All Religious texts point to 3 basic divisions of consciousness:
- The mana or the mind
- The mati or the intellect
- The aatma or the soul/conscience
Each of these has various levels and inclinations. The mana or the mind; the most notorious of them all, can be satvik (inclined to positive), rajsik (inclined to materialism) or tamsik (inclined to negative).
Mati or the intellect has various levels defined in religious texts. There are many practices which when followed will lead the mati to higher levels. There is a separate name for each level of intellect or mati. It is very interesting; I will put it up here sometime.
Mind is unstoppable; it is so disillusionary that only a handful are able to control it to some part. and yes; the chosen few leap across it.
Higher the level of mati or the intellect; better will be the control over the mana. But yet, it is mere control. It is like a gas contained in a steel vessel. The gas and the pressure is still present. Mind is still not fully tamed and can not be fully tamed by intellect. It is beyond intellect. Hence when we try to control the mind from one side; it will express itself from another side or dimension.
It is a game which keeps going between mana and the mati. When we choose the path of intellect and try to recognize the observer; it is important to be careful that we do not fall into illusion of the mind or the intellect either. Intellect may not be of highest level and can sure cause illusion or in other words; allow the mind to create the illusion.
I am getting this feeling that it is what is happening with me. It has been long since I have sit in meditation and looked within. There were times when I could see the observer clearly; but I feel that there has been a lot of dust since; and it needs to cleaned up by sessions of meditation before we could continue the path of intellect.
I think; the other paths like the path of bhakti or devotion or the path of prem or love; can be very useful to sheild the sadhak against various attacks made by mana. It is not easy to catch mana. The intellect should be of highest level which is possible by performing various rituals; and it is good to incline mana to satvik inclination. it will help to maintain the intellect and would pose less hinderances.
Rest Later and as it dawns upon me..
Just another Sadhak seeking the almightly..
love you lord
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Starting the Journey
Chapter 6 : Bhagwad Gita
Lord Krishna says the real saint is the one who has renounced the desire for fruits of Karma and not the one who has renounced karma.
The Osho elaboration is that the old ritual of attaining sainthood and retreating to the jungles is not the real sainthood. He criticizes it strongly and puts emphasis on living in the world and renouncing the desire itself.
But as I understand; it is like this: The ancient practice of retreating to a jungle for attaining sainthood is a mere help. Since a sanyasi is away from worldly attractions; it will help him to stay focussed on his goal. Surely; he has no attained sainthood yet since he is still aiming for something; desiring something. But the environment of jungle is less likely to distract a novice who is on the path. But yes; it is only a mere help; a beginning. It is not a necessary condition and definitely not a sufficient one. The end outcome should be that the sanyasi should be able to come back to the world and still maintain his samadhi.
The path guided by the Osho is to start renouncing the desires in day-to-day life. There is a bliss of another kind which can not be explained by words. To taste it; he asks to conduct a small 24 hr experiment. Stop desiring for the outcome anything we do (just about anything) for one day. we do all the normal chores but consciously try to keep focusing our mind to not to desire something for this period. I tried it and succeeded for about 5 hrs and I am pleased to say I experienced bliss.
But I am still confused on how to further tread along this path. It is not without danger; the major one being: you keep on controlling the desires and live in a blissfull state - all very well. But once the mischievous mana (mind) attacks you unaware; all the desire will come rushing. By then, it might be too late to fulfill them. So you may fall into deep turmoil & repentence; beginning to think that you were mere lazy and wasted the precious months/years of life. You will see your friends & colleagues who will be achieving things which you used to desire; and still desire. I fear that you dont feel like a terrible failure at that point.
At the same time; renouncing the desire for our actions doesnt mean inaction. Osho points that it will naturally lead to shedding away of all that is evil in life. All the life energy will get devoted to positive things. Hence, it is possible that your destiny takes you to another level which you might not have reached if you were caught in the tangle of desire. But in such a living; you have surrendered yourself to the supreme power; you have surrendered your boat to the tides. The tides may take you to the places you used to desire or which people desire or they may not take you there. Both the possibilities are there. But what is certain is that; while you are in that state - while you are in the state of devotion to the tide; it will be bliss. It will keep you healthy - physically and mentally and happy.
Lord Krishna says the real saint is the one who has renounced the desire for fruits of Karma and not the one who has renounced karma.
The Osho elaboration is that the old ritual of attaining sainthood and retreating to the jungles is not the real sainthood. He criticizes it strongly and puts emphasis on living in the world and renouncing the desire itself.
But as I understand; it is like this: The ancient practice of retreating to a jungle for attaining sainthood is a mere help. Since a sanyasi is away from worldly attractions; it will help him to stay focussed on his goal. Surely; he has no attained sainthood yet since he is still aiming for something; desiring something. But the environment of jungle is less likely to distract a novice who is on the path. But yes; it is only a mere help; a beginning. It is not a necessary condition and definitely not a sufficient one. The end outcome should be that the sanyasi should be able to come back to the world and still maintain his samadhi.
The path guided by the Osho is to start renouncing the desires in day-to-day life. There is a bliss of another kind which can not be explained by words. To taste it; he asks to conduct a small 24 hr experiment. Stop desiring for the outcome anything we do (just about anything) for one day. we do all the normal chores but consciously try to keep focusing our mind to not to desire something for this period. I tried it and succeeded for about 5 hrs and I am pleased to say I experienced bliss.
But I am still confused on how to further tread along this path. It is not without danger; the major one being: you keep on controlling the desires and live in a blissfull state - all very well. But once the mischievous mana (mind) attacks you unaware; all the desire will come rushing. By then, it might be too late to fulfill them. So you may fall into deep turmoil & repentence; beginning to think that you were mere lazy and wasted the precious months/years of life. You will see your friends & colleagues who will be achieving things which you used to desire; and still desire. I fear that you dont feel like a terrible failure at that point.
At the same time; renouncing the desire for our actions doesnt mean inaction. Osho points that it will naturally lead to shedding away of all that is evil in life. All the life energy will get devoted to positive things. Hence, it is possible that your destiny takes you to another level which you might not have reached if you were caught in the tangle of desire. But in such a living; you have surrendered yourself to the supreme power; you have surrendered your boat to the tides. The tides may take you to the places you used to desire or which people desire or they may not take you there. Both the possibilities are there. But what is certain is that; while you are in that state - while you are in the state of devotion to the tide; it will be bliss. It will keep you healthy - physically and mentally and happy.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
FOR, AGAINST & NEUTRAL
I have read OSHO recently and it has given some very good insights. The OSHO way is quite a lot the intellect way. I have read that he had been a phychology professor. Hence his analysis of different religious texts by phychological point of view have been very impressive.
Here are a few excerpts which I have picked from his books:
- Today's Human is more mature in thinking. Hence the religious secrets should be put across more clearly. The true intention should be put across for the human of today. For example, to prevent a child from eating too much sweets, we would say that the fridge is haunted. But an adult would not buy this argument; most likely not! so it is better to tell him the real thing.
- Human nature is full of conflict; full of duality. If you have been living in a certain way; after a while you will start liking the opposite. It keeps swinging like a pendulum.
- What is important is to develop an observer within. An Observer; Mere Observer! Whatever emotions and desires manifest in the mind; you should be able to stand at a distance behind and merely observe. You are not to interfere; you are not to stop; But just RECOGNISE the difference between You and the Mind. The moment you recognise the difference; the moment you recognise the observer; none of the emotions or desires will bind you. you will regain your free will in a truest possible sense.
- The answer is not to run away or renounce the world. For two reasons; one, it is not possible to renounce the world since world is everywhere. Second; running away is never a solution; the path goes THROUGH the difficulties of this world. Hence face them; work on them. Whatever is to be done is to be done here in this world only.
Hence the first step; the first baby step; and perhaps the most important step in this path of intellect is to begin the observation & recognise the observer. It shall transform the life and initiate the process which will lead to the ultimate.
Here are a few excerpts which I have picked from his books:
- Today's Human is more mature in thinking. Hence the religious secrets should be put across more clearly. The true intention should be put across for the human of today. For example, to prevent a child from eating too much sweets, we would say that the fridge is haunted. But an adult would not buy this argument; most likely not! so it is better to tell him the real thing.
- Human nature is full of conflict; full of duality. If you have been living in a certain way; after a while you will start liking the opposite. It keeps swinging like a pendulum.
- What is important is to develop an observer within. An Observer; Mere Observer! Whatever emotions and desires manifest in the mind; you should be able to stand at a distance behind and merely observe. You are not to interfere; you are not to stop; But just RECOGNISE the difference between You and the Mind. The moment you recognise the difference; the moment you recognise the observer; none of the emotions or desires will bind you. you will regain your free will in a truest possible sense.
- The answer is not to run away or renounce the world. For two reasons; one, it is not possible to renounce the world since world is everywhere. Second; running away is never a solution; the path goes THROUGH the difficulties of this world. Hence face them; work on them. Whatever is to be done is to be done here in this world only.
Hence the first step; the first baby step; and perhaps the most important step in this path of intellect is to begin the observation & recognise the observer. It shall transform the life and initiate the process which will lead to the ultimate.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Prayer
Shall we pray to God ? or
Shall we love God ? or
Shall we fear God ?
when we are born, we are born with no awareness.. no awareness of our own body, our state of being, of father, mother .. let alone the almighty. Slowly we begin to recognize this world.. starting with Mother.. Father.. then some more about the world.. then at some point of time we are introduced to God .. either form our parents, our teachers or the society.
It is vital that how we are introduced to this supreme power. If God was portrayed as powerful, controlling and judgmental , we will develop some fear. If God is portrayed as one who is provider of everything and is all merciful, we will be attracted to his kindness. More often, in India, it is a mixture of both where there are various forms of God. God is merciful and full of love at one time while he is all powerful and judgmental at others. So normally our collective image consists of both love and fear in different amounts.
Then, at some point of time, a human being is inspired to pray. Life is full of challenges and man constantly seeks support to cope with them. Prayer has scientific virtues. It helps focus the mind. It gives hope. Today, Prayer is being recognised even by those who do not recognise God. They say "If you truly long for something with all your heart, Universe will grant it to you"
Religions are unanimous on this "If you ask something from God with a pure heart, it will come to you"
Now, Isn't that easy! Just ask and get it.
But as always, there is a catch.. and when we try to understand this.. the whole concept of Maya unfolds. I do not have thorough knowledge of many religions except a few, But i believe this concept is embedded in almost every religion.
Ancient Sanskrit scriptures have been saying this since time immemorial:
संसार मोह माया है !!
(The world is mere an attraction & illusion)
When we ask for something from God, with a true heart. It sure does comes.. But it comes with a chain. A chain that is of our own making. A chain which is called desire. A chain of longing. It is chain because it binds us to this world, to the external circumstances, to the external materials.
So Prayer has a price and the price is huge. Price is our eternal freedom.
This freedom is revered in Spirituality. There is NOTHING beyond it. The whole concept of spirituality is to move from attachment to detachment.. and that is to bring back the freedom..
Why freedom?
because freedom is sheer joy.. freedom is pure bliss! If it rains, you are blissful, if sun shines, you are still joyful. The outer world ceases to matter anymore for someone who has attained that freedom. That state of joy can not be imagined from our current state. But we have had glimpses of that joy. That state puts to shame the best worldly experiences can have.
rest later ...
Shall we love God ? or
Shall we fear God ?
when we are born, we are born with no awareness.. no awareness of our own body, our state of being, of father, mother .. let alone the almighty. Slowly we begin to recognize this world.. starting with Mother.. Father.. then some more about the world.. then at some point of time we are introduced to God .. either form our parents, our teachers or the society.
It is vital that how we are introduced to this supreme power. If God was portrayed as powerful, controlling and judgmental , we will develop some fear. If God is portrayed as one who is provider of everything and is all merciful, we will be attracted to his kindness. More often, in India, it is a mixture of both where there are various forms of God. God is merciful and full of love at one time while he is all powerful and judgmental at others. So normally our collective image consists of both love and fear in different amounts.
Then, at some point of time, a human being is inspired to pray. Life is full of challenges and man constantly seeks support to cope with them. Prayer has scientific virtues. It helps focus the mind. It gives hope. Today, Prayer is being recognised even by those who do not recognise God. They say "If you truly long for something with all your heart, Universe will grant it to you"
Religions are unanimous on this "If you ask something from God with a pure heart, it will come to you"
Now, Isn't that easy! Just ask and get it.
But as always, there is a catch.. and when we try to understand this.. the whole concept of Maya unfolds. I do not have thorough knowledge of many religions except a few, But i believe this concept is embedded in almost every religion.
Ancient Sanskrit scriptures have been saying this since time immemorial:
संसार मोह माया है !!
(The world is mere an attraction & illusion)
When we ask for something from God, with a true heart. It sure does comes.. But it comes with a chain. A chain that is of our own making. A chain which is called desire. A chain of longing. It is chain because it binds us to this world, to the external circumstances, to the external materials.
So Prayer has a price and the price is huge. Price is our eternal freedom.
This freedom is revered in Spirituality. There is NOTHING beyond it. The whole concept of spirituality is to move from attachment to detachment.. and that is to bring back the freedom..
Why freedom?
because freedom is sheer joy.. freedom is pure bliss! If it rains, you are blissful, if sun shines, you are still joyful. The outer world ceases to matter anymore for someone who has attained that freedom. That state of joy can not be imagined from our current state. But we have had glimpses of that joy. That state puts to shame the best worldly experiences can have.
rest later ...
Friday, January 25, 2008
live like an animal or live like a saint
Animal..
It is considered derogatory to say someone is living like an animal. It is not advised to live like an animal by either the materialistic fellows or the spiritual ambassadors.
Materialistic or worldly fellows feel that an animal is not achieving any goal. Just fulfilling physical needs is not enough. They argue for higher echelon of needs like self-esteem and self actualization.
why would you need any sense of achievement if you have SATISFACTION. if you examine it closely, you will find satisfaction to be bigger than that. Animals are satisfied creatures by nature. They try to fulfill their basic needs. They don't worry about the future. They just keep on doing what they are genetically programmed (upto the level of their intelligence) to do.
Animals dont create karma. they burn off all the karma they have accumulated in past lives. They dont create karma because they dont desire. They work on fulfilling their needs and work on it without any other expectation. It is a little fine here. Desire is different from need. Need is natural, desire is un-natural. if we look a little deep, we can identify anything we seek as need or desire.
But despite all, saints dont recommend you to live like an animal. They ask you to rise a level above, above living without desire, above burning-karma mode. They ask you to explore the possibility of achieving the supreme state which is possible only in human form. The state which liberates you from the cycle of karma forever.
It is considered derogatory to say someone is living like an animal. It is not advised to live like an animal by either the materialistic fellows or the spiritual ambassadors.
Materialistic or worldly fellows feel that an animal is not achieving any goal. Just fulfilling physical needs is not enough. They argue for higher echelon of needs like self-esteem and self actualization.
why would you need any sense of achievement if you have SATISFACTION. if you examine it closely, you will find satisfaction to be bigger than that. Animals are satisfied creatures by nature. They try to fulfill their basic needs. They don't worry about the future. They just keep on doing what they are genetically programmed (upto the level of their intelligence) to do.
Animals dont create karma. they burn off all the karma they have accumulated in past lives. They dont create karma because they dont desire. They work on fulfilling their needs and work on it without any other expectation. It is a little fine here. Desire is different from need. Need is natural, desire is un-natural. if we look a little deep, we can identify anything we seek as need or desire.
But despite all, saints dont recommend you to live like an animal. They ask you to rise a level above, above living without desire, above burning-karma mode. They ask you to explore the possibility of achieving the supreme state which is possible only in human form. The state which liberates you from the cycle of karma forever.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The paths less travelled
There is a path of karma Yoga.. (the path of work)
There is a path of Bhakti Yoga.. (the path of devotion or love)
Then for the select few, there is a path of Sankya Yoga (the path of intellect)
All these paths (there may be more) lead to the same destination. Lord Krishna has held the path of intellect superior to the others. It is mentioned that it is only for select few since it is believed that only select few posess the required level of intellect and the ability to stick weathering the extremities coming along the way.
Extremities come in the form of questions and various difficult decisions. One wrong decision takes you back several steps and it may not be possible to make a come back.
Destination is Realisation or Enlightenment.
There is a path of Bhakti Yoga.. (the path of devotion or love)
Then for the select few, there is a path of Sankya Yoga (the path of intellect)
All these paths (there may be more) lead to the same destination. Lord Krishna has held the path of intellect superior to the others. It is mentioned that it is only for select few since it is believed that only select few posess the required level of intellect and the ability to stick weathering the extremities coming along the way.
Extremities come in the form of questions and various difficult decisions. One wrong decision takes you back several steps and it may not be possible to make a come back.
Destination is Realisation or Enlightenment.
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