Have we ever wondered what we have come into this world to do? Surely there is a reason for us to be here! We have not come here to EXIST but to LIVE and progress! How many of us truly understand the purpose of our lives? Nature is forever giving us small little hints and messages in the form of developments, circumstances, events, dreams, visions, scenarios and people who ever so subtly aid or guide us towards whatever we have come here to achieve.
In addition, we are forever getting messages from our inner self, from our subconscious mind, which we perceive as instinct or intuition, but often fail to comprehend the meaning due to their subtle nature. To appreciate them we need to be at peace with ourselves because it is only then that we can “hear” or appreciate those divine messages.
All of us have come to this world to do SOMETHING through which not only do we enrich ourselves (not necessarily materially) by evolving but at the same time help others by affecting them in a positive manner. Each one of us is capable of doing something which only we can do best, far better than anyone else in this world. Osho has said….” Each person comes into this world with a specific destiny. He has something to fulfill, some message to be delivered, some work to be completed. You are not here accidentally, you are here meaningfully. There is a purpose behind you. The whole intends to do something through you.” Most of us, unfortunately are not aware of our true capabilities or potential. As I understand we have all taken birth to ultimately merge with the Divine and to do so we need to keep evolving and progressing.
We come to this earth with a blueprint of our destiny only while the actual progress depends on the gift bestowed on all of us, called “free will’ which enables us to take correct (or incorrect) decisions. If the decisions are correct the purpose of this “free will” is fulfilled as they are good for our spiritual development. Whenever we choose to exercise our free gift correctly, nature creates situations or circumstances or sends people who aid us in our quest. The important thing here is that very often we fail to realize or appreciate the message. Before going any further, it is important to understand that life is a continuum , it does not end, even after “physical “death. The process of physical death only means shedding of the material or physical part of our body, while our intelligence still remains intact along with all the memories as well as desires. In other words the karmic imprints remain. This is because the astral and the causal parts of our bodies do not perish with physical death. After reaching the astral plane (the realm we reach depends on our karmic imprints), we take birth again, based on our karmas as well as our latent desires. We get a human birth if we are lucky. When we are reborn, we come to fulfill our desires, our aspirations and to experience certain things. All of these are in accordance with a sort of contract we have entered in the astral plane, basically to progress and evolve.
Similarly, all of us have both strengths as well as weaknesses, but often we tend to focus on only the positives with which we have been bestowed. Nature creates circumstances which continuously remind us of those weaknesses which we need to transgress in order to evolve. But, alas, how often do we heed Nature’s message, which in reality is a message from beyond?
Do we realize that when we are confronted with a problem in life, we are being given a chance to try to solve it and progress further? The experience we gain in the process is invaluable for our maturity. It is something like a teacher giving problems to a student to solve, if he solves it satisfactorily, he gets better marks. As he continues to solve more, succeeds in his examinations, he gets promoted. This is precisely what happens in life. Problems are thrown at us so that we take them as challenges, confront them, solve them and move ahead. Most of the time problems come to us in the form of circumstances or situations we do not like. Rest assured, when that happens we are being given a message…”Look…this is what you need to grow out of”. We can take another example, while driving down a busy road, someone honks repeatedly from behind, we get irritated and lose your cool and blame or perhaps foul mouth the guy. If we do this, similar or perhaps worse episodes will continue to happen. We need to recognize this as a message….that one of our weaknesses is impatience. We are being told to develop patience! In case we do not heed this warning, it will keep recurring till either we grow out of it or do something rash or silly, after which these episodes may become worse. Once we grow out of it, we grow out of our irritability.
Another every day scenario….we go to an office to get something done and find a long queue at the window, which irritates us, and by the time we reach the window, we, in all probability have lost our patience and cool when on seeing the irritated face of the clerk behind the window, and we respond by snapping at him, he snaps back and perhaps finds some fault with our application and our work does not get done. Again our patience is being tested…nature has realized that one of our weaknesses is impatience. If, on the other hand,we choose to smile at him, perhaps sympathise with him for having to face a lot of irate people, it is quite likely that he would do our job willingly!
Are we not facing such situations every day?
Some messages are so very subtle. A new born comes into this world with a rare birth defect which has no treatment. The parents are very attached to the child and leave no stone unturned for its treatment but to no avail and are struck with grief when they lose their precious child. But somehow they heed the message given to them….they set up a Centre for Research on rare maladies of children, thereby helping hundreds of other children. Their beloved offspring came into this world to teach the parents the meaning of compassion! I think such a child needs to be worshipped!
A young boy aspired to be a Dentist. His father approached a Private Medical College for their son’s admission but was shocked when asked to shell out a huge sum of money which they could ill afford. A similar thing happened with some other parents who had come there for the same thing. They decided that they would not yield to the blackmail and there and then, planned to build a Dental College of their own and help many other aspiring Dental surgeons. Since their intentions were genuine and designed to help others, they managed to get loans and in no time built an Institute which very soon overshadowed the other one. In the process they helped so many more people. The person who had demanded the money had actually thrown a challenge and given them a subtle message….. which was heeded.
A couple has been married for many years but the wife has not been able to conceive. Suddenly they come across an abandoned child, a child crying for love and affection. The message is so clear! Nature has responded by giving them a baby!
What message are the daughter-in-law and the mother-in-law living together and not seeing eye-to-eye giving to each other, without knowing it? They have been brought together again after possibly so many earlier acrimonious relationships to resolve their age old differences and to evolve higher!
Similar is the case of the irate and demanding boss and the employee. The employee needs to take his job as a challenge, think of new strategies to handle the problems thrown at him by his boss, evolve and progress in his career as well as spiritually. Both the boss and the employee are being given a subtle message….resolve your differences positively, progress and evolve.
Almost every situation we face in our lives is teaching us something. Each and every disease comes with a subtle message. Diabetics develop Diabetes because they have failed to appreciate the “sweetness of life” due to their busy lifestyle….the subconscious mind responds by denying you that sweetness! Similarly, those who have a “Type A“personality are prone to develop Peptic Ulcers, Heart Disease, Hypertension etc. The message is clear….”slow down, take it easy…relaxe”! There are myriads of such examples. If we develop problems in our neck….Cervical spondylosis or pain…we are actually being told not to treat life a “pain in the neck”! Relaxe, live and enjoy the journey of life!
Very often people manifest different types of phobias….fear of heights, darkness, closed spaces, water etc. All of these indicate an unresolved trauma much earlier in life, the trauma may have been an actual occurrence which may have left an indelible mark in the subconscious mind and could not be resolved. This may have happened in early childhood or perhaps in an earlier life. All of these indicate that the energy system of our body is out of balance and needs to be corrected. Often, past karmic patterns may manifest as physical disabilities in this life. Some people are victims of repeated accidents…these “accidents”are conveying another message…they are holding too much energy in those areas and need rebalancing of their energy systems.
All of these can be resolved either by developing spiritually when we may actually see or perhaps live through the event causing the problems in this birth or taking the help of a Psychiatrist trained in past life regression. If not resolved, these problems might be the cause of serious life threatening events. The most important message to take from all these examples is “Accept reality….live in the present’
Sometimes, Nature shows us something which may be loaded with meaning… if understood. When Sir Isaac Newton saw the apple fall, it set him thinking and led to history being made. He too heeded the message given to him and produced wonders. So also, as per legend, when King Arthur saw the spider trying to climb and falling repeatedly but ultimately succeeding in the end, made him realize that ‘failure is the stepping stone to success”! In our day to day life also, we may “accidentally” meet someone or find something which quite literally changes the course of events and our thinking. Actually, there are no accidents…everything happens for a purpose and EVERYTHING in Nature has a meaning.
Have we ever appreciated the messages a tree is forever giving us? It is so “Giving”… shade as well as Oxygen to breathe, it is home to birds, small animals, the leaves provide manure after falling, the wood has so many uses….the list can go on. The tree is doing all this selflessly, so also the Sun and so many other things in nature.
What is the message to a person of a particular community who hates people of another community, finds himself living in the midst of that community? “Love thy neighbour”….rise above hate… evolve… progress! Nature has done its duty by bringing them together for a purpose.
Very lately we have been seeing turmoil in so many parts of the world, one of them starting from the middle East, then Egypt, Libya and so on. There is a very strong message…but are we heeding it? The Anna movement is another case in point….does our government understand the message? Have we wondered what made Anna do what he has done? His purpose of this life is to help his countrymen by bringing about a revolution, though a very peaceful one. How did he realize this? When he was driving the army truck while working in the Indian Army in his younger days, he saw 25 of his comrades dying in front of his eyes while he survived. He being the lone survivor made him wonder as to why his life had been spared….could there be a higher purpose? We now know better!
Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi got his message after being thrown out of the First Class compartment….is it not ironic that his being thrown out ultimately culminated in the British being literally thrown out of this country?
It is not necessary that these messages tell or show us the ultimate eventuality. Most of the time the message makes us take a small step in the right direction….then another….yet another…and so on….till we reach where we have to….and then these messages are inspirations for even greater progress….the journey continues.
Our Intuition is our best guide. All of us are born with at least grade one of intuition. In order to progress in life we need to develop it further. Sri Yoganand Paramhans has described five types (“God Talks to Arjun Vol I, Verse 29).In the first form, which is the crudest, is the intuition of the “Annamaya Kosha” or the food sheath and is related to gross matter, limited to sense knowledge or inferential knowledge, which most of us possess. The second form is the intuition of the “Pranamaya Kosha” which is the plane of pranic energy or life force which creates and sustains the body. As a result one can appreciate subtle sounds and lights etc. In the third type, that of the mind plane, called the “Manomaya Kosha,” visions are seen and appreciated and one may not be aware of the outside world. The fourth type of intuition is of the “Jnanamaya Kosha” or intellect plane, and leads to appreciation of the truth associated with wisdom. Finally, the fifth form leads to direct knowledge of bliss and is of the “Anandmaya Kosha”.
Very often the message we get from our subconscious mind is at variance to what our conscious mind believes in and we tend to disregard it. If our intuition is well developed we will choose to give more relevance to the message from beyond rather than listen to our conscious mind, act accordingly and reap the benefits.
The very few blessed ones who have been able to climb high on the spiritual ladder have access to so many “mukta’ or enlightened beings, no longer in physical form, with whom they can actually “converse” and get direct messages. They are the ones who are perpetually guided at every step of their lives. They are the ones who have direct access to their gurus in their physical or spiritual form. Needless to say, it is this category of blessed beings who are forever helping and guiding humanity…taking them higher and higher on the spiritual ladder.
To conclude, in order to grasp Nature’s whisperings and messages in totality we need to “go inside’, connect with the self…our subconscious mind….listen to the small little voice which knows everything about us…keeps giving us messages in the form of ideas, images, figures, dreams…. meditate….. and slowly but surely progress, evolve, develop feelings of divine love, compassion, empathy, appreciate the inter connectedness which binds us all together, happiness, bliss and travel to the bright and simply beautiful astral realms beyond!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Kundalini
What is Kundalini?
This “mystical”word has always remained an enigma even though so much has been written about it! One gets the impression that if one knows about it then one is already enlightened! On the other hand, being ingnorant about it is tantamount to being unintelligent, so to speak. Those who do not talk about it are wary of it and scared of venturing into anything to do with it. One thing is very clear, though….it should not be taken lightly! It may, perhaps, be wise to let it lie as it is!
Yogis have been talking about it since time immemorial. At the outset, we need to understand that “yoga” basically means “union “, and here the union is with the Supreme Being. Yoga, as we know it, comprises of many disciplines and actions, which ultimately culminate into meditation leading to “Samadhi” and it is the last two which lead to the union we are talking about. This happens with the opening of the ‘third eye” leading to the atma travelling up through the “tenth” door, at the top of the head, to ultimately merge with Parmatma through some more stages.
Yogis believe that the Kundalini is our individual manifestation of the larger Shakti which is the creative force of the Universe. This larger shakti has also been called Mahakundalini by some (Mary Scott, “Kundalini in the physical world”). It is regarded as a stabilizing agency, whether at the physical or Cosmic level. It is part of the Universal Spirit present inside us, but about which we are not normally aware. It is tremendously powerful, borne out of the fact that it has given birth to us.
The role of the kundalini is to see that all the multiple energy based processes occurring inside our bodies are held firmly together in accordance with the patterns commensurate with our destiny and life’s purpose, while Mahakundalini appears to be similar to Tao, as described by the Chinese, who have conceived it “as a vast all-embracing terrestrial energy not subject to gravity or electromagnetism but modifying them as they operate within the Earth’s field”(Mary Scott)
To understand what kundalini is,one needs first to delve into the process of Creation. Our ancient rishis have understood that, for this entire universe to be created the One has to manifest into many. Based on the tantric philosophy, Shiva brings about consciousness which blends with shakti in order to create human life. This creation occurs through the blending of the Five Elements or Tattvas. Akash or Ether first appeared out of nothingness or the void and is the first of the Five Elements and is considered the medium through which sound is transmitted and it was this sound which initiated creation (Shabd, Aum, Hum, Holy Ghost….). Since this shabd has brought about our creation, it has the power to take us back to the One also. It is this shabd which continues to create and is manifested everywhere.
From Akash, arises the second element, Vayu or Air as swirling masses of gaseous matter, which then combust forming heat and light, whereby giving birth to the third Element, Tejas or Fire. The residues then pool, and moisture appears forming the liquid Element, called Apas or Water. Finally, crystallization and solidification occurs and we have the Earth or Prithvi. (Dr Rudolph Ballentine, “Radical Healing’). This is so very similar to the “Big Bang” theory of evolution as proposed by Science.
Yogic teaching has been that we take birth through what is known as pranashakti or life force which, descends down the medulla and the cerebro spinal axis to finally come and rest at the base of the spine or the muladhar (Coccygeal) chakra where it lies dormant. As this creative force descends down it gets transformed into energy centres or “chakras” which are responsible for the physiological functioning of the organs they are in proximity with as well as the endocrine functions of those physiological structures and our various emotions or feelings. They also represent the Elements or Tattvas as mentioned above. Pranashakti enters through the Sahasrar Chakra at the very top of the head, travels down to the Agya Chakra, in between the two eyes at the forehead (which is actually a command centre for the entire human structure). This is followed by the Vishudhi Chakra in the throat and representative of the akash tattva, below which is the heart chakra associated with the Air or Vayu element. The Lumbar chakra is associated with the Fire Element while the Svasthisthan (Sacral) chakra represents Water and the Muladhar, Earth. We, therefore, see that even though the kundalini is lying dormant, it is not inert, however, since it is controlling so many functions in the body through thousands of nadis.
Each of these chakras also has a presiding deity. For example, Lord Ganesha is the guardian of the coccygeal chakra, Lord Vishnu of the Sacral, Lord Shiva of the Manipur or lumbar chakra. Each of these chakras also have their own independent sounds which can be heard when meditating individually on any of these chakras. These sounds are somewhat different from the ones “heard” during meditation on the “Shabd”. Opposing forms of energy must unite in order for the whole to form. So also, the kundalini, being part of the Spirit must move up the spine to unite with Consciousness to become One again. Unfortunately, the kundalini, after giving birth to us, lies dormant at the base of the spine, the muladhar chakra. It remains asleep because so much of our energy is expended and drained out owing to our preoccupation with our deep seated habits based on fear and insecurity ( the function of the root or muladhar chakra is to keep us “grounded”, owing to the Earth Element, but this grounding very often does not take place because our senses keep getting fuelled by external material pleasures, and our actions revolving around “me and mine” leading ultimately to feelings of fear and insecurity).The dormant kundalini becomes a source of insatiable lusts by feeding our senses, leading to wastage of so much of energy preventing this very powerful force to ascend up to its correct seat, the Swathisthan chakra and manifesting its true power of expanding our consciousness. It is only when the yogi, by connecting to “shabd’ or aum, can bring about its awakening which is needed for human liberation. The kundalini is, therefore, “the ultimate shaker and mover”(Dr Rudolph Ballentine) as a result of which it can burst through, breaking all barriers and can transform an ordinary being into one full of life and creativity by stirring up feelings and emotion.
The yogi, by his meditation on the shabd, reverses the searchlight of intelligence, mind and life force inward and the kundalini rises through the central passage in the spine, called the sushumna nadi, up from the sacral chakra, to the swadisthan, the lumbar, anahat and vishudhi chakras to the spiritual eye finally up to the sahasrar chakra. The material man is busy with his body and the external world while the yogi’s consciousness is basically engaged within. When the yogi has been able to bring his consciousness to the agya chakra he can experience the feeling of bliss once he reaches the sahasrar chakra.
The kundalini shakti is actually a manifestation of the feminine force in the universe and is not just the nurturing and receptive aspect of the feminine. This has been so very beautifully brought forward by my spiritual brother, Dhairyananda, quoting Sri Yoganand Paramhans in “God speaks to Arjun”. The five energy centres in man are also symbolised by the five Pandavas. The Muladhar, the Earth element is represented by Nakul, the Swadisthan or Water element by Sahadeva, the Fire element or Manipur by Arjun, Anahat or Air Element by Bhima, while Yudhisthir represents the Akash Element or Vishudhi chakra. Draupadi represents the kundalini.
Draupadi is the daughter of Drupada, symbolic of extreme dispassion and represents the spiritual power or feeling of kundalini. When the kundalini is lifted upward it becomes “wedded “to the five pandavas and gives rise to five sons which are the five manifestations of the opened spinal centres, the various lights and sounds characteristic of each centre. “
The coiled kundalini is, however, not the same as Shabda since shabda is operative at all levels of matter while the kundalini is a limiting power which confines the activities of shabda within physical limits. This is very important to understand.
Kundalini Awakening:
According to yogis Kundalini awakening is, therefore, the first and most important step towards spiritual progress. In other words, this is the first step towards self realization. Only when one has been able to draw one’s attention away from one’s material surroundings and desires that attention will turn inwards. Kundalini awakening has often been confused with the feeling of so called “bliss” during the union of the male and female but this is momentary and the true purpose is to get this energy chanelled up through the spinal centres.
A word of caution here. There is an erroneous impression among most people that they can awaken their kundalinis themselves by various methods which have been described and are being practiced. I think we should all understand that trying to awaken our kundalinis by ourselves should never be practiced! If at all we are keen to do so, it should only be done under guidance from a guru who is well versed in it since premature awakening can lead to disastrous complications. Unless and until our body has become tuned to handle the sudden spurt of energy, awakening should never be tried. There is so much truth in the saying, “when the student is ready, the guru appears”. Nowhere is this more true than here. When a stage has come when spiritual awakening is to take place, it will….due to certain circumstances, contact with people, incidents etc which will take one forward ultimately bringing one in contact with the right guru. It is, therefore, clear that perhaps it is a good idea to let the kundalini lie till the time is ripe!
Many yoga teachers also have stressed that one should not attempt to raise the kundalini by meditating on individual chakras as it could be dangerous, perhaps not even correct to do so. Those who have an insight into the functioning of the Atma in man, feel that it wakes by itself once we have developed the qualities and attitudes which are conducive to its arousal.
Sri Aurobindo,has introduced the concept that the awakening kundalini power is both a descending as well as ascending one. He too feels that the chakras cannot be “willed” to open but open by themselves by the descent of the force. According to him, they open from below upwards in accordance with the tantric discipline but his concept is that they open from up downwards. One can, therefore, infer that it may not be wise to try to manipulate the kundalini.
Swamiji, Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak and some other God realized Gurus, etc consider the “hearing” of the Shabd being of paramount inportance for the opening of the “third eye” rather than having to do anything with the kundalini since they feel that a proper union can only take place after one has been able to bring one’s consciousness to the area between the two eyebrows, after which the atma then can travel up after some more stages. This can happen only through guidance from a god realized guru. They feel that anything to do with the chakras and the kundalini is basically concerned with the human body and its physiological functioning. This is because when you are meditating on any of the chakras(the five lower ones) you are actually meditating on the deity controlling that particular chakra and you would probably hear the sound related to that chakra and perhaps gain some powers(ridhis and sidhis) because of the deity. These powers are actually “by products” which are not of much consequence to a real Sadhak, seeking union. Spiritual advancement actually means going beyond all this so that one can attain union with the Parmatma beyond Creation and this advancement occurs only when one has an open third eye so that one can journey beyond. The purpose of human life is to finally go back to our true abode which is with the Supreme Being. In other words, reaching a stage of ‘turia avastha’ or enlightenment, is the real thing.
Intuitively, I feel that connecting to shabda, through meditation as taught by a fully realized guru is by far the best route, perhaps the only route to enlightenment and that whatever other route or routes there are ultimately get connected to shabda somewhere along the line. It is not difficult to see that there are examples of many, who, may perhaps have never practiced yoga but have “united” with the supreme spirit! Practicing all the eight limbs of yoga are still very important, though,since in a way one is actually “living” the “ten commandments”(Yam/Niyam), managing to remain physically and mentally healthy(Asanas and Pranayam) and at the same time progressing spiritually by meditation, but the method of meditation should be such that it leads to the opening of the “third eye’, essential for further spiritual ascent and happens through listening or appreciating the shabda. Sri Aurobindo feels that “when the soul is ready we are prompted to meditate”
The opening of the “Third Eye’ has two manifestations, one that of being able to hear all the subtle sounds and also seeing various types of visions. This is called “surt’. Hearing subtle sounds is by far the commoner of the two while seeing visions happens due to Divine grace and is a simply wonderful experience which cannot be described!
When the third eye opens, one’e atma travels higher to go beyond the Sahasrar dal kamal or the “tenth’ door and it is then that actual “sant mat” commences. This means that one can then venture into other realms at will. When this happens one can travel in the astral and the causal realms depending upon one’s spiritual progress. Yogis and Budhists believe that our connection with the Divine is through what is called the “Antahkaran’ or the “silver chord” which is attached to our Sahasrar chakra. This chord remains intact as long as the atma inhabits the physical body but gets snapped at the time of physical death. During astral travel, this chord remains connected with the body.
During one’s sojourn in the astral, one may have wonderful experiences, of happiness and bliss. The visions of the Divine, other “mukta“ atmas, god realized souls etc become more and more frequent, and ultimately a stage may come when one merges with divinity with the breaking down of one’s physical, astral and causal bodies to unite with Him and become One or Whole! All along this beautiful journey, one’s guru is always there, in front, like a beacon of light, guiding one along, meandering through the indescribable but serene and luminous world inducing feelings of profound happiness and bliss. The guru, the Almighty and the self all merge in that soothing divine light! The final stage of scintillating brilliance is supposed to be so beautiful and blissful that even Sant Kabir has not been able to describe it fully!
This “mystical”word has always remained an enigma even though so much has been written about it! One gets the impression that if one knows about it then one is already enlightened! On the other hand, being ingnorant about it is tantamount to being unintelligent, so to speak. Those who do not talk about it are wary of it and scared of venturing into anything to do with it. One thing is very clear, though….it should not be taken lightly! It may, perhaps, be wise to let it lie as it is!
Yogis have been talking about it since time immemorial. At the outset, we need to understand that “yoga” basically means “union “, and here the union is with the Supreme Being. Yoga, as we know it, comprises of many disciplines and actions, which ultimately culminate into meditation leading to “Samadhi” and it is the last two which lead to the union we are talking about. This happens with the opening of the ‘third eye” leading to the atma travelling up through the “tenth” door, at the top of the head, to ultimately merge with Parmatma through some more stages.
Yogis believe that the Kundalini is our individual manifestation of the larger Shakti which is the creative force of the Universe. This larger shakti has also been called Mahakundalini by some (Mary Scott, “Kundalini in the physical world”). It is regarded as a stabilizing agency, whether at the physical or Cosmic level. It is part of the Universal Spirit present inside us, but about which we are not normally aware. It is tremendously powerful, borne out of the fact that it has given birth to us.
The role of the kundalini is to see that all the multiple energy based processes occurring inside our bodies are held firmly together in accordance with the patterns commensurate with our destiny and life’s purpose, while Mahakundalini appears to be similar to Tao, as described by the Chinese, who have conceived it “as a vast all-embracing terrestrial energy not subject to gravity or electromagnetism but modifying them as they operate within the Earth’s field”(Mary Scott)
To understand what kundalini is,one needs first to delve into the process of Creation. Our ancient rishis have understood that, for this entire universe to be created the One has to manifest into many. Based on the tantric philosophy, Shiva brings about consciousness which blends with shakti in order to create human life. This creation occurs through the blending of the Five Elements or Tattvas. Akash or Ether first appeared out of nothingness or the void and is the first of the Five Elements and is considered the medium through which sound is transmitted and it was this sound which initiated creation (Shabd, Aum, Hum, Holy Ghost….). Since this shabd has brought about our creation, it has the power to take us back to the One also. It is this shabd which continues to create and is manifested everywhere.
From Akash, arises the second element, Vayu or Air as swirling masses of gaseous matter, which then combust forming heat and light, whereby giving birth to the third Element, Tejas or Fire. The residues then pool, and moisture appears forming the liquid Element, called Apas or Water. Finally, crystallization and solidification occurs and we have the Earth or Prithvi. (Dr Rudolph Ballentine, “Radical Healing’). This is so very similar to the “Big Bang” theory of evolution as proposed by Science.
Yogic teaching has been that we take birth through what is known as pranashakti or life force which, descends down the medulla and the cerebro spinal axis to finally come and rest at the base of the spine or the muladhar (Coccygeal) chakra where it lies dormant. As this creative force descends down it gets transformed into energy centres or “chakras” which are responsible for the physiological functioning of the organs they are in proximity with as well as the endocrine functions of those physiological structures and our various emotions or feelings. They also represent the Elements or Tattvas as mentioned above. Pranashakti enters through the Sahasrar Chakra at the very top of the head, travels down to the Agya Chakra, in between the two eyes at the forehead (which is actually a command centre for the entire human structure). This is followed by the Vishudhi Chakra in the throat and representative of the akash tattva, below which is the heart chakra associated with the Air or Vayu element. The Lumbar chakra is associated with the Fire Element while the Svasthisthan (Sacral) chakra represents Water and the Muladhar, Earth. We, therefore, see that even though the kundalini is lying dormant, it is not inert, however, since it is controlling so many functions in the body through thousands of nadis.
Each of these chakras also has a presiding deity. For example, Lord Ganesha is the guardian of the coccygeal chakra, Lord Vishnu of the Sacral, Lord Shiva of the Manipur or lumbar chakra. Each of these chakras also have their own independent sounds which can be heard when meditating individually on any of these chakras. These sounds are somewhat different from the ones “heard” during meditation on the “Shabd”. Opposing forms of energy must unite in order for the whole to form. So also, the kundalini, being part of the Spirit must move up the spine to unite with Consciousness to become One again. Unfortunately, the kundalini, after giving birth to us, lies dormant at the base of the spine, the muladhar chakra. It remains asleep because so much of our energy is expended and drained out owing to our preoccupation with our deep seated habits based on fear and insecurity ( the function of the root or muladhar chakra is to keep us “grounded”, owing to the Earth Element, but this grounding very often does not take place because our senses keep getting fuelled by external material pleasures, and our actions revolving around “me and mine” leading ultimately to feelings of fear and insecurity).The dormant kundalini becomes a source of insatiable lusts by feeding our senses, leading to wastage of so much of energy preventing this very powerful force to ascend up to its correct seat, the Swathisthan chakra and manifesting its true power of expanding our consciousness. It is only when the yogi, by connecting to “shabd’ or aum, can bring about its awakening which is needed for human liberation. The kundalini is, therefore, “the ultimate shaker and mover”(Dr Rudolph Ballentine) as a result of which it can burst through, breaking all barriers and can transform an ordinary being into one full of life and creativity by stirring up feelings and emotion.
The yogi, by his meditation on the shabd, reverses the searchlight of intelligence, mind and life force inward and the kundalini rises through the central passage in the spine, called the sushumna nadi, up from the sacral chakra, to the swadisthan, the lumbar, anahat and vishudhi chakras to the spiritual eye finally up to the sahasrar chakra. The material man is busy with his body and the external world while the yogi’s consciousness is basically engaged within. When the yogi has been able to bring his consciousness to the agya chakra he can experience the feeling of bliss once he reaches the sahasrar chakra.
The kundalini shakti is actually a manifestation of the feminine force in the universe and is not just the nurturing and receptive aspect of the feminine. This has been so very beautifully brought forward by my spiritual brother, Dhairyananda, quoting Sri Yoganand Paramhans in “God speaks to Arjun”. The five energy centres in man are also symbolised by the five Pandavas. The Muladhar, the Earth element is represented by Nakul, the Swadisthan or Water element by Sahadeva, the Fire element or Manipur by Arjun, Anahat or Air Element by Bhima, while Yudhisthir represents the Akash Element or Vishudhi chakra. Draupadi represents the kundalini.
Draupadi is the daughter of Drupada, symbolic of extreme dispassion and represents the spiritual power or feeling of kundalini. When the kundalini is lifted upward it becomes “wedded “to the five pandavas and gives rise to five sons which are the five manifestations of the opened spinal centres, the various lights and sounds characteristic of each centre. “
The coiled kundalini is, however, not the same as Shabda since shabda is operative at all levels of matter while the kundalini is a limiting power which confines the activities of shabda within physical limits. This is very important to understand.
Kundalini Awakening:
According to yogis Kundalini awakening is, therefore, the first and most important step towards spiritual progress. In other words, this is the first step towards self realization. Only when one has been able to draw one’s attention away from one’s material surroundings and desires that attention will turn inwards. Kundalini awakening has often been confused with the feeling of so called “bliss” during the union of the male and female but this is momentary and the true purpose is to get this energy chanelled up through the spinal centres.
A word of caution here. There is an erroneous impression among most people that they can awaken their kundalinis themselves by various methods which have been described and are being practiced. I think we should all understand that trying to awaken our kundalinis by ourselves should never be practiced! If at all we are keen to do so, it should only be done under guidance from a guru who is well versed in it since premature awakening can lead to disastrous complications. Unless and until our body has become tuned to handle the sudden spurt of energy, awakening should never be tried. There is so much truth in the saying, “when the student is ready, the guru appears”. Nowhere is this more true than here. When a stage has come when spiritual awakening is to take place, it will….due to certain circumstances, contact with people, incidents etc which will take one forward ultimately bringing one in contact with the right guru. It is, therefore, clear that perhaps it is a good idea to let the kundalini lie till the time is ripe!
Many yoga teachers also have stressed that one should not attempt to raise the kundalini by meditating on individual chakras as it could be dangerous, perhaps not even correct to do so. Those who have an insight into the functioning of the Atma in man, feel that it wakes by itself once we have developed the qualities and attitudes which are conducive to its arousal.
Sri Aurobindo,has introduced the concept that the awakening kundalini power is both a descending as well as ascending one. He too feels that the chakras cannot be “willed” to open but open by themselves by the descent of the force. According to him, they open from below upwards in accordance with the tantric discipline but his concept is that they open from up downwards. One can, therefore, infer that it may not be wise to try to manipulate the kundalini.
Swamiji, Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak and some other God realized Gurus, etc consider the “hearing” of the Shabd being of paramount inportance for the opening of the “third eye” rather than having to do anything with the kundalini since they feel that a proper union can only take place after one has been able to bring one’s consciousness to the area between the two eyebrows, after which the atma then can travel up after some more stages. This can happen only through guidance from a god realized guru. They feel that anything to do with the chakras and the kundalini is basically concerned with the human body and its physiological functioning. This is because when you are meditating on any of the chakras(the five lower ones) you are actually meditating on the deity controlling that particular chakra and you would probably hear the sound related to that chakra and perhaps gain some powers(ridhis and sidhis) because of the deity. These powers are actually “by products” which are not of much consequence to a real Sadhak, seeking union. Spiritual advancement actually means going beyond all this so that one can attain union with the Parmatma beyond Creation and this advancement occurs only when one has an open third eye so that one can journey beyond. The purpose of human life is to finally go back to our true abode which is with the Supreme Being. In other words, reaching a stage of ‘turia avastha’ or enlightenment, is the real thing.
Intuitively, I feel that connecting to shabda, through meditation as taught by a fully realized guru is by far the best route, perhaps the only route to enlightenment and that whatever other route or routes there are ultimately get connected to shabda somewhere along the line. It is not difficult to see that there are examples of many, who, may perhaps have never practiced yoga but have “united” with the supreme spirit! Practicing all the eight limbs of yoga are still very important, though,since in a way one is actually “living” the “ten commandments”(Yam/Niyam), managing to remain physically and mentally healthy(Asanas and Pranayam) and at the same time progressing spiritually by meditation, but the method of meditation should be such that it leads to the opening of the “third eye’, essential for further spiritual ascent and happens through listening or appreciating the shabda. Sri Aurobindo feels that “when the soul is ready we are prompted to meditate”
The opening of the “Third Eye’ has two manifestations, one that of being able to hear all the subtle sounds and also seeing various types of visions. This is called “surt’. Hearing subtle sounds is by far the commoner of the two while seeing visions happens due to Divine grace and is a simply wonderful experience which cannot be described!
When the third eye opens, one’e atma travels higher to go beyond the Sahasrar dal kamal or the “tenth’ door and it is then that actual “sant mat” commences. This means that one can then venture into other realms at will. When this happens one can travel in the astral and the causal realms depending upon one’s spiritual progress. Yogis and Budhists believe that our connection with the Divine is through what is called the “Antahkaran’ or the “silver chord” which is attached to our Sahasrar chakra. This chord remains intact as long as the atma inhabits the physical body but gets snapped at the time of physical death. During astral travel, this chord remains connected with the body.
During one’s sojourn in the astral, one may have wonderful experiences, of happiness and bliss. The visions of the Divine, other “mukta“ atmas, god realized souls etc become more and more frequent, and ultimately a stage may come when one merges with divinity with the breaking down of one’s physical, astral and causal bodies to unite with Him and become One or Whole! All along this beautiful journey, one’s guru is always there, in front, like a beacon of light, guiding one along, meandering through the indescribable but serene and luminous world inducing feelings of profound happiness and bliss. The guru, the Almighty and the self all merge in that soothing divine light! The final stage of scintillating brilliance is supposed to be so beautiful and blissful that even Sant Kabir has not been able to describe it fully!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Sound and Power of Silence
On the face of it, it appears paradoxical that silence could have a sound and that it could be powerful! Whenever two surfaces strike, a sound is produced but there is another type of sound, the primordial sound which is an “unstruck’ sound, hence called “Anhad’. It is only when we manage to delve into the depths of silence do we realize that it is pregnant with unbelievably beautiful sounds just as “space’ is full of billions and billions of atoms colliding or coalescing into so many forms of matter!
Whenever anything moves, acts or functions, such as a machine, it produces sound vibrations which may or may not be audible to us. Similarly when this universe and the galaxies move, they also produce sounds not normally appreciated by the human ear. Scientists believe that creation of the entire universe took place as a “Big Bang”, a cosmic explosion which obviously must have produced a sound and since the universe is expanding (as proved by physicists) and the galaxies moving, the sound must be a continuous process. This sound of creation was picked up by the big new horn antenna set up at Bell Labs in New Jersey, as a constant hissing sound, though scientists had trouble deciphering it!(Dr Bhaumik, “Code Name God”).
It is believed that creation of this entire universe and so many other universes started as a vibration which comprised of sound and light. This vibration has been called “Aum’, “Amen”, “Ameen’, ‘Hum” etc. This means that all major religions of the world have understood creation as a vibration. Our ancient rishis too heard this sound during their meditations and called it “Aum’. It is also called “Word”, “ Holy Ghost”, ‘Shabd” or “Anhad Shabd’. This means an “unstruck sound” always present but never heard except by those who are fortunate to “hear’ it during meditation (“appreciating” would, perhaps be a better word)
What is power? We normally understand that a powerful person is one who can “control’ others and, perhaps, circumstances as well, and that money can make a person very powerful. Nothing could actually be further from the truth. Possessing money and other material things of this world are really transitory, ephemeral and with you for a limited period of time. They bring along a feeling of insecurity as one is always worried about losing whatever one has acquired. The Sunami which just hit Japan is a standing example, when people lost everything in a fraction of a second. “Control” over others cannot last forever, either. A “powerful” person, as ancient rishis of yore keep reminding us, is one who has control over his mind, anger, jealousy, hatred, lust, greed and, for that matter, all negative emotions and remains cool, calm and unruffled due his control over his restless mind. He is, therefore, at peace with himself and the world.
Coming back to the “sounds” “heard” during meditation. These are very subtle and alter with the spiritual progress of the meditator. How do these two correlate?
We humans have been bestowed with the senses of sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing but we get identified with them, leading to our indulgence in sense pleasures, which ultimately become a source of our unhappiness, turmoil and stress.
It is for this reason that we seek solace in silence. The present world, with its myriad problems keeps us in a constant state of stress, which is due to multiple reasons, some obvious while others very subtle like geopathic stress, disease, or due to our past karmas which can affect all levels of our consciousness (Conscious, Subconscious, Individual and Universal Superconsciousness) This prevents us from accessing our “Self”, which is our true nature, the “core’ of our being. Since we cannot do so, we fail to appreciate the proddings of our intuition, trying to take us upward and evolving into better human beings, and, finally leading to a connection with divinity. Our intuition is actually God’s way of communicating with us! It is only in silence that we can appreciate that ever so small “whisper” of our intuition or subconscience trying to makeitself heard above the cacophony of sounds of the material world.
We have been gifted with what is called “free will”, but, unfortunately most of us identify ourselves with our senses and get carried away by them to satisfy our egos. We forget that “ego” is just a representative and serves the purpose of our growth but when it becomes too powerful, it loses its connection with the divine. It then acts as the “pseudo soul” and starts ruling us leading to all our problems. A vicious circle ensues…a circle of wants, desires, fulfillment of desires ultimately resulting in disappointments, frustrations, owing to non fulfillment of all of them, envy, jealousy, anger etc. Do we realize that it is only we human beings who have the power of free will?
Nature brought us to life through Pranashakti’ which, after giving birth to us lies dormant at the base of our spine as the ‘kundalini ‘shakti. It is this shakti which controls our entire physiological system through a network of 72,000 nerves. As long as this shakti remains dormant we continue to remain attached to sense pleasures and, as a consequence, suffer with problems ranging from disease, unhappiness, torment, stress etc. The creative force differentiates into energy centres called “chakras’ which are actually transformers and control the functioning of different systems of our body. In addition these chakras are also responsible for our nature as well. The smooth functioning of our “body’, which actually comprises of the physical, mental and spiritual components depends on a balance of the energy flowing through the chakras and whenever there is an imbalance in this energy, dis-ease occurs.
By tuning into the vibrations of the subtle sounds, one gradually manages to withdraw from one’s surroundings and the temptations of this world. This happens with meditation when our consciousness then gradually “ascends” up through our spine through the various chakras with the awakening of the kundalini. As one ascends from the Muladhar chakra to the Svadhisthan, on to the Manipur and further up to the Anahat, the nature of the sound changes but always remains very subtle. This may be accompanied by visions also. The sounds become more and more pronounced with further progress till one, if blessed, reaches the Agya or the Sahasrar chakras.
The ascent is associated with balancing of the energy flowing through us. When one crosses the Muladhar chakra, one starts becoming more balanced and after crossing the Swadisthan chakra one becomes more intuitive, receptive and emotional. The ascent beyond the Manipur chakra brings about control over anger. Further progress to the Anahat or the Heart chakra, (which is responsible for our feelings and love),produces a tremendous increase in feelings of love and forgiveness. Going beyond the Vishudhi Chakra, brings about improvement in our intelligence, makes us more honest, ethical and, at the same time improves our communication skills. If one is fortunate enough to reach the Agya chakra, which is the “command “centre, one obviously gets a tremendous control over one life since the Agya chakra controls all the other chakras. When one reaches the Sahasrar chakra, one touches divinity!
This progress brings about a sea change in our lives. One starts becoming happier, worries become less, one see and feels positivity everywhere, starts to recognize divinity in others, resulting in compassion, kindness, feelings of empathy for all. With further progress, one becomes more and more intuitive, clairvoyant and clairaudient , may start remembering or “seeing” one’s previous births, recognizing people and friends as those from earlier relationships etc. Gradually the meaning and purpose of one’s present life starts becoming obvious. One learns to peep into the souls of others and soul beauty takes precedence over physical beauty. Every inch of progress is associated with more and more happiness. To this are added beautiful visions, making one even more happy, finally culminating into real bliss.
Simultaneously, the sense of fear starts to disappear and one’s once egoistic or arrogant attitude is replaced by real humility and a feeling to serve others becomes paramount. One craves for the happiness resulting from serving another being. All this occurs because one does not differentiate oneself from the “other self’. The question of being selfish, therefore, does not arise! This also means that whatever one does, it is done with a feeling of empathy and a genuine desire to “help” the other… which translates into happiness for one self at the same time. It is not associated with any expectation for the result.
Finally, one stops getting affected by anything ‘adverse” since it is taken as a test which ultimately culminates in improving oneself as a human being. One learns to accept reality and finds tremendous improvement in the quality and nature of whatever vocation one pursues. The “power” one derives from meditation in silence is truly wonderful and intoxicating but a true seeker, firmly established on the spiritual path is not affected, nor does he crave for the “power” of clairvoyance and clairaudience, since they are actually by products of his spiritual quest and just ordinary events on his journey to his union with the Almighty.
Blessed are those of us who have been able to tap the tremendous power of the self, and have had the good fortune of tuning in to the divine frequency of sound through meditation and have reveled in the ecstacy of this divine melody! Blessed are those who have access to that beautiful, scintillating bright light, a result of the power and sound of silence! Yes, a true guru can take us through this ever so wonderful journey!
Whenever anything moves, acts or functions, such as a machine, it produces sound vibrations which may or may not be audible to us. Similarly when this universe and the galaxies move, they also produce sounds not normally appreciated by the human ear. Scientists believe that creation of the entire universe took place as a “Big Bang”, a cosmic explosion which obviously must have produced a sound and since the universe is expanding (as proved by physicists) and the galaxies moving, the sound must be a continuous process. This sound of creation was picked up by the big new horn antenna set up at Bell Labs in New Jersey, as a constant hissing sound, though scientists had trouble deciphering it!(Dr Bhaumik, “Code Name God”).
It is believed that creation of this entire universe and so many other universes started as a vibration which comprised of sound and light. This vibration has been called “Aum’, “Amen”, “Ameen’, ‘Hum” etc. This means that all major religions of the world have understood creation as a vibration. Our ancient rishis too heard this sound during their meditations and called it “Aum’. It is also called “Word”, “ Holy Ghost”, ‘Shabd” or “Anhad Shabd’. This means an “unstruck sound” always present but never heard except by those who are fortunate to “hear’ it during meditation (“appreciating” would, perhaps be a better word)
What is power? We normally understand that a powerful person is one who can “control’ others and, perhaps, circumstances as well, and that money can make a person very powerful. Nothing could actually be further from the truth. Possessing money and other material things of this world are really transitory, ephemeral and with you for a limited period of time. They bring along a feeling of insecurity as one is always worried about losing whatever one has acquired. The Sunami which just hit Japan is a standing example, when people lost everything in a fraction of a second. “Control” over others cannot last forever, either. A “powerful” person, as ancient rishis of yore keep reminding us, is one who has control over his mind, anger, jealousy, hatred, lust, greed and, for that matter, all negative emotions and remains cool, calm and unruffled due his control over his restless mind. He is, therefore, at peace with himself and the world.
Coming back to the “sounds” “heard” during meditation. These are very subtle and alter with the spiritual progress of the meditator. How do these two correlate?
We humans have been bestowed with the senses of sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing but we get identified with them, leading to our indulgence in sense pleasures, which ultimately become a source of our unhappiness, turmoil and stress.
It is for this reason that we seek solace in silence. The present world, with its myriad problems keeps us in a constant state of stress, which is due to multiple reasons, some obvious while others very subtle like geopathic stress, disease, or due to our past karmas which can affect all levels of our consciousness (Conscious, Subconscious, Individual and Universal Superconsciousness) This prevents us from accessing our “Self”, which is our true nature, the “core’ of our being. Since we cannot do so, we fail to appreciate the proddings of our intuition, trying to take us upward and evolving into better human beings, and, finally leading to a connection with divinity. Our intuition is actually God’s way of communicating with us! It is only in silence that we can appreciate that ever so small “whisper” of our intuition or subconscience trying to makeitself heard above the cacophony of sounds of the material world.
We have been gifted with what is called “free will”, but, unfortunately most of us identify ourselves with our senses and get carried away by them to satisfy our egos. We forget that “ego” is just a representative and serves the purpose of our growth but when it becomes too powerful, it loses its connection with the divine. It then acts as the “pseudo soul” and starts ruling us leading to all our problems. A vicious circle ensues…a circle of wants, desires, fulfillment of desires ultimately resulting in disappointments, frustrations, owing to non fulfillment of all of them, envy, jealousy, anger etc. Do we realize that it is only we human beings who have the power of free will?
Nature brought us to life through Pranashakti’ which, after giving birth to us lies dormant at the base of our spine as the ‘kundalini ‘shakti. It is this shakti which controls our entire physiological system through a network of 72,000 nerves. As long as this shakti remains dormant we continue to remain attached to sense pleasures and, as a consequence, suffer with problems ranging from disease, unhappiness, torment, stress etc. The creative force differentiates into energy centres called “chakras’ which are actually transformers and control the functioning of different systems of our body. In addition these chakras are also responsible for our nature as well. The smooth functioning of our “body’, which actually comprises of the physical, mental and spiritual components depends on a balance of the energy flowing through the chakras and whenever there is an imbalance in this energy, dis-ease occurs.
By tuning into the vibrations of the subtle sounds, one gradually manages to withdraw from one’s surroundings and the temptations of this world. This happens with meditation when our consciousness then gradually “ascends” up through our spine through the various chakras with the awakening of the kundalini. As one ascends from the Muladhar chakra to the Svadhisthan, on to the Manipur and further up to the Anahat, the nature of the sound changes but always remains very subtle. This may be accompanied by visions also. The sounds become more and more pronounced with further progress till one, if blessed, reaches the Agya or the Sahasrar chakras.
The ascent is associated with balancing of the energy flowing through us. When one crosses the Muladhar chakra, one starts becoming more balanced and after crossing the Swadisthan chakra one becomes more intuitive, receptive and emotional. The ascent beyond the Manipur chakra brings about control over anger. Further progress to the Anahat or the Heart chakra, (which is responsible for our feelings and love),produces a tremendous increase in feelings of love and forgiveness. Going beyond the Vishudhi Chakra, brings about improvement in our intelligence, makes us more honest, ethical and, at the same time improves our communication skills. If one is fortunate enough to reach the Agya chakra, which is the “command “centre, one obviously gets a tremendous control over one life since the Agya chakra controls all the other chakras. When one reaches the Sahasrar chakra, one touches divinity!
This progress brings about a sea change in our lives. One starts becoming happier, worries become less, one see and feels positivity everywhere, starts to recognize divinity in others, resulting in compassion, kindness, feelings of empathy for all. With further progress, one becomes more and more intuitive, clairvoyant and clairaudient , may start remembering or “seeing” one’s previous births, recognizing people and friends as those from earlier relationships etc. Gradually the meaning and purpose of one’s present life starts becoming obvious. One learns to peep into the souls of others and soul beauty takes precedence over physical beauty. Every inch of progress is associated with more and more happiness. To this are added beautiful visions, making one even more happy, finally culminating into real bliss.
Simultaneously, the sense of fear starts to disappear and one’s once egoistic or arrogant attitude is replaced by real humility and a feeling to serve others becomes paramount. One craves for the happiness resulting from serving another being. All this occurs because one does not differentiate oneself from the “other self’. The question of being selfish, therefore, does not arise! This also means that whatever one does, it is done with a feeling of empathy and a genuine desire to “help” the other… which translates into happiness for one self at the same time. It is not associated with any expectation for the result.
Finally, one stops getting affected by anything ‘adverse” since it is taken as a test which ultimately culminates in improving oneself as a human being. One learns to accept reality and finds tremendous improvement in the quality and nature of whatever vocation one pursues. The “power” one derives from meditation in silence is truly wonderful and intoxicating but a true seeker, firmly established on the spiritual path is not affected, nor does he crave for the “power” of clairvoyance and clairaudience, since they are actually by products of his spiritual quest and just ordinary events on his journey to his union with the Almighty.
Blessed are those of us who have been able to tap the tremendous power of the self, and have had the good fortune of tuning in to the divine frequency of sound through meditation and have reveled in the ecstacy of this divine melody! Blessed are those who have access to that beautiful, scintillating bright light, a result of the power and sound of silence! Yes, a true guru can take us through this ever so wonderful journey!
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