Yoga: Science or Religion?
Why is Yoga considered a science rather than a religion? Because it is a precise methodology that has nothing to do with faith or the action of another being–including God. If you do it, it works, if you don’t, it won’t. It is just like a machine.
How to Get Your Prayers Answered
Do you realize that you may have been praying to an unknown God and may not have been getting any response? Every Sunday you get into the church vibration and pray with both earnest and indifferent souls. You feel religious, and you feel afraid of God… Do you like to talk to a deaf, mute person? Do you want to go on appealing or talking to someone who never replies?
The Two Essential Pillars of Yoga
Two things are needed for the ending of mental modifications (vrittis). One is abhyasa–sustained spiritual practice. This is why Krishna speaks of abhyasa yoga. The other is purely psychological: vairagya: “Non-attachment; detachment; dispassion; absence of desire; disinterest; or indifference. Indifference towards and disgust for all worldly things and enjoyments.”
Essential Facts About Soham and the Yogi
A mantra is any sound formula that by its own inherent vibration creates a change, either inner or outer. Soham is therefore a mantra–the supreme mantra. But the secret of its supremacy is the fact that it is also the Divine Name of both God, the Paramatman, and the individual Self, the Jivataman. This is indicated by the two oldest Upanishads–the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad the the Isha Upanishad.
Prayer, Dharma, and Meditation: 3 Questions
There is little value in wanting to get God to do what we want. He already knows what is needed, and takes care of it all. What is of value is our wanting to do what God wants! And since he has manifested this entire universe for the sole purpose of our evolving and attaining perfect knowledge (Brahmajnana/Atmajnana), that is what we should be wanting, as well.
Advise on Abhyasa: Sustained (Constant) Spiritual Practice
More from our series “Wisdom of Sri Gajanana Maharaj of Nashik” A few words of advice on abhyasa (practice) Now, I shall say a few words regarding abhyasa (practice). Some persons carry on the japa of Soham for some time, but owing to want of … Continue reading