TULASI YOGA VISION

2011-08-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

Pluralistic vision of holy books and culture: The culture of India as formulated by the sages through ages is the largest pluralistic culture in the world thriving alive in the different paths paved by the great sages and as many holy texts; of the idea that intelligence is of pluralistic quality that varies in many dimensions amongst nature of humans, and that every path is exclusive in its own interpretation of practice towards The Truth, which is self evident.

The great sages of India realized the impracticality of homogenizing humanity. A human mind always seeks to grow and express itself in a variety of ways. Look deeply into these holy scriptures of this culture to discover that it has wisdom in itself to teach everyone, from what that appears to be the most primitive paths of ritualistic practices to the most deep yogic practices and abstract spiritual philosophies. This unity within the diversity is because this culture sought to preserve and accommodate all the spiritual doctrines that developed and came to India over the past five thousand years, always remaining open to new teachings holding the oldest traditions to the core emphasizing the application of these teachings in normal living, as these visions in the holy scriptures are not philosophies of ideology, but has to be lived.

In the dawning of this bright global age we must have open hearts to receive, calm minds to view and clear intellects to recognize the esteemed values of these various holy books, which has deeper understandings of the cosmic nature of existence.

Aarsha Samskara, the culture that was formulated and lived by the sages through time brings together the many different views and practices in science, religion, art and traditions embracing the various racial, ethnic, and linguistic communities without losing any of their authentic identities. This culture thus holds the Pluralistic vision as of universal value, a spiritual ocean embracing every human stream. The doctrines of this culture of sages, known as Hinduism, recognizes the profound unity open enough to allow for diversity integrating this multiplicity, like the many waves of the vast ocean. Thus to perceive and comprehend these holy books we need an idea of the cultures in which they were born.

Pluralistic vision: To understand the depth of pluralistic vision one does not have to search at large. Turn within us to find the truth in our own pluralistic nature. Again, each one hold each body, and bodies which again differ in dimensions, colour or sex, but the same theory of human physiology applies to all, just like birth and death. This unity within the diversity of living makes life beautiful. Likewise let the diversities of practices be there for its true purpose, the search within to the self evident truth of being, free as the air we breathe.

When interpreting of holy books there will be sometimes personal prejudices, personal notions from the related teachers on what interpretation should be like, there will thus be sometimes slight sense of superiority which itself is an impurity to be aware of. This sense of superiority often gives birth to pride leading to ignorance, the perfect recipe to become a sectarian. This can be refined to minimize negativity such as by knowing not only on the rituals and, do’s and don’ts of the teachings practiced but also by awareness on tolerance, multiculturalism and even the science of other views and paths. What we need is a deep awareness sprouting from the calmness of ones practice embracing the cosmic. Reformed cultural practices can produce morally sound individuals and human unity, having a positive impact on human race as such. Tolerant and humble with the yogic education he or she will have a pluralistic perception towards many things around them including religions.

Holy books rarely change, what changes is how we perceive the holy books itself. If we have humility, acceptance and tolerance trained and conditioned in our minds we will have the openness, depth and freedom to dive deeper into the precious jewels of knowing and realizing a holy book. Thus true pluralistic vision as the foundation of world’s social values is critically important and should never be left out. We can do so by being aware of:

1. The spirituality of people

2. The uniqueness of vision

3. The need to be spiritually faithful and as well as socially tolerant

Understanding of a holy book is whatever a person’s perception makes it to be and this faith is valid for him and is unique because each person reflects a fundamentally different nature. The process of choosing a path then involves understanding which life view one wishes to adopt to realize the transcendence and the immanence of our inner divinity.

Do not let the pluralistic vision mean taking away the individuality of any holy scriptures to avoid being intolerant which in itself can mean distortion. Let pluralism not undermine the values of any holy texts. When we open ourselves into this pluralistic vision we need to respect and practice our faith to the truest deepest core on the one holy text we identify with and that in itself opening us to respecting the other holy visions as well. Thereby understanding pluralism is not the denial of unity. It is the affirmation of real unity transcending outer differences.

To develop the methodological thinking needed to pursue this rigorous and independent qualitative research of pluralism, for the dissertation of other endeavors and interpreting their results in a clear and relatively objective manner we should have a clear understanding of the theory and practice, science and philosophy of the holy book we follow conducting qualitative research of observation and content analysis. Practice should be undertaken in order to get experiential knowledge thus bringing out the qualitative benefits of this vision.

Pluralistic vision of the holy book Bagawad Gita: The Divine song ‘Bagawad Gita’ is a holy book of Hinduism, which reflects the understanding of the pluralistic nature of a person and also that of humanity as such, the torch to ‘Bagawada Dharma’ the divine righteous state of existence, the calmness and peace which is heart of all spiritual paths.

Human diversity is a basic principle of creation. Recognizing this B.Gita’s spiritual repertoire elaborates many paths as there are varied human temperaments. Thus any philosophical principles can be easily accommodated within this open system of thoughts and practices of B.Gita, emphasizing the pluralism of doctrine of B.Gita. It has depths of meaning for the person on a spiritual journey as the Gita's dharma is built on profound self-examination.

The teachings of Gita can be listened to by all people, even those who don’t have the courage to look into or practice the inner path, but is unconsciously feeling the divine truth within like the blind emperor Drtarastra of the Kuru dynasty. Kuruskshetra war is an allegory, a war within in an intense setting of sharply divided relatives of worldly and spiritual values of life.

The 1^st chapter of Gita clearly pictures the anxiety of worldliness through Duryodhana’s words. Later through the chapter the levels of purity attained by Arjuna and still the presence of impurity of pride in him which makes him lose his steadiness letting the weapon of awareness slip away from his hands drowning him into confusion is clearly pictured.

As we move through the 2^nd chapter we come across a very confused Arjuna who being aware of his incapability of making the right decision is taking refuge in Krishna the inner self. Its then with a sweet understanding smile on his face Krishna starts to say the doctrines of Gita, the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna through different phases of thoughts and actions. The teachings of Gita answer personally the pluralistic temperaments within a person himself and also relates of pluralistic levels that an individual come across in this path of spiritual journey.

The Gita's spiritual methodologies:

The essence and philosophy along with the methodology of Sankhya yoga (Logical awareness) is explained from the 11^th -38^th verses of the 2^nd chapter. Sankhya yoga looks into the relation between the soul and the body, the unmanifested and manifested and the logical intellectual approach towards understanding the truth of our existence, relating how even within this there can be different levels of evolvement (29^.II)

Then Lord Krishna moves in to explaining how this attained knowledge can be put into practice to be free of the bindings of the chain of Karma. From the

40^th-53^rd verses of the 2^nd chapter he explains Karma yoga(ethics and compassion) which steadies the intellect in equanimity to state of ‘Vairagya’, takes an individual to liberation.

As the answer to Arjuna’s question of equanimity in a person the explanation is given from the 55^th -71^st verses of the 2^nd chapter.

It is not easy to understandingly combine the knowledge of Samkhya into practice of Karma if the person sees these separately and not in continuation. So Lord Krishna goes deeper into the doctrines of Karma yoga in the 3^rd chapter pointing to the essence of practice of ‘inaction in action’. As in the 4^th chapter the inner guru mentions of how he will protect, as a person will not or human race will not be left out like a raven cloud to shatter in the rise of vices. Through further explanation he is opening our eyes into the cosmic levels of existence and absoluteness. This state makes us to prosper in knowledge and humbleness. Thus every action of living itself becomes the worship and the beautiful ritual of living itself becomes the offering, the sacrifice.

Thus karma yoga leads into Jnana yoga(path of higher knowing) . Maturity to hold this knowledge will ripen it correctly. At this point the teachings go into the practice of Raja yoga (psycho-physiological disciplines) and holding these levels steady with the aid of external practices of moderating the physical and personal nature. The intellect thus held steady the person is able to see and comprehend the unity behind the diversity of creation. He becomes established in meditation, Dhyana yoga (path of meditation). To hold this level Lord Krishna explains the deepest relation between the cosmic energy and cosmic consciousness the science of existence of creation. At this point of the state of realizing the purest of knowledge comes in the practice of the deepest level of

Bakthi yoga(devotion). The awareness moves beyond the living state thus all the impurities are burned into ashes realizing the eternity. Again and again Lord Krishna points back to the knowing and realization of the cosmic science through knowing Prakrithi and Gunas, nature and her qualities, and keeping steady in the levels of cosmic consciousness through purity of individual consciousness, and once again saying how to hold the trust and faith in the path in all its completeness and purity.

The spiritual methodologies mentioned and taught by Yoga in Bagawad Gita is like an answer to any person at any level of their spiritual journey. It is a spiritual framework of personal righteousness and spiritual search within. There is never a mention of competition, comparisons or contradictions that tickles another ego. The doctrine specially says how it’s the duty of the enlightened persons not to disturb the persons yet not on the path of practice (26.III). This is Bagawad Gita, the thought of tolerance coming from deep understanding of the pluralistic nature of existence which the world should value and honor today, tomorrow and ever.

A Yogi - Tulasi Yoga Vision

2011-06-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

Happiness is the prime aim of life. All material evolutions aim at achieving this goal of happiness. We do not lack comforts in life from which we do have momentary happiness. Life is not a suffering always. Despite experiencing, knowing and having these glimpses of happiness, there is no contentment or peace in life. Everything we do in the path of yoga is meant for calmness. Calmness is usually misunderstood as happiness, as having or not having the material comforts and their momentary existence. That’s why despite the goal be one and only, peace is still eluding us. Even while we have or not have these worldly pleasures something is amiss always, and not knowing what, we go through deep loneliness. To be calm and constant is our true nature. If you are not calm and in peace it means something is amiss. You have to be at peace with yourself, only then you become eligible to expanding it.

The first step towards this is good positive personal nature and good health. If we have unhealthy and weak personal nature or an unhealthy body suffering from some pain of diseases, for most of us life becomes a suffering. When you have a positive outlook and a healthy life, physically, mentally and spiritually, you are in peace with yourself, radiating the happiness which will definitely touch others around you, having to make no effort to make others happy. A person who is moderate and disciplined in his habits of eating, sleeping, exercising and even working is the person practicing towards the higher ideals of Yoga, and in him rest the world of peace. Naturally in the state of calmness the ego remains pure with no pride of doer-ship, having to make no conscious or conditional or calculative moves to be. Such a person is resting in peace here and now, while he is still in action; as neglecting duties or doing something immoral cannot be felt as righteous.

Such a yogi understands the value of this life. If not knowing or comfortable about holding this body and all the actions coming along with its Karma, how can we be in peace here and now? Peace becomes a distant dream. Acknowledging life is required. Do not ignore it, but let it not become an obsession.

To reach this state of awareness of life discipline is required. We might sometimes hold a wrong notion discipline is bondage. Being disciplined gives more time for everything in life. Once mastering the mind and senses and to be able to transcend it by disciplined practice the yogi remains in equanimity and tranquility. A disciplined person is truthful, and with him resides the restraints and observances. He is courageous from the strength of the core of righteousness. With the mind resting and calm, the physical and astral bodies integrated, he is able to turn towards the inner journey, being able to practice the knowing with awareness. We should have the awareness to keep the mind sweetened, as to move and stabilize in this level. Here now calmness is in divine giving, and those around such a yogi will be reflecting this as they take refuge in it knowing what it is to be happy like.

The Gita's spiritual methodologies:

2011-06-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

Karma is the code to life, a sequence of happenings and we have the freedom to make a choice of how we experience these happenings. Knowing that life is neither always happy nor sad, its about how you enjoy it. The choice is not always easy. Even if we happen to make the choice we might yet doubt and this state of inner conflict is so prevalent especially if the mind is turbulent with emotional attachments and the intellect is losing its clarity. This is what Samkhya yoga is teaching ..with all the logic and awareness its teaching us to be beyond emotionalism. Right thoughts waves are so important. And again these right thoughts should be put into process of right thinking. Its mostly the partial vision of life that create conflicts.We should be able to comprehend the totality of existence. This maturity of vision can be received through trust and practice in the path guided by those who have already tread the path. It makes life simple and meaningful. We are able to live to enjoy. This knowing of the existence, the truth of permanence and impermanence and the capability to differentiate between this is the essence of Samkya. Putting this into practice in our day to day life is Karma yoga.

This practice can be mistakenly interpreted as indifference to life. The path is justly pointing to the fact that do not be ruled by the emotions blindly that you get drowned in the darkness, be aware of and know the emotions and life for what it is. Do not be bound by the chains of past or bound in anxiety of future.
Let us live now for the righteous of the present.

The Gita's spiritual methodologies:

2011-06-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

Then Lord Krishna moves in to explaining how this attained knowledge can be put into practice to be free of the bindings of the chain of Karma. From the

40^th-53^rd verses of the 2^nd chapter he explains Karma yoga(ethics and compassion) which steadies the intellect in equanimity to state of ‘Vairagya’, takes an individual to liberation.

As the answer to Arjuna’s question of equanimity in a person the explanation is given from the 55^th -71^st verses of the 2^nd chapter.

Pluralistic vision

2011-06-04T20:30:00.001-07:00

Pluralistic vision of holy books and culture: Culture of India as formulated by the sages through ages is the largest pluralistic culture in the world thriving alive in the different paths paved by the great sages and as many holy texts; of the idea that intelligence is a pluralistic quality that varies in many dimensions among nature of humans and that every path is exclusive in its own interpretation of practice towards The Truth, which is self evident.

In the dawning of this bright global age we must have open hearts to receive, calm minds to view and clear intellects to recognize the esteemed values of various holy books which has deeper understandings of the cosmic nature of existence.

Aarsha Samskara, the culture that was formulated and lived by the sages through time brings together the many different views and practices in science, religion, art and traditions embracing the various racial, ethnic, and linguistic communities without losing any of their authentic identities. This culture thus holds the Pluralistic vision as a universal value, a spiritual ocean embracing every human stream. The doctrines of this culture of sages known Hinduism recognizes the profound unity open enough to allow for diversity integrating this multiplicity, like the many waves of the vast ocean. Thus to comprehend a vision about the holy books we need an idea of the cultures in which these were born.

1. The spirituality of people

2. The uniqueness of vision

3. The need to be spiritually faithful and as well as socially tolerant

Guidance-YOGA VISION

2011-04-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Cosmic laws applies to cosmic existence. Religions are the different paths open to hear, investigate and experience these cosmic laws. Spiritual scientists employ reason, logics and systematic observation to arrive at the definite proofs of these cosmic truths.

Cosmic laws are definite, so the way to approach the truth is also definite logically.These systematic approach towards the cosmic truth is the path of yoga.

Yoga is also a science of all religions proving the known and experienced results the principles of religions to be true. It is thus the heart of all religions, the scientific pathway towards the cosmic union. In the path of yoga we apply definite scientific methods in practicing religion so that religions are far away from blind dogmatism; religions become thus the practice of cosmic science as you find it.

The path towards the Absolute should not be limited to a social and moral discipline or organization but a guidance towards true perception which is Absolute.

Spiritual path in an individual is distinguishable as the art of living attuned with cosmic laws in calmness and peace, scientific pure logical way of living. Spiritual development should not be merely limited to intellectual ideas but to assimilating the truth behind these ideas in your scientific practice towards and by self realization. Even the practice should not become mere mechanical on an intellectual egoist level, the practice should be well supported by your own experiences in attaining realization. Intellectualizing ties the ego to material faculties of ego and its projections into materializations; so move beyond these tempting levels of entanglements cause 'The Truth' is even beyond pure reasoning. Do not wonder what is the 'Truth'? It is just It.

Questions and doubts of intellectuals seldom project from true inquiry. It is rather from void arrogance, lack of convictions often posing as openness of mind a sign of vague search supported by impurities of ego.

Inner path og Yoga and its scientific practice of purifications will help union with the Absolute through knowing and realizing cosmic energy and cosmic consciousness. The practice can be guided by one who has tread the path.

Bhava-YOGA VISION

2011-04-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

Bhava is a sanskrit word which has a vast spectrum of meaning of moods. Saying specifically its ones state of being. From the very state of emotions to the highest state of divine absorption. An individualized expression veiling the true nature of soul. It expresses the nature, the tempermental character, ways of thoughts and emotions, the state of conscious mind. Good moods are in harmony to your innate divine nature while bad moods distort the clarity of intellect drowning you in the darkness of 'avidya' ignorance. So as soon as you become aware of the dark moods arising use the sword of knowledge and differentiation and slay it with the wisdom.

This life itself is the spiritual classroom where every moment of experiences are the lessons. In this vast university of manifested existence the purpose is to unveil the ignorance, delusion relative to the ego bounded by this body. Indulgence to desires and greed and their companionable inclinations like violence will block you away from real freedom. The teachings of yoga as deciphered in Bagawad Gita and later in Patanjali's yoga sutras tell us about the discipline of mind required to attain this mastery by constantly, continuously devoting the mind to 'Iswara', the inner guru, the insight of wisdom itself.

We imagine that by doing what we want to do we are free. But mostly isn't it that we are acting as compelled by the moods arising from the impurities of pride in the ego? From wake to sleep we indulge in the different moods, not knowing how to remain in mastery. It is this mastery yoga teaches you. To gain the wisdom which arises from the supreme knowledge in the clarity of intellect which is to be held in equanimity. The wisdom of knowing the Divine, being in Divine like a wave in the ocean.

Learn with Yoga.

2011-01-10T03:29:00.000-08:00

Let joy permeate your being eternally.

The waves of cosmic energy is always around you and always within you.Let life experiences be whatever it is , remember irrespective of that you are always surrounded by peace and Iswara in your inner self.You are immersed in that Great Power of existence always.

More and more awareness of this truth will guide you into the inner journey, focusing inwards. As then the eternal silence will prevail constantly, not the noise of materialism. He an enlightened one realize of being yet of the finite of form and there is no doubt as there are no contradictions.

As now we are focused on the waves and outcome of this body.So immersed and blind in it that we forget the omnipresent. But as you start realizing the waves of this eternity within you and around you, in everything your senses perceive, you are walking into the eternal presence of the Divine. Your small pool opens into a vast ocean of eternity itself.

In wakefulness through all the actions we perform, we identify with the body, thinking it is Us. But in deep sleep we are free spirits not carrying the weight of this flesh and of life, just pure consciousness, resting and floating. That vastness is you, the real you. Through constant contemplation travelling the path of looking and constantly looking and seeing we start meditating in the vastness which is freedom.

Be silent to meditate and to become free from the confining physical consciousness. Closing the physical eyes to open the inner eyes to look inwards. As you become calm you are able to see more and more into you as this finite existence recedes. You become the space of boundless consciousness prevailing with peace and bliss. Keep continuing the practice of purification so as to be in this consciousness of blissful vastness and not to fall back into the limitations, to be bound by the body. It is a mystery strange of who you are as we know not. We think we are the body, the mortal, yet we do also know that we are not, as we exist in deep sleep beyond the limitations of body. Anything you witness, that you are not. You feel and you know you exist through the unconditioned knowing of own existence.

This is what you learn with yoga, to remain in awareness in the unbounded state resting in self remaining constant. Know that this body is the manifested finite part of the infinite You. Such is the change Yoga is to bring about, in pure consciousness.

Know what your body is, know what life is, know as you dwell within and without. Beyond the relativeness of past or future in Now. Bliss is not mundane happiness. It is ever new and intoxicating. In that state of 'Unmani' love is all encompassing; even in that state of compassion there is an undercurrent of stillness from being constant.

Continue the practice of contemplation, be in meditation, in attunement to 'Iswara' for the bliss remains.Heart filled with Divine Bliss , calmness overflows as love. In this calmness you perceive the unseen. The knowledge of this universe is within you.Rarely to read a book, but it will all flow from the inner guru like a dew drop. All to do is keep the purification process on so as no obstacles come now or later.

Transcend Anxiety -YOGA VISION

2011-01-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

In life you can choose the path from anxiety to calmness.

Many issues in our daily lives cause us anxiety. It can be financial security, relationships and our future. We become anxious of the unknown, about of what might happen and even what happened in the past and its impacts in present. It’s natural to be uneasy and anxious. But, if you are not aware of it, it can grow into doubt and fear creating darkness robbing you of the light of life.

When anxiety sets in, life will present situations that you cannot see clearly, as mind is turbulent and intellect is confused. True you cannot control every relation in your life and cannot twist every situation for desired outcome. And know there are times that you cannot control even your own emotions and feelings. When facing such issues that cause anxiety, you try to follow your inner feelings and own personal standards. Most of the time are these feelings true ?

Life is so much easier if we had someone to journey with us, a constant undemanding companion to show us how to overcome our anxieties with perfect peace.

I here tell you THAT does exist within each and everyone of us in all its purity and divinity, beyond any boundaries or limitations to give us a beautiful life. So do not let your heart be anxious or troubled. Iswara (Inner Guru) knows.

To overcome anxiety we need the feeling of not being the result but just the action. And even that action is a ritualistic sacrifice to the path of purification to see and be with the Companion Iswara. A path of humility and love; devotion and respect. All the purification techniques 'kriyas' , from yamas to samadhi, practiced in the path of Yoga support you in the journey towards the surrender to 'Iswara'.

It is the magic key! Peace is not found by seeking control but by giving upthe control to 'Iswara' and follow the direction shown by that light. Surrender your heart to live in Divine Love.

And your travel in the journey of life... in peace.

Practice of Reliability in Yoga

2011-01-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

The outer behaviour reflects the inner attitude. Right behaviour helps us to cultivate the inner harmony necessary for meditation, attunement with Iswara, God.

Reliability is one of the qualities vital for successful living necessary to accomplish anything worthwhile- be it profession, caring for family or in one's community. Whatever your responsibilities be, actions be, do it well full hearted as a worship to the Divine. It is necessary to be conscientious and resourceful even in small simple actions, to manifest in every moment the indomitable perseverance of Liberation.

Strive to be dependable. It is the expression of deep caring. It is the responsiveness in worship of God. And through him humanity. You should become the one who could be trusted and relied upon implicitly under all and any circumstances. In this unconditional love and concern is true welfare. Only then duties can be carried on selflessly and with faith. To be reliable and to serve in duty is a blessing, a divine oasis where aspiring souls fill in love for the Divine.

Follow your highest ideal. Let your life be the stage set for meditation attuned action. Enrich every moment of life with constant contact and worship to 'Iswara' your Divine companion. Let your joy increase like a full blossoming garden in heart, mind and soul in the Divine.

2011-01-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

Thankyou Nina for this beautiful photo.

Prasanna.

Divinity of Practice.

2011-01-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Have the blessing by practicing one or another of the various spiritual qualities that has been emphasized by the great masters. Be aware of the tremendous power that courage of practice infuses in our life enabling us to forge ahead when we are tempted to break or give up, whether attaining material or spiritual levels. We need courage arising with trust and faith to face and meet the challenges in life with a mastering spirit. We need courage to see ourselves honestly and to be true to our highest ideals and practices. We need to have trust and faith in divine force omnipresent that motivate, turning difficulties into a springboard for the heights of freedom.

Great courage is not a gift possessed by a few, it is the power latent within us, the positiveness you can practice by the way you live your life experiencing it. Everyone has known fear and anxiety. When they cloud our mind we should have the 'viveka' the knowledge with awareness to ask ourself what we are anxious about? afraid of? Once aware of this anxiety use the calm reasons and pure logics to discern a way to handle it, unleashing the power of pure will in action. Thus feel the mastery of circumstances instead of being tyrannized by them. Normally at first we shy away from difficulties of practices and life. Rise up and reach beyond and you will discover how strong you are naturally.

Through Yoga you have the constant communion with the Divine. Only this union with Divinity can bring about the courage unflinchingly. Devotion, faith and trust in Divinity through contemplation unbroken, the dualities of this life will no longer intimidate you. You will feel the strength of the divine touch, eternal love and tenderness that shelters you every moment.

May you all have that courage born of complete trust and meditation in love of Divine ... boundless.

New Year Greeting

2011-01-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

As every New Year approaches, the beautiful meadows of our mind are in blooms, brimming in bliss.
Springing from deep within us, new hopes, new dreams fill our hearts. There is a child in every one of us who loves and celebrates the beauty, the wonder of everything new. This love and celebration if carried through every year, month, week, day, every hour to every moment!! You are blessed!!
Look back into your past years not to refuse or reject, but to enjoy looking forward in life, with more awareness, a gift of our past. Let's walk from the anxiety and fear in the past, through the desires and anger of the present to that of bliss, transcending to the state of awareness and enjoyment.
Life is a simple state of calmness and enjoyment. But we tend to identify more easily with mind.. ego.. emotions.. intellect.. analysis.. making life complex and complicated to reach a stage wondering about the simplicity and the calmness we lost!! No.. it’s not lost but hidden by the turbulent waves of thoughts in the vast ocean of your mind. So reach for it .. But how??

Let's hold our hands, hold trustingly,
like a toddler.. walk....gurgling with wonder celebrating the freedom, the simplicity of living.....living in YOGA.
The first wonder as we walk the path of yoga is to be aware of our own physical and mental nature.

In this process of knowing... be totally true and open to oneself. The state of co-existence of duality is the nature of creation. So know and understand the good and bad in you....maintaining equanimity. Only this knowing of one's own nature can help us to know and understand deeper.. higher. Celebrate the peace and calmness that sprouts from this equanimity and tranquility as we move along into our spiritual nature.

Sindu

YOGIC LINEAGE - YOGA VISION

2010-11-26T00:43:00.000-08:00

An evolving yogi earnest in his practice never allows his intellectual faculty of 'viveka' and 'vivecha', knowledge and discrimination with awareness, to be distorted by his emotional tides.

Freedom is the very essence of human existence. An evolving yogi disengaging himself from the slavish dependence of material benefits and joys is free.

Sense organs are the antennae of 'prakrithi', the nature, presenting to us the glitters of 'Maya' which is all consuming, tossing us hither and thither like a raven cloud with the joys, challenges and problems of life.To be aware of this, to witness this is the privilege and blessing humans have. Such a yogi stands out like a bright star in a dark sky.

Until we evolve into the higher state of peace and calmness we do need guidance along this path which might appear intense and dark. Totally trusting the enlightened masters who have walked ahead of you in this path, trusting the accuracy of their guidance we should move on. We have to move in our practice with faith in and devotion in their scriptures and the path that they light. To understand the glory of this path we must have some knowledge and experience of this art and science of yoga. Without the openness the vision will be distorted, so that a yogi can be mistakenly understood to be inert, so, condemned and criticized by ignorance to be apparently indifferent and disinterested. It is not true that he has no emotion. He is not into emotionalism which can ruin the poise and balance of outlook making the mind turbulent and intellect confused. Emotionalism is an impediment in the path of spiritual evolvement, a hindrance. The great masters of yogic tradition stood admist the life and society with compassionate dutiful heart, with clear and logical intellect and outlook.

The secret of calmness and peace in life thus is this combination of compassionate dutiful heart, a clear intellect and open outlook. The way into this is 'Guru' and following his path will raise us up from the petty emotionalism to the loftier heights of calmness and peace.

Let us be dedicated to the chosen 'Guru' and have the courage to live the convictions truly and wholly with total intellectual honesty. This will light up the soft glow of serenity and the melodious rhythm of unconditional love. The beautiful spiritual evolvement of an individual will thus become a torch in the darkness, around the immediate society.

GURU KRPA -- A YOGA VISION

2010-10-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

When the mind flows outward and the focus moves away from the centre the its Maya. What that makes the the focus turn inwards helping and making the mind turn inwards is Guru. It can be a syllable, or a word or a person. Guru is the embodiment of the cosmic energy that helps you to be free from the power of matter. This cosmic energy helps you to be free from the power of matter.

At the beginning of the spiritual path externally it takes the form of the Guru to push the mind inwards, which we term as Guru krpa. This push inwards even as Guru's scolding has the effect of erasing one's identification with ego impure with pride.Thus Guru krpa is a vehicle of grace.

A true seeker knows what it is to get attracted to an enlightened soul. This attraction reveals a beautiful new centre within us which is beyond the mind or intellect, deep and subtle. The spiritual heart hushing everything else to a natural silence is profound than anything else. This silence that is filled with the love of Guru is the greatest healing magic. Taking repeated dips and dives in this pool of silence, the Self is revealed. The grace of the Guru is beyond any amount of personal effort. It paves the way for reflection and contemplation over inner revelation over and over again until the seeker gets established in it.
Last week one of the popular newspaper in Kerala approached Sinduma and reporter a spiritual seeker himself remarked: ‘You are giving the deepest of sciences and highest of advices and teachings. What I can say is dilute it to the basics of practices so that even the common can understand you as they need more people like you. You can also become more popular.’ As usual smiling Sinduma replied simply ‘I can teach only what I know. And this all what I know. I have no idea of how to dilute this Truth I know’. This prompted me (Prasanna) to write this article as a samarpan in my heart to my Guru.

An enlightened one is a mighty impersonality where in pure knowledge alone exists, the truth itself, she is a Guru. In that natural state of being the propagation of truth happens naturally through her .Through her I know that liberation while living is possible. She shows the path. Her calls wake us up from the sleep of ‘avidhya’ ignorance, from the darkness. This verbal confirmation from the Guru kindles the indwelling glimpses of the Self.

Sraddha, conviction in the words of the Guru and in the path you are following, the trust, the faith and love is the most important element of spiritual practice. The external Guru points the path towards the inner Guru. Behold it with Sradhha. Constant association with the Enlightened will slowly refine you and transmute. It is the duty of the Guru to choose the ways and words, to show the path through the darkness into the light. Her ways employs indirect awakening. Guru observes carefully each who reaches her, even their daily interaction, striking at the very apt moments thus pushing us out of the darkness strongly yet with care. This is why constant association with the Guru is essential. (I am blessed with the opportunity to be with Sinduma for the last 7 years).

Respect and worship your Guru’s vision and divinity, not just the body or form. Every time we forget she reminds us. She is the light of awareness making us aware of the darkness in which we are blindly groping to find the answers for our confusions.
One can be awakened only if one wants to be. One is qualified to seek such a Guru when you have the sraddha. Only in the inner quietude can we receive the teachings of a great Guru. As Sinduma always says, ‘I can help you move up along the dark shadow roads until you see the light shining at the door of your inner Guru.’

RENOUNCE AND REJOICE- YOGA VISION

2010-10-05T03:42:00.000-07:00

Renounce the idea that you are bound. Rejoice in the freedom of truth. Life is the path of truth that is open to us here and now. Enjoy it with awareness. With the inner eye of awareness open enjoy this vast canvas of experiences of life, hues of colours and the music of the sounds. Pure living is the most beautiful ritual of love of the Divine, feel it in your breath, in your heartbeat,in every atom of your body... in all your sensations and actions.. its all in you and around you..... in the twittering music of the birds, in the flowers and greens, in the vast blue skies, in the moving clouds... all around you and in you.
Be aware... beware of the chains of conditions, desires and attachments that might bind you... renounce those conditions is all purity.. and rejoice in the simplicity.. its just here and now and as it moves on... know that it was not these outside objectives that was beautiful, it is you, the love in you, the openness in you that makes it beautiful.. so do not be bound by the condition of recreating these objectives... allow life to move on. Let the pure instruments help you to move on.. the pure intellect and ego. Let it flow as you remain aware, let the essence of living open the door to the light of knowing...

MAYA-YOGA VISION

2010-10-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

Maya is the pure physical,mental,intellectual and egoist state which is perceived as reality the life by 'manas' the conscious mind which is always moving.This movement creates a veil. It veils the Absolute. A traveller on the path of life, to balance the material and spiritual levels becomes aware of her, Maya. She is matter apparent. Normally 'illusion' is the word used to describe Maya coming close to explain this state. It does not mean not existing, simply meaning it exists in the movements of moments. So do not become attached to this as its moving and impermanent.
Movements of moments, the impermanence as it appears is only the ways of manifested energy Maya which is paradoxical, mystical. Energy is continuously transforming taking 'quantum leaps'. With these 'quantum leaps' we see everything changing, our flickering conscious mind(manas) creating a flux-like phenomenon of existence. This has to be understood very deeply and realised cause this is the very base of all essential practices of the path of life in Yoga.
Nothing seems the same even for two consecutive moments as life flows on like a river in the flow of manas. Anything permanent is incomprehensible to this 'manas'.

The life as perceived through the 'manas' is Maya. Neither does it mean that life is not real nor does it say that it is a dream. It simply points to the way you are looking at life so unconscious, so wavering and unstable cause the inner wavering 'manas' gives you this picture of flux.

Move through this impermanence to the permanent. Attain the inner calmness, attain the inner peace. This hazy veil created by the wavering mind falls off and spontaneously you are in a state of rest, resting in Peace, in Divinity. Maya and Iswara are not two things but the same, one we perceive through the wavering mind and the other perceived in inner calmness.

Mind is always flickering and never constant. That is its nature. Its always on play, stability is not its quality.The only way is to transcend it with the practice of 'Awareness', perceiving reality the Divinity through inner calmness. Yet the mind goes on with the play creating the veils of movements kicking up the dust of emotions and attachments. Hidden deep in the unconscious is the desiring 'Trishna' which is the feed of the mind and the mind continues in anxiety and even fear.

Only when the mind is transcended divinity is revealed. There is no other way. Becoming aware of the mind process and witnessing it. Not flowing along with mind nor flowing against it. Step out of the flow with awareness and witness it with non-attachment. Stepping out of the mind flow, witness it with 'viveka' and 'vivecha' and as you move into the state of 'vairagya' with no conscious or unconscious feeds the mind calms down.

Never fight with the mind, never struggle or wrestle with it, it is a sure losing battle. Let actions take its natural course guided by a pure ego and pure intellect. Thus letting go of the desires empty handed we remain, liberated, free from anxieties and fear. 'Inaction in action' the pure essence of karma yoga.

to be continued...

Life is a Celebration of Yoga

2010-10-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

Sinduma ..she celebrates and rejoices each day of life, a very precious gift of the divine. The main mission of her life is to guide through the path of Yoga towards liberation based on Vedanta, yet living and encouraging to experience a balanced development of both the material and spiritual personalities. She never fails to enquire about the worldly life as she says, is the platform on which the spiritual side of yoga is practiced and displayed.

Guruma has an insatiable capability of wondering, observing and learning many things from around her. She evolves as the most creative architect or an accurate accountant or
a cook or a gardener, a great yoga teacher and an Inspiration beyond words.

Every dawn is so fresh on her face and in her words as Guruma rejoices in the beauty of the half open buds, the twittering birds, awakening the glow of love as it flows into the guidance to the Divine. Eyes glowing in love as she would create a beautiful picture with words to describe the morning sun rays awakening the earth to life. Nature is her big canvas and the sounds its music. She sees the divinity in everything, enlivening spirit of Absolute and revels in the glory of its love, inYoga.