Namaste everyone! What time do you generally "start" to perform your spiritual practice(s)/sadhana(s)?
Anonymous Poll
21%
Before sunrise [between 3 - 5:30 am]
23%
In the morning [between 6 - 9 am]
6%
Anytime before noon [between 9 - 11:30 am]
1%
At noon time [~around 12 mid-day]
6%
After sunset [between 5:30 - 8 pm]
3%
Late evening [ between 9 - 11:30 pm]
2%
At midnight [~around 12 at night]
21%
I have no fixed time.
17%
I don't do any regular practice/sadhana.
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🌿Why God created this world?🌿
🪔By Paramahansa Yogananada🪔
•Duration - 2:37 mins
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https://youtu.be/MrZQk8lD2Qo
🌿Why God created this world?🌿
🪔By Paramahansa Yogananada🪔
•Duration - 2:37 mins
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https://youtu.be/MrZQk8lD2Qo
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Why God created world? | Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda|
Teachings of great yogi Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda.
About the author: Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893 – March 7, 1952) was an Indian monk, great yogi and guru who introduced millions to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through…
About the author: Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893 – March 7, 1952) was an Indian monk, great yogi and guru who introduced millions to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through…
☀️SHIVA AND SHAKTI🌙
🌿In the light of Kashmir Shaivism - As explained by Swami Lakshmanjoo🌿
In describing the nature of reality, the Kashmir Shaivism explains that there is only one Being called Shiva, also known as Bhairava. This Being is the nature and existence of all beings. This Being is defined as being filled with the infinite light [prakasha] of God consciousness.
The Kashmiri Shaivas also holds that the objective world, although experienced as separate from one’s self, does not have a separate existence. It is the energy Shakti of Shiva. Although one might conclude that the world is separate from his energy, thinking that his energy is the separate formal cause of the objective world, it is not so.
The objective world, comprised of the collection of objects, cognitions, and limited subjects, is nothing more than the expansion of the divine Shakti. It is not separate from Shiva’s energy. Lord Shiva is the energy holder [Shaktiman] and the objective universe is his energy, his Shakti.
But what is the relation of Lord Shiva to his energy? Does Shiva hold this energy as one might hold a tool, to be used in the act of creation? Swami Lakshmanjoo clarifies this by explaining that if, for the sake of argument, we make a distinction between Shiva and his Shakti, then we could say that Shakti is this whole objective universe–which includes not only the objects of perception [prameya] and the means of perception [pramana], but also the limited subjects or perceivers [pramatri] attached to those objects–and that Shiva is that reality from which this universe issues forth. And yet it is said that Shiva and Shakti are not aware that they are separate. Why? Because in reality they are not separate at all. They are one, just as a fire is one with its heat.
The non-dualism expounded by Kashmir Shaivism creates a dilemma for its adherents. If this universe, which seems separate and diverse, is as real as its creator, then how does the latter create this universe as one with himself? To explain this seeming incompatibility, Kashmir Shaivism proposes the theory of reflection [pratibimbavada]. This theory explains that the universe is created in the mirror of God consciousness, much in the same way that the image of an object, such as a house, can be reflected in an ordinary mirror. In the case of Shiva, however, there is no object, such as the house, that exists independently from the mirror of God consciousness, because if there were, it would mean that there is an object that exists outside of God consciousness.
The Kashmir Shaiva theory proclaims that nothing can exist outside of God consciousness, because only God consciousness exists. Therefore, the only thing that exists is the house appearing in the mirror. There is no external object, no separate house, being reflected in the mirror. There is only the mirror of God consciousness.
What then causes the “reflection” to appear in the “mirror” of Shiva’s awareness? To this question the Shaivas answers that, it is Svatantrya, the absolutely independent will of God. It is Lord Shiva who creates this whole universe in the mirror of his awareness by his absolutely independent will [svatantrya], his freedom.
To summarize the essence of the non-dual cosmology of Kashmir Shaivism: Lord Shiva creates the objective world through the expansion of his Shakti, which is absolutely one with him; and the universe is manifest in his own nature, like a reflection in a mirror, by his own absolutely independent will.
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🌿In the light of Kashmir Shaivism - As explained by Swami Lakshmanjoo🌿
In describing the nature of reality, the Kashmir Shaivism explains that there is only one Being called Shiva, also known as Bhairava. This Being is the nature and existence of all beings. This Being is defined as being filled with the infinite light [prakasha] of God consciousness.
The Kashmiri Shaivas also holds that the objective world, although experienced as separate from one’s self, does not have a separate existence. It is the energy Shakti of Shiva. Although one might conclude that the world is separate from his energy, thinking that his energy is the separate formal cause of the objective world, it is not so.
The objective world, comprised of the collection of objects, cognitions, and limited subjects, is nothing more than the expansion of the divine Shakti. It is not separate from Shiva’s energy. Lord Shiva is the energy holder [Shaktiman] and the objective universe is his energy, his Shakti.
“. . . between energy and the holder of energy there is no difference at all to be found; always there is abheda, there is unity, between energy and the holder of energy–Shakti and Shiva.”But what is the relation of Lord Shiva to his energy? Does Shiva hold this energy as one might hold a tool, to be used in the act of creation? Swami Lakshmanjoo clarifies this by explaining that if, for the sake of argument, we make a distinction between Shiva and his Shakti, then we could say that Shakti is this whole objective universe–which includes not only the objects of perception [prameya] and the means of perception [pramana], but also the limited subjects or perceivers [pramatri] attached to those objects–and that Shiva is that reality from which this universe issues forth. And yet it is said that Shiva and Shakti are not aware that they are separate. Why? Because in reality they are not separate at all. They are one, just as a fire is one with its heat.
“. . . lightening, giving light, burning, heating (all these energies are produced from the fire)–but these energies are undifferentiated from fire.”The non-dualism expounded by Kashmir Shaivism creates a dilemma for its adherents. If this universe, which seems separate and diverse, is as real as its creator, then how does the latter create this universe as one with himself? To explain this seeming incompatibility, Kashmir Shaivism proposes the theory of reflection [pratibimbavada]. This theory explains that the universe is created in the mirror of God consciousness, much in the same way that the image of an object, such as a house, can be reflected in an ordinary mirror. In the case of Shiva, however, there is no object, such as the house, that exists independently from the mirror of God consciousness, because if there were, it would mean that there is an object that exists outside of God consciousness.
The Kashmir Shaiva theory proclaims that nothing can exist outside of God consciousness, because only God consciousness exists. Therefore, the only thing that exists is the house appearing in the mirror. There is no external object, no separate house, being reflected in the mirror. There is only the mirror of God consciousness.
What then causes the “reflection” to appear in the “mirror” of Shiva’s awareness? To this question the Shaivas answers that, it is Svatantrya, the absolutely independent will of God. It is Lord Shiva who creates this whole universe in the mirror of his awareness by his absolutely independent will [svatantrya], his freedom.
To summarize the essence of the non-dual cosmology of Kashmir Shaivism: Lord Shiva creates the objective world through the expansion of his Shakti, which is absolutely one with him; and the universe is manifest in his own nature, like a reflection in a mirror, by his own absolutely independent will.
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✨SCRIPTURAL KNOWLEDGE AND DIRECT EXPERIENCE - BOTH ARE A MUST✨
🌿Such wisdom which can destroy ignorance is clearly of two sorts; indirect and direct. Knowledge is first acquired from a Master and through him from the scriptures. Such indirect knowledge cannot fulfil the object in view.
🌿Because theoretical knowledge alone does not bear fruit; practical knowledge is necessary which comes through samadhi alone. Knowledge born of nirvikalpa samadhi generates wisdom by the eradication of ignorance and objective knowledge.
🌿Similarly, experience of casual samadhi in the absence of theoretical knowledge does not serve the purpose either. Just as a man, ignorant of the qualities of an emerald, cannot recognise it by the mere sight of it in the treasury, nor can another recognise it if he has not seen it before, although he is full of theoretical knowledge on the subject, in the same way theory must be supplemented with practice in order that a man might become an expert.
🌿Ignorance cannot be eradicated by mere theory or by the casual samadhi of an ignorant man. Again, want of attention is a serious obstacle; for a man looking up at the sky cannot identify the individual constellations. Even a learned scholar is no better than a fool, if he does not pay attention when a thing is explained to him.
🌿On the other hand, a man though not a scholar but yet attentive having heard all about the planet Venus, goes out in confidence to look for it, knowing how to identify it, and finally discovers it, and so is able to recognise the same whenever he sees it again. Inattentive people are simply fools who cannot understand the ever-recurring samadhis in their lives. They are like a man, ignorant of the treasure under the floor of his house, who begs for his daily food.
🌿So you see that samadhi is useless to such people. The intellect of babies is always unmodified and yet they do not realise the Self. Nirvikalpa samadhi clearly will never eradicate ignorance. Therefore in order to destroy it savikalpa samadhi must be sought.
🌿This alone can do it. God inherent as the Self is pleased by meritorious actions which are continued through several births, after which the desire for liberation dawns and not otherwise, even though millions of births may be experienced. Of all the things in creation, to be born a sentient being requires good luck; even so, to acquire a human body requires considerable merit [punyas]; while it is out of the ordinary for human beings to be endowed with both virtuous tendencies and sharp intellect.
~King Janaka to Rishi Ashtavakra
•Tripura Rahasya, Chapter 17, Verses 35-52
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🌿Such wisdom which can destroy ignorance is clearly of two sorts; indirect and direct. Knowledge is first acquired from a Master and through him from the scriptures. Such indirect knowledge cannot fulfil the object in view.
🌿Because theoretical knowledge alone does not bear fruit; practical knowledge is necessary which comes through samadhi alone. Knowledge born of nirvikalpa samadhi generates wisdom by the eradication of ignorance and objective knowledge.
🌿Similarly, experience of casual samadhi in the absence of theoretical knowledge does not serve the purpose either. Just as a man, ignorant of the qualities of an emerald, cannot recognise it by the mere sight of it in the treasury, nor can another recognise it if he has not seen it before, although he is full of theoretical knowledge on the subject, in the same way theory must be supplemented with practice in order that a man might become an expert.
🌿Ignorance cannot be eradicated by mere theory or by the casual samadhi of an ignorant man. Again, want of attention is a serious obstacle; for a man looking up at the sky cannot identify the individual constellations. Even a learned scholar is no better than a fool, if he does not pay attention when a thing is explained to him.
🌿On the other hand, a man though not a scholar but yet attentive having heard all about the planet Venus, goes out in confidence to look for it, knowing how to identify it, and finally discovers it, and so is able to recognise the same whenever he sees it again. Inattentive people are simply fools who cannot understand the ever-recurring samadhis in their lives. They are like a man, ignorant of the treasure under the floor of his house, who begs for his daily food.
🌿So you see that samadhi is useless to such people. The intellect of babies is always unmodified and yet they do not realise the Self. Nirvikalpa samadhi clearly will never eradicate ignorance. Therefore in order to destroy it savikalpa samadhi must be sought.
🌿This alone can do it. God inherent as the Self is pleased by meritorious actions which are continued through several births, after which the desire for liberation dawns and not otherwise, even though millions of births may be experienced. Of all the things in creation, to be born a sentient being requires good luck; even so, to acquire a human body requires considerable merit [punyas]; while it is out of the ordinary for human beings to be endowed with both virtuous tendencies and sharp intellect.
~King Janaka to Rishi Ashtavakra
•Tripura Rahasya, Chapter 17, Verses 35-52
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✨ESSENCE OF ADVAITA VEDANTA✨
🪔By Sri Ramana Maharshi🪔
•Duration - 2:15 mins
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✨ESSENCE OF ADVAITA VEDANTA✨
🪔By Sri Ramana Maharshi🪔
•Duration - 2:15 mins
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🌿WHAT IS DHARMA?🌿
जगतःस्थितिकारणंप्राणिनांसाक्षात्अभ्युदयनिःश्रेयसहेतुर्यः स धर्मः ।
Dharma is that which accomplishes the three tasks of:
1) Keeping the social system in a excellent condition.
2) Bringing about the worldly progress of every human being.
3) Causing progress in the spiritual realm as well.
– Adi Shankaracharya
From: Preface to the Gita Bhashya
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जगतःस्थितिकारणंप्राणिनांसाक्षात्अभ्युदयनिःश्रेयसहेतुर्यः स धर्मः ।
Dharma is that which accomplishes the three tasks of:
1) Keeping the social system in a excellent condition.
2) Bringing about the worldly progress of every human being.
3) Causing progress in the spiritual realm as well.
– Adi Shankaracharya
From: Preface to the Gita Bhashya
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🌿Why you must have an Ishta Deva🌿
🪔By Swami Yatishwarananda🪔
•Duration - 8:20 mins
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https://youtu.be/DkdpvNjQryk
🌿Why you must have an Ishta Deva🌿
🪔By Swami Yatishwarananda🪔
•Duration - 8:20 mins
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https://youtu.be/DkdpvNjQryk
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Why Meditation on a "Holy Form" is Extremely Helpful in Spiritual Life? | Swami Yatiswarananda
Why meditation on a "Holy Form" of the Divine is considered very important in Hinduism? Great monk Swami Yatiswarananda explains about the importance of meditating on the form of 'Ishta Devata' (Chosen Ideal or any holy Form of God such as Siva, Kali, Durga…
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🍃🌸SHAKTI OF YOGA AND BHAKTI🌸🍃
In this video we can see a Yogi, who is singing praises to His Lord [Ishta], while being barely covered, in freezing cold environment.
The power of Yoga and Bhakti, when put together, is unparalleled. Advanced aspirants even rise beyond level of gross body by tapping into deeper dimensions, which makes them transcend the natural laws and normal bodily functionality.
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🍃🌸SHAKTI OF YOGA AND BHAKTI🌸🍃
In this video we can see a Yogi, who is singing praises to His Lord [Ishta], while being barely covered, in freezing cold environment.
The power of Yoga and Bhakti, when put together, is unparalleled. Advanced aspirants even rise beyond level of gross body by tapping into deeper dimensions, which makes them transcend the natural laws and normal bodily functionality.
🌷@HinduismAsItIs🌷
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MUST WATCH❗️
🍃🌸DAKSHINAMURTI STOTRAM🌸🍃
[With English Translation]
🪔By Adi Shankaracharya🪔
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🍃🌸DAKSHINAMURTI STOTRAM🌸🍃
[With English Translation]
🪔By Adi Shankaracharya🪔
•Duration - 8:45 minutesPlease open Telegram to view this post
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GOD KNOWS THOSE WHO LOVE HIM
🌿Lord Rewards as Merit Befits What we scorned and what we gained, He knows; The righteous Lord in Love rewards as merit befits; Who, with burning zeal, seek Him with heart of love To such, well-pleased, He His Grace awards.
🌿Lord Blends Life With Love The Lord gave us this life to attain supreme bliss, But we spent it in deeds that bring misery Yet if we have love for Him He will put an end to our rebirths.
🌿Divine Light in God-Love If we have love there will be spiritual glory, and The grace of the Mother will come to us, So give up attachment to the body-mind complex, And seek the Lord ardently.
~Saint Tirumular
•Tirumantiram, Tantra 1, Verses 280, 281, 282
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🌿Lord Rewards as Merit Befits What we scorned and what we gained, He knows; The righteous Lord in Love rewards as merit befits; Who, with burning zeal, seek Him with heart of love To such, well-pleased, He His Grace awards.
🌿Lord Blends Life With Love The Lord gave us this life to attain supreme bliss, But we spent it in deeds that bring misery Yet if we have love for Him He will put an end to our rebirths.
🌿Divine Light in God-Love If we have love there will be spiritual glory, and The grace of the Mother will come to us, So give up attachment to the body-mind complex, And seek the Lord ardently.
~Saint Tirumular
•Tirumantiram, Tantra 1, Verses 280, 281, 282
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Question—Sometimes one gets tired of Japa (repetition of the Mantra). Should one continue it or read some good book instead?
Swamiji—One gets tired of Japa for two reasons. Sometimes one’s brain is fatigued, sometimes it is the result of idleness. If the former, then one should give up Japa for the time being, for persistence in it at the time results in seeing hallucinations, or in lunacy etc. But if the latter, the mind should be forced to continue Japa.
Q.—Sometimes sitting at Japa one gets joy at first, but then one seems to be disinclined to continue the Japa owing to that joy. Should it be continued then?
S.—Yes, that joy is a hindrance to spiritual practice, its name being Rasâsvâdana (tasting of the sweetness). One must rise above that.
Q.—Is it good to practice Japa for a long time, though the mind may be wandering?
S.—Yes. As some people break a wild horse by always keeping his seat on his back.
~Excerpt From: Complete Works, Volume V
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Swamiji—One gets tired of Japa for two reasons. Sometimes one’s brain is fatigued, sometimes it is the result of idleness. If the former, then one should give up Japa for the time being, for persistence in it at the time results in seeing hallucinations, or in lunacy etc. But if the latter, the mind should be forced to continue Japa.
Q.—Sometimes sitting at Japa one gets joy at first, but then one seems to be disinclined to continue the Japa owing to that joy. Should it be continued then?
S.—Yes, that joy is a hindrance to spiritual practice, its name being Rasâsvâdana (tasting of the sweetness). One must rise above that.
Q.—Is it good to practice Japa for a long time, though the mind may be wandering?
S.—Yes. As some people break a wild horse by always keeping his seat on his back.
~Excerpt From: Complete Works, Volume V
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🌿Liberation is stabilization of Purusha (jiva, soul) in its real Self.
🌿Then there is cessation of all pain and the attainment of the ultimate aim (true fulfillment, God-realization).
🌿Otherwise, birth after birth, man experiences the misery of unfulfilled desires.
🌿Troubles are born from Avidya, Ignorance.
🌿Ignorance is the perception of the nonexistent, and the nonperception of the Existent.
~From : Holy Science, Chapter 2, Sutras 2-6
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Explanation by Yukteswar Giri: Residing in Self is liberation. When man raises himself above the idea creation of this Darkness, Maya, and passes completely out of its influence, he becomes liberated from bondage and is placed in his real Self, the Eternal Spirit.🌿Then there is cessation of all pain and the attainment of the ultimate aim (true fulfillment, God-realization).
Explanation by Yukteswar Giri: Liberation is salvation. On attaining this liberation, man becomes saved from all his troubles, and all the desires of his heart are fulfilled, so the ultimate aim of his life is accomplished.🌿Otherwise, birth after birth, man experiences the misery of unfulfilled desires.
Explanation by Yukteswar Giri: Why man suffers. So long, however, as man identifies himself with his material body and fails to find repose in his true Self, he feels his wants according as his heart’s desires remain unsatisfied. To satisfy them he has to appear often in flesh and blood on the stage of life, subject to the influence of Darkness, Maya, and has to suffer all the troubles of life and death not only in the present but in the future as well. 🌿Troubles are born from Avidya, Ignorance.
🌿Ignorance is the perception of the nonexistent, and the nonperception of the Existent.
Explanation by Yukteswar Giri: What is ignorance? Ignorance, Avidya, is misconception, or is the erroneous conception of the existence of that which does not exist. Through Avidya man believes that this material creation is the only thing that substantially exists, there being nothing beyond, forgetting that this material creation is substantially nothing and is a mere play of ideas on the Eternal Spirit, the only Real Substance, beyond the comprehension of the material creation. This Ignorance is not only a trouble in itself but is also the source of all the other troubles of man.~From : Holy Science, Chapter 2, Sutras 2-6
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