#Yoga for self-inquiry

[compassionmattersmost]

Introduction to Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge and Self-Inquiry

Jnana Yoga is one of the primary paths of yoga, often described as the path of knowledge or wisdom. It is a profound spiritual practice focused on deep inquiry into the nature of the self and the ultimate reality. Through a process of self-examination and discernment, practitioners of Jnana Yoga seek to transcend the illusions of the mind and realize the true, non-dual nature of existence. At…

[know-the-self]

[mdazim]

Who am I?

[meditation-music]

The happiest you can be is to not exist. This is the greatest joy! Take a break from yourself and find true happiness with this different form of self inquiry:

We are not looking to find a dry, impersonal consciousness. We go beyond all sense of being to the One Infinite Happiness. Meditate with the video here and see if you feel this bliss:

[coven-of-genesis]

Types of shadow work

There are various types of shadow work that can be explored based on individual preferences and needs.

Here are a few common approaches to shadow work:

1. Self-reflection and self-inquiry: This involves introspection, journaling, and contemplation to explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and patterns of behavior. It helps you identify and understand your shadow aspects.

2. Dream analysis: Paying attention to your dreams can provide valuable insights into your unconscious mind. Analyzing your dreams can reveal hidden desires, fears, and unresolved issues, offering a window into your shadow aspects.

3. Inner child work: This focuses on exploring and healing the wounded inner child within you. It involves identifying past traumas, emotional neglect, or unmet needs from childhood and working towards emotional healing and self-nurturing.

4. Creative expression: Engaging in creative activities such as art, writing, dancing, or music can be a powerful way to access and express your unconscious mind. Through creative expression, you can tap into your deeper emotions, desires, and shadow aspects.

5. Body-oriented practices: Our bodies hold emotions and memories, so somatic practices like yoga, breathwork, or body-centered therapies can help bring awareness to and release stored emotional energy in the body. This can contribute to the exploration and healing of shadow aspects.

6. Shadow dialogues and active imagination: Engaging in internal dialogues or imaginative encounters with your shadow aspects can help you understand their messages, motivations, and needs. This can involve role-playing or having conversations with different parts of yourself.

7. Shadow work in relationships: Relationships can serve as mirrors for our shadow aspects. By paying attention to the triggers, conflicts, and patterns that arise in relationships, you can gain insights into your own shadow and use these experiences as opportunities for growth and self-awareness.

8. Therapeutic support: Working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in shadow work, depth psychology, or Jungian analysis can provide guidance, support, and a structured framework for exploring and integrating your shadow aspects.

It's important to note that these approaches are not mutually exclusive, and you can combine and adapt them to suit your needs and preferences. The key is to find methods that resonate with you and support your personal journey of self-discovery and healing.

[yogadaily]

(5 Day Yoga Sacred Heart Meditation Retreat, Frosinone Province, Italy: $745 $852  || Curated with love by yogadaily) 

Features

Styles: Hatha Yoga, Tantra Yoga

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Description

Experience Tranquility and Transformation at Our Sacred Heart Meditation Retreat

Imagine arriving at our serene retreat, nestled in the heart of Abruzzi National Park. The air is fragrant with jasmine and roses, and the gentle breeze promises tranquility.

You awaken to the first light of dawn each morning, ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace.

Your day begins with an hour of meditation from 8 to 9, guiding you to a deeper connection with yourself and the universe.

After a light breakfast, you gather with fellow participants for a lecture about the Sacred Heart and deepening your meditation practice.

These sessions provide insights and wisdom, setting the tone for your transformative journey.

Mid-morning combines Hatha yoga and meditation, where the Hridaya approach helps you connect mind, body, and spirit.

The serene surroundings and expert guidance make each movement and breath a step closer to inner peace.

After lunch, the afternoon is yours for rest and integration. Wander through lush meadows, relax by the river stream, or reflect quietly under the shade of ancient olive trees.

This time is essential for processing your experiences and rejuvenating your spirit.

At 4 pm, another meditation session awaits, followed by a brief introduction to a new technique. This is a time for questions and answers, where you can delve deeper into the practices and concepts shared.

You explore methods like the self-inquiry technique by Ramana Maharishi and learn about living with an open heart.

Evenings are spent discussing the three pillars of meditation, sending blessings, and understanding consecration from the perspective of Karma Yoga. Each topic is designed to enrich your practice and deepen your spiritual journey.

The retreat offers more than just activities; it provides a sanctuary where you can nurture your soul. You leave feeling renewed, empowered, and ready to embrace life with an open heart.

This is the transformative experience you seek, where every breath brings you closer to your true self.

[lains-reality]

Hi Lain, I have something to share. Recently my ego's life has been more difficult to bear. A close friend who I love so dearly lost his mother a week ago and I was so shocked and upset. A few days after finding out, I was doing yoga and the word 'forgiveness' popped up when the prompt was given 'what do you want most?' and I realised my ego felt personally responsible for her friend's mother's death. Why? Because she had intended to manifest his mother's full health starting from over a year ago and truly believed it would happen. Failing when she believed so truly that it would happen was too much of a shock and seeing her friend hurting so much and losing his mother too soon at a young age was all too much to bear. These feelings plagued the ego for days. She even sent an ask to a LOA blog wanting to understand why she had failed but it hasn't been unanswered yet.

But upon bringing up this unconscious belief to the conscious, I decided to apply what Lester teaches in his book "Make a conscious effort to bring up subconscious thoughts and when they are brought to the conscious plane, drop them. When they do come up, because they are very limiting and very negative as a whole, you want to drop them and you do." I realised writing the sentence out "I am responsible for my friend's mother's death" just sounded so ridiculous and obviously untrue that I was able to immediately drop it and have since stopped thinking about it entirely. The peace and freedom from that pain was instantaneous (although it took me a few days to process the grief initially and then come to a place where I had mental capacity to reflect more).

I know this is the more "tedious" route to self-realization compared to just focusing on self-inquiry but I've found I have made a lot more progress dropping thoughts (from unconscious to conscious) through meditation and reflecting on what beliefs I can drop to let go of more of the ego compared to when I tried to do purely self-inquiry. Sometimes no matter how much you tell the ego it's just a dream, it's difficult to accept during those overwhelming moments and I'm thankful that Lester has given other ways to continue on this journey.

Applying this gave me peace and now I have fully recovered. I've decided to continue letting go of the ego but I might delay my self-realization goal to focus a bit on manifestation first. I haven't given up on my friend's mother. I know this is my dream alone and nothing is reality unless I consent to it. I am determined to bring her back because my friend deserves to have his mother until she is old and I want to see him happy. In my mind, she has already made a full recovery from cancer and the only reason my friend hasn't been texting me is because he's too busy celebrating with his family over her full recovery.

Thank you for reading. I felt safe sharing this.

i'm glad you've been dropping thoughts!

meditating is not a tedious route, its a practise just as self inquiry is! as long as you don't forget Self you can do anything you want

i'm glad you let go of such a sad belief and felt safe to share this!

[learntrio]

“The World’s Oldest Religion, and It’s Connection with Modern Science”

The World’s Oldest Religion: An In-Depth Exploration of Hinduism

Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, and has been a vibrant and integral part of human history for thousands of years. Indeed, with its deep roots, rich mythology, and profound philosophical insights, Hinduism continues to influence millions of lives today. Therefore, this blog aims to explore the origins, beliefs, practices, and cultural significance of the world’s oldest religion, Hinduism, shedding light on why it remains such a vital and living tradition. After all, who is the oldest religion? That is Hinduism.

1. Origins of Hinduism

Prehistoric Roots

The world’s oldest religion, Hinduism’s origins, can be traced back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 3300–1300 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. The discovery of archaeological artifacts, such as seals showing people in yoga poses and sacred animals, clearly suggests that these early religious practices may have, in fact, influenced the development of later Hinduism. These findings indicate a deep connection between humans, nature, and the divine, themes that are central to Hinduism.

The Vedic Period

The Vedic Period, spanning from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, marks a significant era in the development of Hinduism. This period saw the migration of Indo-Aryans into the Indian subcontinent, bringing with them the sacred texts known as the Vedas. The Vedas—Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda—are the oldest known scriptures of Hinduism and are composed in Sanskrit. They contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that form the core of Vedic religion. Rigveda, in particular, is considered the oldest, with hymns dedicated to various deities, reflecting a polytheistic belief system.

Development of Major Schools

Hinduism was the world’s oldest religion when it evolved, and it gave rise to various philosophical schools, each offering unique interpretations of spiritual and existential questions. The Upanishads, composed between 800 and 500 BCE, marked a shift from ritualistic practices to introspective and philosophical inquiry. These texts explored the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman), laying the groundwork for later schools of thought like Vedanta, which emphasizes the unity of the individual soul with the universal spirit.

2. Core Beliefs and Philosophies

Dharma (Duty/Righteousness)

Dharma is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, encompassing the moral and ethical code that guides individuals’ actions and societal roles. It varies according to one’s age, caste, gender, and occupation, promoting harmony and order within society. Dharma is not only about religious duties but also about living in accordance with one’s true nature and fulfilling one’s responsibilities toward family, society, and the world.

Karma (Action and Consequence)

The concept of Karma is central to Hindu thought, emphasizing that every action has consequences. Good deeds lead to positive outcomes, while harmful actions result in suffering. This belief in cause and effect extends beyond a single lifetime, influencing one’s future incarnations. The law of Karma encourages ethical living and personal responsibility, as individuals are seen as the architects of their destinies.

Samsara (Cycle of Rebirth)

Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is a fundamental belief in Hinduism. Moreover, it is driven by Karma, meaning one’s actions determine the nature of future existences. Consequently, this cycle is often seen as a state of suffering and bondage, from which individuals seek liberation. Ultimately, the goal of Hindu spiritual practice is to break free from Samsara and attain Moksha, a state of eternal bliss and union with the divine.

Moksha (Liberation)

Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of Samsara, achieved through self-realization and an understanding of the true nature of the self and the universe. To attain Moksha, Hinduism offers various paths, each catering to different temperaments and inclinations. Firstly, there is Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), which focuses on love and devotion to a personal deity. Secondly, Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) emphasizes self-inquiry and the realization of the unity between Atman and Brahman. Thirdly, Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action) involves performing one’s duties without attachment to outcomes. Lastly, Raja Yoga (the path of meditation) concentrates on controlling the mind and senses to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

FULL VERSION : https://learntrio.com/the-worlds-oldest-religion-hinduism/

[raffaellopalandri]

Book of the Day - Radiant Rest

Today’s Book of the Day is Radiant Rest, written by Tracee Stanley in 2021 and published by Shambhala. Tracee Stanley is a teacher of yoga nidra, meditation, Tantra, and self-inquiry. She shares practices and effective tools that help her readers create awareness of their innate wealth, beauty, and interconnectedness. Radiant Rest, by Tracee Stanley I have chosen this book because, teaching…

[compassionmattersmost]

Neti Neti Series No. 1: Embracing the Practice of “Not This, Not This

Question: How should I approach the practice of “Neti Neti” and what can I expect as I continue with it? Dear friend, “Neti Neti” is a path that is both ancient and profound, one that requires patience, a quiet heart, and a gentle perseverance. I’d like to share with you some thoughts and reflections that may guide you as you journey further into this sacred practice. The phrase “Neti Neti”…

[know-the-self]

"To go beyond the mind, you must be silent and quiet. Peace and silence, silence and peace – this is the way beyond. "

-Nisargadatta Maharaj

[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.

[bhagvadgita]

The Bhagavad Gita Verse 13.4

तत्क्षेत्रं यच्च यादृक्च यद्विकारि यतश्च यत् |

स च यो यत्प्रभावश्च तत्समासेन मे शृणु ||

Listen and I will explain to you what that field is and what its nature is. I will also explain how change takes place within it, from what it was created, who the knower of the field of activities is, and what his powers are. 

- The field (kshetra) refers to the body-mind complex, which is the object of perception and experience for the individual soul (jiva). The field is composed of the five elements, the five senses, the five organs of action, the mind, the intellect, the ego, and the three modes of material nature (gunas). The field is constantly undergoing change and transformation due to the influence of time, karma, and the gunas.

- The knower of the field (kshetrajna)  refers to the Supreme Self (atman), which is the Witness and the substratum of the field. The knower of the field is distinct from the field, and is not affected by its modifications. The knower of the field is the same in all beings, and is the Source of Consciousness, Bliss, and existence. The knower of the field is also known as the Supreme Lord (ishvara), who is the creator, maintainer, and destroyer of the field.

- The nature (yadrik) of the field and the knower of the field is to be known by the process of discrimination  (viveka), which is the essence of the path of knowledge (jnana yoga). By discriminating between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the temporal, the Self and the non-self, one can realize the true identity of the knower of the field, and attain liberation (moksha) from the bondage of the field.

- The change (yad-vikari) of the field is to be understood by the analysis of the causes and effects (karya-karana), which are based on the law of action and reaction (karma). By understanding the cause and effect relationship, one can overcome the ignorance (avidya) that leads to attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha), which are the root causes of suffering (duhkha). By transcending the cause and effect cycle, one can attain the state of equanimity (samatva), which is the mark of a person of steady wisdom (sthita-prajna).

- The creation (yatah) of the field is to be traced to the supreme will (sankalpa) of the knower of the field, who manifests the field out of his own power (shakti) and energy (prana). The creation of the field is also a projection (vivarta) of the knower of the field, who appears as many (anekatva) due to the limiting adjuncts (upadhis) of the field. The creation of the field is also a play (lila) of the knower of the field, who enjoys the diversity (vicitra) of the field without losing his unity (ekatva).

- The powers (yat-prabhava) of the knower of the field are to be Realized by the practice of devotion (bhakti), which is the essence of the path of love (prema yoga). By cultivating the attitude of surrender (sharanagati), service (seva), and worship (puja)  towards the knower of the field, one can experience his Grace (anugraha), protection (raksha), and guidance (nirdesha). By attuning oneself to the will (iccha), knowledge (jnana), and action (kriya)  of the knower of the field, one can become his instrument (nimitta), representative (pratinidhi), and expression (abhivyanjana).

Similar Vedic texts:

- Yogavashishta 6.2.215.6:

मोक्षोपायानिमान्पुण्यान्प्रत्यक्षानुभवार्थदान्|बालोप्यकर्ण्य तत्ज्ञात्वं याति का त्वादृशे कथा ||

Having learnt the methods of Realization, expounded in this work which brings about direct intuition, even a child comes to Realize the Self.

This verse emphasizes the efficacy of the teachings of Yogavashishta, which are based on the direct experience  (anubhava) of the self, rather than on the scriptural authority (shabda) or logical inference (anumana). The verse also implies that the realization of the self is not dependent on the age, caste, gender, or status of the seeker, but on the sincerity, earnestness, and intensity of the inquiry.

- Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.1:

द्वा सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समानं वृक्षं परिषस्वजाते | तयोरन्यः पिप्पलं स्वाद्वत्त्यनश्नन्नन्यो अभिचाकशीति ||

Two birds of beautiful plumage, who are inseparable friends, reside on the same tree. Of these, one eats the fruits of the tree with relish, while the other looks on without eating. 

This verse illustrates the relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Self (atman), who are compared to two birds on the same tree of the body. The individual soul is entangled in the fruits of its actions, which are of the nature of pleasure and pain, while the Supreme Self is detached and indifferent, witnessing the play of the individual soul. The verse also suggests that the individual soul can realize its identity with the Supreme Self, by turning its attention from the fruits of the tree to the other bird, who is its true friend and guide.

- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.4.5:

यत्र नान्यत्पश्यति नान्यच्छृणोति नान्यद्विजानाति स भूमा | अथ यत्रान्यत्पश्यति अन्यच्छृणोति अन्यद्विजानाति तदल्पम् ||

Where one sees nothing else, hears nothing else, knows nothing else, that is the infinite. Where one sees something else, hears something else, knows something else, that is the finite. 

This verse defines the infinite (bhuma)  and the finite (alpam) in terms of the perception and knowledge of the Reality. The infinite is the state of non-duality (advaita), where there is no distinction between the seer and the seen, the hearer and the heard, the knower and the known. The finite is the state of duality (dvaita), where there is a separation between the subject and the object, the self and the other, the reality and the appearance. The verse also implies that the infinite is the source of supreme bliss (ananda), while the finite is the cause of suffering (duhkha).

[zerogate]

The basic Self-inquiry technique I teach is a two-step method. You use it to confront thoughts and knock them back down into the Silence of the Heart. When a thought or experience arises, you ask "Who is having this experience?" followed by "Where do you come from?"

If you are familiar with the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, then, at least intellectually, you already know the answer to the second question. The I-thought comes from the heart. That's where all of the thoughts come from. They start in the heart and go up to the head.

[...]

The real goal of Self-inquiry is not to go on repeating "Who am I?" like a mantra. The goal is to fall into the heart. You drop from the head into the heart. Self-inquiry is a journey where you fall down into your heart. You rediscover your heart and then you live from it.

[...]

The next milestone is where you have the ability to notice every single thought for at least a few minutes while meditating. Your tendency will still be to notice the thought and then follow it up to the head because that's what you're used to doing. You're noticing it rise up from the heart, but you do not stay in the heart. You follow it from the heart up to the head.

Next you catch all of your thoughts but you stay in the heart. The thought begins to rise up, but you don't follow it. Or you return immediately to the heart if you did.

As you maintain being aware of every thought for at least a few minutes along with being aware of how thoughts rise up from you as the heart, you begin to understand that thoughts originate from you as the heart. You realize that you are the mother for all these thoughts.

--  Ramaji, The Yoga of Self-Inquiry

[radical-revolution]

Take the backward step

Self-cultivation is based on the idea of independent inquiry. It does not rely on authority, tradition or dogma.

The point is to face our life in all Nine Petals. To do this, we need self-honesty and radical acceptance. We need to turn around and step fully into our situation, to feel the reality of our past choices and the total effect of our current circumstance.

It's much easier to stand on your head, memorize some sutras, or learn a new Taiji form.

But even yoga, meditation and qigong can become modes of disassociation. Spiritual bypassing, as it were.

Awakening happens in the midst of life's mess.

Wisdom is not transcendent. It’s ordinary.

Genuine insight is found within our own direct embodied experience, nowhere else.

Cain Carroll

[madamlaydebug]

Once we begin our Spiritization we must find a way to continue to integrate all of these spiritual realizations into our lives in order to allow them to become permanent. Distillation is the level of further purification.

One example of Distillation is finding ways to live from a daily place of inner peace – even in the most mundane circumstances. With enough repeated practice of constantly dying and being reborn in the present moment without entering again into the habits, identifications, and cycles of the mind, we experience a strong and profound inner transformation. In the East, this is what is mostly defined as self-realization or “enlightenment.”

Certain practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and self-inquiry are useful in this stage.