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Post 10: Stages of Meditative Absorption: Patanjali’s Sutras 1.17 and 1.18
In this post, we explore Patanjali’s Sutras 1.17 and 1.18, which outline the stages of meditative absorption. Learn how the mind moves through reflection, contemplation, bliss, and subtle individuality, and how deeper states of absorption lead to pure awareness, free from mental fluctuations. Discover the path toward samadhi and how the practice of Neti, neti.…
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Post 8: The Importance of Discipline: Patanjali’s Sutras 1.13 and 1.14
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Advaita Vedanta, Bridging Hearts and Minds, Eastern Spiritual Traditions, Foundational Texts in the Philosophy and Practice of Yoga, Raja Yoga: The Path of Meditation and Mental Discipline, Teacher: Swami Vivekananda, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Yoga: Pathways to Inner Peace and Spiritual Realization, Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of YogaIn this post, we explore Patanjali’s Sutras 1.13 and 1.14, which emphasize the importance of disciplined practice. Patanjali teaches us that mastering the mind requires sustained effort over time, without interruption, and with sincerity. By using the phrase “Neti, neti. I am the witness. I am the Seer,” we return to stillness and build the…
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Verse 3: The Mirror of True Knowledge — Insights from Ramana Maharshi
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In this reflection on verse 3 of Ramana Maharshi’s Forty Verses on Reality, we explore the moment when the search for truth ends, but the practice of abiding in awareness begins. The Self, always present, invites us into a deeper realization—one where there is nothing more to seek, yet the gentle discipline of returning to…
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Verse 2: The Deathless Ones — Insights from Ramana Maharshi
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Delve into the teachings of Ramana Maharshi in this reflection on the second verse of Forty Verses on Reality. Discover how the realization of the Self transcends the fear of death, revealing the eternal nature of existence. This exploration invites us to release our attachments and find refuge in the timeless essence of being, encouraging…
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Post 6: Navigating Imagination and Sleep: Patanjali’s Sutras 1.9 and 1.10
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Advaita Vedanta, Bridging Hearts and Minds, Eastern Spiritual Traditions, Foundational Texts in the Philosophy and Practice of Yoga, Raja Yoga: The Path of Meditation and Mental Discipline, Teacher: Swami Vivekananda, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Yoga: Pathways to Inner Peace and Spiritual Realization, Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of YogaIn this post, we explore Patanjali’s Sutras 1.9 and 1.10, focusing on imagination and sleep as mental events. Discover how these natural fluctuations of the mind can either distract us or be observed with clarity. We also introduce the possibility of lucid dreaming, where you can remain aware as the dreamer during sleep. Using the…
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Verse 1: The Heart of Reality — Insights from Ramana Maharshi
Explore the profound teachings of Ramana Maharshi in this first verse of Forty Verses on Reality. Discover the essence of existence as the Heart, inviting us to contemplate our true nature beyond thoughts. This reflection encourages a deep, personal engagement with the essence of reality, revealing that to abide in the Heart is to understand…
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Post 5: Simplifying the Mental Events: Patanjali’s Sutras 1.7 and 1.8
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In this post, we explore Patanjali’s Sutras 1.7 and 1.8, which distinguish between right knowledge and wrong knowledge. However, rather than getting caught in analyzing thoughts as true or false, we simplify the process by recognizing all thoughts as mental events. Using Orgyen Chowang’s teachings on pristine mind and the practice of Neti Neti (“Not…
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Post 4: Understanding the Five Types of Mental Fluctuations: Patanjali’s Sutras 1.5 and 1.6
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Advaita Vedanta, Bridging Hearts and Minds, Eastern Spiritual Traditions, Foundational Texts in the Philosophy and Practice of Yoga, Raja Yoga: The Path of Meditation and Mental Discipline, Teacher: Swami Vivekananda, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Yoga: Pathways to Inner Peace and Spiritual Realization, Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of YogaIn this post, we explore Patanjali’s Sutras 1.5 and 1.6, which describe the five types of mental fluctuations (vrittis). Learn how right knowledge, wrong knowledge, imagination, sleep, and memory influence the mind and how these fluctuations can either lead to suffering or liberation. Discover how the practice of observing these mental modifications can deepen your…
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Introduction to Mantra Yoga: The Path of Sacred Sound and Spiritual Resonance
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Advaita Vedanta, Bridging Hearts and Minds, Embracing Forgiveness, Loving-Kindness, and Compassion, Mantra Yoga: The Path of Sacred Sound and Spiritual Resonance, Teacher: Sri RamaKrishna, Teacher: Swami Sivananda, Teacher: Swami Vivekananda, Yoga: Pathways to Inner Peace and Spiritual Realization, Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yogapractice of sacred sound, in this introductory post. Learn how the repetition of mantras—sacred syllables, words, or phrases—elevates consciousness, focuses the mind, and fosters a deep connection with the divine. Discover the power of sound vibrations in aligning the mind, body, and spirit, and how consistent practice in Mantra Yoga can dissolve the ego and…