Some questions?

[Guest guest]

Thank you Ramji for sending this. Reading it has been a great joy. I have a

question

for scholars (which I am not) and practitioners on Advaita Vedanta and on Sri

Shankra in reference to various types of Samadhis. First, I have heard that Sri

Shankra was also the author of Saundryalahiri and Anandlahiri which are

considered

classic texts on Shakti Yoga. Forgive my ignorance on this matter but is that

widely

accepted among Advaitins? Second, if it is, could someone clarify how Sri

Shankra

related or integrated Shakti Yoga with Advaita Vedanta? Also, I would appreciate

any

comments on Nirvikalpa Samadhi as described in Shakti texts and Nirvikalpa

Samadhi

as described in Advaita texts. The four verses of interest are given at the

bottom

(and there might be more). I am forwarding this to a few lists as some may wish

to

join in the discussion or follow it.

 

Love to all

Harsha

 

Ram Chandran wrote:

> Ram Chandran <chandran

>

> 871. It is in this way that the man of renunciation should meditate

> through all the diverse modifications of the mind, upon the nature of

> pure existence as the sole object of thought, in so far as it is

> indirectly presented through the words of the sruti. In the first

> instance,, one begins with the following concept: 'I am the witness of.

> the desires that arise in me.' Then step by step, one comes to realize,

> as pointed out by the sruti. 'I am pure.' It is in this way that one

> should meditate upon the Atman -with entire devotion. Such is the

> process by which one attains savikalpa. samAdhi, in association with the

> words of the sruti.

>

> 873. Where the mind functions no longer, where there are no objects of

> knowledge, and where the Atman, the witnessing consciousness, is the

> sole reality, there arises the experience of nirvikalpa samadhi.

>

> 874. One who has practised savikalpa samadhi for a long time becomes at

> long last fit to attain nirvikalpa samadhi, by virtue of the residual

> impression Of what he, has practised previously, at an earlier stage.

>

> 875. It is certain that one who is solely intent upon the realization of

> Brahman in nirvikalpa samadhi becomes the eternal Brahman. For such the

> vicious cycle of birth and death has come to an end. Such a person

> attains the bliss that knows no obstacles, but which is eternal in

> nature, changeless and continuous.

>