Practice in Advaita- "Aum Sadhana" -

[Guest guest]

Member Gautam-ji states...

 

(lastly, i would like to the talk about a support in sadhana which

yama himself describes as the best support--OMKAAR.

and yama says -- this suport is the best, this support is supreme.

knowing this suuport one gets loiberated.)

 

Yes! I was hoping some member would mention 'aum' Sadhana before the

month's topic was over and i am glad Gautam-ji did.

 

yes! Those of who are not born in the Hindu tradition and do not

which of the 33, 000 crores of Gods to worship, Do not despair!

 

Yes, if one does not have a chosen God/ess , one can meditate on this

Nir-Guna mantra "Aum" !!!

 

Advaitins, i found this interpretation of the symbol 'Aum' while

cruising on the web and i would love to share it with you all!!!!

 

the symbol of AUM consists of three curves (curves 1, 2, and 3), one

semicircle (curve 4), and a dot.

 

The large lower curve 1 symbolizes the waking state (jagrat), in this

state the consciousness is turned outwards through the gates of the

senses. The larger size signifies that this is the most common

('majority') state of the human consciousness.

 

The upper curve 2 denotes the state of deep sleep (sushupti) or the

unconscious state. This is a state where the sleeper desires nothing

nor beholds any dream.

 

The middle curve 3 (which lies between deep sleep and the waking

state) signifies the dream state (swapna). In this state the

consciousness of the individual is turned inwards, and the dreaming

self beholds an enthralling view of the world behind the lids of the

eyes.

 

These are the three states of an individual's consciousness, and

since Indian mystic thought believes the entire manifested reality to

spring from this consciousness, these three curves therefore

represent the entire physical phenomenon.

 

The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, known in

Sanskrit as turiya. In this state the consciousness looks neither

outwards nor inwards, nor the two together. It signifies the coming

to rest of all differentiated, relative existence This utterly quiet,

peaceful and blissful state is the ultimate aim of all spiritual

activity. This Absolute (non-relative) state illuminates the other

three states.

 

Finally, the semi circle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from

the other three curves. Thus it is the illusion of maya that prevents

us from the realization of this highest state of bliss. The semi

circle is open at the top, and does not touch the dot. This means

that this highest state is not affected by maya. Maya only affects

the manifested phenomenon. This effect is that of preventing the

seeker from reaching his ultimate goal, the realization of the One,

all-pervading, unmanifest, Absolute principle. In this manner, the

form of OM represents both the unmanifest and the manifest, the

noumenon and the phenomenon.

 

(http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/features/om.htm - 23k -

cached )

 

Greg Goode-ji mentioned in one of his posts that he is rather fond of

reading the Mandukya Upanishads in one of his posts and let us read

what this great upanishad has to say on this subject of A-U-M. !!!

 

Hari is AUM. AUM is all that is here.

This is what we hear about AUM:

The past, the present and the future are AUM,

And That beyond these three is also AUM.

 

2

Brahman is indeed all this.

This self in us is also Brahman.

And this self has four planes.

 

3

Vaisvanara is the first stage.

Wakeful, outwardly conscious,

With seven limbs and nineteen mouths,

He is the enjoyer of the gross objects.

 

4

Taijasa is the second stage.

Dreaming, inwardly conscious,

With seven limbs and nineteen mouths,

He is the enjoyer of the subtle objects.

 

5

In deep sleep, seeking no desires,

Dreaming no dreams, unified into

The mass of greater consciousness,

Full of bliss, enjoying bliss only,

Face turned towards Chetasa,

Is Pragna the third stage.

 

6

This is the Master of All, the Omniscient,

The Inmost Dweller and source of

Creation and destruction of all beings.

 

7

Conscious neither internally nor externally,

Nor either ways, neither ordinary consciousness,

Nor the greater and the deeper consciousness,

Invisible, otherworldly, incomprehensible,

Without qualities, beyond all thoughts,

Indescribable, the unified soul in essence,

Peaceful, auspicious, without duality,

Is the fourth stage, that self, that is to be known.

 

8

The same Atman is AUM among the syllables,

Each syllable in the word AUM is a stage. They

Are the letter A, the letter U and the letter M.

 

9

The wakeful Vaishwanara is the

First letter "A", being the first letter and

All pervasive. He who knows thus realizes

All his desires and becomes foremost too.

 

10

The dreaming Taizasa is the second

Letter "U", being superior and situated in

The middle. He who knows thus attains

Knowledge and children equally and none

In his family would be ignorant of Brahman

 

11

In the world of deep sleep, Pragna, is the

Third letter "M", being the limit and the end of

All diversity. He who knows thus is free from

All diversity and becomes one with the Self.

 

Translation By V.JAYARAM

 

http://www.hinduwebsite.com/upaindex.htm

 

Aum Tat Sat!!!!!!!