The'SELF' is nothing but 'TRUTH-BEING-EXISTENCE-CONSCIOUSNESS and BLISS.

*POINTS TO PONDER*

The'SELF' is nothing but 'TRUTH-BEING-EXISTENCE-CONSCIOUSNESS and BLISS.

'ATTAINMENT' (Arudha)

1. What is the state of attainment of knowledge?

It is firm and effortless abidance in the Self in which the mind which has become one with the Self does not subsequently emerge again at any time. Everyone, when he thinks of his body, usually and naturally has the idea, ‘I am not a goat or a cow, or any other animal, but a human being’. Similarly, when he naturally has the 'Self-awareness', ‘I am not the tattvas, beginning with the body and ending with nada [sound] but the Self which is existence-consciousness-bliss’, this is said to be the attainment of firm knowledge.

~RAMANA MAHARSHI

GOD'S POWER IS REALIZED WHEN OUR EFFORTS ARE NO LONGER HELPFUL- RAMANA MAHARSHI

GOD'S POWER IS REALIZED WHEN OUR EFFORTS ARE NO LONGER HELPFUL

D.: We are trying to stop thoughts. Gandhiji also says that thought is an obstacle to God’s guidance. So it is the natural state. Though natural, yet how difficult to realize. They say that sadhanas are necessary and also that they are obstacles. We get confused.

M.: Sadhanas are needed so long as one has not realized it. They are for putting an end to obstacles. Finally there comes a stage when a person feels helpless notwithstanding the sadhanas. He is unable to pursue the much-cherished sadhana also. It is then that God’s Power is realized. The Self reveals itself.

D.: If the state is natural, why does it not overcome the unnatural phases and assert itself over the rest?
M.: Is there anything besides that? Does anyone see anything besides the Self? One is always aware of the Self. So It is always Itself.


~RAMANA MAHARSHI

*WORDS OF WISDOM* LOSE "YOURSELF" (EGO); TO GAIN "YOURSELF" ( TRUTH-BEING-EXISTENCE-CONSCIOUSNESS-BLISS). ~SWAATHMAARAAMAN

*WORDS OF WISDOM*

LOSE "YOURSELF" (EGO); TO GAIN "YOURSELF" ( TRUTH-BEING-EXISTENCE-CONSCIOUSNESS-BLISS).

~SWAATHMAARAAMAN

The sense of ‘I’ pertains to the person, the body and brain. When a man knows his true Self for the first time something else arises from the depths of his being and takes possession of him. That something is behind the mind; it is infinite, divine, eternal. Some people call it the Kingdom of Heaven, others call it the soul and others again Nirvana, and Hindus call it Liberation; you may give it what name you wish. When this happens a man has not really lost himself; rather he has found himself.

Unless and until a man embarks on this quest of the true Self, doubt and uncertainty will follow his footsteps through life. The greatest kings and statesmen try to rule others when in their heart of hearts they know that they cannot rule themselves. Yet the greatest power is at the command of the man who has penetrated to his inmost depth. . . . What is the use of knowing about everything else when you do not yet know who you are? Men avoid this enquiry into the true Self, but what else is there so worthy to be undertaken?

~RAMANA MAHARSHI

The ‘Esoteric Ramayana’-‘ Yuddha kanda’ ( The chapter on wars)- Thus the battle in between ‘RAMA’ and ‘RAVANA’ is nothing but the process of ‘Self-Realization’, accomplished through ‘SETHU BANDHANA’(Renunciation of the phenomenal world), with the help of monkeys ( vedic aphorisms), killing of ‘RAVANA’ and ‘KUMBHAKARNA’( Winning ‘rajo-guna’ and’ thamo-guna), gaining ‘SITA’ ( Brahma vidya) and ‘Sreerama pattabhishekam’ ( Self-coronation as the emperor of the empire of one`s own self-Truth consciousness and bliss), at ‘AYODHYA’ (The kingdom where there is no more war).

The ‘Esoteric Ramayana’-‘ Yuddha kanda’ ( The chapter on wars)

I. Bridging the ocean (Sethu bandhana)- ( the spirit of renunciation of the phenomenal world, by an aspirant of ‘BRAHMA VIDYA’),
II. Killing ‘RAVANA’ (Casting away ‘rajoguna’, the field of incessant activity),
III. Enthronement of ‘VIBHEESHANA’ (Sathwaguna-self-knowledge) as the king of ‘LANKA’, and
IV. The coronation of ‘SREERAMA’ as the emperor of ‘AYODHYA’ (The self-coronation of an aspirant of ‘Brahmavidya’, as the emperor of the empire, of one`s own ‘SELF’ (Truth-consciousness and bliss),
Are the major events in ‘YUDDHA KANDA’ (The chapter on wars).

Our scriptures are full of wars, in between gods, demons, kings and emperors and these wars have nothing to do with the conventional wars or conflicts. These represent the mental conflicts encountered by a spiritual aspirant, treading the pathless path of ‘BRAHMA VIDYA’.

‘Lanka’ represents the turbulent, ever changing, vagaries of the mind’. ‘RAVANA’ is ‘RAJO GUNA’, (Involvement in desire-prompted activities), ‘KUMBHA KARNA’, ‘THAMO GUNA’ (self-ignorance) and ‘VIBHEESHANA’, ‘SATHWA GUNA’ (self-knowledge). The demons (rakshas) are the mental modifications or thought constructs, creating hurdles in the course of an aspirant of Brahma vidya’. The crossing of the ocean of phenomenal world is made possible, with the help of an army of monkeys (The scriptural aphorisms, showing the pathless path of ‘Brahma vidya’).

Thus the battle in between ‘RAMA’ and ‘RAVANA’ is nothing but the process of ‘Self-Realization’, accomplished through ‘SETHU BANDHANA’(Renunciation of the phenomenal world), with the help of monkeys ( vedic aphorisms), killing of ‘RAVANA’ and ‘KUMBHAKARNA’( Winning ‘rajo-guna’ and’ thamo-guna), gaining ‘SITA’ ( Brahma vidya) and ‘Sreerama pattabhishekam’ ( Self-coronation as the emperor of the empire of one`s own self-Truth consciousness and bliss), at ‘AYODHYA’ (The kingdom where there is no more war). 
 
Friends!

‘BE RAMA’ and ‘WIN SITA’

(Revel in one`s own 'SELF'-'RAMA'- through 'BRAHMA-VIDYA'-'SITA'.

~Swaathmaaraaman

The esoteric ‘RAMAYANA’-‘Sundara kandam’- ‘BE RAMA and WIN SITA’ (Revel in one`s own 'SELF'-'RAMA'- through 'BRAHMA-VIDYA'-'SITA'.

The esoteric ‘RAMAYANA’-‘Sundara kandam’

Transgression of the ocean, trespassing on ‘LANKA’ and the vision of ‘SITA’ by ‘HANUMAN’, are the major events of ‘SUNDARA KANDAM’, in ‘RAMAYANA’. ‘KA/LAM’ when reversed is 'LAM/KA'. ‘Kalam’ is ‘TIME’, which manifests as the ‘MACROCOSM' ( Brahmandam), outside and as the ,'MICROCOSM' (Pindandam), inside an individual soul and both are one and the same. When ‘RAJO GUNA’ (Ravana) is active, there occurs a reversal of the concept of ‘GOD’ and that was what happened in ‘LANKA’. ‘Ravana’ tried in vain to snatch away ‘SITA’ from ‘RAMA’, and miserably failed to retain her. ‘SITA’ ( BRAHMA VIDYA) is transcendental- beyond the reach of three gunas (Sathwa-knowledge, Rajas-intense activity, and Thamas-ignorance ); inseparable from ‘RAMA’ ( Cosmic consciousness ). That is the reason why ‘RAVANA’ failed to win ‘SITA’.


In ‘RAMAYANA’ altogether there are seven chapters, of which ‘Sundara kandam’ is supposed to be the most beautiful- sundara- as the name mentions it. Self-Realization is the core of ‘SUNDARA KANDAM’. As far as an ‘individual soul’ is concerned ‘Self-Realization’ is the most significant event that can occur in life. The ‘jiva’ (individual soul), for transgressing the ocean of phenomenal world, passes through various spiritual disciplines, and regains ‘BRAHMA VIDYA’- already attained.

‘HANUMAN’ (An ideal aspirant of ‘Brahma vidya’ ), after climbing mount ‘ MAHENDRA’, proclaimed like this. “Blessed am I! – Blessed am I! ; My birth has become fruitful, since I can meet ‘SITA’ (Brahma vidya ) soon. I can very easily jump and cross the ocean of ‘SAMSARA’ (Phenomenal world), since I have got ‘RAMA’ (one who revels in self-knowledge), in my heart, the divine ring of ‘RAMA’ ( culmination of desire-prompted actions) in my hand, and ‘RAMA’ nama ( The transcendental cosmic consciousness ) in my tongue. A disciple with intense aspiration for ‘Liberation- in-life’, is represented by ‘Hanuman’. The ocean is the phenomenal world, crossing which; the vision of ‘SITA’ (Brahma vidya’) can be attained.

The obstacles encountered by ‘Hanuman’ on the way to ‘LANKA’ are
1. The mount ‘MYNAKA’ (Freedom from hankering after worldly objects and desires),
2. The serpent ‘SURASA’ (Freedom from internal attachment to worldly desires), and
3. ‘Chaya grahini’( Mental detachment from ‘wealth, wife and children).

The ring of ‘RAMA’ , in the hand of ‘HANUMAN’, given to ‘SITA’ , as a token of identity, denotes the culmination of desire-prompted actions, by an aspirant of ‘BRAHMA VIDYA’ and the ‘CHOODA RATHNA’ ( A jewel worn in head by ladies as an ornament ) , given by ‘SITA’ to ‘HANUMAN’, is the crowning glory of ‘Self-Realization’ and ‘Sahaja- Samadhi’.

Friends!
 

‘BE RAMA and WIN SITA’ (Revel in one`s own 'SELF'-'RAMA'- through 'BRAHMA-VIDYA'-'SITA'.

~Swaathmaaraaman

The esoteric ‘RAMAYANA’-Kishkindha kandam- Establishment of friendship with ‘SUGREEVA’, termination of ‘BALI’, and investigation of the whereabouts of ‘SITA’, are the important events in ‘KISHKINDA KANDAM’.

The esoteric ‘RAMAYANA’-Kishkindha kandam

Establishment of friendship with ‘SUGREEVA’, termination of ‘BALI’, and investigation of the whereabouts of ‘SITA’, are the important events in ‘KISHKINDA KANDAM’.

Cultivation of the faculty of discrimination (VIVEKA), is the establishment of friendship with ‘SUGREEVA’. ‘BALI’ represents the faculty of in-discrimination (AVIVEKA); and casting away of in-discrimination is essential for ‘Self-inquiry’ which is nothing but investigation of the whereabouts of ‘SITA’ (BRAHMA VIDYA). The river ‘PAMPA’ mentioned in ‘KISHKINDHAKANDAM’, stands for the ‘mind’, purified by spiritual disciplines, fit for reflecting the ‘SELF’ ( Truth-consciousness and bliss ). The rearrangement of the letters of the word ‘PA/PAM’ (VICE), constitute ‘PAM/PA’ (VIRTUE); which is nothing but the holy river ‘PAMPA’; representing, the mind reveling in ‘SAHAJA SAMADHI’, without any thought constructs, remaining like a wave less water body.

‘VIVEKA’ (discrimination) and 'AVIVEKA’ (in-discrimination) may look alike, and it is difficult to distinguish in between, even for the elite. That is the significance of ‘RAMA`S’ garlanding of ‘SUGREEVA’ with flowers, before the second round of fierce duel in between ‘BALI’ and ‘SUGREEVA’; so that ‘RAMA’ can identify , ‘SUGREEVA’ and kill ‘BALI’. ‘Viveka’ (discrimination) is characterized by qualities like ‘self-surrender’ (bhakthi), and lack of’ worldliness’ where as ‘Aviveka’ (in-discrimination) is characterized by ‘egocentricity’ and ‘worldliness’.

‘THARA’ is ‘pranava’ or tharaka manthra ‘OM’, which helps those who recite it; to transgress the trans migratory existence in the ephemeral, phenomenal world. ‘OM’ should be worshiped with ‘EGOLESSNESS’ and ‘BRAHMOHAM’ buddhi (I am pure consciousness). Otherwise that may result in one`s own ruin. ‘BALI’ was ruined by ‘THARA’; but ‘SUGREEVA’ got ‘liberation-in-life through her. The throwing away of the skeleton of ‘DUNDHUBHI’ indicates, casting away of ‘I’ am the body’-consciousness ( DEHOHAM buddhi ).

The faculty of discrimination ( Viveka ) develops, ‘egolessness’ and 'desirelessness' in an individual soul ( jiva); resulting in ‘self-surrender’, ‘self-awareness’ and detachment from ‘samsara’ (phenomenal world). Such an individual is fit for ‘SELF-INQUIRY’. Monkeys are ‘upanishad manthras’ (That which liberates one who contemplates) , helpful for the seekers of ‘Self-Realization’ (Brahmavidya) , treading the pathless path of ‘self-inquiry’.

Visiting the cave of ‘VISWAKARMA’ and the vision of ‘SWAYAM PRABHA’ denote ‘glimpses of self-realization’, in the cave of heart ( one`s own self ), during the course of ‘Self-inquiry’.
The monkeys went in four different directions, in search of ‘SITA’ (Brahma vidya ) but those went in the southern direction alone could understand the whereabouts. This shows various spiritual disciplines meant for Self-Realization, without ever serving the purpose. Even though, every monkey went in search of ‘SITA’, only a few got glimpses of her. Only those who possess the spiritual qualities like ‘detachment from worldliness’ and’ abidance in self-knowledge’ and ‘SELF-SURRENDER’, are competent enough to pursue ‘BAHMA VIDYA’.These qualities denote the resurrection, of the lost wings of ‘SAMPATHI’. ‘SITA (BRAHMA VIDYA )’ was lost when ‘JADAYU’ lost his wings of worldly- detachment and self-knowledge. Again ‘SITA’ was regained when ‘SAMPATHI’ got his lost wings of detachment and self-awareness.
Friends!
Thus ‘KISHKINDA KANDAM’ contains a lot of hidden teachings for a seeker of ‘Self-Realization’ and’Sahaja- Samadhi’.

~SWAATHMAARAAMAN

For the seekers of Self-Realization and Sahaja Samadhi.Vaishnava Janato .............

For the seekers of Self-Realization and Sahaja Samadhi

'Vaishnava jana to' is one of the most popular Bhajans, written in the 15th century by the poet 'Narsinh Mehta'.
The bhajan was included in 'Mahatma Gandhi'’s daily prayer.
The bhajan speaks about the life, ideals and mentality of a Vaishnav Jana (a follower of Vishnu or Krishna).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXnFv_-ObeU

Translation

One who is a Vaishnav (one who is a devotee of Vishnu)
Knows the pain of others
Does good to others, especially to those ones who are in misery
Does not let pride enter his mind

A Vaishnav, Tolerates and praises the the entire world
Does not say bad things about anyone
Keeps his/her words, actions and thoughts pure
O Vaishnav, your mother is blessed

A Vaishnav sees everything equally, rejects greed and avarice
Considers some one else's wife/daughter as his mother
The tongue may get tired, but will never speak lies
Does not even touch someone else's property

A Vaishnav does not succumb to worldly attachments
Who has devoted himself to staunch detachment to worldly pleasures
Who has been addicted to the elixir coming by the name of Ram
For whom all the religious sites are in the mind

Who has no greed and deceit
Who has renounced lust of all types and anger
The poet Narsi will like to see such a person
By who's virtue, the entire family gets salvation

Vaishnava Janato (English & German subtitles)

Composed in the 15th century, this devotional song (bhajan) has been Mahatma Gandhi's favourite song. It is still very popular today and will always be.