Category Archives: Advaita and Yoga
Your Nature is Peace and Happiness ~ Sri Ramana
Sri Ramana says, “Your Nature is Peace and Happiness.” This quote as well as the quotes in the picture are from Sri Ramana speaking in Talk 462 in “Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi”. Photo art is from John Wassenberg fb page. Bhagavan is saying that happiness and joy are our very nature and revealed when we turn our mind within and inquire as to the original source of the mind.
Essential Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
In the following extract from Gems from Bhagavan, we are reminded of the essence of Bhagavan Ramana’s teaching and inspired to realize the True Self.
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What is Saguna and Nirguna Brahman? By Dr. Harsh K. Luthar
Questioner: What is meant in Hinduism by “Saguna Brahman” and how is that different from “Nirguna Brahman”
Answer: The term Saguna means “with attributes”. The term “Saguna Brahman” implies that God has a name and form and other attributes. Many Savikalpa Samadhis give rise to the (living) form of the Ishta Devata. Ishta Devta is one’s favored way of visualizing the divine. It might be Krishna, Jesus, Rama, the Goddess or some other Deity of choice.
Nirguna means “without attributes”. The term “Nirguna Brahman” implies that God as the Absolute Spirit and Pure Consciousness has no name and form or attributes. Nirvikalpa Samadhi reveals the Nirguna nature of the Self.
There are a number of books on Hinduism that discuss Saguna and Nirguna Brahman. Classic yoga texts like Patanjali’s yoga sutras explain various types of Samadhi states. All of such concepts and topics of discussion can also be found in…
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The Obstacle is the Mind ~ Sri Ramana
- Photo art from Ramana Maharshi FB page. Contributed by John Wassenberg
Sri Ramana says that mind prevents us from seeing Reality as it is. Bhagavan was explaining to the devotees that for spiritual growth it was no use changing the environment or one’s station in life. The obstacle was not external but the conditioned mind (See Talk 54 in “Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi”).
Bhagavan said to the devotee, “Why do you think you are a grihasta (householder)? If you go out as a sanyasi (monk), a similar thought (that you are a sanyasi-monk) will haunt you. Whether you continue in the household, or renounce it and go to the forest, your mind haunts you.” Bhagavan in Talk 54.
“Where psychology ends, there philosophy begins. This is experience; the mind is born; we see it; even without the mind we exist. There is everyone’s experience to prove it.” Bhagavan in Talk 126.
What Is Sadhana? By Dr. Harsh K. Luthar
Dear Harsha,
I have come across the Sanskrit term “Sadhana” in many articles on Eastern spirituality. What is the true meaning of “Sadhana” and what is the goal?
A Seeker
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All My Bags Are Gone: By Latha Ramanan
Began the journey from the foothills
There were twists and unknown turns to take
Rough and narrow paths, unfamiliar terrains to cross
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The Ordinary Mind Is The Buddha Mind: By Harsh K. Luthar, Ph.D.
- Photo art found on John Wassenberg’s FB page.
As long as you are looking for and relying on saviours, buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods, gurus, and supermen, you will find it hard to stay with your ordinary everyday consciousness. It appears so fragile, unstable, conflicted, wretched, and filled with self-serving needs. It is no wonder that people get on the spiritual path and seek salvation and wish to run away from where they are and who they are.
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You know that you know nothing ~ Sri Ramana
“You know that you know nothing. Find out that knowledge. that is liberation (mukti)” ~ Bhagavan speaking in Talk 12 (Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi).
A man had asked the Maharshi to say something to him. When asked what he wanted to know, he said that he knew nothing and wanted to hear something from the Maharshi. Bhagavan gave the response above. (See Talk 12).
Bhagavan used to say that the only direct knowledge we have is that “I Exist”. All other knowledge is via inference. Hence the Self-Inquiry, “Who Am I?” was advised by Bhagavan as the primary spiritual practice.
ALL IS ONE -Yet We Are Not Alone: By Michael Bowes
By Michael Bowes
One can be certain that one is not alone in this world. As long as we consider ourselves to be a separate, limited, mortal individual in this sometimes bewildering existence, one can be certain that the presence and guidance of the true guru, the eternal guide, is always with us. That loving guide draws us to ItSelf just as the flowers attract the bees.
Have you noticed how persons use expressions similar to the following – “I said to myself”, “I thought to myself”, “I told myself”, “I asked myself”?
Who is the “I” that asks one’s self, who is the “I” that thinks to one’s self, who is the “I” that tells one’s self? And who is the “myself” that “I” tells?
These expressions and questions are subtle indications of the fractured nature of our existence; but they are also indications of the one who is…
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