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You Are The Peacemaker

By Dr. Harsh K. Luthar

Buddha


Mahavira, the Jain prophet of nonviolence and an advocate for the principle of Ahimsa (Universal Love), said 2500 years ago that all beings have the natural desire to live and thrive.

Wanting to be safe, happy, and in a nurturing community is not unique to any particular country, culture, religion, or spiritual tradition. In fact, it is not even unique to human beings. Animals, birds, sea creatures, plants and trees, and all forms of life seek safety and nurturance.

Enjoying success at the expense of others and by harming others, including nature and the environment, cannot be sustained over the long term. This is a simple but an ancient truth.

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Virtuous Conduct

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What is virtuous conduct? It is never destroying life, for killing leads to every other sin.–Tirukural, Verse 321

Many are the lovely flowers of worship offered to the Guru, but none lovelier than non-killing. Respect for life is the highest worship, the bright lamp, the sweet garland and unwavering devotion.–Tirumantiram, Verse 197.

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Heart Talk Is All Talk

Somerset Maugham, a well-known English author, was on a visit to Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi.

He also went to see Maj. Chadwick in his room and there he suddenly became unconscious.

Maj. Chadwick requested Sri Bhagavan to see him.

Sri Bhagavan went into the room, took a seat and gazed on Mr. Maugham.

Mr. Maugham regained his senses and saluted Sri Bhagavan.

They remained silent and sat facing each other for nearly an hour.

Mr Maugham attempted to ask questions of Sri Bhagavan but did not (or could not) speak.

Maj.Chadwick encouraged him to ask.

Sri Bhagavan said, “All finished. Heart-talk is all talk. All talk must end in silence only.”

They smiled and Sri Bhagavan left the room.

(From Talk 550 in “Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi).

Bhagavan Ramana as a youth

 

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Food is Sacred

Vegan Salad with Mango pieces

Sri Ramana spent many years cooking for others at the Ashram and even gave precise instructions to those in the kitchen on cooking! He was a taskmaster and did not allow any food to be wasted.

The Upanishads remind us that food is sacred. “Food (anna) itself is Brahma” ~  Taittiriya Upanishad.

Bhagavan Ramana taught the devotees that food influences our body and mind, and should be selected with care, prepared well, and eaten in moderation.

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Some Similarities between Jnana Yoga and Kundalini Yoga: by Vib “Vibri” Ribbon

Some Similarities between Jnana Yoga and Kundalini Yoga:

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Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini-Shakti is in traditional Indian spiritual sources described as the energy that propels man to liberation. Thus, awakening this energy in the body(mind) of the practitioner is central in some liberation teachings, most notably, the Kundalini Yoga systems and the Tantra Yoga systems. As the energy moves in the central channel in the body from its resting place and source in the Muladhara Chakra to the Sahasrara Chakra, and enlivens the passive element of the mind, liberation is said to ensue.

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I Entered the Heart a Stranger: By Dr. Harsh K. Luthar

The Experience of the Heart.

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For many years, I have been sharing the following quote on Facebook.

“I entered the Heart a stranger and saw that I myself am the Heart.”

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Give Up The Sense Of Doership ~ Sri Ramana

Give up the sense of doership

Bhagavan Ramana says in Talk 41 (Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi) that one should give up the sense of doership in order to be free from the bondage of birth and death. Bhagavan is saying that karma pertains to the body/mind. If we give up the sense of doership, the karma will go on or drop away. Either way, it is not our concern.

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“Mind Your Own Business”, said Ramana Maharshi

The sun is simply bright


One day, one of the devotees came to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and said in an excited whisper, “Look, Bhagavan! Just look at that man! ” Everyone turned to look. We saw a gentleman who was asleep, swaying back and forth. The devotee who had approached Bhagavan complained, “I have been watching him for the past few days. He always sleeps in Bhagavan’s presence.”

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Do Not Mind the Mind: By Dr. Harsh K. Luthar

The mind sees differences everywhere

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Ramana Satsangs in NY and Boston

The Arunachala Ashram is a non profit organization that functions in the U.S. and Canada. They have two formal Ashrams. One is in Jamaica, NY and the other is in Nova Scotia, Canada. Devotees can stay in these Ashrams as guests and enjoy Satsang.

Recently the Arunachala Ashram, with help from the Florida devotees, has started holding annual retreats on Bhagavan’s teachings in Tampa, Florida.

I have visited both the Nova Scotia and the NY Ashrams with my daughter. Being with Bhagavan devotees is like being with family and it is always an enriching and a nourishing time. The Arunachala Ashram website lists Satsangs which are held monthly or weekly around the U.S. and Canada. if one is interested in Bhagavan’s teachings and wants to enjoy Satsang, some of the Satsangs are listed below.

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