What is Yoga?
YOGA – 1
Man has realised long ago that the purpose of life was not to live like animals with basic instincts, but to evolve to a higher order i.e., from untruth to truth, ignorance to knowledge, and death to eternity. Being a part of the Universal life, man has realised that unless he dissolves his Individual Being in THE Universal Being, eternity cannot be attained. In other words, he should become the WHOLE than being a PART. Therefore, he has evolved a spiritual process which in the oriental languages is called YOGA.
The word Yoga (Union) in the languages of the Orient means “to join, fusion, to bring together two things, to bridge the gap between the two”. In a spiritual sense, yoga is to ALIGN Individual Being with the UNIVERSAL BEING. In other words, it is to infuse and imbibe Universal Consciousness into the Individual Consciousness. Thus, Yoga is a STATE to be attained in which the Individuality of a Being is shed in favour of the UNIVERSAL BEING. But unfortunately, the word YOGA has been mis-propagated in recent times as Yogasanas i.e., Yogic postures or exercises.
Virtually, the word YOGA has become synonymous with Yogasanas and thereby people are being misled. In fact, Yogasanas or postures are refined physical exercises which are very helpful in not only improving the health but also preparing the body to adapt to higher spiritual practices like MEDITATION, for attaining the state of YOGA. Therefore, the word Yoga should not be mistaken for Yogasanas. In order to attain the state of Yoga (Universal life), man has evolved several means. Among them, Meditation is the only one which dissolves the mind which is the separating wall between Individual Being and the UNIVERSAL BEING. The human mind is the one obstacle which stands between the Individual Consciousness and the Universal Consciousness.
The mind shapes the very nature of an individual mentally and physically. The conscious mind is the surface layer of the mind which is in constant action except during sleep. The subconscious and unconscious layers of the mind, of which one is not aware, is the storehouse of accumulated Karma (Sum of good and bad actions and reactions of past) of innumerable births.
Meditation is a process which purifies the mind of its accumulated Karma, thereby making it transparent enough to imbibe and reflect the nature of the UNIVERSAL BEING (Just as a cleaned mirror reflecting the Sun clearly), resulting in the state of YOGA (Union). In this state, the difference between the Individual Being and the UNIVERSAL BEING projected through the mind ceases and the individual Being loses its individuality eternally to Universality and the Yogi’s thinking and action will be in accordance with the WILL of the Universal Being. Since meditation removes the barrier between the Individual and UNIVERSAL BEING, it is considered as the Supreme and final path for the spiritual evolution of man.
Also, meditation is the ONLY spiritual practice which turns the conscious mind INWARD. Therefore, Lord Krushna in Bhagavadgitha described Meditation as HIMSELF.
In recent times, scientific studies made on the process of Meditation have revealed its tremendous therapeutic value for improving the mental, physical, and social health’s of an individual. Therefore, not only is there a resurgence in the practice of Meditation but also universal acceptance of the same.
YOGA – 2
Indian Spirituality is directly based on the phenomenon of Yoga. Yoga is the art and science of evolution of Individual Consciousness into the Universal Consciousness for all times.
What is Yoga?
The word Yoga iin the languages of the Orient means “to join, fusion, to bring two things together, Uniting or Combining, to bridge the gap between the two. In order to unite two things, the two have to be brought in alignment (in-line) with each other so that joining can take place (yoga).
In Metaphysical sense, yoga is to ALIGN the Individual Mind with the Universal Mind. In other words, it is to infuse and imbibe the Universal Consciousness into the Individual Consciousness.
Thus, Yoga is a STATE to be attained in which the Individuality is shed in favour of the UNIVERSAL STATE OF LIFE. But unfortunately the word YOGA has been mis-propagated in recent times as Yogasanas i.e., Yogic postures and breathing technics only.
In Indian Spirituality , the alignment (brought in-line) of four things are made., the body, mind, individual consciousness and the universal consciousness. These four things are brought in alignment through the practise of Yoga.
Usually, the word YOGA has become synonymous with Yogasanas (Yogic physical postures).
In fact, Yogasanas or postures are refined physical postures which are very helpful in not only improving the health but also preparing the body to adapt to higher spiritual practices like Meditation, for attaining the state of YOGA. Therefore, the word Yoga should not be mistaken for Yogasanas and Pranayama (deep breathing).
In order to attain the state of Yoga (Universal Consciousness), man has evolved several means. Among them, Meditation is the only one which can totally turn the outer Mind or Conscious Mind INWARD and purify the mind as a whole. The Mind is the separating wall between the Individual Consciousness and the UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS.
The human mind is the one obstacle which stands between the Individual Consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. The mind shapes the very nature of an individual both mentally and physically. The conscious Mind (outer Mind) is the surface layer of the mind which is in constant action through the five senses except during sleep.
The subconscious and unconscious layers of the Mind, of which one is not aware, is the storehouse of accumulated tensions, pressures, stresses, and also inborn instincts, traits and tendencies.
Meditation is a process which purifies/ erases the Mind of its accumulated negative forces, instincts, traits and tendencies hidden in the subconscious layers of the Mind and thereby making it transparent enough to imbibe and reflect the nature of the UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS (Just as a cleaned mirror reflecting the Sun clearly ), resulting in the state of YOGA (Union). In this state, the Individuality gives way to UNIVERSALITY for all times, and the person’s thinking and actions will be in accordance with the Universal Consciousness. Because Meditation removes the barrier between the Individual and the UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS, it is considered as the Supreme and final path for the evolution of man to higher orders and to the highest order of life, in the oriental countries.
Therefore, Meditation is the ONLY practise which turns the conscious Mind (outer layer of the Mind which is connected to five senses) INWARD into itself.
In recent times, scientific studies made on the process of Meditation have revealed its tremendous therapeutic value for improving the mental, physical and social health’s of an individual. Therefore, not only is there a resurgence in the practise of Meditation but also Universal acceptance of the same.
Yogasanas are such refined, smooth bodily postures which enhances the rhythmatic functioning of all the parts of the body so as to strike rhythm with the Nature . Yogasanas are the precursor for bringing Yoga (alignment) between body and mind. Natural deep breathing (Pranayama) brings in perfect rhythm between body and mind. Mind is aligned or brought into Yoga with one’s own consciousness through the process of Meditation . Meditation alone can bring together the Yoga of Mind and individual consciousness (Soul).
The next step of Yoga, is to align the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness (Super soul or Supreme Being) so that the Individual Consciousness reflects the nature of the universal consciousness in its activities.
These are the three stages of Yoga.
Practise of Yoga is fully in tune with Sanathan socio-cultural way of life.
The three stages of Yoga as whole can be summed up as follows:-
- First Stage:- of Body and Mind.
- Second Stage:- Yoga of Mind and Individual Consciousness.
- Third Stage:- Yogaof Individual Consciousness with Universal Consciousness.
This is the whole aspect of Yoga i.e., to attain the supreme state through right Spiritual Practises.
The first Stage of Yoga is achieved through Yogasanas and Natural deep breathing (Pranayama). The second stage of Yoga is achieved through Meditation. The Third stage of Yoga is achieved spontaneously as a Natural phenomena after attaining second stage of Yoga.
The Practice of first and second stage of Yoga are the best means to totally eliminate the tensions, pressures and stress from the mind and body. If the first stage (Yoga asanas and Pranayama) cannot be adopted for any reason, the second stage of Yoga practise i.e., Mediation is equally efficacies to eliminate the tensions , pressures and stress from the Mind and the Body. Off course the first stage definitely acts as a catalyst for the practise of second stage of Yoga (Meditation).
The Essence of Bhaarath’s Spiritual Thought
Religion is Sectarian, Ritualistic and, Regimented; SPIRITUALITY is Universal and Ever-lasting.
– M. Mohan Sundar
The core Indian Spiritualism has three dimensional approaches.
They are:-
- Aadhibouthic:- Wellbeing of the physical body.
- Aadidaivik:- Mental approach i.e., realising the divine (pure) nature of the Mind.
- Aadhyatmic:- Realising and establishing in the non-changing, indestructible nature of one’s own pure consciousness which is the connecter to the Universal Consciousness or the Supreme BEING.
Aadhibouthic dimension
The physical body approach: – The physical body is considered as the temple in which the Priest (Mind) and the Soul (Individual Consciousness) resides (deho devaalayaha). Therefore, the physical body should not only be taken proper care to have good health but also develop positive rhythms in it so as to be helpful in realising the latter two (sharira maadhyam idam khulu dharma saadhanam :- meaning, body is the means to realize one’s spirituality through right spiritual practises).
In order to do this firstly the body has to be fed with pure food which means that the food should be derived from the righteous means i.e., not from the money earned by way of deceit, crocked means, cheating, violence causing pain, sorrow or death to the other beings, theft etc. The food derived out of unrighteous means carry along with it, high negative vibrations however right dietary nutrition value may be there in it. It is simply the impure food which infuses negative traits and tendencies in man not only deviating him from the ladder of evolution but also making him to further his negative traits and tendencies. This gradually results in his Mind and Soul (consciousness) plunging in to the realms of darkness meaning falling into spiritual degeneration (dehumanizing oneself). Therefore, Indian spiritual approach suggests to adopt a reasonable RIGHTEOUS way of earning the money which is the giver of pure food (positive food).
Yogasanas are such rhythmtic physical body postures which not only help in enriching the blood circulation to all parts of the body but also relaxes each and every muscle of the body.
The next aspect, with regard to the physical body is to keep it fit and healthy so as to help to the adoption of pure and higher spiritual practices. In order to behold the unfolding of divine values in the Mind, the body should be somewhat positive or divine enough. Therefore, one has to adopt proper physical activities. In the normal course man is engaged in physical activities for earning his bread. Some people also do exercises and play sports too which keep them physically fit and healthy but these activities will not be helpful in developing divine (positive) rhythm in the body to further the spiritual development. Therefore, the ancient saints and sages of India have intuitively developed Yogasanas. Yogasanas are such rhythmatic physical body postures which not only help in enriching the blood circulation to all parts of the body but also relaxes each and every muscle of the body. This results in better health and flexibility to the body which in turn helps in the healing process of the ailments of the body, further helps in imbibing cosmic energy into the body. Thus, body develops positive rhythms conducive for further spiritual practices.
In order to connect the positive rhythms of the body to the Mind to further the spiritual practices, the sages and saints developed simple, natural deep breathing method called Praanayama.
Praanayama is nothing but drawing the cosmic energy into the gross and finer levels of the body so that the efficacy of the divine rhythms in the body is enhanced.
When the divine rhythms of the body is connected to the Mind through deep breathing i.e., Praanayama, then the body and Mind co-ordination is properly established paving the way for Aadhidhaivic practices (such practises which are helpful in the divination of the Mind connecting it to one’s own pure consciousness or the soul).
Aadhidhaivic dimension (Divination of the Mind)
In the Indian spiritual thought, Mind is considered as pure and divine (positive) in nature. However, the Mind is highly influenced by the inherent positive and negative traits and tendencies present in each individual (buddhi karmaanu saarini). Further it is considered that the subconscious layers of the Mind is the store house of karmic forces accumulated from innumerable births. This accumulated karmic forces, are responsible for the present Mental and physical state of the person. The inborn qualities vary from person to person despite all are human beings because of each one’s karma. Karma (sum of good and bad actions of the past lives) is the root cause for the happenings in one’s life despite one has freedom to choose the right and the wrong. This underlying CAUSE hidden in the subconscious layers of the Mind i.e., the karma has to be purified. The karma is the tainter of the pure Mind which is basically positive or divine in nature. Mind is the cause for all of one’s thinking and action (good or bad). Mind is considered as the great wall that stands as an obstacle to establish oneself in one’s own pure consciousness.
Therefore, the Mind has to be tamed, purified enough to become totally transparent so that one can experience his pure consciousness which in turn connects him to the Universal Consciousness, the spiritual goal.
In order to purify the Mind, innumerable sages and saints of India have evolved several means. The best and the highest among these methods is MEDITATION on the Universal Consciousness in a most natural manner. The sages and saints having experienced the Universal or Supreme Consciousness or Supreme BEING, have developed this natural method of Meditation on the Supreme Being. It is also true that the Meditation is the only way to ALIGN one’s Individual Consciousness with the Universal Consciousness. So Aadhidhaivic dimension is the purification process of the Mind.
Aadhyatmic Dimension (Experience of one’s own pure consciousness)
The Individual Consciousness is a part and parcel of the Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent all-pervading Universal Consciousness. Aadhi = means the first one or the original one. Aathma = means Consciousness. So Aadhyathmic dimension is to experience one’s own consciousness as the individualized part of THE Universal Consciousness.
Aadhibouthic and Aadhidhaivic dimensions finally lead to this Aadhyathmic or pure spiritual dimension which is the non-changing and eternal ONE.
The Aadhyathmic or the pure spiritual dimension which is the original consciousness Universally underlying the whole creation and also full in the creation is described as follows.
- Behind the ever-changing transient reality (creation) there is a never changing eternal reality.
- The ever-changing reality is confined by time and space; and THAT never-changing eternal Reality is beyond time and space and it is unaffected by the changing realities.
3. The goal of the ‘ever changing reality’ is THAT never changing reality, for the ‘never-changing reality’ alone is the ABSOLUTE truth.
The ever-changing reality (transient truth) is called CREATION which includes the entire animate and inanimate creation (all manifestations in varied forms within time and space).
The never-changing Reality is called the ABSOLUTE BEING which is nothing but Universal Consciousness. It is the all-pervading, omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent Supreme BEING which is the cause of everything.
From this never-changing Reality ( Absolute Being ) the ever-changing creation manifests in terms of time and space like waves on the surface of the sea.
The waves have no independent existence; they are dependent on the sea which is the only source of all the manifested waves. The waves are made up of the same sea water and therefore there is no difference in essence except that the waves are transient, dynamic, changing segments with time and space limitation, while the sea is static, full and never changing. So long as the wave is there as a wave, it cannot become the sea. But the same wave, when it recedes and merges into the sea, it ceases to exist as a wave any more. Now that the wave is there in the sea as the sea itself, and the sea is ever there without any changes. Similarly, when the individual ego (soul or consciousness), like a wave on the sea, is individualistic in its nature, it is subjected to change owing to time & space.
When the same individual Being dissolves into the Universal Being, it ceases to exist anymore as an individual Being, but IS there-as Universal Being (supreme consciousness) which is ever there.
The ever-changing reality (creation), which is the manifest form of THAT unmanifest Absolute is called Dynamic Divinity (energy & consciousness acting jointly or separately) and that never changing eternal Reality ( Unmanifest Absolute) as the Static Divinity ( Supreme and Absolute consciousness which is inclusive of energy within itself ).
Hence, Hey Man, “ your true nature ” is not the dynamic body, mind, intellect or ego, but that never-changing, static, eternal Reality (Universal BEING which is all pervading, ever full and has no birth, death or rebirth ). Therefore, the goal of the individual ego (Individual consciousness) is to reach that UNIVERSAL BEING.
All that exists in reality is only the UNIVERSAL BEING which pervades both manifest and unmanifest fields alike. All that has manifested ( animate and inanimate ) is nothing but the UNIVERSAL BEING itself. This alone is the ‘Absolute truth ’ .
The Universal Being is eternally aware of itself and is the silent witness to all its manifestations and their inter-reactions. It is totally non-interfering with the creation just as the bottom of the sea does not interfere with its waves. The Universal Being is the finest of the fine existence which is full of Bliss, Knowledge and Peace.
The Universal Being Can Transcend ITSELF to a state of ZERO (EVEN state) which is beyond peace, bliss, knowledge and awareness. Zero is beyond the only ONE and it is the OTHER SIDE of the Universal Being (SHUDDHA – ABSOLUTE i.e., everything is there within ITSELF in unmanifest state). This state is beyond Brahma Jnana. It is called Shuddha Jnana (ZERO State or EVEN state).
WHY REPETITION OF BENIGN WORD IS A MUST?
(i.e., Repeating one of the chosen Sanathana Hindu Gods and Goddesses Naama Mantra in Meditation)
The conscious mind is projected into the outside world through the senses. Meditation is essentially a process of turning the conscious mind inward into its subconscious layers so as to flush out the negative forces accumulated in the sub conscious layers of the mind. The conscious mind which has projected itself outside has no way to turn inward into itself unless there is the process of centrifuging.
Continuous repetition of a benign and highly positive word (mantra) which centrifuges the conscious mind just as a whirl makes the water plunge into to its own depths. However long one sits in meditation closing the eyes, the conscious mind does not find means or ways to turn inward., instead it just wanders continuously jumping from one thought to another. Off course there will be some relaxation because of closing of the eyes and cutting off the mind from the visual world. Beyond that, the conscious mind cannot dive deep into its sub conscious layers. It will be like swimming on the surface of the water in a lake without taking a dive to go deep into the depths of the lake.
If a benign word i.e., Sanathan Divine Naama Mantra is repeated constantly and comfortably, the conscious mind rotates around the mantra that is being repeated, and the centrifuging process soon takes place and it starts plunging into its own deeper layers. The practise of this Sanathan meditation continuously for some period of time, results in going deeper and deeper till the conscious mind reaches the bottom of that layer which is in touch with one’s own pure consciousness or soul, just as sea diver reaching the bottom of the sea were the sea is totally and absolutely silent, like the pure consciousness.
Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to repeat a Sanathan Naama mantra in a true and right meditation process. This is the science of the RIGHT Sanathan meditation process.
STAGES OF YOGA
What exactly is the first stage of yogic practise?
The exact meaning of yoga in Sanskrit is “to join, union, to bridge the gap between the two or to bring two things together”.
The first stage of yoga is to establish one’s mind in one’s own Individual Consciousness which is the challenging part of yogic practise but it is the easiest practise in its nature. Here comes the role of Mind. The conscious Mind has to be turned inward into its own self. The one and the only way is the practise of RIGHT Meditation on the Supreme Being / Universal Consciousness (God). Through regular practise of Meditation, the conscious Mind dives deep into its own sub conscious layers and finally reaches the Individual consciousness (Soul) just as a sea diver diving deep penetrating all layers of water and finally reaching the bottom of the sea. When the Mind as a whole establishes itself in one’s own consciousness through Meditation, it is the attainment of the first stage of Yoga where Mind and Consciousness are bridge or joined together or merged.
Individual Consciousness/ Being is not only pure but also being a part of the Universal Consciousness/Supreme Being, it naturally aligns itself with the Supreme Being. This is the attainment of the second stage of Yoga. Here, there is the alignment of body, mind, Individual Consciousness (Self) with the Universal Consciousness. In this state of Yoga, the Individual Consciousness is intuitively guided by the Universal Consciousness/ Supreme Being in all its thinking and activities and not allowing the practitioner to fall into the bondage of action and reaction phenomena (Karma).
The practitioner becomes a tool in the hands of God carrying on the WILL of God in his activities for the wellbeing of the world and also doing his duties (karma yoga) to his family, occupation, to society with application, dedication and discipline without becoming a karmabrashta (failing in performing required duties). Becoming a karmabrashta in the guise of spirituality will be a blockade in one’s spiritual evolution.
This is the reason Lord Krushna in Bhagavadhgita Chapter 2, Stanza 48 says so :-
rÉÉåaÉxjÉÈ MÑü MüqÉÉïÍhÉ xÉÇaÉÇ irÉYiuÉÉ kÉlÉÇeÉrÉ |
ÍxÉSèkrÉÍxÉSèkrÉÉãÈ xÉqÉÉå pÉÔiuÉÉ xÉqÉiuÉÇ rÉÉåaÉEcrÉiÉå ||
“Arjuna, establish your Mind in your own consciousness (through Meditation on ME) which in-turn connect you to ME and you will be guided by ME in the performance of your duties in a righteous way with EVEN state of Mind so that you are not bound into Karma (action and reaction phenomena)”. This is the Second stage of attainment of Yoga.
The Third stage of Yoga is to disseminate or dissolve the Individual Consciousness (self/ aathma) into the Universal Consciousness (Paramaathma) forever just as a flowing river completing its long journey and infusing into the Sea for all times This is Salvational yoga/ Moksha.
At the present time, unfortunately the followers of Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism) have totally become ignorant of their way of life and are leading life totally contrary to the principles envisaged in Sanathana Dharma. 70% of Hindus are just Hindus by birth and not by practise. If left like this, Sanathana Dharma is soon going to disappear in its essence and may remain as a skeleton through its rituals. Therefore, it is necessary to bring back the essence of Sanathana Dharma into the values of day-to-day life of the followers of Sanathana Dharma, and also to make them the custodians of Sanathana Dharma, as well as the upholders of righteousness in the world, as has been done by our Sages and Saints in the past. The universal values of Sanathana Dharma can help to bring a new order in the present world.
In order to revive Sanathana Dharma, rituals, yagnas, homas and discourses do not help much except being complimentary, unless we raise the level of consciousness to the higher order both at the individual and collective level. In order to do this, the followers of Sanathana Dharma have to go back to the fundamental formula given in the Hindu scriptures and also by Lord Krushna. This can alone be the capital investment for the revival and reliving of Sanathana Dharma.
Hindu’s worships have totally remained outward by way of loud recitations, Abhishekas, homas and yagnas. This outward way of worships are marginally beneficial, only to individuals and to the people at large. But not useful in awakening true spiritual power of the Supreme Being on earth, unless one turn INWARD through the Mind and gain true spiritual experience of the Supreme Being, and invoking IT on to the earth. This inward worship is the fundamental pillar of the Sanathana Dharma.
But Hindus have totally forgotten the INWARD worship of the Supreme Being by way of simple, natural mental yogic practises like Japa (repetition of Divine name) and Tapas (Meditation). Further Sanathana Dharma envisages direct communion (connection) between the Individual and the Supreme Being
(God) without any intermediary except through the guidance of Guru. Entire Bhagavadgita is about how to have this direct communion with the Supreme Being by way of turning Inward.
Our ancient sages and saints exclusively relayed on this INWARD format of worship to have direct communion (connection) with the Supreme Being. Unless every Hindu turns INWARD either through Japa or Meditation, revival of Sanathana Dharma becomes difficult and may gradually become extinct because of failure of invoking or awakening of the Supreme Being on earth, if we continue to stick on to the OUTWARD ways of worships only.
Lord Krushna in Bhagavadgita emphasizes this fact by declaring “Yagnanam Japayagnosmi ” meaning “Among all the true
spiritual practises Japa yagna is Myself (mental repetition of a divine name by way of counting through a rosary OR Meditation wherein repetition of divine name is done only mentally without tongue and lips and without counting)”. That means Japa or Meditation is Himself.
Further, Lord Krushna hinted to the seekers of true spirituality thus ;
- ÉæaÉÑhrÉÌuÉwÉrÉÉ uÉãS ÌlɧÉæaÉÑhrÉÉã pÉuÉÉeÉÑïlÉ|
ÌlɲïDzÉåÌlÉirÉxÉiuÉxjÉÉå ÌlÉrÉÉãïaɤÉãqÉ AÉiqÉuÉÉlÉç||
– Bhagavadgita Chapter 2 Stanza 45.
Hey Arjuna, Vedas deal only with the science of invoking Gods and Goddesses and appeasing them for the wellbeing of the individual or people at large, and this is only limited to the three traits namely Satva (Positive), Rajas (Semi Positive) and Thamas (Negative). Therefore, don’t limit yourself to Vedas but raise above these three traits (Vedanta) and become EVEN minded so that you will overcome the dualities of life namely pain-pleasure, sorrow-joy etc., and you will align with ME for all times and achieve the Supreme peace (salvation) in ME.
Further ;
uÉåSåwÉÑ rÉ¥ÉåwÉÑ iÉmÉÈxÉÑ cÉæuÉ SÉlÉåwÉÑ rÉimÉÑhrÉTüsÉÇ
mÉëÌS¹qÉç| AirÉåÌiÉ iÉixÉuÉïÍqÉSÇ ÌuÉÌSiuÉÉ rÉÉåaÉÏ mÉUÇ xjÉÉlÉqÉÑmÉæÌiÉ cÉɱqÉç ||
– Bhagavadgita, Chapter 8, Stanza 28.
Who-ever, attains YOGA by aligning with the Supreme Being through Meditation (The word Yoga should not be mistaken for the practise of Yogasanas and Pranayama) will transcend (go beyond) even the good Karma (Punya) that can be attained by the practise of Vedas, Yagnas, Homas and Charity etc., and will reach the eternal state (i.e., Salvation in the Supreme Being.
Salvation is attainable only by neutralising both good and bad karma through Meditation on the Supreme Being). This is only possible through INWARD spiritual practises like Japa and Meditation which alone can turn the conscious mind INWARD towards one’s own consciousness and connect from there on to the Supreme Consciousness or Supreme Being.
This INWARD spiritual practise can be practised by anybody, anywhere, at any time. Thus, invoking divinity or awakening the Supreme Being (God) on earth alone can save Sanathana Dharma and re-establish Dharma (comprehensive righteousness) on earth. Now, it is the duty of every Hindu to become a practising Hindu by taking up this INWARD worship of the Supreme Being through Mind by way of Japa or Meditation, along with Vedic practises, worships, prayers, yagnas etc. Every Hindu should contribute at least one rosary (Japa Maala) of inner Japa on divine name (names of Hindu gods and goddesses) every day without fail.
The Scriptures describe JAPA as of three types.
ÌuÉkÉÏrÉ¥ÉÉ eeÉmÉrÉ¥ÉÉå ÌuÉÍzɹÉå SzÉÍpÉaÉÑïhÉæ |
EmÉÉÇzÉÑÈ xrÉÉcNûiÉaÉÑhÉÈ| xÉWûx§ÉÉå qÉÉlÉxÉÈ xqÉ×iÉÈ|
- VAIKHARI JAPA :- In this form of Japa, a divine name or a trait or a mantra pertaining to Universal Consciousness (Supreme Being) is repeated loudly moving tongue and lips in an audible way. Spiritual benefits of this Japa are Ten times more than those of homa, yagna and yaga ( a kind of Vedic rituals).
- UPAMSHU JAPA:- In this form of Japa, a divine name or a trait or a mantra is repeated moving tongue and lips, but inaudible to others. Spiritual benefits of this Japa are a Hundred times more than those of homa, yagna and yaga.
- MAANASIKA JAPA (MEDITATION):- In this form of Japa, a divine name or a trait or a mantra is repeated only mentally without moving tongue and lips, closing the eyes. It is totally inaudible to others. Spiritual benefits in this Japa or Meditation are a THOUSAND TIMES more than those of homa, yagna and yaga.
If a Rosary (Japa Mala) is used for counting the repetition of the mantra, it becomes Japa. When the mantra is repeated without counting by a rosary, it becomes Maanasika Japa or Meditation. Maanasika Japa or Meditation is the BEST and HIGHEST form of spiritual practice, because in this form of Japa, the mind is turned INWARD i.e., towards one’s own Self which is the connector to the Universal Self i.e., Cosmic Consciousness. Thus, Maanasika Japa or Meditation is the only way to ALIGN Individual Consciousness with the Universal Consciousness, leading to enlightenment and salvation. Therefore, this is the best and the easiest form of spiritual practice (core principle of practising Sanathana Dharma) that can be practiced by one and all irrespective of their status, in this present age of Kaliyuga, as advocated in Kalisantharana Upanishadh.
Lord Brahma explained to sage Naaradha that, whether one is a saint or sinner or a pundit or an ignorant one, old or young, women or eunuchs, for everyone in Kaliyuga repetition of Divine name (names of Hindu Gods or Goddesses) through Japa or Meditation is the way to realize the Supreme Being and to overcome all the accumulated karma, and to attain salvation in the Supreme Being. This has been said in Kalisantharana Upanishadh.
Divine name has divine form in it; Divine name has Divine power in it; Divine name has Divine sound in it; Divine name also carry the silent, formless, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent all-pervading principles behind IT. In view of so much secrets hidden behind the divine name, Lord Brahma advocated the repetition of Divine Name in the form of Japa and Meditation as the supreme spiritual path in Kaliyuga to attain fulfilment and salvation.