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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
Tapas: Touching the Yoga mat counts
“Just as one eats morning, noon, afternoon, and night, so also will one have to meditate four times a day if one wants to realize truth quickly.”
Raja Yoga: Samadhi and Surrender
When you have touched the edge of Infinity, you have had a glimpse of God. Before God, you can only surrender. When your mind surrenders spontaneously and completely you will have experienced Samadhi.
Dhyana: One-pointedness in Raja Yoga
Dhyana, the flow of meditation, is the seventh limb of Raja, the Royal path of Yoga.
Dharana: Fear in Meditation
Meditators experience fear and discomfort in the early stages of meditation, technically called Dharana. This article explains how meditators can deal with their fear and discomfort.
Practicing Pratyahara
Raja, the Royal path of Yoga comprises of 8 limbs. One of these limbs Pratyahara is explained here in a unique and insightful way.
Yamas & niyamas: value training in raja marga
Integrating values into an asana session lifts it from mere gymnastics to a profound spiritual science.