Hinduism 101: Terminology, Elements of Reality

Before you read research papers on science, you have to go through the elemental studies of physics, chemistry, etc. In the same way it is good to learn the fundamentals on which the highest knowledge is based. One of the introductory texts on Vedic wisdom is the "Tattva Bodha," by Adi Shankaracharya. It covers the above and much more. It talks about the structure of creation and relation to consciousness. This chart graphically illustrates this part of the text:

Better image and PDF at Source: http://www.advaita.org.uk/discourses/teacher s/tattvabodha_bonnici.htm

It is interesting how the microcosm, the human being, is an exact replica of the macrocosm. The macrocosm replicates itself infinitely, like a fractal.

An easy way to remember this is using the ten fingers. The five fingers on the right hand, pinky for physical body, ring finger for subtle body, index finger for causal body, fore finger for conditioned consciousness (Jiva) and thumb for soul (Atma).

Then on the left hand, pinky for the total physical universe or creation(called Virat), ring finger for the total subtle creation or cosmic mind (called Hiranyagarbha or Mahat Tattva), index finger for the causal cosmic creation (Mool Prakritri), fore finger for the cosmic creator (Ishvara), and thumb for cosmic consciousness (Brahman).

In addition to the associations made above, Karmas (account of our actions) and Vasanas(impressions) are part of the causal body.

All the terms in the chart above such as Isvara, Jiva, Maya, etc. are explained in the Tattva Bodha.

Jiva is essentially the same as Maya, illusion. It is the veil of ignorance that covers the true Self. It is the false identification with the causal, subtle and gross bodies that get conditioned and therefore Jiva is the conditioned consciousness. The root cause of ignorance creates a sense of separateness, the limited identity, the “I”ness, commonly known as ego. The gross body drops at death but the other bodies still exist and carry into the next birth. Once one is enlightened the Jiva also drops and there is no false separateness. The soul is seen as a part of the whole.

The five Koshas (layers of personality) and the three states of experience - sleeping, waking, dreaming - are all co-related to the three bodies here in this chart.

One term not on the chart (because it is not in the text) is the term ‘Jagat’, commonly translated as ‘creation’, or ‘universe’. Everything that can be perceived, gross or subtle, is objectified through name, form and function. The totality of manifest names and forms, together with pure existence (sat-brahman), is called jagat. Thus when we say: ‘chair is’, ‘thought is’, ‘feeling is’, the ‘is-ness’ is sat brahman, while ‘chair’, ‘thought’, ‘feeling’ are names of forms in which pure existence can be experienced.

The text also gives an introduction to other Vedic concepts such as the theory of Karma, the description of an enlightened person, etc.

Having clarity about what is Atma and what is not is key to understanding the concluding section of Tattva Bodha. The oneness of Jiva and Ishvara is described by enquiry into the inner meaning of the statement 'Tat Tvam Asi'.

I think the knowledge in the Tattva Bodha is very important, a pre-requisite for understanding any further teachings in the Vedic scriptures on creation and consciousness. This book is also available online free as an eBook.

Hari Om.

Quantum Physics - God Particle - Light Beings

Talk by Quantum Physicist Dr. Fred Alan Wolf

 Audio Source: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/uvisualeyes/2011/05/10 /dr-wolf-on-his-new-book-time-loops-and-space-twists

Transcribed:

1^st Talk

 God particle is light, and matter comes from it. 1. Acts of consciousness and mind, create matter the universe. 2. There is a field, mind of God, that bubbles these acts of consciousness into the universe and into our mind. 3. Stuff of the universe is light, field or mind of God, Higgs field, if it wasn’t there everything would be whipping around at the speed of light, without matter. Matter comes into existence when particle light interacting with the mind of God, creating mass, inertia comes into existence. Higgs came into being later, first there was only light. God said let there be light, there was light, in Bible. There are 2 kinds of light, spin-one-half, becomes material world interacting with this field, spin-one light, doesn’t interact with mind of God, but messengers between spin-one-half particles. Higgs field brings universe into existence. To physically move takes effort, it’s actually relationship of light of your body with Higgs field. If field is weak then you will become a Light Being. Mind of God is keeping everything, matter, to become light.

Krishna: Perfect Balance of Spiritual and Worldly Life

Oh My God! That's it! A revelation came to me about a secret I've been struggling to uncover.

I shared it in haste with someone supporting me:

"Yes the perfect balance of inside world and outside world, that's it, that's Narayana, that's Vaikunta. Sri Krishna born on Ashthami the 8th day in the middle, signifies this perfect balance. Sri Krishna excelled in the outer world and inner world. And that's what I need to learn in this life, achieve this perfect balance, in this life.

That's why Sri Venkateshwara said 'Vaikunta is your heart' because Narayana is complete balance or the King of both inner and outer...like Krishna.. :)"

Prisoners of our Past

Sometimes when we watch a movie twice, we understand it better, we can solve the mystery, we can understand the characters and situations better.
It's the same thing with life. If we could see our life again, rerun, we would understand ourselves better, why we are the way we are. Why others are the way they are.

See evolved souls and enlightened ones are not judgemental. They can see that because certain things happened to this person in the past he/she is like this in the present. They can see the past, present and future. They have complete Vairagya, detachment/dispassion, and immense compassion. They are never negative in their observance of others.
"Dispassion does not divide you - it connects you to the present moment. When you are not dispassionate, you are linked to the past or future" - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Bhakti Revival Series: Experience Consciousness

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Life is a journey from the head to the heart.

"Only a rich can make others also rich. Only a liberated one can bring freedom to others. Only a devotee can evoke devotion in others. A person in love with the Divine makes others also like that. Whatever is there within you that is what others receive and that is what you perceive in others." -Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Ramana Maharishi, one of the greatest sages of Advaita Vedanta, said, "God will grant himself here and now to whomsoever offers himself to God. Only he who has lost himself and whose consciousness has taken form of That [Brahman] will revel in the experience of the pure, unchanging and eternal Sivam." 

This emphasizes the little-known truth that supreme devotion [parabhakti] and jnana arise at the same time.

Srimad Bhagavatam says that the easiest way to attain liberation in Kali Yuga is through Bhakti.

Srimad Bhagavatam says that the easiest way to attain liberation in Kali Yuga is through Bhakti. 

This article on the 4 Yugas and about Bhakti in Kali Yuga is good if you want to explore why? Click here

There are volumes of ancient texts written about Bhakti, one can learn those from a master, what I bring to you here is the 'Bhav' - experiencing the elixir of Bhakti. 

I was listening to the short story by Dave Stringer about Bhakti Sant Tukaram, who used to go into trance samadhi singing to his Lord Vitthala. Dave visited Tukaram's village temple, when he was in India, started singing and went into trance. When he regained consciousness it had become dark. A passing Sadhu had put a Teeka on his forehead and garlanded him. People around told him he'd been singing for hours! Of course for Dave it felt like few minutes.

There is no difference in the Samadhi of Tukaram and the trance singing of Dave. They both experienced their consciousness. This is the revival! Living the knowledge, experiencing the Bhakti Bhav.

Rishis were the noble leaurates of consciousness, they discovered the secrets of creation and consciousness. The great Rishis EXPERIENCED consciousness, they became consciousness.

Some people may think Dave is crazy, they told Tukaram he was mad. Some may think I'm crazy reading my blogs! :)

At the time of Sri Rama Krishna some said he was insane. Beautiful article on him on ST: http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-articles/my sticism/going-insane-in-search-of-truth.

Bhagavatam describes surrender thus : “He rises to transcendental consciousness by the rousing of his higher emotional nature. Tears of joy flow from his eyes. The bliss in this state is so intense that he forgets himself and his surroundings. He weeps or laughs or sings or dances and is a purifying influence on the whole universe.”

The Bhagwad Gita says, “Only by devotional service is the Supreme Truth, Krishna pleased, and by his inconceivable energy He can reveal himself to the heart of a pure devotee.”

Recently I had a very interesting conversation with a Master about my past, present, and future. He gave me new insights on Karma, Dharma (purpose of life), and enlightenment (I wish everyone could hear it). When he indicated what gift I have to serve others, my purpose - my direct Dharma, it plucked a cord in my soul - it was a great Aha! moment in my life (I posted on a previous blog). This blog is also inline with that.

He didn't say much, but you know sometimes even a word or a sentence can have an immense impact, especially if it comes from an evolved soul. Here's some of what he said in relation to this blog:

"...Choose your favorite songs and put yourself in a state of relaxation. It may be with one of those umm iPods, with earphones. ...give yourself  20-30 mins. of that meditation. ...it is an energy Yoga.You see the four fold rhythm or the sacred songs are in the rhythm of natural meditative breath, this way the songs support  it." 

He said that this form of meditation also makes one experience consciousness. 

I believe the 4 fold rythym he is referring to is perhaps the bhajans/sacred songs that are called Pad - like the poems of Bhakti saints were Pad which have 2 lines of 4 sections, 8 syllables each. Maybe I'm wrong and it refers to something else. 

The important thing to see here is that the ripples from the rythym and vibrations of these sacred songs arouses higher states of consciousness - the soul resonates with these vibrations. It unifies our consciousness, the songs brings harmony in noise outside and inside. These ancient sounds, like mantras, are synonymous with consciousness. It is good to listen to bhajans on Ragas too, because these Ragas are ancient and they are at the same frequency as consciousness.

See like when you are in the company of an enlightened saint or highly evolved soul; their presence and unseen vibrations, energy, permeates you, and takes you to higher states of consciousness. Have you experienced this? It is the same when you dissolve into the vibrations of these sacred songs! Meditation happens spontaneously.

All Sadhanas of Bhakti are perfect, God celebrates the diversity of Bhakti.  In Bhakti, Siddhi and Samadhi happen effortlessly. In Bhakti the mind drops easily, the seperation drops. In divine love there is no ego, "I" drops. There is total surrender. Surrendering our entire SELF to the Lord - Atma Samarpan - we become empty and then filled with HIS presence.

What is amazing is that we are witnessing the revival of Bhakti.

In countries outside India, such as the US, people who aren't even "Hindus" are enjoying Bhakti and Bhav through Kirtan. Without even knowing anything about Govinda, or Hanuman, or Devi, or Shiva they are simply merging into the rythm.

It's experiential. They are experiencing their consciousness which is beyond all identities of religion, race, color, country... Identities are skin deep.

They all feel the same universal love! They are already experiencing great heights of Bhakti through this transcendental music !

 

When the heart opens up, divine love manifests! The light of consciousness flows through and expands infinitely.

In Kirtan, call and response singing, you share this experience with others, the group becomes an extention of you, and you feel that connectedness with everyone. Everyone singing in rythm, singing in harmony, like a symphony of souls, we become one! Then life becomes a dance of consciousness...life becomes a celebration!

I don't know if they even know what's happening!

There is a Bhakti Festival here in the US like a musical festival. For days several bhaktas, kirtan artists, come together and celebrate Bhakti! Amazing! There are so many Kirtan artists in US!!  www.bhaktifest.com or look at their videos on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/feed/UCiVhapv15jx_95TVA_LPDLA

What is amazing if you see, knowledge is evolving here, Bhakti is adapting and evolving here. What evolves and adapt survives, what stagnates, goes extinct.

The wonderful thing about love and music is that it is universal. So is Bhakti, there are no boundaries!

I say to you: Oh dear brothers and sisters! Experience Consciousness!

Sing, dance, laugh, meditate :) Perhaps you are already! :)

A human being of any faith can merge into this bliss. Hasidic Jews, Sufi saints, Eastern Orthodox and Western Christianity, Vaishnava gurus, Saktas and Shaivites; all have explored and revelled in the ecstasies and agonies of divine madness.

You choose what flavor of sacred songs you like. Here are some of my favorite from my playlist:

* I love Sufi music such as that of Abida's, a Sufi herself: youtu.be/zLdI7V2VlHw (Tune Diwana Banaya)

* Or a Bollywood Sufi song, such as Kun Faya Kun of Rockstar, that every man of every faith can enjoy. Look into the meaning, such depth! http://youtu.be/GGUiQ1_IR9s

* Or a Christian hymn. Here is my favorite from college days, Psalm 23: The Lord is my Sheperd - Keith Greeen: http://youtu.be/3EkjkjRPBjk

* I love Kirtan of the Sikh tradition. Look at this scintillating American Sikh singer who's become famous: Snatan Kaur: http://youtu.be/f3zUYK4YU8M (Ek Omkar)

* I dive deep into the purity of Ragas that resound with my soul, like that of my favorite Pandit Jasraj: http://youtu.be/yxBbepL7Tgs

* So soothing is the voice of Jagjit Singh. A beautiful rendition of the Ram Stuti of Tulsidas: http://youtu.be/rNZdKVXXZvg

Bhakti has to be experienced. The soul, consciousness has to be experienced! The easiest way now is through Bhakti. The door to the home of consciousness is through the heart. 

The message of this blog is: Put on your favorite Sacred Songs and meditate on them, experience consciousness!

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Bhakti Revival Series: Dave Stringer

Please listen to this YouTube video as you read this:

http://youtu.be/NKzG1LfHXBE

I bring to your the nectar of the soul - Bhakti - drink this Soma and be intoxicated with the ecstasy of the Self. 

Bhakti - where there are no boundaries. There is great Bhaav in the merger with the Self. When you come back from that state of union this world seems so limited, dry, boundaries everywhere...

My heart resonates to Bhakti. Whenever I am not in tune with my true nature there is confusion, unhappiness. 

As soon as I atune myself to the rythm of my spiritual heart, I'm at peace, I'm myself again.

I am sure you know about the rising popularity of KIRTAN in the US.

Recently, Krishna Das, an American Kirtan artist, but first and foremost a spiritual seeker, was nominated for the Grammys and also sang at the Grammys. First time a Bhajan (Kirtan) was sung at the award ceremony! Watch: http://youtu.be/n4FpIFL4loY

As you know the 16th century was an age of Bhakti - so many bhakti saints were showered on this planet in every faith.

This is the age of revival. This is the age of Bhakti and Jnan. Jnan without Bhakti is incomplete. Bhakti without Jnan is incomplete.

I bring to you Dave Stringer, a Kirtan artist I just found and heard for the first time. His story is amazing. You can read in detail at:

http://davestringer.com/?page_id=25

here is a summary:

Dave Stringer was working in Hollywood and a film editing project took him to an ashram in India. He had to edit knowledge videos of a Guru which was the divine's plan to make it a means by which he would learn about Yoga etc. The chanting and kirtans at the ashram had a profound impact on him. He had some spiritual experiences that changed his life. He returned to LA and then doors started opening for him to sing Kirtans and now he does this full time!

Dissolve into the rythm of the sacred songs, you will experience your consciousness...the rythm will support the process....transcend, merge....

Hope you will enjoy this Masti. Join the celebration!

Darshan of Sri Venkateswara Balaji - a personal experience

Om. Salutions to the Lord Sri Venkateshwara Balaji !

I generally don't share my personal experiences through this story you will understand why I have openly started sharing my devotion.

My husband is a devotee of Balaji. Last summer, after the completion of some work we went to the Livermore, CA, Shiva-Vishnu temple (http://www.livermoretemple.org) to pay homage to Sri Balaji. 

It was pure coincidence that as soon as we entered the shrine the Aarti started. I was praying in my mind for my son etc. and then I heard His voice say, "And what about your book?". I thought, "My book?!" for me it is the least important thing in my life. (I have written a book on Santana Dharma - "Eternal Way to Bliss".) But I guess it was by my Dharma for spreading Dharma...Anyway. Then I heard Him say something to the effect, "Write your second book on devotion. ON ME!" I heard the thunderous voice with the ON ME! in my mind. Right after the priest shouted, "GOVINDA! GOVINDA!" Balaji is Govind, my Govind? I didn't even know that. Anyway, I thought maybe I was hallucinating. On devotion!? What a lame subject! I was thinking of writing my second book on the practical applications of spirituality and writing it like an Upanishad with question and answer between a student and Guru. What transpired over the days and months that followed is the great clarity on why I should write on devotion.

Around Navratri I had gone to India. I wanted to take my mother to a holy place, initially Rishikesh, but it was too far. I did a 3-5hr drive radius check and found Vrindavan-Mathura. Well I've never been there, I should go because I am a Krishna bhakt. And perhaps I can start my book on devotion there on the aupicious day of Dussera. Plans kept changing back and forth and finally my nephew told me, "Bua we are leaving this Sunday and coming back on Wednesday, and no more changing plans!" So with that ultimatum we were set. It was right after that our spiritual guide and nephew's grandfather, Nanaji, told me that Mon. is Sharad Purnima. What! Really? Obviously Krishna wants me to come to Vrindavan on Sharad Purnima - the night the Gopis united with Krishna in the Raas Leela. And guess what - on Sharad Purnima evening I was in Nidhi Van where the Raas took place. Amazing coincidence. 

On December 23, 2012 it was Vaikunth Ekadasi, Gita Jayanti, in California and again we went to Balaji temple in Livermore. Of course I was waiting for a message what do you think!? I was in the shrine of my beloved Balaji waiting....in deep reverence and love. He said one sentence, "Vaikunth is your heart, and today the doors of your heart are open." Vaikunth is your heart? I pondered over this for several weeks. The Anahata chakra is the door to Vaikunth. Anahath chakra is the only chakra that radiates outward in expansion. So I guess it is through the heart that you reach Vaikunth. The heart doesn't mean the physical heart, it is the central core of our being, the seat of the soul, in the energy center in the middle of the chest, near the physical heart. 

There is a certain other event that took place as recently as a month ago that revealed my Dharma - the purpose of my life. I've written about it in a blog on SpeakingTree. I realized that my innate nature is that of devotion, Bhakti, it's my role in creation. I have been a Bhakt before as well. 

That is why now I've started sharing my experiences of Bhakti. I am writing a book on devotion but it's very very difficult to express devotion in words because it's a deep transcendental feeling. I can sing Bhajans and express it in person with presence but in a book! So I'm writing some poetry as well - whatever flows I try to write. I have posted some blogs here on this. My next chapter is in praise of Bhakti - what are the glories of this path. I will post some snippets in blogs as well....

I hope you enjoyed reading my story...I hope you will share yours!

With Love!

-Vinita

Stuti - Hymn in Praise of the Lord

(A Stuti is a hymn in praise of the Lord. I want so much to write a beautiful Stuti for my Giridhari. This is a first attempt. We usually translate from Sanskrit to English, in this case I need someone to convert from English to Sanskrit. I'm not a poet, so whatever flows from the heart I write for Him. Bhajan - Bhaj means to share, sharing with you so we can sing great praises and worship the Lord together!)

A Stuti for the Lord is being revealed, a beautiful melody and poetry starts flowing from within.

“Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

I bow down and surrender myself at Your feet.

In all the worlds besides You there is nothing so sweet…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

Luckiest are those who can experience Your transcendental presence.

Most compassionate is the Lord who showers His grace and radiance…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

What words can this mind offer to one who is beyond expression.

I can sing for eons in Your praise yet it remains pale in comparison…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

Beyond understanding are You yet my being is captivated by Your love.

Oh Lord tell me what is the secret to that unknowable pull of Your soul…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

So great is this attraction to You oh Lord, that all attachments are quickly torn.

Fast I enter into Your reign, the light of the Lord, and then I’m truly born…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

How can beings that count and measure estimate the immeasurable bliss that is beyond bounds.

How can I enumerate the virtues and brilliance of You the Creator himself of these – it astounds…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

I am born from You, You are the source of all, you are the Alpha and the Omega.

I am in You, You are in me, You are the witness of all creation - Your amazing Maya…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

You, within whom the whole universe resides, remain formless, infinite, eternal, and uncreated.

Being ever liberated You liberate, in ecstatic Bhakti the Bhakt merges into You my Beloved…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

For the Gopis you brought Vaikunta to Vrindavan, You made life a celebration!

Where ever I see there is only You, I bow to your ocean of creation…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

Only from the heart can You be seen, not the eyes of the mind, nor by those in haste.

Rise up! Rejoice! Let’s sing His glory, fill knowledge with nectar, and become chaste…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare,

Glory to You O my Lord Krishna! May these tears of love and gratitude forever roll from my eyes.

This devotee begs You not to go and leave me again; can I not be forever in Your presence…Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva

Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murare Hey Nath Narayana Vasudeva!"

Negativity isn't real. Positive never ceases to exist

"The unreal has no being; there is no non-being of the Real; the truth about both these has been seen by the Knowers of the Truth (or the Seers of the Essence) ." Gita (2:16)

Negativity doesn't have an independent existence. It's like a shadow. Negativity is the projection of an image from our mind. Like a ghost. We give it reality, when actually it doesn't exist.
Negativity is not real. Only positivity has reality.

Negativity is like mist, positivity is like the mountain. The mist vanishing in the warm sunlight of truth. Negativity is a temporary affliction. It's not our nature so we want to get rid of it as soon as possible. We want to always return to our natural self, that comfort of positivity.
Enlightened masters always focus on the pervasive positive aspects of a person, and give a cause of the temporary negativity. Our tendency is to catch on to the negative, dwell on the negative, talk about the negative, dislike the negative...and the negative is just a holographic image. It is an illusion.

Negativity is outside, it is Maya within the Maya. Positivity is within it is the nature of the permanent soul.

There is high drama. A man shouts angry insults at his girlfriend in disdain. Love turns into the venom, brings tears of unbearable pain. I forget I'm watching a movie and get engrossed in the struggle and strain. Within the world of a movie there is loss there is gain. I merge with the actor and feel the laughter and pain.
In the other realm of the watcher there no feelings or attachment just visions of this game. I sit in my home and watch the storms and the rain, I see the heat and the cold outside, I see pleasure and pain. Criticism comes, comes praise and complain, I watch reaction less to this outer artificial plane. Within the person bombarded by images of good then bad that change, is a ship who's anchor is unhooked, withdrawn and set sail.

A Clear Vision of your Purpose. Why you are here?

If you had to choose what you would do in your life, regardless of money and salary, what would it be?

Those who are already doing what they love are very lucky. Of course It can also be done in addition to earning a living. For those who aren't, take that first step, move in that direction and see what fulfillment it brings you. Just do it. Make it happen. It's never to late to start. 

Know your nature, your unique talents and personality. Some are architects by nature, some surgeons, some professors, some sport stars, some army men, some singers, some have come to teach meditation, and so on. Each one has a unique role we have come to play in this this theater. Amazingly we have played this role over several life times, because it's the nature of our individual soul. Our core competency. In addition to the role we play here, the ultimate purpose of life for all of us is liberation / enlightenment / Moksha. 

It's a tragedy to end life without finding this fulfillment, without knowing and living your Dharma. It's a tragedy not to start doing what you're here to do once you gain a vision of what it is. 

Pursuits not in line with your SwaDharma, your nature, your purpose for being here, will not bear fruit, will not bring fulfillment, even if they bring material success. 

The moment you gain a clear vision of your purpose and align with it, the forces of nature will flow through, support you and Dharma will do the work for you, and you will not be the doer. Life will become self organizing, self-actualizing and finally you'll find fulfillment. Isn't that what you want? You will smile a true smile, and know true happiness. Life will become a dance, a celebration. You will sing from your heart. The sun, moon, and creation will celebrate your presence!

So ask yourself, "Why am I here?"

On a personal note. I recently received a clear vision of my life's purpose. Why I'm here, what is my unique nature and the gifts I have to serve others. Since then I have been jubillant! It was a great aha! moment, and it has changed my life. Since then everywhere I see, I sense Dharma in some way or the other. Dharma the wheel of the natural order of things.