#Vedantic Teachings

[eyeoftheheart]

“God can be seen directly, but the mind must first be purified. When the mind is purified intuition unfolds, linking itself to every sense within you. When you look into the sky with the naked eye you see nothing but a blue sky; but when you look through a telescope you see the vastness of space. Similarly, if you place before your eyes the telescope of intuitive vision, you will find God before you. Then you can touch God, you can see God, you can talk to God, you can walk with God, and you can become one with God. The Saints and Sages have given testimony to this fact. In all countries, Saints and Sages did not just philosophize about the existence of God; they actually had the awareness of oneness with God. Therefore, “Blessed are the pure in heart”—for they who have acquired that type of purity will have the vision of God.

In Vedantic teachings, seeing God—the ultimate blessing experienced by the pure in heart—is characterized by brahmakara-vritti: the unceasing, unimpeded flow of mind to God. Although an aspirant must exert considerable self-effort to succeed in sadhana, those efforts are all ultimately aimed at stilling the mind so that the effortless, intuitive revelation of the Self can spontaneously occur. In that stillness there blossoms a perpetual awareness of God as the only Reality behind all that exists.” (p. 181-182)

~ Mystic Pathways Through The Bible by Swami Jyotirmayananda

[compassionmattersmost]

I Am Atman: Integrating Western Psychology and Eastern Philosophy to Realize the True Self

In the journey of self-inquiry, we draw upon the rich wisdom of both Western psychology, particularly the work of Carl Jung, and Eastern philosophy, as taught in Advaita Vedanta, Yoga, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This powerful integration allows us to explore the full depth of our being—both the conscious and unconscious mind—and realize our true nature beyond the fluctuations of the mind,…

[ko-existing]

Mind is not actually a property or a matter

by Being_is_IT / Twitter

Q: This confusion can be solved by understanding that mind is just matter (it is not a living thing by itself). The difference between mind and dead matter is that the mind is able to reflect consciousness. That brings it to "life". PS: This is Vedantic teaching, not my theory. A: Mind is not matter.

BEINGIS: The word "mind" is used as a convenient concept to point to an energetic effect of Infinite Radiant Energy. Using the word "mind" to point to such energetic effect does not mean that there is actually a matter called "mind". Similarly, the word "consciousness" is also a convenient concept used as pointer only, there is not actually something called "consciousness" either. You may conveniently say that there is an obviously energetic effect of "being conscious", but it doesn't mean that there is an actual property or actual matter called consciousness.

The seemingly dead is not actually dead. When you see a stone, the stone is obviously a presentation of dynamic energetic flux of Infinite Radiant Energy, e. g. SELF, very much like that of a holographic light show, there is not actually a matter called "stone". When a holographic image seemingly looking like a stone is presented, is it actually a stone? Of course not. When a holographic image of a dead body is presented, is it actually a dead body? Of course not. When a holographic image of space and holographic feeling of time is being presented, is it actually space and actually time? Of course not.

Most people take these concepts for granted as if they are undeniable truth. No, none of these concepts such as "matter, consciousness, mind, time, space, world, me, ..." are actually valid. You learn these concepts from schools and from parents just like you learn ideas from a dream episode. Whatever learned in a dream story remains a dream. Whatever you learn in your experience never go beyond the plotline of your experience. No, nothing needs to be brought to life because nothing is dead in the first place.

The Mind's characterization of "dead" is an illusion. Likewise the Mind's characterization of "living" is also an illusion. Both concepts of "dead" versus "living" are like dream talk, they only seem to make sense in imagination. Actually infinitely go beyond the seemingly learning and seemingly teaching. Knowing

SELF requires no learning and no teaching. You know your SELF, no body can teach you that. You should never need learning to know your SELF. Well, if you think these theories make sense to you, feel free to listen to these teachings, don't listen to me because I am ripping all these concepts and/or teachings apart. Whatever I am pointing to *is not* a teaching.

[proudhinduforever]

Sanatani Saints

Part 3

Shri Samartha Ramdas

We will look into the life of Shri Samartha Ramdas who was a prominent Sanatani saint, poet, and spiritual leader in Maharashtra.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Shri Ramdas or previously Narayan was born into a Marathi Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin family to Suryajipant and Ranubai Thosar. His father was thought to have been a devotee of the Vedic deity, Surya. Ramdas had an elder brother named Gangadhar. His father died when Narayan was only seven years of age. He turned into a sadhaka after the demise of his father and would often be noticed to be engrossed in thoughts about the divine.

As per legend, Narayan fled his wedding ceremony in Asangao near Jamb, at age 12, upon hearing a pandit (Hindu priest) chant the word 'Saawadhaana!' (Beware!) during a customary Hindu wedding ritual. He is believed to have walked over 200 km along the banks of Godavari river to Panchavati, a Hindu pilgrimage town near Nashik. He later moved to Taakli near Nashik at the confluence of Godavari and Nandini river. At Taakli, he spent the next twelve years as an ascetic in complete devotion to Rama. During this period, he adhered to a rigorous daily routine and devoted most of his time to meditation, worship and exercise. As per legend, he once blessed a widow lady of a long married life, without knowing that her husband has just died. It is said that he was able to give life back to the dead body of her husband and this act of miracle made him very famous in Nashik. He is thought to have attained enlightenment at the age of 24. He adopted the name Ramdas around this period. He later had an idol of Hanuman made from cowdung installed at Taakli.

His contribution to Freedom movement and literary works:

Unlike the saints subscribing to Warkari tradition, Ramdas is not considered to embrace pacifism. His writings include strong expressions encouraging militant means to counter the barbaric Islamic invaders. He endorsed significance of physical strength and knowledge towards individual development. He expressed his admiration for warriors and highlighted their role in safeguarding the society. He was of the opinion that saints must not withdraw from society but instead actively engage towards social and moral transformation. He aimed to resuscitate the Hindu culture after its disintegration over several centuries owing to consistent foreign occupation. He also called for unity among the Marathas to preserve and promote the local culture. Samartha Ramdas Swami served an inspiration for a number of Indian thinkers, historians and social reformers such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Keshav Hedgewar, Vishwanath Rajwade ,Ramchandra Ranade, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Tilak derived inspiration from Ramdas when devising aggressive strategies to counter the British colonial rule. Ramdas had a profound influence on Keshav Hedgewar, the founder of Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He is also recognized for his role as a Guru to the Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, inspiring him with principles of governance, spirituality, and valor.

Below are some of his notable literary works:

Manache Shlok (co-written by Kalyan Swami)

Dasbodh

Shree Maruti Stotra

Aatmaaram

11-Laghu Kavita

Shadripu Nirupan

Maan Panchak

Chaturthmaan

Raamayan (Marathi-Teeka)

His Teachings:

Ramdas was an exponent of Bhakti Yoga or the path of devotion. According to him, total devotion to Rama brings about spiritual evolution. His definition of "Bhakti" was in accordance with the philosophy of Advait Vedant. In Chapter 4 of his literary work Dasbodh, he describes Nice levels of devotion / communion - starting from listening / comprehending (श्रवण) to Surrender of oneself or being One with Self (आत्मनिवेदन) - the later being the core tenet of Advait Vedant - where the sense of separate "I" dissolves into non-duality. He encouraged the participation of women in religious work and offered them positions of authority.

Ramdas Swami is a revered spiritual figure in Maharashtra and remains relevant to contemporary society in Maharashtra.

🙏🙏 jai jai Raghuveera Samartha 🙏🙏

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Beginner Class - Introduction to Meditation

Ancient Craft & Occultism

Introduction to Meditation

___

By KB

Introduction

Hello again, everyone! Welcome back to the next lesson for the Beginner Class. Last lesson, we talked about finding your personal center as well as a bit more in depth on grounding. Well, today, we'll be taking a closer look at the many forms and practices of meditation.

What Is Meditation?

Meditation is an essential aspect of witchcraft and magic practice as it allows you to interact with the universe (or your higher power) through conscious thought and focused desire. Ritual, spellwork, and your regular thoughts and speech are examples of other techniques. Meditation is a discipline in which one trains the mind and creates a state of consciousness in order to gain some advantage. Meditation encompasses a wide range of different activities and practices. We will go into more detail in the following sections.

Nearly every culture in the world has some connection to meditation. Whatever the design, they are typically intended to encourage connecting with spiritual guidance, feeling at ease, developing inner strength, having psychic visions, becoming closer to God, remembering former lives, going on astral journeys, and more. Meditation is a well-known, age-old technique that has been used for millennia to promote calmness, concentration, and connection with our inner selves. The benefits of meditation on the mind, body, and soul are reciprocal.

A Brief History

In actuality, nobody is certain of the exact beginning and location of meditation. But our theories are supported by facts. This ancient rite is mentioned in many civilizations and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. All of these faiths have something to offer to the modern understanding of meditation as it is practiced today. Although the history of meditation is controversial, many people think it began there more than 5000 years ago.

India Origins

It is generally accepted that the Vedas, a collection of Hindu writings, include the oldest written account of meditation. The Vedic books were written around 1500 BCE. The Vedas include mention of a practice known as "Dhyana," which is considered to be the first example of meditation that we are aware of. In Sanskrit, the word "dhyana" implies "contemplation" or "meditation." It is intended to calm the mind and attain "thoughtless awareness." However, Vedantism is frequently rejected by Buddhist beliefs in favor of the Buddha's teachings.

The various Buddhist levels of meditation can also be found in other ancient Indian scriptures dating back to the first century BCE. These texts are known as the Pli Canon Sutras. The Pli Canon is a body of Theravada Buddhist literature. And then there's Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince, was the inspiration for Buddha. He was looking for a means to end human pain. Gautama attempted numerous strategies, but none of them seemed to work. He sat down under a tree one day and determined not to move until he discovered the solution he sought. He attained enlightenment after 49 days of meditating and started the Buddhist faith. The practice of meditation is claimed to have spread throughout India from there. Buddhist monks embraced meditation as a means of achieving inner peace, frequently sitting for hours in silence, meditating on their master's teachings.

Asia Origins

Around the sixth century BCE, the practice of meditation spread to China, where it was influenced by Taoism and Buddhism. At the end of the Han dynasty, Buddhist monks from India introduced meditation to China. Over the next century, the practice began to blend into Chinese culture. The Taoists also believed in the efficacy of meditation and devised their own techniques for mind-stilling. One famous Taoist meditation practice is known as "Qigong." Qigong is a type of moving meditation that entails slow, gentle motions as well as deep breathing. Meditation extended from China to Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia. Zen Buddhists perform "Zazen," a type of meditation practiced in Japan.

The technique was introduced to Japan by the Japanese monk Dosho, who journeyed to China to study Buddhism under the famous master Hsuan Tsang. Zazen, which translates as "seated meditation," is sitting in quiet with one's eyes closed. Korea has its own type of meditation known as "Won," which is based on Buddhist and Taoist concepts. It is a sort of moving meditation in which gentle, rhythmic motions are used to calm the body and mind.

Western Origins

Meditation became popular in the Western world in the twentieth century. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was among the first Westerners to popularize meditation. Maharishi is most known for popularizing the technique of "transcendental meditation" in the 1960s. The Yogis are a Hindu group that believes in the power of meditation to help one achieve enlightenment. The term "yoga" truly means "union" or "connection." Yoga seeks to unite the mind, body, and soul.

Other Yogis, such as Paramahansa Yogananda, who penned the classic book "Autobiography of a Yogi," also contributed to the introduction of meditation to the West. Maharishi's method of meditation is closing our eyes and reciting a mantra. A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated repeatedly. The idea is to concentrate on the chant while clearing our brains.

Meditation & Spirituality

Spirituality is a broad topic with numerous interpretations. In general, it encourages a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves, as well as a connection with your higher self or higher awareness. It promotes the search for meaning in life and living with a broader perspective. It has a highly global appeal--something that all humans can relate to. A spiritual experience may be described as sacred, ethereal, mystical, or transcendent, or simply as a deep sense of positive emotions such as calm, amazement, wonder, connectivity, contentment, appreciation, acceptance, compassion, and unconditional love. All of these are true characteristics of our spirit.

Spiritual meditation, as the term implies, is that which connects you to your spirit. It pushes you past your limiting identities and labels to the core of who you truly are. You as your authentic self - joy, love, and tranquility. You may feel a rain of grace and happiness, as well as a deep sense of closeness and oneness, if you practice spiritual meditation. The desire to practice spiritual meditation stems from an underlying desire to perceive and think beyond the apparent world. Spiritual meditation can assist you in discovering the everlasting truth and meaning of existence. It keeps you anchored in the present moment, where you want to be and find peace.

Any genuine meditation practice, when practiced over time, can aid in your spiritual growth and will begin to provide the following spiritual benefits:

A balanced and grounded sense of being

Experience of deep inner stillness and peace

Radiating serenity, calmness, and love

A sense of awakening and freedom

Less emotional reactions

More awareness and mindfulness

Sense of inner bliss regardless of situation

The feeling of always being home

Belonging and connecting to all

Great abundance and security

Increased creativity and free thinking

More resilient to anger and stress

Meditation & General Health

Although meditation has been practiced for many years and is known to have many positive effects on the mind, it is only recently that science has established a strong connection between meditation and physical health. It's simple to feel overpowered by ideas and emotions in the fast-paced world of today. We all know the damage stress and anxiety can do to our health. Stress and anxiety are frequently caused by emotional overload. Nowadays, professionals from all over the world agree that practicing mindfulness for a little period of time each day can make a huge difference. The advantages of meditation for both the body and the mind are well-documented and very compelling. Here's just a few ways frequent meditation can improve our overall health.

daily meditation practice can improve blood circulation, lower the heart rate and help maintain a healthy heart

frequent mindfulness sessions seemed to improve meditators’ immune system functions

produces positive, lasting changes within the brain

meditation not only supports memory and attention, it also enhances mental agility and alertness

women, in general, who practice mindfulness are more aware and accepting of their bodies (also helps with PMS pain)

meditation develops mental awareness and can help you manage triggers for unwanted impulses

meditation can diminish the perception of pain in the brain

blood pressure decreases not only during meditation but also over time in individuals who meditate regularly

Meditation & Witchcraft

As magical practitioners and witches, one of the most important things we can master is the art of meditation. It allows us to still the soul and quiet the mind, which, in turn, allows us to listen to our intuition and focus on our personal energy. Meditation can also be used as a gateway for higher awareness or entering the astral realm.

Now, meditating may not come easy for a lot of you. This is perfectly normal. When I first started practicing, I had a feeling inside that made me feel extremely goofy, and stupid. The more I ignored it, the louder and stronger it grew. I eventually sat with the voice and came to the conclusion that it was my ego, driven by fear and insecurity. The more I sat with the voice, the less I felt stupid about things. I believe this was my initiative into shadow work. Anyways, back to class -

Utilizing meditation within your craft will prove to be absolutely essential the more you do ritual and spell work. Don't give up hope if "conventional" methods don't work for you. We're going to get into several different techniques of achieving the same meditative state.

Types of Meditation

There are so many different types of meditation, if I went into them all, this lesson would turn into an entire chapter. I'm just going to keep it sweet and simple here, but I absolutely encourage you to look into different methods, especially if none of the ones I have listed work for you. Let's get to it.

Active Meditation

Sitting in silence for even 2 minutes may sound like absolute torture for a lot of you. Good news is, that's not the only way to meditate. Have you ever done a yoga class, a workout session, or even taken a nice, fresh shower & felt a sense of bliss? Well, you experienced a meditative state of mind. You can do this by getting out in nature, cleaning the house, performing an art form, anything that involves movement can be a form of active meditation! Woo-hoo for us neurodivergents!

Body Scan

This method allows you to reconnect the mind to the body in a way that notices any physical sensations or tension. While relaxation naturally happens here, the goal is to pay attention to sensory experiences you typically don't notice. This allows you to be more present in your day to day life and is also a wonderful grounding and centering technique.

Mindful Breathing

The body is wiser than the mind, and this technique proves it. It is a very simple, mindless method, but has very profound effects on the body and mind. There are several breathing techniques out there, which I encourage you all to research on your own. All have different effects on the mind and body, so please be sure to choose one that is suitable for you.

Visual Meditation

This is when you focus your mind's eye, or your imagination, into an image to center the mind and the body. The main focus is to imagine and hone in on a memory or something creative and nice that opens the mind's eye. This is a wonderful exercise for those who want to enhance their visualizing abilities.

Sound Meditation

Again, this is exactly as it sounds. This meditation uses sound to provoke a meditative state of mind and align the bodily energies.

[aeroblossom]

> > The A∴A∴ (/ˌeɪˈeɪ/ ay-AY) is a magical organization described in 1907 by occultist Aleister Crowley. Its members are dedicated to the advancement of humanity by perfection of the individual on every plane through a graded series of universal initiations. Its initiations are syncretic, unifying the essence of Theravada Buddhism with Vedantic yoga and ceremonial magic. The A∴A∴ applies what it describes as mystical and magical methods of spiritual attainment under the structure of the Qabalistic Tree of Life, and aims to research, practise, and teach "scientific illuminism". A∴A∴ is often held to stand for Argenteum Astrum, which is Latin for Silver Star;[1] however, see the section on Name below. [from wikipedia]

> > Magick Without Tears, a series of letters, was the last book written by English occultist Aleister Crowley (1875–1947), although it was not published until after his death. It was written in 1943 and published in 1954 with a foreword by its editor, Karl Germer.

make of this what you will

[satishwig]

Oppenheimer's Dilemma

                                        

          The Hollywood movie based on the life of Oppenheimer, father of Atomic Bomb, has created a sort of flirt in the minds of the people, chiefly due to some reference therein to the Bhagavad Gita.  Moviegoers (now of course, movie-watchers since movies are now available on OTT) are naturally to form opinions about the message of Gita on the basis of what has been depicted therein.  In fact, there are certain people who allege that Gita is about warfare. There have been even attempts in USSR and USA seeking ban on Gita on the premise that it is about warfare and violence. In this movie also, Oppenheimer is depicted as somewhat justifying the death and destruction that took place at Hiroshima and Nagasaki following the discovery of Nuclear Bomb by alluding to Gita.  Arjuna, who was arraigned against his own kith and kin in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, did not want to kill his own people, but Lord Krishna was exhorting him to do his prescribed duty and his duty was to fight and kill his opponents since Arjuna belonged to Kshatriya caste (a warrior class). Hence, the opinion that Gita is about warfare and violence simply because the Gita was said in battlefield and the backdrop was warfare or fratricide.

          In my view, the said opinion is formed on the basis of superficial knowledge of Gita and is the result of bias and prejudice. Gita was said to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the backdrop of war but it is not about warfare. The dilemma that Arjuna faced in the battlefield is not the dilemma of Arjuna only; it is the dilemma of common man who is torn apart by conflict and confusion, affection and aversion and the bipolarities of the worldly existence. Gita is relevant not only to Arjuna but to the common man in the society who too wages a battle of life and death and is encountered with warlike situation. Gita teaches him to rise above these polarities and to perform his prescribed duty without affection and aversion and without seeking the fruits thereof.  Hence, message of Gita is relevant to all people of all ages.

But, the message of Gita is not confined only as to how the worldly duties should be performed, as some people think that Gita is all about Karma or Karma Yoga. It is far more profound and sublime.  Gita is the core of Hindu (Vedanta) philosophy. It is an inquiry into the nature of man; it is an inquiry into the nature of God; it is an inquiry of Universe and the relation of man with the Universe and the God. “It is an Upanishad that is sung by the Lord; it is the science of Brahman; it is the scripture of Yoga as part of the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna...” So is given at the end of every Chapter of Gita that contains 18 Chapters.

          Gita is an Upanishad. It is the core Vedanta philosophy. Vedanta means “end of Vedas”(Shruti) upon which the entire superstructure of Hindu philosophy is based. There are  108 Upanishads out of which 11 are basic, which along with Brahmsutra of Ved Vyasa (his commentary on Vedas) forms core of the Vedantic philosophy whereas Puranas are an afterthought written by rishis (spiritual scientists  or poets)  as an extension of Vedas and thus called ‘Smriti.’ These are in the form of story-telling mixed of mythology, history and philosophy; hence they have tremendous appeal to the masses.

 Gita is science of Brahman. It defines Brahman, Ishwara (God) and relation of man with God and Brahman.  The concept of Brahman is different from God.  Brahman is the common substratum of Jiva (creature), Ishwara (God)  and in fact the entire creation and beyond.  Brahman is all pervading and is beyond time and causation. It even surpasses God. The subject matter of Vedanta or Vedic culture is in fact Brahman and not God. That is why it is said that India is a Godless culture. Lord Krishna in Gita identifies Himself at times with Ishwara (God), sometimes with Brahman and sometimes with Jiva.

 The practical lesson of Gita to man consists of four yogas i.e. Karma Yoga, Raj Yoga (Yoga of Psychic control), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) along with certain values, practicing which one can go beyond grief and sorrow and attains peace and tranquility. Thus, to say that Gita is about warfare and violence is to do violence against Gita itself.  

Anyhow, was Oppenheimer right in justifying his creation of Atom Bomb that was followed by death and destruction caused by the use of it, by quoting from Gita? When Lord Krishna reveals his Universal form to Arjuna in XIth Chapter Verse 32 and tells Arjuna that he is ‘Kala’ which was interpreted as “Destroyer of the Universe”, he in fact was revealing the core philosophy of life and death.  According to Hindu philosophy, God has basically three chief functions to perform: creation, preservation and destruction. This is remarkable feature of Hindu philosophy as death is considered logical concomitant to life and destruction to that of creation. This cycle of birth and death, creation and destruction -  is endless. If creation is done by God, then by whom the destruction is done?  It is God alone who creates and destroys and creates again to destroy. He is ‘Kala’ (or Kali – Mother form of God) and all are under His sway, that is, the sway of Time (Kala means “Time”). All that has been created by Time will be sucked up by Time unless one has gone beyond Time and become one with Brahman who is beyond Time and Causation. Everything that is compound has to decompose and out of the decomposed components, compound is formed again. This is the law of Nature and Science accepts it (except that God is the Controller.)  Thus, according to Hindu philosophy, God is not only Creator (Brahma); Preserver (Vishnu) but He is also Destroyer (Shiva), although as Brahman, God is beyond creation and destruction; He is beyond good and evil. 

When Lord Krishna says, he is ‘Kala’, he was identifying himself as Ishwara (God) and telling Arjuna that in fact He is the doer. Therefore,  Arjuna  should not consider himself to be the doer and incur the consequences of doership.  God in fact is only the doer.  Arjuna should become an instrument in the hands of God and perform his prescribed duty. And, in this way he would not incur any sin.  This, in fact is Karma Yoga i.e. to become an instrument into the hands of Almighty while performing one’s duty.

 According to Oppenheim, he too was acting as an instrument in the hands of God and he was, therefore, not the cause of destruction. He quotes Verse 17 from Chapter XVIII, which says, “He whose mind is free from the sense of doership, and whose reason is not affected by worldly objects and activities, does not really kill, even having killed all these people, nor does any sin accrues to him.”   But, whether Oppenheimer was really an instrument of God and free from the sense of doership?  Was his reason not affected by worldly objects and activities? Was he performing his duties selflessly, without affection or aversion or without his personal ambitions or national objects?          

          Christopher Nolan’s movie is based on ‘American Prometheus’, which is a biography of Oppenheimer written by Kai Bird and Martin J Shervin. His biography (not the movie) faithfully reveals the moral quandaries that Oppenheimer was facing. The dilemma that Oppenheimer faced was: whether to follow the dictates of his own conscience or the dictates of his Political and Military masters who had an agenda and the agenda was that Allied forces never wanted Nazi Germany to win the race to produce the bomb.

 The dilemma of Arjuna, on the other hand, was that he was arraigned against his own kinsmen in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, to fight a war of righteousness versus unrighteousness. Arjuna did not want the conquest nor the spoils of conquest.  He did not want even the rule over three worlds, what to talk of the small Kingdom that was called Hastinapur at that time.  He instead wanted to lead the life of an ascetic. And if it so happens, let his opponents kill him instead of him killing them. In the midst of this all, however Lord Krishna told him to perform his prescribed duty in this war between righteous and unrighteous forces instead of running away from war.  Krishna told that God is the only doer.  Arjuna should become an instrument in the hands of God and perform his prescribed duty.

 Was Oppenheimer too acting an instrument in the hands of God? The Allied Forces wanted to teach a lesson to Germany, Italy and Japan.  Hence, the bomb was to be created for the sake of hegemony of Allied Forces. Oppenheimer could not stand up against this official justification of creating a deterrent, which was to be experimented on human beings. And nevertheless, it was not a war between righteousness and unrighteousness. Thus, clearly he was acting as an instrument into the hands of his political masters.  The film, therefore, is not a faithful depiction of the biography.  It does not answer the question: why the bomb was used when the war had stopped.  It is in fact a subtle attempt to whitewash the sins committed by the Allied to have upper hand in War and Christopher has made an attempt to hide the massacre of humanity behind a selective reference to Gita, a Hindu scripture.

Article by Satish Kumar Wig

[melodiousmonk]

The album title "Ptah, The El Daoud" refers to the ancient Egyptian deity Ptah, who was believed to be the creator of the universe, and "El Daoud," which is Arabic for "the beloved."

The song title "Turiya & Ramakrishna" is named after two spiritual figures from India: Turiya, a Sanskrit word meaning "the fourth state of consciousness," and Ramakrishna, a 19th-century Indian mystic and saint.

(The fourth state of consciousness is sometimes translated as "pure consciousness." It is considered to be the source of all other states of consciousness and the underlying ground of all existence. In Turiya, the individual self (or ego) is said to be dissolved, and the individual becomes aware of their true nature as pure consciousness. It is described as a state of profound peace, bliss, and spiritual realization.)

"Turiya & Ramakrishna" features Alice Coltrane on harp and piano, Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone, and Ron Carter on bass. The track has been praised for its beautiful melody and improvisation, as well as its spiritual depth and exploration. It has since become a jazz standard and a signature piece of Alice Coltrane's body of work.

Alice Coltrane (1937-2007) is famous for her contributions to jazz music as a pianist, organist, harpist, and composer. She was a key figure in the development of spiritual jazz, a subgenre of jazz music that emphasizes spiritual and meditative qualities, and incorporated elements of Indian classical music into her compositions.

She married the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane in 1965, and played piano and harp on some of his later albums, including "Ascension" and "Meditations". After John Coltrane's death in 1967, Alice Coltrane began to explore her own musical vision, incorporating elements of Indian classical music, African music, and gospel music into her compositions.

In addition to her musical achievements, Alice Coltrane was also known for her spiritual pursuits. She became a devotee of the Indian guru Sathya Sai Baba and founded the Vedantic Center, a spiritual community in California. She also established the Sai Anantam Ashram in Agoura Hills, California, where she lived and recorded until her death in 2007.

Alice Coltrane's innovative approach to jazz music, her incorporation of diverse musical traditions, and her spiritual pursuits have made her a revered figure in the jazz world and beyond.

(Satchidananda refers to Sri Swami Satchidananda, an Indian guru who gained fame in the West for his teachings on yoga and spirituality.)

[holybookslibrary]

Mandukya Upanishad - An ancient Sanskrit text on the nature of Reality

Mandukya Upanishad Mandukya Upanishad - An ancient Sanskrit text on the nature of Reality by James Swartz, guides the reader through the Mandukya. The aim of the Mandukya is to analyze the creation and arrive at truth, the limitless I. From the introduction: "The Aranyakas or Upanishads, the third portion of each Veda, commonly known as Vedanta, agrees and delivers an “absolute” knowledge that, under the right circumstances, reveals the limitless blissful Self and destroys the suffering arising from the belief in oneself as a limited being." Download the book here:

Mandukya Upanishad  

What is the Mandukya about?

The Mandukya Upanishad is one of the principal Upanishads in Hindu philosophy. The text is notable for its discussion of the concept of Om and the theory of four states of consciousness. Here's a brief overview: - Context and Significance: The Mandukya Upanishad is the shortest of all the Upanishads and is associated with the Atharvaveda. Despite its brevity, it's highly revered in the Vedantic tradition for its profound philosophical insights. - The Symbol of Om: A significant portion of the Upanishad is dedicated to explaining the symbol 'Om' (AUM), which represents the ultimate reality and is considered the essence of the Vedas. The text elaborates on how each part of 'AUM' corresponds to different states of consciousness and aspects of the universe. - Four States of Consciousness: The Mandukya Upanishad introduces the concept of four states of consciousness: - Waking (Jagrat): The external, material state, where consciousness is turned outward. - Dreaming (Swapna): The internal state, where consciousness is turned inward. - Deep Sleep (Sushupti): The state where there is neither desire nor dreams, and consciousness is unified. - Turiya: The fourth state, representing pure consciousness itself, beyond the previous three states. It is described as the background that underlies and transcends the other three states. - Philosophical Interpretations: The Upanishad has been the basis for various philosophical interpretations, especially in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Adi Shankara, a revered Indian philosopher, wrote an extensive commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad, emphasizing the non-dualistic (Advaita) nature of reality. - Influence: The teachings of the Mandukya Upanishad have deeply influenced various schools of Hindu philosophy, especially those concerning the nature of reality, consciousness, and the ultimate truth. - Spiritual and Meditative Practices: The Upanishad has also been used as a guide for meditation, with practitioners often focusing on the symbol 'Om' to transcend ordinary states of consciousness and realize the unity of the self with the ultimate reality. The Mandukya Upanishad, with its profound and concise teachings, continues to be a significant text in the study of Hindu philosophy and spirituality. Read the full article

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Best Botany Optional IAS Coaching in Delhi

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) requires strategic planning, dedication, and the right guidance. For candidates choosing Botany as their optional subject, finding the best coaching institute is crucial to success. Best Botany Optional IAS Coaching in Delhi offers several reputed institutes that provide specialized coaching for Botany. Here, we’ll explore the top options to help you make an informed decision.

1. Plutus IAS

Plutus IAS is one of the most sought-after coaching centers for IAS preparation, including Botany optional. Known for its experienced faculty and interactive teaching methods, Plutus IAS ensures a deep understanding of the subject. Their course features include:

Comprehensive study materials covering the entire Botany syllabus.

Regular doubt-clearing sessions to address individual queries.

Well-structured test series for performance assessment.

Personalized mentorship for focused preparation.

Why Choose Plutus IAS? Their tailored approach and emphasis on conceptual clarity have helped many students excel in their optional subjects.

2. Vedant IAS Academy

Vedant IAS Academy specializes in optional subjects like Botany, offering aspirants an edge in preparation. The academy’s highlights include:

Highly experienced faculty with subject-specific expertise.

Simplified teaching methods to make complex topics easier to grasp.

Updated and concise notes that align with the UPSC syllabus.

Regular mock tests and feedback sessions for improvement.

Student Feedback: Vedant IAS Academy is widely appreciated for its systematic teaching approach and supportive learning environment.

3. Classic IAS Academy

Classic IAS Academy has established itself as a trusted name in IAS coaching. Their Botany optional program is designed to cater to the diverse needs of students, with features such as:

Detailed coverage of all topics in the Botany syllabus.

Focus on answer-writing practice to improve presentation skills.

One-on-one mentoring to address individual challenges.

Timely completion of the syllabus to allow for ample revision.

What Sets Classic IAS Academy Apart? Their consistent track record of producing successful candidates makes them a reliable choice for aspirants.

Tips for Choosing the Right Coaching Institute

While selecting a coaching institute, consider the following factors:

Faculty Expertise: Ensure the institute has knowledgeable and experienced teachers for Botany.

Study Materials: Check if the materials provided are updated and comprehensive.

Batch Size: Smaller batch sizes allow for personalized attention.

Past Results: Review the institute’s track record in helping students score well in Botany.

Student Reviews: Feedback from previous students can offer valuable insights.

Conclusion

Choosing the right coaching institute for Botany optional can significantly impact your UPSC preparation journey. Institutes like Plutus IAS, Vedant IAS Academy, and Classic IAS Academy have proven their excellence in guiding aspirants toward success. Evaluate your requirements and preferences to select the coaching center that aligns best with your goals.

With dedication, the right resources, and expert guidance, you can excel in Botany and secure a high rank in the UPSC CSE. Best of luck with your preparation!

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Vedant Car Driving School is the premier car driving school in Vasant Kunj, renowned for its excellence in driving instruction. We provide a supportive and comprehensive learning environment that caters to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a novice driver or looking to polish your driving skills, our tailored programs and seasoned instructors are geared towards elevating your driving abilities. By using innovative teaching methods and focusing on road safety, Vedant Car Driving School is committed to producing confident and capable drivers. Call us now — +91 981–101–3127

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“Jesus does not ask you to wait to attain the Kingdom of Heaven, but rather to bring about a change and a transformation within to enter that Kingdom here and now. Similarly, in Yoga, the Kingdom of Heaven, also known as Self-realization or God-realization, is the intrinsic urge of life in every individual and is accomplished through the integration of reason, will, emotion, and action in day-to-day life. Reason is rendered into intuition, will is sublimated into the Divine Will, emotion is integrated into Divine Love, and action is permeated with a deeper sense of serving God at all times. Thus in the course of Yogic movement, every part of the personality is integrated and elevated until the Self is realized. In Self-realization, God is known to be the innermost Reality of all that exists. He is no longer seen as an entity existing outside of a person. Sages become one with God, eternally abiding in the Kingdom of Heaven while they continue treading the earth, sowing the seeds of Divine Bliss.

In the midst of the alternating experiences of pleasure and pain, remember that you are merely a traveler through the world-process. Always center your mind on the goal: The Kingdom of Heaven or God-realization. With joy in your heart, gain the insight that intrinsically you are one with God, that you have been fashioned in the “Image of God.”

The beautiful teaching of Lord Jesus, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within thee,” is also expressed in the Upanishadic statement, “Tat Twam Asi”— “Thou Art That.”

Alluding to the state of Liberation (the attainment of the Kingdom of Heaven), St. John says in Revelations:

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for Lord God gives them light; and they shall reign forever and ever.

(KJV Revelations 22:5)

A similar statement is given in Kathopanishad, describing the state of Liberation:

There the sun does not shine; the moon, stars, lightning and fire—none of these have access to that realm. It is by the light of the Self that all these shine.

These statements from the Christian and Vedantic scriptures reveal that one who has attained the Kingdom of Heaven has acquired the mystic knowledge that is the radiance in the sun, the illumination of the moon, the surging of the ocean and the dynamism of the wind—that which is the Beauty of the beautiful, the Joy of the joyous, the Essence of all—one’s very Self.” (p. 237-238)

~ Mystic Pathways Through The Bible by Swami Jyotirmayananda

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The Eternal Self and the Three States of Experience: Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep

In the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, one of the most profound insights is the distinction between the transient states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—and the eternal, unchanging Self. Pravrajika Devyanandaprana eloquently explores this concept in her teachings on self-inquiry, offering a deep understanding of the nature of awareness and the true Self. The Three States of…

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Which coaching institute is best for botany optional in UPSC?

For Botany Optional in UPSC, top coaching institutes in Delhi include Plutus IAS (interactive classes, experienced faculty, strong track record), ETEN IAS (innovative teaching, expert guidance), Vedant IAS Academy (holistic approach, great infrastructure), Classic IAS Academy (detailed syllabus coverage), and Ujjwal IAS Academy (skill-focused strategies). Choose based on your learning needs.

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𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗞𝗔 𝗗𝗔𝗦𝗔 𝗝𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗜 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

𝟭𝟴 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 - 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗞𝗔 𝗗𝗔𝗦𝗔

Kanaka Dasa, a revered saint, poet, and philosopher from Karnataka, is celebrated for his profound teachings and contributions to Dvaita Vedanta philosophy. He emphasized universal brotherhood, devotion to God, moral integrity, and social reform. His compositions, known as keertanas, addressed social issues and promoted equality, challenging the rigid caste system of his time. Kanaka Dasa’s legacy continues through his devotional songs, which are still sung in temples and cultural events today.

𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

In modern times, literature, social science, science, and technology are important elements of education. Why? Because education’s main goal is to improve the quality of life. A good education gives us perspective; it makes us less gullible to superstition or herd mentality; it prepares us to be good citizens; and it prepares us with the skills and knowledge we might need to earn a living. Today, with technology and e-learning, high-quality education is available to more and more people. It used to be the domain of the rich, but now it is something accessible to anyone with a smartphone.

In medieval times, you learned how to make a living by helping your parents or people of your caste. But that wasn’t an education. An education that explained the world to you or that transformed your way of viewing the world was an education exclusively for the Brahmin or the Kshatriya. Anyone not of those castes was excluded in two ways – first, they did not have access to a Brahmin guru who passed such important knowledge orally to his disciples. Second, they could not learn on their own because all scriptures were in Sanskrit. But Kanaka Dasa brought learning to everyone. Instead of sitting in one place, expecting disciples to come to him, Kanaka Dasa came to your doorstep. So, a potter or a weaver, an open-minded Brahmin or Kshatriya, all had access to him.

And when he came to your village, he wasn’t just talking about social justice or deep Vedantic truths, but he was also encouraging rationalism – telling people that they needed to think logically and not fall prey to superstition. In a sense, his music was the medium of education in that time, much like video is today.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗡 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

கனகதாசர் ஜெயந்தி

கனகதாசர், கர்நாடகத்தின் புகழ்பெற்ற சன்னியாசி, கவிஞர் மற்றும் தத்துவஞானி, த்வைத வேதாந்த தத்துவத்திற்கு அளித்த முக்கிய பங்களிப்புகளுக்காக போற்றப்படுகிறார். அவர் உலக சகோதரத்துவத்தை, கடவுளின் மீது பக்தியை, நெறிமுறையுள்ள வாழ்க்கையை மற்றும் சமூக சீர்திருத்தத்தை வலியுறுத்தினார். அவர���ு கீர்த்தனைகள் சமூக பிரச்சினைகளை கையாளும் விதமாகவும் சமத்துவத்தை ஊக்குவிக்கும் விதமாகவும் இருந்தன, அவரது காலத்தின் கடுமையான சாதி அமைப்பை சவால் செய்தன. கனகதாசரின் மரபு இன்று கோவில்களிலும் கலாச்சார நிகழ்வுகளிலும் பாடப்படும் அவரது பக்தி பாடல்களால் தொடர்கிறது.

கல்வியின் ஜனநாயகமயமாக்கல்

நவீன காலங்களில் இலக்கியம், சமூக அறிவியல், அறிவியல் மற்றும் தொழில்நுட்பம் கல்வியின் முக்கிய கூறுகளாக உள்ளன. ஏன்? ஏனெனில் கல்வியின் முக்கிய நோக்கம் வாழ்க்கையின் தரத்தை மேம்படுத்துவதாகும். நல்ல கல்வி நமக்கு பார்வையை அளிக்கிறது; மூடநம்பிக்கையோ அல்லது கூட்ட மனப்பான்மையோ குறைவாக இருக்கிறது; நம்மை நல்ல குடிமக்களாக உருவாக்குகிறது; மற்றும் நம்மை வாழ்வாதாரத்திற்குத் தேவையான திறன்கள் மற்றும் அறிவுடன் தயாரிக்கிறது. இன்று, தொழில்நுட்பம் மற்றும் மின்கல்வியுடன், உயர்தரக் கல்வி அதிகமான மக்களுக்கு கிடைக்கிறது. இது பணக்காரர்களின் பிரிவாக இருந்தது, ஆனால் இன்று ஸ்மார்ட்போன் கொண்ட யாருக்கும் கிடைக்கக்கூடியதாக உள்ளது.

நடுவண் காலங்களில், நீங்கள் உங்கள் பெற்றோர்களுக்கு அல்லது உங்கள் சாதியினருக்கு உதவுவதன் மூலம் வாழ்க்கையை நடத்துவது எப்படி என்பதை கற்றுக்கொண்டீர்கள். ஆனால் அது கல்வி அல்ல. உலகத்தை உங்களுக்கு விளக்கும் அல்லது உங்கள் பார்வையை மாற்றும் கல்வி பிராமணர் அல்லது க்ஷத்ரியருக்கே உரியது. அந்த சாதியினரல்லாதவர்கள் இரண்டு வழிகளில் விலக்கப்பட்டனர் - முதலில், முக்கியமான அறிவை வாய்மொழியாக தனது சீடர்களுக்கு வழங்கும் பிராமண குருவிடம் அவர்களுக்கு அணுகல் இல்லை. இரண்டாவது, அனைத்து வேதங்களும் சமஸ்கிருதத்தில் இருந்ததால் அவர்கள் தாங்களே கற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியவில்லை. ஆனால் கனகதாசர் அனைவருக்கும் கற்றலைக் கொண்டு வந்தார். ஒரு இடத்தில் உட்கார்ந்து, சீடர்கள் அவரிடம் வருவதை எதிர்பார்ப்பதற்குப் பதிலாக, கனகதாசர் உங்கள் வீட்டு வாசலில் வந்தார். எனவே, ஒரு குயவர் அல்லது நெசவாளர், திறந்த மனப்பான்மையுள்ள பிராமணர் அல்லது க்ஷத்ரியர், அனைவருக்கும் அவரிடம் அணுகல் இருந்தது.

அவர் உங்கள் கிராமத்திற்கு வந்தபோது, ​​அவர் சமூக நீதி அல்லது ஆழ்ந்த வேதாந்த உண்மைகளைப் பற்றி மட்டுமல்லாமல், நியாயவாதத்தையும் ஊக்குவித்தார் - மக்கள் தர்க்கரீதியாக சிந்திக்க வேண்டும் மற்றும் மூடநம்பிக்கைக்கு இரையாகக் கூடாது என்று கூறினார். ஒரு வகையில், அவரது இச�� அந்த காலத்தில் கல்வியின் ஊடகமாக இருந்தது, இன்று வீடியோ போல.

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Dr. Pragna Vedant Academy is Best Nail Art Class in Mulund,Mumbai

At Dr. Pragna Vedant Academy in Mulund, Mumbai, we take pride in offering the best nail art class in the area, designed for those passionate about transforming nails into stunning works of art. Our academy is dedicated to providing comprehensive education in nail artistry, blending creativity with technical precision to ensure our students master the craft. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover every aspect of nail art, from basic designs to intricate, advanced techniques that cater to the latest trends in the industry. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced nail technician looking to refine your skills, our classes provide the perfect environment for learning and growth.

The nail art class at Dr. Pragna Vedant Academy emphasizes hands-on practice, allowing students to experiment with various tools, materials, and techniques. Our experienced instructors, who are well-versed in both traditional and contemporary nail art styles, provide personalized guidance, ensuring that each student’s unique creative potential is nurtured. From mastering the basics of color theory and brush control to exploring complex designs like 3D art, marbling, and encapsulation, our course covers it all. We also keep our students updated with the latest trends, including gel polish techniques, acrylic extensions, and nail embellishments, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern clients.

Our state-of-the-art facilities at Dr. Pragna Vedant Academy further enhance the learning experience. The classrooms are equipped with the latest tools and products used in professional nail salons, giving students a real-world feel as they practice and perfect their craft. The academy’s welcoming environment fosters creativity, encouraging students to push boundaries and develop their signature style. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of hygiene, precision, and client communication—key aspects that are crucial for a successful career in the nail industry.

What sets our nail art class apart is the balance we strike between creativity and professionalism. We believe that a great nail artist is not just skilled in design but also understands the importance of maintaining healthy, well-groomed nails. As part of our curriculum, we teach students about nail care, product knowledge, and the science behind nail health, ensuring they can provide comprehensive services to their clients.