Swami Niranjananda gives the best explanation. My experience is that every time I read the writings of the Masters, I find that I learn something new or my understanding gains more clarity. My Guru, Swami Satyananda said to me, ‘Be curious, inquisitive and have an open mind.’ I have followed his wise advice and along the path have been finding more and more precious insights, which I can share with you, dear ones. Continue reading
How does one do that? Our expectations and attachments become refined. They are not related to our desires, needs and wishes. We feel affection for everyone and our sincere in our awareness. We learn to express ourselves. We do not make resolves but act. Continue reading
Bhakti Sadhana in the Srimad Bhagavatam has been explained very simply. There are three things which one must heed. They are Darshan or inner vision, Shravana or hearing, and inner Chintan or contemplation. Through Darshan, Shravan, and Chintan the mind becomes one with the lord. The example given is it does not matter what the shape of a vessel is. It can be misshapen. When one pours liquid into it, it takes the shape of the vessel. The liquid will retain the shape of the vessel as long as it remains in it. Similarly, when one hears the name of the lord, when one contemplates on the qualities of the lord and when one brings to mind the form of the lord, the mind takes on the aspect of the lord. – Swami Niranjanananda.
Speech is silver and silence is golden. This proverb is attributed to the poet, Thomas Carlyle. However, it is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt. Continue reading
When one is starting the practice of Yoga, one is thinking only about one’s physical well-being. There is so much more to the practice and when one starts one experiences the benefits and realizes the power behind it. The sadhana is better than a sugar rush. It is simple, one learns to be aware, centered and detached, without pressure. It sounds complex but it is easy as a pie. Continue reading
Maya is the greatest artist and juggler. She casts a spell on us and makes the impermanent permanent, the impure pure and pain becomes pleasure. We imagine that we will always have desires, passion and will always be in love. The whole world is a net of maya to ensnare us. Continue reading
Anger is present everywhere. How do you see anger? What is its color? Black, red, purple or white? Now think about these colors. Black is a color which symbolizes power, sophistication and also evokes images of death, misfortune and evil. Yet we say black with rage. Red is a color of passion and energy. Yet it also represents anger. Purple is a color of spirituality and imagination. Yet it is also said purple with rage. Last is white which is associated with purity and innocence. Again we say white with rage. All these colors have such powerful associations and when we express annoyance, all these colors become negative in their representation. Continue reading