Ajay0

Wholesome virtuous behavior progressively leads to the foremost. - Buddha AN 10.1 Western philosophy and psychology, which is of more recent origin, has not yet touched upon the phenomenon of enlightenment or Buddhahood , and this is why nihilism and other lopsided philosophies like existentialism were prominent in the west leading to an erroneous thought process and corresponding actions, considering all moral values to be abstractly contrived. The famous Austrian psychiatrist, philosopher and holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl stated thus on the influence of the nihilist and materialistic philosophies that influenced the thought process of the architects of the second world war... “If we present a man with a concept of man which is not true, we may well corrupt him. When we present man as an automaton of reflexes, as a mind-machine, as a bundle of instincts, as a pawn of drives and reactions, as a mere product of instinct, heredity and environment, we feed the nihilism to which modern man is, in any case, prone. I became acquainted with the last stage of that corruption in my second concentration camp, Auschwitz. The gas chambers of Auschwitz were the ultimate consequence of the theory that man is nothing but the product of heredity and environment; or as the Nazi liked to say, ‘of Blood and Soil.’ I am absolutely convinced that the gas chambers of Auschwitz, Treblinka, and Maidanek were ultimately prepared not in some Ministry or other in Berlin, but rather at the desks and lecture halls of nihilistic scientists and philosophers.” - Viktor Frankl In eastern philosophy on the other hand, moral values and virtues are considered to be valuable in expansion of consciousness (and destruction of karma) alongside meditation, awareness or total love and instrumental in attainment of enlightenment or Buddhahood, as shown by the example of the female enlightened master Rajini Menon. Western philosophy and psychology will be all the more richer through study of eastern philosophy and this can help negate much of the issues caused by wrong philosophical interpretations as stated by Viktor Frankl, that can potentially lead to conflicts and vice. For example buddhist mindfulness and vipassana are now acknowledged by psychiatrists in the west of having therapeutic applications and complementing therapy. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/mindfulness https://uk.dhamma.org/more/prison-courses/ Similarly Indian mathematics and numeral system, which originated in the philosophical conceptions of Sankyha philosophy by sage Kapila and Shunyata philosophy of Buddha, came to the west through the Arabs, replaced the cumbersome roman numerals and revolutionized modern science, technology and accounting to what it is at present. Hence considering the rich and profitable interaction of the past, western philosophers should not hesitate to investigate and study eastern philosophy to enrich their understanding and wisdom and consequently avoid grave errors in decision-making.

Consciousness minus conceptualization is the eternal Brahman the absolute; consciousness plus conceptualization is thought. ~ Yoga Vasistha Thinking and consciousness are not synonymous. Thinking is only a small aspect of consciousness. Thought cannot exist without consciousness, but consciousness does not need thought. ~ Eckhart Tolle The thought process is an intermittent activity – Consciousness is always On. ~ Sadhguru

The ego manifests as negativity, emotivity, compulsiveness and reactivity and these are often toxic to relationships. Present moment awareness or mindfulness/witnessing can help create a space between yourself and your mind/ego, and can prevent one from slipping to the reactive mode. Practicing patience by holding back in volatile situations can also help. You can count to ten to defuse the volatility within to calm centredness again. 'When you are in a great hurry to do something, just hold back a few seconds, that's all it takes to shift from compulsiveness to consciousness.' ~ Sadhguru

Hi all, I have come across some observations which depict an interesting correlation between God and light in the major world religions.... In Hinduism, the Vedas and Hindu scriptures considers the Shivalingam as representing a cosmic pillar of light. The Dharmic monotheistic sect the Prajapita Brahmakumaris consider God to be an incorporeal point of light. The Upanishads and enlightened masters have also described Spirit or Brahman to be self-luminous. Teachings of the Dharmic religion Sikhism also reveal God to be self-luminous. (Amongst all is the Light-You are that Light. (13-5, DnwsrI, m 1 ) ) Similarly, the Abrahamic religions also associate God with light. In Islam, Allah has 100 name's, and one of them is Alnoor ( the Light). “God is light,” says 1 John 1:5, in the Bible in Christianity. In Judaism, Psalm 76:4 says of God, “You are radiant with light.” In the Bahai religion, it is stated thus, "This is the Day whereon naught can be seen except the splendors of the Light that shineth from the face of Thy Lord, the Gracious, the Most Bountiful."(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 29) So this correlation between God and light, is a common denominator in these Dharmic and Abrahamic major world religions. Imo, the fire worship in Zoroastrianism may be illustrating this correlation between God (Ahura Mazda ) and light as well, light being emitted by the fire. I would say this may provide more proof that the major world religions are identical in their core, with only superficial differences on the outside creating cause for extremism and conflict. If you find any further proofs or evidences in this regard, please do share it here. Thanking in advance.

I thank you deeply for your kind and sweet words, Manitou. I hope this article has been of utility to you and will be a source of strength and peace for you. As a teenager and youth, I had pondered on the nihilist/existentialist viewpoint on whether all values and virtues are just abstractions and whether there is any meaning to life after all. There was a lot of despair and anguish in this regard as I felt that life was perhaps meaningless. Thankfully, eastern philosophy was able to clarify the issue in this regard, that adherence to virtues and values correlate to higher states of consciousness leading to blissful enlightenment . Rajini Menon embodied this philosophy through her enlightenment, and this insight gave great relief to me. I wish I had come across this insight as a teenager-youth, but it is better late than never. I am aware that many others may be suffering from such intellectual or philosophical issues, and hopefully these teachings can put such confusions and issues to rest. May all beings be free from suffering. Metta and Namaste.

This is my take on this experience. Meditation, after a period of time , can be very relaxing, and the body which has been voluntarily tense for a very long time, deeply relaxes like a deflated balloon. This can result in the sort of bodily sensations which you mentioned, which are also associated with relaxation. Or, it can also be associated with the Kundalini surge of prana in the body beginning from the Muladhara chakra which is located at the base of the spine.

When the robot mind is mastered, undisciplined thinking ceases and is replaced by awareness. Awareness can know love. You can only experience the new when you are aware, when you are without thought. ~ Barry Long When the heart is empty of the things of the mind, and the mind is empty of thought, then is there Love. That which is empty is inexhaustible. ~Jiddu Krishnamurti The consciousness in you and the consciousness in me, apparently two, really one, seek unity and that is love. ~ Nisargadatta Maharaj "The person who follows the path of awareness finds love as a consequence of his awareness, as a by-product, as a shadow. And the person who follows the path of love finds awareness as a consequence, as a by-product, as a shadow of love. They are two sides of the same coin. ~ Osho

You can sit on a chair or sofa and meditate as well, making sure you keep your spine erect. It is not mandatory that you need to sit in padmasana or the lotus position. This can enable you to meditate for a longer period of time without discomfort. I have seen people sitting in chairs and meditating in meditation centers I have visited. In early morning meditation, I sit on a chair or sofa and meditate for one or two hours. I love meditating on the beach due to the high prana levels, which makes meditation easier. And I usually meditate then on the lotus position or padmasana. At times I take a break by lying on my back on the sand. After sitting meditation for some time, I then walk around in a meditative state or mindfully and this also works very well for me. In a meditative thoughtless state it is much easier to enjoy the beach's beauty and the sunrise or sunset. It greatly freshens and energises me up . I have noticed that if I am thinking compulsively under the influence of some emotion, I totally miss the beauty around me in the beach, and feel stale and regretful later on while going back home.

The pollution of the planet is only an outward reflection of an inner psychic pollution: millions of unconscious individuals not taking responsibility for their inner space. ~ Eckhart Tolle I don’t want to tell anyone how much water they should use or shouldn’t use. But whatever you do – make it as conscious as possible. If you become conscious, you will only use as much as you need to. This will make a world of difference. Right now, we are behaving as if we’re the last generation on the planet. ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev When you live consciously, your response to situation that arise will be agile and appropriate. ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

An insightful artice by Anthony Strano of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris on the the cyclical nature of time as emphasized by the ancient Greek, Roman and Indian philosophies. Anthony Strano was the Director of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris in Greece, and studied religion and philosophy at the University of Sydney. https://aboutbrahmakumaris.org/time-and-transformation/ One of the core teachings of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris is the reality of eternal recurrence. What has happened will continue to happen an infinite number of times, due to the cyclical nature of time. This is also echoed in the ancient Indian, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Hebrew (Ecclesiastes),Mayan and Aztec philosophies as well. The nineteenth century philosophy Friedrich Nietzche also held this concept of "eternal recurrence" central in his writings. Hindu philosophy states that there are four yugas or ages in nature charecterising human civilization . They are the Satya Yuga (Golden Age), Treta Yuga (silver age), Dwapara Yuga (Bronze Age) and Kali Yuga (Iron Age). The Roman Ovid (43 BC – 17/18AD), in his poem “Metamorphoses”, wrote of the four ages of human civilization. Similarly the Greek writer Hesiod in his 800 line epic poem called 'Works and Days', tells about the five ages of man(Golden,Silver, Bronze, Heroic and Iron Age). In Europe, the concept fell into disuse until it reemerged with the Italian Renaissance which rediscovered ancient Roman and Greek thought and was further invigorated by Nietzche's own writings based on it.

Thought alone, when it is no longer connected with the much vaster realm of consciousness, quickly becomes barren, insane, destructive. ~ Eckhart Tolle When scientific or rational thinking is grounded in presence it has a completely different outcome. It can never be monstrous. ~ Jean Klein

Here are some links containing vegetarian recipes of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris with respect to sweets, soups, cakes, curries, pancakes, biscuits, pasta, pizza, puddings and so on... https://www.brahmakumaris.org/discovery/the-mindful-kitchen/recipes https://brahmakumaris.org.au/category/vegetarian-recipes/ https://svbrahmakumaris.org/tag/brahma-kumaris-recipes/ The Prajapita Brahmakumaris associate a vegetarian diet with maintaining inner tranquility and calmness, and considers vegetarianism to uphold the ideal of nonviolence. Vegetarianism is also proven to confer numerous benefits on the physical and ecological level. https://svbrahmakumaris.org/vegetarian-diet/

An excerpt from the book 'How to think' by Sister Pari of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris on the necessity of thought management for proper life management... A problem is solved by making an indepth study, understanding its root causes and managing it intelligently. Here we find the Prajapita Brahmakumaris stating that the habits and characters we develop have their root cause in the thoughts we allow ourselves to think. Rather than allowing our compulsive thoughts and emotions to propel us to compulsive behavior and activities, by being aware of our thoughts in the first place, we can put a rein on our turbulent thoughts and emotions and restrain them from carrying us to activities which are wasteful and shallow, and instead divert these energies to productive channels.

Awareness is who we are and forgetting that leads to suffering. -Vicki Woodyard Being unconscious means you’re lost in thought, in the pictures and stories your mind is producing. You have entered the made-up content of your mind and are occupying it as if it were reality itself. Your ego is invested in this content as being real and important, and very likely as a result you are experiencing some kind of emotion (stirred up by the thinking). You have forgotten that all of it is the product of your mind (even if its content appears to be true or important). As a result, you are missing actual reality, what’s happening in the now — including that you are inventing the thoughts. - JAN FRASIER Your true nature is awareness and not what your mind is producing. - Burt Harding

Studying the Orphic Egg of the ancient Greek Orphic tradition recently, I was pleasantly surprised by its similarities to the Shivalingam in Hinduism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orphic_Egg The Orphic Egg is considered the Father or creator of all the Greek gods. The Shivalingam in Hinduism is also considered the cosmic egg from which sprang forth everything in the material universe, including the gods, at the time of creation, and they will all return back to the Shivalingam at the time of cosmic dissolution. The Prajapita Brahmakumaris consider the Shivalingam as representing God Shiva as an incorporeal point of light, and the Father of all the Hindu gods and sentient beings, and the same as Jehovah, Ahura Mazda, Allah, Waheguru in the other monotheistic religions. Like the Orphic Egg, the Shivalingam is often depicted with a serpent wound about it. It is possible that there is a common link and origin to these traditions.

Self-awareness is yoga. - Nisargadatta Awareness is the great non-conceptual perfection. - Dzogchen Evil is an extreme manifestation of human unconsciousness. - Eckhart Tolle

Become so strong that one can welcome adverse experiences, adverse circumstances. ~ Shivayogini Matha (1923-1981) Make yourself so strong that even if the whole world fluctuates, you remain stable. ~ Sister Jayanti, Prajapita Brahmakumaris

Dadi Janki (1 Jan 1916 - 27 march 2020) was the chief administrative head of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris, the world's sole spiritual organization led, administered and taught by women and which have 9000 service centers spanning across 170 countries in the world. The Prajapita Brahmakumaris is also known as the Adi Devi Devatha Sanathana Dharma and is a monotheistic Dharmic sect which worships God as an incorporeal point of light and consider Him the same as Jehovah, Allah, Ahura Mazda, Waheguru in the other monotheistic religions. Dadi Janki was often considered as the lone female equivalent of the Pope or Ayatollah or Shankaracharya or Dalai Lama in a religious world overwhelmingly dominated by male leaders. Dadi, which means 'grandmother' in Indian language, trained and prepared thousands of female spiritual teachers for decades, who are now engaged in imparting values and spiritual teachings around the world . She has conducted lectures and seminars at various national and international events for the promotion of human values and the empowerment of women around the world . Through her many years of work, Dadi Janki has provided guidance and support to many, counseling them in a variety of areas, including emotional and psychological problems, family relationships and substance abuse. Her daily routine started at 3 am in the morning for meditation till 7 am. Her breakfast included oatmeal, upma and fruits followed by khichdi or vegetables in lunch and condensed soup of vegetables in dinner. In 1978, Scientists at the Medical and Science, Research Institute at the University of Texas, USA examined the brain wave pattern of Dadi Janki. She was described as the most stable mind in the world as her mental state remained completely undisturbed despite various kinds of external stimuli being applied. It was found that she emits delta waves even at trying times, leaving examiners surprised. (Delta brainwaves are slow, loud brainwaves- low frequency and deep penetrating, like a drum beat. They are generated in deepest meditation and dreamless sleep. Healing and regeneration are stimulated in this state.) She attributes her equanimous mental state to Raja Yoga meditation. Sharing tips for a calm mind, she said, "We waste a lot of time criticizing others instead of focusing on ourselves." In 2004, she was awarded Grand Cordon of the first order of Al Istiklal (the Medal of Independence) by HM King Abdullah of Jordan for her humanitarian services to the world. In 2005, The Peace Abbey presented Dadi Janki with the 2005 Courage of Conscience Award for a lifetime dedicated to the service of humanity. In 2019, at the age of 103, she travelled almost 72000 km in India and across the world for her services. Upon her death, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Janki Dadi worked diligently for the society. Her efforts made a positive difference in the lives of many people ." The Indian president President Ram Nath Kovind stated that her contributions in the fields of spirituality, social welfare and women's empowerment had been invaluable. Dadi Hirdaya Mohini has now taken charge as the chief administrative head of the Prajapita Brahmakumaris at present. The Janki Foundation for promoting spirituality in Healthcare, was inspired and launched by Dadi Janki, and which advocates a healthcare model that combines the best of modern medicine with complementary approaches and spirituality. Research findings and clinical experience increasingly reveal the psychosomatic nature of disease and that spiritual factors have a significant part to play in recovery from illness. Launched in December 1997 at the Royal College of Physicians, London, the Janki Foundation’s premise is that better understanding of these factors can benefit both patient and practitioner by promoting healing, reducing stress and staff fatigue and raising morale. The President – About Dadi Janki Dadi Janki has also published several books, including Companion of God, Wings of Soul, and Pearls of Wisdom. Some wise sayings of Dadi Janki... “Yoga is awareness, a Sadhana of human to divine consciousness. The modern system looks after just physical health, whereas the term Health, encompasses a complete mental, social, physical and spiritual well-being. Raja Yoga meditation changes the internal physiological response to environmental circumstances, thereby creating an adaptive and positive response. The power of the mind to resist disease is increased enormously as the subconscious level is healed and higher consciousness is awakened.” “At least, put an end to the crisis within your own mind when you can’t do much about the crisis outside of you. Flexibility means converting your problems into teachers. Never lose hope, never give up — if the task is given, you will also get the power to fulfil it. Light and Might are with you as your Right from God. You can bend only when you are strong. Be like the lotus, take what is useful but do not let the dirt spoil your beauty. Sorrow makes one sick and scared, so do not take it from anyone. If you allow the negative in word, thought or form to enter you, then it is due to your weakness. Always ask what you have to do at this moment in time and not past or future.”

The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. ~ Eckhart Tolle If you don't have very strong emotions or very intense thoughts about something, you cannot get depressed. ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Life is rooted in reality, not in your thoughts and emotions. ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them. ~ Eckhart Tolle The most beautiful moments in your life – moments of bliss, moments of joy, moments of ecstasy, moments of utter peace – were moments when you were not thinking about anything. You were just living. ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

The thread title reminded me of a similar saying by Ramana Maharshi , " The degree of freedom from unwanted thoughts and the degree of concentration on a single thought are the measures to gauge spiritual progress." The ever-present Self or natural state of thoughtless awareness is present at all times in the waking, dreaming and deep sleep states, and is charecterestic of bliss, peace and joy. However what veils or obscures the Self is our own incessant and compulsive thinking and emoting prompted by intense desires in the form of cravings and aversions. Most of these thoughts are unnecessary and only tend to create anxiety and tension. By consciously reducing unwanted and unnecessary thoughts, the mind becomes equanimous and less agitated, and thereby the Self is revealed with its characteristic joy and bliss. An analogy is that of a lake's base being obscured during a storm , while a still lake reflects the base clearly. "The Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God”. Stillness is the sole requisite for the realisation of the Self as God." ~ Ramana Maharshi

Hi to everyone, My name is Ajay. I am interested in spirituality, psychology, philosophy, history and literature, and am looking to learn and share new insights on spirituality, meditation and philosophy over here. I hope to use this forum as an educative experience and engage in constructive discussions which can help improve the quality of the forum . Deep regards to all.