The five koshas and the true Self
This article presents the pranavadins' map of pranic anatomy, which describes five koshas, or layers, surrounding the Center of Consciousness: Annamaya (physical), Pranamaya (energy), Manomaya (mental), Vijnanamaya (awareness), and Anandamaya (bliss). The article then describes three marga, or paths of awareness: Nivritti (inward dissolution toward the source), Pravritti (outward manifestation into body and world), and Purna (the complete path).
How to sit in meditation part 2/2
Building on the foundations of Part 1, this post takes you through the remaining classical seated postures: Ardha Padmasana, Padmasana, Svastikasana, and Siddhasana. It is structurally sound, accessible with practice, and the most practical posture for pranayama and highly recommended for those who aspire to gain mastery in systematic meditation. The post closes with a simple guiding principle—the best posture is the one you can actually sit still in. It provides a realistic roadmap from chair to floor, grounded in patience, consistent loosening exercises, and honest self-assessment rather than ambition.
How to sit in meditation Part 1/2
A stable, comfortable seated posture is the foundation of any serious meditation practice. This post outlines the five essential criteria for a correct meditative seat—spinal alignment, a firm triangular base, assimilated limbs, interlocked feet, and Jnana Mudra—drawing on the Bhagavad Gita’s guidance on keeping the trunk, head, and neck in one straight line. You’ll also find practical advice on building a proper meditation seat and an honest assessment of meditative postures.
Time, Goal or Purpose — What's Your Life Orientation?
There are three kinds of travelers in the journey of life. The time-oriented drift without direction, pulled between the past and the future. The goal-oriented are fewer in number. They are disciplined, productive, capable of genuine achievement, yet remain bound to outcomes that satisfy only briefly for the next goal already looms ahead. The purpose-oriented are rarer still. In them, thought, speech, and action flow naturally and spontaneously. They seek answers to profound questions.
Six kinds of evolved beings
With a profound experience of Samadhi you suddenly become aware of your true nature, which is Individual Consciousness. The first glimpse of Individual Consciousness is a shocking event which can open the locked gates to new worlds. A mystic is born.
Four primitive urges
Four primitive urges—sexuality, food, sleep, and self-preservation—must be consciously regulated. Sexuality should be balanced. Favor a sattvic diet, regular meals, and mindful eating. Protect consistent, high-quality sleep. Confront fear of death and false identities through reflection to cultivate fearlessness.
Teachings of samaya srividya as taught in the lineage of swami rama
The Samaya Srividya Tradition is a privileged option for those who have reached an advanced stage in the cycle of death and rebirth and aspire to end this cycle and attain liberation in this lifetime.
There are three main stages of diksha, “initiation” given in this lineage of the Samaya Srividya Tradition.
Mantra, breath awareness and meditation
Inner worship of Srividya and Bindu bhedhana or piercing the pearl of wisdom
Shaktipata and leading the force of kundalini to the thousand petalled lotus called Sahasrara chakra.
AUM & the Frog Upanishad
The Mandukya Upanishad is the shortest of all the Upanishads—just 12 verses—but it unlocks the deepest truth of who you really are. The word Mandukya means “frog.” This curious name gives you a hint, but that is something for you to contemplate on.
Kleshas: The coloring of the mind Part 3/3
Abhinivesha is often translated as “fear of death,” however, it is not so much a fear of death, as it is clinging on to life as you know it. You cling on to all that you have: family, friends and material possessions. Whether you live in a mud hut or a palace, you don’t want to leave it.
Kleshas: The coloring of the mind Part 2/3
This article addresses the next three kleshas: false identity, attachment and aversion. Attachment grows out of the remembrance of pleasure. It could be something as simple as eating a bar of chocolate, after which you would say: “This is delicious, I want more!”
Kleshas: The coloring of the mind Part 1/3
The word klesha means “tainted” and the words colored (klishta) and not-colored (aklishta) are derived from it. Klishta thoughts, images, emotions and desires are colored with fear, aversion and attachment. Part 1 of a three part series.
Meditation in action
“Meditation” means to “attend.” It means attention to the whole of life. It should not be a strenuous act; it should not be forced. Your whole life can be one of meditation. Instead of making dramatic resolutions, simply decide to experiment in observing yourself.
Guide to Systematic Meditation
The process of systematic meditation practice described in this overview is for the purpose of Self Realization. It may have benefits at a physical level but its purpose is not to promote physical culture or therapeutics.
Five categories of the mind
There are five categories of the mind: disorganized, stupefied, divided, one-pointed and the mind in a state of equilibrium. This article, explaining these five categories, is an excerpt from my book The Yoga Sutras Illuminated.
Guru: A profound mystery
The word guru is deep and mysterious. Guru has many layers of meanings. We will explore the word guru as:
an external teacher
an embodied spiritual force
a stream of knowledge
Pure Consciousness
The 8-Step program for self transformation
The 8-Step Program for Self Transformation by Swami Rama provides the overview of the inner journey to all those on the path of self-knowledge and Self Realization.
Nine Obstacles in practice
There will be obstacles in practice as one proceeds on the path of self-knowledge. Without these obstacles, we would return to the natural state very easily. The natural energies are like a river which has been dammed —when the dam is removed, the water begins to flow. So, as you remove the obstacles, the energy starts flowing naturally and consciousness expands.
Asanas
Asana means “seat” in Sanskrit. In Yoga, the different poses or postures are called asanas. There is only one sutra in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that mentions the word asanas. It says: Sthira sukham asanam. Sthira means “steady” and indicates a static pose without movement. While sukham typically means “happy,” it means “comfortable” or “relaxed” in this case. This sutra indicates that The Yoga Sutras are referring to static poses, not done in the spirit of competition.
Observation vs. Witnessing
This article about the difference between self-observation and witnessing is an excerpt from my forthcoming book. In the process of self-observation it is important to recognize and resolve internal conflicts .
PUrusharthas: the Four aims of life
There are four aims of life: dharma, artha, kama and moksha.