Mahavakyas (great contemplations)
http://www.swamij.com/mahavakyas.htm
STAGES OF YOGA VEDANTA MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATION
Swami Rama
Meditation and contemplation are two different techniques, yet they are complementary to each other. Meditation is a definite method of training oneself on all levels – body, breath, conscious mind, and unconscious mind – while contemplation builds a definite philosophy. Without the support of a solid philosophy, the method of meditation does not lead to higher dimensions of consciousness.
Contemplation makes one aware of the existence of the Reality, but Reality can be experienced only through the higher techniques of meditation. In the Vedanta system, meditation and contemplation are both used. When an aspirant tires of meditation because of lack of endurance, then he contemplates on the mahavakyas [great contemplations] and studies those scriptures that are helpful in the path of Self-realization and enlightenment. Contemplation, vichara, complements the Vedantic way of meditation, dhyana.
In Vedanta philosophy, there is a definite method used for contemplation. Ordinarily, the mind remains busy in self-dialogue, entangled in the web of its thought patterns. Because of desires, feelings, and emotions, unmanageable conflicts are created in one's mental life. But the Vedanta way of contemplating transforms the entire personality of the aspirant, for the statements, mahavakyas, imparted by the preceptor create a dynamic change in the values of his life. These statements are compact, condensed, and abstruse srutis and cannot be understood without the help of a preceptor who is fully knowledgeable of the scriptures and these terse texts. Only a realized teacher can impart the profundity of such knowledge in a lucid language.
The thoughts, feelings, and desires which were once important to the aspirant lose their value, for he has only one goal to attain. The glory of contemplation brings a dynamic transformation to the internal states of the aspirant. This seems to be very necessary, because that which creates a barrier or becomes an obstacle for students loses its strength due to the power of contemplation, which transforms all his internal states.
First, an aspirant attentively listens to the sayings of the Upanishads from a preceptor who is Brahman-conscious all the time.
In the second step, he practices vichara (contemplation), which means that he goes to the depths of the great sayings and determines to practice them with mind, action, and speech.
One-pointed devotion, full determination, and dedication lead him to the higher step called nididhyasana. Here he acquires comprehensive knowledge of the Ultimate Truth. But he has not yet attained the final step of consciousness that leads him to the direct realization of the one self-existent Truth without second.
The highest state of contemplation is called saksatkara. In this state, perception and conceptualization are in complete agreement, and all the doubts from all levels of understanding vanish forever. At this height of knowledge, truth reveals itself to the aspirant, and perfect realization is accomplished, "I am Atman – I am Brahman." This state of advaita is attained by the process of contemplation. Meditation plays an entirely different role and helps the aspirant make his mind one-pointed, inward, and steady.
Steadiness and stillness are practiced from the very beginning in this meditational method. The method of sitting, the method of breathing, the method of concentration, and the method of allowing a concentrated mind to flow uninterruptedly are subsequent steps that help the aspirant to expand his capacity so that he can contemplate without distraction.
Attaining Yoga or Union:
Yoga or "Union" is attained by first training, balancing, and purifying each of the aspects of our being individually, and then systematically receding attention inward through those levels, expanding so as to experience the state of Union, Yoga, Samadhi, or Turiya.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Stages of Yoga Vedanta Meditation and Contemplation
Sunday, March 02, 2008
VIDEO (2 min): What Yoga has Become in America
NEW VIDEO (2:00 Minutes)
What Yoga has Become in America
By Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati
VIDEO at YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An4LwizAVFo
For more information about what Yoga has become in America, please see:
http://www.swamij.com/traditional-yoga.htm
VIDEO: Diaphragmatic Breathing for Advanced Yoga Meditation
NEW VIDEO (5:34Minutes)
Diaphragmatic Breathing for Advanced Yoga Meditation
By Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati
YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc_fQMdKJqU
MySpace link:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=27355180
Proper diaphragmatic breathing is a central foundation practice for
one who wishes to move on to advanced meditation, to experience the
highest direct experiences of Yoga. One of the challenges to
breathing diaphragmatically is in knowing exactly where the diaphragm
is located, and how it works. When breathing diaphragmatically, the
muscles of the abdomen, chest, and clavicles are not involved. They
remain still, while the diaphragm gently contracts on inhalation, and
releases on exhalation. Breath is an extremely useful part of the
systematic process of Yoga meditation, which leads one beyond the
breath to the finer, subtler practices and experiences. There is
tremendous value in understanding the process of breathing, and in
diligently, gently practicing diaphragmatic breathing.
http://www.swamij.com/
AUDIO: Theism, Atheism, Nondualism, Contemplation, and Shaktipat
THEISM, ATHEISM, NONDUALISM, CONTEMPLATION, AND SHAKTIPATSwami Jnaneshvara Bharati
AUDIO RECORDING (PODCAST)
(41:33 minutes)
http://www.swamij.com/podcast/080223-swami-j-cnd-conf.mp3
Presentation by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati at the annual conference ofthe Center for Non-Dualism in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on February23, 2008. The talk blends three topics: 1) Theism, Atheism, and Non-Dualism; 2) How do I contemplate? What are "great" contemplations? 3)What is shaktipat? How does it work?
Center for NonDualism
Meaning of Non-Dualism: Non-Dualism is the orientation that there is one absolute reality without a second, and that each of us, although an individual person, is one with that reality, just as a wave is not separate from the ocean. The emphasis of our Center is on the practices such as contemplation and meditation which lead to the direct experience of this Non-Dual reality.
Weekly Programs: The Center for Non-Dualism serves the Emerald Coast area of Northwest Florida. Our weekly gatherings are each Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30, with the program itself from 11:00 to 12:00. Our meeting location is the Gardenia Room at Cayo Grande, at 214 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. A map is on the website.
Invitation: Our view is that all dualistic religions, practices, and philosophies are practical tools that ultimately lead to the direct experience of the Non-Dual reality. All people who share this perspective and approach to life and spiritual practices are welcome and invited to participate in our programs and community. Teachers and organizations with a similar view of Nonduality are invited to network through our community, as friends of the Center for Non-Dualism.
Website:
Saturday, September 29, 2007
13 Speakers: Swami Rama Yoga Meditation Intensive, India, 10/29/07 - 11/16/07
Following is an announcement about the Swami Rama Intensive in India Oct 29 - Nov 16. This will truly be an exciting and insightful time for sincere practitioners of Yoga Meditation, Vedanta and Tantra in the context of the teachings and tradition of Swami Rama. I personally very much look forward to participating, to helping with the presentations, and to hearing the perspecives of the other 12 speakers (biodata below). This is a rare opportunity for those who attend.
In loving service,
Swami Jnaneshvara
ANNOUNCEMENT
Sadhana Mandir Ashram (Swami Rama’s Ashram) of Rishikesh, India is happy to announce the SWAMI RAMA INTENSIVE program, October 29 – November 16, 2007 at the Himalayan Institute Hospital campus and Swami Rama Center, between Rishikesh and Dehradun, India. Monday through Friday programs will be at the hospital campus and weekend retreats will be at the ashram on the Ganges in Rishikesh.
The SWAMI RAMA INTENSIVE will be a flexible program adapting to the wishes and needs of the participants. However, each daily program will include classes drawing directly on a specific chapter from one of the books by Swami Rama. These presentations will be give by 13
different speakers, who are listed below. There will also be group meditations and self-awareness practices in alignment with the practices taught by Swami Rama.
FOR MORE INFO, RESERVATIONS & QUESTIONS:
http://www.sadhanamandir.org/SRI.htm
BIODATA OF THE 13 PRESENTERS:
Dr Achala M. Singhal, MD, DM, FACC, is a Professor & Head of Cardiology Department at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Personally trained by Sri Swami Rama in holistic approaches to medicine, Dr. Achala has conducted research on the effects of
meditation and breath control on hypertension and heart disease. Holistic approaches with cardiac patients have helped avoid invasive procedures in many cases, along with complete healing.
Dr. Anil Singhal is Professor of Neurology at HIHT. He received his M.D. in Medicine at AIIMS and did his residency in Neurology in USA. He is Head of the Departments of Holistic Medicine and Neurosciences. He worked closely with Swamiji from the very inception of HIHT.
Dr. M. Ganasan, MBBS, a disciple of Swami Rama since 1990, Dr. Ganasan had a flourishing private medical practice in Malaysia. Currently Director of the Combined Therapy Program at HIHT, Dr. Ganasan focuses on Yoga Therapy based on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Swami Rama’s teachings. This highly individualized program takes the participant through physical postures, breathing exercises, cleansing practices, mind/ energy/body integration, leading to Self Awareness and ultimately to living in the universe itself.
Dandi Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati, MA, a disciple of Swami Rama, provides spiritual counseling and teaches practical aspects of Meditation, Yoga, Vedanta, and internal Tantra. Swami J is widely known for his passionate dedication to the teachings of Swami Rama,
which he expounds in a simple, efficient, and easy-to-understand manner.
Dr. John Clarke, M.D. is former Chairman of the Himalayan Institute of the USA, Dr. Clarke received his M.D. degree from Harvard University in Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Cardiology. He is also an Emergency Room physician and resides in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Dr. Kathleen McKeehan is a Nursing Advisor at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust. She received her Ph.D in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University, USA. She is a certified Hatha Yoga teacher and worked with Swamiji in USA before coming to India in 1992.
Ms. B. Maithili, a disciple of Swami Rama, is serving the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust in the capacity of Director of Rural Development Institute.
Dr. Prakash Keshaviah is Director of Nephrology and an Honorary Professor of Physiology at HIHT. He received Post-Graduate Degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Physiology from the University of Minnesota, USA. His training with Swamiji dates back to the late 1960s.
Dr. Ravindra Kumar Mamgain, experienced in Ayurveda for over 20 years, is an Associate Professor of Ayurvedic Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, and consultant physician at the Department of Ayurveda,
Dr. Sunil Saini M.B.B.S., M.S. ( Surgery), Fellow UICC, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology , Professor of Surgery. Dedicated to the service of cancer patients, Dr. Saini was inspired and trained by Swami Rama to focus on holistic approaches, quality of life issues and stress management in cancer control and research.
Mr. Vijay Dhasmana, member Presidential Body, is respected for his dynamic leadership and management abilities. Having recently translated several of Swami Rama’s books from English into Hindi, Vijay is very conversant with Swamiji’s teachings.
Dr. Vijendra Chauhan is a Professor and an eminent Surgeon of Orthopaedics in HIHT. He is also a member of the Presidential Body. He received his MS in Orthopaedics from Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences. Hehas been associated with Swamiji since 1994.
Dr. Vishnudas K. is an Ayurvedic physician with over 15 years of experience in Ayurveda. He currently runs the Ashtavaidhya Parampara Ayurvedic center in Rishikesh, and has an Ayurvedic clinic at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Rishikesh Extension branch.
http://swamij.com/
Monday, September 03, 2007
Mandukya Upanishad on Om Mantra: Yoga Meditation (VIDEO 9:30)
Mandukya Upanishad on Om Mantra: Yoga Meditation (VIDEO 9:30)
This video is on the Om Mantra as outlined in the Mandukya Upanishad. The pinnacle of the wisdom of the ancient sages is contained in these terse twelve verses, which outline the philosophy and practices of the Om mantra (written as either AUM or OM). The three stages plus the fourth of Om mantra are central to Yoga Meditation, Advaita Vedanta, and Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra.
VIDEO (9:30 minutes):
Click here for VIDEO at YouTube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fNruveUaeRg
Click here for VIDEO at MySpace:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=17293431
http://www.swamij.com/
