never causes the severing of the silver cord, but physical death is a process that involves the de-activation of the silver cord and could be called a “final projection.”

We tend to think of astral projection or out of body experiences as something supernatural and separate from the physical life. Something that only gifted or psychic people can do, but we all have this ability and go through this separation every night when we sleep and dream.

What is the difference between dreaming and having an obe?

The major difference is that dreams are illusory creations of the brain, whereas the obe is real, in the sense that it can be objectively shared with others like physical life. The average person goes through a partial disconnection while sleeping.  When we dream, our astral body hovers just slightly above the physical body. What is missing is the awareness and intention to fully project out. Even in a lucid dream, there is still a range of lucidity and some people are able to use the lucid dream as a springboard to go into an obe. The realness of the obe experience, makes it self evident that it is different from a dream. Out of body experiences become as real as our daily lives.

What are the benefits, why would somebody want to try this?

One of the most profound benefits is the loss of fear of death, common with near death experience. Fear is easy to manipulate and people that are afraid can be targets for malicious manipulation and influenced. Once we overcome that fear, we are able to make better and more rational decisions.

Attempting and having access to out of body experiences can set us on a journey of trying to understand this physical life. Because we have this glimpse into something unusual, a different world that most people are not aware of, we will come back with questions and a new perspective on life. We will be more curious and will want to share these realizations and experiences with others.

In other dimensions, just like in ours, thoughts and intentions have consequence, they attract things and people. This is sometimes called the law of attraction, and in the astral dimensions we are able to see this much easier and in a more immediate fashion. This is why it is so vital to monitor the quality of our thoughts, intentions.

As a result of out of body experiences, we become more perceptive, more psychic, and able to feel or see energy in ourselves and others. Because we realize the benefits of maintaining a healthy energetic pattern we become more aware of our own energetic and mental state.

We can step out of our physical and solid world and look out through another lens. By doing so, we can see ourselves and our lives from a different perspective and when we come back, our worldview is shifted and changed. The ramifications touch and inform all of our problems on earth. Many of the world’s problems come from the human-centered perspective that nature and life are things; they are to be used and then thrown away. When we see ourselves as consciousness that exists outside the physical body, this continuity and connection between ourselves, our bodies, spirits, and all living things becomes apparent. With this knowledge, life, the environment, and most other things in life become more valuable and precious.

Through out of body travels, we can see ourselves as a multi-dimensional consciousness in the process of evolution along with other beings. With this realization, we become more connected in a cosmic way to our fellow human beings.

What can I expect for my first time?

Beginners should be very motivated but not easily discouraged. On the other hand, you should be prepared to have an experience. Fears and anxieties are common, try to address these beforehand. Excitement may result in reducing the chance of getting an obe because the physical body will not be able to relax enough to allow the separation from the astral body.

Recognize the physical sensations such as tingling, vibrations, or pulsations. These are the first signs of an obe onset. Sometimes you may hear inter-cranial sounds that may appear to be coming from your head. These are actually generated in your non-physical or astral body. A partial or completely paralysis of the body also happens; do not be worried or panic. It is common to feel subtle energy moving or a part of your subtle-astral body to separate – such as an arm, or leg.

Is it dangerous?

No. People have obes nightly and it is quite natural. Becoming lucid of this process makes you safer and increases the connection between the physical and astral body. Because of the silver cord, you are still energetically connected to the body and there is no way for this connection to break or be cut. Your energy body is a perfect fit for your physical body. The terms in and out of body are analogies, and you are energetically still connected to your body at all times.

It is common for people to ask if they can get lost. Most people would like the opposite, they want to explore, but the moment they feel afraid, they are immediately zipped back into their physical body. There are many fears around obes but most of these are unfounded and exist to discourage exploration into the nature of reality and the self.

How do I do it? What types of methods are there?

Continuous consciousness projection is feasible when we allow our bodies to go into a deeply relaxed state – almost numb and heavy. Our emotions are also slowed and focused on the obe. Many people are constantly moving the body and when the physical body is too jittery, complete separation is almost impossible.

The most basic technique is to contract and relax the physical muscles. The intention should be to extend the period of falling asleep, and progressively relaxing the mind and the body, creating opportunities for having a spontaneous out of body experience.

In our daily lives, the energy body is crystallized and aligned with the physical body. Only in the periods before or after sleep does the energy body have a chance to shift out of this alignment. To make it easier to separate, we must be able to control the energy body to the point where we can reach a vibrational state where it is the most vital and energized. To accomplish this, it is helpful to develop our energy body.

There are many techniques but the main emphasis should be on moving the energy resolving any energy blockages in the body. To get to this stage, we must first become aware and sensitive enough to feel the subtle energy.

Another path is breathing techniques that alter the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide allowing us to relax the body completely while keeping our mind awake, focused, and relaxed. This state should not be confused with insomnia. Our energy body reacts to our emotions which is why it is important to go into this practice with calm and peaceful mind.

We may also try to have a target where we wish to travel. A person, an object or place, as long as it does not cross any privacy boundaries. A place that we are familiar with and attached to, will work best and we can wish and will the energy body to go there.

Yet another technique is to separate just one limb of the energy body, attempting to control that limb before attempting the entire body. Hypnotic self suggestions cal also be used.

Is there a good time, position?

It is possible to project anytime, in any position, but lying down on the back is preferred. The energy body naturally assumes that position and the blood-flow into the brain is evenly distributed.

For others, on the side or even sitting in a comfortable recliner is preferred. Ask yourself, when and how am I least likely to fall asleep and most likely to relax quickly.

Study these two conditions. As for timing, the most common is right before falling asleep. For others, it is the middle of the night, the afternoon, after work, or immediately after waking up. All of this depends on your profile and life habits.

To find out, it is best to experiment and be our own investigator and researcher.

Is obe related to psychic powers, such as clairvoyance and telepathy?

When people have obes on a regular basis, they tend to become more psychic. These abilities operate and are linked to consciousness and the projection of energy. If we are able to create a partial disconnection of our energy body, we open a channel for clairvoyance and other psychic information to come in. The better we are able to control and understand our subtle energy, the more we will be able to receive this type of information. Unblock stagnant energy in the body and working with chakras will greatly help facilitate the development of psychic powers.

Where can I find out more? Resources, books, etc…?

A great resource online is International Academy for Consciousness (IAC)  This organization offers training courses and publications. Here is an interview with IAC president Alegretti

Books:

Projections of the Consciousness: A Diary of Out-of-Body Experiences, by Waldo Vieira

Projection of the Astral Body by Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington

Robert Crookall

Wagner Allegretti

Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce

Journeys out of the body by Robert Monroe

Reference guides:

Projectiology: A Panorama Of Experiences Of The Consciousness Outside The Human Body by Waldo Vieira

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1. Out of Body Experiences & Astral Projection
2. My first OBE (out of body) experience
3. Meditation Techniques – Breathing Exercises For Beginners

While siting at a workshop last week, I noticed that several people around me were having trouble paying attention and sitting still. The topic was interesting, the presenter was being extremely engaging and yet here they were, fidgeting. As part of an exercise in non-judgment and listening, attendants were asked to pair up and take turns give advice on problem areas in their partner’s lives. I was not surprised to see that patience was one of the top resources that people frequently wish they had more of, but just don’t know how to get. In the past, I have frequently found myself becoming extremely impatient which quickly lead to frustration and anger. While I can’t say that I no longer experience impatience, I now have many tools at my side to deal in a quick and healthy manner. Here are a few meditation techniques for doing exactly that.

Chinese Man: See an old Chinese man standing with his hands clasped behind his back. He has a relaxed, calm, and slight smile on his face. As you see him standing there, begin to move closer and end up looking at his face. As you zoom even closer, move behind and step into him. Feel the patience, calm, and peace washing over you.

Clasped Hands: When experiencing a moment of patience, clasping your hands behind you, begin to lean back and take a deep breath. When you need more patience, repeat the patient stance and follow the breath – deeply settle into the experience.

Breath Sip: Take a long slow deep breath in, hold for a count of five, and then slowly release. As you do this, pay attention to how the breath is coming into your lungs, filling them up, and leaving. This is one sip. Repeat several times as necessary.

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1. Meditation Techniques For Beginners – Watching The Breath
2. Meditation Techniques – How to Get More Concentrated
3. Meditation Techniques: 6 Ways to Change Your Mood

Take notice of any bodily sensations, thoughts, or feelings. At first, start with five inhalations and five exhalations, counting slowly and taking deep regular breaths. Make sure that you are paying full attention and giving all of your focus to the breath. If you find yourself getting distracted, do not worry or get agitated, this is a natural part of the practice. When this happens, gently bring your attention back to the breath and begin again. Once you are able to maintain a steady focus and count five breaths without becoming distracted, you can increase the number of inhalations and exhalations.

Take note of the moments when you become distracted, there you will find the greatest lessons and realizations and I always try to think of those moments as reminders and helpful reminders instead of failures. To use the metaphor of driving a car, if you momentarily drift off the road, you simply take control of the steering wheel and bring the car back to the center of the road. It is exactly the same with this meditation technique. Watching and counting the breath can be done frequently and in short bursts, and you may find that even a five count will dramatically reduce stress and anxiety while calming, clearing, and centering the mind. As with any skill, the amount of time and length of practice will determine the benefit and mastery.

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1. Meditation Techniques: 6 Ways to Change Your Mood
2. Meditation Techniques – Becoming a Passive Observer
3. Meditation Techniques: Mindfulness Joy of Being Present

For more information about the Yoga Sutras, see my post Best Books About Meditation and Yoga

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1. Best Books About Meditation and Yoga – The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
2. Benefits of Yoga: Tip of The Iceberg
3. The Power of Intuition As a Guiding Force In Life

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg because all the other major benefits are under the surface and cannot be seen as easily. By conducting interviews with average people on the street, I am learning that the predominant belief is that meditation and yoga helps relax and calm. While this is true, the same can be said about going for a walk or riding a bicycle. The vast difference between these recreational activities and yoga is that the latter is a complex, ancient, and highly developed system that has been scientifically designed to raise and expand one’s consciousness thereby completely transforming every aspect of life and the way in which we see the world. This is only true if the person doing yoga is willing to immerse in the study of all the different elements, as opposed to just doing the stretches in class and then forgetting about it once the class is over. The transformative power of yoga is tremendous if it is embraced completely.

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1. The Power of Playfulness: Learn To Play- Its Fun and Good For You