In the tradition of the Bihar School of Yoga, the Guru mantra refers to the mantra personally given by the Guru during initiation (diksha), which is kept secret. However, the universal mantra honored by the Bihar School of Yoga is the Guru Stotram. Continue reading
In order to know, who we are we need to connect to our koshas. The Taittiriya Upanishad describes these five veils which are the five koshas. Continue reading
Asteya, Bhrahmacharya and Aparigraha are the core sadhanas for spiritual awareness and detachment. Asteya refers to integrity, Brahmacharya refers to dedication to spiritual growth and Aparigraha means to be free of any baggage (be it emotional or mental) and to have inner peace and freedom. Continue reading
There are eight, total primary Bija mantra according to the Mantra Yoga Samhita. Aum, Aim Hrim, Klim, Krim, Shrim, Trim and Strim. The Shakti Bija mantras are considered the most important of all mantras for meditation, worship of deities, energizing prana or for healing purposes. Continue reading
Prashnopanishad. Written by Pippalda.
Satyakama, son of Sibi asked what world will a being attain, who meditates on Aum throughout his life.
Pippalda answered:
Aum is both the higher and lower Brahman. He who meditates on Aum, will surely attain one of them. He, who meditates on Aum with a shallow understanding will gain a semblance of enlightenment. The Rik verses will bear him back quickly to be reborn on this earth. If he then continues to observe austerities, celibacy and faith, he will achieve spiritual greatness. Continue reading
Prashnopanishad by Pippalda.
The process of Prana purification is likened to oblations to the Everlasting One. Prana healing happens at the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.
Gargya the grandson of the sun god, Surya, asked Pippalda:
“What is the nature of sleep and dreams, why does one need sleep and why does one dream?” Continue reading
Dear ones, the Prashnopanishad gives the most illuminating description of Prana. One is able to understand Prana. Prana is likened to a mother who takes care of her offspring.
Prashnopanishad literally translates to Upanishad of Questions. It is an Atharvan Upanishad. Its dialogue explores existential questions, and this question addressed to Pippalda by Bhargava relates to understanding the importance of Prana in attaining Brahman. Continue reading
There are two descriptions of Aakash-Space. In the scriptures, space is known as Brahman, Kham Brahman is the statement of the Vedas, Kham means space and Brahman means the all-pervasive reality. Kham also means ether or the all-pervading, subtle element in which everything exists. Brahman is the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality of the universe in Hindu philosophy. Continue reading
The Brahman said:
The last message of Sri Krishna. Uddhava Gita. Chapter IV
Thus, I have learnt these things from all these teachers. Now listen O King, to what I have learnt from my own body, as I relate it to you. – 24
There is so much written about the moon. We all love the moon. It is magical and light up our senses. It can make us breathless. The moon effects one in different ways.
Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody. – Mark Twain
There are eighty-four million species in the world. There are four instincts which are present in all of them. They are desire for food, desire for sex, desire for sleep and fear of death. These instincts exist in all the creatures right from the smallest bacteria or insect to the elephant.
Only mankind has a special quality. S/he can worship God, sing God’s name, do Japa and meditate on God. We can experience God; we are aware of God. We are searching for Him. We have questions for Him. Continue reading
Equanimity is a state of non-attachment, where one observes experiences without getting carried away by them. In Shaiva Tantra equanimity is also a pathway to deeper spiritual realization. Equanimity is cultivated through practices like self-reflection and cultivating awareness of one’s thoughts and emotions.
Vijnana Bhairava gives two Dharanas. Continue reading
Hanuman was the son of the Vayu, God of the Wind. His mother, Anjane was a beautiful celestial nymph, who had been cursed to be born on earth as a monkey princess, because she was an impetuous maiden by Brihaspati’s wrath. Brihaspati was the guru of the Devas. Her curse would only be uplifted when she would bear a child. Anjane was seen by the Wind God and despite being a monkey, she was very beautiful. He was enchanted by her and he blew on her. Hanuman was born and she was freed of the curse. Continue reading
The Shanti Mantra is from the Upanishads. It is a prayer for peace. It’s often recited to bring peace to oneself; one’s family and the world.
Om Dyau Shanti,
May there be peace in the heavens. Continue reading