3 Simple Points for Removing Spiritual Doubts
Q: I am full of doubts about my ability to realize the Self. What is the right course for me to follow? First: Understand that since you ARE the Self, you cannot help but realize it. So relax and fear not. Second: Become a yogi, … Continue reading
Straightening Out the Mind
An Extract from The Dhammapada for Awakening Experience is surely the best teacher, but sometimes its lessons are discouraging. That is why Arjuna told Krishna: “Restless man’s mind is, so strongly shaken in the grip of the senses: gross and grown hard with stubborn desire … Continue reading
Winning the Prize of Life
A Commentary on the Gospel of Thomas Jesus said, Blessed is the man who has suffered and found life. (Gospel of Thomas 58) Considering how consistently esoteric the viewpoint of the Gospel of Thomas is, I feel we can be assured that this is not … Continue reading
Seven Ways to Purify the Mind, Part 2
Sutras 36 through 39 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Sutra 1:36. Also (through) serene [vishoka] or luminous [jyotishmati] (states experienced within). Vishoka means “blissful; serene; free of grief, suffering or sorrow.” Jyotishmati means “effulgence; full of light.” Inner experience of a higher … Continue reading
7 Ways to Purify the Mind, Part 1
Sutras 33 through 35 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Sutra 1:33. The mind becomes clarified by cultivating attitudes of friendliness [maitri], compassion [karuna], gladness [mudita] and indifference [upekshanam] respectively towards happiness [sukha], misery [dukha], virtue [punya] and vice [apunya]. Maitri is friendliness; … Continue reading
The Simple Yoga Method of Removing Mental Pain and Depression
Sutras 31 and 32 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Sutra 1:31. (Mental) pain [dukha], despair [daurmanasya], nervousness [angamejayatva] and hard breathing [shvasa-prashvasa] are the symptoms of a distracted condition of mind [vikshepa-sahabhuvah]. Dukha is pain; suffering; misery; sorrow; grief; unhappiness; stress; … Continue reading