Thanks for the replies,
Steve, on the other hand, I bet PY would rather eat mangoes in his room and meditate alone though he may never say something like that.
mccoy, I adapt. I have been in the workforce since age 13 with little breaks so I know how to mold to fit others' expectations. Still, it is unnatural for me. There is something in my mind though about group meditations, because of my limited abilities, the kind of power generated may also have a few bad seeds or lots of restlessness within the group.
It often helps for the longer meditations. I miss those... living in an area somewhat removed from SRF locations.
Although I spent so many years around these type of groups I have gotten used to sitting longer on my own. Buddhists often have very long meditations. I have gone to quite a few of their sessions also.
The 3 hour to 8 hour meditations are very helpful with others. Usually there are group activities associated with them: chanting, readings, walking meditation etc. These help the time go by when the mind and body are restless.
Those who practice long term meditatation are often more at peace with the world and themselves.... even with decisions made by others that seem objectionable.
Since someone like Yoganandaji. Is already one with the essence of mediation his mission here is quite different than are own. One of giving.
I do recall the story of Daya Mata in her younger days saying to Master she recieved no inspiration from going to a group meditation because of a certain leader. Master told her to go anyway. I must admit there have been times in my own life that I had 'issues' with others at SRF or visa versa. I still went to the meditations. Although we may or may not have spiritual experiences in such environments it is not so easy to gauge our development by this alone.
