Monday, September 24, 2018

The Power of God's Name

The Power of God's Name

I once met an Indian monk who had achieved illumination by the sole spiritual practice of hallowing God's name. When I was a college student, I visited Brindavan. There I learned about a holy man who lived in a forest nearby, and I decided to go and see him. A narrow path led me to a small hut in the centre of a clearing. Soon the holy man came out of the hut, sat on a mat which his disciple spread on the ground, and mentioned me to be seated also. There was a tangible atmosphere of saintliness about him. I prostrated before him. Then I asked, 'Revered Sir', how did you attain this state?' 'Nama', he said, giving me to understand that he had achieved perfection through repetition of the Nama, the Lord's name. He said no more, and I sat before him in silence for a while. At last I bowed down to him and left. My heart was filled with peace.

...   Swami Prabhavananda
The Sermon on the Mount according to Vedanta, Pp. 103-104
(Taken from the Vedanta Kesari, April 2011)

The Deepest Mystery   ---   The Bhagavad Gita

In this world there are two orders of being, the perishable and the imperishable. The perishable is all that is visible. The imperishable is the invisible substance of all that is visible.

But above and beyond the perishable and the imperishable is the supreme soul. The supreme soul created the universe; and having created the universe, the supreme soul entered it, and sustained it.

I am the supreme soul. Every sacred text praises me, and recognises me as transcending the perishable and the imperishable. Those who encounter me, and see me as the supreme soul, have eyes of truth. Those who worship and adore me with unwavering devotion, have hearts of truth.

I am revealing to you the deepest mystery. When you have fully understood my words, your task in this world is complete.

(Taken from Splendour, April 2011)


'RANGAN' STORY

ABOUT RANGAN - EXCERPTS FROM BHAGAVAN'S CLASSMATE 'RANGAN' STORY :

Rangan was steeped in troubles, again -- his wife was sick, his grown-up daughters were not married, he had lost his job and he could not pay the mortgage for his house. He wrote a letter of appeal to Sri Bhagavan, his old classmate, for help, for rescue. Bhagavan gave directions to the office to send him a reply, asking him to come to the Ashram and stay with Him. 

Bhagavan was very stern with Rangan, this time, because he kept complaining, "Bhagavan, you are answering others' questions, but you are not even talking to me. How friendly we have been ! I am lamenting over my problems, but you do not even show the slightest compassion to me." This was Rangan's constant grouse. Bhagavan remained like a rock ! For nearly a month or two, day and night, this continued. Rangan's continuous lamentations were met by Bhagavan's stoic silence.

One summer night, Rangan could not bear it any more. He fell at Bhagavan's feet and cried, "I am not going to let go. You have to answer me. I am suffering ! Help ! You do not even look at my face! Please !" Bhagavan helped him to his feet and pointed to the sky. In Tiruvannamalai, on a clear, summer night, the stars shine brightly like diamonds strewn all over the sky. He proceeded to give him a deep insight through the following dialogue :

Bhagavan : "Look up, see the smallest star there in our universe. The sun is a large star, and compared to it, our earth is very small. However, compared to that small star there, our sun is very small. Do you understand ?" Rangan said, "Yes, Bhagavan." 

"So, when compared to that star, if even the sun is so small, how small is the earth ?" "It is very small, Bhagavan." "When compared to that star, how big is Asia ?" "It is even smaller, Bhagavan." "When compared to that star, what is India like ?" "Bhagavan, it is like a tiny dot." "When compared to that star, how small is Arunachala ?" "It is a very tiny dot, Bhagavan." "When compared to that star, how about Ramanasramam ?" "It is an even tinier dot, Bhagavan." "Compared to that star what are you ?" 

This proved to be an eye opener for Rangan. "All the time you think about you, the tiniest spot !" Bhagavan concluded.

This immediately opened the floodgates of Rangan's Heart; he prostrated before Bhagavan and wept profusely. With Bhagavan's grace, he had the ecstasy of enlightenment !

Rangan could not sleep. The next morning, while he was lying next to Bhagavan, the master asked him to go home.

[When he went back, he discovered that all his problems had been solved. Bhagavan, the true, compassionate and merciful friend that he was, had saved him. Not only were his worldly troubles dissolved, but he was also blessed with spiritual awakening ! 

When a Sage attracts a devotee to himself, in many cases, he attracts the devotee's entire family, with his love and wisdom. In Rangan's case too, his mother, wife and brothers were caught in the net of Bhagavan's love and became completely devoted to Bhagavan.]

Posted by: "tigersjaws" alanadamsjacobs@yahoo.co.uk   for    HarshaSatsang@yahoogroup.

Dispassion ... by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

Dispassion   ...   by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

Dispassion is the most important acquisition in the spiritual quest. In the absence of dispassion, saadhana will not fruition. In the absence of dispassion towards the fleeting world, there cannot be any realization or liberation. So, when, through causal thinking, you develop viveka, understand that you will also gain vairaagya. They are very much interdependent. Any saadhana – through devotion, karmayoga or knowledge – will become effective only when it is strengthened and intensified by dispassion. And what is dispassion?

Dispassion is an attitude of indifference towards the objects of the world. The objects of the world always carry an alluring note, an enticing note. They will always enchant one's senses. This enjoyable nature of the world is what makes us so attracted to it. And this attraction acts as a pressure; so much so, that the mind is overshadowed and subdued by the objects.

This overpowering by the objects should be toned down. And the power that enables you to subdue the attraction towards the world, is dispassion. Now, dispassion does not grow easily. In some seekers it is inborn. For others, dispassion is hard to cultivate. How to develop dispassion as an enriching quality of the mind? This is where the spiritual and philosophical analysis along with the enlightenment it brings about, helps.

Sri Krishna first of all emphasizes that the objects exist in the Supreme but the Supreme does not exist in the objects. Are the objects worthy, if they are devoid of the presence of the Supreme? Again he says: Even the objects of the world do not exist in the Supreme! That means their existence is ephemeral to begin with and illusory to end with.

When we know that the objects are ephemeral – fleeting and transitory – automatically the attachment and allurement which they bring about generally, will be countered by this knowledge and discrimination. The knowledge and its effects become un-negatable. Thus the buddhi starts acting upon the mind which is allured by the objects, and the allurement is progressively attenuated.

When the dispassion grows in ample measure the mind will feel free and independent and start dwelling upon the Subject Self. When the mind is free of the hold of the objects and starts clinging to the Self, peace and bliss become unobstructed.
Image result for Bhoomananda

Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi - How to deal with Desire and Passion

Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi - How to deal with Desire and Passion
(Day by Day with Bhagavan, 12th April, 1946)

Question - How shall I overcome my passions?

Ramana Maharshi - Find their root and then it will be easy. (Later) What are the passions? Kama (lust), krodha (anger), etc. Why do they arise? Because of likes and dislikes towards the objects seen. How do the objects project themselves in your view? Because of your avidya, i.e., ignorance. Ignorance of what? Of the Self. Thus, if you find the Self and abide therein there will be no trouble owing to the passions.

(Later) Again, what is the cause of the passions? Desire to be happy or enjoy pleasure. Why does the desire for happiness arise? Because your nature is happiness itself and it is natural that you come into your own. This happiness is not found anywhere besides the Self.

Do not look for it elsewhere. But seek the Self and abide therein. Still again, that happiness which is natural is simply re-discovered, so it cannot be lost. Whereas the happiness arising from other objects are external and thus liable to be lost. Therefore it cannot be permanent and so it is not worth seeking. Moreover craving for pleasures should not be encouraged.

One cannot put out burning fire by pouring petrol over it. An attempt to satisfy your craving for the time being, so that the passion may later be suppressed, is simply foolish.There are, no doubt, other methods for the suppression of passion. They are (1) regulated food, (2) fasting, (3) yoga practice, (4) medicines. But their effects are transitory. The passions reappear with greater force as soon as the check is removed. The only way to overcome them is to eradicate them. That is done by finding their source as stated above.

Taken from the Page of Ramana Maharshi Centre for Learning

Top 100 Benefits of Meditation...

Top 100 Benefits of Meditation...

Physiological benefits:
1. It lowers oxygen consumption.
2. It decreases respiratory rate.
3. It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
4. Increases exercise tolerance.
5. Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.
6. Good for people with high blood pressure.
7. Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
8. Decreases muscle tension.
9. Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.
10. Reduces Pre-menstrual Syndrome symptoms.
11. Helps in post-operative healing.
12. Enhances the immune system.
13. Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.
14. Enhances energy, strength and vigour.
15. Helps with weight loss.
16. Reduction of free radicals, less tissue damage.
17. Higher skin resistance.
18. Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease.
19. Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing.
20. Decreases the aging process.
21. Higher levels of DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
22. Prevented, slowed or controlled pain of chronic diseases.
23. Makes you sweat less.
24. Cure headaches & migraines.
25. Greater Orderliness of Brain Functioning.
35. Helps cure infertility (the stresses of infertility can interfere with the release of hormones that regulate ovulation).

Psychological benefits:

36. Builds self-confidence.
37. Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour.
38. Resolve phobias & fears.
39. Helps control own thoughts.
40. Helps with focus & concentration.
41. Increase creativity.
42. Increased brain wave coherence.
43. Improved learning ability and memory.
44. Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
45. Increased emotional stability.
46. Improved relationships.
47. Mind ages at slower rate.
48. Easier to remove bad habits.
49. Develops intuition.
50. Increased Productivity.
51. Improved relations at home & at work.
52. Able to see the larger picture in a given situation.
53. Helps ignore petty issues.
54. Increased ability to solve complex problems.
55. Purifies your character.
56. Develop will power.
57. Greater communication between the two brain hemispheres.
58. Respond more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.
59. Increases ones perceptual ability and motor performance.
60. Higher intelligence growth rate.
61. Increased job satisfaction.
62. Increase in the capacity for intimate contact with loved ones.
63. Decrease in potential mental illness.
64. Better, more sociable behaviour.
65. Less aggressiveness.
66. Helps in quitting smoking, alcohol addiction.
67. Reduces need and dependency on drugs, pills & pharmaceuticals.
68. Need less sleep to recover from sleep deprivation.
69. Require less time to fall asleep, helps cure insomnia.
70. Increases sense of responsibility.
71. Reduces road rage.
72. Decrease in restless thinking.
73. Decreased tendency to worry.
74. Increases listening skills and empathy.
75. Helps make more accurate judgments.
76. Greater tolerance.
77. Gives composure to act in considered & constructive ways.
78. Grows a stable, more balanced personality.
79. Develops emotional maturity

Spiritual benefits:

80. Helps keep things in perspective
81. Provides peace of mind, happiness
82. Helps you discover your purpose in life.
83. Increased self-actualization.
84. Increased compassion.
85. Growing wisdom.
86. Deeper understanding of yourself and others.
87. Brings body, mind, and spirit in harmony.
88. Deeper Level of spiritual relaxation.
89. Increased acceptance of one self.
90. Helps learn forgiveness.
91. Changes attitude toward life.
92. Creates a deeper relationship with your God.
93. Increases the synchronicity in your life.
94. Greater inner-directedness.
95. Helps living in the present moment.
96. Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love.
97. Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego.
98. Experience an inner sense of Assurance or Knowingness.
99. Experience a sense of Oneness</p>
100. Leads to enlightenment

What more benefits one can even think of?

Jagrata, Jagrata

I like a lot the below reproduced sloaks of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. These slokas are the epitome of both vedanta and vairgya. The essence is carefully preserved in these five slokas. Very simple to understand and contemplate but would like to write a few lines as the gist these slokas (just for my satisfaction).
1.
Aashaya baddhate loke, karmane bahu chintaya
Aayuh ksheenam najanati, tasmat jagrata, jagrata.

Desires resulting in thoughts to act in several ways are binding us to this world, but we are so deluded that we forgot that in this rat race, our age is decreasing. So becaref u, be careful.

2.
Kama krodhascha lobhascha, dehe tishtanthi taskarah
Jnana ratnapa haaraya, tasmat jagrata, jagrata.

The known, but at the same time, unknown enemies of any human are kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, matsarya, ahamkara, etc. The moment they appear, jnanam just flies away from the system. We need to have control over them to lead a life of a Real Human Being. So, be careful.

3.
Sampadah swapna sandeshah, youvanam kusumopamam
Vidyut chanchalam aayushyam, tasmat jagrata jagrata.

Health and wealth like dreams, wither away like flowers at the sight of scorching Sun. Day-by-da, we are nearing to the last days of this body. We have to be careful, so that we will not waste this life.

4.
Mata naasti pita naasti, naasti bandhuh sahodaraha
artho naasti griham naasti, tasmat jagrata, jagrata.

When death strikes, no other person or assets (like name and fame or power or wealth or any mundane aspect) goes with us. We have to go alone. So, be careful.

5.
Janma dukham, jara dukham, jayadukham punah punah
Samsara sagaram dukham, tasmaj Jagrata, Jagrata.

Life is full of miseries, old age is painful, having a lot of property or money is full of sorrow, in fact anything that is available in this world give us only pain or dukham. Therefore, be careful.

Love and Love alone....

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Meditation

Meditation

Meditation is ever a popular topic in the headlines, with various studies extolling the practice’s benefits for stress reduction, physical health, and better brain functioning. But for many of those with a spiritual practice, meditation serves, above all else, as a pathway to the Divine.

Indeed, the supreme purpose of meditation is to know God, to reunite the individual soul with Spirit, to connect the little joy of the soul with the vast joy of Spirit. Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi and the founder of Self-Realization Fellowship (the organization I serve as a monk), describes meditation as concentration used to know God.

How Does It Work?
Through the practice of various techniques, one learns to withdraw the mind from all external objects of distraction and to put that freed attention upon God alone. Yogananda said that the sages of ancient India discovered that the key to entering this calm, interiorized state of meditation lies in scientific mastery of breath and the life energy in the body. To achieve that mastery, the ancient rishis developed the science and art of pranayama, life-force control. Pranayama, as practiced in the techniques of concentration and meditation taught by Yogananda, enables us to enter a state of deep inner stillness, in which the usual restlessness of body, breath, and mind are replaced by a wonderful experience of peace and superconscious perception of the presence of the Divine within us.

Meditation is central to the teachings of Yogananda, whose mission was to make available to all truth seekers a knowledge of definite scientific techniques for attaining direct, personal experience of God –– particularly Kriya Yoga (a sacred pranayama technique of meditation that works directly with the life energy in the body to produce higher states of consciousness in which one communes with the inexhaustibly blissful Spirit).

It is because our attention is constantly focused on the body and this outer material world that we don’t feel God’s presence in our lives; but with regular practice of interiorizing the life force and consciousness in meditation, we begin to experience God’s presence within.

Establishing a Practice
It is suggested that one have a period of meditation upon arising in the morning and before retiring at night. In the beginning, if one can put in even ten or fifteen minutes, this is a good start. One can also meditate whenever there are free moments throughout the day where one can find a quiet, secluded spot and take the mind inside.

Basic instructions in meditation – which anyone can learn and practice right away -- can be found in Yogananda’s books Metaphysical Meditations and Inner Peace. In his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, one learns Yogananda’s most powerful techniques of concentration and meditation. With these it is advised to set aside a longer period -- to practice the techniques, and then sit quietly and pray or talk to God in the language of your heart. Devotion or love for God is a key element in meditation and the search for God.

Normally the first experience in meditation is peace. As one continues to practice, peace deepens into joy, love, wisdom, and other attributes of God and of the soul. Since the ultimate goal of meditation is to realize God, one can know that progress is being made if the desire for God deepens. Yogananda said that the various progressive states of soul awakening are accompanied by an ever-increasing accession of inner peace and joy. In the most exalted states, soul and Spirit become reunited in ecstatic, blissful communion, or samadhi.

Jabali Muni.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

SLOKAS ON GURU - Guru Stotratam

On the auspicious occasion of Guru pournima (Ashadha Pournima) some Slokas in praise of Guru.

Guru Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Guru Devo Maheshwaraha
Guru Saakshat Para Brahma
Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha

Meaning:Guru is verily the representative of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He creates, sustains knowledge and destroys the weeds of ignorance. I salute such a Guru.

Akhanda Mandalaakaaram
Vyaaptam Yenam charaacharam
Tatpadam Darshitam Yena
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: Guru can guide us to the supreme knowledge of THAT which pervades all the living and non-living beings in the entire Universe (namely Brahman). I salute such a Guru.

Agnyaana Timiraandhasya
Gnyaana Anjana Shalaakayaa
Chakshuhu Unmeelitam Yenam
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: A Guru can save us from the pangs of ignorance (darkness) by applying to us the balm of knowledge or awareness of the Supreme, I salute such a Guru.

Sthaavaram Jangamam Vyaaptam
Yatkinchit Sacharaa Charam
TatPadam Darshitam Yena
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: That Guru who can enlighten us about the all pervading consciousness present in all the three world or states (of Jaagrath, Swapna and Sushupti ... activity, dream and deep sleep state), I salute such a Guru.

Chinmayam Vyaapti Yatsarvam
Trailokya Sacharaa Charam
TatPadam Darshitam Yena
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: That revered Master who directs my attention to the ONE divinity existing in all that is inert (immobile) as well as that which is active (mobile), I salute such a Guru.

Sarva Sruti Shiroratna
Viraajita Padambujaha
Vedaantaambuja Sooryo Yah
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: That Guru who is the ocean of the Srutis (Vedas), the Sun of knowledge (who can destroy our ignorance with these rays), I salute such a Guru.

Chaitanyah Shaashwatah Shaantho
Vyomaateeto Niranjanaha
Bindu Naada Kalaateetaha
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: That Guru who is the representative of the unchangeable, ever present, peaceful spirit, who is one pointed and beyond the realm of space and time, whose vision is always enchanting, I salute such a Guru.

Gnyaana Shakti Samaaroodah
Tatwa Maalaa Vibhooshitaha
Bhukti Mukti Pradaaneyna
Tasmai sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: The one who is an ocean of knowledge, who is always in Yoga (in unison With God) who is adorned by the knowledge of the God principle, the One Who can liberate us from this mundane existence, I salute such a Guru.

Aneka Janma Sampraapta
Karma Bandha Vidaahine
Atma Gnyaana Pradaaneyna
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: The one who can help us free from the chain of karma accumulated over several lives, by teaching us the knowledge of the self (Atma Gnyaana), I salute such a Guru.

Shoshanam Bhava Sindhoscha
Gnyaapanam Saarasampadaha
Guror Padodakam Samyak
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: The one who can help us cross this ocean of life, the one who can reveal to us the Divine, I adore his Paadukaas (hold on to his feet), I salute such a Guru.

Na Guror Adhikam Tatwam
Na Guror Adhikam Tapaha
Tatwa Gnyaanaat Param Naasti
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: There no greater principle than the Guru; there is no greater penance than the Guru; There is no greater knowledge than meditation on such a Guru. I salute such a Guru.

Mannaathah Sri Jaganaatho
Madguruhu Sri Jagad Guruhu
Madh Atma Sarva Bhootaatma
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: The Lord of the world is my Lord and the Guru of the World is my Guru, the SELF in me is the same which is present in all (the same divinity inherent in all beings). I salute such a Guru (who gives me this insight).

Guroraadi Anaadischa
Guruh Parama Daivatam
Guroh Parataram Naasti
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: The Guru has neither beginning nor end; the Guru is the ultimate God (in the visible form). There is nothing beyond this Guru principle, and I salute such a Guru.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dhyaanamoolam Gurur Moorthihi
Poojamoolam Guroh Padam
Mantramoolam Guror Vaakyam
Moksha Moolam Guru Krupa.

Meaning: The Guru's form is the best to meditate upon; the Guru's feet are the best for worship; the Guru's word is the mantra; the Guru's Grace is the root of liberation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brahmaanandham Parama Sukhadam Kevalam Jnaana Murthim
Dhvandhvaa Theetham Gagana Sadhrisham Tathvam Asyaadi Lakshyam
Ekam Nithyam Vimalam Achalam Sarvadhee Saakshi Bhutham
Bhavaatheetham Thriguna Rahitham Sadhgurum Tham Namaami.

Meaning: This sloka tries to describe the qualities of a true Guru. A real Guru has the following qualities. He experiences the supreme Bliss of Brahmaananda (transcedental divine bliss). He enjoys and confers changeless supreme happiness. He is beyond space and time (there is nothing higher than him). He is the embodiment of wisdom which is the basis for all types of knowledge. He transcends the pair of opposites (such as happiness and sorrow, gain and loss). He is more Omnipresent than space itself. He is the very embodiment of the Divine principle, which is the inner meaning of the four great pronouncements Prajnaanam Brahma, Aham Brahmasmi, Thath Thvam Asi and Ayam Aathma Brahma. He is One without a second (ekam). He never changes under any circumstances (nithyam). He is without any type of impurity (vimalam). He is steady and motionless (achalam). He is the witness of everything. He transcends mental comprehension and verbal explanation. He is beyond the three gunas (sathva, rajas and thamas). I offer my humble salutations to such a Guru who possesses all these qualities.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Ten Commandments of Paramacharya

The Ten Commandments of the great Paramacharya culled out from his various utterances is given below. These extracts from his speeches mark him as a great savant in the history of mankind.
  1. One of our duties as human beings is to avail ourselves of every opportunity to do good to others. The poor can serve others by their loyal work to the country and the rich by their wealth to help these poor. Those who are influential can use the influence to better the condition of the lowly. That way we can keep alive in our hearts a sense of social service.
  2. Man by himself cannot create even a blade of grass. We will be guilty of gross ingratitude if we do not offer first to God what we eat or wear. Only the best and choicest should be offered to him.
  3. Life without love is a waste. Everyone of us should cultivate prema or love towards all beings, man, bird and beast.
  4. Wealth amassed by a person whose heart is closed to charity is generally dissipated by the inheritors; but the family of philanthropists will always be blessed with happiness.
  5. A person who has done a meritorious deed will loose the resulting merit if he listens to others praising him, or himself boasts of his deeds.
  6. It will do no good to grieve over what has happened. If we learn to discriminate between good and evil, that will guard us from falling into the evil again.
  7. We should utilise to good purpose the days of our lifetime. We should engage ourselves in acts which will contribute to the welfare of others and to our own upliftment.
  8. We should perform our duties that have been prescribed for our daily life and also shall be filled with devotion to God.
  9. One attains one's goal by performance of one's duties.
  10. Obtaining Jnanam is the only solvent of our troubles and sufferings.