Notebook for
Living with the Himalayan Masters
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CHILDHOOD IS THE FOUNDATION STONE UPON which stands the whole life structure . The seed sown in childhood blossoms into the tree of life . The education which is imparted in childhood is more important than the education which is received in colleges and universities . In the process of human growth , proper guidance along with environmental learning is important .
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If one does not learn to listen to the music of nature and appreciate her beauty , then that which impels man to seek love at its fountain may be lost in the remotest antiquity .
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When one learns to hear the music of nature and appreciate her beauty , then his soul moves in harmony with its entire environment .
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The mind of man should be trained to love nature before he looks through the corridor of his life .
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This is a land where Sandhya Bhasha was born .
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It is a purely yogic language , spoken by only a few fortunate yogis , sages , and adepts . Philosophically and ideally , it is very similar to Sanskrit , for every word of Sandhya Bhasha flows full of meaning from its root sound .
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when ida and pingala [ the left and right energy channels of the human body ] equally flow , that union is called s andhya or sushumna .
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( The grammar of the Vedas is called Nirukta . ) Similarly , the grammar of Sandhya Bhasha is completely based on sounds and is diminishing .
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Many Sanskrit poems , such as Mahimna - stotra , are sung as though a traveler were going up and coming down from the Himalayas .
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I realized that nature is very peaceful . She disturbs only those who disturb themselves , but she teaches wisdom to those who admire and appreciate her beauty . This is especially true in the Himalayas .
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I was told that the soma creeper comes from the succulent family and grows at the height of 11,000 to 18,000 feet .
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I never picked a flower again . Beauty is to be admired and not to be used , possessed , or destroyed
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The currents would never turn back , but another mass of water would fill the gap . There was always continuity . Those streams are like the perennial flow of life .
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Long ago , sailors learned that drinking water from the Ganges carried by ships traveling from Calcutta to London did not stagnate , but water from the Thames carried by ships traveling from London to India had to be replaced by fresh water along the way .
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Taking a bath in a river and making pilgrimages from one shrine to another will not free you from the bondage of karma . Such belief is only superstition and has no logic . ”
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In the high mountains , bhoja patra grows and supplies bark paper , which the villagers use to record their experiences , their ways of worship , and the usage of the herbs .
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Throughout these mountains , Shakti worship is prominent ,
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The month of July is the finest month for traveling in the Himalayas .
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It is not unpleasantly cold , and those who know the nature of glaciers , avalanches , and landslides can travel comfortably if they are careful .
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The Great Vehicle of Buddhism , Mahayana , passed across the Himalayan borders , first to Tibet and then to China , greatly enriching Chinese culture and religion .
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In a true spiritual tradition the teacher gives so much to his student that the student’s life is overwhelmed and transformed .
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The word yeti is misused for “ snowman . ” It is a Sanskrit word which means a renunciate , an austere person , and is the name of a group of renunciate sadhus who belong to one of the orders of Shankaracharya . How strange to use this word for a snowman ; yetis are human beings and not snowmen !
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The cave is kept quite warm by the dhooni , a fire which is never extinguished .
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There are certain hermitages where masters still teach their students in the ancient manner . There , the teacher lives in a natural cave and the disciples come from various places to study and practice with him .
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YOUNG AGE IS THE BUDDING PERIOD OF THE FLOWER of life . It needs protection so that the diverse opinions of others do not create confusion in the mind .
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This is the period of shaping the habits of the mind .
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There is a narrow barrier between selfishness and selflessness , love and hatred .
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Teachers , by testing their students , teach self - discipline and promote self - reliance .
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It is said in the scriptures that with the help of sankalpa shakti ( the power of determination ) nothing is impossible .
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The whole search for enlightenment is to seek within , to become aware that you are complete in yourself .
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“ When we devote our mind , energy , and resources to believing in that which is non - existent , then it appears to exist , and that is maya . Don’t contemplate on evil , devils , sins , avidya , or maya and thereby put yourself in a state of stress and worry .
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“ Many people confuse attachment with love . But in attachment you become selfish , interested in your own pleasure , and you misuse love .
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When yogis speak of non - attachment they are not teaching indifference , but are teaching how to genuinely and selflessly love others .
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Truth is the ultimate goal of human life , and if it is practiced with mind , speech and action , the goal can be reached . Truth can be attained by practicing non - lying and by not doing those actions which are against one’s own conscience . Conscience is the best of guides .
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No one can show God to anyone else . One has to independently realize his real self ; thereby he realizes the self of all , which is called God .
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DIRECT EXPERIENCE IS THE HIGHEST OF ALL WAYS of gaining knowledge .
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Our mother is our first teacher , then our father , and then our brothers and sisters . Later we learn from the children with whom we play , from teachers at school , and from the writers of books . No matter what you have learned , you have not learned a single thing independently of others . So far all that you have learned is a contribution from others . And from whom have they learned ? They have also learned from others .
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I pity you because you have not learned anything independently
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The knowledge on which you depend is not at all your knowledge . That is why it is not satisfying , no matter how much of it you possess .
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Indirect knowledge is of course informative , but not fulfilling .
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He who is called an intellectual man today only collects facts from various books and scriptures
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Exploiting the noble tradition by selling mantras in the marketplace is absurd .
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Mantra is exactly like a human being having many sheaths : gross , subtle , more subtle , and subtlest . Take , for example , Aum . These three letters actually represent the three states ( waking , dreaming , and sleeping ) or the three bodies ( gross , subtle , and more subtle ) . But the fourth state or the finest body of the mantra is formless , soundless , and indefinable . A student , if he understands the process of laya yoga ( dissolution ) , can know the formless body and superconsciousness of mantra . Mantra is very powerful and essential , a compact form of prayer . If remembered constantly , it becomes a guide .
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“ No matter where you live , live cheerfully .
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There is a type of mantra called apta mantra which belongs uniquely to the particular sage who imparts it .
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Mantra becomes helpful when the mind is purified and directed inward . Without knowing the meaning of the mantra , the proper feeling cannot be aroused , and without strong feeling , mantra and its technical repetition is not of much use .
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Among all the methods for training and therapies , the highest of all is that of self - training in which one remains conscious of one’s mind , actions , and speech .
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In learning to control the mind and its modifications , it is essential to go through the process of self - observation , analysis , and meditation .
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Learning to control the mind and careful study of the relationship between the conscious mind and the unconscious mind took me a long time .
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The third chapter of the Yoga Sutras explains many methods of attaining siddhis [ powers ] , but these siddhis create stumbling blocks in the path of enlightenment .
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Mandukya Upanishad , which explains the three states of mind — waking , dreaming , sleeping — and the fourth state , turiya , which is termed as “ the state beyond . ”
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Happiness is the greatest wealth of all . Punctuality is essential . Practicing advanced methods of breathing is equally important . The technique of agelessness is a technique of pranayama . ”
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TO CULTIVATE THE QUALITY OF HUMILITY IS ONE step toward enlightenment . By being humble we gain much and lose nothing . Prayer and contemplation strengthen our willpower in cultivating this inner quality .
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He quoted the dialogue between Rama and Hanuman in the Yoga Vasishtha and said , “ ‘ Eternally we are one and the same , but as human beings , you are still a servant and I am your master . ’ Modern man tries to have the position of a master without attaining anything . ”
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It is not action that ought to be renounced , but the fruit of action .
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“ The Upanishads appear to be full of contradictions . In one place they say that Brahman is one without a second . Somewhere else they say that everything is Brahman . In a third place they say this world is false and Brahman alone is truth . And in a fourth place it is said that there is only one absolute Reality beneath all these diversities . How can one make sense out of these conflicting statements ? ”
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there are no contradictions in the teachings of the Upanishads . These teachings are received directly by the great sages in a deep state of contemplation and meditation .
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“ When the student starts practicing , he realizes that this apparent world is changeable , while truth never changes . Then he knows that the world of forms and names which is full of changes is false , and that behind it there exists an absolute Reality that is unchanging . In the second step , when he has known the truth , he understands that there is only one truth and that truth is omnipresent , so there is really nothing like falsehood . In that stage he knows that reality which is one and the same in both the finite and infinite worlds . But there is another , higher , state in which the aspirant realizes that there is only one absolute Reality without second , and that that which is apparently false is in reality a manifestation of the absolute One .
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“ The teachings of the Upanishads are not understood by the ordinary mind or even by the intellectual mind . Intuitive knowledge alone leads to understanding them . ”
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have no selfish desire to acquire things for yourself . Give up all anger , greed , and attachment . Practice meditation regularly .
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“ He doesn’t talk to anyone or look at anyone ; he doesn’t even eat . This is the third month he has been in the same place without getting up . We have never seen such a man . ” This state is called ajagar - vritti , which means “ python’s tendency . ”
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Buddha said , “ For a wise man , there is nothing to be called bad . Any adversity of life provides a step for his growth , provided he knows how to utilize it . ”
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A human being knows enough , but that knowledge needs to be brought into daily life . If this is not done , the knowledge remains limited within the boundaries of knowing only . We all know what to do and what not to do , but it is very difficult to learn how to be . Real knowledge is found not in knowing but rather in being .
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A large ant was brought . He cut it into three pieces and separated them . Then he closed his eyes and sat motionless . After a moment the three parts moved toward each other . They joined together , and the revived ant scurried away .
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If you know all about the piano but don’t practice , you will never create music . Knowing is useless without practice . Knowing is mere information . Practice gives direct experience , which alone is valid knowledge . ”
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The education given to modern children is very superficial . Without any discipline , control over the mind is not possible — and without control of the mind , direct experience is impossible . ”
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The human mind is a great wonder and magician . It can assume the form of both a devil and a divine being any time it wishes .
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Dreaming is a natural state of mind . It is an intermediate state between waking and sleeping . When the senses are prevented from receiving the sense perceptions , the mind starts recalling the memories from the unconscious . All the hidden desires also lie in the unconscious , waiting to find their fulfillment . When the senses are not perceiving the objects of the world and the conscious mind is at rest , then recalled memories start coming forward and they are called dreams . Through dreams we can analyze a level of our hidden personality .
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If there is only one existence , which is omnipresent and omniscient , then where is the place for the existence of the devil ?
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it is natural for any living creature to be in a state of meditation near someone who is in deep meditation .
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Fear gives birth to insecurity , which creates imbalance in the mind , and this influences one’s behavior .
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animals are more dedicated lovers than human beings . Their friendship can be relied upon . It is unconditional , while relationships between people are full of conditions
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If the instinctive sensitivity for our relation to others is regained , we can become realized without much effort .
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THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION IS THE PATH OF THE razor’s edge . It is for a fortunate few , and not for all . Non - attachment and knowledge of the self are two important prerequisites on this path .
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“ The finest hours are the hours of night , but very few know how to utilize their worth and silence . Three categories of people remain awake at night : the yogi , the bhogi [ sensualist ] , and the rogi [ sick person ] .
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“ Closing the eyes unconsciously , without having any content in the mind , is sleep .
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Closing the eyes consciously is a part of meditation .
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A candle light is extinguished by the breeze very easily , but if that light is protected and allowed to catch the forest , it will grow into a forest fire . Then the breeze helps that fire instead of extinguishing it . Similarly , when an aspirant , with the help of discipline , protects the flame of desire burning within , it grows more and more .
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Attachment is one of the strongest obstacles created by us .
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There are four ways of removing these obstacles . First , if there is no object , the human mind cannot become attached to it .
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Second , while having all the objects of the world , if we learn the technique of using them as means , then the objects are not able to create obstacles for us .
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The third way is the path of conquest , in which one learns to do his actions skillfully and selflessly , surrendering the fruits of his actions for the benefits of others .
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Fourth , by self - surrender one surrenders himself and all that he owns to the Lord and leads a life of freedom from all attachments .
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He wanted me to taste the things of the world , to come to understand their worth , and to analyze and then renounce them .
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Simple living and elevated thoughts help in creating an aesthetic sense .
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Renunciation is a path of fire , and should be followed only by those who have burned their worldly desires .
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The swami concluded that the world actually worships the ego in the name of God .
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[ Shankara established four institutions in different sections of India , and a fifth institution at a place where he spent his last days .
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Remember this , as Swami Vivekananda says : “ Fortune is like a flirt — she will run away from you when you want her , but if you are not interested in her , she will come chasing you . ”
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Decide that no matter what happens , you will do what you set out to do . If you are determined , possible distractions will still be there — but you will continue on your path and remain undisturbed . Sankalpa ( determination ) is very important . You cannot change your circumstances , the world , or your society to suit you . But if you have strength and determination you can go through this procession of life very successfully .
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“ Attachment was my mother , and anger was my father .
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Meditation will become your very nature when you give up attachment , anger , and pride . Then you will not have to pose for meditation , for your whole life will be a sort of meditation .
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There are many paths to enlightenment generally referred to in yoga , but actually there are six main paths , and bhakti yoga , the path of devotion , is one of them .
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Jñana yoga is a path of knowledge , and is called the yoga of the intellect .
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Karma yoga is a path followed by those who believe in doing duties selflessly .
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Kundalini yoga is one of the aspects of yoga which is practiced by those who understand a great deal about the body , the nervous system , and the various channels of energy in the human body .
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The primal force , which remains in the sleeping state at the base of the spinal column , is consciously awakened and led through the sushumna to the highest of the chakras , where the Shakti principle unites with the Shiva principle .
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Raja yoga is a path of systematic discipline which leads the student upward along the eight - runged ladder to a state called samadhi , or union with the absolute Reality .
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Sri Vidya , in which the microcosm and macrocosm are thoroughly understood , is the highest of all the paths and is practiced by only very few accomplished ones .
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There is no superior or inferior path . It is immaterial which path one follows , but one should carefully watch one’s own modifications of mind and learn not to identify with them . ”
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“ There are three levels of healing : physical , mental , and spiritual . Man is a citizen of these three levels . One who has spiritual power can heal others on all levels , but if he tries to make healing his profession , his mind and will - force will again start running toward worldly grooves .
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Misuse of spiritual power weakens and distracts the very basis of that power , which is called ichchha shakti .
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The healing energy is flowing without any interruption in every human heart . By the right use of the dynamic will , these channels of healing energy can be directed to the suffering part of the body and mind .
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The key to healing is selflessness , love , dynamic will , and undivided devotion to the Lord within . ”
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Fanatic devotion to a country , even one as spiritually great as India , does not befit a man of God . ”
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Through this I learned how power corrupts a nation and destroys its culture and civilization . The surest way to destroy a country and its culture is by first changing its language . The British were successful because they did this
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The surest way to destroy a country and its culture is by first changing its language . The British were successful because they did this .
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Unifying the language of India is one of the greatest tasks that the people and the government have yet to complete .
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We have still to think about the fundamental reconstruction of the whole order of Indian society through literature , science , art , and education .
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Then the caste system in India was structured according to distribution of labor — but it was completely changed by the Britishers , who created hatred with their policy of divide and rule .
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The poverty in India is not because of spirituality , but because of not practicing spirituality and not knowing the technique of integrating spirituality with external life .
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The science of chakra is very terse , but if one knows this science well it serves him on all levels .
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These energy centers correspond in the physical body to points along the spinal cord . The lowest is located at the coccyx , the second in the sacral area , the third at the navel , the fourth at the heart , the fifth at the base of the throat , the sixth at the point between the eyebrows , and the seventh at the crown of the head .
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Sir John Woodroffe )
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According to the science of tantra , male and female are two principles of the universe called Shiva and Shakti . These two principles exist within each individual .
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Indian philosophy is divided into seven systems , which attempt to answer the most basic philosophical inquiries .
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Who am I ?
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The seven systems of Indian philosophy which address themselves to these issues are Vedanta , Yoga , Sankhya , Vaisheshika , Mimamsa , Nyaya , and Buddhism
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The individual soul is essentially Brahman , all - inclusive , all - expansive . The genderless Aum is its name ; it is the nucleus — and the universe is its expansion .
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All the schools of Indian philosophy have included something from Sankhya philosophy in their systems . This system is the very basis of Indian psychology . It gave birth to the positive science of mathematics and then to the medical system of India , for to understand the body is to understand all human nature .
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Another swami brought three quarts of warm water and told me to do an upper wash . [ This yogic technique for cleansing the stomach involves drinking a large quantity of water and then vomiting it up . ]
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If we follow religion without practicing the Truth , it is like the blind leading the blind . Those who belong to God love all . Love is the religion of the universe .
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Christianity analyzes life with the help of theology and stops at the barrier of faith , while Buddhism rationalizes life and stops at nirvana .
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This saffron garb stands for the color of fire . Only one who has burnt all worldly desires into the fire of knowledge is permitted to wear it .
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There are ten orders of swamis and several of sadhus . Out of the ten orders of swamis , four of them are exclusively for brahmins , because the brahmins practice and learn spiritual books from their early childhood . The environment in which they are brought up is spiritual . They study the scriptures of wisdom and thus can impart the knowledge properly , but the other six orders are given to other classes .
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The story of a pair of white pigeons is very famous in this area . It is said that a pair of white pigeons come on the day of pilgrimage .
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Kashmir Shaivism has many scriptures still untranslated and unexplained . So much is left unsaid in these great scriptures that they are only understood by those fortunate ones who are on the path and have already understood something of it .
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This philosophy views the spirit , mind , body , and all levels of reality in the entire universe as a manifestation of the principle termed spanda , spontaneous vibration . The subject matter of these scriptures is shaktipata and awakening the latent force buried in human beings .
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I don’t consider levitation to be a spiritual practice . It is an advanced practice of pranayama with application of bandhas ( locks ) .
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Intuition is the only source of true knowledge .
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‘ Churchianity . ’ ”
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The reincarnations of God are the messengers of the sages .
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Freedom is one of the prime messages given by the sages , but it has been obstructed so much that today’s religious man lives like a slave , terrified and obsessed by evil and devils .
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I started looking forward to that day to come when all of humanity will follow the religion of man by worshipping one truth and practicing love . Then there will be no place for hatred , jealousy , and other prejudices of life .
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SELF - SURRENDER IS THE HIGHEST AND EASIEST method for enlightenment . One who has surrendered himself is always protected by the divine power .
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The aspect of psychology which is termed transpersonal or transcendental psychology is beyond the grasp of modern scientists . The perennial psychology of the ancients which has been cultivated for several centuries in the past is an exact science . It is based on the finest knowledge , which is called intuition .
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Everyone there drank green tea mixed with an herb called gangatulsi ( Artemisia cina ) .
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It is called Khat - Dharshana or Six Systems of Indian Philosophy .
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There is a special posture and a breathing technique which helped to protect me from the cold .
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one a commentary on Mahimnastotra — Hymns of the Lord .
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A stage comes when intellect cannot guide us , and only intuition can show us the way .
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It dawns only when the mind attains a state of tranquility , equilibrium , and equanimity .
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“ Without being God - fearing , love for God is not possible , and without love for God , realization is impossible . ”
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you’ll also find genuine astrological practitioners . If you decide to consult one , before you arrive he may write a description of your whole life , and on the front will be your name . It will be waiting for you when you arrive , even if you have not told anyone you are going to see him . Such an ability is rare . You will find it at only two or three places , but it is quite genuine . ]
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He said , “ Even death can be prevented . ”
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If the mind is trained , made one - pointed and inward , it also has power to penetrate into the deeper levels of our being . It is the finest instrument that a human being can ever have .
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If you look at someone with full attention by focusing your conscious mind , it can immediately influence him .
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book Chakravarti’s Mathematics .
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When the mind is focused externally on some object , it is called gaze ; when it is focused internally , it is called concentration .
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One may gaze at the space between the two eyebrows , the bridge between the two nostrils , a candle light in a dark room , the early morning sun , or the moon .
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I am demonstrating this so that you can understand how a man can influence the mind of another from any part of the world if it is for a good reason . Helping others is possible from a distance . ”
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Mathematics has the digit 1 . All other digits are multiples of the same 1 . Similarly , there is only one absolute Reality and all the names and forms of the universe are multiple manifestations of that One .
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make a zero first , then put one afterwards : 01 . Every zero has value if the one is put first , but zero has no value if the one is not put first . All the things of the world are like zeros , and without being conscious of the one Reality they have no value at all . When we remember the one Reality , then life becomes worthwhile . Otherwise it is burdensome . ”
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Aghor is a path which has been described in the Atharva Veda ,
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He had the power to transform matter into different forms , like changing a rock into a sugar cube . One after another the next morning he did many such things . He told me to touch the sand — and the grains of sand turned into almonds and cashews . I had heard of this science before and knew its basic principles , but I had hardly believed such stories .
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He was very gentle with me , all the time discussing the tantra scriptures . He said , “ This science is dying . Learned people do not want to practice it , so there will be a time when this knowledge will be forgotten . ” I asked , “ What is the use of doing all this ? ” He said , “ What do you mean by ‘ use ’ ? This is a science , and a scientist of this knowledge should use it for healing purposes , and should tell other scientists that matter can be changed into energy and energy into matter . The law that governs matter and energy is one and the same . Beneath all names and forms there lies one unifying principle , which is still not known in its entirety by modern scientists . Vedanta and the ancient sciences described this underlying principle of life . There is only one life - force , and all the forms and names in this universe are but varieties of that One .
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When water becomes solid , it is called ice ; when it starts evaporating , it is called vapor . Young children do not know that these three are forms of the same matter , and that essentially there is no difference in their composition . The difference is only in the form it takes . The scientists today are like children . They do not realize the unity behind all matter , nor the principles for changing it from one form to another . ”
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The preliminary steps — control of actions , speech , dietary habits , and other appetites — are essential requisites in preparation .
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THE POWER OF SELF - HEALING IS BURIED IN THE TOMB of every human life . By uncovering the potentials of that power one can heal oneself .
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Healing is a natural power in man .
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“ If a human being remains constantly aware of the purpose of his life and directs all his actions toward the fulfillment of that purpose , there remains nothing impossible for him . Those who are not aware of the purpose of life are easily caught by the whirlpool of miseries . ”
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A human being is fully equipped with all necessary healing powers , but does not know their usage . The moment he comes in touch with the healing potentials within , he can heal himself . All the powers belong to only one God . A human being is only an instrument .
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The Ayurvedic method of treating disease is divided into two sections : Nidana and Pathya .
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Preventive and alternative medicine should not be ignored .
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In music all over the world there are seven key notes , which personify seven levels of consciousness .
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familiarity breeds contempt .
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A guru is different from a teacher . Guru is a compound of two words , gu and ru . Gu means “ darkness ” ; ru means “ light ” : that which dispels the darkness of ignorance is called guru .
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There is a vast difference between an ordinary teacher and a spiritual master .
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Guru is not a physical being . Thosewho think of the guru as a body or as a man do not understand this pious word .
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Never forget that guru is not the goal . Guru is like a boat for crossing the river . It is very important to have a good boat , and it is very dangerous to have a boat that is leaking .
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The power of will - force is very little known among modern men . There are three channels of power : one is called kriya shakti , another is called ichchha shakti , and the third is called jñana shakti .
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Developing ichchha shakti strengthens willpower , and with the help of willpower one can have command over the phenomenal world exactly as one has command over his limbs .
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What is called Tibetan yoga is actually a distorted form of tantra — the part of tantra which is called vama marga ( the left - hand path ) .
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enlightened . Much of the literature found in Tibet is a translation of the Puranic stories of the Hindus . Some of that literature is Taoism and Confucianism mingled with Buddhism , but there is nothing systematic or philosophically original .
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remembered a saying that goes : “ The scriptures belong to those who study them , not to those fools who own them but do not know their contents . ”
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“ Please convince me so that I understand the technique of para - kaya pravesha . ”
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Miracles like this show that a human being has such abilities , and in the third chapter of the Yoga Sutras Patanjali , the codifier of yoga science , explains all the siddhis
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“ In our external way of life we come from Shankara’s order , but actually our spiritual tradition is different from any institutional traditions existing in India . ”
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Solar science is one of the highest of the advanced yoga sciences which can help humanity today by eliminating suffering . According to my grandmaster it involves a particular type of meditation on the solar plexus , and is very beneficial for removing all obstacles created by physical and mental diseases . The solar system is the largest network in the human body , and its center is called manipura chakra . There are various ways of meditating on this chakra , but by including advanced pranayama , solar science brings forward an awareness of a level of energy finer than the pranic level . At this level the energy rhythms are studied by meditating either on the morning sun or on udaragni , which is the internal center of fire . [ This fire is created by the friction of the upper hemisphere and the lower hemisphere , which in the Upanishads are called upper arani and lower arani . ]
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“ When the disciple is prepared the master appears . ” If you are not prepared he will be there , but you won’t notice or respond . If you do not know what a diamond is , the diamond may be there , but you ignore it and pass it by , taking it to be just a piece of glass .
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If you are in search of a guru , search within first . To become a yogi means to know your own condition here and now , to work with yourself . Don’t grumble because you don’t have a teacher . Ask whether you deserve one . Are you capable of attracting a teacher ?
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Slowly I came to realize that first we should learn to doubt our own doubts and to analyze the very doubts themselves .
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Once you know the right technique of meditation you have command over other functions of your body , mind , and soul . It is through prana and breath that a relationship is established between mind and body .
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We regularly got up at three a.m . ( From three to six is considered the best time for meditation , so we would go to bed between eight and ten and get up at three . )
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A teacher can guide his students even after his death . ”
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Suddenly the swami’s body rose into the air , apparently of its own accord , and slowly moved toward the Ganges . It floated in the air for a few hundred yards , and then lowered and sank into the Ganges .
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“ This physical universe is only one aspect of existence . We have the ability to know other aspects , but we don’t make sincere efforts to realize this ability . Our minds remain focused on the physical aspect only . Man is suffering because he does not know the whole . ”
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The technique of dying is not known to the modern scientists , but in yoga science such techniques are described and imparted to those who are prepared to practice them . The mystery of death and birth are revealed to a fortunate few .
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The known part of life is a line which is stretched between these two points , birth and death . The vast portion of one’s existence remains unknown and invisible beyond these two known points . One who understands the unknown part of life knows that this life span is like a comma in a vast sentence which has no period .
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Eleven gates are described through which the pranas or subtle energy can exit .
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Death is not painful , but fear of death is very painful .
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He closed his eyes and became still . We all heard the sound “ tic ” come from his skull . This was the sound of cracking the skull . This process is called casting off the body through Brahma - randhra .
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the yoga way of casting off the body is done through a proper technique . Letting oneself freeze while in samadhi is a traditional way of dying for a particular sect of Himalayan yogis . It is called hima - samadhi .
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there are various other ways of doing this . One is called jal - samadhi , and is done inside the deep waters of the rivers of the Himalayas by retaining the breath . Sthal - samadhi is done by sitting in an accomplished posture and consciously opening the fontanelle .
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There is another very rare way of casting off the body . By meditating on the solar plexus the actual internal flame of fire burns the body in a fraction of a second , and everything is reduced to ashes . This knowledge was imparted by Yama , the king of death , to his beloved disciple Nachiketa in the Kathopanishad .
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All over the world instances of spontaneous combustion are often heard about , and people wonder about such occurrences . But the ancient scriptures , such as Mahakala Nidhi , explain this method systematically .
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With all the evidence I collected I found out that it is possible for a highly advanced yogi to assume the dead body of another if he chooses to do so and if a suitable body is available
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One day he told me that there are three categories of beings : ( 1 ) the Absolute Being , the Lord of the universe ; ( 2 ) the sages who have power over birth and death and who are semi - immortal beings . They are born and die at their will ; ( 3 ) the ordinary people , who do not have mastery over birth and death . For them death is a constant fear that lurks in their minds and hearts . Such ignorant people suffer .
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The individual soul can voluntarily cast off the body and can even enter into another body .
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He described three ways of expanding the life span : ( 1 ) through highly accomplished yoga powers and a disciplined life , one can live for a long time ; ( 2 ) by changing the body one can continue to live consciously with all the experiences carried from the previous body ; ( 3 ) enlightenment is freedom itself , and there is no need of clinging to the garment which is called body .
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The flower of the West without the fragrance of the East is a flower in vain .
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I have met a few foreigners like him who have become swamis , and I have found them to be more serious than many of the Indian swamis .
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The science of raja yoga teaches samyama — inner transformation through concentration , meditation , and samadhi .
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We are free - thinkers but we are in the bondage of social laws , and they are in the bondage of certain fixed ideas in their way of thinking and worshipping . ”
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“ To get freedom from all fears is the first message of the Himalayan sages . The second message is to be aware of the reality within .
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He organized his orders through five main centers in the North , East , South , West , and center of India .
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That which is called maya , or illusion , in our worship becomes the Mother and does not remain as a stumbling block or obstacle on the path of spiritual enlightenment .
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There are three stages of initiation given according to our tradition . First : mantra , breath awareness , and meditation ; second : inner worship of Sri Vidya and bindu bhedana ( piercing the pearl of wisdom ) ; third : shaktipata and leading the force of kundalini to the thousand - petaled lotus called the sahasrara chakra .
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From 1949 to 1952 , he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham in South India .
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