In conversation with Master

Per H. Wibe has been pursuing meditation and spiritual practise since 1975. He lived an ordinary household life. This has given him deep personal experience and insight into the life and problems of the modern human life. In 1997, he began initiating seeker into Kriya Yoga, teaching in a practical and simple way, endurably taking his students to the essence of the practice. 

These answers are interpreted by Vanisha Uppal, who has been with Master Per for 15 years.

• What is Kriya Yoga?

PER-   It is a simple and effective meditation technique. We use breath and attention at different energy centres in the spine. The purpose of the practice is to build more silence and awareness. It is a very effective tool to break thought patterns. Through its regular practice, one feels connected to the inner self. Even after one practice, one feels happy and peaceful. 

-How to identify the true Guru?

PER –   Many seekers believe that the Guru is a person, but the true Guru is within, in our consciousness. Our belief that the guru is a person leads to the loss of time and energy. The seekers become more interested in the person than in their own spiritual efforts.  

• What is the role of the outer guru?

PER –    Human teachers can inspire us through their life. They are pointers, milestones, who direct disciples to find the Guru inside. He might teach you some techniques and inspire you to practice.

• Master, why do good people meet so much resistance and difficulties in life, even when one has good intentions?

PER-   The human mind is filled with fears. Even a person who is good and has good intensions faces difficulties because these challenges reveal “inner discomfort”. Difficulties help us recognise that more practise is needed, more silence is required to observe and understand ourselves. 

Master, what is faith and surrender?

PER –    After many years of mediation, one learns to observe the mind without judging – this is surrender. A silent mind has faith, compassion, forgiveness and other divine qualities, not as concepts but as an inner reality.  

• Master, what is the purpose of life?

PER-     Simply feeling good inside in daily life is heaven on earth. Silence is not an escape but our biggest strength to face ourselves. Silence in activity is the greatest.

• Master, is it possible to live without stress?

PER –  Stress arises from wanting quick results, spiritually or materially, according to our expectations and desires. But everyone and everything is already perfect, just like the stages of a growing flower. If not, it cannot bloom. However, this understanding must come from within. 

• Master, if everything is perfect, why make any effort to change or improve?

PER-   It is not like that either. In silence, one becomes aware. Awareness gives us more capacity to observe. More observation brings the capacity to tolerate the mind peacefully. One gains kindness and firmness at the same time, and that clarity gives the strength and confidence to make meaningful changes. 

What is focus and concentration?

PER – Focus and concentration are the product of observation. In Kriya, we learn how to observe thoughts without judgment. It is not as simple as it sounds because we don’t know how to observe. In Kriya techniques we learn “how to observe”. Concepts often block the natural process. We continue practising, and one day, it simply happens.

• Master, what is duality?

PER –     Duality is a product of the mind “Thoughts”. Often related to our inner fears, desires and conflicts. At the same time, duality creates energy, the force that drives movement and growth. 

• Master, how does duality help us to grow? 

PER-  All creation – our very existence is possible due to duality. We want to achieve this and that; our desires direct our energy to build and create this whole world around us. If one is aware, then duality works in your favour rather than against us. 

• Master, please explain more.

PER -The restless thoughts push one to react, and reacting keeps us trapped in a cycle of action and reaction. The key is knowing when to follow thoughts and when to simply observe. In meditation we learn all these. By observing thoughts, it takes the mind to even “more silence”. 

• Master, how can I observe my thoughts if I don’t even realise I am thinking?  

PER – This is where Kriya Techniques help. Regular practice is needed.  

• How can one simply “be” when everyone is already one with life? Won’t heightened awareness take me away from just being?  

PER  The answer lies in realisation. This cannot be explained in words. If you are sincere in your practice, one day you will know it. The answer is not in intellect but in direct experience. I can tell one secret – despite duality one can go beyond. The magic will happen through your regular meditation practice. 

• Master, how to increase the intensity? 

PER –     Through own experiences in life, one comes to a point when one knows that nothing from outside can satisfy the inner longing; then one is unstoppable.  A little practice every day gradually increases our desire to practice more.  

• Master, how did you attain such deep silence?

PER-  I practiced for a long time. I wanted to improve many things in my life, so I was systematic in my approach. I attended longer retreats whenever possible. During walks, I used to observe. I made short meditation breaks part of my daily routine. It became my habit to meditate 4 to 5 hours daily in breaks. It was there on my mind all the time.  I wrote down my realisation every day. I even woke up in the middle of the night to practice. This continued for 15 years. The only advice I can give is : Just keep practising.