Ramanisblog

Tag: Brahman

  • Understanding Saguna and Nirguna Brahman in Hinduism

    Understanding Saguna and Nirguna Brahman in Hinduism

    Introduction To Nirguna Saguna Sahasranama Aradhana.

    Saguna means “with attributes.” Nirguna means “without attributes.” “Saguna Brahman” describes a God with (tangible) attributes. The term “Nirguna Brahman” describes a God with no (tangible) attributes.

    One with Attributes, qualities,Saguna.The other Nirguna, without Attributes,Nirguna.The western thought explores the Universe through what is outside,the perceived.It is necessary to have something in us to perceive .For all we know, there may be things out there and if one does not se it or perceive it, one may never know it, aware of it.Awareness, which is the rudiment of Knowledge,, needs two things.That which is to one known and that which knows or is aware.‘We have the Mind as an instrument.We know things through the Mind.If the Mind is absent or dysfunctional, we will not know things out there or may not know them as they are.Hinduism makes further distinction.Mind is what interprets sensations and the Data received.The sensations or Data is received is through the Brain, which is just like a CPU, just receives.The job of sorting them out, collating adding value judgements is reserved for the Mind.The classification and addition of value judgments is by the Chitta that directs the mind.The Chitta is based on Human Dispositions.The dispositions of individuals vary.So what is out there varies .So logically what we perceive is not what IS but what we perceive as what IS.So Reality expresses itself in the way we want to perceive it.This is the reason why many Gods and Goddesses are found in Hinduism.Without accommodating the Mind to perceive by providing it with a Target, we can not know what is outside.Therefore knowing the limitations of the Mind, Hinduism prescribes different systems of worship.The target of worship may be an Idol, Symbol.Once the Mind gets focussed on this, it evolves to comprehend the Ultimate Reality without Attribute, Brahman.These procedures are like gradually moving from LKG to Ph.d.Once you obtain Ph.d , LKG seems to be irrational and look unnecessary.But without it, you could not have reached Ph.d level.Yet there are individuals who are equipped with dispositions to do Ph.d, that is to understand Reality without Attributes, Nirguna Brhaman.One Like Ramana MaharishiAdi Shankaracharya has provided a Stotra addressed to Nirguna Brahman which explains these.One may notice that all the Sahasranamas, Vishnu and Lalitha Sahasranamas have Saguna and Nirguna Brahma upasanas embedded in them.Lalitha Sahsranama has organised this better by allotting separate portions,like Saguna Aradhana, Nirguna Aradhana and the identification of Shiva and Shakthi in the same Text.

    Aghora Pasupatha Homa Evil Eye Protection Mukthi

    Removal of Evil eye, Protection from forces that hinder Spiritual development. Protection from Black magic,Animals. Increases self confidence and self assurance. Clarity of thought.. Above all,Mukthi and Gnana are facilitated.

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    Rig Veda Inflenced Civilizations Outside India

    Date of Rig veda in Ramanisblog According to Ramanisblog, the date of the Rig Veda is subject to considerable debate, with modern scholarly estimates generally ranging between 2000 BCE to 1000 BCE[1]. However, Ramanisblog highlights that Hindu tradition considers the Vedas to be timeless and without a specific beginning[1]. Perspectives on Rig Veda Dating Ramanisblog…

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    Navavarana Pooja 1 Guru Stuthi

    Following in the Ai Generated transcript of the Navavarana Pooja Mantras . Recorded and sent to my Shishyas. This is being made public so that this secret knowledge is not lost to posterity. Those who want to be initiated may contact me through mail at ramanan50@gmail.com. Also they can contact through the comment column. If…

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    Brahman

    Brahman, a key concept in Hinduism, is the ultimate, unchanging reality beyond the physical world. It is described as omnipresent, infinite, and eternal. The concept of Brahman encompasses both Saguna (with attributes) and Nirguna (without attributes) manifestations. Saguna Brahman represents a God with tangible attributes, while Nirguna Brahman represents a God without tangible attributes. Understanding and realizing Brahman is central to various forms of Hindu worship and philosophical inquiry.

    In Hindu philosophy, the human mind plays a crucial role in perceiving and interpreting the external world. According to Hindu thought, the mind interprets sensations and data received from the external world, with the brain acting as a receiver. However, it is the mind that processes and adds value judgments to this information through the faculty known as Chitta, which is influenced by individual dispositions.

    Recognizing the limitations of the human mind, Hinduism prescribes various approaches to worship and spiritual practice. Different systems of worship are intended to gradually lead the mind from focusing on tangible forms, such as idols or symbols, to comprehending the ultimate reality without attributes, the Nirguna Brahman. This gradual progression is likened to the educational journey from kindergarten to obtaining a Ph.D. Individuals with predispositions for understanding the reality without attributes, like Ramana Maharishi and Adi Shankaracharya, are rare yet exemplify this profound understanding.

    It is notable that Hindu scriptures, such as the Vishnu and Lalitha Sahasranamas, incorporate both Saguna and Nirguna aspects of Brahman worship. Lalitha Sahasranama, in particular, comprehensively organizes these aspects by allocating separate sections for Saguna and Nirguna worship, acknowledging the interplay of Shiva and Shakti within the same text.

    In summary, the concept of Brahman in Hinduism encompasses both Saguna and Nirguna manifestations, reflecting the profound understanding of ultimate reality and the methods to realize it.

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  • Sanath Sanathanathtamah Sanatana Dharma Vishnu Sahasranama

    Sanath Sanathanathtamah Sanatana Dharma Vishnu Sahasranama

    What is Sanath, What is Sanathath and Sanatan Dharma?

    Sounds a little strange and confusing? Let us see what Hinduism/ Sanaatana Dharma says about this.

    Sree Vishnu Sahasranama makes a reference to these terms though there are references to these terms in Vishnu Purana and Srimad Bhagavatham.It is referred to in Thirumurukaatruppadai ( By Nakkeearar) belonging to Tamil Sangam literature.

    Vishnu Sahasranama is from Mahabharata by Veda Vyasa. In Mahabharata Bhishma Under instructions from Bhagwan Sri Krishna instructs what Dharma is Yudhisthira . This is in Anusasan parva. Mahabharata is dated 16th October 5561 BC.

    Santath means ‘ one who is the personification of Time which is Eternal.’ Bhagwan Vishnu is described thus. It is an Attribute which is Absolute in Nature.It is beyond Space and Time.

    Shankaracharya says thus

    ‘ Sanaathithibnibhadhaha, Srartha vachanaha, kaalascha parasyai vedhi vikalpana kaapi – Sri Shankara Bhashya on Sri Vishnu Sahasranama.

    Sananaththanadhamaya namaha means

    ‘ As Vishnu is the Primary cause who has no cause to be caused and as He is elder to all Brahma and other Devathas, He is the Oldest.

    So the term Sanatana means an Absolute Attribute which personifies Time Eternal.As such the term means older than the oldest.

    In Tamil Siva is described as described a

    முன்னைப் பரம்பொருட்கு முன்னைப் பரம் பொருளே ‘

    The Earliest Reality preceding Reality.

    Sanatana Dharma means that Righteous Conduct ,a way of life that is ancient amongst the ancient,Leads one to Liberation from the shackles of births and deaths.

    ‘sanātsanātanatamaḥ kapilaḥ kapiravyayaḥ ।
    svastidaḥ svastikṛtsvastiḥ svastibhuk svastidakṣiṇaḥ ॥ 96 ॥
    — Sree Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotram


    https://vignanam.page.link/jHL7KcNyXVQvN8xm7

    Sanatana Dharma is a Sanskrit term that translates to “eternal dharma” or “eternal order”. It is an alternative name for Hinduism. The term can also be translated as “eternal religion”, “eternal law”, “unshakeable, venerable order”, or “ancient and continuing guideline”.
    In Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma refers to the absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices that all Hindus must follow, regardless of class, caste, or sect.
    Sanatana Dharma is commonly equated with Hinduism, but there is no reason to believe that only Hinduism should be equated with Sanatana Dharma. The RSS suggests that Sanatana Dharma has existed since the beginning of civilization and is more comprehensive than Hindu Dharma. AI search result.

    Sanatana is a Sanskrit word that means “eternal”, “unchanging” or “everlasting”. It is often used to describe the core principles and values of Hinduism, which are also known as Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma is the original name of Hinduism, meaning “the eternal way of life” or “the eternal law”. It is based on the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and other Hindu scriptures, which reveal the nature of the Supreme Reality (Brahman), the individual self (Atman), the cosmic order (Rta) and the path of liberation (Moksha). Sanatana Dharma is not a rigid or dogmatic religion, but a flexible and dynamic way of living in harmony with the universal truth. It encompasses various traditions, sects, philosophies, practices and customs that have evolved over thousands of years. Some of the synonyms for Sanatana Dharma are Satya Dharma (the dharma of eternal truth), Atma Dharma (the dharma of self-realisation), Yoga Dharma (the dharma of union with the divine), Veda Dharma (the dharma of transcendent knowledge), Vishva Dharma (the universal dharma) and Manava Dharma (the dharma for all human beings). Sanatana Dharma is also sometimes contrasted with other forms of Hinduism that are more influenced by social, political or cultural factors, such as Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj or Hindu nationalism. These are sometimes called Nava Dharma (new dharma) or Apara Dharma (lower dharma). Sanatana Dharma is not limited to India or Hinduism, but is relevant to all seekers of truth and spirituality, regardless of their background, culture or religion. It is a universal and timeless wisdom that can guide us to our highest potential and ultimate goal. For more information about Sanatana Dharma, you can visit these websites: [Wikipedia](^1^), [News18](^2^), [Yogapedia](^3^) and [Sanatani](^4^).

    Source: Conversation with Bing, 9/25/2023
    (1) Sanātana Dharma – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San%C4%81tana_Dharma.
    (2) The Many Dimensions of Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma – News18. https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion-the-many-dimensions-of-hinduism-and-sanatana-dharma-8588774.html.
    (3) What is Sanatana Dharma? – Definition from Yogapedia. https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/6240/sanatana-dharma.
    (4) Sanātanī – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San%C4%81tan%C4%AB.

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  • Deceive Mind Experience Reality Brahman

    Deceive Mind Experience Reality Brahman

    Vedas,the sacred text of Hindus, do not advocate Idol worship or even personal God. Vedas talk about Reality,Brahman, as a Principle, which is beyond Attributes,Names,Forms,Mind, Intellect and Reason. Brahman is Unknowable but can be Experienced.

    Then how does one attain Salvation if it is beyond Attributes, Names,Forms Mind and Intellect…? One must have tools to Realize Brahman.Hinduism, to sort out this issue, proposed the concept of Iswara,Personal God.
    This Concept, one can find in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, as Iswara Pranidhana.The process and the end result of Search and Realisation of Brahman, is cessation of the modifications of Chitta, of the actions and reactions generated by one’s dispositions and actions.Then ,at that stage,one becomes devoid of the urge to Act and thereby is relieved of the bondage of Actions one accumulates.This results in the Individual Souls becoming aware of its innate Attributes of Being, Consciousness and Bliss. Sat, Chit and Ananda. At this level, the individual soul gets rid of its ignorance of perceiving itself being different from Brahman, the underlying Reality of Everything.

    This is very difficult if one were to follow the description and methodology described in Upanishads.When I say difficult, I mean that it is difficult for most of us.But many have followed Upanishads in their own way and Realized Brahman,Ramana Maharshi, Kanchi Periyavar of our Times.

    For us normal mortals, ruled by passions, this process is difficult. So the worship of individual God is proposed.

    Human Mind behaves in a strange manner.Many of us are not aware that what we think about, we become.And when what we like are Attributes, Qualities that are Perfect in Measure, our mind is engrossed in It.And, defying Logic,we are bestowed with what we desire,which, under normal circumstances, are unachievable by us. Take the instance one, either in fear or Flight response, lifting weights which one can never imagine of lifting under normal conditions or running so fast that it would astonish one later.

    So, Vedas have proposed personal God. Iswara.When one follows this Concept, he is taking a step closer to Know the Unknowable, by transforming the Unknowable into something which appears to be Knowable to The Heart.

    Thus one deceives one’s Mind so that Heart experiences what can be experienced, which in the lexicon of Mind is not Knowable.

    Cognition becomes Experience.

    Experience,Experienced and Experiencer …All become One. Distinction disappears.

    This is Experiencing Reality, Brahman.

    This is Advaita.

  • Realize Brahman Reality Through Rama Kalyana Gunas Attributes

    Realize Brahman Reality Through Rama Kalyana Gunas Attributes

    According to Sanatan Dharma, Reality is a Principle to be Realised by an individual. Reality is beyond Attributes , can not be explained ,can not be reached through Mind/Intellect.Reality can not be Known. It can only be experienced,just as you experience Hunger,Pain or Pleasure.

    This is the Ultimate Truth as enunciated in the Vedas.

    Truth may be one thing, but our coming to terms with it, is a different proposition altogether.We, as human beings are limited by our Mind, especially the two spectacles of Space and Time,that condition Mind.So, our mind is limited. Try speaking about without reference to Space and Time.I have not deliberately used ‘Try speaking about a Thing’, because Space concept is used here to refer to something.The same Logic for Time.

    Sanatan Dharma does not simply suggest something to follow as a Dogma. As the goal of Sanatan Dharma is to understand Reality and the means to Salvation,what Sanatan Dharma teaches should be followable. However, Truth need not conform to our Limitations.It exists. So the process to realise It, need not be through instrument which we think is sufficient. It is not.I refer to our Mind.

    How to marry these two concepts?

    Sanatan Dharma suggests, though the Reality is A Principle and can not be apprehended by cognitive processes, Sanatana Dharma offers a unique solution.

    That of Worship of personal Gods.The concept of Iswara, personal God,one comes across in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra as Iswara Pranidhana. The concept of God is useful because it is easy to Focus your Mind on something which has a Name and Form And one ascribes qualities in Absuloute Terms.And also the Ascribed Qualities and Forms are those one loves .Thus was formed the Saguna Aradhana in Hinduism.Once your mind is focussed on the individual God,you become immersed in that and become one with it, emotionally.Difference between Perceiver,Perceived and The Process of Perception , disappears and Reality is experienced,shorn of Attributes.

    Thus one Finds in Sri. Rama, a short cut to Realize Brahman, One Beyond Attributes.

    As explained above, sixteen Attributes are attributed to Sri Rama. And these sixteen Attributes are in perfect, in Full measure, Auspicious.These are the Kalyana Gunas of Sri Rama.Valmiki in Balakanda of Ramayana had listed them. They are provided below.

    ‘

    1. Virtuous: गुणवान् (Gunavan): Who is Virtuous
    2. Valorous: वीर्यवान् (Viryavan): Who is Valorous
    3. Knower of Dharma: धर्मज्ञ (Dharmagya): Who is the knower of Dharma
    4. Doer of Good Deeds: कृतज्ञ (Krtagya): Who is the doer of Good Deeds (according to Dharma)
    5. Truthful: सत्यवाक्य (Satyavakya): Who is the speaker of Truth
    6. Firm in Vows: दृढव्रत (Dridhavrata): Who is firm in his Vows
    7. Endowed with Character: चारित्रेण युक्त (Catritrena Yukta): Who by Character is united (with Dharma)
    8. Disposed towards Welfare of all: सर्वभूतेषु हितः (Sarvabhuteshu Hitah): Who is disposed towards the Welfare of all beings
    9. Learned: विद्वान् (Vidvan): Who is Learned
    10. Capable of upholding Dharma: समर्थ (Samartha): Who is Capable (in upholding Dharma)
    11. Graceful: प्रियदर्शन (Priyadarshana): Who has a Graceful and Pleasant appearance
    12. Self-Composed: आत्मवान् (Aatmavan): Who is Self-Composed
    13. Free of Anger: जितक्रोध (Jitakrodha): Who has conquered Anger
    14. Effulgent: द्युतिमान् (Dyutiman): Who is Effulgent (filled with the Effulgence of Aatman)
    15. Free of Envy: अनसूयक (Anasuyaka): Who is not Envious
    16. Whom even Devas Fear: बिभ्यति देवाः (Bibhyati Devah): Whom even the Devas Fear

    (Ref: Valmiki Ramayana – Bala Kanda – 1). https://greenmesg.org/stotras/rama/

  • Rama With One Wife Krishna With More What is Morality

    Recently I was asked, at a Dinner,why while Lord Rama is venerated because of his loyalty to his wife,his vow and devotion to his wife,Eka Patni vrata,we also venerate Lord Vishnu who has two wives,Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.

    Is this not a contradiction?

    What ,then, is Morality?

    Which is morally correct?

    Concepts of Hinduism are complex and it needs a thorough understanding of the Vedas ,the six systems of Indian philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana Mahabharata,Eighteen Puranas and Indian regional language texts.

    Indian philosophy is the foundation is the rock on which Hindu practices are built upon.

    Reality,Brahman, according to Vedas,the scriptures of the Hindus, is a Principle devoid of Qualities or Attributes.

    We Attribute qualities so that we can comprehend and Realize It.

    We,our minds,are limited by Space and Time.

    We can not conceive of anything without reference to these two.

    On the modern scientific side, especially Astrophysics ,one can not really comprehend Stellar Distances,which are calculated in Light years and AU,Astronomical Units.

    We have only a vague idea that it is huge.

    For more on Time,please read my articles on Time,by Googling Time+ramanan50.

    However in the path to Realisation of Brahman,Reality,A Principle,Hinduism, knowing the limitations of Human mind ,has devised a method.

    That of Worship of Gods.

    In a way human mind can understand it.

    That is by bestowing the Reality with Perfect Human Attributes.

    This is the beginning Stage of Self Realization.

    This is called Saguna Aradhana,Worship of Reality with Attributes.

    The Mind,to be divested of its innumerable thought waves,has to be deceived.

    When mind believes,it can make things Happen.

    So eventhough Reality is a Principle,it also can appear as personal God as one believes and meditates upon.

    That is why we have God experiences.

    Hindu,Vedic texts provide minimum three meanings.

    Literal,Symbolic representing Abstract Truth,and esoteric Tantra,Mantra.

    Some texts provide more than three meanings.

    The Concept of the Three Primary Deities,Brahma,Vishnu and Rudra are to be understood.

    Universe is Motion and it is the Ultimate cause Science can unmask.

    There are three types of Energy .

    That is Energy at Rest.

    Potential.

    When it is in Motion,it is Kinetic.

    One more is Energy at Rest,while allowing for some Movement,Kinetics.

    It is Potentio Kinetic.

    Brahma,Potentio Kinetic,

    Vishnu, Kinetic and

    Rudra a combination of both.

    Rudra is an aspect of Siva,while Vishnu is an aspect of Narayana.

    Brahma is the cause.

    Vishnu is the Sustainer.

    The term Vishnu is from the root Jishnu,that which Supports.

    ‘Vishnum Jishnum Mahavishnum Prabhavishnum Maheswaram’ -Vishnu Sahasranama.

    For supporting Life, Consciousness,one needs sustanence.

    This , during Life,in the Form of Health,Wealth…sixteen things.

    Beyond Life, support is provided by Vishnu as Govinda.

    The term Govinda is used for ceremonies conducted after Death.

    As a concept of Vishnu,He sustains the Universe.

    Earth supports.

    This is not enough to sustain and nurture Life.

    Earth is allegorically called as Bhudevi.

    Other things needed for Life is represented by Sri,also called Sri Devi.

    To explain the concept of Vishnu with necessary support systems, Vishnu is represented as having been married to Bhu Devi and Sri Devi.

    Sri,an explanation.

    Sri has a core meaning of “diffusing light or radiance or eminence”, related to the root śrā“to cook, boil”, but as a feminine abstract noun, it has received a general meaning of “grace, splendour, beauty; wealth, affluence, prosperity”.(Wiki)

    Sree varchasvam ayushyam aarogyam maavithaath

    Sobamanam maheeyanthe

    Dhaanyam Dhanam pasum bahuputra laabham

    Satha samvathsarm dheeragamaayuhu’

    However at the Ultimate level,there is no Sin,Nothing Sacred.

    ‘Na punyam, Na Paapam…..

    Sivoham’ Nirvana Shadgam by Sri Sankara charts.

    PS.This is a philosophical explanation.

    However, I have found, during my research into Hindu texts and events,these events may be Real.

    I do not know.