Action/Inaction - As propounded by Lord Krishna in Bhagavat Gita

न कर्मणामनारम्भान्नैष्कर्म्यं पुरुषोऽश्नुते।

न च संन्यसनादेव सिद्धिं समधिगच्छति।।3.4।।

A person attains actionlessness not [just] by non-commencement of actions; and not just by renunciation, he attains success (emancipation).

न हि कश्िचत्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।

कार्यते ह्यवशः कर्म सर्वः प्रकृतिजैर्गुणैः।।3.5।।

For, no one can ever remain, even for a moment, as a non-performer of action;because everyone, being not master of himself, is forced to perform action by the Strands born of the Prakrti (Material cause)

नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः।

शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः।।3.8।।

You must perform your action which has been enjoined. For, action is superior to inaction; and even the maintenance of your body could not be properly accomplished through inaction.

कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः।

लोकसंग्रहमेवापि संपश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि।।3.20।।

It was by action alone that Janaka and others had attained emancipation. Further, at least having regard to hold the world (the society) together you should act.

यस्त्वात्मरतिरेव स्यादात्मतृप्तश्च मानवः।

आत्मन्येव च सन्तुष्टस्तस्य कार्यं न विद्यते।।3.17।।

But the man, who simply rejoices in the Self; and who is satisfied in the Self; and who delights in the Self alone-there exists no action for him to be performed.

Religion - Sprituality, Bonded- Moksha

Here is my understanding, it is possible to be spiritual without being religious. Having said that, this is a very deep and personal choice. 

My underlying assumption is that self realization is the purpose of this life. If that is true then there are many paths leading to Yoga. 

However the Yogic life has its basis on change in the attitude of the person and whether this attitude is maintained 24x7.

Even fundamental query is that does this person has the quest to realize his true self. Whether his heart beats & yearns for self realization?

Moksha doesn't mean no more births. It means that the person, "Purusha" doesn't take births, he takes different bodies.

When a person transcends the layers of Physical kosha, pranayamaya kosha, manonmaya kosha, Vignanamaya kosha during his present birth. Then he reaches the fifth stage- atmic plane. This Atmic plane has 3 sub divisions- Purusha, parama purusha, purushottama.

If any person in his/her birth is able to transcend the first 4 stages and gets established in 5th stage he gets a touch of Atma. This person is certain to go until 7 stage. However until he goes to the 7th stage or plane of consciousness he keeps getting bodies, nature provides him bodies according to its demand and he does the work of helping the rest of his brethren. In this divine work such a person doesn't attract any karma like us. His acts are selfless and he is awake to the fact that he is verily the Atma and not the other bodies. His work is only through Divine inspiration. Now this stage can either be reached in the same birth, these people are called Jeevanmuktas or it can be reached post death of physical body if the person has advanced to such levels.

Among this category are the people whom we worship as Jagatgurus. There are several such people carrying the work of lord silently. No religion binds them, essentially they do not identify any karma at any plane hence do not do karma kanda or religious practices.

They do not identify themselves with any body, they see reflection of themselves in every being living or non living.

If the Divine will is that they need to teach people the religious practices then they do that. Example :Ramakrishna paramahamsa.

If the divine will is that they need to teach people who are more evolved and have a tendency to meditate alone then they do it.

Example: Gautam Buddha.

For self realisation to happen there needs a change in the internal core. We have 3 different shells that need to be broken:

Individuality

Personality

Soul consciousness 

Let us try to understand this through an analogy: if we take 2 different types of sugar cubes, to the external world of name and form we can accept that they are 2 different sugar cubes. Let us colour these two different sugar cubes with 2 different colours. Now our eyes recognise these two sugar cubes as different with respect to shape and colour, if we further induce a typical smell to these cubes then they also smell differently, if we polish one cube then touch is also different. By adding some additives even the taste can change. Finally we name cube one as Ram and cube two as Shyam and started calling them by those names. Entire process explained is done for vyavaraha. This is all fine there is no issue here as far as spirituality is concerned.

Now suppose someone applies a reversing process and distillation process and mixes these sugar cubes into water and then they lose their identity. Further if they are made to crystallise then 2 different sugar cubes re-appear once more. However we cannot call these 2 new cubes to be the same. Since their earlier existence was lost in the sugar solution and now we got new cubes from the solution.

Similar process happens to our selves, when we are able to transcend ourselves until atmic plane then separate existence ceases, we continue to exist as one in the whole. This is Yoga.

For the above to happen there are various paths. Some of these paths have been followed by a majority and hence the name of religion came into existence. However even before the name of religion was born the path existed.

World as I know has 4 types of people. 

1) Fully realized masters- who have taken birth.

2) Earners seekers- who are treading the path. Who are willing to accept a guru, guide or who are letting go of their ego before a higher power

3) The ignorant- who do not know that even such a path needs to be pursued and it is the ultimate reason for our existence.

4) The confused lot of pretenders.

Problem is to distinguish between #1 and #4. We don't have issues with 2 & 3. 

Actually we shouldn't be having issues with any of the 4 :) truly speaking. However just for the sake of understanding.

The great Greek philosopher said that one should try to get rid of at least 1 fool in this life and that fool is his own self. Post that he can help many fools around him.

So it is best to leave the deluded lot to fend for themselves until we have helped ourselves with self realisation then we undertake the work of lord. Until such time the only course of action we have is to just love the other person with our heart and try to see the same lord within him as well as us. Remember there is no God  vacuum. Everyone in this world is required for our evolution. 

We can learn what to do by observing someone and we can learn what not to do by observing someone else.

The above is entirely my understanding and original. I know that I do not know  every thing. However I also know that I do not aspire to know all. My aspiration is to know just the real me with the knowledge that this real me is within every one.

Thankfully recently my master was kind enough to open my mind to the higher truth that in reality, it is not that my Atma is the same a your Atma and everyone's Atma. It is that Atma alone exists in the entire creation and that we are living within that  Atma.

This can be more easily comprehended if we take the following example.

We all have houses, this we call it our own property. We can rent our property or lease it or live in it. We pass on this property to our progeny. 

Spirituality doesn't have any issues with this practicality. Since this practicality is also required for there to be a law and order within humanity.

Although this practicality is also self imposed. Nature has actually asked us to live and in order to protect ourselves from heat, cold, rains we needed a shelter and thus the need to construct a house came as a thought to ancient mind.

In order that people do not quarrel they have accepted some laws themselves that give them a right to their property. Again all this has nothing to do with spirituality.

What we call our house also has rooms and we define an activity within each room. The moment this comes then we come to the concept of how big the room is. This is dependent on space of plot, house and then the room. Essentially the space.

Now the higher reality, is the space within the room or does room exists within the space? If we think deep then space existed even before the room was created. Even after the house is demolished the space continues to exists. Space is untouched by the activity done in the room. Example take the instance of your kitchen, it has the peculiar smell of food however if the house is brought down then in that space you won't get the smell. Space is untouched.

Within the space everything exists and within every thing the space exists. So space has 2 layers like the universal later where this entire universe exists in space and then there is a space within each one of us.

This concept is the same as that of Atma. If I called it space then it appeared scientific and devoid of religion however the moment I called it Atma then you associate with Hindu thought. So reality is beyond the words too. Since these words are also man made to communicate to one another.

A spiritual person see this as he exists within this space hence his mind is no different from the mind that exists in the space. Since if there was no space mind then there was no possibility of individual mind. He transcends from individuality to personality and finally raises to this group consciousness to be able to be live in this world and serve the humankind.

Understanding Mysticism of Mantra

Did you ever feel the need of a guru or an angel or deva who would be with you eternally?

One on who you could rely upon or look up to to take you further in the path of spirituality. A guardian angel who would help you through out your life.

Ever read the lives of great sages and saints and how they have been blessed to have see the living presence of their choosen deva like the great Saint of modern times Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who could converse with Divine Mother Kali.

Yes, if this idea intrigues you then it is worth reading the passages below. They lead us towards having such a blessing in our lives.

Here comes the need of a Mantra. Here is an info that has been collected from various sources.

Mantra Siddhi is the ultimate state of Mantra japa. When we take up chanting a Mantra and continue doing it over a period of time with the discipline as mentioned in the coming paragraphs this state of Mantra Siddhi happens with the blessing of the presiding deity of the Mantra. The key is to continue the practice without anticipating or setting up a date for this to happen, this happens when the time is ripe and inner vehicles have been purified. It could take days, months, years or even a lifetime. The benefits are believed to be carried over from past lives to future lives. 

For a Mantra Siddha, an etheric form of the Devata, manifests and becomes an eternal friend. This Devata would help the siddha until self-realization, if that is the goal which is pursued. It is a great facility on the path to truth to have a friend who never fails, who guides, directs and even advises of one’s pitfalls. This is the essential secret of every mystic in India. He accomplishes a mantra, gains the presence of an Angel or an adept and progresses rapidly thereafter and in turn becomes a helper to the society at large.

Here is what I could read and gather from various sources, I do not claim these writings to be mine. My humble attempt is just to introduce to you our tradition & spiritual practices, May the Lord and Guru in you guide you further.

Let us try to understand more about Mantra in the words of Masters.

 

According to Swami Sivananda, great sage of Rishikesh who started Divine Life Society:

"Mantra Yoga is an exact science. 'Mananat TrayateIti Mantrah'-by the Manan (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is released from the round of births and deaths is Mantra."

 

You may want to read a priceless book written by Swami Sivananda on "Japa Yoga".

Here is what another ageless Master from Himalayan transition says about Mantra Yoga:

"He who knows Sound, knows All".

“Mantrams are collection of phrases, words and sounds which by virtue of rhythmic effect achieve results that would not be possible apart from them” Understanding Mysticism of Mantra- "Mananat Trayate Iti Mantraha"

- Master Djwhal Khul.

References to this Master can be found in the teachings of Master E.K (Ekkirala Krishnamacharya). Master Djwhal Khul provided telepathic instructions to Alice A Bailey and inspired several writings on occult practices.

Coming back to our topic on Mantra.

According to Master Parvati Kumar in his book "Mantram". 

The Mantra bestows triple benefits:

1) Protects the chanter

2) Provides correct direction to chanter

3) Illumines of mind of the chanter

 

It is said that there are 35 seed –sounds or “beejaksharas”

 

These Beejaksharas are very powerful for the newly initiated they are to be practiced under the guidance of adepts hence are further diluted to form Mantras. There is a certain level of discipline that one needs to observe when working with Mantras hence they are further diluted to form Hymns. These Hymns are further simplified and diluted to create Bhajans so that common people can sing the same.

 

Keys to utter a Mantra are:

• Sound Vibration

• Rhythmic utterance

• Intent

• Intonation

• Color

• Centre – “Chakra”: Better to choose Heart/Throat/3rd Eye/Crown Chakra & not lower ones.

• Symbol

 

The scientific practice of mantram is called Tantra. The symbol for the mantram is called Yantra.

 

The regular contemplation of the mantram as per the keys would lead to sub-conscious uttering of the mantram. It then gradually becomes as regular as respiration and keeps working sub-consciously, building a bridge from conscious layer of mind to the unconscious layers(deeper layers) leading to the subjective, intuitive field of the soul.

 

Procedure to Utter Mantra:

 

Mantra can be uttered silently inside for self-purification. While doing so:

• Attach the tongue to the upper palate (if tongue moves then mind delegates the habit of utterance to tongue and wanders)

• Tip of tongue to contact upper gums without touching the teeth

• Mentally utter the mantra

• Listen to it (this eliminates mind wandering to other thoughts. Fix the mind to a chakra, visualizing color & symbol further ties the mind. Listening, visualizing color, symbol & chakra keeps mind tight from 4 corners)

 

 

 

Mantra is meant for mental purification. A pure mind eliminates the impurity of emotional & physical bodies.

 

 

Importance of Hibernation

 

Silence & secrecy are the basic qualities of the esoteric practice. It will enable the hibernation of the mind for the related transformation. Quality of withdrawal enables prevalence of hibernating conditions. A truth seeker too should learn to be silent, secretive in his practices & not to allow any publicity to take place. 

 

A caterpillar transforms into a butterfly only through hibernation.

 

Mantras & the Centres (Chakras)

 

Students should not work with lower chakras. The lower centres are like ferocious beings, when tackled, the student would attract their attack and student is too weak to counter them.

Students would find it difficult to regulate them once awakened.

 

Appropriate Utterance

 

Before one practices any Mantra, OM should be uttered 3,5 or 7 times.

Practice Mantra Vocally for a while

Then practice mentally

Contemplate on the sound of Mantra

Conclude with peace invocation: Loka SamastaSukhino Bhavantu uttered 3 times & them Om Santih Santih Santhihi  

 

5 regulations:

• Rhythm-- High tone, normal tone, low tone

• Length -- How long or Short the sound should be pronounced

• Strength -- Intensity of effort to pronounce

• Modulation -- Musical swing of sound

• Union -- Conjunction of sounds

 

Posture for Practice

 

The hands should be folded in the lap and the feet crossed.

 

 

 

Guru Shishya parampara

 

The Master-disciple relation is rich, in the sense, the presence of a Master causes the alchemy in the disciple, just like the presence of the magnet causes magnitisation of the iron piece.

For the iron piece to get magnitised without the presence of such a magnet, is difficult, though not impossible. 

 

For faster progress on this path "Purascharana" is recommended by Swami Sivananda in his book on Japa Yoga.

METHOD OF MANTRA PURASCHARANA

 

Every Mantra has a Rishi who gave it to the world; a Matra, a Devata, the Bija or seed which gives it a special power, the Sakti and the Kilakam or the pillar.

The repetition of a Mantra with rigid spiritual observances a fixed number of times to obtain quick spiritual progress is known as Mantra Purascharana. It can be performed for material progress too. The practitioner should observe certain rules and undergo strict dietetic discipline to ensure quick Mantra Siddhi.

During the Purascharana take only fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, roots, barley and Havis-Anna (rice cooked with ghee, sugar, milk). A Sadhaka can live on pure Bhiksha (alms) also. If you can live on milk alone during the period of Purascharana it is highly laudable. You can have Mantra Siddhi even by repeating the Mantra a lakh of time

 

You can select any Mantra for Purascharana. YourGuru Mantra or Ishta Mantra is the best. Sandhyatime, sunrise, sunset, midday are all recommended for Japa. Repeat the Mantra as many lakhs of times as there are letters in the Mantra. You can do half of that number. In no case the number should be less than a lakh.

Sit facing East or North during Japa. Select Siddha, Padma, Svastika or Virasana for Japa. Never sit for Japa with a loaded stomach. Have fixed timings for Japa. Take a bath before you start, if possible, or at least wash hands and feet. Perform Achamana or sipping of Sanctified Mantra water. Deer skin, cloth, blanket, Kusa grass or tiger skin can be used as seats while doing Japa. Spatika, Tulasi, Rudraksha Malas can be used for counting the number of Japa. Have a Mala with 108 beads or half or one-fourth that number.

 

Sleeping on coarse bed (strictly avoiding cushions and the like), observing strict celibacy, worshipping the deity three times a day, bathing thrice daily, abandoning oil bath, meat, fish, onion, garlic, tea, coffee, chillies, tamarind, observing silence or restricting the speech to a minimum, observing Ahimsa, speaking Truth, shunning all luxuries, one should perform the Purascharana. You should avoid as far as possible absent-mindedness, laziness, spitting during Japa, relaxation of hands and legs, sleeping during the day, mixing with undesirable persons, contact with women, receiving of gifts, looking at obscene pictures, speaking lies, the company of passionate men, chewing of betels, smoking, drinking etc., too much talk, speaking ill of others, finding fault in others, harming others in thought, word or deed, during the period of Purascharana. You should not dissipate your energy during Japa by looking hither and thither unnecessarily by shaking the body, by laughter etc.

Do the same number of Japa every day without variation. Homa or Havan should be performed after every lakh of Japa or at the end of the Purascharana.

After completing the Purascharana perform Homath the number of Japa, Tarpana (water libations) ththe number of Homa, Marjana (sprinkling) th the number of Tarpana and feeding of Brahmins th the number of Tarpana. You can do feeding and charity according to your capacity if you cannot adhere to the above strictly.

 

Does "Purascharana" appear to be difficult? Don't lose heart or postpone your progress for some future date. You can get started with something easier like Mantra Writing.

MANTRA-WRITING LEADS TO MEDITATION

Of the various methods of Japa described in the scriptures Mantra-writing is the most efficacious. It helps the aspirant in concentrating the mind and gradually leads to meditation.

BENEFITS...

Concentration-Distractions are minimised as the mind, tongue, hands and eyes are all engaged with the Mantra. This increases the power of concentration and efficiency in work.

Control-The mind is controlled by the power of Mantra and it will work better and quicker for you.

Evolution-Due to repeated innumerable impacts of the Mantra on the subconscious mind, subtle, spiritual impressions are made, which hasten the Soul's progress in evolution.

Peace-If you are disturbed due to worries or untoward incidents, the mind will get calm and peaceful.

Force-A mighty spiritual force is generated in course of time in the atmosphere of the place, where you write Mantras or keep the notebooks. It helps in secular and spiritual progress.

Conclusion-Begin today. Do not procrastinate. Give it a sincere trial. Be a master of your mind, not its slave. Write from one to three pages a day. Follow the rules as far as possible if you want quicker results.

RULES FOR MANTRA-WRITING

Select a Mantra, or Name of God, and write it with ink in a notebook daily in any script on 1 to 3 pages.

Sit in the same place at the same time daily. If possible, keep it under lock and key.

Write after a bath, or after washing hands, feet, face and mouth.

Sit in one pose throughout. Don't move till completed.

Observe silence, and avoid talks, engagements, or calls.

Fix the eyes on the notebook. Don't move till completed.

Repeat the Mantra or Name mentally while writing.

Fix the mind on the form and attributes of the Lord, while writing the Name or Mantra.

Adopt one uniform system of writing, top to bottom or left to right.

Write each Mantra or Name completely at a time and not in parts.

Don't change Mantra or Name. Select one and stick to it for life.

Preserve all completed books near your place of worship.

May the Guru within us bless us on this path.

Lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu, Om Santih Santih santihi.

I once again bow before the masters mentioned in the passages above and offer this blog to their divine lotus feet.