A Wisdom Archive on Nityananda

Nityananda (Bangla: শ্রী নিত্যানন্দ) (b 1474 CE) was a Vaishnavite saint. His importance in Vaishnavism, and especialy Gaudiya Vaishnavism in Bengal, is central. Nityananda was Chaitanya's friend, disciple and spiritual mate. They are often mentioned together as Gaura-Nitai (Gaura, "golden one", referreing to Chaitanya) or Nimai-Nitai (Nimai referring to Chaitanya). Followers often refer to Nityananda as Sri Nityananda, Including:

• Nityananda - Life
• Nityananda - The Jagai-Madhai episode
• Nityananda - Legacy

Read more here: » Nityananda: Encyclopedia - Nityananda

Nityananda was born in Ekacakra, a small village in present West Bengal, around the year 1474. He was born to a religious Brahmin family. His devotion and great talent for singing Vaishnavite hymns were apparent at an early age. At 13, Nityananda is said to have left home with a travelling sannyasi Lakshmipati Tirtha, apparently at Tirtha's request. This started Nityananda's long physical and spiritual journey through India which would get him in contact with important Gurus of the Vaishnava tradition. Apart from Lakshmipati Tirtha, w ...

Read more here: » Nityananda: Encyclopedia II - Nityananda - Life

The Guru Gita says: ''If Shiva is angry with you, the guru will take care of you, but if the guru is cross with you, even Shiva will not be able to protect you against the wrath of your guru.''
 
How strange, I thought. Shiva is the creator, sustainer and destroyer of the universe; he is the vital principle from which all objects emerge. How can a living guru be more powerful than the lord of the universe?

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

Read more here: » The Guru Principle: Total Surrender to The Guru Principle  

Kriyas, literally 'activities', are spontaneous movements that occur after kundalini awakening. These include bodily activities such as trembling, shaking and spontaneous yoga postures; vocal activities such as yelling, or spontaneous chanting and mental activities such as visions. These kriyas eliminate the blocks to kundalini rising within the spine or central channel.
 
This FAQ gives an overview of Siddha Mahayoga. Part I of III.
In Part III: 1) What are kriyas?, 2) So how do kriyas purify my consciousness?, 3) Are these kriyas some sort of self-hypnosis or some sort New Age phenomenon?, 4) Haven't a number of well-known teachers criticized kriyas?, 5) Don't they say that kundalini is a force that needs control?, What is the philosophy of siddha mahayoga?, 6) What is the precise role of the guru in siddha mahayoga?, 7) What teachers give shaktipat initiation?, 8) Where can I learn more?
 

Read more here: » Siddha Mahayoga FAQ: What are kriyas? (part III of III) -

 An Avatar is an incarnation of a fragment of God on Earth. Avatars that are known of in the West include Christ, Buddha, Rama and Krishna. There are many others, however, as enumerated in the Bhagavata, the story of all the major Avatars.
 

Read more here: » Avatars: Sages, Saints and Avatars

The Chaitanya Bhagavata of Vrindavana Dasa Thakura (1507-1589 CE) was the first full-length hagiography written in Bengali. It documents the early life of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1533CE), the saint / reformer worshipped by Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the joint incarnation of Radha and Krishna. The book was commissioned by the guru of Vrindavana Dasa, Nityananda, who was himself an intimate of Chaitanya. Chaitanya Bhagavata - Naming of Chaitanya Bhagavata. Initially, the Chaitanya Bhagavata was named Chaitanya ... Including:

• Chaitanya Bhagavata - Naming of Chaitanya Bhagavata
• Chaitanya Bhagavata - Adi-khanda
• Chaitanya Bhagavata - Madhya-khanda
• Chaitanya Bhagavata - Antya-khanda
• Chaitanya Bhagavata - Importance of the Chaitanya Bhagavata

Read more here: » Chaitanya Bhagavata: Encyclopedia - Chaitanya Bhagavata

Bhagavan Nityananda (1885 – August 7, 1961) was an Indian guru of the Kashmir Shaivism faith. Nityananda was born in Quilandy (Pandalayini) Kerala, South India. See also. Muktananda Siddha Yoga ...

Read more here: » Bhagawan Nityananda: Encyclopedia - Bhagawan Nityananda

• Vrindavana Dasa Thakura - Early Life
• Vrindavana Dasa Thakura - Chaitanya Bhagavata
• Vrindavana Dasa Thakura - Praise of Vrindavana Dasa
• Vrindavana Dasa Thakura - Bibliography

Read more here: » Vrindavana Dasa Thakura: Encyclopedia - Vrindavana Dasa Thakura

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (also transliterated Caitanya, IAST caitanya mahaprabhu) (Bangla চৈতন্য মহাপ্রভূ) (1486 - 1534), was an ascetic Hindu monk and social reformer in 16th century Bengal, India (present-day West Bengal and Bangladesh). A great proponent of loving devotion for God bhakti yoga, Chaitanya worshiped the Lord in the ... Including:

• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Chaitanya's life
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Chaitanya's tradition
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Cultural legacy

Read more here: » Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Encyclopedia - Chaitanya Mahaprabhu