-
Into the Mystic: The Journey from Meditation to Contemplation
This post touches on…
“The Wisdom of No Escape” by Pema Chödrön, Advaita Vedanta, “Ramana Maharshi’s Forty Verses On What Is”, “The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen” by Namkhai Norbu, “The Hakomi Way: Consciousness & Healing: The Legacy of Ron Kurtz”, “The Pristine Mind” by Orgyen Chowang, Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion and Divine Love, Blog Posts with Books in Associated, Bridging Hearts and Minds, Caravan of Love: Interfaith Healing & Harmony, Christian Mystic: St. John of the Cross, Eastern Spiritual Traditions, Embracing Forgiveness, Loving-Kindness, and Compassion, Global Wellness: Nurturing Health and Harmony, Guiding Principles, Hatha Yoga: The Path of Physical Mastery and Inner Balance, Health and Wellness: Nurturing Body, Mind, and Spirit., Hindu Sacred Texts and Scriptures, IntoTheMystic, Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge and Self-Inquiry, Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism, Karma Yoga: The Path of Selfless Action, Mantra Yoga: The Path of Sacred Sound and Spiritual Resonance, ME/CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Navigating Wellness and Support, ME/CFS Prayers: Finding Solace and Strength in Spirituality, Meditation Practices: Paths to Inner Peace and Clarity, Mindfulness of Emotions, Mindfulness Practices- Zen, Dharma, Advaita Vedanta, Nonduality,, Mindfulness, Meditation and Personal Growth, Practices of Neti Neti, Practices of Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara), Raja Yoga: The Path of Meditation and Mental Discipline, Sacred Community Collaboration, Sacred Text: The Bhagavad Gita: Dialogue of Duty and Devotion, Sacred Text: The Ramayana: An Epic Journey of Virtue and Valor, Sacred Text: The Satipatthana Sutta: Foundations of Mindfulness, Spirituality, Psychology, and Personal Growth, Teacher: Byron Katie, Teacher: Carl Jung, Teacher: Joseph Cambell, Teacher: Joseph Goldstein: Insight Meditation and the Path of Mindfulness, Teacher: Paramahansa Yogananda, Teacher: Ram Dass, Teacher: Ron Kurtz, Teacher: Sri Ramana Maharshi, Teacher: Swami Sivananda, Teacher: Swami Vivekananda, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Teacher: Tibetan Master: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Pema Chödrön, Teacher: Toni Bernhard, Teacher: Vipassana Master: S.N. Goenka, Teacher: Zen Master: Dogen, Teacher: Zen Master: Reb Anderson (Tenshin Roshi), Teacher: Zen Master: Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Teacher: Zen Master: Thich Nhat Hanh, Teachers and Masters of the Buddha’s Path, Teachings: Mahayana Teachings of Compassion and Wisdom, Teachings: Theravada: Teachings of the Buddha, Teachings: Tibetan Teachings of the Buddha, Teachings: Zen Teachings of the Buddha, The Dark Night of the Soul, The Philosophy and Teachings of the Buddha, Universal Responsibility: Spiritual Teachings for Global Harmony, Yoga Nidra: The Path of Deep Relaxation and Conscious Awareness, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Yoga Vāsiṣṭha, Yoga Vāsiṣṭha Sara Pradīpika, Yoga Yājñavalkya, Yoga: Pathways to Inner Peace and Spiritual Realization, Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of YogaIn this personal reflection, we explore the contemplative journey of shifting from meditation to contemplation, as inspired by St. John of the Cross. Drawing on insights from Namkhai Norbu, Ramana Maharshi, Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Dalai Lama, the post delves into meditative absorption and the quiet unfolding of awareness. By embracing curiosity and the…
-
Ramayana No. 19: Revisiting the Ramayana with Venkatesananda’s Take: Lessons from Valmiki’s Experience
In this post, we revisit the beginning of the Ramayana through Venkatesananda’s version, exploring Valmiki’s transformative experience after hearing the story from Narada. We reflect on Valmiki’s struggle with anger, his encounter with Brahma, and how his moment of anger became the inspiration for the timeless epic. The post delves into themes of self-realization, compassion,…
-
Ramayana No. 17: The Journey of Life: Lessons from Rama’s Epic Story
Chapter 1.3 of the DeBroy translation of the Ramayana offers a sweeping view of Rama’s journey, highlighting key moments such as his exile, battles, and eventual return to Ayodhya. This post examines the lessons of resilience, friendship, and the balance between duty and personal desires. These timeless themes provide inspiration for anyone seeking personal growth…
-
Ramayana No. 16: The Birth of Creation: How Compassion and Sorrow Sparked the First Verse of the Ramayana
In Chapter 1/2 of the DeBroy Ramayana, we explore the origins of Valmiki’s first shloka, born from compassion and sorrow. This post reflects on the creative power of emotion, the importance of ethical storytelling, and the timeless relevance of dharma in art and life. Learn how this ancient moment speaks to modern creativity and personal…
-
Ramayana No. 15: The Timeless Virtues of Rama: Lessons for the Modern Age
This post delves into the timeless virtues of Lord Rama as described in Chapter 1/1 of the DeBroy translation of the Ramayana. Discover the profound lessons on truth, integrity, compassion, and leadership, all rooted in ancient wisdom. We explore how these values apply to modern life and personal growth, offering insights for navigating challenges with…
-
Ramayana No. 14: Be Good, Do Good, Purify Your Mind: A Simple Reflection on the Ramayana’s Timeless Wisdom
In Ramayana Series No. 14, we explore the timeless wisdom encapsulated in three simple yet profound principles: ‘Be good, do good, purify your mind.’ These words, attributed to the Buddha, resonate deeply with the teachings of the Ramayana, Jesus, and other spiritual traditions, offering a universal guide for living a life of righteousness, compassion, and…
-
Ramayana No. 12: Caravan of Love: The Evolution of Divine Worship and the Universal Teachings of Compassion
This post touches on…
Bridging Hearts and Minds, Caravan of Love: Interfaith Healing & Harmony, Christianity: Faith, Teachings, and Community, Eastern Spiritual Traditions, Hindu Sacred Texts and Scriptures, Sacred Text: The Bhagavad Gita: Dialogue of Duty and Devotion, Sacred Text: The Ramayana: An Epic Journey of Virtue and ValorThis post explores the deep connections between ancient traditions, highlighting how the evolution of worship in Hinduism and Christianity brought the divine closer to the human experience. By examining the development of personal deities in Hinduism and the introduction of the Trinity in Christianity, we reflect on the universal teachings of love, compassion, and righteousness.…
-
Ramayana No. 10: Narada: The Celestial Sage and Divine Messenger of the Ramayana
In this exploration of the Ramayana, we delve into the celestial sage Narada’s role as the divine messenger who narrates this epic tale to Valmiki. Discover the significance of Narada in Hindu tradition, his role in upholding dharma, and his influence across various sacred texts, making him a pivotal figure in the transmission of divine…
-
Ramayana No. 9: The Dark Night and the Hero’s Journey
In this exploration of the Ramayana, we draw parallels between the ancient Hindu epic and universal themes found in Christianity, Buddhism, and the Hero’s Journey. We delve into the roles of Manthara and the serpent in Genesis, understanding them as necessary agents of transformation, and connect these to the spiritual trials described by St. John…