Link to Original Document

Kati was a sage. His great grandson was Katyayan. His daughter was born from from the blessings of Brahma , Vishnu and Mahesh. She is Katyayani. When she was born all the Gods came down to give her many many unique gifts – shankh chakra etc

There was another king named Rambh He was in love with Mahishi. Now due to a certain curse – she became a water Buffalo. Their son was called Mahisasur. Mahisa means water Buffalo

Rambh had a brother Karambh. Both brothers did penance. Karambh prayed to Varuna ( water God) and Rambh did it to Agni. Karambh was killed by Indra – who became a crocodile and killed Indra

Mahisasur became powerful when during the cremation of Rambh, his mother got burnt in the fire so he jumped in and saved his mother

She killed Mahisasur and is also known as Mahisasurnardini (mardini – destroyer/ killer)

A more detailed account can be found here

Mahishasura

Interpretation

Short version – awakening of shakti and kills sex desire

Now this is a curious thing. Most people worship for things they want in this wrold. They want more money, fun, joy,and of course sex, food etc

How many people worship God, asking God to take away the thing that brings them back again and again – the desires for food and sex?

If you truly want to be a Yogi, be only with God, can you ask God, to take away all your sexual desires and food, etc?

So being a yogi means you recognize that your desires, all desires for the flesh are binding. They are your enemies. The worst enemies. Hence in hinduism they are called the demons. Sadly, we sleep with the demons, encourage the demons and pursue life for fulfillment of desires.

A more exciting detailed interpretation to follow

Link to Original Document

Ramkrishna often described the 2 biggest flaws of humans. They are

Kamini – desires specifically sex

Kanchan – wealth, money

And I see that everywhere. And in the name of sophistication, under the guise of the law / legal big corporations, CEO, businesses are bound in their rush for it. That of course is present at an individual level, where employees try to steal money and time.

How do you steal time? Easy go to work. Relax. Have coffee, tea long breaks etc on company time!

And when you are done with work, people look for their wine and sex. Shows which have sex and glamour become more popular.

Now this May not be true for everyone but it is a general observation. No matter how hard you try, the worry for money crops up. And the desire for sex.

Just examine yourself. How often do those things crop up in your mind? If you give some attention, you may find it is a lot more than you think

This is from lack of experience – soul experience. We have no tools to go to the soul or having a soul experience. The soul will always look to the body unless you close all doors leading to the senses. And you must stop thoughts. Thoughts when they occur, you imagine you are thinking – but the soul which is the real you, does not need thoughts. It simply knows. Unerringly

So meditation is the way. Sit down. Close eye mouth , etc and then if you can stop attention to the body, the genitals, the joints, etc and slow your thoughts then you get close to the soul

After that there is much more to be done. But This would be a great start

So you see, attention to the genitals – the body – Kamini is a hindrance to going within

Same thing with wealth. That and similar things are in the mental plane. Worries and self congratulations that you have money – hinder going within. It is a mind preoccupation

Now there is another school of thought – enjoy the body and life. If that is your thinking, my blog is not for you. You just can’t go within if you want to enjoy the outside

Link to Original Document

What a surprise

It does not exist, yet a trouble maker

Such is Maya, an illusion maker

It appears so real

So powerful and a tease

Promises fun and gives pain

Little does Maya know,

One look of Apara and

It is no more.

Effortlessly Parvati, gets rid of it

Maya seems so real,

Only by grace of Parvati

Oh great Yogi,

Why bother with Maya

Just look at Apara

Maya no more,

Truly I say,

Look at her, Maya no more,

Her dance, Lapasya,

An Immortal dance

Played with Shambhu

Lapasya and Tandav

Oh all the vowels, merged in there

Sombargiri’s chela, enjoys the dance

Link to Original Document

We are all here to learn. Learn to love. Learn to forgive. Learn to be perfect. Similar to many countless saints in the past.

This school we enrolled in – rather involuntary – the school of life and death, the world – in order to graduate we have to learn from our mistakes. Note a single “answer” can be wrong. What is the “answer” – our karma and reaction. It is not theory about God or the scriptures

It is about love for God.

So why do I about the theory? Or explain the scriptures? It seems foolish does it not? It is because we have been trained from many many past incidences to reach in a certain way. Selfish ways. Evil ways. Hateful ways. Careless ways. Lazy ways. Craving for food and sex ways. All the flaws of the body.

So in order to overcome these flaws, you can learn to correct it with yoga and deep meditation. Or learn it with experience. If you don’t learn it with simple experience then the lessons become harsher

So in order to learn from yoga , one has to retrace the path of the illusion that we are the body , instead it should be the soul is covered by a body. In order to retrace it a little Map is neaded. That map comes from reading scriptures

So here is a very encouraging guide from Yogananda

Strength in times of adversity

Suffering is a good teacher to those who are quick and willing to learn from it. But it becomes a tyrant to those who resist and resent. Suffering can teach us almost everything. Its lessons urge us to develop discrimination, self-control, nonattachment, morality, and transcendent spiritual consciousness. For example, a stomachache tells us not to eat too much and to watch what we eat. The pain from loss of possessions or loved ones reminds us of the temporal nature of all things in this world of delusion. The consequences of wrong actions impel us to exercise discrimination. Why not learn through wisdom? Then you won’t subject yourself to unnecessary painful discipline from the hard taskmaster of suffering.

~ Sri Paramahansa Yogananda,

Where there is Light

Link to Original Document

The interpretation of such great books should be left to the enlightened and liberated. Shankaracharya Maharaj wrote about it and a few others later. Gurudev wrote about all the upanishads and clarified them

So from the onset, I pray to the great souls who wrote them and explained them. I am in no way capable of explaining it.

So then why am I doing it? I am shocked and apalled at the terrible translation and interpretation that is floating out there. Nauseating. And worse

I will try to give the meaning from a Yogis perspective

After the introduction, the first verse is as follows

ॐ ईशा वास्यमिदँ सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् ।

तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम् ।। १ ।।

By the Lord is enveloped all that moves in the moving world.

By renouncing this, find your enjoyment.

Do not covet the possessions of others.

Or

All that is here in this ever-changing world constitutes the abode of the Ruler (He is the in-dweller in everything); therefore, when you take anything here to utilize for your benefit, do it with a sense of renunciation (rather than arrogation); you should not covet others’ means of living (dhana is prey, the thing on which one feeds on)’.

Om ! In this material world full of things that appear and disappear (now and then), one should perceive and understand that even such worldly transitory things are filled in with the presence of Lord. (iisavaasyam itham sarvam – God pervades everything in this world). By so perceiving and feeling that, one can protect him from the (otherwise never-relieving) bond of karma. One should also convince him that he has been provided by the Lord with all the things necessary for his existence. With that sort of contentment, one should try to avoid being greedy or jealous about others or others’ riches.

Or

All this, whatsoever exists in the universe, should be covered by the Lord. Having renounced (the unreal), enjoy (the Real). Do not covet the wealth of any man.

These are a few examples of how people have translated. Some of them are very esteemed, mostly because they carry the name of swami, wear saffron clothes, and some of them are knowledgeable in Sanskrit

However, I find them amusing, and not proper. They do not give me joy and often time the resounding vibration of truth is missing !

Now my translation may have some grammar issues, and I hope the reader will take be kind enough to forgive me.

The first symbol is Aum.

Isha – the second word – Generally people refer to it and call it as God. However, to me it refers to Shakti , apara shakti. Why? There is an extra “kaano” making it feminine

Vasyam – covering

Idam – all this

Sarvam – all

Yatkinchit – everything, kinchit – smallest particle

Jagatyam Jagat- Generally people refer it to the world. In reality is refers to the body that goes to death (more later) Jam gatam – going to death

Ten – it

Tyakten – leaving it

Bhunjitha – enjoy – refers to the divine joy of samadhi or Jagadananda or chidananda

Ma – dont

Grudha – desire for

Kasya – whose / those

Svid – perspire

Dhanam – wealth. So Svid dhanam – refers to the body created from a drop of sweat / semen

Thus the meaning is

Shakti who is hidden in all this creation, including in the body that goes to death,

Leaving this body, enjoy the joy of samadhi, dont covet the (pleasures) of the body.

Now you have a choice. I am a yogi. For me under the cover of all translation, there are synonyms used in sanskrit. All are not familiar with them. Including the sanskrit scholars. So you may ask, who am i to say this? And that would be quite accurate. Instead of carrying bitterness, there are more blogs and web pages to your liking…why waste time here?

Link to Original Document

3 day of Navratri

Parvati is called Chandra ghanta. Meaning bell shaped moon. This is depicted in photographs with shakti riding a lion and having a crescent of moon on her forehead

She got this name, perhaps after the penance she did to get shiv

This refers to a chakra above Agna. This is very high and nectar of immortality comes from near here

This is what Babaji , Kevalgiri, etc do. They stay here or in much higher places

A person Guru can take you there in an instant.

I have seen many people online claim to drink nectar etc. but the body should reflect it then!

It is not as easy as people think. There are 5 types of nectar. Each with a different advantage , purpose. Why is it needed? Because to go deep within, the body dies. ( Paul Bible. I die daily)

And then something is needed to keep body alive. And that is the nectar. This is also described in the Bible. Knock and you shall receive and we will sup ( dine) together

Knock – the bell

Sup – drink the nectar

Thus Chandra ghanta

This is a superficial discussion. More in depth for a yogi who can go there can be found elsewhere in my blogs

Link to Original Document

9 aspects of shakti

Each day has a different aspect and name

1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraganta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skanda mata
6. Katyayani
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Sidhidatri

Each number corresponds to the day of Navratri

There are stories behind each day

However the stories have a spiritual interpretation. And thus corresponds to a different yoga experience

I have hinted at them elsewhere

To give an example – she is called Maha Gauri. Meaning very fair. Once Shankar made fun of her called her dark complexioned – kaali. So she went to Maansarovar. She took a bath in it, the dark complexion part of her separated out , was called kaushiki and Kaushiki destroyed Shumba and Nishumba

The spiritual meaning is – the inner most part of us – the anahkarana has spots. Defects. It is full of desires, anger, etc. that is the dark complexion. Bathing in maansarovar refers to merging our consciousness able Agnachakra ( in manaschakra ) gets rid of am the defects. The dark complexion that emerges from the bath destroys shumba and nishumba – the dualities that we see good and bad, etc and replaces it with seeing purity in the world which of course is God or shakti herself

Second day of Navratri



Maa Brahmacharini – The Second Manifestation of Maa Durga. Om. Good morning beautiful people.

Link to Original Document

This blog has been kept vague

Intentionally

So the reader is motivated to look deeper

Hiranyagarbha – used in different ways in the literature. Yogananda – called it the macroscopic part of subtle world. Vishnutirthji Maharaj called it the lid covering divine – or the first manifestation of God or from avyakta to vyakta. Both are true. Be careful what you read

Pragna – has two meanings. Paraganandam Brahma is a slightly higher level of the routinely understood meaning

Beyond these three levels, there are three other levels above it.

So above ishvar there are higher levels

Baliyasi kevalam ishvar ichcha- applies to human. It does not apply to great saints

It means only Gods will, will happen or only Gods will is powerful

Link to Original Document

One of the biggest mistakes we make is dealing with challenges

Everyone feces rough times and many times it is rougher than rough. Initially we fight it. But later, as the rough time continues, we get depressed. Sad. And if you are religious and pray to God , then slowly the faith in God, religions and prayer goes away

We ask, why me? I pray. And those who are not nice, have no faith seem to flourish

This is a common issue. In difficulties we tend to lose faith. Get anxious. Worried. Insecure. The bigger the problem the more desperate we get

It is easy to say we have faith when things go well. However when challenged our so called faith crumbles

How do we change this? How can we get faith

This faith I refer to is never asks why me. Nor does it think that a mountain of problems is any problem

Hopefully you get the picture. This faith is rare. Slowly expands but remains confined to Maya. Then suddenly one day it breaks. And shines in the glory of brilliant sunlight. Those who are the people would say God was always there. Right now we use our logic and belief but not direct proof which is faith

Faith is how miracles occur. Now there is a little more to it. There is only one book ever written in how to get there and how each siddhi, like Neem Karoli baba did or Jesus or Babaji every did. It is a book written by a 18 year old kid about 100 years ago. It is very accurate. Just perfect.

So now it is not just a matter of theory but a practical way. Of course it is not easy. It is just a very pure way of meditation.

So remember every one has challenges. Even Babaji

Babaji was very kind and will be here till the end of this Yuga. An immortal body. And ability to create palaces at will. Oh sounds what kind of hardships does he have?

Well he promised to keep his body visible for some people. Always. Obviously some of those disciples are not at the level of having an immortal body. They need food. Water. Shelter. Who did they turn to? Babaji. Babaji cannot perform miracles always for every morsel of food. So now they are dependant on nature, and society. Do you see the hardships?

Of course we will never know the details and how Babaji cares for them. But that miracle is still involves society

And we all know the hardships of society!

So try not to waver. It is a huge challenge. But we have no other way

It is through hardships that we become diamonds. Not by having a luxurious life

Set your goal to be the gem. Not the dirt on the ground

Link to Original Document

We hear about people who talk about meditation and meditating for months and years. Others think I have my shakti awakened and I can just sit in meditation

But that is not true. There is a perfect time when you can do that. But that is meant for this who have cleaned themselves completely

That is a very different level

Why is that? It is because when you live in isolation you have not had the opportunity to get exposed to adversity and adversarial circumstances! Without having negative circumstances from people, you will not know if you have really progressed

We often times think we have reached the final stages when reality is they have not even started!! I have seen this countless times. Sad. Very unfortunate

Don’t be egotistic And think that the very meager knowledge And experience you have is a sign of progress or perfection. There is much Much more! If the goddess Saraswati started writing about The steps and experiences, she could write till eternity and not come to an end!

I Caution people about this constantly! If people listed their experiences it would fill a half a page and yet their ego is vaster than the universe. And every step or question you have they can write volumes of garbage. That garbage can is called the web/ blogs/ social media

I will conclude about what mother said about it

If you remain in meditation or contemplation without working, well, you don’t know if you have progressed or not. You may live in an illusion, the illusion of your progress; while if you begin to work, all the circumstances of your work, the contact with others, the material occupation, all this is a field of experience in order that you may become aware not only of the progress made but of all the progress that remains to be made. If you live closed up in yourself, without acting, you may live in a completely subjective illusion; the moment you externalise your action and enter into contact with others, with circumstances and the objects of life, you become aware absolutely objectively of whether you have made progress or not, whether you are more calm, more conscious, stronger, more unselfish, whether you no longer have any desire, any preference, any weakness, any unfaithfulness — you can become aware of all this by working. But if you remain enclosed in a meditation that’s altogether personal, you may enter into a total illusion and never come out of it, and believe that you have realised extraordinary things, while really you have only the impression, the illusion that you have done so.

That’s what Sri Aurobindo means.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1955, CWM volume 7, pages 287 – 288.

Link to Original Document

In Hinduism, there are 16 days a year which are known as shraadh. Many people consider those days as inauspicious for doing certain activities. Activities such as marriage, starting new projects etc

Currently this year, we are on the 7 day of Shraadh. So what is it about?

I cannot tell you that Hinduism is completely accurate. It is a matter of belief and if you want to go beyond it, then you must go deep into it and verify its accuracy. Merely having discussions based on belief is merely stupid. It is like two alcoholics arguing and discussing with each other and debating the dream each one had the night before. If you want to investigate it, do it properly. Dont blindly believe in anything. Reject it if incorrect and accept it if correct. However, proof based on personal effort may likely be a failure, since you ned a teacher or Guru. You would not try become an expert in quantum physics without a teacher. This path is even more elusive than quantum physics

So many religions believe in the soul. And many of the religions who believe in the soul, also believe in God and after life, including heaven and hell. Some religions stop there while hindusim went a step beyond and said, yes there is heaven and hell and after life, but the stay there is not permanent (you cant have infinite stay in heaven for a finite action or infinite pain for some transgressions) but you come back to this earth.

So what do you do with the loved ones , after they depart (assuming that it is true)? Well, hinduism states, during certain months, it is easier for us to reach them and give them a boost on their spiritual journey. (I guess it is different than Hallloween, when some believe they departed souls come to earth). So during those days, of Shraadh, some people believe we can help the departed souls by some rituals / prayers.

Although they may sound somewhat ambigious in its value, I am sure there is a much deeper spiritual meaning. I can discuss that at a later point

1. If the person died on the 4 day of the rising moon, shraadh is done on the fourth day of the rising moon during shraadh. And so on and so forth
2. If you dont know the tithi , the date based on lunar calendar, rituals are performed on the new moon (amaas) of the shraadh period (last 2 weeks of Bhadarvo). This day is called sarva pitru (all departed in your family) shraadh
3. If it is about a woman who departed and she was still not a widow, it is done on the 9th day of the fortnight
4. If the woman died and was a widow, it is done on the tithi of her expiration
5. In brahmins this is what they follow
   1. They usually make kheer or basundi (a milk item) and roti. They give a portion to dogs, cows first. Then they give another portion to the birds. When givign it to the birds, they go to the terrace, wear their “janoi” like a necklace, give 5 portions to the birds, give water and then give another 5 portions. They say aum pranay, swaha, apanay swaha, samanay swaha, udanay swaha and vyanay swaha. At the beginning and then halfway through. It is only after this, they take wash their clothes and eat

Seems quaint. Yogananda said that during those days which correspond to the departed persons tithi of passing away, one should meditate more deeply and offer them your light and say a prayer to them. That soul, will receive it anywhere and wherever they have taken birth.

So, if that is the story, why not wish someone well? Maybe your children may wish you well.

The deeper meaning – who knows?

Link to Original Document

Vishnutirthji maharaj was incrdible. He received his awakening at the age of 50. Within the first year he wrote two books that are perfected

Devatma Shakti which is in English

Saundarya Lahiri which is in Hindi

I have talked about the books many times. I just thought I would share some wonderful things he talked about in those books. Mostly this is to give clarity about some of the verbage in Spirituality

1. Some spiritual literature talk about 5 shells.

   • Annmayi -refers to Gross physical body

   • Pranmayi

   • Manomayi

   • Gyanmayi

     • These three shells, pranmaye, manomaye and Gyanmayi collectively form the subtle body. I can explain more about it later sometime.

   • Anandmayi – refers to the causal body

2. Some books define 7 different Anand. Anand refers to joy at times and at times happiness. They are

   • Nijananda

   • Nirananda

   • Parananda – this refers to par as other not Para

   • Brahmananda

   • Mahananda

   • Chidananda

   • Jagadananda.

     • I can explain these things later at the appropriate time.
   3. 5 tattvas

      • Prithvi – world / solid

      • Jala – water / liquid

      • Agni – fire

      • Vayu – wind

      • Akash – ether

   4. So, a word of caution. In some places these 5 tattvas refer to state of matter and in some places refer to an extra ordinary divine aura. Very few will ever see that divine aura. So for our discussion we will stick to the 5 tattvas as state of matter

Even the whole universe , the creation follows the 5 states. And even reversal follows the same sequence.

Lets take the big bang or even the creation of our solar system.

With the big bang, there was a singularity. the singularity created space and time. (Akash / ether). In the Akash, there were subatomic particles, moving around colliding in space (Vayu or wind). Eventually the Vayu or wind created hydrogen which created the first suns – Agni. When they exploded, as they cooled,the molecules were first liquid and then became solid. For example the earth was liquid first / molten and then became solid.

So the great Indian Saints knew about this and Vishnutirthji maharaj explained these 5 tattvas as state of matter.

I merely extrapolated the states of matter to creation.

Of course there is much more. But that would be for another time

Link to Original Document

There is a story in the bible. About the city / town of Sodom. Where there was unusual or forbidden sexual activity. (you can figure it out what it was). There was the wrath of God , and the city was destroyed. So the activity was later deplored and it went on to a point of discussion thousands of years later

Now, we can go to modern day literature and archaelogical findings. Just recently, it was reported, on September 20th about their archaeological findings. The city is now called Tall el- Hammam. Now we dont know much about the “social activity” during those times. But there is a lot of archaeological findings that the city was decimated by ….an astroid. What are the findings?

There was a massive fireball from an astroid where the temperature reached 2000 degrees Celciusm. How do we know ?based on the micro diamonds in the area, and silicon. Some of the material is called spherule and it can only occur at temperatures more than 1600 celcius. In those days, they did not have any method to increase the temperature to that degree

Formation of zirconium

Bubbled pottery occurs at that temperature

The data is quite solid. The final conclusion was that an asteroid fell. It immediately destroyed the whole city. It force was more than 1000 Hiroshima bombs. This was followed by a shock wave where the wind was 750 miles per hour or more. Then the winds destroyed the walls of Jericho.

So in the bible there is a description of this in a limited fashion, which suggests there may have been one surviver who told the story.

Fascinating right?

So what it means is that – since it came to Bible, is that, the human mind has to find a reason why this happened. And the conclusion that they came to was the fire in the sky was Gods wrath, and the wrath occurred because of the “practices” in the city.

Now if this was true, then do you think that more of the world would have been in trouble, right now?

This brings out a typical curiosity of the human mind. It never is satisfied. It always seeks a reason. It is this curiosity that has brought about science and discovery. The mind always seeking answers. On the other hand the religious mind also seeks answers, but it turns to God. And gives the thought construct that it happened because God wanted it. And then there is some active human imagination that comes into play and finds a reason why God wanted to destroy Sodom

So, did God send the asteroid? If so, why does he not send a thousand more asteroids now? Surely the world can use a little bit of rectification?

What is the point of all this? The point is, logic can come to conclusions but especially in the case of religion, it maybe faulty. What is better, is not using logic but using God given intuition, a faculty that God gives readily to the pure human mind is better. We should focus on cleansing ourselves rather than go deep in idle debates.

The most important thing, we have to reach individually is purity of mind. This purity is more about all our faculties naturally turned to God rather than the world. This purity where the senses are more interested in God, is not very common. However, with deep meditation, eventually with time, the senses realize the love of God and naturally stays within, without much effort. Isnt that wonderful?

A disclaimer : I am not in anyway capable of understanding how to evaluate or decipher the meaning. Nor do I take sides.

Link to Original Document

God himself is very deceitful. Everyone in this world, ( if not a yogi) has a very long list of things they want to complain about

My list itself is very long. Things that are wrong with his creation. Things that could be done better. And my own personal grievances against people, Maya and God also.

In this way I am no different than the average American Joe. Many people know much more than virologists, CDC, NIH, microbiologist, immunologists, biostatisticians, epidemiologists all put together. In fact , they never ever even have to treat patients, take any courses, set foot inside a lab or hospital but they know all the problems with vaccination and not taking it also

So similar to them, I have a solution to all the problems in the world and universe and just need a few minutes of God time and I can set him straight !

Of course I am trying to be funny. Most likely my humor won’t work. All I hope is that God has a sense of humor too – or I would be using appropriate adjectives and say Oh, S, HS, Etc I am in trouble.

So why am I calling God deceitful? It is quite simple. The moment you see God, guess what happens ? You instantly forget every complaint you have, every thought of anger, every thought of worries, anguish etc. in fact all you have is love

And that is known as Bhakti. Bhakti is something that starts after you see God face to face. Not before

So all this is my interpretation of what great saints have said !

In the meantime, guess where I am headed? I am on my 6789 page of complaint against God and on my 51 million list of things of recommendations for him/ her/ it. I don’t care!

Link to Original Document

God talks with Moses. And tells him, he did not tell others before him, but his name is YHWH

Try pronouncing it! You can do a lot of internet search. And find many scholars talk about it. Tell you there is no I in Latin. Of this is a combination of another word Adonai and Elohim. Or tell you it is a Tetragrammaton.

A series of four consonants

And hellelujah : is a combination of hillel which means praise and jah. Jah refers to Jehovah witness and Jehovah refers to YHWH

Confused?

So how does YHWH mean God name. And why do we use the word God etc when God told us his name!

What do we do? How do we crack the code ?

Obviously, history and Latin And scholars can only take you so far ! And over ages writing errors can creep in

And is Gods name different for those who speak, Hebrew, English, Sanskrit, phrasing, Urdu etc? That would be strange to

This is the answer. It is the same in all languages but depending on the depth of meditation, slight variations occur. Now if you are a yogi, you can easily breeze through all of them

In Hinduism, the word is Aum. The first word. This word is referred to as Jehovah The silent witness from time immemorial. In old days it was easy to confuse j with i. The true word was not starting With j but started with i

That’s how the word elohum is a word used in Bible was Gods name.

I have given a few superficial details. But there are enough clues for a beginner in Yoga to grasp the truth.

I have no desire to debate with the scholars. I confess I am no scholar. I barely know my alphabet

But I am a yogi!

Link to Original Document

Charles Dickens opened A Tale of Two Cities, perhaps his most famous tome, with the now iconic line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Do you think it is true right now? Spiritually?

Is it the best time or the worst of time?

So it depends on the individual, right?

There is an abundance of Information. Spiritual information. Now most of the information is not true. But many wonderful scriptures have been translated into English and Hindi and Gujarati. Yogananda, Vivekananda, Lahiri, Yukteshwar Ramana maharshi, Yogendra Vigyani, Vishnutirthji Maharaj, Gurudev, Kalidas Pandit etc have left tremendous guide posts, hints, guidance for everyone

So those who can focus only on those wonderful things, will find immense spiritual uplifting power. Such wonderful information is now available very freely. Isn’t that wonderful? Their life. Their experience. Their pearls. It is wonderful times!

And on the other hand, with all the wrong information, people are more likely , to fall prey to wrong information. Follow wrong paths. Get lost. So difficult to keep clarity. Isn’t it awful?

This way weeding through rubbish makes it the worst of times!

Those who read or follow my blog, have the absolute certainty of genuine people – genuine literature Now believing me is a different story!

Best wishes!

Link to Original Document

Mother (Aurobindo) often talkd about an easy cure.

Now all these things Mother talks about – are steps of deep meditation.

How so?

The three steps to dissolving pain and problems

See the situation as a dream

See the sorrow as a dream

And in the case of physical illness, see the physical pain as unreal

This last step is very difficult

What stage of meditation is this? This is a small step above agna charka. It is called Sun light way for a specific reason.

Where is the proof? Only those who have done it have it. So I just accept Mother for what she says

So when this sunlight stage can descend down to the physical world, then everything around you becomes joyous.

Hope this helps. Just dont be simplistic and think of some make belief way of getting there. Viola!

Below is the full text.

I am quoting an answer from Mother. The source, I have indicated below

This delight, this wonderful laughter that dissolves every shadow, every pain, every suffering! You only have to go deep enough within yourself to find the inner Sun, to let yourself be flooded by it; and then there is nothing but a cascade of harmonious, luminous, sunlit laughter, which leaves no room for any shadow or pain.

In fact, even the greatest difficulties, even the greatest sorrows, even the greatest physical pain — if you can look at them from that standpoint, from there, you see the unreality of the difficulty, the unreality of the sorrow, the unreality of the pain — and there is nothing but a joyful and luminous vibration.

In fact, this is the most powerful way of dissolving difficulties, overcoming sorrows and removing pain. The first two are relatively easy — I say relatively — the last one is more difficult because we are in the habit of considering the body and its feelings to be extremely concrete, positive; but it is the same thing, it is simply because we have not learnt, we are not in the habit of regarding our body as something fluid, plastic, uncertain, malleable. We have not learnt to bring into it this luminous laughter that dissolves all darkness, all difficulty, all discord, all disharmony, everything that jars, that weeps and wails.

And this Sun, this Sun of divine laughter is at the centre of all things, the truth of all things: we must learn to see it, to feel it, to live it.

And for that, let us avoid people who take life seriously; they are very boring people.

As soon as the atmosphere becomes grave you can be sure that something is wrong, that there is a troubling influence, an old habit trying to reassert itself, which should not be accepted. All this regret, all this remorse, the feeling of being unworthy, of being at fault — and then one step further and you have the sense of sin. Oh! To me it all seems to belong to another age, an age of darkness.

The Mother, On Thoughts and Aphorisms, CWM Volume 10, pages 156 – 157.

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Humans in general are very superficial

We may in general be very intelligent. Yet when it comes to some matters, we act first and think later. How often do we do that? Daily. More than once a day.

Examples

• Someone says something to us. We react first. Might even have an uncalled for response and later, we regret
• Anyone ever try dieting? Some have. Guess what, food on a table, it kind of disappears from the counter – quite magically. Any idea how?
• We see someone beautiful / handsome. Before we even know it, carnal desire crosses our mind before logic / intellect intervenes
• We hear the siren of a cop behind you!. First reaction is fear or panic, and maybe a few adjectives added to the thoughts!

So what is happening? We know right from wrong! We know good from bad. What happens is that the intellect might have an idea. Of not getting afraid, stay away from food, carnal desires, not to get angry. But it does not last. How do we change? Or is it like Dantes inferno, we are stuck in it?

What happens is that the intellect knows. But the mind and emotions dont. A tricky point. We generally lump mind, intellect and emotions together but they are quite different. And the forces we fight are quite different.

1. Mind – mana in Gujarat or sanskrit.
2. Intellect – Buddhi. Thinks
3. Logic – tark. Rationalization
4. Emotions – chitta. You know what it is
5. Ego – ahamkar.

Now each of these things are a force that does what it knows best. Thats all they can do. Emotions and mind wont listen to Intellect or Logic. It just wont. Yogananda said, in a battle between emotions and intellect. Emotions will always win. So how do you win emotions. Dont negotiate with it. Use ego – which says I refuse to react. Thats it.

In other words I have given above, the heirchy and location of those 4 things. In the chakras

• Mana resides in Muladhar.
• Intellect in Swadhisthan. (It is kind of funny. Think it over)
• Emotions in Manipur
• Ego in Anahat.

So each higher chakra has an order. So ego is not terrible , if used properly it can help in your progress. Later it hinders your progress too. Tremendously.

So the trick is, to change the composition and property of the mind and emotions etc. Without changing it, the mind will continue to react immediately. The mind is the first organ that interacts with the external world. Without changing that, it will immediately react to situations, desires etc.

This is why social reform and jails have failed. They are unable to change the intrinsic property of the mind. But is it possible to change it? Of course. That is the business yogis are in. Changing it. And when that change occurs, it leads to liberation. Then the person is worthy of talking with God. This change is purity. Then how can God hide? Where is the need to debate, fight, argue? Such people wont indulge in it. For them God is a reality.

Hopefully, you will have a better idea why Yoga is needed. It is the way to saving the world. Having said that, be careful, not everyone who thinks they are a yogi or claim to be a yogi is one. Most of them are fakes or ignorant or both.

With these tools in mind, you can now find a true Yogi. He alone knows the secret.

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What happens? We go and hear a great motivational speech. Or listen to a brilliant orator talking on Gita or Upanishad. And a week later all is forgotten. Even the initial zeal of practicing good values, being tolerant, forgiving, decreasing sensory appetite goes away

Within a few weeks, if that, all is forgotten and we are back to square one

People try and fail. Yogananda called them antique furniture, since this has been the case for many births

What happens?

• We forget what we were told to do very quickly
• The enthusiasm is there but we remain surrounded in the wrong company.
• Repetition of good values are needed and good company is needed. Without that not much can be achieved
• However the biggest reason is past habits from many many births. This is why some people gravitate towards music, others towards religion, some towards yoga, others towards sense pleasures, alcohol etc. However, the attitude towards anxiety, anger, fear, resentment, sensitivity, feeling offended etc are also part of the same issue THIS HAS TO BE CLEANED. Without cleaning this, nothing can be achieved permanently. These roots are very deeply imbedded in us.

It is for the cleaning of deep roots, yoga is needed. It use only with yoga, can we go deep within, like the ego part described by Freud , where we have to discover the flaws and “cauterize” it. This can be only done with “kriya”. That is how Yogananda described it. In maha yoga awakening of the shakti takes care of it has been described.

But there is more ! One has to practice it for 12 years. – cauterizing the flaw and practice not getting angry for 12 years makes it permanent

These flaws exist in a shell called prakriti. One has to find it , cleanse it.

However even that is not sufficient. One has to establish oneself in a higher level and plane. And stay there. Those stations are called shodhash adhar. There are 16. Hence it is called shodhash adhar. In maha yoga Vigyan Shankar Bhagwan or God says, if you do not know those stations, you are not a yogi.

1. So purity is needed

2. Purity requires getting rid of bad personality
3. That has been present for years
4. Find the shell where it is stored. Prakriti. It it an actual shell
5. Cauterize it
6. Practice for 12 years
7. Establish in the higher station
8. Repeat from one station to another to you are at the highest
9. All the sermons or lectures can’t help because this practice of purity is needed
10. That’s why Yoga
11. Perfect purity is needed to remain merged in God

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Perfected souls can be a Guru. However even when present on earth , few can benefit from them

Why? They are so perfect they cannot impose their thought or will on you. They are there to help you in all ways

Sounds paradoxical but it is not

What happens is such perfected individual do not conform to a very imperfect society. Their actions are hard to follow or understand. Our perception comes from a imperfect society. We can’t fathom them.

So all their perfect actions are seen as faults. And that , leads to doubt

The end result is even things they say , even though accurate or perfect, we try to improvise and see it differently. So they give us the highest and we say but… and but or what if – now we no longer get full benefit

Sometimes people ask questions. But if you think that person is at the same level of you, or slightly higher then you will not benefit – no matter what the perfected person says. You have doubts and questions

That is difficult. Very difficult to know who is perfected and who is a verifiable certifiable lunatic – totally loco – lunacy is far more common

Those with experience are just very different.

I say the truth but you will have your own doubts and own methods of verifying

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Yesterday, someone very smart asked me what is Grace? So, guess what,I asked the people I worked with today, what is Grace? The answers were

1. What we say before meals – is grace
2. Dancing is done with Grace….
3. Sometimes we get a grace period when we are behind say payments

No one actually gave me a clear idea. However, my friend did say, very impressively, that Grace is not about getting material things but spiritual growth.

In Sanskrit and in Gujarati and hindi, there is a specific work for Grace, it is called Krupa. The word Krupa is conveys the meaning a little more appropriately. But bear with me, when i explain it you, will understand it better.

Lets say you are taking an exam. You study hard and do very well in the exam and get an A or A plus, would you say it was luck or grace? Probably, not.

So if you are righteous, and God gives you something, that is not grace. You might even say, it was worked upon and you got it. In fact, if you dont get, you may feel you have the right to complain. It was your merit. This merit, you can even call it your “karma”. Strong karma like this, can override past bad karma…and you can do very well in an exam, even though your destiny called you to fail. But difficult to do.

Aurobindo described Krupa or Grace the best. Lets face it, then Grace is not something that you get because you worked hard or merit it.

Then the other aspect then is can you say that, did God took pity on you and you got it? No, that is not the case either. You are the rightful heir to God and his kingdom. So there is no question of taking pity.

Krupa is something which no rational mind can figure out. It does not follow the logic of karma (which is more or less like a vending machine), nor is it sympathy or pity. It is something that the divine or your Guru, suddenly has a thought, that let this person be enlightened, and it just happens!. And on the other hand, someone who worked all his life very very hard, making a million sacrifices in life and still does not get the Krupa of God. Who can fathom it? Sadly, there is no recourse and you cannot complain. It is the divine will. The divine is not compelled to follow our petty thoughts of I did this, now you give me that! Guru or Shakti has her own unfathomable way of doing things. Lets leave it at that. So can I give you examples?

1. Jesal and Toral : Jesal was a dacoit who had killed, looted, plundered and possibly even raped. He kidnapped Toral. Toral was a divine person, a great Guru. As she was kidnapped and in the boat going from one shore to the other, with her captor Jesal, the boat started to sink. Jesal panicked. Toral then opened her mouth and said, why do you panic, there is nothing to fear. Just declare all your sins, and I will forgive you and liberate you. Jesal got liberated that life and went to one of the highest levels and gave up his body took samadhi at will. This is a rare feat. (Happened within a few years)
2. Bilwamangal was another person who was instantly changed
3. Neem karoli baba changed another person who came to attack him. The change occurred in a fraction of a second, while the person had a weapon in his hand. He instantly fell at the feet of Neem Karoli baba and asked forgiveness
4. One of Shankaracharya disciple was not very wise but he had unlimited faith in his Guru. Once when Shankracharya was about to give a talk, he waited for this disciple to come over. The other disciples protested and said, he is not very smart, he wont understand, can you start the talk? Shankracharya felt offended. He closed his eyes and said, let that disciple become enlightened this very second. Instantly he became enlighted and came to Shankaracharya singing in”totak” lyrics and became known as Totkacharya. Totkacharya was not even physically near Shankaracharya
5. There was another person named Paul. He was born in 5 AD. He was from Tarsus. He had taken upon himself to arrest and prosecute anyone who knew Jesus and followed him or was christian. He was not very nice about it either. He was a Jew and had Roman citizenship. Anyway, once when he had left Jerusalem , Jesus appeared in front of him. The dazzling light from Jesus, blinded Paul. (Not the paul who was one of the 12 apostles). He remained blind for 3 days and then regained his eyesight. But that vision of Jesus, converted Paul and made him an ardent follower.

So in other words, Grace or Krupa is something that is unfathomable by our very limited intellect. The conversion to faith in God is instant and beyond all logic. In a rare instance, it gives instant liberation

This is spiritual Grace. The highest.

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Many orthopedic injuries have been reported with different kinds of postures. Moreover some posters can cause nerve damage, impotence etc.

So one must practice yoga carefully and under guidance of a Guru

Now this only refers to asana or posture

The other aspect of yoga is pranayama. This past is even more dangerous. That’s why Yogananda and Vivekananda described it very cautiously. They talk about holding breath more on outside because it is safer.

However pranayam is one of the biggest step in cleansing, reaching Samadhi and destroying past karma. It is very subtle and the only part that is revealed is the part with breath. However, prana is not breathing. It is a source of energy.

There are 2 prana. Universal and the one present in body. Each of them has 5 main divisions and then each of them has 5 more subdivisions. They are not of use for most people ( not of use to know). The universal prana has all the known energies – from solar, atomic, wind etc. They are connected to the prana of the body. And that is why we are susceptible to outside forces. But like the hydrostatic paradox or the lever system, like Vivekananda said, the prana of the body can affect the universe too!

That’s why pranayam is important. But it is not holding the breath but a little more

Now this wonderful technique was discovered by Patanjali a thousands of years ago. It is wonderful and the best way to get to God. Depending on the type of pranayam you do, it can be called “kriya yoga”

There are 8 types of pranayam. The 9 type is ultra secret and is known as kevali. The other 8 types at surya bhedan, shitli , shitkari, bhastrika, ujjai , bhramri, plavani, Some people call Anilom vilom or kapal Bhaati as pranayam. But that is not true. This wrong information started in the recent times by a certain popular misconception

Now in order for pranayam to be successful, the door or path to go within must be open. This requires a Guru. Otherwise if you try to hold the breath , or slow breathing, it can cause headaches, constipation, eye problems, impotence and other sexual dysfunction, chest pain, etc. these things are often irreversible!

So one should never attempt to do these things without a Guru. Now if you do a search on the the net, you will find many people who claim to know the pranayam. What they might describe, often inaccurately, is the breathing part. The critical inner changes are not talked about

The different manifestation, are described in shiv Swarodaya, and a few other books that are nit in print. Yogananda gave an outstanding description but it is poorly understood by most. Reason being the inner door has not been opened. How can you understand the different dimension ? Yogananda and Sri Yukteshwar said, make pranayam your religion. Nothing more is to be done. You can reach there very fast

There are certain rules to be followed with it. Diet control. Overwhelming work or exercise no matter how much you love it, will prevent any progress. One should talk very little. Not meeting or touching people is very helpful.

But you can learn these things from your Guru. All I can caution is don’t do it without a Guru. In the long run it can cause damage when practiced without a Guru

Even those with a Guru often miss the subtleties and cannot progress. One must stay in communication and ask for guidance frequently This one technique, although most powerful, has been lost. People think they know it but the truth is the dynamic power for success is missing. This is what Krishna said, when this is lost, he will come back

Human life is precious. People lose it without making any strides. Even the Bible talks about Pranayam but in a slanted way. It is better to learn how to silence the mind than enter in debates

The best descriptions of this has been given by Brahmananda, anwar, Akho, etc. they are all great enlightened people all within last few centuries.

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Some people have the habit of keeping a diary. A diary of their day to day stuff. Why? It is a lot of work. Requires a commitment. Does it help?

Well, depends on if you read it. And on how much you write in it.

But it requires that you have an honest, self critical , uncanny discerning ability to evaluate yourself.

What does this have to do with spirituality. Not much. Or maybe a lot!

1. If you are honest about it, you will keep tract of all the wrong thoughts and emotions you had all day
2. However, if you are truly spiritual and want to be spiritual, you will very quickly realize you dont give much time to God or spirituality. All day, our mind is still engrossed with matters of the body

Just think all our life, how many hours did we spend all for the body? You go to school and study. Deep down we do it…so we can grow up and make money.

We are eager to make more money, with most of the people wanting more money so they can make trips, save money for old age, have a great house, see shows, buy stuff etc. How many people really work hard to make more money to give to the poor or for a great cause? Very few

All for the body that will perish soon!

Yet, the soul will continue its journey. Going up and down the ladder , and very little was done for it.

What happens is that when you have rough times, the mind gets preoccupied with worres and strategies to end it

When you have great times, we are engrossed in trying to reach the next milestone in life, for fun and pleasures.

Both extremes, but no one is serious about God. The eagerness is short lived. Changing times, and the interest for God is gone. Quickly, Permanently for that life. Sad. I have seen this many times, people ask me questions and then quickly forget the path of God. Such intermittent pursuits for God is not sufficient to tide your way to God.

So keep a diary and you will quickly realize most of our time was spent for meals and fun things in life. Maybe a little for finding the truth of yourself.

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Most people are foolish. Let’s say , someone tells you that the Bhagwad Gita is wonderful and you should read it

Now for the first part, often times people hear word Gita and think it is bhagwad gita. But there are many other Gita. Ram Gita, avadhoot Gita, ashtavakra Gita etc

Now if you really get the Bhagwad Gita, which occurred on the battle field and Krishna tells Arjuna a divine dialogue – that is in Sanskrit. Most likely you can’t read it in Sanskrit. You will need a translation. Even if you read a translation, a lot of things won’t make sense. So you will need an exposition

Now for this Gita there are many exposition. Most of them are written by people with no true spiritual experience. But they are very popular. Some are available for free. And guess what, you will end up getting your hands on the inaccurate exposition. !

So instead of going in the right direction you end up Stuck in Maya. Like all religions everyone thinks their version is accurate. Some will even argue oh they are all accurate but just a different view of the infinite But that is not the case

Do you see how people get stuck and can’t escape?

Same is true for different ways to meditate.

And for religion. Each one thinks theirs is correct

My suggestion is as follows

1. Find a Guru
2. If you can’t find one, ask an enlightened person. He can explain all the different religions and tell you the true meaning. After all a whale never swallowed a person and the person never came out alive.
3. The versions I find accurate in Gita are two – by Yogananda and by Gyaneshwar Maharaj. Gyaneshwar Maharaj exposed many signs of awakening and the true heart. He also talked about how one can reach there. Yogananda gave an interpretation that is the perfect way of Yoga How can it not be? Babaji helped Lahiri in Some key words.
4. Don’t read books which are not from enlightened people. They will give you the wrong impression. One person will say krishna is highest, others will say ram and run with it. An advaita Vedantist, Santana dharma went beyond it and refused to call God by any name, or gender. They are the perfectly logical.
5. Even those who follow Advaita go into controversies. Why? They have no experience
6. Go for experience not understanding

Why do I say this? Translation is inaccurate. Even from Sanskrit scholars And on the path of advaita. Subtle letters change the whole meaning. They are difficult to spot in Sanskrit

For example

ચિતી – divinity

ચિત calm heart

ચિત્ત emotions

They all mean something very different. Over the centuries subtle errors entered. An enlightened person corrects it But again errors enters.

That’s why , ask someone. Don’t jump to wrong conclusions

Another example

In Gita krishna talks about Karma. Everyone thinks karma refers to action of the body. Babaji corrected everyone and he said true karma is reversal of life forces, the pran or qi towards God That is the only true Karma. Rest carry no merit. Yet people run with something convenient In the Bible they say repent and your sins will be wiped. Repent here means turning prana or Qi to God and away from senses and your sins are pardoned

Third example

Vigyan Bhairav shloka 33

It says

Idrashen kramanaiv yatra kutrapI Chintana

Shunye kungaye pare patre swayam lina var prada

Many Sanskrit scholars translate it as

In the same way, if you concentrate on anything emptiness or a wall or a worthy disciple you well merge and get grace

Or Course this translation is nonsense. You can’t reach Samadhi concentrating on a wall

Such inaccurate translations cause problems

My translation and interpretation is very different

In this way, in sequential steps, meditation on ( the seeds of the body ( your innate desires) , you will experience first the void, then wall ( which refers to maya) then the creator of maya ( the pare patre) and you will know yourself and merge within ( a divine grace)

If you know Sanskrit, then the words can be explained in a proper way. However this is how even scholars are misled

Enough said. What else can I say?

Like Vasistha Maharaj said, I repeatedly tell the world , at the top of my voice, this is the way, yet no one follows it ( here when he says follows, he means no one bothers to ask him how to get there)

Sad isn’t it.

History repeats self itself. A million times over !

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The traditional role is to keep yoga hidden. However nowadays, I have seen a few enlightened people reveal more than what would have been ok

Like Yogananda

Or Vishnutirthji Maharaj.

They revealed many secret words and concepts

But they did this right around the time of Internet and social media!

The ignorant fools can search the Internet and look up words and find a dozen odd web pages explaining the secret words and get misguided!

The smart reader cuts the chase, realizes that reading blogs won’t help, seeks someone who can give them the divine perception and stops the searches

So now it becomes a matter of finding the needle in a haystack. Not so easy , is it?

Hinduism gets a lot of bad rap. However, if only people knew how to extract the divine nectar, they would go into divine rapture

It is easy to get disillusioned. What we don’t realize is we get disillusioned only because we did not know how to extract the honey from the hive with a lot of bees

Recently, Someone posted about Julia Roberts becoming Hindu. Posted photo of her. Sitting in meditation and wearing saffron. Who knows if it was real or photo shopped

I felt sorry for her. How can anyone grasp the essence and nectar without proper guidance

Where are the true guides?

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Sadly I cannot give an English translation. The language is inadequate to express it. However, I will give a “somewhat” translation / interpretation

Gyan: Generally people use it to mean knowledge. Although literally correct, in spirituality it means experience of the divine

Agyan: Generally it means ignorance. What are we ignorant of? Our divine pure consciousness

Gyan-Agyan : this is the state between gyan and Agyan. It does not mean, there is some knowledge and some ignorance. Neither does it mean you are going from Agyan to gyan. It is also a much necessary experience

So what is Agyan ? : Anything that relates to information about this world! All the science, technology, politics, culinary skills, etc. More importantly all the religions also fall into Agyan / ignorance ! Everything I wrote also is part of Agyan/ ignorance! Shocked ? Why is it that all the books fall into Agyan ? Spiritual books too? Including All the Vedas and Upanishad’s. Every lecture you have heard! They are all Agyan / ignorance because it does not give you direct perception of the divine!

So what does reading my blog give you? Or spiritual books by enlightened people give you? Why is it still ignorance?

1. It gives you a mental concept of something divine that is to be reached
2. It gives you steps to reach there
3. It gives you an aspiration to get there
4. Creates a flame

Inspite of that , you can memorize all the books from enlightened people, it won’t get you anywhere. You can even formulate a mental discussion and debate. But yet you are an ignorant idiot since you did not have a true experience. Sadly there is even a greater fool than this – a false self proclaimed Guru. This special category of a super fool does not even know that he is a fool and does not realize he or she has no experience, has only formulated an imaginary picture of what pure consciousness is , has taken the fake idol of imagination as true and is sending people in wrong direction! Such people are harshly punished by God

All of the current Guru, in my opinion fall in this category. Some may be slightly advanced but it is not enough

Ok. Enough of this. You might feel uncomfortable and deflated. Or angry at me for bursting your bubble. Or just ready to scorn me as a babbling idiot But then what is Gyan?

Gyan : this is a state of enlightenment. A state where you experience yourself as pure consciousness. Now, in order to experience it, your body awareness goes away. You simply forget this body exists. But you also go beyond the subtle body. To give an example, when you fall asleep, you forget your body. But the dream body is created! That body is also forgotten. You also forget the karan or casual body. What is that body? Well sometimes we go into deep slumber, have no dreams. Yet something remains, a body that knows you were in deep slumber. That is karan Deha or body. That is also forgotten. And then there is the soul. A fragment of the divine. That also is forgotten.

Now I use the word forgotten. What I mean is there is no awareness. And one has to go into successive steps of loss of awareness ! There are a few more steps , I don’t talk about them. But the enlightened know. After all those steps are taken, then and only then you know the divine and you are at the stage of Gyan

Finally what is gyan-Agyan? I hesitate to write about it ! Vishnutirthji Maharaj has described this in some detail in Saundarya Lahiri ! This book is a hymn praising the divine mother! It was composed by Shankaracharya Maharaj 2000 years ago. It has all the secrets but is very difficult to grasp. No one really attempted to explain the very complex yoga interpretation on it. Vishnutirthji Maharaj, was told to write it. He refused. Then shankaracharya Maharaj appeared and told him to write it and he remained next to Vishnutirthji Maharaj while he wrote this. This was written in 1950’s

It is in Hindi. You may read it , but without experience it will remain obscure. Or generate false or incomplete picture in your mind

Since he wrote it, I will repeat what he said. About Gyan-Agyan. You will not follow it. Shiv or pure consciousness becomes Jeev or soul under the influence of maya. There are 7 layers. 5 of these layers are called “kunchaliya”. These 5 kunchalia capture Chiti shakti with kaal , kriya shakti with Kala, gyan shakti with agyan, ichcha shakti with raag ( attraction and repulsion) , ananda shakti with niyati. I have intentionally kept this obscure. I can’t afford to spread wrong information

If you find someone who can explain this clearly and in layman terms and in a way that you immediately know it to be true, you have found an enlightened person Simple

Lastly, I don’t mean to scare you , but there is a level beyond gyan. That is described in 1 book

Hope this confused you enough! Go for the Tylenol if you have a headache!

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I do not want anyone to read this. It is groteque and may affect you adversely. This is not just an idle warning, something we read in fine print in anything you buy. I am quite serious. I even used the word macabre. Seriously.

You have been warned..

There is a big rift between what our logic says and what our desires want. Most people are foolish and they think desires and the heart are the same. But that is not true. They like to say it is the same – desires and heart. That way they can follow words given by more foolish people – follow your heart. And go down the rabbit hole of desires

So why is it we cant see things for what they are. Let us start with – you are watching TV. Like this is so common in USA (not so much in Europe) a great show is interrupted by …advertisements. Many different types. And during election time – we have the pleasure of watching mud slinging. But the advertisements are often directed towards food. They show some pretty popcorn or pie. Looks delicious. They often use vivid colors to enhance the effect. They show an oven and show a few people taking a bite and they go…oooooh! Now, sitting on your sofa or bed you know the reality. The reality is the pie was fake, and the people going ooooooh…did not really like it…they were acting. For them it was not anything joyous, just a job for making money by going with a fake ooooh !

However, what was the effect on you? They planted seeds of wanting popcorn or pie..or whatever it was…But it was not real. And you got….conned. And this will happen a million times over. You are quite defenseless. You may not succumb to it…but still you wanted it

The same thing when they show a vacation spot. People enjoying it…so happy, so many fun activities ….and we want to go there… The sad reality is we are controlled by money and jobs and cant do it…but we now have a list of things we want to do, often part of a bucket list. Lets say we go there. It was fun, but may not match the fun we thought it would be. Maybe it does.

Here is the catch – why do we love it so much? We love it a lot because, we dont have work, household chores, dishes, cooking etc and away from responsibilities. The place may be nice but the things that we really loved is the absence of the stressors of life.

While we are at it, – this is a common dating trap. People go on a date, they have a wonderful time. Once again, the good time is from the meals and the activities but we give credit to the date and end up marrying. Wrong and most certainly defective thinking. However, these subtle problems eludes the mind.

What I have exposed is our innate desire for things in life. We may love to travel, see wonderful things. We love music. We love to be admired and to be liked. We love food. And then we love sex. We are unwilling to give up these pleasures. When we turn to spirituality, we try to control it and say we want to go beyond it, but just cant. And then we justify it by being a “karma yogi”. Now mind you, spirituality does not say it is wrong. What is wrong is we are constantly identified with the body and not the pure free wonderful spirit. If we were not identified with body, we would not have the strong desires for food and sex and travel.

So far, I have talked about TV and how we get conned. The same is true when we see glamour of the rich and famous and of the actors, actresses. And then how we get conned by a great date. So foolish. And we mistakenly think it is love. Now, to the macabre part

What about in real life. You go to the beach. Or go just to the mall. (Hey, wait a minute, do malls still exist?). And you see – someone. I wont give gender. Whatever your cup of tea is. The person is well dressed, Perfect figure. Has an awesome smile. Suddenly, your hormones kick in. Your mind now, paints an imaginary image that this person (am I doing ok with being gender neurtal?). In your mind, the appearance of the person, is associated with the person being just awesome. You know that your mind and emotions are not co operating, and you know it is irrational, illogical, but you really cant get past the strong emotions.

So what happened? Hormones? This is where the skin, conned you. If you can go past the appearance, the person who you thought is awesome, underneath the skin, is nothing more than flesh, blood, and filled with urine and feces. Reminds me of the movie, from Disney, flight of the navigator. The UFO calls the kid a bag of water (the human body is 98% water??). So how quickly did we get conned by appearances! But remember, the same person you found attractive, is filled with desires. Often irrational. Selfish, and willing to go to extremes to get the desires filled! Plus often have personality issues of anger, laziness, and an unnecessary addiction to TV, booze, etc.

I drew a macabre picture. Often times in the Vedas they suggested this technique to somewhat control your attraction to people. However, if you are married, you must fulfill your responsibility also.

However, somehow, someway, the attraction to the world should be curtailed. If you truly want to know your true atman. You cannot know your atman, when your mind dwells on the body and the world. The Atman is a self sufficient, elegant, incredible, wonderful..(sorry I cant use any other noun after this). We loose our connection from it – so quickly from the power of Maya, especially when we succumb to her, from the attractions of the world, totally unable to look beyond the skin!

Link to Original Document

Hindu calendar has 12 months.

1. Kartika / Kartaka
2. Magshar
3. Posha
4. Maha / Magha
5. Fagana / Phalguni
6. Chaitra
7. Vaisakha
8. Jetha / Jyestha
9. Ashadha
10. Shravana
11. Bhadarwa
12. Aso / Ashwin

I have given the calendars according to the Gujarati names

According to Yogananda – the months represent the 6 chakras. Since each chakra can be positive or negative, it becomes 12.

One of the most auspicious month is Shravana. It represents Shiv or Shankar Month. All yoga and all shakti awakening starts from Shiv or Shankar. There are many stories about why Shravan including that is the month Gauri did penance to reach Shiv or that is the month they did “Samudra Manthan”. After Samudra manthan, the first thing that came out of the ocean was poison and Lord Shankar just swallowed it and held it in his throat and turned green/blue and he then became known as Nilkanth after that. Kanth meaning throat and neel is the color

Whatever the reason, it is the post pious month and perfect for meditation. Many people meditate that month and eat only once a day. The best day for reaching Shankar or Shiv is Monday and if the new moon falls on Monday it is considered most auspicious for meditaiton. Tuesday of Shravan month signify Parvati and also auspicious

This year Shravan started on Monday, yesterday

Now back to Yoga.

I am not sure I can accurately assign the months to the chakra. Having said that, this is how I believe the months and chakras are assigned

1. Kartaka (neg of Sahastrar , apex) and Magshar is positive of Sahastrar. Yogananda describes Magshar is Marg – meaning road, and shir meaning road to apex of the brain. In general it refers to Brahmanadi. However there is a special path between agna and Sahatrar and I believe it refers to it. A rare yogi knows this path
2. Posh is negative of Agna and Maha or Magha is positive aspect of Agna chakra in the center of forehead. Magha or maha refers to Aum, the son of God in the bible or the holy ghost
3. Fagana is the negative of Vishudha and Chaitra is the positive of Vishudha. Chaitra or Chitra means colorful design, refers to the place where body consciousness arises and we a very picturesque world. It also means that the sense of ugliness of the world is lost and it becomes very vivid and enjoyable
4. Visakha is the negative of Anahata and Jyestha or Jetha is the positive. Jyestha means elder. It refers to Vishnu granthi – a place where the prana rests but is elevated above the lower body
5. Ashadha is the negative of Manipur chakra and Shravana is the positive of Manipur (umbilical). This is where the real journey starts within. The road to this is kept a secret
6. Bhadarwa is the negative of the lower 2 chakras ( Swadisthan and Muladhar) and Ashwin or Aaso is the positive of (Swadisthan and Muladhar). The two royal Dr for the devas or Gods are called Ashini kumari – they work in pairs. These two physicians see both aspects and bring balance. Thus the lower two chakras, that belong to Apara shakti are as a pair.

This subject is very complex and truly to understand why months and chakras are correlate you need to go way beyond Einsteins undertstanding of time.

Just thought I would shed a little light on this. Should I end by saying have a nice year?

Link to Original Document

This is rather difficult, isn’t it? Every step of the way. We get confused. And lost. We ask for guidance and don’t even know if we can trust it.

Now in the path of spirituality, we are callous. We walk a path and then if we don’t like it we drop it and follow another path. The consequences of wrong steps ? All we think is a few years lost. But it is a lot more. The one opportunity to Go to Yoga and salvation is lost. But we are not bothered

On the other hand, if you make a wing business decision, money is lost. So what do we do ? We are very careful and try not to make the wrong decision. Here money is lost but we are very careful

So is there a way how we can avoid wrong decisions? Yes there is

Don’t get me wrong? I give you the theory. Not the practical proof

The correct answer is unerring intuition

Sri Aurobindo Congress another word – liberation of the psychic. What he meant was an aspect of soul that constantly turns to God

Both instances are very challenging. We make the mistake of thinking our emotions and thoughts are soul guidance or intuition. This of course is absurd.

The next question is how can I differentiate between thoughts and our random fantasy and intuition? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

IT is quite easy. When the mind and emotions are silent, then something within sends a vibration, coming from above and that vibration if you can see it , decipher it and follow it – can save a lot of anguish in life ! Simple

There maybe more steps in between though!

This is what Aurobindo says

There is only one thing which knows in you, that’s your psychic; it makes no mistake, it will immediately, instantaneously tell you, if you obey it without a word and without your ideas and arguments, it will make you do the right thing. But all the rest… you are lost. And for everything: what are you going to study, what are you not going to study, what work are you going to do, what path are you going to take? But then there are all the possibilities which come in, all that you have either studied or met in life, all the suggestions you have received from all sides, which are there, like that, dancing around you. And with what will you decide? I am speaking of people who are absolutely sincere and have no preconceived ideas, prejudices, established rules which they follow in a mechanical routine, without endeavouring to know the truth at all, and for whom their mental construction is the truth. Then it is so simple, one goes straight on his path, bumps his nose against the wall but doesn’t notice it until the nose is smashed. But otherwise it is terribly difficult.

This was what Sri Aurobindo meant when he said that one lived constantly in ignorance and that unless the mind of ignorance is replaced by the mind of light one could not follow the true path, and that this was the indispensable preparation before any integral transformation could take place.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1955, CWM volume 7, page 222.

Link to Original Document

Someone sent me a video. The video showed a few questions asked to a “swami”. The answers were not very clear. I will not give the answers to the questions – not in my own way but point out why the questions dont make much sense

I will start off with a classical question. This was asked to Vivekananda. His answer is brilliant and unparalled. This itself shows that Vivekananda was enlightened and experienced reality / truth

The question was “why did God create the world”. Vivekananda said, ask this question in the right format and I can answer it. The questioner asks, what do you mean? Vivekananda said,”what you are asking is why God who is perfect make an imperfect world? If God made this imperfect world , he is not God (someone perfect)”.

The more recent question that was asked, “If this is a dream, then is everyone having the same dream?” The answer given in the video was an attempt to explain it. However, my answer is different. Just experience it. Everyone gets a different understanding, based on the level of experience. Those who have not even started, will try to use logic to compare and explain.

Another question that was asked was what is Maya? I have written about Maya at many places. I will not repeat it. Again, it is to be experienced. When Vivekananada was asked that question , what is Maya, he just gave the person an experience. That makes it easier.

However, when you are given an experience, you become egotistic and can fall. However, when you can go to that experience on your own, it is yours. There is no ego there, because ego has to be destroyed to get that experience. Those are the true people

Link to Original Document

The biggest hurdle we have is self deception

We think that we are higher than what we are, Have experiences greater than what it is and fight to hold on to our ego and wrong concept and perceptions

I have seen many disciples who falsely assumed they go to highest, go into Samadhi when they have nothing. Yes their shakti was awakened but also lost or stagnant

It is sad. A great opportunity lost

The path is not to stroke your ego but it is a path to be humble

They moment you inflate your ego all progress comes to stand still

Do not compare yourself to any other disciple

Help them if you can. If they ask for it. Or if divinely commanded

This is what mother said

What you should do is to throw the doors of your being wide open to the Divine. The moment you conceal something, you step straight into Falsehood. The least suppression on your part pulls you immediately down into unconsciousness. If you want to be fully conscious, be always in front of the Truth – completely open yourself and try your utmost to let it see deep inside you, into every corner of your being. That alone will bring into you light and consciousness and all that is most true. Be absolutely modest – that is to say, know the distance between what you are and what is to be, not allowing the crude physical mentality to think that it knows when it does not, that it can judge when it cannot. Modesty implies the giving up of yourself to the Divine whole-heartedly, asking for help and, by submission, winning the freedom and absence of responsibility which imparts to the mind utter quietness. Not otherwise can you hope to attain the union with the Divine Consciousness and the Divine Will.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1929-1931, CWM volume 3, page 133.

Link to Original Document

I will give a few bare details. I would like to clarify that most of the web pages have given junk and often mixed with a few true things and then wrapped in a package of fantasy. This of course makes it very difficult for a beginner to filter the truth from the fantasy. Many people fall prey to the mumbo jumbo on the web and falsely think the blog writer is enlightened

At present there are no enlightened people out there. They exist, but would be very difficult to find them. They do not have a web page etc, and often reside in solitude -unknown to all including their family

First the basics

1. Our goal is to find peace and joy.
2. After much turbulence of finding joy in the world, we realize it is not there. What exists is fleeting and in the end always disappointing
3. We then focus our attention on religion and give up on it. Many liars and fakes
4. We then change to spirituality. Everyone has a different definition about it. Everyone thinks they have the answer or think they have someone with the answer. Eventually they give up on that too
5. After much much work one realizes that it might be with God or Atman
6. Why God ? Why the word Atman? The word God often creates conflicting thoughts. One may call him Allah, other Krishna, other Jesus, or other father of Jesus, or Shiv etc. On the other hand Atman is easier. It is different from soul. Automatically it is an entity that gives peace (Shiv) and joy and it is the self

Now we are at the point of searching for Atman.

• A few points for clarity
• Atman is pure consciousness
• It is the very self of everything
• One may call it he or she or it or anything. Does not matter
• It is not the soul like people think incorrectly

We can read many upanishads and veda. They all talk about Atman. In my opinion, when Krishan recited the Gita, he was describing himself established in Atman. People associate that status as exclusively as Krishna but that is not true. Similarly when Jesus said My father and I are one, he was referring to this Atman.

Atman is not just a theory or fabrication. It is real and it is to be experienced. Reading about it can lead to an interest in it. But cannot deliver anything. It is all powerful. It is both omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient All miracles can be done and experienced by someone who is established in Atman. The depth of identity with Atman gives varying degrees of powers emerging. Starting from trivial powers to much more. Those with much more like Neem Karoli Baba, Shirdi Sai Baba are rare. Very rare. Or like Gyaneshwar , Kashinathdada, Gurudev etc

Meditation

Finally we are at the point of discussing how to get to Atman. Why not find it in this lifetime and get lasting Joy and peace? What is the reason not to? God would be very foolish and selfish, if he existed and made it impossible to find. That is outright, torture and wrong. Sorry God.

However, he did not make it that challenging. The atman can be found, with effort and guidance. Without guidance, you cant really reach there. The road is complex. Complex because of the ignorance of our mind.

So how do we start to find Atman? After all like I said, it is present everywhere? If everywhere why can we not find it?

The first thing to realize is that if it is everywhere, one must focus on something that is with us all the time. You can really start digging an inch of a hole all over your garden and hope to reach the well. It has to be concentrated effort in one place!

The only thing we have with us all the time, no matter where is the body. So respect the body as a temple where you can find God or the Atman. Now where should we start in the body? There are many parts of the body. Atman is pure consciousness. We may not know much about consciousness yet, but one of the characteristics of consciousness – that most people will acknowledge is – breathing and thinking. The place where the breath and the brain meets is in the center of the forehead. It is the place where Agna chakra for the yogi exist. So in other words you can say it is the epicenter from which you can begin to appreciate Atman.

There is another reason for that place as the starting point for meditation. Body as we know begins from the sperm meeting the ovum. When the sperm meets the ova, there is a spark of light (sperm enters the ovum) (spark comes from zinc – medically research showed zinc and light). According to Yogananda, the place where the sperm and ova meet becomes the medula oblongata, the site which Yogi say corresponds to Agna chakra (not identical but similar)

Hence meditation starts with focus on the Agna chakra. It should be sustained, without breaking , without thoughts and sustained for at least an hour without any interruption. Then suddenly, a glimpse of light, (easier to see it in a very dark room) appears. This would be the beginning.

After much sustained immersion, you finally realize and begin to see that it is everywhere. You have proof. You suddenly begin to know what the other person thinks or feels. Or you have glimpses of the future. There will be a snow storm or there will be a covid outbreak in a few years etc.

In short, i have given a few small tips.

You may chose to follow random reading, jump from tree to tree or chose to remain on one tree, one method and reach there quickly.

Link to Original Document

Every so often, I find questions posed on my chat box and I am not able to attend to it immediately. I have a busy job at the hospital and many times I just dont hear the beep of the question immediately

However, I hope that subsequent blogs answers the questions and God blesses them with an appropriate answer and guidance.

I seek nothing from anyone. More importantly, there is nothing in this world that tempts me. The world will continue in its ignorant ways, going back to God in many uncertain steps.

Link to Original Document

This is a common issue and happens everywhere , all the time

How do you meditate and practice self realization or go to Samadhi with all the problems we face?

A valid question for centuries but even more so right now

Lets answer it in 3 different steps

1. Just remember that meditation and prayers – and life difficulties are 2 separate issues. We often pray and meditate and hope our life challenges go away. It may happen and often times the answer is weak or limited. This does not mean there is no God but it means it was Gods will that we endure the current situation. Thats all. Why we have to endure – we may never know. Having said that, those who get their wishes granted through prayers, often develop an Ego and become reckless in life. It is better that this does not happen
2. The people we meet and more often than not, the people who we are related to are often ………ready for this?……are often our “enemies” from past births. Anger and hatred is a strong attractor to bringing those people back in our lives. And this time around, you cannot escape from it. We are forced to endure. Lets say you somehow dislike someone because you constantly lie and they lied to such a degree that you looked bad in front of your boss and family. Now you may think you are justified in being angry and hateful. However, God is tricky in his ways. In your next birth, God may give that person to you as your son or daughter. That person has not changed his or her habits and will continue to lie but since it is your son or daughter, you will have some biological love. It is an opportunity for you to learn to leave even the sinners. How do I know this? Sadly, I cannot say this from any crystal ball. I know of someone, who was a miserly father who harassed his son for money all his life. They lived in Borsad, Gujarat. In the next birth, the son became the employer of the father and roles got reversed.
3. So, how can you meditate with situations like this? Remember that when someone harasses you, what hurts you more is the emotional reaction to the situation more so than any physical pain. In some cases, there is truly a physical pain from serious money issues, food, shelter, etc. In those cases it is impossible to meditate and go within. But enduring it with love, automatically creates a certain self realization without the need for deep meditation. That endurances automatically splits the mind from the self. So, all yogis are told one thing – endure. Sita did it to an extra ordinary length. Rama did it and so did all the Pandavas. Whether we like it or not, the outside situation does not change and we have little power over it, but we do have a certain control with the mind.

I know this was a long answer and read it, delve into it, reflect on it. So what is the short answer?

1. Continue to meditate
2. Endure circumstances
3. Stop the mind from thinking of the problem. If you can forget the problem, it magically disappears
4. Adequate sleep helps
5. In your mind, silently send thoughts that the other person changes his habits, stops drinking and sent it with love and caring. This is like metta.
6. You have the right to pray to the great Yogis. They are there and they can help change the circusmtances at the right time!. Shirdi Sai baba, Neem Karoli Baba ( a silent prayer to them), no matter where you are can make a difference
7. Remember, when you endure, the greatest obstacle to self realization goes away. The biggest obstacle is our own karma!

Blessing to all.

Link to Original Document

A flower blossoms

Outward it opens

That’s all it knows

Oh so beautiful

So lovely

But soon it perishes

Now we lament

The flesh is the same

Outward it grows

The senses grows

So beautiful

So lovely

But soon it perishes

Magic moments lost

The wise Know

The beauty of flesh

No value as such

Why crave skin and blood

Let it go

Turn within find yourself

Let other flowers go

Priceless within

Priceless you are

Priceless is life

To find yourself

Be very clear

Body surreal

Atman real

Link to Original Document

This is a word meant for yogi. I will not fully explain what it refers to – only because a Guru should do that

Basically it means that I am. That refers to God

Yogananda referred it to hungso technique. A peculiar sound produced by the breath with breathing out and in.

They are very powerful techniques. Having said that, there is a little more to it

Recently someone asked me where or which upanishad talks about sohum.

Yoga Sikha upanishad does. Here is a link to it – the translation

Vedanta Shastras Library

However without a Guru the full understanding and experience cannot be found

The full experience of sohum is similar to tattva Masi of veda. Which means that are though

A full description is in one other shastra. It can be found at 7 FB. I don’t understand much of it so can only leave it at that. That’s why I said best to hear from a Guru

Best wishes

Link to Original Document

There are multiple stupid things that circulate on what’s app. I see it often. Most of the time I am unperturbed. This time since a friend I know who is intelligent circulated it , I thought I Would write about it. IT is unlikely he will read my blog

First about Jatayu

This character is from Ramayan. Ram ( God) upheld the words of his father and went to live in the Jungles. Shuparnakha saw Ram and fell in love with him. She was Ravana sister. Ram said he he already married but his brother Laxman could be interested. She went to see Laxman. He was enraged and cut her ears and nose. Her brother Ravana was upset. Knowing what was to come, Ram told his wife Sita to merge back to god but her shadow could remain. Ravana then went to kidnap the shadow Sita. He arranged a plot. He had his cohorts appear in the form of a Golden deer. Shadow Sita was enamored by the golden deer and insisted on getting it. Ram went to hunt the deer. He shot the deer but the deer being magical, shouted out in Ram voice “Laxman”. Sita insisted that Laxman go and investigate. Reluctantly Laxman left but protested the cottage with a magical line – a line that no demon could pass over. Ravana appeared as a Saint, begged for Alms. He insisted Sita pass over the line. Ravana immediately captured her and flew away with her

On the way he encounters Jatayu – an eagle. Yes he was an eagle. Jatayu tries to fight Ravana but he parishes

About Bhisma

Bhisma was the son of Ganga. He took a vow to protect Hastinapur. The ruler was Shantanu. When he married a second time – to Matsyagandha, she wanted her son to rule Hastinapur. So he took a vow , he will never marry or have sex. At that time he was renamed from Devdatta to Bhisma. ( meaning terrible or difficult vow to follow)

His mother was very pleased and gave him two boons – he will remain undefeated in all wars and he will only die when he wishes

For a while he ruled on behalf of the young child rulers and won many battles. Finally the grand son are old enough to rule. However there were two contending grand sons. Kauravas and Pandavas. They always taught with each other. Once the pandava while were ruling, lost a game of dice with the kauravas and Shakuni. The dice were doctored. As a result of the gamble, the pandavas lost their kingdom and their wife Draupadi. The kauravas ordered Drauadi to remove all her Royal garments in the court, she refused and Dushasana forced her to undress. He kept on pulling her garments but Lord Krishna made sure that she had enough layers of garments. Dushasana collapses. Anyway when this happened Bhisma was in the court and he did not help Draupadi.

Anyway after the war, Bhisma is mortally wounded by Arjun arrows. However he decides not to leave his body till January 14 and stays wound lying in a bed made by arrows finally before he departs he gives many pearls about being a ruler to Yudhisthir

Anyway, this is what is circulating on what’s app

One of the best, perhaps the best read, of late… Don’t miss to read, every perception is indeed wonderfully conceived.

THE BHISHMA WAY or

THE JATAYU WAY

No two people respond to the same situation in a similar way.

Here are examples of two legendary personalities who were faced with a very similar situation, but thier responses were poles apart.

This is a comparitive study between Bhisma and Jatayu.

Both of them, were confronted with character defining asssault situation on womanhood.

One chose to die protecting the victim while the other chose to be a mute spectator of the crime.

1. POWERFUL or POWERLESS

Bhisma was a powerful warrior and if he wanted, he could have stopped the disrobing of Draupadi – the Queen but he chose to be a silent witness of this act

Whereas,

Jatayu was old and invalid and knew that in all probability, Ravana would kill him but still, he chose to try his best to protect Sita – the Queen.

Bhisma was powerful yet acted powerless whereas, Jatayu was powerless yet acted powerful.

_

“Real power is not about physical strength but about the deep desire to help.”_

2) ALIVE or DEAD

Bhisma lived on, but died everyday to his conscience

Whereas,

Jatayu died once but lived eternally true to his conscience. _

” Our only constant companion is our concience – better to be true to it.”_

3. FAME or INFAMY

Bhisma’s name and fame went down in the history because of this one act of not stopping the disrobing of Draupadi but Jatayu’s name and fame went high in history because of his act of trying to save Sita. _

” We are all going to be mere names in the history, sooner or later. Will we be equated with the bad or the good – is our choice.”_

4. CULTURE or VULTURE

Bhisma was supposed to be a highly cultured human but acted highly insensitive & stooped low in values like a vulture

Whereas,

Jatayu was supposed to be a lowly uncultured vulture but acted highly sensitive and soared the skies, in values, like an evolved human. Who would you call as a human – Bhisma or Jatayu? _

“One doesn’t become a human being by being born as a human – one becomes a human being by being a humane.”_

5. SPOKEN or UNSPOKEN WORDS

Draupadi begged and pleaded protection from Bhisma because she knew, if someone could protect her, it was only him but still Bhisma didn’t protect her

Whereas,

Sita didn’t even ask Jatayu for protection – she just wanted him to inform Rama about her kidnapping by Ravana because she knew Jatayu was not powerful but still…Jatayu tried to protect Sita.

Bhisma, even being a human couldn’t understand the spoken words of Draupadi what to speak of understanding her unspoken words,

Whereas,

Jatayu, even though being a mere bird, understood not only the spoken words of Sita but also her unspoken words.

_

“The language of heart is more powerful than the language of words.”__

6. CLARITY or CONFUSION

Bhisma was so much confused about his Royal duty that he forgot his higher duty, a moral duty

Whereas,

Jatayu was so clear about his moral duty that no other duty was in consideration for him. _

” When caught up in dilemmas, best is to follow the higher principles – to follow our heart because it always knows the truth.”

_

7. GOOD or BAD EXAMPLE

Bhisma set a very bad precedent for generations to come

Whereas,

Jatayu set the most ideal precedent for generations to come. _

“If we can’t be a great example atleast let us not be a bad one.”_

8. RELATIVE or STRANGER

Another interesting point is that Bhisma was an elderly relative of Draupadi but acted as a total stranger in this episode.

Whereas,

Jatayu was not at all related to Sita, he was a stranger but acted more than a dearest relative. _

“True relationships is based on heartly connections not just bodily connections.”_

9. THE SAINTLY or THE WICKED

Both, Bhisma and Jatayu had a few moments to decide what to do. Life, sometimes puts in situations where in a few moments, we need to take crucial decisions.

What we decide very much depends on the kind of inner integrity, we have cultivated by the association we keep.

Bhisma’s intelligence was clouded and it failed the test of life because he was associated with the wicked minded, selfish Kauravas,

Whereas,

Jatayu’s intelligence was crystal clear and it passed the test of life because he associated himself with the saintly selfless Lakshman and the all-pure Lord Rama and dignity of women.

“After all, who we are solely depends on whom we associate with.”

10. EMBRACE or NEGLECT

The Supreme Lord as Sri Krishna was not at all happy with the attitude of Bhisma so much so that when He came as a peace messenger to Hastinapur, He didn’t even bother to look at Bhisma, what to speak of respecting him.

Whereas,

The Supreme Lord as Ramachandra was so happy & moved with the attitude of Jatayu that he embraced him and personally did his final rites – an honour that even Dasharath – His own father didn’t receive. _

_

The scriptures explain that the ultimate test of any activity is, if the Supreme Lord is pleased with us.__ .It is very clear, Bhisma displeased God whereas, Jatayu pleased Him.

This recount is not meant to criticize Bhisma– he is undoubtedly a great warrior and an amazing personality who sacrificed his personal desires for Hastinapur, but we do impartially critique his inaction.

The end here is to learn from the choices made, so that we are conscious that history follows us. _

When we see some injustice, some problem, we have only two options – either close your eyes to it or do something about it – follow “the Bhisma way” or “the Jatayu way”

And, whichever way we choose, remember there will be consequences of our choices…

~”the Bhisma result” or “the Jatayu result”._

Brilliant analysis !!

I could easily vote for this post as the Best One in the recent times, & fowarding it for all to introspect, review and keep sharing ahead….

Now the stupidity

1. Jatayu was an eagle. Not a vulture
2. Both stories are an allegory. Don’t pretend to be intelligent when you can’t see this and take the stories literally
3. Jatayu – means jad aayu. Jad means inert and aayu means life. Thus it refers to the life of the body. The soul remains intact. Sita being abducted refers to Sita as peace is abducted or lost by Ravana – abhas chaitanya or the foolishness of assuming reality in this world and looking for happiness here. The human body and intelligence is incapable of fighting it. But surrender to God / Guru can help fight it !
4. Bhishma here is abhas chaitanya. The power that makes us forget our divine self and get trapped in this world. That illusion can’t end unless we truly want it to end ( hence Bhisma can’t die unless he chooses it). Dushasana refers to anger. Du means difficult. And shasana means control. When anger takes control there is significant damage. Bhisma – there illusion that makes you forget your divine self remains indifferent to good and bad. It is bit affected nor is it destroyed unless it is mortally wounded by Arjuna. Arjuna is the power of meditation. ( the story of hitting the birds eye and not seeing anything else )

To compare the two and come up with pseudo intelligence like on what’s app should not be followed

Link to Original Document

They know nothing

Ram Gopal Mazmudar even after 40 years of meditation, knowing all about Yoganabda6, the light of God constantly present in his room and could heal Yogananda illness in a fraction of a second said, “he is still starting”

There is much to experience. Don’t be satisfied with your shallow experience

A few people have left questions on the chat. I have tried to incorporate an answer in my blogs.

This is what mother ( Aurobindo) said

Essentially there is but one single true reason for living: it is to know oneself. We are here to learn — to learn what we are, why we are here, and what we have to do. And if we don’t know that, our life is altogether empty — for ourselves and for others.

And so, generally, it is better to begin early, for there is much to learn. If one wants to learn about life as it is, the world as it is, and then really know the why and the how of life, one can begin when very young, from the time one is very, very tiny — before the age of five. And then, when one is a hundred, one will still be able to learn. So it is interesting. And all the time one can have surprises, always learn something one didn’t know, meet with an experience one did not have before, find something one was ignorant of. It is surely very interesting. And the more one knows, the more aware does one become that one has everything to learn. Truly, I could say that only fools believe they know. That indeed is a sure sign, someone coming and telling you, “Oh! I know all that; oh! I know all that”; he is immediately sized up!

Another way of saying, the moment you thing you know it, you are stagnant. You are stuck

So not knowing is a sign you can progress

However, you may question, is there a point where you know it? Absolutely. But even at that you know you can go within deeper. But as a mere starting point, you will have proof of knowing. This is by understanding any scripture very easily. No part of any religion is complex. They are the masters who can bring unity but the world is not easy. Sad

Link to Original Document

They know nothing

Ram Gopal Mazmudar even after 40 years of meditation, knowing all about Yoganabda6, the light of God constantly present in his room and could heal Yogananda illness in a fraction of a second said, “he is still starting”

There is much to experience. Don’t be satisfied with your shallow experience

A few people have left questions on the chat. I have tried to incorporate an answer in my blogs.

This is what mother ( Aurobindo) said

Essentially there is but one single true reason for living: it is to know oneself. We are here to learn — to learn what we are, why we are here, and what we have to do. And if we don’t know that, our life is altogether empty — for ourselves and for others.

And so, generally, it is better to begin early, for there is much to learn. If one wants to learn about life as it is, the world as it is, and then really know the why and the how of life, one can begin when very young, from the time one is very, very tiny — before the age of five. And then, when one is a hundred, one will still be able to learn. So it is interesting. And all the time one can have surprises, always learn something one didn’t know, meet with an experience one did not have before, find something one was ignorant of. It is surely very interesting. And the more one knows, the more aware does one become that one has everything to learn. Truly, I could say that only fools believe they know. That indeed is a sure sign, someone coming and telling you, “Oh! I know all that; oh! I know all that”; he is immediately sized up!

Another way of saying, the moment you thing you know it, you are stagnant. You are stuck

So not knowing is a sign you can progress

However, you may question, is there a point where you know it? Absolutely. But even at that you know you can go within deeper. But as a mere starting point, you will have proof of knowing. This is by understanding any scripture very easily. No part of any religion is complex. They are the masters who can bring unity but the world is not easy. Sad

Link to Original Document

Yesterday I asked a question to people who work with me

They hated me.

Suggested I torture someone else

Since this is purely voluntary, you may think twice before reading further

The question

If you came back to earth, and God gave you an option – which option would you take

A). Come back Rich but you don’t have God in your life

B). Come back piss poor. ( sorry for my English) but you have God in your life

Tough question. Some choose not you Answer. Most said option B. But they hesitated. Of course life would be difficult without money.

Many said they hope that God will give them the money. Or tried to negotiate

But they were missing an essential thing and understanding about God ! A critical one

Once you have God , you will not desire anything. In that way he is wicked. He takes over so much that you don’t want anything Just him. Is all you want

Secondly I don’t like a God and don’t want a God who need my prayer. This is not a God I want or recognize – a God who likes that I ask him for anything Just give it. He knows my heart. My desire.

So in other words I have…

Anyway, I am going to a wedding – thought of asking this question to the groom. Just afraid if the groom says piss poor, the bride will leave!

Maybe I should keep this question to myself

Interesting to see what people think

Link to Original Document

Someone asked a question – rather made a statement

But first a few words

Omnipotent – all powerful everywhere

Omniscient- knowing all

So the sentence is

If God is omniscient and Omnipotent then he is not benevolent

And if he is benevolent then he is not Omniscient and omnipotent

It should be obvious why this sentence was there

It is like making a statement, if there is a God why is there so much misery

Now this is a valid statement.

How do you resolve this?

First, just forget God. That is not your goal

What you want is peace and happiness. This question people pose – when you try to answer you will ponder and argue and debate. First stop that line of reasoning or thinking

Second, if you truly want an answer go and ask God. Why take an answer from intellectual debates

Third this question can only be asked if you are in darkness. What you want to do is get out of darkness. Not increase darkness

Fourth in light this question cannot occur

Fifth when in light and with God, the situation is different. How so ? Out current love is a trailer not a full movie. While from God perspective, you have the full movie. And it all makes sense

Hope that helps

It is perfectly logical and benevolent from God view point

He wants all to wake up and return. But how do you get rid of the obsession of sense enjoyment?

How can god tell you that there is more fun in meditation? Going in Samadhi?

In order to go into Samadhi you need to give up desires for sex and food etc. and in order to give up desires for food , you need to go into Samadhi

But we cling to this world ferociously. Never wanting to give it up. We want to Enjoy it again and again

So sometimes a little pain in life, rudeness from others they are a reminder to leave this world.

Too much pain is not helpful though

More later. I need to go!

Link to Original Document

So when I spent my younger years with my Gurudev, I learnt two things very quickly

• Never interrupt Gurudev. He will immediately drop the subject. It was not because he was offended but he saw it as a sign that the divine did not want you to hear higher things
• Never think that you know what he is trying to say. We simply cannot understand him. I know of many things he told me in 1982, almost 50 years later, it makes sense. It could be a simple statement. But until you have peace in meditation you will never understand. The moment you have a thought you understand what he means or you know the story he stops
• The best strategy is to be at his feet, silently let him talk when he wanted to and explain or say anything. IT could seem random. But it never is. It could be something that would happen 30 tears later. We just never know.

Many Times I have been around people. I am so ready to talk but they immediately talk about worldly matters. And I stop what can I do?

Recently I want to share about a book about Gurudev,a translation. Or explain a very complex paragraph in mukta Shasta. And they felt they knew what was meant because someone explained it to him. Or course I knew who told him and I knew it was totally wrong. But once you start worshiping the wrong person you can’t correct yourself

I would have gladly said more – the patience was now there. And misguided trust in the wrong practice method and person

Why do people make this mistake? Simple. Their own ego prevents them from remain silent. What is the hope? Why worship their own ego?

Link to Original Document

I have a story of a Saint.

I am not sure of the name – something like Mansoor…..a sufi saint

I can’t verify the accuracy neither can I confirm the time. About 300 years ago in northern India

Take it as you will – my point ? He remained United in a higher level no matter what the circumstances. We forget to remain United when someone forgets to say hi or good morning.

He always lived in a very very high state. All day he would say, “anhalak’ Meaning God I am. He hardly ate, and lived like a crazy person

Now the king of the place had court appointed religious leaders and they hated Mansoor. Of course they would. It is said, that those who are divne are generally hated.

One day, it so happened the king had a son, young son who died.

The other religious leaders told the King, call Mansoor, after all he keeps saying God I am. Maybe he can do something

So Mansoor was summoned to the court. He went to the court and was orderd by the king to bring his son back to life. The dead body was brought into the court. Mansoor says, I will bring him back, but I am certain that after I do that you will pass an order to kill me. The king said, I wont and took a royal oath he will not order a death sentence. (Even in the old days, the politicians and rulers were untrustworthy)

So Mansoor goes to the dead body and says

Khuda ki agna se khada hoja. Meaning with the order from Khuda (Allah) get up. Of course nothing happens.

Mansoor goes again and says, Mein Mansoor kaheta hun, khuda ki agna se khada hoja. Meaning, I Mansoor is telling you, Get up from the Order of Khuda (allah). Nothing happens.

The jealous people are happy

Mansoor then finally says,

Accha, to meri agna se khada hoja – oh ok, then get up with my order! And the boy comes alive

All was well for a very short time but the jealous religious leaders told the King, this is wrong. Mansoor showed that he is greater than God. and no one is greater than God. How can he say that with Gods command that the boy did not come to life but with his command he came to life? Etc etc. So the king issued an order, that Mansoor be stoned to death

The next day, Mansoor was taken to the center of the village and the king ordered everyone to throw stones and kill him. Every stone that fell on him…he would laugh. People were puzzled. And he said, oh, I was afraid if there was body pain, I might lose my identity with God, but instead, there is intense joy and love.

Now, he had a disciple. He was in trouble. If he did not throw a stone, the villagers would be upset with him. And he could not throw a stone at his Guru. So he threw a flower. And Mansoor cried….oh…so sad, you knew me and yet you did that…

Finally Mansoor left his body…but there was a constant sound coming from his body, God I am, anhalak.

This was too much for the town people. So they started chopping his body up. Every part of the body they chopped started chanting Anahalak. They were lost. Did not know what to do. They threw his body parts into the ocean.

Finally, God got upset. There were tsunami and the town about to be wiped out. Finally the town people, realized that only Mansoor could save them. They prayed to Mansoor for forgiveness and the tsunami stopped.

Link to Original Document

Here is something interesting Mother said

Before the true self is known, you are a public place, not a being. There are so many clashing forces working in you; hence, if you wish to make real progress, know your own being which is in constant union with the Divine. Then alone will transformation be possible. All the other parts of your nature are ignorant: the mind, for instance, often commits the mistake of thinking that every brilliant idea is also a luminous idea. It can with equal vigour trump up arguments for and against God: it has no infallible sense of the truth. The vital is generally impressed by any show of power and is willing to see in it the Godlike. It is only the psychic which has a just discrimination: it is directly aware of the supreme Presence, it infallibly distinguishes between the divine and the undivine. If you have even for a moment contacted it, you will carry with you a conviction about the Divine which nothing will shake.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1921 – 1931 with commentaries on the Dhammapada, CWM volume 3, page 124.

What did she mean by you are a public place? It means that many external forces work upon us. Things we are not aware of us For example

• Other people thoughts and behavior These thoughts and hidden forces come to us more easily when they touch you, through food, talk etc. that’s why eating simple food, avoiding restaurants, sex, good company is important.
• Cosmic influences – many people say why is everyone behaving so erratic. Is it the full moon ? ( scientific studies have shown that full moon etc is a myth but my observation contradicts the scientific data)
• Maya – she often sends thoughts and it influences everyone instantly. That’s why epidemic occurs. Covid could be seen as a thought that gave power to the virus
• Environmental forces – we all know that going to nature – forests, oceans often have a calming effect. Here the forces of nature, the majestic calmness of trees, the sound of oceans work on us

Now a yogi is someone who slowly gets stronger and died not let the outside forces worked on him as much. An accomplished yogi can change the outside forces and can protect others. A higher yogi can prevent Covid occurring etc. but such people are rare. They do exist and have helped in the past

Link to Original Document

Of course reading is not enough

What is the difference? You could read all the information you like about spirituality but it won’t help you

The Guru actually gives you the experience

Let’s say you have a question? You read the answer. Or you ask the question to someone with an awakened Shakti? Is there a difference? The answer is yes. The person with awakened Shakti when he answers he transmits ( at times without his knowledge) some of his awakened Shakti to the listener

That’s why when on the path and your Shakti is awakened they guide them and are told not to meet others or talk with anyone.

Later when you progress you have more control and can directly awaken to some degree the listener – or just transmit an answer and the listener has an answer!

So it is always advisable and to the benefit to talk with someone advanced for further understanding

Of course the person you ask the question has to be awakened!

I have benefited from people like this many times.

Link to Original Document

One of the curiosity of the human mind is playing mental games

What do I mean by it?

Simple – let’s say that a yogi is supposed to eat less. Now if someone has a self portrayed image of being a yogi, naturally he will show in public he rarely eats. And when he eats he will say oh it is because my disciples get offended and sad. An act and ruse from ego

On the other hand a true yogi would just be honest and say, yes the sense of bodily consciousness is strong and I try to overcome it

Now which scenario is more inspiring?

So many people play these games. In life. Wanting to portray a great personality but scum within

But why is it a problem? This week aspire to be on the path play these mental games! They try to test!

I recently came across who was reading my blog. I knew it but I did not reveal it. Not my business. Now this person pretended not to know about my blog. Why play games? It only hinders

I try to tell some people, divinely guided, of course but the power if Maya is very strong. I may Say contradictory things but both of them are true. Instead of asking why or how, people get upset. A golden opportunity is lost

There are many levels to Shakti awakening. Someone who knows them has to be awakened and if you know none then there is no awakening

A Guru can hint but he will not proclaim in public.

Faith – it is something spontaneous and is present and reveals itself when logic says impossible. This is not mathematics where logic makes it correct. It is beyond all calculative conclusion of logic. It automatically knows. But substantial purity is needed. Faith is the first step to freedom.

Reading books and logic can’t help it merely gives a proper order of events and helps guide a novice in selecting a proper Guru.

Generally an impure mind will only find an impure and worthless Guru

Only pure hearted can hear true words. And appreciate it

I have had a few questions – but some things can only be answered in person.

Lastly today is Guru Purnima.

Paying tribute to your Guru. I helped a few people do puja in Philadelphia. They were told the truth. But strangely like I told them the entire burden is on them

If they like what I say that is a burden of looking which came from their own mind

If they hate me, that is a burden that was created by their own mind

My actions do not exist – since I want nothing. Talking is a burden. Peace within is what is enduring

Link to Original Document

We talk of faith and talk about surrender. Some people describe it like taking The plunge into the divine.

Here is a nice question posed by a child to Mother ( Aurobindo)

But you see the sea and so you can jump straight into it. But how are you to jump into the spiritual life?

Of course, you must have had some glimpse of the Divine Reality, as you must see the sea and know something of it before you can jump into it. That glimpse is usually the awakening of the psychic consciousness. But some realisation you must have — a strong mental or vital, if not a deep psychic or integral contact. You must have felt strongly the Divine Presence in or about you; you must have felt the breath of the Divine world. And you must have felt too as a suffocating pressure the opposite breath of the ordinary world, drawing you to an endeavour to come out of that oppressive atmosphere. If you have that, then you have only to seek refuge unreservedly in the Divine Reality and live in its help and protection, in it alone. What you may have done in the course of your ordinary life only partially or in some parts of your being or at times and on occasions, you must do completely and for good. That is the plunge you have to take, and unless you do it, you may do Yoga for years and yet know nothing of a true spiritual living. Take the whole and entire plunge and you will be free from this outer confusion and get the true experience of the spiritual life.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1921 – 1931 with Commentaries on the Dhammapada, CWM volume 3, pages 21 – 22.

So some glimpse of the divine is needed. God is not cruel. Someone, somewhere he makes his presence known. What happens is our logic mates is us think- did it really happen or say the miracle was just coincidence

The other problem is also there. Some people take refuge in a fake or liar. And attribute all success to a Self proclaimed but hypocritical, money seeking, fame seeking self proclaimed Guru

How do you differentiate?

By purity. A true manifestation is very subtle. You immediately wonder was it true? Oh maybe I am imagining it. I am not sure. Later that subtle feeling our glimpse is evident outside. Not only within. And that is when you know your Guru

But the initial glimpse is within. Or a Guru can give you a glimpse within

Link to Original Document

Yes. Of course!

However in ancient tim shakti was not awakened without rigorous testing!

Very rigorous!

Those tests – at present no one can endure!

Look at the test Harischandra endured.. He lost his money, deprecated from wife, homeless, lost his only son- but he did not deviate from his path

It is only after that was his shakti awakened

There are many silly people who met my Guru or read books and blogs and ask questions about awakening and expect awakening to be given just because they ask and are interested!

For them God has arranged many other Gurus. My blog is not meant for them. I belong to a specific path not meant for everyone. Very few will ever follow this. And before they get awakening, they were checked very rigorously. Not like Harischandra. Much lighter. Nevertheless, a certain degree of testing is needed

A Guru who accepts every one as a disciple is not a true Guru. Why? Because awakening of shakti is very precious. If you know the importance, you simply do not give it to anyone ! That of course is my interpretation. I could be wrong

So it is easy to spot a true Guru. He has very few disciples. Does not awaken shakti freely. He may have followers – but a follower is not a disciple. Vivekananda and Yogananda had many followers. But the specific step of awakening of shakti was rarely given

But I follow Yogananda and I know my shakti is awakened? Good for you. My definition of awakening is very stringent. I don’t see 10 people with awakening. My stupidity

That is an important tip. Please don’t follow me or read my blogs