Wednesday, April 11, 2012

PATANJALI YOGASUTRAS - CH.3..Vs.27,28,29,30 - Samyama on SUN, MOON, POLE STAR and Manipura Chakra


PATANJALI
YOGASUTRAS

CHAPTER.3.

VIBHUTI PAADHA

Vs.27

Bhuvana  Jnanam Surye Samyamaath


Ø  bhuvana = universe, worlds, planets
Ø  jnanam = knowledge (of)
Ø  surye = (on) the sun
Ø  samyamaath = By performance of samyama on

By performance of Samyama on the Sun, the Sadhaka attains the knowledge of the worlds (or Universe). How does one do Samyama on Sun?

One view is - that Sun in this sutra - is that part of our body / consciousness which is identified with Sun and is more under influence of the Sun.

Some identify it with Sex organs, or muladhara Chakra, or with Suryanadi (or Pingala)controlling the right nostril breathing.

Surya Nadi and Chandra Nadi start at Muladhara. From there, they criss-cross all over the body, meet at all the intermediate chakras and finally converging at the Ajna Chakra.

At Nostril level, the right nostril is associated with the Sun, or Suryanadi, which controls its functioning. Slightly hotter air flows through it, compared to left nostril.

Pranayamas focusing only on breathing through either one of the nostrils (closing the other nostril) thus gives benefits associated with it. Pranayama on Surya or Chandra nadi independently – should not be done for too much time, in one go. About a minute or two are enough. Then, there should be a gap of time. This is a safety precaution for pranayama on Surya / Chandra nadi done independently. Up to this time level, its benefits are excellent. Pranayama with only the right nostril heats up the body – and is recommended when there is chillness around.

Pingala Nadi (corresponds to Surya nadi) travels on right side of body and is the flow of male energy in the body. Ida, corresponding to Chandra nadi, travels on left side and controls female energy. But, both cross each other at each major chakra point.

Surya Meditation is built into various regular practices. At Brahma muhurtha in early morning hours, Sadhaka must perform his dhyana, which is basically Sun Meditation. It is done facing East, and concentrating on the first rays of the sun, with closed eyes. Many Yogis are  said to attain the capability to live without food and water –doing this surya meditation, which comes very effortlessly to many.

In recent past, one meditator by name Prahlad Jani, was in the news. He was tested in labs  – and is found to survive without food, water, urination and defecation for a long time. He claims that – he has been surviving without food and water for several decades now.

From the description  of what he says – he is evidently performing surya meditation effectively. This routine practice ends with Surya Namaskara in the early morning hours, a physical practice which gives enormous flexibility to all body organs. A recital of Aditya hridayam, a hymn dedicated to Sun, also is a part of this.

The question arises – is Patanjali referring to all this, or, to something else. My strong conviction is – he is referring to all this – AND SOME THING MORE.  Patanjali’s Samyama is absolute consciousness on a single object – in this case, the Sun. Whether you concentrate on external sun or internal sun – is not material. Ultimately, all concentration happens in mind – and not outside. Samyama happens inside mind. And, once the threshold of Meditation passes a certain level, every cell of the body participates in meditation – and becomes one with the object of meditation.

Body consciousness is totally displaced by meditation consciousness. The object of Meditation gradually loses its significance and then – only the consciousness remains, with all qualities of the object. As we saw in previous Samyamas, when Sadhaka does Samyama on elephant, its whole strength becomes his. Every cell of him responds like an elephant – not just the mind.

Samyama is just that. Involve your totality in the Meditation – and then, it happens. Don’t seek the result. Involve totally and become that.

Now – when we do Samyama on Sun –Our consciousness travels along with Sun’s rays. Wherever Sun’s rays go – our consciousness and knowledge extends to it. Actually, we don’t know Sun at all; we only know Sun’s rays. We do Samyama on the rays of Sun – and thereby gain the knowledge of all worlds to which the Sun’s rays travel. Meditation in Brahma Muhurtha makes it instantly clear.

Vs.28


Chandre Taaraa vyooha Jnanam

Ø  chandre =  On the Moon
Ø  taaraa = of  stars
Ø  vyuha = System, their arrangement (vis a vis each other)
Ø  jnanam = knowledge

When  Sadhaka performs Samyama on  Moon, his knowledge extends to the arrangement of stars.
Moon is so near and so small. Stars are so far but so big. So, how does Samyama on Moon who is so near lead to knowledge of arrangement of stars which are so far? Is Patanjali ignorant of these distances and sizes?
Yogi’s botheration is not with externalities, distances and sizes. He meditates on his perceptions only. He starts with what his five senses and mind tell him. Only that imprint of what he sees and perceives -  is available to his mind. It is good enough for the meditation.
Second point is – all that is outside us, is also inside us, in miniature form. We are a  replica of the Universe in a miniature form. All human beings are inside us. All animals are inside us. All planets and stars are inside us. We see them inside us only.
We do not see the stars, planets or human beings outside. We see only their miniature forms, their images - inside us.

Vs.29


Dhruve thath gati jnanam

Ø  dhruve =  By Samyama on the Pole star
Ø  thath = their
Ø  gati = movement
Ø  jnanam = knowledge

Pole star is a significant star. It is visible at a single place always – and gives us guidance about movement of other stars. Even routine examination of the sky and relative positions of other stars with reference to Pole star – gives us huge knowledge about their movements.

Many persons are capable of telling the time correctly at night by looking at the star positions, relative to Pole star.

Samyama is nothing but extending the attention / concentration on the Pole star some more and doing Samyama on it. The Samyama will reveal to the Sadhaka about the trajectories of various other stars in the sky.

Vs.30


Naabhi Chakre kaaya vyooha jnanam



Ø  naabhi =  navel point
Ø  chakre = the chakra (doing Samyama on )
Ø  kaaya = of the body
Ø  vyooha = systematic arrangement
Ø  jnanam = knowledge


Navel centre is special in our body. It was at this centre – that we were connected with the mother – for all of our needs – until we were born. In many ways, it is the centre of the body. It has all the intelligence about the systemic arrangement of the Sadhaka’s  body.

When Sadhaka does Samyama -  on his navel centre – all the knowledge about the systemic arrangement of his body – is revealed to him.

The chakra at the navel point is called Manipura chakra. The sound “ram” (rum) – activates this chakra. The chakra meditation on Manipura is performed with chanting of this sound in a particular way.

Samyama is done – not as chakra dhyana but with dharana on the navel chakra – proceeding further into dhyana and Samadhi.

In yogic parlance, Manipura Chakra is depicted as a ten-petalled circular chakra – with an inverted triangle in the middle. Prana Sakthi from it is radiated to all directions by “Samana” vayu, which is said to stabilize and regulate the prana sakthi in all organs. Samana – means equilibrium; vayu means the air which carries it. One can see the Yogic posture of Buddha and other yogis, who meditate with Palms pressing on manipura chakra.

Samana vayu is always active in carrying equilibrium power to all organs. Sadhaka  follows the path of this chakra in his Dharana and Dhyana – and acquires deep knowledge of how all organs in the body work.

 *  *  *  E  N  D  *  *  *

Monday, April 9, 2012

Great Quotes from Eckhart Tolle - THE POWER OF NOW & OTHER BEAUTIFUL QUOTES = 10-04-2012


Great Quotes

from 

Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle – is an enigmatic Spiritualist of our times. He  is  German-born  and Canadian resident, and is best known as the author of  “The Power of Now” and  “A New Earth”

In 2011, he was listed by the Watkins Review as the most spiritually influential person in the world.

The Power of Now and A New Earth sold an estimated three million and five million copies respectively in North America by 2009.

In 2008, approximately 35 million people participated in a series of 10 live webinars with Tolle and television talk show presenter Oprah Winfrey.

Tolle's teachings has been influenced by a wide range of spiritual teachings.

The Indian, who is exposed to the Gita and the Vedanta (of Upanishads) will find his teachings – as if they are the outpourings of a Master grounded in the Upanishads and the Gita.

His teachings, as the quotes below clearly indicate, are centered around “THIS MOMENT”. If we understand and live this moment, life is a joy. If not, suffering finds a way into it. 

I have selected just a few Quotes – which are so close to the Indian spiritual thought, both contemporary and ancient – that we will experience the presence – well, you will see what it is in a few moments – and get transported into it – from the past and future, wherever, your mind is wandering and taking you along. 

Once you are in the presence – life is transformed instantly.

Now the Quotes :


1.    Nothing is what it seems to be
2.    You are not separate from the whole. You are one with the sun, the earth, the air.
3.    Your outer journey may contain a million steps; your inner journey has only one: the step you are taking right now
4.    Nothing that happens is an isolated event; it only appears to be.
5.    Anything that is done with negative energy will become contaminated by it & in time give rise to more pain, more unhappiness
6.    To complain is always non-acceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge
7.    Non-resistance, non-judgment, and non-attachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living
8.    When you see and accept the impermanent nature of all life forms, a strange sense of peace comes upon you.
9.    Only those who have transcended the world can bring about a better world
10.          Breathing happens by itself. The intelligence within the body is doing it. All you have to do is watch it happening
11.        Feel your whole body from within, as a single field of energy...Let this be your practice in the days and weeks to come
12.        True intelligence operates silently. Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found.
13.          Be still. Look. Listen. Be present.
14.          Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.
15.      Ultimately, of course, there is no other, and you are always meeting yourself.
16.       As within, so without: If humans clear inner pollution, then they will also cease to create outer pollution
17.   How wonderful to go beyond wanting and fearing in your relationships. Love does not want or fear anything
18.    Love is a state of Being. Your love is not outside; it is deep within you. You can never lose it, and it cannot leave you
19.     "Love your enemies," said Jesus, which, of course, means "have no enemies”
20.     "Love and do what you will," said St. Augustine. Words cannot get much closer to the Truth than that
21.       Real love doesn't make you suffer.
22.      The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it
23.      True happiness is found in simple, seemingly unremarkable things.
24.     Unhappiness or negativity is a disease on our planet. What pollution is on the outer level is negativity on the inner.
25.       The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.
26.       You can't argue with what is. Well, you can, but if you do, you suffer
27.       Whatever you fight, you strengthen, and what you resist, persists
28.     Whatever you think the world is withholding from you, you are withholding from the world.
29.    The light is too painful for someone who wants to remain in darkness.
30.      'This, too, will pass.' What is it about these simple words that makes them so powerful?
31.         If you suddenly feel very light, clear and deeply at peace, that is an unmistakable sign that you have truly surrendered
32.         The problems of the mind cannot be solved on the level of the mind.
33.       It is not we who create, but universal intelligence that creates through us.

 *  *  *  E  N  D  *  *  *

GREAT QUOTES = FROM SRI SRI RAVISHANKAR = 10-APR-2012


GREAT QUOTES FROM

SRI SRI RAVISHANKAR

10-APR-2012

As in the Past, I am trying to place before you some of the latest, beautiful, topical, and timely Quotes of Guruji, Sri Sri Ravishankar.
Some of these relate to his recent visit to Pakistan.

Others relate to his visit to various places in UP, Rajasthan etc. We need to spend some time on each quote – as these are from the founder of the Art of Living here in earth. These are not on how to go to  heaven or avoid going to hell.

Live well and happily now and here and ensure that your neighbours live well and happily too. This is the message always…Now, the quotes follow …

v  
Ø  We have acquired a habit of making the impossible possible!
Ø  You can't rule a country without winning the hearts of people and guns are not  the way to win hearts.
Ø  Before coming here, somebody told me not to come, to wait. I said, "I've waited eight years, I'm going." I have interacted with the youth here and I find the same enthusiasm, the same sense of belongingness like the youth in India. I don't find any close-mindedness at all. But the projection in the media is like that. They project only those pockets where there is trouble and problems. (on his visit to Pak)
Ø  We need to create a new image, that this country is also tolerant, that we honour diversity, we acknowledge people from everywhere. This message should go loud and clear. Then, what will happen is that Pakistan's tourism will increase and the economy will also get a boost.
Ø  This is the image that should be created - that this is heaven, there is so much love among the people here. I think my visit is going to carry this image to India. It's going to create a big wave. This message is going to bring the two countries much closer through people to people contact.- Sri Sri' at the Art of Living Peace Centre, Islamabad.
Ø  My wish is that every tear turns into a smile. This center has a huge responsibility to bring peace and happiness to millions.- Sri Sri inaugurating the Art of Living Peace Centre in Islamabad.
Ø  Yoga was written in Pakistan and today the entire world is benefiting from Yoga. Pakistan should own this. If you own your long history then you would have a higher sense of belongingness with the world. When we accept clothes, food and music from everywhere why can't we accept wisdom? Why do we shy away from wisdom? If children learn a little bit about all the civilizations, they grow up with a broad mindset.- Sri Sri in Lahore, March 12.
Ø  My dream is to see a violence free Pakistan and I'm sure it is possible - Sri Sri to a gathering of dignitaries on his arrival in Lahore.
Ø  I don't want anything except a smile on your face and love in your heart. I am with you.
Ø  With greater linkages between the people, India and Pakistan can both come closer and work towards peaceful co-existence
Ø  We want  SriSri swamiji to visit Pakistan every year &inspire all of us - Muhammad Farooq Sattar ,Federal minister for overseas Pakistanis, 14 Mar
Ø  I wish every tear turns into a smile. ArtofLiving centers in Pakistan have a huge responsibility to bring peace & joy to millions.
Ø  In order to avoid other forces taking advantage of the conflict, It is important for India & Pak to be in mutual peace -  SriSri @ Karachi
Ø  Pakistan should own the ancient cultural heritage -  SriSri @ Islamabad
Ø  Core issues vary in diff parts of the world: poverty, corruption, selfishness. But, if there is humanness, people won't indulge in violence.
Ø  What you cannot win with guns, you can win through love. The most powerful thing in the world is love!
Ø  I want to see childlike smile on every face. That is the aim of The Art of Living - SriSri in Lahore
Ø  If children learn a little bit about all the civilizations, they grow up with a broad mindset -  SriSri @ Lahore  artofliving Satsang
Ø  This universe is so diverse. God has made so many varieties of vegetables, flowers, fruits. We need to honor all of this.-SriSri in Lahore
Ø  I have traveled to many countries but never felt I am in a strange country. We should start owning the whole globe.- SriSri,Lahore Satsang
Ø  There is only 1 God. Like Islam has 99 names of Allah, Hinduism has 108 forms of the same God. Idol is just a symbol.
Ø  The science of Ayurveda and Yoga was born in Takshashila which is in Pakistan -  SriSri @ Forman christian college, Lahore.
Ø  My dream is to see a violence free Pakistan and I'm sure it is possible - SriSri addressing dignitaries @ Hotel Avari, Lahore
Ø  A composite society will always promote harmony and peace and put a check on extremism.- SriSriinPak 12 Mar
Ø  When you go higher, you don’t see borders. Borders are just our illusion. The planet is a home for everyone. We are one family.
Ø  Spirituality alone can bring the hearts & minds of people together & mend differences.- SriSri to enter Lahore from the Wagah border 12 Mar
Ø  If India & Pakistan spend just 1% of the defence budget for peace & regular people contact,terrorist forces won't get an opportunity.
Ø  If we build bridges between people, no politician will be able to play with sentiments.- SriSri on the eve of his visit to Pakistan 11 Mar
Ø  Form or Name can be different, but, Substance is the same. Recognizing this is Spirituality - @ India Islamic Centre, Delhi
Ø  Prophet Mohammed has said that the cool breeze is coming from the east. He meant the knowledge from India- @ Al-Mustafa University 11 Mar
Ø  Ego creates war and makes it worse. Wars are won through peace.
Ø  Mysticism & spirituality is the language of the heart. There is no conflict amongst people who know the truth- @ IndiaIslamicCenter 11 Mar
Ø  Religion must become broader & more spiritual to allow freedom of worship & to encompass all the Wisdom in the world.
Ø  We need to wake up and see that the planet is our home and when you go higher, you don’t see borders. Borders are just our illusions. There really is no border. The sky has no border. Neither have the clouds, the wind nor the elements of this earth. The planet is a home for everyone. We are all one family.
Ø  What we have received, we should give it back to society. This is the purpose of education - Sri Sri @ Gyan Vihar University, Rajastan
Ø  In the realm of the mind, like attracts like. If the soul is peaceful, it attracts a peaceful environment & people around it.
Ø  Only meditation can satisfy the hunger of the soul.- Sri Sri @ Jaipur Satsang
Ø  Sin is NOT our nature. We are pure Consciousness. With yoga, meditation & pranayama, a wave of bliss arises in life. This is the ArtofLiving.
Ø  If you want abundance in life, have contentment. With contentment comes the ability to bless others.- SriSri in Rae Bareilly
Ø  Have faith that the Divine loves you & will take care of you.- SriSri in Rae Bareilly, UP
Ø  The wise man accepts his own mistake & when he sees a mistake in others, he helps them overcome it.
Ø  Send the corrupt to me. I will welcome & tell them, "You only know the joy of taking. But there is a joy in giving also. -SriSri, Gonda, UP
Ø  Pranayama , Sudarshan Kriya & Meditation will help you to overcome all negativity-  SriSri @  Lucknow
Ø  When one has reverence for the whole universe, one is in harmony with it.
Ø  Naturalness, Simplicity & Love brings transformation in the individual and society" -  SriSri @ Gonda satsang
Ø  See the past as destiny, future as free will and live in the present. This is the sign of intelligence -  SriSri @ Gonda satsang 17 Mar
Ø  You can have only one - either Guru or worries; it is impossible to have both together -  SriSri @ Ambedkar nagar, UP
Ø  Inner peace, contentment, strength, comes with spirituality-  SriSri @ Azamgarh satsang
Ø  It is our responsibility to take the knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda into every house -  SriSri @ Mau Satsang
Ø  When someone dies we offer sesame seeds; it means that all the unfulfilled desires are like sesame seeds & not worth holding on to.
Ø  Remember your life is short... Till the time you are on earth, do some good work, bring happiness & turn tears into smiles-  SriSri @ Mau, 15 Mar
Ø  If unpleasant words can affect you & increase your BP ,you think the names of God & chants like Om Namah Shivaya have lesser impact?
Ø  That which you cannot renounce, is happiness- @ Baliya Satsang;15 Mar
Ø  When there is no Music , Knowledge or Meditation, life turns to depression" -  SriSri @ Baliya (UP) Satsang
Ø  The fight against corruption is a long battle. We will have to be in it together -  SriSri @ Ghazipur (UP)
Ø  God does not create evil. Evil happens when you move away from God -  SriSri @ Ghazipur Satsang
Ø  Before you have food, pray that all those who provide food to us should be happy. When all farmers are happy, then we will be healthy
Ø  I did not say that all government schools (where lakhs study) breed Naxalism. Great talents have emerged from these schools and I would never generalize. I specifically referred to sick government schools in Naxal affected areas. Many who have turned to Naxalism have come from these schools.
Ø  The Art of Living is running 185 free schools in such areas. I urge more institutions to join this effort to spread peace through education.
Ø  We don’t keep saying “I love you” everyday. Sometimes, by saying it many times, love diminishes. When you are so deeply in love, just one glance is enough. If you do not express yourself at all, then, too, it is of no use.
Ø  There is an appropriate way to express your life experiences. It should be like sowing a seed. It is a sown a few inches deep - not just on the surface nor too deep. Then, the relationship lasts for the whole lifetime.
Ø  Does a child ever worry, "Is my mother cooking for me at home?" No, he is content knowing, "Mother is there at home. That's it. When I go, I will be served food." This confidence with the mother should be there with the Divine also. "God is my very own and He/She loves me."
Ø  When will you develop this attitude? After 10 years of sadhana (penance) in the Himalayas? Towards the end of your life? When? Tell me, how long will it take to get this confidence? From today... right now!  I have come to tell you just this much.
Ø  People tell me, "Guruji, your job is teaching meditation, doing kirtan, turning people towards God. Why do you talk about corruption? Why do you get involved in other things? Please don't."
Ø  I say, "What kind of spirituality is it if there is no softness in the heart for others, that doesn't care for everybody? I'm not a person like that. I will keep doing what my inner voice tells me.
Ø  Ask a mother or a grandmother. If she is alone, she will just make do with some tea or tidbits for herself. But when children come, she prepares all sorts of dishes. Her joy is in giving. This is a higher joy. Once if the corrupt taste this joy, it will not go; they will not feel like doing anything wrong. - Sri Sri in Gonda, UP
Ø  Earlier, our places were famous for their specialty - Mathuda Peda, Agra Petha, Benaras Saree, Mirzapur carpets, pottery from Azamgarh etc. This should be highlighted all over. Pick any one field and specialize in that and all lack will be removed. For example, one village in China specializes only in buttons, another only in needles.
Ø  So many industrialists tell me they want to set up factories in China. I ask them, Why not in India, there is so much poverty here. They say, we don't find people. I tell them, set it up here, we'll find people. I need all the unemployed youth here who want to work…We can do a lot in India. We can create a revolution, an economic revolution.


*  *  *   E N D  *   *  *