Tag: Self-realization

  • What Is Mantra, Definition Explanation

    Salvation,Self Realization is made possible by disciplining the Mind.

    Unlike western philosophy, Indian philosophy considers Mind as an organ like Eyes,Ears,Nose,Mouth and Body( Panchendriyas,the Five Organs).

    The difference between Mind and other organs is that Mind is Subtler and more powerful than the other organs.

    It controls other organs.

    To realize Self or Reality,Mind has to be stilled,by a process of regulation.

    What we perceive initially,when we come into contact with objects, is a jumble of various inputs conveyed to us by various organs like Eyes,Ears…

    This reaches the Mind as unconnected stimulii

    At this level,Mind just collects information , without collating them,categorising them.

    The next level of Mind,Buddhi collates the information,categorises them,tags them as correct or incorrect from a factual point of view and also passed value judgements like Good or Bad.

    Why a particular event is designated as Good or Bad,or why amidst multitudes of stimulii being present around us and are being received by Mind as raw information,only a specific event or fact is taken cognisance of,forms a different and exhaustive study.

    To put it simply,Buddhi selects event/s at any given point of time,as directed by Chitta,the higher plane,which exists,to understand the concept,one may say,than the Mind.

    Consciousness ,one of the Attributes of the Soul is Realized by stilling the projections made by the Chitta when it comes into contact with objects of senses.

    One of the methods to regulate the Mind is Mantra.

    • मननात्‌ त्रायते इति मंत्र: ।’ manan means bringing only one thought to one’s mind repeatedly and trayate means to protect. In other words mantra refers to that which when thought of repeatedly protects oneself and also that which protects one from the mind or that which helps to bring about the dissolution of the mind. At a further stage Mantrayoga also means that state in which contemplation (manan) stops during chanting, there is dissolution of the mind, cessation of the mantra, dissolution of the triad (triputi) that is, of the mantra, the one chanting the mantra and the act of chanting and the seeker attains the state of dissolution (layavastha).

    • B.Mantra refers to the collection of letters which assists in acquisition of the favourable and the vanquishing of obstacles. The word mantra is derived from mantri, a Sanskrut word which means secret speeches (guhyabhashane). It has various meanings like acquisition of secret objectives, acquisition of secret meanings, invoking a deity for a specific cause, etc. Philosophically it means that by contemplation (manan) of which, knowledge about the oneness of the entire world, that is the embodied soul (jiva), Brahman and the universe is bestowed upon oneself and that by which the embodied soul acquires Liberation (Mukti) from worldly bondages and <span class=”glossary” title=”Practicing Dharma i.e. Dharmacharan”>Righteousness (Dharma), wealth (artha) and desire (kama) are achieved in this world.

    • C. “मंत्रा: मननात्‌ ।” means a mantra is that on which one contemplates (manan) and from which one acquires the knowledge about sacrificial fires (yadnya), God and the soul (Nirukta 7.12).

    • D. मकारो मननं प्राह त्रकारस्त्राणमुच्‍यते ।
      मननत्राणसंयुक्‍तो मंत्र इत्‍यभिधीयते ।।

      The meaning: In the word mantrama’ (म) refers to contemplation (manan) and ‘tra’ (त्र) to protection (tran). Thus that which consists of contemplation (manan) and protection is called a mantra.’ (1)

    • E. The word mantra is derived from ‘man’ (मन्‌) and ‘tra’ (त्र). ‘Man’ refers to the mind and ‘tra’ to vital energy (pran). That which is done with the fusion of the mind and vital energy is called a mantra.

    • F. According to the science of Tantra: ‘According to the sorcerers (tantriks) sound (nad or dhvani) being the fundamental frequency of creation appears foremost in the origin of the universe. Sound is a subtle part of the divine energy (chit shakti) of the embodied soul (jiva). Just as sound waves are produced in the atmosphere due to air currents, so also in the body of the embodied soul sound waves are generated due to flow of a type of vital energy (pranvayu). A word is generated from this sound. Later, a mantra originates from it. The energy contained in a mantra is beyond one’s imagination.'(Source. https://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/knowledge/article/what-is-a-bijamantra.html#1https://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/knowledge/article/what-is-a-bijamantra.html#1)

      Reality is One,but it appears to be many.(Advaita)

    • The world of Name and Form has only relative existence.
    • Once Knowledge dawns, differentiation disappears.

    When one perceives,three things are needed.

    The Perceiver,

    The Perceived and the process of

    Perception.

    By Mantra,one can discipline the Mind and the differentiation between the Three,The Perceiver,Perceived and the process of Perception is dissolved and one becomes a part of Reality.

    As an empirical spinoff,one gets his wishes granted and obstacles removed.

    Will write on the effects not Mantras,the process and composition.

  • Nada Yoga Nama Sankeertana

    The Ultimate aim of Human Life, according to Hinduism , is Self Realization .

     

    To see God in Yourself is Realization.

     

    To realize God with Name and Form is Realization.

     

    To see God in every living thing is Realization.

     

    To see God in everything, animate and Inanimate is Realization.

     

    The Reality is without name and Form.

     

    One needs to take the first step of Realizing God with Name and Form.

     

    Human Mind, as it is , can realize God with Name and Form easily.

     

    It is emotional and it is emotion that drives us all.

     

     

    This short cut to Realizing God is given the name Bhakti Yoga, in Hinduism.

     

    Yoga means Union.

     

    In Bhakthi,Devotion, one identifies oneself with God.

     

    Some times language is required, Art is required to kindle this emotional aspect.

     

    Bhakti cult  in Hinduism, has mastered this art.

     

    This is a Part of Yoga, called Nada Yoga, where one gets lost in Music,no language, cultural barrier.

     

    Music moves all.

     

    Music when combined with suitable emotional content expressed through the medium of language, strikes a chord in you.

     

    You are moved.

     

    You do not need logic here.

     

    Hinduism as I said earlier has developed this into an Art form.

     

    Songs, lyrics have been composed for this.

     

    The accompaniments are minimal .

     

    Great Sanits like Thygaraja,Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Appayya Dikshitra, Sant Thukaram, Samartha Ramadas are some  who have realized God  through this form.

     

    Their Keerthans, lyrics set to Carnatic music, are sung  even to day in Music festivals, and on auspicious occasions.

     

    There is another form of this where the slokas and Keerthanas, either written by the singer or they use the Keerthnas of Saints.

     

    There have been great practitioners of this from. the latest being Swami Haridas Giri.

     

    The other name for this Nama Sankirthana, chanting of the Lord’s name.

     

    Colloquially  it is called Bhajan.

     

    Meera excelled in this form.

     

    Special format for this type is found in Marathi,called Abhang.

     

    Nama Sankeerthana is practiced even today at various places.

     

    One such is being held at Malleswaram, Bangalore.

     

    BHAJANA MELA 2014
    On Sunday, 21st September, 2014
    at Sringeri Shankara Mutt Complex,
    6th Main, 11th Cross, Malleswaram,
    Bangalore08:00 AM to 11:00 AM Sri J.S. Sriram & Party – Secunderabad11:00 AM to 02:30 PM Sri Chengottai Hari & Party02:30 PM to 05:30 PM Bhaktha Meera Bhajana Mandali – Lead by Smt. Chitra Jairam, Thrippunithara, Chochin.

    05:30 PM to 08:30 PM

    Sri Sattanathar & Party – (Disciple of Sri Sri Murlidhar Swamijee) Chennai

    Keertana Yoga (Music Theraphy) is one of the best ways to beat stress and overcome tension. It is needless to mention about the importance of the access to Keertana Yoga to everyone living in Metro Cities like Bangalore. To preserve traditions, MBBM explores the possibility of spreading NAMASANKEERTHANAM by creating expanded platforms for Bhajans.

    There is an association between the seed letter (Beejaaksharas) and Raagas with the presiding deities. Hence, devotees are encouraged to sing the Bhajans in that particular raga.

    Let us cultivate the habit of singing, listening and learning God’s name with Love and Compassion.

    Invitation to everyone to be part of this unique and august gathering.

    Please call Girish Krishnan
    for any further assistance in this respect at +91 – 97427 35307 or
    Mail to pkg.blr@gmail.com

    Experience it,
  • Religion Rituals Hinduism Work

    I have come across comments like,

     

    ‘For reaching God, Self Realization, it is enough if our heart is pure,there is no necessity of the rituals, Poojas, visiting temples’

     

    ‘Love for All is the central message of Religions and of Spirituality,if I love all, there is no need for following Religion’

     

    ‘Wearing Caste-mark on the forehead, taking bath before Pooja, following strict cumbersome procedures fo the Pooja, Are they necessary?

     

    God is everywhere,why should I perform all these,they are nothing but expressions of hypocrisy’

     

    I have recently received a comment,

     

    I got your Comment on My Blog, So I came Here
    Seeing your blog, I find it is Spiritually Inclined. So I asking some Questions I Have

    Today Hinduism is full of Rituals. I feel that it is corruption of Hinduism. What do you say.
    True Hindu should worship work, not conduct rituals. What do you think.”

     

    Let me attempt to answer as I have been doing till now to my children and close friends.

     

    It is alright and it sounds nice to say that “I know that God is everywhere and I treat everyone equally’

     

    Is it an honest statement?( I am speaking out myself)?

     

    Do I treat everyone equally?

     

    Do I love everyone and everything in the world?

     

    Am I free from prejudices, anger, Lust for power,women, money?

     

    Do I forgive others?

     

    Am I helping others?

     

    Is my heart pure enough not to feel jealous of others?

     

    Do I place others before myself?

     

    Am I innocent?

     

    Did/Do I not  hurt many in my life, both professional and personal?

     

    Am I honest and follow what I say?

     

    My answer is NO.

     

    So I am not qualified to be counted among those who can realize God by these methods.

     

    There is also this perception,

     

    That if you do your Duty, there is no necessity of worshiping God.

     

    True.

     

    Lord Krishna implies this in The Bhagavad Gita.

     

    The confusion is what ‘work’ means’ though Krishna means Karma or Action’ which is different from work.

     

    What is the Work we are talking about?

     

    Going to office, 10-5, working in a software company or running a Business, where we earn?

     

    What do we do here?

     

    We earn money to satisfy our senses.

     

    We remain unsatisfied whatever we earn.

     

    We remain loyal , honest to others in the work place so that our jobs, businesses are secure.

     

    Where is the question of Altruism?

     

    At the end of the day, after we do our life’s work, what does remain for us?

     

    Have we evolved Happier, Contented?

     

    Have We answered our urge to know where We are, where were We and where do We go thither?

     

    Have I answered these questions?

     

    Of what use this money, the result of my dedication to work to Me finally?

     

    By saying Everything is Brahman, I am Brahman,I Love All does not make One Spiritually evolved.

     

    Every one can not become a Ramana Maharishi by asking ‘Who Am I?

     

    It is only by searching within oneself for answers and finding them, does one become a Jnani or a Realized Soul?

     

    Rituals, procedures laid for them, Poojas, Dhana, Dharma, Neethi Sastras,Vedas , Puranas, Ithihasas, Yoga all these are disciplines to follow , are to enable us to reach that mental and spiritual maturity to Realize Self/God.

     

    One in a Million can become a Ramana Maharishi,Kanchi Periyavar,Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

     

    Even these people had  followed a system of discipline.

     

    Merely Working in an office, running a business does not constitute a Sadahana.

     

    Ding even this has to have an attitude, disposition as explained in Karma Yoga.

     

    We do not follow this even.

     

    Till we become mature enough we need the Rituals.

     

    You may choose your own from any from the numerous paths explained in Hinduism.

     

     

  • Think Out Your Emotions

    I have started writing on Yoga Sutra of Patanjali about 16 days back.

    Then suddenly I decided to write on Isa Upanishad a couple of Days back.

    While dealing with the Isavasya(Isa Upanishad) Upanishad, I thought of writing on performing Actions without attachment in detail.

    Some how it got postponed.

    Now I find that Isa Upanishad also speaks on the subject in the sloka I have commented upon.

    Hence I decided not to postpone this subject and this post.

    (As I was writing on Isa Upanishad, I wanted to write on Nirvana Shadgam of Adi Sankaracarya. I misplaced the Text ; I found it to-day and posts will follow)

    Emotions.
    Emotions.

    Action arises out of desires,

    Desires of Feelings,

    Feelings of satisfaction of instincts.

    We can not help acting on our instincts. they are our Swabhava,Nature’ impelled by Gunas.(Refer my posts on Yoga sutra nd Gunas)

    We continue seeking the objects that give us satisfaction and happiness.

    When we interact with the Object for the first time, we do not have a preconceived notion that it would give us Pleasure.

    We come to know of it after we experience them.

    So the feelings of Joy oy pain do not reside in the object but in our perception of OUR enjoyment of them.

    To remain detached, it is useless to address the issue to these objects, but we need to address the instrument of enjoyment, ourselves.

    If we can think out our experiences after our experience of the Object, we will be able to outwit our propensity for enjoyment.

    Mere removal of Objects will not drive way your desires, they will haunt your memory and your mind will seek them.

    Remaining amidst sense Objects and remain unaffected is true renunciation.

    There is this story of Rishyasrunga , a Great Seer, in Ramayana.

    Rishyasrunga was a Celibate, A Naishtika Brahmachari.

    A Niashtika Brahmachari is one whose semen does not flow downwards, that is, it is not discharged.

    This is possible only when all the thoughts of Sex are not present , even unconsciously in the Mind.

    Rishyasrunga was living in a Forest alone.

    It is a common Belief that if a Naishtika  Brahmachari steps into  a Town. it would Rain.

    A Kingdom was undergoing severe Drought.

    The King decided to bring Rishyasrunga to the Kingdom so that it might Rain.

    Rishyasrunga was brought to the Kingdom and it rained.

    But on seeing women Rishyasrunga was infatuated with women and his thoughts wandered.

    He was advised by Sage Vasishta that to be a true Yogi one should be able to remain amidst the sense objects and be self-controlled.

    He did so.

    When we perform action for the second time, we should distinguish between three types of Action.

    Action, Inaction and Non Action.

    Action is what we do everyday, with specific goals and the results, with passion.

    Inaction is doing nothing.

    Non action is performing an action because it has to be performed without any specific goal.

    Nor with a desire to derive pleasure out of it.

    This is the essence of karma Yoga.

    Is this possible?

    Yes.

    Actions arise out of emotions, we can not do anything as we are in the process of performing an Action.

    Once the performance of Action in over, we can think about it.

    We can know the futility of pleasures,they are transient, not in our control, may go away from us.

    Now if one thinks about these  regularly by reviewing the actions he has performed a Mindset forms to desist from performing these actions in future when the occasion arise.

    This performance with out Attachment , where one does not seek the results, but performs to his fullest potential is Karma Yoga.

    And this a Path to Self Realization or the practice of Detachment.

    http://ramanisblog.in/2013/04/29/who-owns-the-world-isa-upanishad-1/

     

  • Indifference Better Yoga Sutra 1.16

    Detachment has been explained as an effective tool in controlling the modifications of the Mind in the last sloka (1.15)

    As I have explained in the post, Performance of Action without attachments is possible..

    We do not get attached to the Routine actions we perform.

    But actions we perform after deliberation?

    Why and how we deliberate to perform an action and become attached to them.

    We perceive an object , we get attracted.

    We want to experience them because we are curious,others have told us it is pleasurable.

    We try them out.

    We find the experiences either pleasurable or painful.

    Based on this we like or detest them.

    In the case of the former , we yearn for them, recalling in the Mind the pleasures it had given us, just as vehemently we hate that which gave us pain.

    This yearning becomes attachment:hate is also an attachment for irrespective of what your feelings are, you are constantly engaged with the object in your mind.

    If you do not get what you seek, you take action to get it, these create further thought waves in the Mind.

    So, to control these cravings one must cease attaching himself to objects.

    But the fact is we can not help being attracted and consequently being attached to the Objects.

    We might even consciously want to avoid them.

    Why are we attracted to Objects?

    It is Our Nature.

    We have inborn tendencies and qualities that make us attracted to sense objects,

    They are three in number.

    Sathva,the Pure,Learned Ignorance,

    Rajas,The active,

    Tamas, Ignorance

    Please read my post on Gunas  filed under Indian Philosophy).

    These Gunas are present in all of us in combinations  and they keep changing minute by minute.

    Impelled by these Gunas we get attracted to sense objects and act.

    Practice and Resolution, Vairagya can help us eradicate this,

    By practicing this method, one develops Detachment.

    This would also lead to Reality or Self Realization.

    Seeking Self Realization is also a form of attachment and this must be discarded.

    The conscious attempt at Liberation or Moksha is also a Bond, though a Golden one, bond nonetheless.

    The desire to attain Moksha or liberation is an impediment to Spiritual Growth.

    This also, has to be discarded. .

    Praying to God and seeking Grace from Him is also an impediment.

    So much so, the Chamaka Prasna of Sri Rudram, after seeking from Lord Rudra, says thus in Chamaka

    Aayu yagnena  kalpathaam praano yagnena kalpathaam apano, 
    Yagnena kalpathaam  yyano yagnena kalpathaam chakshur, yagnena kalpathaam srothram,  
    yagnena kalpathaam mano, yagnena kalpathaam  vag yagnena kalpathaam athma, 
    Yagnena kalpathaam yagne, yagnena kalpathaam.	10 .
    
    "
    Let the fire sacrifice give me long life, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me inhaled air, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me exhaled air, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me able eyes, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me able ears, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me able mind, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me able words, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me an able soul, 
    Let fire sacrifice give me ability to perform more fire sacrifices
    '
    "After seeking favors in all manners possible. the last portion, Yagne Yagna kalpatham'
    
    Means that the Yagnas may give the power to perform more yagnas.
    
    Yagna is different from Yaaga
    
    Yaaga is performed for results while Yagna is performed because it has to be performed, no results desired'
    
    Thus the Nishkaamya Karma is indicated here.
    
    Performed without attachment, even the desire to realize self is neutralized.
    
    This is what Patanjali says in Yoga Sutra 1.16.(  After seeking... neutralized-by this writer, not a part of the Quote)
    Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.
    Yoga Sutra 1.16
    
    

    http://ramanisblog.in/2013/04/27/detachment-determination-technics-yoga-1-15/

    http://ramanisblog.in/2013/04/27/detachment-determination-technics-yoga-1-15/