Pravritti: By acts, a living creature is destroyed. By knowledge, however, he becomes emancipated. Through acts one is forced to take rebirth, after death. Nivritti: Through knowledge, however, one becomes transformed into that which is Eternal, Unmanifest, and Immutable.
The document discusses reincarnation from Buddhist and other spiritual perspectives. It provides an overview of Buddhist cosmology, which describes 31 planes of existence divided into the sense-sphere realm, fine-material realm, and immaterial realm. Each realm contains beings at different stages of spiritual development experiencing various levels of suffering. It also describes the cosmology presented by spiritual teacher Adi Da Samraj, involving progression through subtle planes after death. The document argues that reincarnation could be "re-engineered" to help beings avoid past mistakes and reconnect with spirituality through counseling children who remember past lives and guiding souls toward auspicious rebirths.
Law of Liberation (Chapter 16, Garuda Puran)Pardeep Sehgal
The document summarizes the 16th chapter of the Garuda Puran, which discusses the means of achieving eternal liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It states that liberation can only be achieved through directly realizing the supreme truth of Brahman while living as a human. It warns that rituals, sacrifices, ascetic practices, and adherence to philosophical schools alone will not lead to liberation, as liberation requires discriminating knowledge of the true self and nature of reality, gained under the guidance of an enlightened teacher.
The document describes the celestial journey of the soul from its origin with God to its entrapment in the material world and journey back to union with God. It explains that God created the creation through the power of Naam, including various spiritual regions, and souls descended into the material realm. Souls undergo transmigration until taking a human form, which allows the opportunity to be liberated from the cycle. When souls cry out for liberation, God sends perfect Masters to guide them back through practices like meditation, initiation, and following the Master's teachings. By removing layers covering the soul, Masters take it beyond the material realms and help it unite again with God in its original home.
The document discusses various names of God as defined in Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads. It provides over 100 different names of God like Aum, Agni, Vishnu, Brahma, Surya, etc. and explains the meaning and significance of each name based on its root meaning in Sanskrit. The key ideas are that Aum is considered the primary name of God, other names refer to God's infinite attributes and activities, and names can signify God or material objects depending on the context and qualifying words used.
The document describes the macrocosm and microcosm in Hindu cosmology. It details the 7 upper and 7 nether regions that make up the macrocosm, as well as their corresponding chakras in the human microcosm. It explains that just as there are 7 continents, elements, and sheaths in the macrocosmic universe, these 7 aspects are reflected in the 7 chakras and koshas of the human body and consciousness. The key idea is that "the macrocosm is in the microcosm," meaning the large-scale structure of existence is mirrored in miniature within each individual.
The document provides an overview of the four Vaisnava Sampradayas (religious traditions) in India that promote devotion to Vishnu/Krishna. It traces the lineages back through prominent spiritual teachers like Madhvacarya, Ramanujacarya, Nimbarka, and Visnuswami. It then focuses on describing the disciplic succession within the Brahma Sampradaya, highlighting influential Acharyas like Madhvacarya, Jayatirtha, and Bhaktivinode Thakur. It concludes by introducing A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his mission to spread Gaudiya Vaishnavism
The document describes the process of Chitwani, which involves meditating on the divine sports and abode of Paramdham as described in the Kuljam Swaroop. It involves rising from this physical world through various spiritual realms until reaching the supreme abode of Paramdham. Paramdham is described as the eternal home of souls, made of the divine element "Noor" and embodiment of truth, consciousness and bliss. Specific details are provided about the 25 divine places within Paramdham, including the central Rang Mohol palace and surrounding gardens, forests and oceans.
This document provides information about the concept of death, hell, and the afterlife in Hinduism through summarizing various passages and sources. It discusses that in Hinduism, the soul is eternal and does not die with the physical body. Upon death, the soul may follow the northern, southern, or hellish path depending on their karma. The northern path leads to liberation while the southern involves rebirth. Hellish states of mind are temporary for those who act wrongly. Heaven and hell are different worlds bound by time and karma, not eternal destinations. The document also provides details about the legendary Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple in India and beliefs regarding it.
The document discusses reincarnation from Buddhist and other spiritual perspectives. It provides an overview of Buddhist cosmology, which describes 31 planes of existence divided into the sense-sphere realm, fine-material realm, and immaterial realm. Each realm contains beings at different stages of spiritual development experiencing various levels of suffering. It also describes the cosmology presented by spiritual teacher Adi Da Samraj, involving progression through subtle planes after death. The document argues that reincarnation could be "re-engineered" to help beings avoid past mistakes and reconnect with spirituality through counseling children who remember past lives and guiding souls toward auspicious rebirths.
Law of Liberation (Chapter 16, Garuda Puran)Pardeep Sehgal
The document summarizes the 16th chapter of the Garuda Puran, which discusses the means of achieving eternal liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It states that liberation can only be achieved through directly realizing the supreme truth of Brahman while living as a human. It warns that rituals, sacrifices, ascetic practices, and adherence to philosophical schools alone will not lead to liberation, as liberation requires discriminating knowledge of the true self and nature of reality, gained under the guidance of an enlightened teacher.
The document describes the celestial journey of the soul from its origin with God to its entrapment in the material world and journey back to union with God. It explains that God created the creation through the power of Naam, including various spiritual regions, and souls descended into the material realm. Souls undergo transmigration until taking a human form, which allows the opportunity to be liberated from the cycle. When souls cry out for liberation, God sends perfect Masters to guide them back through practices like meditation, initiation, and following the Master's teachings. By removing layers covering the soul, Masters take it beyond the material realms and help it unite again with God in its original home.
The document discusses various names of God as defined in Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads. It provides over 100 different names of God like Aum, Agni, Vishnu, Brahma, Surya, etc. and explains the meaning and significance of each name based on its root meaning in Sanskrit. The key ideas are that Aum is considered the primary name of God, other names refer to God's infinite attributes and activities, and names can signify God or material objects depending on the context and qualifying words used.
The document describes the macrocosm and microcosm in Hindu cosmology. It details the 7 upper and 7 nether regions that make up the macrocosm, as well as their corresponding chakras in the human microcosm. It explains that just as there are 7 continents, elements, and sheaths in the macrocosmic universe, these 7 aspects are reflected in the 7 chakras and koshas of the human body and consciousness. The key idea is that "the macrocosm is in the microcosm," meaning the large-scale structure of existence is mirrored in miniature within each individual.
The document provides an overview of the four Vaisnava Sampradayas (religious traditions) in India that promote devotion to Vishnu/Krishna. It traces the lineages back through prominent spiritual teachers like Madhvacarya, Ramanujacarya, Nimbarka, and Visnuswami. It then focuses on describing the disciplic succession within the Brahma Sampradaya, highlighting influential Acharyas like Madhvacarya, Jayatirtha, and Bhaktivinode Thakur. It concludes by introducing A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his mission to spread Gaudiya Vaishnavism
The document describes the process of Chitwani, which involves meditating on the divine sports and abode of Paramdham as described in the Kuljam Swaroop. It involves rising from this physical world through various spiritual realms until reaching the supreme abode of Paramdham. Paramdham is described as the eternal home of souls, made of the divine element "Noor" and embodiment of truth, consciousness and bliss. Specific details are provided about the 25 divine places within Paramdham, including the central Rang Mohol palace and surrounding gardens, forests and oceans.
This document provides information about the concept of death, hell, and the afterlife in Hinduism through summarizing various passages and sources. It discusses that in Hinduism, the soul is eternal and does not die with the physical body. Upon death, the soul may follow the northern, southern, or hellish path depending on their karma. The northern path leads to liberation while the southern involves rebirth. Hellish states of mind are temporary for those who act wrongly. Heaven and hell are different worlds bound by time and karma, not eternal destinations. The document also provides details about the legendary Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple in India and beliefs regarding it.
When God speaks or gave the command Be It, the Creation came into being and the creative elements and all creative forces are under His control. The Word of God controls the entire creation. His creation obeys His command. But when we speak, the Fire Element is not in our control and so is the case with the other functions as well as the deities at the intermediate level. This is the beginning of our sorrows because as image of God we do not reflect the properties of the Original.
The document provides an overview and analysis of key concepts and passages from the Vedas:
- There are four main Vedas - the Rg, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas. Each has four parts including hymns, rituals, forest teachings, and philosophical texts like the Upanishads.
- The Rg Veda's first hymn references Agni, the god of fire, as a sacrificial priest and bestower of delight. Analysis shows Agni represents the fire of enthusiasm that conquers lethargy.
- Other hymns reference concepts like Indra representing the power of the mind, Usha representing dawn as an intermediary
Experience Mazda Zoom Zoom Lifestyle and Culture by Visiting and joining the Official Mazda Community at http://www.MazdaCommunity.org for additional insight into the Zoom Zoom Lifestyle and special offers for Mazda Community Members. If you live in Arizona, check out CardinaleWay Mazda's eCommerce website at http://www.Cardinale-Way-Mazda.com
Dr. Baskaran Pillai is an international teacher, spiritual leader, humanitarian and scholar-mystic from Southern India. Through his educational and humanitarian initiatives, Dr. Pillai's mission is to alleviate human pain and suffering in all forms. The Pillai Center for MindScience is an educational institution geared toward enhancing human intelligence and positively transforming every aspect of life. This presentation was given at the 2012 Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution 2012 in London on the LIGHTBODY!
ADS1 - The Story of Hemalekha and HemachudaPardeep Sehgal
Investigation is the root-cause of all, and it is the first step to the supreme reward of indescribable bliss. How can anyone gain security without proper investigation? A deliberating man always shines over others. Brahma is great because of deliberation; Vishnu is worshipped because of it.
Association with the Wise Must Precede "Vichara" – Deliberation – Self-Enquiry. A man undoubtedly reaps the fruits of his company. I shall relate to you a story to illustrate this:
"There was once a king of Dasarna by name Muktachuda. He had two sons: Hemachuda and Manichuda. They were comely, well-behaved and well-learned. At one time they led a hunting party, consisting of a great retinue of men and warriors, into a deep forest which was infested with tigers, lions and other wild animals…
Fie on human beings who appraise the foulest part of the body as the most delightful. If one should see beauty in that body-part which is wet with impure excretions, where will not man see beauty? Tell me!
The document contains teachings from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on the Tibetan New Year. It includes a request for his students to recognize their inherent connection to him and all beings. It discusses reflecting on impermanence and the Buddhist teachings. It encourages cultivating compassion for all beings.
The document summarizes key aspects of major Upanishads. It discusses three essential components for acquiring spiritual knowledge: a spiritual mentor, sacred texts, and personal experience. It then provides brief overviews of 10 principal Upanishads, highlighting their central teachings around concepts like Atman (soul), Brahman (ultimate reality), karma, rebirth and the path to enlightenment. The document concludes by emphasizing that Brahman is beyond senses, mind and speech, and is the true object of knowledge and worship, not temporary material things.
YV BKII CH12 The Greatness of True KnowledgePardeep Sehgal
Rama, I honour you as one of a perfect mind. You know what to ask and you understand what is spoken to you. Therefore I will continue speaking to you respectfully.
Be still, keep your mind fixed in yourself, and attend to knowledge. Be free of pride and passions and incline yourself to pure truth. Whatever business or investigation someone undertakes, it must be brought to a happy conclusion that tends towards his peace and tranquillity.
One obtains the capacity for yoga by discussing the scriptures in the company of good people, which alone can provide us with the great charm of spiritual knowledge.
The journey of this world is delightful to one who, after the removal of his errors and dispersion of the cloud of his ignorance, has come to the knowledge of truth.
The document provides an overview of the Upanishads and specifically discusses the Kathopanishad. Some key points:
- The Upanishads are part of the Vedas and contain spiritual knowledge revealed to sages. Kathopanishad is presented as a dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama, the lord of death.
- Nachiketa is granted three boons by Yama and uses the third boon to learn about life after death. Yama teaches Nachiketa about the nature of the unchanging Self and how to realize the Self through yoga and meditation.
- Various analogies are provided, like the chariot analogy, to explain the relationship between the senses, mind, intellect and the
The document contains excerpts from the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text attributed to Laozi. Some key ideas presented include:
1) The Tao (or Way) is indescribable and intangible yet is the origin of all things in the universe.
2) True knowledge and strength come from understanding oneself, not from force over others or boasting.
3) By being soft and yielding like water, one can overcome what is rigid and find harmony. Acting without acting and doing without doing allows one to embrace simplicity.
Diversity is visible only in space, and this space is in the Self, which in turn projects it at the moment when differentiation starts although it is not then clear. Rama! Look within.
|
• What you perceive as space within is the expanse wherein all creatures exist, and it forms their ‘Self’ or consciousness.
• What they look upon as space is your ‘Self’.
• Thus, the ‘Self’ in one is space in another, and vice versa.
• The same thing cannot differ in its nature.
• Therefore there is no difference between space and ‘Self’ - which is full and perfect Bliss-Consciousness.
The strongest fetter is the certainty that one is bound. It is as false as the fearful hallucinations of a frightened child. Even the best of men cannot find release by any amount of efforts unless his sense of bondage is destroyed.
The Vedas are among the oldest texts in Hinduism and consist of four main texts - the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. They were orally composed in Sanskrit and cover hymns, chants, rituals and philosophical teachings. The Rig Veda is considered the earliest text dating back to around 1500 BC. The Vedas were not composed by single authors but were revelations and contributions from Rishis or sages over many centuries. They are divided into four parts - mantras, brahmanas, aranyakas, and Upanishads. The Vedas describe ancient Hindu cosmology and contain hymns dedicated to
My concrete form is the eternal couple - the Supreme Lord and Energy - always in undivided union and abiding as the eternal consciousness pervading the three phenomenal states of waking, dream and sleep, and reclining on the cot whose four legs are Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector), Siva (the Destroyer) and Isvara (Disappearance) and whose surface is Sadasiva (Grace) which is contained in the mansion known as 'fulfilment of purpose' enclosed by the garden of 'Kadamba' trees in the jewel island situated in the wide ocean of nectar surrounding the cosmos and extending beyond.
|
Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Isvara, Sadasiva, Ganesa, Skanda, the gods of the eight quarters, their energies, other gods, celestials, serpents and other superhuman beings are all manifestations of myself. However, people do not know ME because their intellect is shrouded in ignorance.
I grant boons to those who worship ME. There is no one besides ME worthy of worship or capable of fulfilling all desires.
The document provides an overview of key concepts in Hinduism as presented in the Upanishads. It discusses the Upanishadic concepts of Brahman as the impersonal absolute reality and as a personal God; Atman as the true self; Avidya as ignorance that leads to the false identification of self with things other than Brahman/Atman; Samsara as the cycle of rebirth fueled by karma; and Moksha as liberation from samsara that is achieved through realizing the identity of Atman and Brahman and dismantling the false ego. The Upanishads present Brahman and Atman as the eternal, unchanging realities beyond the impermanent physical world and emphasize spiritual practices of moral discipline and meditation to attain
The document discusses various symbols and concepts in Freemasonry. It describes how the three greater lights of Masonry represent Faith, Hope and Charity. It then explains the symbolism of other Masonic emblems like the ladder, compass and square, septenary nature of man, and mysteries of the cube stone and 47th problem of Euclid. These symbols represent philosophical and spiritual concepts relating to man's spiritual, mental and physical development.
The Upanishads are sacred Hindu scriptures composed between 800-500 BCE that discuss the ultimate nature of reality. They teach that [1] Brahman is the single, eternal, unchanging reality beneath the illusion of multiplicity. Atman, the true self, is identical to Brahman. However, due to [2] avidya or ignorance, humans experience [3] samsara, the cycle of rebirth governed by [4] karma. The goal is to attain [5] moksha or liberation from samsara through enlightenment of the identity of Atman and Brahman.
The document describes Buddhist concepts including samsara, the wheel of suffering, and the six realms of existence - god, titan, human, animal, hungry ghost, and demon realms. Beings are reborn into different realms based on their karma, with each realm overseen by a buddhist and representing different types of suffering until enlightenment is reached. The hungry ghost realm is described as a place where ghosts are consumed with endless hunger and thirst but unable to satisfy their cravings.
Rudeness, suspicion, greed, adultery and fornication are some of the major root causes of the current situation of the world. We should pay heed to Rumi's advice.
When God speaks or gave the command Be It, the Creation came into being and the creative elements and all creative forces are under His control. The Word of God controls the entire creation. His creation obeys His command. But when we speak, the Fire Element is not in our control and so is the case with the other functions as well as the deities at the intermediate level. This is the beginning of our sorrows because as image of God we do not reflect the properties of the Original.
The document provides an overview and analysis of key concepts and passages from the Vedas:
- There are four main Vedas - the Rg, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas. Each has four parts including hymns, rituals, forest teachings, and philosophical texts like the Upanishads.
- The Rg Veda's first hymn references Agni, the god of fire, as a sacrificial priest and bestower of delight. Analysis shows Agni represents the fire of enthusiasm that conquers lethargy.
- Other hymns reference concepts like Indra representing the power of the mind, Usha representing dawn as an intermediary
Experience Mazda Zoom Zoom Lifestyle and Culture by Visiting and joining the Official Mazda Community at http://www.MazdaCommunity.org for additional insight into the Zoom Zoom Lifestyle and special offers for Mazda Community Members. If you live in Arizona, check out CardinaleWay Mazda's eCommerce website at http://www.Cardinale-Way-Mazda.com
Dr. Baskaran Pillai is an international teacher, spiritual leader, humanitarian and scholar-mystic from Southern India. Through his educational and humanitarian initiatives, Dr. Pillai's mission is to alleviate human pain and suffering in all forms. The Pillai Center for MindScience is an educational institution geared toward enhancing human intelligence and positively transforming every aspect of life. This presentation was given at the 2012 Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution 2012 in London on the LIGHTBODY!
ADS1 - The Story of Hemalekha and HemachudaPardeep Sehgal
Investigation is the root-cause of all, and it is the first step to the supreme reward of indescribable bliss. How can anyone gain security without proper investigation? A deliberating man always shines over others. Brahma is great because of deliberation; Vishnu is worshipped because of it.
Association with the Wise Must Precede "Vichara" – Deliberation – Self-Enquiry. A man undoubtedly reaps the fruits of his company. I shall relate to you a story to illustrate this:
"There was once a king of Dasarna by name Muktachuda. He had two sons: Hemachuda and Manichuda. They were comely, well-behaved and well-learned. At one time they led a hunting party, consisting of a great retinue of men and warriors, into a deep forest which was infested with tigers, lions and other wild animals…
Fie on human beings who appraise the foulest part of the body as the most delightful. If one should see beauty in that body-part which is wet with impure excretions, where will not man see beauty? Tell me!
The document contains teachings from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on the Tibetan New Year. It includes a request for his students to recognize their inherent connection to him and all beings. It discusses reflecting on impermanence and the Buddhist teachings. It encourages cultivating compassion for all beings.
The document summarizes key aspects of major Upanishads. It discusses three essential components for acquiring spiritual knowledge: a spiritual mentor, sacred texts, and personal experience. It then provides brief overviews of 10 principal Upanishads, highlighting their central teachings around concepts like Atman (soul), Brahman (ultimate reality), karma, rebirth and the path to enlightenment. The document concludes by emphasizing that Brahman is beyond senses, mind and speech, and is the true object of knowledge and worship, not temporary material things.
YV BKII CH12 The Greatness of True KnowledgePardeep Sehgal
Rama, I honour you as one of a perfect mind. You know what to ask and you understand what is spoken to you. Therefore I will continue speaking to you respectfully.
Be still, keep your mind fixed in yourself, and attend to knowledge. Be free of pride and passions and incline yourself to pure truth. Whatever business or investigation someone undertakes, it must be brought to a happy conclusion that tends towards his peace and tranquillity.
One obtains the capacity for yoga by discussing the scriptures in the company of good people, which alone can provide us with the great charm of spiritual knowledge.
The journey of this world is delightful to one who, after the removal of his errors and dispersion of the cloud of his ignorance, has come to the knowledge of truth.
The document provides an overview of the Upanishads and specifically discusses the Kathopanishad. Some key points:
- The Upanishads are part of the Vedas and contain spiritual knowledge revealed to sages. Kathopanishad is presented as a dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama, the lord of death.
- Nachiketa is granted three boons by Yama and uses the third boon to learn about life after death. Yama teaches Nachiketa about the nature of the unchanging Self and how to realize the Self through yoga and meditation.
- Various analogies are provided, like the chariot analogy, to explain the relationship between the senses, mind, intellect and the
The document contains excerpts from the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text attributed to Laozi. Some key ideas presented include:
1) The Tao (or Way) is indescribable and intangible yet is the origin of all things in the universe.
2) True knowledge and strength come from understanding oneself, not from force over others or boasting.
3) By being soft and yielding like water, one can overcome what is rigid and find harmony. Acting without acting and doing without doing allows one to embrace simplicity.
Diversity is visible only in space, and this space is in the Self, which in turn projects it at the moment when differentiation starts although it is not then clear. Rama! Look within.
|
• What you perceive as space within is the expanse wherein all creatures exist, and it forms their ‘Self’ or consciousness.
• What they look upon as space is your ‘Self’.
• Thus, the ‘Self’ in one is space in another, and vice versa.
• The same thing cannot differ in its nature.
• Therefore there is no difference between space and ‘Self’ - which is full and perfect Bliss-Consciousness.
The strongest fetter is the certainty that one is bound. It is as false as the fearful hallucinations of a frightened child. Even the best of men cannot find release by any amount of efforts unless his sense of bondage is destroyed.
The Vedas are among the oldest texts in Hinduism and consist of four main texts - the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. They were orally composed in Sanskrit and cover hymns, chants, rituals and philosophical teachings. The Rig Veda is considered the earliest text dating back to around 1500 BC. The Vedas were not composed by single authors but were revelations and contributions from Rishis or sages over many centuries. They are divided into four parts - mantras, brahmanas, aranyakas, and Upanishads. The Vedas describe ancient Hindu cosmology and contain hymns dedicated to
My concrete form is the eternal couple - the Supreme Lord and Energy - always in undivided union and abiding as the eternal consciousness pervading the three phenomenal states of waking, dream and sleep, and reclining on the cot whose four legs are Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector), Siva (the Destroyer) and Isvara (Disappearance) and whose surface is Sadasiva (Grace) which is contained in the mansion known as 'fulfilment of purpose' enclosed by the garden of 'Kadamba' trees in the jewel island situated in the wide ocean of nectar surrounding the cosmos and extending beyond.
|
Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Isvara, Sadasiva, Ganesa, Skanda, the gods of the eight quarters, their energies, other gods, celestials, serpents and other superhuman beings are all manifestations of myself. However, people do not know ME because their intellect is shrouded in ignorance.
I grant boons to those who worship ME. There is no one besides ME worthy of worship or capable of fulfilling all desires.
The document provides an overview of key concepts in Hinduism as presented in the Upanishads. It discusses the Upanishadic concepts of Brahman as the impersonal absolute reality and as a personal God; Atman as the true self; Avidya as ignorance that leads to the false identification of self with things other than Brahman/Atman; Samsara as the cycle of rebirth fueled by karma; and Moksha as liberation from samsara that is achieved through realizing the identity of Atman and Brahman and dismantling the false ego. The Upanishads present Brahman and Atman as the eternal, unchanging realities beyond the impermanent physical world and emphasize spiritual practices of moral discipline and meditation to attain
The document discusses various symbols and concepts in Freemasonry. It describes how the three greater lights of Masonry represent Faith, Hope and Charity. It then explains the symbolism of other Masonic emblems like the ladder, compass and square, septenary nature of man, and mysteries of the cube stone and 47th problem of Euclid. These symbols represent philosophical and spiritual concepts relating to man's spiritual, mental and physical development.
The Upanishads are sacred Hindu scriptures composed between 800-500 BCE that discuss the ultimate nature of reality. They teach that [1] Brahman is the single, eternal, unchanging reality beneath the illusion of multiplicity. Atman, the true self, is identical to Brahman. However, due to [2] avidya or ignorance, humans experience [3] samsara, the cycle of rebirth governed by [4] karma. The goal is to attain [5] moksha or liberation from samsara through enlightenment of the identity of Atman and Brahman.
The document describes Buddhist concepts including samsara, the wheel of suffering, and the six realms of existence - god, titan, human, animal, hungry ghost, and demon realms. Beings are reborn into different realms based on their karma, with each realm overseen by a buddhist and representing different types of suffering until enlightenment is reached. The hungry ghost realm is described as a place where ghosts are consumed with endless hunger and thirst but unable to satisfy their cravings.
Rudeness, suspicion, greed, adultery and fornication are some of the major root causes of the current situation of the world. We should pay heed to Rumi's advice.
Story of Báyazíd's — may God sanctify his spirit — saying, “Glory to me! How grand is my rank!” and the objection raised by his disciples, and how he gave them an answer to this, not by the way of speech but by the way of vision (immediate experience).
Prayer is done with expectation whereas Meditation is acceptance of His Will which is the primary requirement to realize the Truth.
As Guru Nanak says in Adi Granth, Jap Page 1 – Line 6-7: How then to become true? How then to rend the veil of falsehood? By walking in his will, O Nanak, in step with the writ of destiny.
We pray because we are expecting something; we do meditation because we are preparing to accept what he wants to give us. In prayer we speak to the Lord; in meditation we hear him.
Thoughts helpful in the life of the soul from Book I – The Imitation of Christ.
So long as we live in this world we cannot escape suffering and temptation. Everyone, therefore, must guard against temptation and must watch in prayer lest the devil, who never sleeps but goes about seeking whom he may devour, find occasion to deceive him.
Yet temptations, though troublesome and severe, are often useful to a man, for in them he is humbled, purified, and instructed. Man is never safe from them as long as he lives, for they come from within us—in sin we were born.
Trishna refers to strong desire, eager longing, craving or yearning. It is seen as the root cause of obesity according to spiritual texts. Trishna originates in the naval center and loops through the body, drawing on life force energy and depleting the body's fluid balance, leading to fluid retention and excess fat. For ordinary people, the loop goes from ankles to under the foot. Spiritually, trishna is the ego's thirst for manifested life that drives reincarnation, as past experiences and desires attract the soul back for further experiences until self-realization is achieved. Controlling trishna can help reduce obesity.
Bhishma tells Yudhishthira that the most important duties are worshipping and honoring one's mother, father, and preceptor. [1] He says serving them regularly allows one to attain heaven and worlds of felicity. [2] Bhishma emphasizes that the preceptor deserves the highest reverence and should never be disregarded, as they impart immortal knowledge and life to disciples. [3]
In India, in a certain temple, a man was seen distributing sweets. Somebody came and asked what the cause of this rejoicing was. The man said that he had lost his horse.
They said, "Well, you have lost a horse and you are rejoicing?"
He said, "Misunderstand me not. I have lost a horse but saved the rider. My horse was stolen by a band of robbers. I was not riding the horse at the time the horse was taken. Had I been mounted on the horse, I might also have been stolen. I am thankful that I was not stolen with the horse and that it was only the horse that was stolen."
That man has a valid reason to rejoice, for he has discovered the truth that what is actually being lost is the rider (his soul as horseman) and he must raise a hue and cry to save it.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: The three modes of material nature, namely goodness (satogun), passion (rajogun) and ignorance (tamogun), pertain to material intelligence and not to the spirit soul.
By development of material goodness one can conquer the modes of passion and ignorance, and by cultivation of transcendental goodness one may free oneself even from material goodness.
If one uses his mind and body to cultivate knowledge, then such enlightenment destroys the influence of the modes of nature that generated one’s body. Thus, like the fire, the body and mind are pacified by their own actions in destroying the source of their birth.
True understanding is one that produces results. All other understanding is unfruitful.
Mind, intellect, chit and ego should remain in brahmacharya. And if mind, intellect, chit and ego turn towards brahmacharya, then the external sexuality will shed off automatically.
The illusion of sex is such that it will sink all, even the one who thinks that he has no attachment to anything in the world. This illusion of sex has sunk great sages and masters from tremendous spiritual heights.
A man in tottering old age is ridiculed as an imbecile by his own sons and servants, and even by his wife, friends and relations.
“…so does old age seize the body with a tremor and fill all its limbs with the rust of diseases.” What then is the good of this miserable life, which lives subject to old age?
Rama’s observations are a reminder to all of us that due consideration and the right preparation for old age should be done while young.
SS of Marriage - Part 6 - Why Saints advocate Marriage as Best Bet for Self-R...Pardeep Sehgal
The Story of Rishyasringa from the Mahabharata precisely brings to light an important insight regarding the interrelationship of the four Purusharthas (Dharma-Artha-Kama-Moksha) and why marriage is the best bet for self-realization.
For every human being, the first task, among the four Purusharthas, must be to determine what is permanent and what is transient and seek the Eternal (Dharma).
The second objective is the acquisition of the Divine Wisdom as the real wealth (Artha). The third is to develop faith in God and yearn for realisation of mergence in God (Kama). The fourth is Moksha, the state of self-realisation in which there is no change and there is no movement.
This is the ultimate aim or goal of human life. A marriage should be on the foundation of Dharma and the other three purposes should be worked towards having Dharma as the base.
Celibacy 4 - Right Company and Firm DecisionPardeep Sehgal
The sexual impulse has been there for countless lives, and you never know when it will rise again. Therefore, it is important to remain in the right company. If you go out of right company, because of the existing impulse, sexuality will start to sprout all over again.
What is nischaya (determined decision)? Nischaya means, no matter how powerful an army of worldly difficulties arises with attacks, you would not back off.
What is nischaya? It is to stop all other thoughts and come onto only one thought. If you make a firm decision, all the evidences will come together and make it happen. If your decision is not firm then the evidences will not come together and your goal will not be accomplished.
He who is not employed in merit or in sin, he who does not attend to Profit, or Virtue, or Desire, who is above all faults, who regards gold and a brick-bat with equal eyes, becomes liberated from pleasure and pain and the necessity of accomplishing his purposes.
The document summarizes the key qualities of a self-realized or stable-minded person according to ancient Hindu scriptures. It describes how such a person remains unshaken by happiness or distress, is detached from sense objects and the ego, and has completely subdued their senses. They experience inner peace and calmness. Their intellect becomes firmly established in the divine and they attain liberation from the cycles of rebirth.
Swami Vivekananda achieved a high level of equilibrium and synthesis in his thinking by drawing from four main influences: 1) ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads, 2) his guru Sri Ramakrishna who taught the oneness of all religions, 3) his view of India as encompassing both diversity and common threads, and 4) his own deep spiritual experiences and realization of the divine in all. He was thus able to bring together seemingly disparate ideas and find their underlying unity, bringing a message of harmony to the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893.
Swami Vivekananda achieved a high level of equilibrium and synthesis in his thinking by drawing from four main influences: 1) ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads, 2) his guru Sri Ramakrishna who taught the oneness of all religions, 3) his view of India which embraced common spiritual beliefs across differences, and 4) his own deep spiritual experiences and realizations. He was able to bring together opposing concepts like non-duality and duality, reason and faith, creating a harmonious and all-inclusive interpretation of Hinduism.
Swamijis words on vedanta, humanity, science and religion are still very relevant for all. His complete works are used here to explain his message in simple words
YV BKII CH3 Repeated Creations of the WorldPardeep Sehgal
The external world appears as a reality, but in truth it is only a creation of our desires. It is an ideal castle in the air, and a magic view spread before us.
It is at the point of death and afterwards that the unreality of the world best appears. But this knowledge (of the unreality of the world) becomes darkened upon being reborn on earth, when the shadow of this world again falls on the mirror of his sentient soul.
The dead have no sensation of the earth and other bodies made of the elements, or of the course of the world, but they fall again to these errors upon being reborn here.
There is an interminable ignorance resembling an immense river enveloping the face of creation, and breaking into streamlets of ignorance that are impossible to cross.
ADS6 - Different States of the Wise (Jnanis)Pardeep Sehgal
What kind of effort can avail to disclose the eternally self-resplendent consciousness?
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• Being coated with a thick crust of infinite vasanas (dispositions), it is not easily perceived.
• The incrustation must first be soaked in the running stream of mind control and carefully scraped off with the sharp chisel of investigation.
• Then one must turn the closed urn of crystal quartz - namely, the mind cleaned in the aforesaid manner - on the grinding wheel of alertness and finally open the lid with the lever of discrimination.
• Lo! The gem enclosed within is now reached and that is all!
Intellects are the cumulative effects of the predispositions acquired by karma. Effort is necessary so long as the predispositions continue to sway the intellect
028a - The conscience, the life of men and the continuos help that come us fr...OrdineGesu
The conscience is what receives and records realities, shaping an individual's nature as they evolve through incarnations. The size of one's conscience determines their level of egoism versus altruism. Throughout history, most people have had small consciences, leading to violence. However, there are also those with large consciences who know true love. The Earth serves as a school for different "races" in evolution, so looking at any one time does not show overall progress. Improving individual consciences can help reduce conflicts and create more peace in the world. We must work to overcome our egos through self-knowledge and cultivate love for God and others.
An aspirant for wisdom first turns away from the pleasures of life and absorbs himself in the search for knowledge, which he learns from a master. This is hearsay knowledge.
In order to experience it, he ponders over it and clears his doubts. Then he applies the knowledge to himself and tries to feel his immortal being transcending the body, mind, etc., he succeeds in feeling his Self within.
Later he remembers the teaching imparted by his Guru that the Self being unqualified, cannot be differentiated from God and experiences his unity with the Universal Self. This is in short the course of wisdom and liberation.
The document is a translation of Adi Sankaracharya's VIVEKACHUDAMA NI by Swami Madhavananda. It contains 77 verses from the original text discussing key concepts in Advaita Vedanta such as the distinction between the eternal Self and the impermanent non-Self/body, the means to attain liberation from rebirth through self-knowledge and renunciation, and the role of a guru in imparting this knowledge.
Buddhism for you lesson 09-more lives than oneUncle Bugs
The document discusses Buddhist concepts of rebirth and reincarnation. It explains that rebirth is accepted in many Eastern religions and was also initially accepted by early Christians. It describes how Buddhists believe beings can be reborn into different realms, including 31 planes of existence like heavens, hells, and the human realm, based on their karma from past lives. The document also discusses the differences between the Buddhist concept of rebirth, which does not involve a permanent soul, versus other concepts of reincarnation that believe in an eternal soul.
Question: During meditation, is the effort of “resonating” with the Spirit “within” the same as the effort of resonating with the Hyperworlds ‘outside’? Are there different benefits in each case, or are they both interconnected since the ideogram Π (Πνεύμα=Spirit) indicates portal?
CAN YOU STAND THE TRUTH?
THE CHRONICLE OF MAN’S IMPRISONMENT
LAST CALL!
A book with cosmological content in the form of a study, arraying (in its sum of 635 bibliographic citations which accompany its main corpus) information and excerpts from scientific research, ancient and sacred texts from every mythology, religion, philosophical viewpoints, the Christian Apocryphal Gospels, as well as metaphysical views, so as to compose the complete image of the puzzle of man’s role in the world. Furthermore, the contemporary problems of humanity and the entire planet are dealt with and fully explained.
And to close the circle of knowledge offered, many controversial issues are tackled, without reservations or in fear they might not be “convenient” to the readers…
If you are interested in learning more you can follow this link and take a look at the book of truth: https://bit.ly/3EIr6Vx
The document provides an overview of the Upanishads and analyzes the Isha Upanishad mantras. Some key points:
- Upanishads represent a quest for truth and contain higher spiritual knowledge revealed to sages. The Isha Upanishad discusses attaining immortality by escaping rebirth.
- The mantras describe the nature of the eternal Self or Brahman as pervading all yet distinct from the mind and senses. Seeing one's own Self in all beings ends hatred.
- Interpretations of vidya and avidya, which are referenced in mantras about worship, differ. Vidya generally means spiritual knowledge while avidya means ignorance, but opinions vary on their precise definitions.
052a - THE ETERNAL LIFE OF THE MAN IN THE COSMOS AND THEN IN THE COMMUNION OF...OrdineGesu
The document discusses the eternal life of humans and their existence in different planes after death. It states:
1) Humans are not separate from God and are constantly in contact with and fed by God. They will eternally live in communion with God.
2) After completing their evolution through multiple incarnations on Earth and in the cosmos, learning lessons of pain, all humans are destined for eternal life in God.
3) Between incarnations, humans continue their existence in the astral, mental, and akashic planes of the cosmos, consolidating experiences and progressing toward becoming a "superman" or saint to live eternally in God.
This chapter discusses the nature of the Spirit in all its implications. The Infinite is defined in terms of the finite perishable world as the Imperishable, Infinite, Changeless Factor. Then it is brought out that the Experiencer of the changes is something other than the Changeless. It is only one aspect of the Supreme Reality, just as a man, called Father, by his children, is much more than just the father. The Supreme Reality is defined here as the Supreme Purusha, the PURUSHOTTAMA.
Trishna refers to strong desire, eager longing, craving or yearning. It is seen as the root cause of obesity according to spiritual texts. Trishna originates in the naval center and loops through the body, drawing on life force energy and depleting the body's fluid balance, leading to fluid retention and excess fat. For ordinary people, the loop of trishna operates from the ankles to under the foot. Spiritually, trishna is the ego's thirst for manifested life that drives reincarnation, as past experiences and desires attract the soul back for further experiences until self-realization is achieved. Controlling trishna can help reduce obesity.
1. The document provides an introduction to the Yoga Vashishtha, an ancient Indian spiritual text composed by Valmiki that details a dialogue between Prince Rama and the sage Vashishtha.
2. Over the course of 22 days, Vashishtha uses stories, lectures, and dialogues to help Rama attain self-realization and understand that the individual self and material world are illusions, and that the only reality is Divine Consciousness.
3. The essence of the philosophy expressed is that creation is not separate from God but a reflection of God, and that each individual is ultimately the same indivisible Divine Consciousness rather than a physical body.
This is the first presentation on The History and philosophy of yoga in 3 parts that we teach in our Yoga teacher training certification program.
Visit our website at www.atmayoga.net to become a certified yoga teacher.
YV BKII CH10 Brahma Propounds the Knowledge of Liberation to VashishthaPardeep Sehgal
Let those who have great minds forsake their worldly desires in order to avoid future births and attend to these lectures with calm contentment.
In our Objective World no one gives us B.A.; M.A. or Ph.D. degrees without going to schools, colleges and universities and seeking help of our teachers.
How can someone guarantee us liberation which is the most difficult task and for which we have made no effort to even know the subject throughout our lifetime, leave aside the company of realized persons?
How the avatars or the Masters of the past can be of any use to us now? Only a living being can guide a living being. Liberation is only possible by following a liberated and not otherwise.
Ignorance is the spring of misery. Through ignorance one suffers afflictions and incurs great danger. Ignorance has its origin in covetousness. As covetousness grows, ignorance also grows. Ignorance exists there where covetousness exists.
Current COVID virus is a direct attack on the vital Link necessary for transfer of Energy to Form. Our willful engagement in the Greed-Deceit group of negative attributes at Shanks has given birth to this virus.
Life is going to be different post Corona. It is a message to the entire world that we must limit performance of our activity which is based on the Greed-Deceit group of negative attributes.
Disclaimer: This is the opinion of the writer. All are welcome to make further studies in this direction.
Brother, there are three evils most formidable of all: lust, anger and greed. The weapons of greed are desire and hypocrisy, of lust naught but woman; while anger’s weapon is harsh speech: so declare the great sages after deep thought. Woman is God's wonderful creation but to lust after her is not desirable.
Ansuya to Sita on Wifely Virtues from the Epic 'Ramayana' by Tulsi Das Ji. • The woman who deceives her husband and loves a paramour is cast for a hundred cycles into the worst hell known as Raurava. Who is as depraved as the woman who for the sake of a moment’s pleasure reckons not the torment that shall endure for a thousand million births?
Lord Mahadev - Uma discourse on Women's Duties from the Epic 'Mahabharata'. Uma concludes: 'Maheshwara, I do not desire Heaven itself if thou art not satisfied with me'.
No man even in anger, should do anything that is disagreeable to his wife, seeing that happiness, joy and virtue, - everything depends on the wife. A wonderful discourse from the Epic 'Mahabharata'.
Due to their natural disposition women cannot be regarded as offenders. It is the men who should be stained with guilt of any wrongdoing to women. A wonderful discourse from the Epic 'Mahabharata'.
Women are said to be naturally sinful and the root of all evil according to ancient Hindu scriptures. The celestial being Panchachuda lists the many faults of women as understood in these scriptures, such as their inability to remain faithful, their constant desire for new male companions, and their lack of restraint even for husbands who treat them well. Women are seen as inherently lacking self-control and morality. Originally, women were created virtuous, but Brahma later created the current form of women with the aid of illusion to instill in them lust, desire, and inability to be restrained in order to stop humanity's progression towards godhood.
Celibacy 2 - Means of Attaining BrahamacharyaPardeep Sehgal
This document discusses different means of attaining brahmacharya or celibacy. It states that jnana (spiritual knowledge) and finding the right guru are necessary for controlling sexual desires and achieving brahmacharya. Mere external restraints like avoiding marriage are not sufficient, as the root causes of sexuality lie in ignorance. Only by uprooting this ignorance through jnana can one truly attain freedom from sexual impulses and desires. The cycle of rebirth will continue until one seeks out a true master to help achieve liberation from this ignorance.
Celibacy 1 - The Detailed Analysis of SexualityPardeep Sehgal
Brahmacharya means control of the Veerya. The vital force or Veerya is preserved only by one who is established in the practice of Brahmacharya. The vital fluid or semen is lost and wasted during sexual indulgence.
From food comes juice or chyle; from chyle comes blood and flesh; from flesh comes fat; from fat comes bones; from bones come marrow. Lastly, from marrow comes semen.
The Veerya comes out of the very marrow concealed in the bones. It is found in a subtle state in all the cells of the body. Mark here how precious the semen is! It is the last essence of food. It is the essence of essences.
In Yoga Shastra it is stated: "The falling of semen brings death; the preservation of it gives life." 'The nemesis of reproduction is death. The sexual act is essentially katabolic (or a movement towards death) in the male, and in parturition of the offspring it is katabolic for the female.'
"The future is for the nations who are chaste". Tom Mann
Listen! Rama, I am now telling you the secret of accomplishment. Of all the requisites for wisdom, Divine Grace is the most important. He who has entirely surrendered himself to the Goddess (Pure Consciousness by devotion through a true Guru) is sure to gain wisdom readily. Rama! This is the best of all the methods.
This method does not require other aids to reinforce its efficiency, as other methods do for accomplishing the end. This is hard for those whose minds are directed outward; and it is easy, sure and quick for devotees engrossed in the Goddess of the Self to the exclusion of all else.
If you infer its eternal light, then closely investigate whether the light is of itself or not. Everybody fails in this investigation however learned and proficient he may be, because his mind is not bent inward but restlessly moves outward.
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• As long as thoughts crop up, so long has the turning inward of the mind not been accomplished.
• As long as the mind is not inward, so long the Self cannot be realised.
• Turning inward means absence of desire.
• How can the mind be fixed within if desires are not given up?
Therefore become dispassionate and inhere as the Self. Such inherence is spontaneous (no effort is needed to inhere as the Self). It is realised after thoughts are eliminated and investigation ceases.
ADS2 - Cosmic Intelligence and Reality of the UniversePardeep Sehgal
All that is seen has an origin and there must therefore be an antecedent cause for it.
If a thing can appear without a cause there is no relation between cause and effect, and there can be no harmony in the world. A potter's work may lead to a weaver's products, and vice versa, which is absurd. Each occurrence must have a cause for it; that is the rule.
The universe must have a Creator, and He must be an intelligent principle, but He cannot be of any known type because of the vastness of the creation. His power is past understanding and is dealt with in the Scriptures, whose authority is incontrovertible.
This whole universe consisting of the mobile and the immobile, arises from, abides in, and resolves into Him. This is the final and well-known conclusion of the Scriptures; and the Scriptures never err. The guide by which one can apprehend the metaphysical and transcendental matters is Scripture alone.
The Doctrine of Filial Duty - Teachings of ConfuciusPardeep Sehgal
Then said Confucius: "The duty of children to their parents is the fountain whence all other virtues spring and also the starting-point from which we ought to begin our education:
• Our body and hair and skin are all derived from our parents, and therefore we have no right to injure any of them in the least. This is the first duty of a child.
• To live an upright life and to spread the great doctrines of humanity must win good reputation after death, and reflect great honour upon our parents. This is the last duty of a son.
Hence the first duty of a son is to pay a careful attention to every want of his parents. The next is to serve his government loyally; and the last to establish a good name for himself.”
Forgetful of our Promises to the Lord While in our Mother's Womb (GP-CH6)Pardeep Sehgal
"I am bewildered by Thy magic, as regards body and son and wife; misled by my egoism I am transmigrating, O Lord. I did good and evil actions for the sake of my dependents, and as a result I am tormented, while they who enjoy the fruits escape.
"If I am released from this womb I will lay myself at Thy feet, and I will take the means by which I may obtain liberation. Fallen into a well of faeces and urine, I am burnt by the fire of the belly, and anxious to escape from it. When shall I get out?
"In Him alone, who has given me this experience, and is compassionate to the afflicted, will I seek refuge. Let not this transmigration occur to me again.
"Because remaining even here in great misery, bearing the fatigue, resorting to Thy feet I will keep myself aloof from the worlds of change."
If the state of mind which arises in the womb, during illness, on the cremation ground, or upon hearing the Puranas were permanent - who would not be liberated from bondage!
Signs of Sins and Classes of Rebirth (GP-CH5)Pardeep Sehgal
The murderer of a Brahman becomes consumptive, the killer of a cow becomes hump-backed and imbecile, the murderer of a virgin becomes leprous, all three born as outcastes.
A poisoner becomes insane; an incendiary becomes bald; who sells flesh becomes unlucky; who eats flesh of other beings becomes diseased.
Who hates mother, father and teacher, who quarrels with sister and brother, is destroyed when an embryo in the womb, even for a thousand births.
The woman who abuses her mother-in-law and father-in-law, and causes constant quarrels; becomes a leech; and she who scolds her husband becomes a louse. Who, abandoning her own husband, runs after another man, becomes a flying-fox, a house-lizard, or a kind of female serpent.
YV BKII CH15 On Contentment (The Third Guard at the Door of Liberation)Pardeep Sehgal
Contentment (the third gate-keeper) is the chief good. Contentment is called (true) enjoyment, and the contented man, O destroyer of enemies, gets the best repose.
Whoever retains a contented mind amidst all the affairs of the world is never disturbed or dejected in adverse circumstances, O Rama.
An ungoverned mind, subject to desires and devoid of contentment, does not receive the light of knowledge, like a soiled mirror takes no reflection of the face.
He is called contented who does not long after what he does not possess, who enjoys what he has in its right manner, and who is always graceful in his manners.
YV BKII CH13 On Equanimity (The First Guard at the Door of Liberation) Pardeep Sehgal
The document discusses equanimity as the first guard at the door of liberation. It states that those with equanimity are indifferent to good and bad, acting with calmness and detachment. They experience inner peace and joy. The document advises cultivating equanimity through scriptural study and detachment from worldly affairs in order to attain liberation from suffering. It provides many characteristics of those who have achieved equanimity, such as being calm in all situations and seeing peace in others.
YV BKII CH11 On the Qualifications of Student and TeacherPardeep Sehgal
They are reckoned as great and wise men whose detachment springs without cause (of detestation to the world) and whose minds are clear. They are esteemed as the best of men who, after judicious consideration of worldly troubles, apply themselves to detachment.
Without the remedy of right reason, the unceasing excitement of the senses and the fears and miseries of the world will continually disturb the mind. But the troubles of this world cannot afflict a wise man who knows the knowable and discerns all things; just as it is impossible for the flame of fire to burn wood drenched by rain.
O best of the eloquent, you must not receive instruction from one unacquainted with truth. Whoever asks such a person anything is the greatest of fools. He is the basest of men who does not carefully attend to the words of the truth-telling teacher who is asked about anything.
1. Rama asks Vashishtha to explain the true meaning of destiny.
2. Vashishtha responds that destiny does not truly exist and that people's actions are solely the result of their own past deeds, not an outside force like destiny.
3. Desires, actions, and the mind are essentially the same as the soul, and the consequences of actions are attributed to destiny but are really just the results of one's own past resolves and deeds.
Chandra Dev: Unveiling the Mystery of the Moon GodExotic India
Shining brightly in the sky, some days more than others, the Moon in popular culture is a symbol of love, romance, and beauty. The ancient Hindu texts, however, mention the Moon as an intriguing and powerful being, worshiped by sages as Chandra.
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
The Vulnerabilities of Individuals Born Under Swati Nakshatra.pdfAstroAnuradha
Individuals born under Swati Nakshatra often exhibit a strong sense of independence and adaptability, yet they may also face vulnerabilities such as indecisiveness and a tendency to be easily swayed by external influences. Their quest for balance and harmony can sometimes lead to inner conflict and a lack of assertiveness. To know more visit: astroanuradha.com
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
Protector & Destroyer: Agni Dev (The Hindu God of Fire)Exotic India
So let us turn the pages of ancient Indian literature and get to know more about Agni, the mighty purifier of all things, worshipped in Indian culture as a God since the Vedic time.
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books in the Old Testament. The book is part of the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
1. Acts versus Knowledge (Pravritti - Nivritti)
The religion of Pravritti Dharma and Nivritti Dharma:
• "In this world there is a twofold path; the path of knowledge of the Sankhyas
and the path of action of the Yogis."
The Cosmic Lord said: O Sinless one, a twofold way of salvation was given by
Me to this world: for the wise, divine union through wisdom; for the yogis,
divine union through active meditation. (The Bhagavad Gita, Ch 3, Verse 3)
• "The Vedic dharma (religion) is verily twofold, characterised by Pravritti
(social action) and Nivritti (inward contemplation), designed to promote order
in the world; this twofold dharma has in view the true social welfare and
spiritual emancipation of all beings." {Sri Shankaracharaya (A.D. 788-820)}
Pravritti - Nivritti
(From: The Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Section CCXLI)
Addressing his father, Suka said:
• The declaration of the Vedas is twofold. They once lay down the command,
"Do all acts." They also indicate the reverse saying, "Give up acts."
• Where do persons go by the aid of Knowledge and where by the aid of Acts?
Indeed, these declarations about knowledge and acts are dissimilar and even
contradictory. I desire to hear this. Do tell me this.
Vyasa said: ‘I shall expound to thee the two paths, viz., the destructible and the
indestructible, depending respectively upon acts and knowledge.
Listen with concentrated attention, O child, to me, as I tell thee the place that is
reached by one with the aid of knowledge, and that other place which is reached with
the aid of acts.
• The difference between these two places is as great as the limitless sky. These
are the two paths upon which the Vedas are established; the duties indicated by
Pravritti, and those based on Nivritti that have been treated of so excellently.
• Pravritti: By acts, a living creature is destroyed. By knowledge, however, he
becomes emancipated. For this reason, Yogis who behold the other side of the
ocean of life never betake themselves to acts. Through acts one is forced to
take rebirth, after death, with a body composed of the six and ten ingredients.
2. • Nivritti: Through knowledge, however, one becomes transformed into that
which is Eternal, Unmanifest, and Immutable.
• One class of persons that are however of little intelligence, applauds acts. In
consequence of this they have to assume bodies (one after another) ceaselessly.
• Those men whose perceptions are keen in respect of duties and who have
attained to that high understanding (which leads to knowledge), never applaud
acts even as persons that depend for their drinking water upon the supply of
streams never applaud wells and water tanks.
• The fruit that one obtains of acts consists of pleasure and pain, of existence
and non-existence.
• By knowledge, one attains to that where there is no occasion for grief; where
one becomes freed from both birth and death; where one is not subject to
decrepitude; where one transcends the state of conscious existence.
• By knowledge, one attains to Brahman, which is Supreme, Unmanifest,
immutable, ever-existent, imperceptible, above the reach of pain, immortal,
and transcending destruction; where all become freed from the influence of all
pairs of opposites (like pleasure and pain, heat and cold, insults and
compliments, happiness and unhappiness etc.), where all become freed also of
wish or purpose. Reaching that stage, they cast equal eyes on everything,
become universal friends and devoted to the good of all creatures.
• There is a wide gulf, O son, between one devoted to knowledge and one
devoted to acts. Know that the man of knowledge, without undergoing
destruction, remains existent forever like the moon on the last day of the dark
fortnight existing in a subtle (but undestroyed) form.
• As regards the man devoted to acts, his nature may be inferred from beholding
the newborn moon, which appears like a bent thread in the firmament (subject
to growth and decay).
• That person of acts takes rebirth with a body with eleven entities for its
ingredients, that are the results of modification, and with a subtle form that
represents a total of six and ten.
• The deity who takes refuge in that (material) form, like a drop of water on a
lotus leaf, should be known as Kshetrajna (Soul), which is Eternal, and which
succeeds by Yoga in transcending both the mind and the knowledge.
3. [Note: The soul resides in the body without partaking of any of the attributes of
the body. It is, therefore, likened to a drop of water on a lotus leaf, which, though
on the leaf, is not yet attached to it, in so much that it may go off without at all
soaking or drenching any part of the leaf.]
• Tamas, Rajas, and Sattwa are the attributes of the knowledge. The knowledge
is the attribute of the individual soul residing within the body.
• The individual soul, in its turn, comes from the Supreme Soul. The body with
the soul is said to be the attribute of jiva (embodied soul). It is jiva that acts
and cause all bodies to live.’
From: Vivekachudamani of Shankaracharya
(Verses 10 & 11)
• Work leads to purification of the mind, not to perception of the Reality.
• The realisation of Truth is brought about by discrimination and not in the least
by ten millions of acts.
From: The Mahabharata, Aswamedha Parva, Section XXXI
The Brahmana said: There are three foes in this world. They are said to be nine fold,
agreeably to their qualities.
• Exultation, satisfaction and joy; these three qualities appertain to Goodness
(Sattwa).
• Cupidity, wrath and hatred; these three qualities are said to appertain to
Passion (Rajas).
• Lassitude, procrastination and delusion; these three qualities appertain to
Darkness (Tamas).
• Cutting these with showers of arrows, the man of intelligence, free from
procrastination, possessed of a tranquil soul, and with his senses under
subjection, ventures to vanquish others.
• Kshetrajna (Supreme Lord) is eternal and is destitute of qualities as regards its
essence. Kshetra (Prakritii or the manifest or matter) is that in which the qualities
are produced and absorbed. Hence one who understands duties, casting off
qualities and the understanding, and having his sins destroyed, and
transcending the qualities, enters the Kshetrajna.
4. • The realisation of the Self is attained when one transcends or annihilates the
three gunas or qualities (Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas). Spirit is devoid of qualities
or attributes; matter is endowed with qualities or attributes. The qualities of
Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas appertain to matter or Maya.
• Exultation, satisfaction and joy, although these are Sattwic qualities, are
nevertheless qualities or attributes. With the aid of the Sattwic qualities, one
transcends all the qualities and discards all the qualities, as when an athlete,
pole-vaulting with the aid of a long pole, goes over (transcends) to the other side
of the bar, but it is impossible for him to take the long pole with him over the bar,
just so, likened to the pole are the Sattwic qualities which (casting off) have to be
transcended along with the other two qualities of Rajas and Tamas.
In this connection, persons conversant with (the occurrence of) ancient cycles recite
some verses which were sung in days of old by king Ambarisha had acquired a
tranquil soul.
When diverse kinds of faults were in the ascendant and when the righteous were
afflicted, Ambarisha of great fame put forth his strength for assuming sovereignty.
Subduing his own faults and worshipping the righteous, he attained to great success
and sang these verses:
• 'I have subdued many faults. I have killed all foes. But there is one, the
greatest vice, which deserves to be destroyed but which has not been
destroyed by me! Urged by that fault, this Jiva (embodied soul) fails to attain to
freedom from desire. Afflicted by desire one runs into ditches without knowing
it. Urged by that fault, one indulges in acts that are forbidden.
• Do thou cut off that cupidity (greed of gain, strong desire for wealth) with
sharp-edged swords! From cupidity arise desires. From desire flows anxiety.
The man who yields to desire acquires many qualities that appertain to passion
(Rajas).
• When these have been acquired, he gets many qualities that appertain to
Darkness (Tamas). In consequence of those qualities, he repeatedly takes birth,
with the bonds of body united, and is impelled to action.
• Upon the expiration of life, with body becoming dismembered and scattered,
he once meets with death which is due to birth itself.
• Hence, duly understanding this, and subduing cupidity by intelligence, one
should desire for sovereignty in one's soul. This is true sovereignty. There is
no other sovereignty here. The soul, properly understood, is the king.
5. • Even these were the verses sung by king Ambarisha of great celebrity, on the
subject of sovereignty which he kept before him; that king who had cut off the
one foremost fault viz., cupidity.’
The Religion ordained for the Householder (Pravritti)
(From: The Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva, Section CXLI)
Maheshwara said: The religion ordained for the householder is said to have Pravritti
for its chief indication. Auspicious and beneficial to all creatures, I shall expound it
to thee.
• The householder should always make gifts according to the measure of his
power. He should also perform sacrifices frequently after the same manner.
Indeed, he who wishes to achieve his own good should always achieve
meritorious acts.
• The householder should acquire wealth by righteous means. The wealth thus
acquired should be carefully divided into three portions, keeping the
requirements of righteousness in view. With one of those portions he should
accomplish all acts of righteousness. With another he should seek to gratify his
cravings for pleasure. The third portion he should lay out for increasing.
• Of all the modes of life, that of the householder is the first. Of this there is no
doubt.
• Abstention from injury, truthfulness of speech, compassion towards all
beings, tranquility of soul, and the making of gifts to the best of one’s power,
is the foremost duties of the householder.
• Abstention from sexual congress with the spouses of other men, protection of
the wealth and the woman committed to one’s charge, unwillingness to
appropriate what is not given to one, and avoidance of honey and meat.
These are the five chief duties.
• Indeed, Religion or Duty has many branches all of which are fraught with
happiness. Even these are the duties which these embodied creatures who
regard duty as superior should observe and practice. Even these are the sources
of merit.
• Tranquility of mind is a high duty that has always been current among them
that are righteous. Householders of pure mind are capable of earning very
great merit.
6. • Indeed, he who cleanses his soul by the performance of the five sacrifices, who is
truthful in speech, who is free from malice, who makes gifts, who treats with
hospitality and honour all regenerate guests, who lives in well-cleaned abodes,
who is free from pride, who is always sincere in his dealings, who uses sweet
and assuring words towards others, who takes pleasure in serving guests and
others arrived at his abode, and who eats the food that remains after the
requirements have been gratified of all the members of his family and
dependants, wins great merit.
• That householder who rises at dawn, and serves food to his guests, and having
honoured them duly bids them farewell by following them (as mark of
honour) for a little distance, acquires eternal merit.
• Hospitality towards all, and the pursuit of the aggregate of the three (Religion,
Wealth and Pleasure), are the duties of the householder.
The Religion of Nivritti
(From: The Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva, Section CXLI)
The Religion of Nivritti is different. It exists for emancipation (from re-birth by
absorption into Brahman). I shall tell thee the conduct that constitutes it. Listen to me
in detail, O goddess.
• One of the duties inculcated by that religion is compassion towards all
creatures. Desirous of achieving emancipation, the followers of this Religion
free themselves from the bonds of hope (or desire).
• A follower of this Religion sets his heart upon the workings of his soul. His
mind is devoted to Supreme Brahman. He is filled with the idea of attaining to
Brahman. He is always devoted to Yoga and the Sankhya Philosophy.
• He is freed from every attachment, and from every tie of affection. He merges
the existence of his own soul into the Supreme Soul. Standing like a stake of
wood, and abstaining from all food he does only such acts as point to
Emancipation.
• Even this is the religion of persons conversant with Emancipation as declared
in the Vedas. Even this is the righteous path that is trodden by the righteous.
He who follows in this track leaves no vestige behind.
7. Summary of Acts Vs Knowledge
(From: The Mahabharata, Aswamedha Parva, Section XIX)
Vasudeva said:
• The world of the deities is filled, O son of Kunti, with those who follow the
religion of actions. The cessation of the mortal form (by practicing the religion
of inaction) is not agreeable to the deities.
• Heaven is the reward of those who follow the religion of Pravritti or acts, such
as sacrifices, religious observances, etc. The followers, however, of the religion
of Nivritti or inaction, i.e., they who betake themselves to the path of
knowledge, become emancipated.
• The deities derive their sustenance from the former and become even jealous
of the latter, for the emancipate state is higher than that of the deities
themselves.
That goal, O son of Pritha, is the highest which is constituted by Eternal Brahman
where one, casting off the body, attains to immortality and becomes always happy.