Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Ishayas' Ascension different from other meditation techniques?

The Ishayas' meditation techniques, collectively known as the Ascension Attitudes, are unique; they do not require you to force the mind in order to stop thoughts.

The techniques are in your own native language and incorporate powerful positive emotions, which enable the left and right hemispheres of the brain to move into a natural balance. Inaddition to meditating with your eyes closed you can use the techniques with your eyes open, this means you have a tool to use in every situation throughout your day: in your car, at work, with your family, while exercising - anytime, anywhere!

What is the Ishayas Ascension?

The Ishayas Ascension is a series of simple, mechanical meditation techniques collectively known as the Ascension Attitudes. These techniques are based on Praise, Gratitude and Love and require no belief whatsoever to practice. The Ascension Attitudes effortlessly draw the mind inward to ever deepening levels of rest and peace, quickly reducing stress and increasing your awareness of the Present Moment.

The word "Ascension" literally means "To rise beyond". In context with the Ishayas' teaching, this means to rise beyond the entire limiting structure of our stress-filled minds, bringing us to an immediate experience of deep relaxation and increasingly unshakable peace.

The Ishayas' meditation techniques have the capability to eliminate stress, bring balance to life, and directly and permanently reveal the limitless nature of your own awareness - an experience traditionally known as enlightenment.

What are some of the benefits?

The gentle and regular practice of Ascension will improve every aspect of your life, immediately. Some benefits include:

Deep Rest,
Immediate reduction of stress,
Awareness of the Present Moment (or, "the Now")
Increased productivity,
Enhanced creativity,
Improved relationships,
Refined judgment,
Better sleep,
and Deep Relaxation.

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I have tried meditation and it doesn't work for me.

The Ishayas' Ascension works! During the weekend course, you will discover just how effective and easy it is.

How do I learn?

The Ishayas’ Ascension is usually taught over a weekend, at what we call the First Sphere course. This course usually runs from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on a Friday night, during which time you will learn the first Ascension Attitude. The course continues on Saturday (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) and Sunday (10:00 am to 5:00 pm). Read more about the First Sphere course format.

There is a one-time cost for the First Sphere weekend that, once paid, allows you unlimited and free access to any First Sphere course, anytime, anywhere in the world.

As we teach you the first technique on the Friday evening, you are able to practice it so you can immediately dive into a new, restful experience.

First Spheres are taught all over the world. For more information on course locations around the world, click on www.thebrightpath.com

Being a sponsor for courses is a great way to bring Ascension to your area, if it’s not already available. It’s also a great service to the community. For more information on sponsoring a course in your own town, please contact us using the information on the web-site's "Contact" page.

Why do I have to attend a course to learn?

As simple as the Ishayas’ Ascension is, it is a completely experiential teaching. It’s important to learn from qualified teachers who can impart the techniques correctly and give experienced feedback.

What does Ishaya mean?
The word Ishaya is a Sanskrit word. Sanskrit is perhaps the most ancient of all languages and stems from the region known today as India. The word Isha means “Lord” or “Highest Consciousness”; ya means “for” or “of”. So the word Ishaya means “for (or of) the Highest Consciousness” or “for (or of) the Lord”.

Who are 'The Ishayas'?
The Ishayas are monks who have dedicated their lives to sharing this precious teaching with all who would receive it. We have committed ourselves heart, mind, body and soul to approaching and engaging life through compassion, gentleness and full consciousness.

This is not a new religion and we are not looking for followers or devotees. We are simply teaching a simple and easy technique that allows anyone willing to learn it to not only free themselves from the limits of stress and negative belief structures, but to remember the Truth of who they are.

Where does this teaching come from?
The Ishayas’ teaching has its roots in both the East and the West. In the East it stems from the Vedic Tradition of India, the very tradition of enlightenment itself. In the West it has roots in the Judeo-Christian culture of the early First Century C.E.

The Ishaya Tradition itself is many thousands of years old. It stretches over oceans of time in an unbroken lineage from teacher to student. Maharishi Sadasiva Isham (M.S.I.) began teaching Ascension publicly again in the early 1990’s.
Since that time, Ascension has spread almost exclusively by word of mouth, to all corners of the globe.

Who teaches the Ishayas' Ascension meditation?

The teachers of the Ishayas' Ascension come from diverse backgrounds and have each completed an intensive six-month residential training course in Canada and Mexico.

Every teacher of The Bright Path have not only completed this training, but also re-visit our main retreat center at least once a year to "re-charge" and expand their own practice and experience.

This teaching is experiential and, therefore, constantly expanding. So, whether you are a teacher or first time participant of our weekend course, the experience of this practice is constantly alive and brand new. Read more about the teachers here.

How long will it take to get results?

The results of the Ishayas’ Ascension are immediate, in terms of deep rest and a change in perspective. Most people notice a significant difference during the course itself. The rate of growth is different for everybody and dependent upon a number of things.

What if I don’t believe in it?

Fortunately, no belief is required. These techniques are mechanical and work whether you believe they will or not. The Ascension Attitudes completely bypass the surface of the mind and bring your awareness to the very Source of who you are. This is a completely simple and natural process.

Will I have to join or believe in some religion?

No. The Ishayas' Ascension is a non-religious technique that works for everyone.

Do I have to have an empty mind?

Having thoughts is a natural part of life. The Ishayas' meditation techniques (Ascension Attitudes) are not so much about getting rid of thoughts as it is about learning how to recognize and cultivate a different relationship with your thoughts.

Will the Ishayas' Ascension meditation help me eliminate anxiety?

Absolutely. When we use the Ishayas' Ascension meditation techniques (Ascension Attitudes) the anxiety naturally falls away. You can meditate with the Ascension Attitudes both with your eyes closed and as you go about your normal daily activities.

Will the Ishayas' meditation techniques reduce the stress that I experience?

YES. Stress is a function of an active mind. Using the Ishayas' meditation techniques allows you to function with focus, clarity and calmness throughout the day. Stress begins to dissolve and you experience peace almost immediately. Read some testimonials here.

Can the Ishayas' Ascension help with depression?

Mild depression can sometimes be caused by negative thinking. With continued practice of the Ishayas' Meditation Techniques, you become actively indifferent to the depressing thoughts. For many people who have experienced depression in the past, the practice of the Ishayas' meditation has enhanced their experience of life.
However, for some people depression is caused by a physical chemical imbalance. If you have a chemical imbalance then you require on-going professional medical treatment even if you practice the Ishayas' Ascension.

Can the Ishayas' Ascension meditation help with Insomnia?

Most people who use the Ishayas' meditation techniques experience deeper, more restful sleep.

Will I have to share intimate details about my life with strangers?

Your thoughts are entirely your own. The Ishayas' Ascension doesn't require you to share them with anyone if you don't want to.

Will I have to change my life?

You don't have to change a thing. To get the most from the Ishayas' Ascension, all you have to do is make time for regular practice.

I am afraid that my life will change.

Change is one of life's certainties. The Ishayas' Ascension helps you deal with whatever change comes your way.

Will I become lazy and unmotivated?

Actually, you'll probably find the opposite. The Ishayas' Ascension enables you to be more focused on the things you want in life.

Will it affect my personality?

The Ishayas' Ascension is about being comfortable in your own skin. In other words, whatever your personality, it helps you to be happy about who you are.

What about my other practices?

The Ishayas’ Ascension is not a belief system. It has no dogma and therefore does not conflict with any other belief or practice—religious, spiritual or otherwise. Its profound benefits are equally available to people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles.