Friday, June 26, 2009

Meditation

The process of looking inside is called Meditation. Mediate from the material world and move inside is the goal of meditation. If we scientifically see during meditation we reach an ALPHA state where in the mind calms down to a point where there are ZERO thought forms which eventually relaxes the physical body.

The basic meditations that can be performed on a daily basis are:
The first for of meditation is where the goal is to clear your mind of all external thoughts and allow your mind to go blank for as long as you can. This is a basic but very important form of meditation used for relaxation.

Another form of meditation is a focused meditation in which you focus upon a specific object for a length of time, ridding your mind of all other thoughts and concentrating upon the object solely. This meditation helps you learn to focus and also helps develop concentration.

Meditation is a technique for deep relaxation to heal the body, quiet the mind, create inner peace, harmony and balance through focus and awareness. For relaxation and stress reduction, healing and health techniques, pain management, life improvement, psychic visions ,channeling, and mediumship. Techniques can range from a very simple relaxation exercise to in depth guided imagery and self healing.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Why are we BORN

While traveling to the depth of LIFE the major hurdle that come is actually from the LIFE. I still remember a young lad during my travel across to a defined destination asking me " Why are we born on EARTH, is there no other place to be born at, if not then what is the reason behind the birth?"
The question can be waved off in thin air without giving it a notice, but when we are sitting alone and this same question arises in our mind we are bound to think over it again and again and without even knowing the young lad from whom the question originated we always tend to place our self on his place to ask it again and again.
We see everyone around us but we find it very difficult to get an exact replica of the self in every situation, no two humans have the same criteria of living here, so what is it that we come here for and how come everyone has different roles to play?

Looking into the same question from spiritual point of view, we can say
1. To balance the equation of GIVE and TAKE and clear our balance sheet with others- When we use a credit card we pay the amount back to the bank either as a one time payment or divide the amount in small installments. Taking this as an example we can say that we have taken this life form as a credit from the DIVINE and we have to pay it back. During our stay here we do good as well as bad things which are credited to our account that either plays as late fee charges or some bonus free gifts. The moment we have cleared our credit we leave this form. If we have some extra late fee added to our account we come back again to the same plane but in a different form to clear it.

2. To make a clear progress towards truth with control of mind and attaining salvation- Taking the above credit card example here also, if we use the card properly and as per actual need we can say we have the control on the card that is our MIND which is not wandering as in the former case. Once we have the control on the usage of the credit that we accumulate we can clear our debts to the earliest and move out from the race of life and death to attain the highest life along with the divine.

Coming back and born again on the same PLANE that is earth is bit difficult to answer as we are not aware of the existence of any other place till date, but taking ahead the example of the credit card we can say that if suppose we take credit from a bank A, we cannot pay bank B the amount, in the similar way we have to come back to EARTH where we have actually planted our deeds to nullify them.



Thursday, June 4, 2009

Meaning of OM (SOUND)

In my last post i tried to bring about the meaning of OM as a symbol and here below i would like to share the knowledge of AUM as a sound...... the sound of eternity and peace.

A deeper insight into this mystic symbol reveals that it is composed of three worlds combined into one. Indeed in Sanskrit the vowel 'o' is constitutionally a diphthong compound of a + u; hence OM is written as AUM.

As a sacred sound also, the pronunciation of the three-syllabled AUM is open to a rich logical analysis.
The first alphabet A is regarded as the primal sound, independent of cultural contexts. It is produced at the back of the open mouth, and is therefore said to include, and to be included in, every other sound produced by the human vocal organs. Indeed A is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet.

The open mouth of A moves toward the closure of M. Between is U, formed of the openness of A but shaped by the closing lips. Here it must be recalled that as interpreted in relation to the three curves, the three syllables making up AUM are susceptible to the same metaphorical decipherment. The dream state (symbolized by U), lies between the waking state (A) and the dream state (symbolized by U), lies between the waking state (A) and the state of deep sleep (M). Indeed a dream is but the compound of the consciousness of waking life shaped by the unconsciousness of sleep.

The last part of the sound AUM (the M) known as ma or makar, when pronounced makes the lips close. This is like locking the door to the outside world and instead reaching deep inside our own selves, in search for the Ultimate truth.

AUM thus also encompasses within itself the complete alphabet, since its utterance proceeds from the back of the mouth (A), travelling in between (U), and finally reaching the lips (M). Now all alphabets can be classified under various heads depending upon the area of the mouth from which they are uttered. The two ends between which the complete alphabet oscillates are the back of the mouth to the lips; both embraced in the simple act of uttering of AUM.

Thus again it signifies that this mantra is no where connected with any religion, its a way to make one realize the self in a deeper state. The knowledge of OM take us to the inner depth of the soul opening the invisible doors towards our progress to the path of DIVINITY.

Meaning of OM (Symbol)

During my visit to the various religious spots across the country I could see and hear OM which is considered as the beej(seed) from which the universe originated.

I was bit amazed that this symbol has remained the same since the start of the creation and how come when there was no language there was a symbol from the HINDI LIPI that is unchanged till date. These question ignited a spark in me to bring out the actual meaning from behind the scene.







In the Chandogya Upanishad it is said:
The essence of all beings is the earth.
The essence of the earth is water.
The essence of water is the plant.
The essence of the plant is man.
The essence of man is speech.
The essence of speech is the Rigveda.
The essence of Rigveda is the Samveda.
The essence of Samveda is OM.

A deeper insight into this mystic symbol reveals that it is composed of three worlds combined into one. Indeed in Sanskrit the vowel 'o' is constitutionally a diphthong compound of a + u; hence OM is written as AUM.

Fittingly, the symbol of AUM consists of three curves (curves 1, 2, and 3), one semicircle (curve 4), and a dot.

The large lower curve 1 symbolizes the waking state (jagrat), in this state the consciousness is turned outwards through the gates of the senses. The larger size signifies that this is the most common ('majority') state of the human consciousness.

The upper curve 2 denotes the state of deep sleep (sushupti) or the unconscious state. This is a state where the sleeper desires nothing nor beholds any dream.

The middle curve 3 (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state (swapna). In this state the consciousness of the individual is turned inwards, and the dreaming self beholds an enthralling view of the world behind the lids of the eyes.

These are the three states of an individual's consciousness, and since Indian mystic thought believes the entire manifested reality to spring from this consciousness, these three curves therefore represent the entire physical phenomenon.

The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, known in Sanskrit as turiya. In this state the consciousness looks neither outwards nor inwards, nor the two together. It signifies the coming to rest of all differentiated, relative existence This utterly quiet, peaceful and blissful state is the ultimate aim of all spiritual activity. This Absolute (non-relative) state illuminates the other three states.

Finally, the semi circle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. Thus it is the illusion of maya that prevents us from the realization of this highest state of bliss. The semi circle is open at the top, and does not touch the dot. This means that this highest state is not affected by maya. Maya only affects the manifested phenomenon. This effect is that of preventing the seeker from reaching his ultimate goal, the realization of the One, all-pervading, unmanifest, Absolute principle. In this manner, the form of OM represents both the unmanifest and the manifest, the noumenon and the phenomenon.

Thus the symbol is no where connected with any religion, but our great spiritual sages have designed this as a spiritual symbol and through this tried to explain the different stages of growth of a soul towards spirituality and freedom from self.

Indeed the most forgotten essence that we have clubbed today with religion.

Energy Channels (NADIS)

I opened the news paper today to find the number of ways that can be used to save fuel, as this is the main resource for the proper functioning of the major machinery specially your own car. Reading the article a question appeared in my mind - It is said that the human body is the best machinery that is ever designed, so what is the fuel that is needed by this machinery for the proper day to day activities and what is the way the fuel is carried across this human machine.

With the blessing of the almighty, and the knowledge that i gained from cultures like Hinduism and TAO i would like to share here with you all what is the fuel that makes this human body operate and what are energy channels.

What is ENERGY (PRANA/CHI)?
According to all the traditions it is the LIFE FORCE that makes the physical body work, as FUEL is required for a vehicle to operate, so this is the FUEL for the physical us to operate.
As per ayurveda this FUEL is explained as VATHA.
As per GITA this is said to be a force that would journey to the moon, sun and then the cosmos.
Thus PRANA is the FUEL for the human body

Now for this FUEL to circulate in the physical us we require some pathways, similar to circulating pipelines in a vehicle, so where is the circulating circuit in our system, how does PRAN shakti move from one part of us to other, the answer to this is NADIS (Energy channels)

As per YOGIC tradition there are 72,000 nadis(circulating blood along with PRANA) and among them 10 are most important, out of which i would put forward some details of the 3 main nadis which are most important and connected with PRANA transmission only.

1. Sushumana (Spinal Cord) : The spinal cord in Sanskrit is called as SUSHUMANA it basically describes the main NADI, this is the main path prana needs to move across us. According to "Brahma Vidyopanishad" this nerve start from the lower part of the spine and reaches the brain. It is also said that all the 72,000 nerves that starts from the base and pass through the cord to reach the brain.
The Kundalini(SERPENT) energy is situated at the base of the spine.

2. Ida (Moon): This nadi starts from the base of the spine and reaches left nostril after passing across the spinal cord and the left hemisphere of the brain. Some of the vibrations all effect the well being of the heart. This Nadi gives cooling effect to the physical body as that is the reason it is connected with MOON.

3. Pingala (Sun): This nadi starts from the base of the spine and reaches the right nostril after passing across the spinal cord and the right hemisphere of the brain. This Nadi gives heating effect to the physical body as that it is the reason is connected with SUN.

Now coming to what BHAGWAT GITA meant to say : force that would journey to the moon(IDA), sun(PINGALA) and then the cosmos(KUNDALINI).

The above stated are the 3 main nadis that need to be known to all who are there in this spiritual path and to add to it what is described below should also be known to the seeker of this path.

There is something more that TAO culture likes to share with all the spiritual souls, which is as below

There are two more important energy channels (total 32) known as the GOVERNOR CHANNEL (du mai) and FUNCTIONAL CHANNEL(ren mai)

Governor Channel - starts from the back side of the perineum point (Anus) flows up the spine and end at the mouth palate.
Functional Channel - starts from the tip of the tongue till the front part of the perineum point(Anus) flowing down the front of the body.

This explains the circuit of the physical us in energy form.

The governor channel and the functional channel form a circuit but this circuit is not complete as it is open at two point (1. mouth - gap between palate and tongue 2. Perinium opening). So how do we connect this circuit, for this we need the knowledge of KECHRI MUDRA.

For activation of the DIVINE us the 3 nadis should be clear and the circuit should be complete.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Mantra as a WORD

According to Hindu Vedas - in the start there was a sound (AUM) and the resonance of which created the world.

According to the New Testament (John 1.1-2) - In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD.

According to ISLAM - It is the 99 names(Word) of ALLAH that brought in the creation of the world and helps in attaining love and humanity.

If we see we have every religion saying something about the WORD and these holy WORDS are nothing but the MANTRA. Mantra is a phonetic group of words that produce specific SOUND.

Mantra is a energy-based sounds which has the capability to change the subtle vibrations. It is known that the entire universe is made up of 5 elements (water,fire,ether,air,earth) and the mantra have the power to balance the 5 elements and provide peace and happiness.

Though the mantra's are tough to pronounce and understand but if it is not understood that does not mean it is not working, these work on the subtly layer of the physical self and the results are seen sooner or later depending on the devotion. It is similar to the pills given by the doctor whose chemical composition we do not know but yes we get well during the course. Though the chemical composition of the pills cannot be understood easily but yes the meaning of the mantra unfold during the course of practice.

Some mantras that can be used on daily basis are:

OM - This is the BEEJ mantra as per the Hindu scripture, without the use of OM there is no mantra that is said to be complete. This is the mantra from which everyone evolved.

99 NAMES OF ALLAH - This is a very powerful mantra in its self, the vibrations can be felt instantly.

OM MANI PADME HUM - Yet another very power ful mantra straight from the heart of BUDDHA. This mantra is very powerful if used during meditation.

SOHAM - This is the natural mantra that is flowing inside every human being and many of us are not aware of the same. While we inhale there is a subtle sound (SO) and when we exhale the subtle sound that is produced is (HAM). This mantra is practiced during the initial stages of meditation. It is very helpful in calming down the brain activities.

Mantra are not religious in term but they are open and everyone has the right to practice the mantra that suits them the best. It was the HINDUS who penned down SOHAM, the mantra related to the breath, this does not mean the anyone who is not an Hindu should stop breathing.

This is the nectar of the soul that is FORGOTTEN in the phase of time.

True Religion

Once upon a time there was a king who ruled over his subjects well. All his people were happy and his kingdom prospered. One day the King called all the religious heads of his land. Some were well renowned and well versed in Vedas and Puranas and some in the Bible, and yet others in the Koran and other scriptures. When all were gathered together, the King asked, "Oh holy ones! Today, at the request of my subjects, I wish to declare one particular religion as the religion of my land. I leave it to you to decide amongst yourself and to arrive at a unanimous decision as to which religion deserves royal patronage. However I feel only that religion should be chosen whose teachings are not refused by anyone."

Years rolled past, but no decision was taken. Each felt that his religion was the best, but none of the others agreed.

One day a traveling saint arrived in the kingdom. Upon learning about the king's unfulfilled desire, he immediately went up to the king and said "O! Mighty one! I am willing to show you the religion whose teachings nobody can refute."

The king was delighted. At last after long years of waiting an answer was at hand. "Please tell me soon my dear saint. I am impatient. I have waited for many long years." The saint replied "Be patient my king. I shall reveal the name of this religion to you, only at a quiet, secluded spot. Tomorrow at twelve noon, I shall be waiting for you near the banks of the holy River Ganga. We shall go across to the opposite shore and then I will reveal the best religion."

As decided, the saint and the king met at 12 noon the next day. The king ordered a boat to take them across the river. Immediately a boat was brought. Before the king could step inside, the saint expressed the desire to inspect the boat. "No this boat will not do as one wooden plank at the bottom of the boat is loose," he complained.

Another boat was brought. After close inspection, the saint observed that a few nails were missing along the side of the boat. The king ordered another boat to be brought. After close scrutiny, the saint rejected the boat saying that the paint was chipped. This was repeated many tunes over and over again. The king was slowly loosing his patience and could not stand it any longer
"Respected sir!" he said, "For the past so many hours you have been inspecting one boat after another. You have rejected each one of them. After all, what does it matter whether the paint is chipped or a few nails are missing or a plank is loose? As long as the boat is capable of taking us across the river, I feel that these minor faults should be overlooked."

The saint turned towards the king and smiled. Softly he explained "You have finally discovered that no boat is incapable of taking us across. The religions prevalent in our land are like the boats. Each one of them is capable of taking you to the Lord. To find faults in each other's faith is mere foolishness. Go back to your kingdom and continue to rule wisely, giving each religion as much respect as your own. Live in unity."

The king fell at the saint's feet. When he got up again, he felt himself richer - richer in knowledge and in wisdom, and better able to understand God's plan.

So my dear souls, this is what is the difference between SPIRITUALITY and RELIGION.

We fight on the name of religion and have FORGOTTEN the essence that we are SAME