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
Uddaseena Vritti is a mental state where one can observe the world and its happenings with equanimity. It is a step towards achieving a state of nirvana.
The learned or the wise smile through the eyes; the middle-class smile through the teeth and lips; the lowest make a roaring laughter; but the muneeshwara (a form of Shiva) never smiles or laughs. Continue reading
Only two kinds of people attain self-knowledge: those who are not encumbered at all with learning whose minds are not overcrowded with thoughts borrowed from others; and those who, after studying scriptures and sciences have come to realize that they know nothing. – Ramakrishna Paramhansa
Who attains self-knowledge? A Jivan Mukta. Continue reading
Argala Stotram means to open the argala, which is the impediment or bolt to seek the blessings of the Divine Mother by chanting the Stotram.
Roopam Dehi Jayam Dehi, Yasho Dehi, Dvisho Jahi. This verse is chanted at the end of each sloka.
Give the form, give the victory, give the glory, kill the enemies. Continue reading
What is the connection and context of a net? Net often symbolizes interconnectedness, judgement or entrapment.
Today when we speak about the net, we think of the internet. It means interconnected network, a global system of interconnected computer network that allows users to share information, communicate and access a wide range of online resources. Continue reading
In all faiths numbers play a role. 108, 13, 3, 613, 786, 5, 888, 666 are spiritual numbers.
In my seminars, my students always ask, why is 108 important? In Hinduism 108 is a holy number. An individual breathes 21,600 times in 24 hours. When divided by two, it becomes 10,800 resembling 2 horizons – the north and south poles, emphasizing 108 as basic. The sky is divided into 27 nakshatras, each having four sectors of 30, i.e. 27×4=108. The moon crosses one nakshatra in 54 hours, which if divided into day and night gives 54×2=108. Continue reading
Malas mean impurity. It is seen as the limiting condition of any human being who has not revealed their Divine essence. Therefore, it is caused by avidya (ignorance), one of the five kleshas (causes of suffering). Continue reading
The world and the life created in it is subject to the influence of maya and tamas. We are all victims of maya and tamas.
Maya is illusion and is the powerful force which creates the cosmic illusion that the phenomena is real. The purpose of maya is to teach one the futility of illusion. To be free of maya one must develop an attitude of gratitude. Continue reading
Are we free of them? They are very much part and parcel of our lives. These characteristics are blocks in our pursuit of bhakti. I have written about Lust (Kama) in one of my blogs, so I do not want to repeat myself. Continue reading
Jesus began his example of how to pray, saying,
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom comes. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Continue reading
Dear ones, what does it mean when I write how much is enough. And the next one what are problems?
I will start with how much is enough. In my earlier life, I would tell my colleagues that if we saw an elephant on Wednesday, all our problems would be solved. We were struggling as an NGO and we were running three projects for which we had to report regularly. We had to deal with many issues, our runaway boys, the AIDS Hotline and the Voluntary Counselling and Testing HIV/AIDS Centre. The projects were in three different areas. I would tell my colleagues that our difficulties would be resolved if we would see an elephant. Continue reading
Magic is life. Where there is magic, there is life, the two cannot be separated. They shadow each other’s nature, reflect each other faces, centers and moods. The echoes of a word shouted in anger, the warmth left behind by the touch of skin, the traceries of breath, these are all lingering concepts we loosely define as ‘magic’. Continue reading
To fulfil our dreams. A visualization of Maha Shakti.
Close your eyes. Sit straight. Chant Aim Hrim Klim three times. Breathe in and out of your left nostril and then breathe in and out of the right nostril. You are clearing the Ida and Pingala nadis. Now breathe in and out of both nostrils so that the Sushumna can flow. Be still. Continue reading
What is our understanding of Yoga? Parmahamsa Satyananda Saraswati explains the misconceptions which many have. There are some points of view which are repetitive and are like a stuck record.
To be a practitioner of Yoga. Continue reading
In this days and age of virtual keys, Yoga is upfront with its invisible keys.
Key to unlock the psychic sound. What is the psychic sound? It is the sound of Aum and the first sound which was created. How do we utilize the mantra to unleash our prana? Our prana is within us, but this key enables us to purify and glorify our prana. Continue reading