#Bhakti yoga

[witchcraft-system]

Just had the sudden realization that I'm probably going to be the only historical example of worshipping Vasanta in the distant future-

Like,, historians are gonna read the poem I just wrote about Vasanta omg-

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

Moods of Kirtan (Siksastakam)

Moods of Kirtan (Siksastakam) · As Kindred Spirits · Gaura Vani 

[buddhiyoga108xvx]

The spirit soul bewildered by the influence of false ego thinks himself the doer of activities that are in actuality carried out by the three modes of material nature.

Bhagavad Gita As It Is 3.27

[siameseheaven]

"My consciousness has never associated itself with this temporary body. Before I came on this earth, Father, I was the same. As a little girl, I was the same. I grew into womanhood, but still I was the same. When the family in which I had been born made arrangements to have this body married, I was the same... And, Father, in front of you now, I am the same. Ever afterward, though the dance of creation change around me in the hall of eternity, I shall be the same." -- Anandamayi Ma

[thoughts-of-ghanashyam]

𝕮𝖑𝖆𝖜𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝕵𝖚𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖈𝖊 A poem about Lord Narasimha

In Indian mythology, as in Western mythology, the lion is the king of beasts. The lion is brave, majestic, the king and can achieve a lot. It's not for nothing that many people in India are called "Singh". "Singh" comes from "Simha", lion. The Sikhs call themselves a lion, which is nothing other than Simha in the Panjabi language.

In the following poem ‘Claws of Justice’, I have humbly tried to narrate the story of Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation or lion avatar of Vishnu and his fight against the Demon King Hiranyakashipu.👹

You can find the musical interpretation of the following poem in my Soundcloud 🎹.

CLAWS OF JUSTICE 🦁

"In the stillness of space, where whispers float, Hiranyakashipu, with power he couldn’t contain, the boon wrapped him tight, but he missed the note, Prahlada’s faith was fire, untouched by disdain.

He sought to silence a son, with truth in his veins, but silence speaks loud when the soul remains pure. In the pillars of pride, the essence sustains, the unseen God, where certainty is unsure.

Boons can twist minds, make the mighty blind, he challenged the divine, yet missed its form, Vishnu’s in the pillars, in the voids that bind, between day and night, the calm before the storm.

At twilight’s edge, where reality fades thin, no man, no beast, no time could resist, Narasimha emerged from where worlds begin, neither earth nor sky, just a primal twist.

Claws of justice, no weapon can match, power’s illusion crumbles where truth is born, pride meets its end, in the cosmic latch, in the heart of the dusk, the veil is torn.

From darkness he came, not bound by time, neither man nor lion, but something more, in the place between, where gods and demons rhyme, Narasimha’s roar settled the cosmic score.

No blade, no spell, just the essence of fate, Hiranyakashipu, crushed in the grasp of dawn, in the threshold of night, where the hours wait, the eternal truth, in the twilight drawn.

In the roar of Narasimha, all illusions cease, the king of pride met the end he couldn’t see, where light and dark find their final peace, faith remains, unbroken and free.

Ugram viram maha-vishnum jvalantam sarvato mukham - nrisimham bhishanam bhadram mrityur mrityum namamy aham."🙏🦁📿

[mountain-sage]

[larryvogelblog]

An Analysis of Yoga’s Paths to Enlightenment in Hinduism

Yoga, deeply rooted in the ancient spiritual traditions of Hinduism, is a multifaceted and profound practice that offers various paths to enlightenment. It serves as a powerful tool for self-realization and union with the divine. In this article, we embark on an exploration of the diverse paths to enlightenment within the realm of yoga, shedding light on the intricacies and spiritual dimensions of this transformative practice.

1. Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion

Bhakti Yoga is a path centered on devotion and love for the divine. Practitioners of Bhakti Yoga focus on developing a personal and heartfelt connection with a chosen deity or the divine presence. This path involves practices such as prayer, singing devotional songs (kirtan), and acts of service (seva) to express love and surrender to the divine.

2. Karma Yoga: The Yoga of Selfless Action

Karma Yoga is the path of selfless service and action. It emphasizes performing one's duties and responsibilities without attachment to the results. By acting without the desire for personal gain, individuals purify their hearts and minds, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and self-realization.

3. Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge

Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom and self-inquiry. This path encourages seekers to question the nature of reality and the self. Through contemplation, introspection, and the study of sacred texts, practitioners aim to transcend the limitations of the ego and attain direct knowledge of their true nature.

4. Raja Yoga: The Royal Path of Meditation

Raja Yoga is often referred to as the "royal path" of yoga. This path primarily focuses on meditation and the mastery of the mind. Practitioners work to control their thoughts and emotions, leading to self-realization and union with the divine. The practice of Raja Yoga involves concentration, meditation, and the use of specific breathing techniques (pranayama).

5. Hatha Yoga: The Union of Body and Mind

Hatha Yoga is the path of physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). While it is often associated with the physical aspects of yoga, Hatha Yoga practice aims to create harmony between the body and mind. The practice of asanas enhances physical health, flexibility, and vitality, while pranayama calms the mind and regulates the breath.

6. Kundalini Yoga: Awakening the Serpent Energy

Kundalini Yoga is a path that seeks to awaken the dormant energy (kundalini) believed to reside at the base of the spine. Through various techniques, including postures, breath control, and meditation, practitioners aim to harness this powerful energy, which is said to ascend through the chakras and lead to spiritual enlightenment.

7. Tantra Yoga: The Union of Opposites

Tantra Yoga is a path that seeks to unite opposites, embracing the duality of existence. This path involves practices that integrate the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. While Tantra is often associated with sacred sexuality, it encompasses a wide range of practices that aim to transcend the limitations of the ego and attain union with the divine.

The Common Thread: Enlightenment and Self-Realization

Despite their distinct approaches, all these paths share a common objective: the realization of the self and union with the divine. The essence of yoga is to transcend the limitations of the ego and to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings. Whether through devotion, selfless service, wisdom, meditation, physical postures, energy awakening, or the embrace of duality, the ultimate goal is enlightenment and self-realization.

Conclusion 

Yoga's paths to enlightenment in Hinduism form a rich tapestry of spiritual exploration and self-discovery. Each path offers unique practices and insights, allowing individuals to choose the one that resonates most deeply with their spiritual journey. Ultimately, yoga serves as a profound vehicle for transcending the ego, realizing the divinity within, and attaining a state of profound enlightenment and union with the cosmos. Whether through the heart, the hands, the mind, or the body, yoga opens a transformative path that leads individuals toward the profound realization of their true selves and their interconnectedness with all of creation.

[nomadman108]

Sacred Glass in God's House

At the entrance to the temple, the Way is illumined

[cinemanlife]

🪷 Oṃ tāre tu tāre ture soha 🪷

I fantasmi interiori, una volta accolti, sono annientati dalla forza dell'amore e della compassione

(04/09/2023, Pianoro, Bologna; In foto: Tara, meravigliosa dea della compassione nata dalle lacrime del Buddha in pena per la sofferenza degli esseri di questo mondo)

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

Kiba Jaya Jaya Gaurachandra

Kiba Jaya Jaya Gaurachandra · Swarupa Damodar Dasa · 

[michelleberrybliss]

Choosing a spiritual path is an incredibly personal journey. We are all on a different journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to spirituality. We must take the time to really reflect, soul search, and discover what our own needs require.

Being in India, I have been thinking a lot about my spiritual path and trying to be more intentional, devoted and laser focused. If you are a yogi, then chances are that like many of us, you have sought to lead a life full of purpose and happiness – free from suffering. You may have read about the philosophies which make up yoga teachings. But there is something fundamental and underlying in…

[buddhiyoga108xvx]

The Personality of Godhead is perfect and complete, and because He is completely perfect, all emanations from Him, such as this phenomenal world, are perfectly equipped as complete wholes. Whatever is produced of the Complete Whole is also complete in itself. Because He is the Complete Whole, even though so many complete units emanate from Him, He remains the complete balance.

[hrutikabadgeri]

The unconditional love of a lover is pure. when the object of love is the Supreme Being, the entire creation becomes beloved. God permeates every existence, and every human being is seen as God, all being equal. There is no discrimination, only compassion for every existence. Just as a lover desires the well-being of the beloved, a devotee desires the well being of the entire cosmos.

- Bhakti Yoga.

[thoughts-of-ghanashyam]

𝕽𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕷𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖍𝖎𝖕: Lessons from ancient wisdom

In an era marked by a growing skills shortage across all sectors and a widening gap between what employers offer and what employees expect, it is crucial to rethink the fundamental principles of collaboration. Emphasis must be placed on factors such as empathy, communication, mindfulness, and meaningfulness.

Both employers and employees need to find a balanced compromise to ensure sustainable, respectful collaboration and secure the long-term success of their organizations—both economically and interpersonally. However, managers must lead the way as role models for their employees, particularly in conveying respect, motivation, and the achievement of common goals.

But what makes a good leader?

Current analyses, marketing, and employer branding trends and too many so called coaches offer many “ultimate solutions” for a leadership rethink. Yet, ancient wisdom may provide deeper insights through active self-reflection and reorientation. Despite massive changes in our material world, fundamental human needs like protection, health, genuine happiness, and contentment have remained relatively the same. This growing gap between employers and employees contributes to psychosocial problems in our society, with the rapid economic and technological advancements outpacing our mental capacity to keep up, leading to mental distortions, especially among younger generations.

Ancient wisdom in modern leadership

A profound example of a good leader is Lord Hanuman from the revered Indian epic Ramayana, composed by Vālmīki between the 4th century BC and the 2nd century AD. At the center of the Ramayana is Lord Rāma, an incarnation of Vishnu, who descends to earth to save the world from the demon lord Ravana. The epic narrates the life of Rāma and his beloved wife Sita, their abduction to Lanka (the later Sri Lanka) by Ravana, and their eventual rescue with the invaluable help of Hanuman, the monkey god.

Hanuman, an incarnation of Shiva, is one of India's most cherished deities. His devotion and friendship with Rāma and Sita epitomize "Dasya Bhava," the devoted love of a servant for his Lord. Hanuman’s legendary physical strength and iron will, complemented by several key qualities, make him a timeless role model for today's leaders:

Emotional Intelligence Hanuman’s emotional intelligence is one of his most crucial attributes. Known for his ability to perceive and respond to the emotions of those around him, he forges deep connections with powerful deities. His compassion and understanding enable him to bridge divides and promote cooperation even in the toughest situations. Emotional intelligence is invaluable for leaders, helping them build trust, inspire loyalty, and encourage collaboration.

Simplicity and Humility Hanuman’s devotion to those around him, his empathy, and his heart hold more value than wealth or fame. Free of false ego or vanity, he only showcases his abilities when necessary. Goal-oriented action, coupled with empathy and compassion, serves as a great motivator for others.

Composure and Decisiveness Throughout the Ramayana, Hanuman remains calm in complex situations, enabling him to make the right decisions based on a balanced mind. Clear decisions and solution-oriented behavior strengthen the common course of an undertaking, ensuring balance, security, and optimism for all involved.

Effective Communication Hanuman’s effective and open communication is another vital quality. As a diplomat, strategist, and messenger for Rāma, he persuades Bhibhishan (Ravana's brother) to support Rāma, a decisive factor in Rāma's victory. Hanuman’s communication skills extend beyond speech; they encompass listening, observing, and empathizing, fostering trust, conveying ideas, and motivating others to action.

Honesty and Integrity Hanuman's honesty and deep commitment are central to his character. As a servant of Rāma, he lives by dharma, embodying ethical and moral principles by following his heart. Good leaders also need honesty and integrity to build trust and establish and maintain ethical standards.

Strategic Thinking Renowned for his strategic thinking, Hanuman meticulously assesses Lanka’s army's strengths and weaknesses, gathering crucial information for the impending war. Strategic thinking is essential for leaders to achieve long-term success and seize opportunities.

Collaboration and Teamwork at Eye Level Hanuman exemplifies teamwork at eye level. As a key member of King Sugriva's Vanarsena, the Monkey Army, he works collaboratively, showcasing his teamwork skills in the monumental task of constructing the Ramsetu sea bridge from India to Lanka. Leaders must foster collaboration and teamwork at all levels to drive innovation, achieve goals, and build strong, respectful relationships.

These qualities, exemplified by Hanuman, are timeless themes that we often forget in our daily "monkey business." The Ramayana and the poem "Hanuman Chalisa" are rich in wisdom and guidance, offering insights that can help us become better leaders, team players, professionals, and friends.

So let us be inspired by these enduring values and endeavour to embody Hanuman's qualities in our daily lives - for ourselves and for all those around us.

Thank you for your attention! Jay Shri Hanuman.

[mountain-sage]