Rishi Das

Have a stack going... have read and re-read these over the years. Play of Consciousness by: Swami Muktananda This House is on Fire by: Shri Anandi Ma Consciousness is Everything by: Swami Shankarananda Healing Promise of Qi by: Roger Jahnke Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri by: Swami Muktananda Barefoot in the Heart: Remembering Neem Karoli Baba by: Keshav Das

we do

double post.

the abyss or is that just another creation of the mind? no matter, the heart shall cross

"The study of texts shines perfectly only when there is practical knowledge at the same time. Without practical knowledge, philosophical study is useless. Bauddha jnana will bear fruit only when paurusha jnana is present and not otherwise." Would not a student seeking a master be full of passion and looking for a Sadhana to bring about liberation? Through the practical application of the Teaching, is it possible that the quality of paurusha jnana would arise of it's own accord? Coupled with the masters transmission of bauddha jnana, wouldn't the student then be carried intellectually by and by to the endpoint without the need of the master transmitting paurusha. "When, however, at the same time, you attach bauddha jnana to paurusha jnana; which means that, on the one hand, you practice on your own Being and, on the other hand, you go into the philosophical thought of the monistic Shaiva texts and elevate your intellectual being, then you become a jivanmukta, one who is liberated while living."

Regarding the importance he stakes on paurusha over bauddha and then how he seemingly switches that up? It does sound contradictory. One thought- from the perspective of the Shaviate he clearly states both are of equal importance. The text then for me becomes the flow of Kashmir Shaivism itself. A teaching that takes us on a journey through the philosophy which seemingly holds contradiction in awareness and yet at the same moment see's all as already whole and complete.

Yes.

Would this not be where Grace comes into play?

Why do YOU do energy-work/cultivation/meditation/whatever? I clicked 'other'. Fear of death is what initially brought me to 'the path'. That fear still plays an important role as to why. Cultivating a state of contentment across the continuum of life is another driving force. Which is the single most important objective? I acknowledge 'helping others' as the single most important objective on that list.

Loving-Kindness

Imagination

Formal practice as of late looks like... About 30 minutes of qi gong, 30 minutes of mobility/stretching, between 1-2 hours of seated meditation, I do about 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 5-6 times a week which has helped with breath work, about an hour of Japa a day, I also spend about an hour chanting and reading scripture. Practice is always in flux but these things seem to be a foundation. Would also like to acknowledge that practice never really stops. Over time life itself has become practice; everything counts. Chop wood, carry water.

Quick and dirty answer from Wikipedia - Yidam is a type of deity associated with tantric or Vajrayana Buddhism said to be manifestations of Buddhahood or enlightened mind. During personal meditation (sādhana) practice, the yogi identifies their own form, attributes and mind with those of a yidam for the purpose of transformation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yidam

My only point of contention is with the word 'become'. One cannot become what is already the case. It then becomes a matter of rediscovering ones true essence, which when full and complete is indeed, Shiva per Kashmir Shaivism. Then, fully embodying oneself as Shiva, one may begin to experience the likes of Abhinavagupta's descriptions. As a practitioner, this was an important distinction that shifted the quality of my relation to life and 'the path'.

My understanding is that one doesn't just 'become as' Shiva but instead recognizes oneself as Shiva. Shiva being all in all - all is as Shiva already.

Old habits die hard so be gentle with yourself and remember to stay mindful of self-shaming in periods when the 'tide is heading out'.

Life is always shifting gears and moving in different directions. Nature itself points to this truth through it's constant changing. I resonate with your Teacher's words because I have started challenging my notions that consistency is the end all be all. While I do have some daily rituals that are important to me, from a broader view, my practice is ever evolving. I'm finding that I have to give myself the space to grow. "You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf." - Muktananda

I often carry a 27 bead wrist mala with me to work. It is subtle and allows me to keep count.

Grateful to all you mods! Thank you for all your time and effort. Much appreciated.

cool thread. i often mediate/sit with a Shiva Lingam. feels very much like a little battery pack.

good stuff. i have been told by a couple friends that his online training is not worth it for the money invested. that said, i have no personal experience. i have heard that his in-person weekends/movement camps bring on huge paradigm shifts as he is able to work with one directly. i definitely enjoy the generalist philosophy he preaches and can attest to it transforming the way i approach movement. i too was into weightlifting/bodybuilding for many years. both my mobility and flexibility suffered greatly because of it. another great resource if you have not stumbled upon it yet... https://www.gymnasticbodies.com/training/