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156 SPIRIT AND THE MIND
which derives temporary pleasure thereby. Realize that your breath is answering the question correctly and live in the consciousness that you are a wave of the He that is the infinite consciousness, that is God. Let your mind have no waves; let it be silent, level, calm—so that the hamsa (the celestial swan that is the symbol of so-hum) can sport thereon.
(Sathya Sai Baba)
For years, I have been practicing the so-hum meditation. It has had profound and lasting meaning for me and has been a source of great strength. At first I thought that it was just a simple exercise of observing the breath moving in and out. But then something happened; I began to experience an extension of myself. With each exhalation I could feel something inside release into some subtly perceived expanse filled with light. And with each inhalation I could feel this energy, this light, merge with and energize my sense of self.
This experience became increasingly more intense, captivating my awareness, drawing me ever deeper into its stillness and peace. I naturally and consistently awoke in the early morning between the hours of 3 and 6 a.m. to meditate and was surprised to learn that this is considered by yogis the most auspicious time for meditation—a time called brahmamuhurtha. This became a time of great rejuvenation and exhilarating communion with Sai Baba. For in this inner space of heightened awareness and peace, I was most aware of Sai Baba’s glorious presence.
So-hum meditation not only led me into this inner dimension of great peace during the early morning hours, but stayed with me throughout the day. It became my constant friend and companion, surprisingly most evident and helpful during the time I spent with patients. Frequently while listening to a patient, I went into a deep inner state of meditation. In some strange way I found that my inner reaction with patients could be used to intensify the so-hum meditation—and the meditation in turn sharpened my insight into the patient. It seemed the source of my intuition, directing me where to focus, showing me what was important and what was not in the patient’s treatment.
And beyond all that, of most importance to me was how my work itself became devotion: a time of heightened awareness of the


































































































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