Hatha Yoga has risen to great heights of popularity at the same time that our War on Terror was being incubated and finally erupted in the United States. It is surprising to see how much Hatha Yoga and the War on Terror actually have in common.

Read more here: » Yoga: Hatha Yoga and The War on Terror

Harmonic Concordance: An astrological perspective on the Harmonic Concordance.

Read more here: » Harmonic Concordance perspective: November 8th Lunar Exclipse Grand Sextile

This FAQ gives a background on the phenomenon of kundalini. Part I of III.

In Part I: 1) What is kundalini?, 2) What is the difference between prana and kundalini?, 3) What is the difference between qi (or chi) and kundalini?, 4) If kundalini is universal why do some kundalini yogins seem to have more kundalini-energy than others?, 5) What does kundalini have to do with spiritual enlightenment?, 6) What is the goal of kundalini yoga?, 7) Does everyone agree that kundalini awakening is necessary for enlightenment?

Read more here: » Kundalini FAQ: What is Kundalini? (part I of III) -

Meditation Experiences by Sarasvati Buhrman PhD - Part I

Sometime after 350 B.C. a great yogi sage wrote the "Yoga Sutra". This brief translation should wet your appetite. This describes the transformation of mind that will unfold over a course of sadhana (spiritual practice), focusing on the relationship between the mind and the object of meditation.

Read more here: » Meditation: Meditation Experiences According to the Ashtanga Yoga Tradition with Commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra

In the West, there is a widespread fear of losing the ego or personality. Through meditation we find that we can expand the ego, not lose it. We must become large-hearted. We must take in more and more of our fellow beings and the rest of the world rather than identify with the individual, isolated self. We must think of ourselves as travellers temporarily passing through life in this world.

We must realise that we are only using this body, these experiences, these material objects temporarily on loan. They are not ours. We are borrowing them. Sooner or later we will leave them behind. There is nothing to fear; our purpose is not to possess these things but to use them in order to transcend them. This is the truth, which goes beyond the law. We must learn that our actions are not our personal possessions. We need not be attached to them.

(See also: Metaphysics, Metaphysical Principles, Definition of Metaphysics, Metaphysical Techniques, Miracles, Creating Miracles Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, Peace of Mind, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Metaphysical Principles: Attachment and Non-Attachment

Chakra - Chakras: The chakras and channels of energy

Inside every human being there is a network of nerves and sensory organs that interprets the outside physical world. At the same time, within us resides a subtle system of channels (nadis) and centers of energy (chakras) which look after our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual being.

Each of the seven chakras has several spiritual qualities. These qualities are intact within us, and even though they might not always be manifest, they can never be destroyed. When the Kundalini is awakened, these qualities start manifesting spontaneously and express themselves in our life.

Read more here: » Chakra - Chakras: The chakras and channels of energy

Reincarnation Reimbodiment; specifically reinfleshment, the repeated imbodiment of the reincarnating ego in vehicles of human flesh on this earth. The unexhausted desire for earth-life draws the ego back to this globe, where it gathers to itself the material for a reincarnation and thus is finally born from a human womb. The process is repeated almost numberless times until the evolution of the inspiriting monad has reached a stage when reincarnation is no longer required. The interval between successive incarnations may be roughly estimated at 100 times the length of the preceding earth-life -- a rule obviously subject to many exceptions.

(See also: Reincarnation , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Ego Dictionary

Karana-sarira (Sanskrit) (from karana cause + sarira body, bodily frame)

Cause-body or causal body; the principle or causal element which brings about not only the reimbodiment of an entity, but also its evolution during a manvantara through an endless series of reimbodiments.

"The human Ego is neither Atman nor Buddhi, but the higher Manas: the intellectual fruition and the efflorescence of the intellectual self-conscious Egotism -- in the higher spiritual sense. The ancient works refer to it as Karana Sarira on the plane of Sutratma, which is the golden thread on which, like beads, the various personalities of this higher Ego are strung" (SD 2:79).

It is the reproducing agent, principle, or instrument in the constitution of a being such as man, which brings about the repetitive reimbodiments that such being is impelled, and in one sense compelled, by karma to undergo. Such a reimbodiment can be of two types: if the causal instrument is on a high plane, such as buddhi-manas -- the treasury of all ingathered seeds of being which will reproduce themselves in future existences as the higher parts of an individual -- then in such case it is the buddhi-manas which is the karana-sarira; on the other hand, if the main causal instrument or principle bringing about such repetitive imbodiments is of a lower type, and reproduces existences for the reincarnating entity in lower vehicles, then we can say it is the kama-manas or lower manas which is the karana-sarira.

Thus there are in the composite human constitution at least two such karanic or causal elements, one of a higher and one of a lower character. However, neither the karana-sarira nor the karanopadhi is, strictly speaking, the inner god of man which is the atman or fundamental self of our reimbodying monad, called the karanatman.

(See also: Karana-sarira , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Ego Dictionary

Sanskrit dictionary. From Advaita to Yoga.

Please note that all words in grey, like "enlightenment" or "kundalini" are hyperlinked to archives further explaining the term. At the corresponding archive you will also find articles related to the term.

For more dictionary entries, see » Ego Dictionary

Leo: The Loyalist

Key Phrase: I WILL

The regal sign of the zodiac, Leo certainly knows how to claim the center of attention! Operating as the Fixed Fire sign, this is the quality of determined inspiration which develops a sense of loyalty, pride, and steadfast honor. But Leo can also be ego-centered, and in its more negative forms of expression shows arrogance and pomposity. Leo may be most comfortable at play, where the ego can relax and creative energy run free. There is magnetism associated with Leo, and a flair for the dramatic. Leo is as difficult to ignore as the Sun (which it is ruled by), and can be domineering, controlling, and dictatorial. But when expressing its more positive dynamics, Leo’s warmth and generosity are unmatched. Where Leo resides in your chart, there is a need for attention and an ability to show high levels of creativity.

(See also: Leo , Magic, Shamanism, Paganism, Wicca)

For more dictionary entries, see » Ego Dictionary

Your meditation seat should be comfortable. A cushion of cotton or some other natural fibre facilitates the natural flow of circulation. Some serious practitioners place a deer skin, tiger skin, or even a woollen blanket over the cushion. This protects the body from the downward pull of certain earth currents and helps raise the life current (prana) to the point between the eyebrows.

Sit facing north or east. The magnetic currents flowing in from these directions assist in concentration.

(See also: Meditation Techniques , Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Read more here: » Meditation Techniques: Aids To Your Meditation

Ring-pass-not The limit in spiritual, intellectual, or psychological power or consciousness, beyond which an individual is unable to pass until he evokes from within the strength and the vision to carry him forwards and over the circumscribing limits set by that individual's own karma. In the Stanzas of Dzyan, the lipikas are said to circumscribe the triangle, the first one, the cube, the second one, and the pentacle within the egg, which is the ring called pass not for those who descend and ascend and for those who are progressing toward the great Day Be-With-Us.

Also called the dhyanipasa (rope of the dhyanis or angels) that hedges off the phenomenal from the noumenal kosmos. The world circumscribed by this ring is signified mathematically by 31415 = 14 expressing hierarchies of dhyan-chohans. The imbodying monads, and men who are ascending towards purification but have not yet quite reached the goal, can cross the ring only on the Day Be-With-Us, the day when man will have freed himself from the trammels of ignorance and recognized fully the nonseparateness of his personal ego from the universal ego, and returns into conscious at-one-ness with Brahman.

These ring-pass-not are therefore obviously not actual rings of matter, but inabilities to pass beyond the limits set by one's own strength. They refer to tangible and intangible, albeit temporarily impassible, frontiers or barriers raised by past karma and guarded by the lipikas, those cosmic spirits of extremely mystical character who are at the same time the guardians and agents of karma.

The term is variable, inasmuch as what would be the ring-pass-not for the human hierarchy would not be so to a superior hierarchy. Similarly the ring-pass-not for the beings below the human kingdom is not a boundary for humans. This has an especial reference to states of consciousness, and the majority of the human host is still unable to extend its consciousness beyond the sphere of man's immediate activities -- which thus at present form for humanity an intangible but very real ring-pass-not. There is a ring-pass-not surrounding globe D, this earth, and a ring of farther extension surrounding the earth planetary-chain, and beyond that still another surrounding the solar system, and a still larger one circumscribing the galaxy, etc.

(See also: Ring-pass-not , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Ego Dictionary

The Way of Pain

The Sanskrit word saha means "to endure, to go patiently through hardships without rebelling."1 The process of disillusionment is an unquestionably painful process at times. Genuine spiritual life has never been popular, and never will be, because most people are unwilling to open to and accept pain.

Read more here: » Pain: The Way of Pain

Shivaratri is a festival of fasting, worship and prayer. Fasting is undertaken to get rid of one's ego. Once the ego is destroyed, the Shiva hidden within gets revealed.

Sri Ramana Maharshi often said that Shiva signifies the Great Dissolution. Where things dissolve, there they must originate. Hence Shiva is the source of the entire creation, including Brahma and Vishnu.

(See also: Shivaratri , Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Shivaratri: Lord of Destruction Also Protects Life - about Shivaratri  

Vedic Astrology and Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health

In order to maintain a healthy mind we must realize the true realities of life. Therefore we must consider our spiritual nature to understand the subtleties of mind, intelligence and ego. Accordingly mental, emotional and spiritual health go together and, unless you have some knowledge in this regard, you cannot stop the onslaught of negative emotions brought on by ignorance and fear. We not only need to engage ourselves in some sort of fulfilling work to occupy our minds but need to understand why we fall victim to feelings of hate, envy, greed and avarice. These emotions only serve to destroy us intellectually, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. Why is there so much hate in the world, anyway?

Excerpt from "An Introduction to Vedic Astrology" by Howard Beckman

Read more here: » Vedic Astrology: Vedic Astrology and Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health

The insights we attain come through the heart. Perhaps the intellect can be a vehicle for enlightenment, but for me and millions of others, the pathway through the heart is the most healing and beautiful way to learn and grow. Relationships with friends and family are filled with learning opportunities. They come in many forms, and could be intellectually discussed for many hours, though there is only one true lesson to learn. We learn to give service unselfishly to our partners or friends and others who may knock on our doors.

Read more here: » Relationships: Relating To Others: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

A person's state of mind determines his or her experience. Unless you and I have done the work, cleaned up our thoughts, words and actions, we cannot experience other than where we are now.

Read more here: » Manifestation: Laws of Manifestation (Lesson 1)

Yehidah (Hebrew) [from masculine yahid the one, the only, the unique from the verbal root yahad oneness, union; cognant with the Hebrew 'ehad one]

In the Qabbalah, the highest human principle, as being the unique or single and indivisible individuality of the constitution, and therefore corresponding to the spiritual monad. Blavatsky places this term in context of the entire person, as presented in the Qabbalistic system: yehidah is

"esoterically, the highest individuality or Atma-Buddhi-Manas, when united in one. . . . At the time of the conception, the Holy 'sends a d'yook-nah, or the phantom of a shadow image' like the face of a man. It is designed and sculptured in the divine tzelem, i.e., the shadow image of the Elohim. 'Elohim created man in his (their) tzelem' or image, says Genesis (i. 27). It is the tzelem that awaits the child and receives it at the moment of its conception, and this tzelem is our linga sharira. 'The rua'h forms with the Nephesh the actual personality of the man,' and also his individuality, or, as expressed by the Kabbalist, the combination of the two is called, if he (man) deserves it, Yeheedah.

This combination is that which the Theosophist calls the dual Manas, the higher and the Lower Ego, united to Atma-Buddhi and become one. For as explained in the Zohar (i., 205b, 206a, Brody Ed.): 'Neshamah, soul (Buddhi), comprises three degrees, and therefore she has three names, like the mystery above: that is, Nephesh, Rua'h, Neshamah,' or the Lower Manas, the Higher Ego, and Buddhi, the Divine Soul. 'It is also to be noted that the Neshamah has three divisions'; says Myer's Qabbalah, 'the highest is the Ye-hee-dah' -- or Atma-Buddhi-Manas, the latter once more as a unit; 'the middle principle is Hay-yah' -- or Buddhi and the dual Manas; 'and the last and third, the Neshamah, properly speaking' -- or Soul in general. 'They manifest themselves in Ma'hshabah, thought, Tzelem, phantom of the image, Zurath, prototypes (mayavic forms, or rupas), and the D'yooknah, shadow of the phantom image. The D'mooth, likeness or similitude (physical body), is a lower manifestation' (p. 392)" (TG 377-8; cf SD 2:633).

(See also: Yehidah , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Ego Dictionary

When your source of motivation comes from your spiritual basis, you will naturally experience an equanimous detachment, while at the same time being fully dedicated to and acting toward your goal.

The chairman of a large corporation once told us:

If you worry about the fruits, then you have your attention on the scoreboard and not the ball. If you concentrate on the ball, the scoreboard will happen automatically. If you are looking at the scoreboard, you will lose the ball. If you do good work, you will get the returns, so do not worry about them.

The Bhagavad Gita further explains:

Do your worldly duty, but do it without any attachment to it or desire for its fruits. Keep your mind always on the Divine.

See also: Spirituality At Work, Work As A Spiritual Practice, Spiritual Based Leadership

Read more here: » Work As A Spiritual Practice: Totally Involved - Completely Detached  

Guru Purnima:

THE FULL moon day in the month of Ashad (July-August) is an extremely auspicious and holy day of Guru Purnima. On this day, sacred to the memory of the great sage, Bhagavan Sri Vyasa, Sannyasins settle at some place to study and discourse on the thrice-blessed Brahma Sutras composed by Maharishi Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic, philosophical investigation.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Guru Purnima: Holy Days in Hinduism - Guru Purnima

The Sri Krishna tulabharam is an incident in the life of Rukmini, that reveals the extent to which humble devotion is worth more than material wealth. Satyabhama, another queen of Krishna, prides herself about the love Krishna has for her and her grasp over his heart. Rukmini, on the other hand is a devoted wife, humble in her service of her Lord. Her devotion is her real inner beauty. On one contrived occasion, Rishi Narada arrives in Dwaraka and in the course of conversation hints to Satyabhama that the love that Krishna exhi ...

See also:

Rukmini, Rukmini - Birth, Rukmini - Marriage, Rukmini - Tulabharam weighing by scale, Rukmini - Glorification, Rukmini - Other names, Rukmini - Children

Read more here: » Rukmini: Encyclopedia II - Rukmini - Tulabharam weighing by scale

Enneagram: The Sufi Enneagram explored as a way of becoming aware of how the pains of the heart can blurr out the reality of our essence and how our disorders themselves are the raw material of our recovery.

Read more here: » Sufism: The Sufi understanding of the Enneagram