When the Mind and the Self Are One
Q: What is “chitta”? What is the meaning of “when the mind and Self are one”? A Brief Sanskrit Glossary defines chitta in this way: “The subtle energy that is the substance of the mind, and therefore the mind itself; mind in all its aspects; … Continue reading
The Perfect Tranquility of Lahiri Mahasaya
“The Vedas are such that their scope is confined to the three gunas; be free from those three gunas, indifferent toward the pairs of opposites, permanently fixed in reality, free from thoughts of acquisition and possessiveness, and possessed of the Self.” (Bhagavad Gita 2:45). “Permanently … 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
How and Why to Purify the Memory
Q: What are the indications of purification of memory in the context of the Nerve of Memory? In the Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita (English version: The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) we find the most authoritative teaching about both the nerve (nadi) and its indications. On … Continue reading