Human experience tends to encompass three main states of being—jagrata, the state of waking consciousness; svapna, the dream state; and susupti, the state of deepest sleep. Understanding them clearly, makes existence of a fourth state possible. Early Hindu philosophy told of another state of consciousness known as turiya, which underlies the common states of consciousness while also transcending them. This is also called as Transcendental Consciousness. In turiya, the self does not think, feel, or do, but rather observes thought, emotion, and action. In Hindu philosophy, it is a state of pure consciousness - the experience of ultimate reality or truth.
Transcendental consciousness is self-referral consciousness. Self-referral means referring to our Self, which is a state of pure silence at the source of thought. The source of thought is the home of all creativity and intelligence within us and all our thoughts arise from here. In the process of hypnosis, usually, the transcendental consciousness of the subject is stimulated and made to realize, wherein, the subject may stand as a third person and merely witness what had happened in the past rather than actually participating in the events, especially when the past is bitter.
Research confirms that Transcendental Consciousness is a fourth major state of consciousness, distinct from waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Scientists can actually identify Transcendental Consciousness by monitoring changes in brainwave patterns, breath rate, and metabolic rate. It deals with the unique state of mind and body called "restful alertness". The three stages that are involved in achieving restful alertness are Concentration, Contemplation and Continuation.
More than 600 researches have been conducted in this regard and it has been proven that this state can be attained through Transcendental Meditation. It is a simple, natural, effortless procedure practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. It is the most widely practiced, most researched, and most effective method of self-development. More than six million people worldwide have learnt this simple, natural technique — people of all ages, cultures and religions.
Anxiety is a psychological measure of an individual’s level of inner peace. If Transcendental Consciousness is indeed a state of inner peace, regular experience of that state should reduce anxiety markedly. Studies indicate that, as compared to all other meditation and relaxation techniques tested to date, including the widely used technique of progressive muscle relaxation, Transcendental Consciousness reduces anxiety at least twice as effectively. Regular experience of this fourth state is said to lead to rapid and cumulative benefits for the individual—growth toward the highest states of consciousness. The power of peace creation depends upon the level of experience of Transcendental Consciousness.
During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the mind settles down to its most silent level. Since the mind and body are intimately connected, as the mind settles down the body also settles down to a deep state of rest. Transcendental consciousness bestows peace and makes our mind work better all day long. It enables us to easily direct our awareness to life improvement at our own will. It helps us sense the underlying beauty and purpose of life.
Though this technique originated in India, some thounsand years ago, there are a lot of institutions around the globe who charge thounsands of dollars to teach this technique. But I would say, it is not something to be learned; it is something to be practised. Even if we learn it methodically, I beleive, the teachers would add a "clause" in the last session of the course, that mastering the technique comes only through vigorous practice. So, why waste some bucks?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE
The following instructions for life are a briefer version of Jackson Brown’s Life - Little Instruction Book. These instructions are based on the present prevailing social and emotional conditions of mankind.
1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:
Respect for self
Respect for others
Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you have to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
The above mentioned instructions are neither easy nor hard to practise. But if tried, it definitely helps in a better understanding of a person, as his/her own self and as a good social being.
1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:
Respect for self
Respect for others
Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you have to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
The above mentioned instructions are neither easy nor hard to practise. But if tried, it definitely helps in a better understanding of a person, as his/her own self and as a good social being.
Monday, August 11, 2008
CHACHMAH
"You have the power to create your life exactly how you would love it to be, regardless of your circumstances. The secret is in unlocking the power of your vast intuitive wisdom.”
- Darren Eden
The "Chachmah" or the "Chokhmah" is nothing but intuitive wisdom. It is a Hebrew word meaning wisdom. Historically, it was a part of Jewish mythology, yet the concept of intuitive wisdom is common among people according to today's science. The most common thought process that a person gets by hearing this word is something connected to the psychic physique or future telling. But this is just a very interesting, unique and common phenomenon which occurs to any human being, atleast once in his/her lifetime. Chochma also means "the potential to be" - the potential of a person to be anyone of his/her destiny.
If you talk to God, it´s prayer. If He answers, you´re insane.
Many times when a person asks about the future, it is an attempt to escape the present because it is too painful or they are impatient about the outcome. If you wish to create a particular future, it is helpful to become aware of the “now” and acknowledge the true challenges in this moment.
The following phenomenon has happened in many of our lives. When we think of a present situational problem again and again, we may not be able to find a solution at the moment. Later, when we engage ourselves in some other activity unrelated to the previous problem, we may suddenly have a flash of insight on a way to solve it. The insight that we receive is the Chochmah. Binah is when we develop the insight to solve similar problems in future. Without Chochmah, Binah has nothing to work with. Without Binah, Chochmah is too obscure.
"Men are from Chachmah; women are from Binah"
Chachmah is like father and Binah is like mother, according to Judaism. But I do not agree with the above quote except for the matter of reproduction. In other matters, Chachmah and Binah, both are present in both the genders.
Wisdom and Compassion are the two main pillars of life, each being a part of the mix of being a whole person and living a wholesome life of caring for the world. Wisdom is intuitive and not intellectual. It is cultivated through meditation and practice.
"Wisdom is seeking wisdom."
- Suzuki Roshi
The activity of seeking a wise way to think, speak and act is intuitive wisdom. Living wisely means living without a justification for our actions which is very difficult to practise.
- Darren Eden
The "Chachmah" or the "Chokhmah" is nothing but intuitive wisdom. It is a Hebrew word meaning wisdom. Historically, it was a part of Jewish mythology, yet the concept of intuitive wisdom is common among people according to today's science. The most common thought process that a person gets by hearing this word is something connected to the psychic physique or future telling. But this is just a very interesting, unique and common phenomenon which occurs to any human being, atleast once in his/her lifetime. Chochma also means "the potential to be" - the potential of a person to be anyone of his/her destiny.
If you talk to God, it´s prayer. If He answers, you´re insane.
- Bruno Roza
Intuitive wisdom emphasizes in transformational feeds and not informational ones. Transformational feeds are about manifesting real change in life, while informational feeds flood the mind with extraneous facts, not always useful.Many times when a person asks about the future, it is an attempt to escape the present because it is too painful or they are impatient about the outcome. If you wish to create a particular future, it is helpful to become aware of the “now” and acknowledge the true challenges in this moment.
The following phenomenon has happened in many of our lives. When we think of a present situational problem again and again, we may not be able to find a solution at the moment. Later, when we engage ourselves in some other activity unrelated to the previous problem, we may suddenly have a flash of insight on a way to solve it. The insight that we receive is the Chochmah. Binah is when we develop the insight to solve similar problems in future. Without Chochmah, Binah has nothing to work with. Without Binah, Chochmah is too obscure.
"Men are from Chachmah; women are from Binah"
Chachmah is like father and Binah is like mother, according to Judaism. But I do not agree with the above quote except for the matter of reproduction. In other matters, Chachmah and Binah, both are present in both the genders.
Wisdom and Compassion are the two main pillars of life, each being a part of the mix of being a whole person and living a wholesome life of caring for the world. Wisdom is intuitive and not intellectual. It is cultivated through meditation and practice.
"Wisdom is seeking wisdom."
- Suzuki Roshi
The activity of seeking a wise way to think, speak and act is intuitive wisdom. Living wisely means living without a justification for our actions which is very difficult to practise.
Daydreaming, quiet walks in nature and meditation - all these exercises awaken the deep sense of knowing called intuition. Without it we may experience a hopeless state of mind, feeling cut off from our mental and spiritual resources.
We often think of empowerment as a quality that arises from a place of firm determination and a will to succeed. Although, what truly propels people's confidence is, their capacity for listening to who they truly are and being able to call upon their intuitive wisdom in any situation that arises. We do not need to step into an assertive role in order to be effective at what we do - but merely need to be in touch with our insight and sense of compassion to truly realise and express the depth of our empowerment.
Choose to perceive the value in others, rather than seeing them as "weird", or "different". There are moments when this perspective is challenging, but you would gain more by having it, than by judging others. Trust your own intuitive wisdom. Trust the changes that are happening in your life to bring you to where you want to be. A strong belief in your ability to succeed gives you a sense of empowerment and determination to overcome any obstacle.
THE GURU
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnuhu Gurur Dhevyo Maheshwaraha
Gurur Saakshaathh Parabrahmaathh Thasmai Shri Gurave Namaha
-Satguru Aadi Shankarar
Guru is the creator, preserver and the destroyer. I offer my deep hearted salutations to the Guru who is the direct supreme spirit. This is the Sanskrit Sloka (Gurustotra) given by Aadi Shankarar. Most of the religions in the world emphasis the importance of Guru because he is believed to impart knowledge of life to a common man.
The word GuRu is composed of two syllables - Gu and Ru
The syllable gu means shadows
The syllable ru, he who disperses them,
Because of the power to disperse darkness
the guru is thus named.
-Advayataraka Upanishad 16, verse 5
The word is as such termed as a sanskrit word. It signifies Guru as a person who has the knowledge of the dark and light. He is also considered as a person who helps the common man to know the difference between ignorance and enlightenment. Some philosophies depict him as the one who dispells darkness and provides light to the human soul.The nearest word in English for Guru is "great". Guru is not paramaathma; Guru is not jeevaathma. He is just a simple human being who improves the life of other human being. For this act of his, he can be even greater than jeevaathma and paramaathma.
Guru is Shiva without his three eyes,
Vishnu without his four arms
Brahma without his four heads.
- Brumhaanandha Puraanam
In Hindu mythology, the importance of Guru is described by the relationships of Rama and Hanuman, and Krishna and Arjuna. The Sathguru is considered as the Supreme being of the Hindus. Gurukul was once a famous method wherein the disciples stay with the Guru and acquire knowledge. The teacher-disciple lineage or the "Guru Parampara" occurs when the knowledge is passed on to the next successful generation.
In Tantric culture, which is a part of Buddhism, The Guru is termed as "Vajra" meaning diamond. Diamond is considered to be the most precious of all the gems. But it can be used constructively as well as destructively. So a Guru's duty is not only to give wisdom to his disciples, but also to make him aware of how to use his wisdom.
Rely on the teachings to evaluate a guru
Do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism
-Dalai Laama
In Sikhism, Guru is the supreme spirit as in Hinduism. Guru is the God. It is the fundamental philosophy of Sikh religion. The scripts are written in Gurmukhi, which itself explains that the Guru is the one who is able to create scripts that teaches the art of life to human existence. There is no difference among people on caste, creed, sex or race. Guru is common to all humans.
Let no man in the world live in delusion.
Without a Guru none can cross over to the other shore.
-Guru Nanak
Guru Bhakthi or the devotion to Guru is very important to gain true wisdom. Anyone and everyone we see in our day-to-day life can be our Guru. Each human being may have distinct potentials and knowledge which could be learned by others. So respect fellow beings and look upon them as your Gurus. A Guru need not necessarily be one who teaches how to live, but also how not to live. Do not underestimate anyone. Learn from the lives of others and accept everyone as your Guru.
Gurur Saakshaathh Parabrahmaathh Thasmai Shri Gurave Namaha
-Satguru Aadi Shankarar
Guru is the creator, preserver and the destroyer. I offer my deep hearted salutations to the Guru who is the direct supreme spirit. This is the Sanskrit Sloka (Gurustotra) given by Aadi Shankarar. Most of the religions in the world emphasis the importance of Guru because he is believed to impart knowledge of life to a common man.
The word GuRu is composed of two syllables - Gu and Ru
The syllable gu means shadows
The syllable ru, he who disperses them,
Because of the power to disperse darkness
the guru is thus named.
-Advayataraka Upanishad 16, verse 5
The word is as such termed as a sanskrit word. It signifies Guru as a person who has the knowledge of the dark and light. He is also considered as a person who helps the common man to know the difference between ignorance and enlightenment. Some philosophies depict him as the one who dispells darkness and provides light to the human soul.The nearest word in English for Guru is "great". Guru is not paramaathma; Guru is not jeevaathma. He is just a simple human being who improves the life of other human being. For this act of his, he can be even greater than jeevaathma and paramaathma.
Guru is Shiva without his three eyes,
Vishnu without his four arms
Brahma without his four heads.
- Brumhaanandha Puraanam
In Hindu mythology, the importance of Guru is described by the relationships of Rama and Hanuman, and Krishna and Arjuna. The Sathguru is considered as the Supreme being of the Hindus. Gurukul was once a famous method wherein the disciples stay with the Guru and acquire knowledge. The teacher-disciple lineage or the "Guru Parampara" occurs when the knowledge is passed on to the next successful generation.
In Tantric culture, which is a part of Buddhism, The Guru is termed as "Vajra" meaning diamond. Diamond is considered to be the most precious of all the gems. But it can be used constructively as well as destructively. So a Guru's duty is not only to give wisdom to his disciples, but also to make him aware of how to use his wisdom.
Rely on the teachings to evaluate a guru
Do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism
-Dalai Laama
In Sikhism, Guru is the supreme spirit as in Hinduism. Guru is the God. It is the fundamental philosophy of Sikh religion. The scripts are written in Gurmukhi, which itself explains that the Guru is the one who is able to create scripts that teaches the art of life to human existence. There is no difference among people on caste, creed, sex or race. Guru is common to all humans.
Let no man in the world live in delusion.
Without a Guru none can cross over to the other shore.
-Guru Nanak
Guru Bhakthi or the devotion to Guru is very important to gain true wisdom. Anyone and everyone we see in our day-to-day life can be our Guru. Each human being may have distinct potentials and knowledge which could be learned by others. So respect fellow beings and look upon them as your Gurus. A Guru need not necessarily be one who teaches how to live, but also how not to live. Do not underestimate anyone. Learn from the lives of others and accept everyone as your Guru.
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