Guest guest Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 I have been meditating ...(only a week so far) trying to feel the Sahasrara, Ajna, Vishuddhi, Anahata, Manipura, Svadhistana, Muladhara. So far no luck yet. I can feel a throbbing at the Vishuddhi, nothing more... How is the heart space (to the right hand side as said by Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi) different from Anahata? How are they related I have been reading a bit (see links below) trying to better understand our chakras I would like to hear of progress by others, I am seeking some inspiration. Also, any personal recommendations /websites to help in the concentration and awareness, should be helpful too. I had a question that I had clarified - that these techniques would NOT be harmful and I was told that it will NOT be harmful. But I hear of the perils of Kundalini shakti rising and I am a bit paranoid of this...any suggesions will be helpful. Is it possible that we need to attain a high level of behavior before these chakras start acknowledging themselves? At this time, I am spiritually quite dense and I just wonder if someone like me could ever achieve some progress, let alone enlightenment Thanks, SHIVA BHAKTA http://www.jyotirlinga.com Some useful links below for chakra practitioners. http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/mind-confusion-heart-illumination/part1/49 http://www.windsofchange.eu.com/chakra.html http://www.yoga.com/yyhm301.htm http://s89740195.onlinehome.us/personal/realize.html http://swamij.com/kundalini-awakening-6.htm http://www.sol.com.au/kor/18_01.htm Question: How Can We Learn To Feel... Question: How can we learn to feel that we are the soul and not the mind or the body? 176 Sri Chinmoy: In India there was a great spiritual Master named Sri Ramana Maharshi. He used to compare the body to a banana leaf. In India, especially in the Himalayas, on festive occasions we eat our meal on a banana leaf and after we have eaten we throw away the leaf. Sri Ramana Maharshi used to say that the soul utilises the body in this way, leaving the body at its choice hour and discarding it as a now-useless instrument. It is the soul that has the eternal connection with the Supreme, and not the mind or the body. 177 In order to realise that you are not the mind, that you are the soul, first you have to go beyond the mind. There are two ways to do this. One is to go up through the various levels of the mind and then pass beyond. The other process is to bring down Light from the higher planes into the mind. When the higher Light descends into the mind, at that time the mind does not remain an obstacle to our inner realisation of our conscious oneness with our soul's existence. 178 If you want to feel that you are the soul and not the mind, you can do so through contemplation or through intense faith. If you can meditate or concentrate on the spiritual centre called Sahasrara, you can learn to feel that you are the soul and not the body. This centre is at the top of the head. If you can concentrate there successfully, you will see your limited physical consciousness slowly and steadily going out of your physical body. At that time, the physical mind which is binding you will also leave you. Then what you will have within, without and around you will be the soul. You will feel at that time that you are the soul and not the body or mind. 179 Another way to go beyond the mind is to concentrate on the third eye, the eye of vision. If you can focus all your attention there, you will have flashes of intuition which will enable you to see beyond the mind. You can also concentrate on the heart. If you can concentrate there properly and soulfully, the inner flame which is aspiration will climb up from the heart-centre to the throat centre, then to the third eye, and finally to Sahasrara, the thousand-petalled lotus at the crown of the head. When this spiritual centre is fully opened, automatically you go beyond the mind. 180 It is usually difficult to concentrate on the third eye, because there you do not get immediate joy or a sense of fulfilment. But if you concentrate on the heart, you will feel love, peace, fulfilment and boundless joy. You may concentrate or meditate on the third eye for about six months and feel the whole time that you are walking in a barren desert. If you are prepared to walk on a barren desert and continue and continue in spite of the frustration, then you can try it. But if you concentrate on the heart, on the day that you sincerely and soulfully start, you will get a sense of joy, peace and accomplishment. 181 Sri Chinmoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 om namo bhagavate sri ramanaya namaste, > How is the heart space (to the right hand side as said by Bhagavan Ramana > Maharishi) different from Anahata? How are they related --- >From Talks, 398: The yoga marga speaks of the six centres each of which must be reached by practice and transcended until one reaches sahasrara where nectar is found and thus immortality. The yogis say that one enters into the paranadi which starts from the sacral plexus whereas the jnanis say that the same nadi starts from the heart. Reconciliation between the seemingly contradictory statements is effected in the secret doctrine which distinctly states that the yogi paranadi is from muladhara and the jnani paranadi is from the Heart. The truth is that the paranadi should be entered. By yogic practice one goes down, then rises up, wanders all through until the goal is reached; by jnana abhyas one settles down directly in the centre. ....Anahata is not the same as the Heart-centre. If so, why should they wander further on to Sahasrara? Moreover, the question arises because of the sense of separateness persisting in us. We are never away from the Heart-centre. Before reaching anahata or after passing it, one is only in the centre. Whether one understands it or not, one is not away from the centre. Practice of yoga or vichara is done, always remaining in the centre only. --- >From Talks, 616: [The Self] ...is achieved by the search for the origin of the ego and by diving into the heart. This is the direct method for Self-realisation. One who adopts it need not worry about nadis, the brain, the Sushumna, the Paranadi, the Kundalini, pranayama, or the six centres. (Ramana Maharshi) --- >From Day by Day, Sri Ramanasramam; 1957) Mr Desai asked Bhagavan, 'How to direct the prana or life-current into the sushumna nadi, so that as stated in Ramana Gita we could achieve the severance of the chit-jada granthi?' Bhagavan said, 'By enquiring 'Who am I'.' 'The yogi may be definitely aiming at arousing the kundalini and sending it up the sushumna. The jnani may not be having this object. But both achieve the same result, that of sending up the Life-force up the sushumna and severing the chit-jada granthi. Kundalini is only another name for atma or Self or sakti. We talk of it as being inside the body, because we conceive ourselves as limited by this body. But it is in reality both inside and outside, being no other than Self or the sakti of Self. ....Though the yogi may have his methods of breath-control, pranayama, mudras, etc., for this object, the jnani's method is only that of enquiry. When by this method the mind is merged in the Self, the Self, its sakti or kundalini rises automatically. (14-9-45) --- note: Symbolically, there is a Nath tradition which is as follows: 'The seven chakras (including Sahasrara) are the floors of the fortress. There are nine gates and five policemen on patrol. However there is a hidden tenth door which is not 'ascended' to and only he who has found the secret can pass through. This is the open secret which Bhagavan has kindly revealed in the path of Vichara. See 'hrdi viSa manasA svam' verse. Regards, Miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 Namaste Shiva and All, >I have been reading a bit (see links below) trying to >better understand our chakras. I would like to hear of >progress by others, I am seeking some inspiration. I debated a long time whether to reply only to you, since few people following the path of Self-enquiry pursue chakra meditations. I finally decided on posting to the group in hopes that this reply may be of some use to others. Here's the bottom line: If you are drawn to chakra meditation, concentrate on the ajna chakra (the spiritual eye) and forget the rest. The remainder of this post talks more about why, and how to do it in the context of Self-abidance. There are three parts to the reply: * Chakras and thinking, * An Aid to Self-abidance: concentration on Ajna Chakra, * Further aid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. My apologies for the posting length. This is a lot of verbiage for to cover a couple of very simple practices. I'm curious to see if anyone makes it to the end before falling asleep. ;-) 1. Chakras and thinking I have practiced raja yoga for about 30 years, and Self-enquiry/Self-abidance for about 5 years. The raja yoga I practiced involved extensive pranayam and chakra meditations. With only a couple of exceptions, I've ceased all previous practices after discovering abidance in Self-awareness. In my readings of Bhagavan's Talks and Collected Works, two quotes had strong impact on me: "To imagine Muladhara at the bottom, the Heart at the center, or the head at the top or over all these, is all wrong. In one word, to think is not your real nature." From Talks. "Fixing the mind on the Self or the 'I' abiding in the Heart is the perfection of yoga, meditation, wisdom, devotion, and worship. Since the Supreme Being abides as the Self, constant surrender of the mind by absorption in the Self is said to comprise all forms of worship. Mind controlled, all else is controlled. The mind is itself the life-current; the ignorant say that in form it looks like a coiled serpent. The six subtle centers (chakras) are merely mental pictures and are meant for beginners in yoga. We project ourselves into the idols and worship them, because we do not understand true inward worship." [Emphasis added] Collected Works, Self Enquiry. So, visualization and meditation on various chakras alone is of little value when the goal is abiding in the Self, as the Self. As stated by Bhagavan, no other practice than Self-abidance is necessary: "As often as the mind goes out toward outward objects, prevent it and fix it in the Self or 'I'. This is all the effort required on your part." Day by Day p.287 However, in my experience there is one useful aid in preventing the mind from going out: concentration on the ajna chakra. Again, please note that the practice I'm about to describe isn't necessary, but you may find it useful. You'll have to judge for yourself. 2. Concentration on Ajna Chakra as an aid to Self-abidance Bhagavan says, "The Self is the Heart. The Heart is self-luminous. Light arises from the Heart and reaches the brain, which is the seat of the mind. If the mind is turned in towards the source of light, objective knowledge ceases and Self alone shines forth as the Heart." Talks p.94 Sages who know such things have declared the ajna chakra as the seat of the mind and waking consciousness. Thus, the ajna chakra is the seat of the waking "I", the reflected light that shines from the Heart. Concentrating on ajna chakra is the most natural and harmonious chakra meditation for those who follow the path of Self-abidance. Concentrating on the ajna chakra and the "I" simultaneously is one of the recommended practices in the Bhagavad Gita: "Firmly holding the spine, neck, and head erect and motionless, let the yogi focus his eyes at the origin of the nose; let him not gaze around in various directions. With serenity and fearlessness, with steadfastness in brahmacharya, with the mind controlled, with the thoughts centered on Me, the yogi should sit, meditating on Me as the Final Goal." Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6:13-14 In verse 6:13, the Sanskrit word "naasikagraM"(naasikaa + agraM) is usually translated as "at the tip of the nose" (naasikaa=nose + agraM=at the tip). Alternative meanings of "agra" from a sanskrit dictionary are "origin", "top", and "beginning". Thus, some yogis have declared that, in this verse, "agraM" should have the meaning of "at the tip-top". Thus, "naasikagraM" translates as "at the tip-top of the nose (at the junction of the nose and eyebrows). That point (or bindu) is the ajna chakra. For those who wish to see a picture of where the ajna chakra is located, take a look at this link: http://www.hindupaintings.com/product/HT68/ Notice the small pearl with two petals on either side at the junction of the nose and eyebrows. Most people think the ajna chakra is higher up in the forehead, but that is another chakra (the soma chakra). Slowly explore this area with your awareness and I think you'll definitely know when you've found the point. If you want me to say more about finding the ajna bindu I will, but give it a try first. In addition to concentration on the ajna chakra, Gita 6:14 says to meditate on "Me". This is the essence of Self-abidance. For years I practiced Guru-bhakti this way--visualizing my guru at the ajna chakra. Then, one day I discovered Self-enquiry/Self-abidance and realized that this verse has a completely different meaning in the light of Self-abidance: concentrate on ajna bindu and hold fast to the "I". My personal experience with this practice is it's something like tuning a stringed instrument. If you've ever tuned a guitar or other stringed instrument, you'll be familiar with the idea of resonance. If one string is out of tone, you gradually increase/decrease the tension until it matches the frequency of another string. When they are exactly tuned there is harmonious resonance. If the tuning is off, even slightly, there is audible discord. When I find the proper point at the junction of the nose and brows and hold fast to the "I", there is a sort of resonance that makes it easier to hold the "I". This practice can be done anytime during the day, not just during periods sitting meditation. If you practice sitting meditation, there is one further aid for the restless mind: Sri Yantra. 3. Further aid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. It is clear that Bhagavan had great regard for Sri Yantra. On my alter are pictures of the Guru and Sri Yantra. Here is a brief explanation of how I find it useful in the practice of Self-abidance. Once again, this isn't necessary, but you may find it useful. A simple Sri Yantra can be seen at http://www.greenleaf-ink.com/sri_yantra_II_X.html Normally, Sri Yantra mediation is quite elaborate, focusing on various triangles and their cosmic meanings. The real value of the Yantra for the practice of Self-abidance lies in the bindu, or central point. The practice is extremely simple: focus the eyes on Yantra bindu and feel the "I" within. This can be a powerful aid in calming the restless mind so that it can remain in Self-abidance. Give it a try: look at the Yantra bindu in the link above and simultaneously feel the "I"(at the ajna bindu). I find Yantra bindu concentration is a great aid at the start of sitting meditations. It quickly takes me to a strong, joyful feeling of the Self. As mind calms down, the eyes close and focus is on the "I" at ajna bindu. With further calming, there is continued sinking into the "I" alone. If the mind becomes restless, I open my eyes and concentrate on Yantra bindu and the "I" at the ajna chakra. It provides sufficient strength to calm the mind and once again return to Self-abidance... May these comments be of some value to all, Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 ---Dear David , Thank you for your interesting posting which I find well worth studying.I too have discovered that for me, Ramana's Diving into the Heart commences from the ajna chakra .Also placing attention there, between the eyebrows on this pineal gland ,induces a stillness of the mind.Speaking of Yantras , Sri Bhagavan arranged with Ganapati Muni for a Sri Chakra to be engraved on gold and placed at the back of the Mother's Maha Samahdi Tomb.This illustrates his value of the importance of this Yantra.Sri Chakra Pujas are held at the Ashram to this day . Thanks and regards ,Alan McEwen <David.McEwen wrote: Namaste Shiva and All, >I have been reading a bit (see links below) trying to >better understand our chakras. I would like to hear of >progress by others, I am seeking some inspiration. I debated a long time whether to reply only to you, since few peoplefollowing the path of Self-enquiry pursue chakra meditations. I finallydecided on posting to the group in hopes that this reply may be of someuse to others. Here's the bottom line: If you are drawn to chakrameditation, concentrate on the ajna chakra (the spiritual eye) and forgetthe rest. The remainder of this post talks more about why, and how to doit in the context of Self-abidance. There are three parts to the reply: * Chakras and thinking, * An Aid to Self-abidance: concentration on Ajna Chakra, * Further aid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. My apologies for the posting length. This is a lot of verbiage for tocover a couple of very simple practices. I'm curious to see if anyonemakes it to the end before falling asleep. ;-) 1. Chakrasand thinking I have practiced raja yoga forabout 30 years, and Self-enquiry/Self-abidance for about 5 years. Theraja yoga I practiced involved extensive pranayam and chakra meditations.With only a couple of exceptions, I've ceased all previous practicesafter discovering abidance in Self-awareness. In my readings ofBhagavan's Talks and Collected Works, two quotes had strong impact onme: "To imagine Muladhara at the bottom, the Heart at the center, or thehead at the top or over all these, is all wrong. In one word, to thinkis not your real nature." From Talks. "Fixing the mind on the Self or the 'I' abiding in the Heart is theperfection of yoga, meditation, wisdom, devotion, and worship. Since theSupreme Being abides as the Self, constant surrender of the mind byabsorption in the Self is said to comprise all forms of worship. Mindcontrolled, all else is controlled. The mind is itself the life-current;the ignorant say that in form it looks like a coiled serpent. The sixsubtle centers (chakras) are merely mental pictures and are meant forbeginners in yoga. We project ourselves into the idols and worship them,because we do not understand true inward worship." [Emphasisadded] Collected Works, Self Enquiry. So, visualization and meditation on various chakras alone is oflittle value when the goal is abiding in the Self, as the Self. As statedby Bhagavan, no other practice than Self-abidance is necessary: "Asoften as the mind goes out toward outward objects, prevent it and fix itin the Self or 'I'. This is all the effort required on your part."Day by Day p.287 However, in my experience there is one useful aid in preventing the mindfrom going out: concentration on the ajna chakra. Again, please note thatthe practice I'm about to describe isn't necessary, but you mayfind it useful. You'll have to judge for yourself. 2.Concentration on Ajna Chakra as an aid to Self-abidance Bhagavan says, "TheSelf is the Heart. The Heart is self-luminous. Light arises from theHeart and reaches the brain, which is the seat of the mind. If the mindis turned in towards the source of light, objective knowledge ceases andSelf alone shines forth as the Heart." Talks p.94 Sages who know such things have declared the ajna chakra as the seat ofthe mind and waking consciousness. Thus, the ajna chakra is the seatof the waking "I", the reflected light that shines from theHeart. Concentrating on ajna chakra is the most natural andharmonious chakra meditation for those who follow the path ofSelf-abidance. Concentrating on the ajna chakra and the "I" simultaneously isone of the recommended practices in the Bhagavad Gita: "Firmly holding the spine, neck, and head erect and motionless, letthe yogi focus his eyes at the origin of the nose; let him not gazearound in various directions. With serenity and fearlessness, withsteadfastness in brahmacharya, with the mind controlled, with thethoughts centered on Me, the yogi should sit, meditating on Me as theFinal Goal." Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6:13-14 In verse 6:13, the Sanskrit word "naasikagraM"(naasikaa +agraM) is usually translated as "at the tip of the nose"(naasikaa=nose + agraM=at the tip). Alternative meanings of"agra" from a sanskrit dictionary are "origin","top", and "beginning". Thus, some yogis havedeclared that, in this verse, "agraM" should have the meaningof "at the tip-top". Thus, "naasikagraM" translatesas "at the tip-top of the nose (at the junction of the nose andeyebrows). That point (or bindu) is the ajna chakra. For those whowish to see a picture of where the ajna chakra is located, take a look atthis link: http://www.hindupaintings.com/product/HT68/ Notice the small pearl with two petals on either side at the junction ofthe nose and eyebrows. Most people think the ajna chakra is higher up inthe forehead, but that is another chakra (the soma chakra). Slowlyexplore this area with your awareness and I think you'll definitely knowwhen you've found the point. If you want me to say more about finding theajna bindu I will, but give it a try first. In addition to concentration on the ajna chakra, Gita 6:14 says tomeditate on "Me". This is the essence of Self-abidance. Foryears I practiced Guru-bhakti this way--visualizing my guru at the ajnachakra. Then, one day I discovered Self-enquiry/Self-abidance andrealized that this verse has a completely different meaning in the lightof Self-abidance: concentrate on ajna bindu and hold fast to the"I". My personal experience with this practice is it's something like tuning astringed instrument. If you've ever tuned a guitar or other stringedinstrument, you'll be familiar with the idea of resonance. If one stringis out of tone, you gradually increase/decrease the tension until itmatches the frequency of another string. When they are exactly tunedthere is harmonious resonance. If the tuning is off, even slightly, thereis audible discord. When I find the proper point at the junction of thenose and brows and hold fast to the "I", there is a sort ofresonance that makes it easier to hold the "I". This practice can be done anytime during the day, not just during periodssitting meditation. If you practice sitting meditation, there is onefurther aid for the restless mind: Sri Yantra. 3. Furtheraid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. It is clear that Bhagavanhad great regard for Sri Yantra. On my alter are pictures of the Guru andSri Yantra. Here is a brief explanation of how I find it useful in thepractice of Self-abidance. Once again, this isn't necessary, butyou may find it useful. A simple Sri Yantra can be seen at http://www.greenleaf-ink.com/sri_yantra_II_X.html Normally, Sri Yantra mediation is quite elaborate, focusing on varioustriangles and their cosmic meanings. The real value of the Yantra for thepractice of Self-abidance lies in the bindu, or central point. Thepractice is extremely simple: focus the eyes on Yantra bindu and feel the"I" within. This can be a powerful aid in calming the restlessmind so that it can remain in Self-abidance. Give it a try: look at theYantra bindu in the link above and simultaneously feel the"I"(at the ajna bindu). I find Yantra bindu concentration is a great aid at the start of sittingmeditations. It quickly takes me to a strong, joyful feeling of the Self.As mind calms down, the eyes close and focus is on the "I" atajna bindu. With further calming, there is continued sinking into the"I" alone. If the mind becomes restless, I open my eyes andconcentrate on Yantra bindu and the "I" at the ajna chakra. Itprovides sufficient strength to calm the mind and once again return toSelf-abidance... May these comments be of some value to all, Om Namo Bhagavate SriRamanaya. David Post message: RamanaMaharshi Subscribe: RamanaMaharshi- Un: RamanaMaharshi List owner: RamanaMaharshi-owner Shortcut URL to this page: http://www./community/RamanaMaharshi Sponsor RamanaMaharshi/ RamanaMaharshi ===== alan _________ BT Broadband - Free modem offer, sign up online today and save £80 http://bt..co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2004 Report Share Posted February 12, 2004 Dear Alan or anyone, Do you know if a photo of Sri Chakra Yantra is available anywhere? michael --- Alan Jacobs <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > ---Dear David , > > Thank you for your interesting posting which I find > well worth studying.I too have discovered that > for me, Ramana's Diving into the Heart commences > from the ajna chakra .Also placing attention > there, between the eyebrows on this pineal gland > ,induces a stillness of the mind.Speaking of > Yantras , Sri Bhagavan arranged with Ganapati Muni > for a Sri Chakra to be engraved on gold and > placed at the back of the Mother's Maha Samahdi > Tomb.This illustrates his value of the importance > of this Yantra.Sri Chakra Pujas are held at the > Ashram to this day . Thanks and regards ,Alan > > > McEwen <David.McEwen wrote: > > Namaste Shiva and All, > > >I have been reading a bit (see links below) trying > to > >better understand our chakras. I would like to hear > of > >progress by others, I am seeking some inspiration. > > I debated a long time whether to reply only to you, > since few peoplefollowing the path of > Self-enquiry pursue chakra meditations. I > finallydecided on posting to the group in hopes that > this reply may be of someuse to others. Here's the > bottom line: If you are drawn to > chakrameditation, concentrate on the ajna chakra > (the spiritual eye) and forgetthe rest. The > remainder of this post talks more about why, and how > to doit in the context of Self-abidance. > There are three parts to the reply: > > * Chakras and thinking, > * An Aid to Self-abidance: concentration on Ajna > Chakra, > * Further aid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. > > My apologies for the posting length. This is a lot > of verbiage for tocover a couple of very simple > practices. I'm curious to see if anyonemakes it to > the end before falling asleep. ;-) > > > 1. Chakrasand thinking > > I have practiced raja yoga forabout 30 years, and > Self-enquiry/Self-abidance for about 5 years. > Theraja yoga I practiced involved extensive pranayam > and chakra meditations.With only a couple of > exceptions, I've ceased all previous practicesafter > discovering abidance in Self-awareness. In my > readings ofBhagavan's Talks and Collected Works, two > quotes had strong impact onme: > > "To imagine Muladhara at the bottom, the Heart at > the center, or thehead at the top or over all > these, is all wrong. In one word, to thinkis not > your real nature." From Talks. > > "Fixing the mind on the Self or the 'I' abiding in > the Heart is theperfection of yoga, meditation, > wisdom, devotion, and worship. Since theSupreme > Being abides as the Self, constant surrender of > the mind byabsorption in the Self is said to > comprise all forms of worship. Mindcontrolled, all > else is controlled. The mind is itself the > life-current;the ignorant say that in form it looks > like a coiled serpent. The sixsubtle centers > (chakras) are merely mental pictures and are meant > forbeginners in yoga. We project ourselves into the > idols and worship them,because we do not > understand true inward worship." [Emphasisadded] > Collected Works, Self Enquiry. > > So, visualization and meditation on various chakras > alone is oflittle value when the goal is > abiding in the Self, as the Self. As statedby > Bhagavan, no other practice than Self-abidance is > necessary: "Asoften as the mind goes out toward > outward objects, prevent it and fix itin the Self > or 'I'. This is all the effort required on your > part."Day by Day p.287 > > However, in my experience there is one useful aid in > preventing the mindfrom going out: > concentration on the ajna chakra. Again, please note > thatthe practice I'm about to describe isn't > necessary, but you mayfind it useful. You'll have to > judge for yourself. > > > 2.Concentration on Ajna Chakra as an aid to > Self-abidance > > Bhagavan says, "TheSelf is the Heart. The Heart is > self-luminous. Light arises from theHeart and > reaches the brain, which is the seat of the mind. If > the mindis turned in towards the source of > light, objective knowledge ceases andSelf alone > shines forth as the Heart." Talks p.94 > > Sages who know such things have declared the ajna > chakra as the seat ofthe mind and waking > consciousness. Thus, the ajna chakra is the seatof > the waking "I", the reflected light that shines > from theHeart. Concentrating on ajna chakra is the > most natural andharmonious chakra meditation > for those who follow the path ofSelf-abidance. > > Concentrating on the ajna chakra and the "I" > simultaneously isone of the recommended practices in > the Bhagavad Gita: > > "Firmly holding the spine, neck, and head erect and > motionless, letthe yogi focus his eyes at the > origin of the nose; let him not gazearound in > various directions. With serenity and fearlessness, > withsteadfastness in brahmacharya, with the mind > controlled, with thethoughts centered on Me, the > yogi should sit, meditating on Me as theFinal Goal." > Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6:13-14 > > In verse 6:13, the Sanskrit word > "naasikagraM"(naasikaa +agraM) is usually translated > as "at the > tip of the nose"(naasikaa=nose + agraM=at the tip). > Alternative meanings of"agra" from a sanskrit > dictionary are "origin","top", and "beginning". > Thus, some yogis havedeclared that, in this verse, > "agraM" should have the meaningof "at the tip-top". > Thus, "naasikagraM" translatesas "at the > tip-top of the nose (at the junction of the nose > andeyebrows). That point (or bindu) is the ajna > chakra. For those whowish to see a picture of where > the ajna chakra is located, take a look atthis > link: > > http://www.hindupaintings.com/product/HT68/ > > Notice the small pearl with two petals on either > side at the junction ofthe nose and eyebrows. > Most people think the ajna chakra is higher up inthe > forehead, but that is another chakra (the > soma chakra). Slowlyexplore this area with your > awareness and I think you'll definitely knowwhen > you've found the point. If you want me to say more > about finding theajna bindu I will, but give it > a try first. > > In addition to concentration on the ajna chakra, > Gita 6:14 says tomeditate on "Me". This is the > essence of Self-abidance. Foryears I practiced > Guru-bhakti this way--visualizing my guru at the > ajnachakra. Then, one day I discovered > Self-enquiry/Self-abidance andrealized that this > verse has > a completely different meaning in the lightof > Self-abidance: concentrate on ajna bindu and hold > fast to the"I". > > My personal experience with this practice is it's > something like tuning astringed instrument. If > you've ever tuned a guitar or other > stringedinstrument, you'll be familiar with the idea > of > resonance. If one stringis out of tone, you > gradually increase/decrease the tension until > itmatches the frequency of another string. When they > are exactly tunedthere is harmonious > resonance. If the tuning is off, even slightly, > thereis audible discord. When I find the proper > point at the junction of thenose and brows and hold > fast to the "I", there is a sort ofresonance > that makes it easier to hold the "I". > > This practice can be done anytime during the day, > not just during periodssitting meditation. If > you practice sitting meditation, there is onefurther > aid for the restless mind: Sri Yantra. > > > 3. Furtheraid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. > > It is clear that Bhagavanhad great regard for Sri > Yantra. On my alter are pictures of the Guru > andSri Yantra. Here is a brief explanation of how I > find it useful in thepractice of > Self-abidance. Once again, this isn't necessary, > butyou may find it useful. A simple Sri Yantra > can be seen at > > http://www.greenleaf-ink.com/sri_yantra_II_X.html > > Normally, Sri Yantra mediation is quite elaborate, > focusing on varioustriangles and their cosmic > meanings. The real value of the Yantra for > thepractice of Self-abidance lies in the bindu, or > central point. Thepractice is extremely simple: > focus the eyes on Yantra bindu and feel the"I" > within. This can be a powerful aid in calming the > restlessmind so that it can remain in > Self-abidance. Give it a try: look at theYantra > bindu in the link above and simultaneously feel > the"I"(at the ajna bindu). > > I find Yantra bindu concentration is a great aid at > the start of sittingmeditations. It quickly > takes me to a strong, joyful feeling of the Self.As > mind calms down, the eyes close and focus is > on the "I" atajna bindu. With further calming, there > is continued sinking into the"I" alone. If > the mind becomes restless, I open my eyes > andconcentrate on Yantra bindu and the "I" at the > ajna > chakra. Itprovides sufficient strength to calm the > mind and once again return toSelf-abidance... > > May these comments be of some value to all, Om Namo > Bhagavate SriRamanaya. > > David > > > Post message: RamanaMaharshi > Subscribe: > RamanaMaharshi- > Un: > RamanaMaharshi > List owner: RamanaMaharshi-owner > > Shortcut URL to this page: > > http://www./community/RamanaMaharshi > > > Sponsor > > > > Links > > > RamanaMaharshi/ > > > RamanaMaharshi > > Your use of is subject to the > > > > ===== > alan > > > > > > _________ > BT Broadband - Free modem offer, sign up > online today and save £80 http://bt..co.uk > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2004 Report Share Posted February 12, 2004 ---Dear Michael, if you go into Sri Chakra Yantra on Google you will find a number of sites to browse .Love, Alan Bowes <rmichaelbowes wrote: > Dear Alan or anyone, > > Do you know if a photo of Sri Chakra Yantra is > available anywhere? > > michael > > --- Alan Jacobs <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > ---Dear David , > > > > Thank you for your interesting posting which I find > > well worth studying.I too have discovered that > > for me, Ramana's Diving into the Heart commences > > from the ajna chakra .Also placing attention > > there, between the eyebrows on this pineal gland > > ,induces a stillness of the mind.Speaking of > > Yantras , Sri Bhagavan arranged with Ganapati Muni > > for a Sri Chakra to be engraved on gold and > > placed at the back of the Mother's Maha Samahdi > > Tomb.This illustrates his value of the importance > > of this Yantra.Sri Chakra Pujas are held at the > > Ashram to this day . Thanks and regards ,Alan > > > > > > McEwen <David.McEwen wrote: > > > > Namaste Shiva and All, > > > > >I have been reading a bit (see links below) trying > > to > > >better understand our chakras. I would like to hear > > of > > >progress by others, I am seeking some inspiration. > > > > I debated a long time whether to reply only to you, > > since few peoplefollowing the path of > > Self-enquiry pursue chakra meditations. I > > finallydecided on posting to the group in hopes that > > this reply may be of someuse to others. Here's the > > bottom line: If you are drawn to > > chakrameditation, concentrate on the ajna chakra > > (the spiritual eye) and forgetthe rest. The > > remainder of this post talks more about why, and how > > to doit in the context of Self-abidance. > > There are three parts to the reply: > > > > * Chakras and thinking, > > * An Aid to Self-abidance: concentration on Ajna > > Chakra, > > * Further aid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. > > > > My apologies for the posting length. This is a lot > > of verbiage for tocover a couple of very simple > > practices. I'm curious to see if anyonemakes it to > > the end before falling asleep. ;-) > > > > > > 1. Chakrasand thinking > > > > I have practiced raja yoga forabout 30 years, and > > Self-enquiry/Self-abidance for about 5 years. > > Theraja yoga I practiced involved extensive pranayam > > and chakra meditations.With only a couple of > > exceptions, I've ceased all previous practicesafter > > discovering abidance in Self-awareness. In my > > readings ofBhagavan's Talks and Collected Works, two > > quotes had strong impact onme: > > > > "To imagine Muladhara at the bottom, the Heart at > > the center, or thehead at the top or over all > > these, is all wrong. In one word, to thinkis not > > your real nature." From Talks. > > > > "Fixing the mind on the Self or the 'I' abiding in > > the Heart is theperfection of yoga, meditation, > > wisdom, devotion, and worship. Since theSupreme > > Being abides as the Self, constant surrender of > > the mind byabsorption in the Self is said to > > comprise all forms of worship. Mindcontrolled, all > > else is controlled. The mind is itself the > > life-current;the ignorant say that in form it looks > > like a coiled serpent. The sixsubtle centers > > (chakras) are merely mental pictures and are meant > > forbeginners in yoga. We project ourselves into the > > idols and worship them,because we do not > > understand true inward worship." [Emphasisadded] > > Collected Works, Self Enquiry. > > > > So, visualization and meditation on various chakras > > alone is oflittle value when the goal is > > abiding in the Self, as the Self. As statedby > > Bhagavan, no other practice than Self-abidance is > > necessary: "Asoften as the mind goes out toward > > outward objects, prevent it and fix itin the Self > > or 'I'. This is all the effort required on your > > part."Day by Day p.287 > > > > However, in my experience there is one useful aid in > > preventing the mindfrom going out: > > concentration on the ajna chakra. Again, please note > > thatthe practice I'm about to describe isn't > > necessary, but you mayfind it useful. You'll have to > > judge for yourself. > > > > > > 2.Concentration on Ajna Chakra as an aid to > > Self-abidance > > > > Bhagavan says, "TheSelf is the Heart. The Heart is > > self-luminous. Light arises from theHeart and > > reaches the brain, which is the seat of the mind. If > > the mindis turned in towards the source of > > light, objective knowledge ceases andSelf alone > > shines forth as the Heart." Talks p.94 > > > > Sages who know such things have declared the ajna > > chakra as the seat ofthe mind and waking > > consciousness. Thus, the ajna chakra is the seatof > > the waking "I", the reflected light that shines > > from theHeart. Concentrating on ajna chakra is the > > most natural andharmonious chakra meditation > > for those who follow the path ofSelf-abidance. > > > > Concentrating on the ajna chakra and the "I" > > simultaneously isone of the recommended practices in > > the Bhagavad Gita: > > > > "Firmly holding the spine, neck, and head erect and > > motionless, letthe yogi focus his eyes at the > > origin of the nose; let him not gazearound in > > various directions. With serenity and fearlessness, > > withsteadfastness in brahmacharya, with the mind > > controlled, with thethoughts centered on Me, the > > yogi should sit, meditating on Me as theFinal Goal." > > Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6:13-14 > > > > In verse 6:13, the Sanskrit word > > "naasikagraM"(naasikaa +agraM) is usually translated > > as "at the > > tip of the nose"(naasikaa=nose + agraM=at the tip). > > Alternative meanings of"agra" from a sanskrit > > dictionary are "origin","top", and "beginning". > > Thus, some yogis havedeclared that, in this verse, > > "agraM" should have the meaningof "at the tip-top". > > Thus, "naasikagraM" translatesas "at the > > tip-top of the nose (at the junction of the nose > > andeyebrows). That point (or bindu) is the ajna > > chakra. For those whowish to see a picture of where > > the ajna chakra is located, take a look atthis > > link: > > > > http://www.hindupaintings.com/product/HT68/ > > > > Notice the small pearl with two petals on either > > side at the junction ofthe nose and eyebrows. > > Most people think the ajna chakra is higher up inthe > > forehead, but that is another chakra (the > > soma chakra). Slowlyexplore this area with your > > awareness and I think you'll definitely knowwhen > > you've found the point. If you want me to say more > > about finding theajna bindu I will, but give it > > a try first. > > > > In addition to concentration on the ajna chakra, > > Gita 6:14 says tomeditate on "Me". This is the > > essence of Self-abidance. Foryears I practiced > > Guru-bhakti this way--visualizing my guru at the > > ajnachakra. Then, one day I discovered > > Self-enquiry/Self-abidance andrealized that this > > verse has > > a completely different meaning in the lightof > > Self-abidance: concentrate on ajna bindu and hold > > fast to the"I". > > > > My personal experience with this practice is it's > > something like tuning astringed instrument. If > > you've ever tuned a guitar or other > > stringedinstrument, you'll be familiar with the idea > > of > > resonance. If one stringis out of tone, you > > gradually increase/decrease the tension until > > itmatches the frequency of another string. When they > > are exactly tunedthere is harmonious > > resonance. If the tuning is off, even slightly, > > thereis audible discord. When I find the proper > > point at the junction of thenose and brows and hold > > fast to the "I", there is a sort ofresonance > > that makes it easier to hold the "I". > > > > This practice can be done anytime during the day, > > not just during periodssitting meditation. If > > you practice sitting meditation, there is onefurther > > aid for the restless mind: Sri Yantra. > > > > > > 3. Furtheraid to Self-abidance: Sri Yantra. > > > > It is clear that Bhagavanhad great regard for Sri > > Yantra. On my alter are pictures of the Guru > > andSri Yantra. Here is a brief explanation of how I > > find it useful in thepractice of > === message truncated === ===== alan _________ BT Broadband - Free modem offer, sign up online today and save £80 http://bt..co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2004 Report Share Posted February 12, 2004 Namaste Shiva, >Here is the value of the net satsang, good people like you respond to guide ignoramuses like me. Please don't say such things about yourself! Bhagavan and the sages have declared that we are Knowledge. Why affirm a falsehood? >Do I need a 3D or a real brass/copper Sree Yantra or a print out of the picture would be sufficient? It's up to you, but a print that easily hangs from the wall is sufficient. I don't recommend a 3D or ornate Sree Yantra as it could distract from practice. For example, I've found that lettering in the triangles is a distraction. Remember, the picture is just an aid for self-abidance. The point (no pun intended) is to focus on the bindu and the "I". Let the focus on Sree Yantra bindu help you hold fast to the "I". Keep the physical form of Sree Yantra very simple. >Do I need to concentrate on the heart space or is focusing on the 'I' using the technique below sufficient? Holding fast to the "I" is sufficient. To repeat Bhagavan's quote, ""As often as the mind goes out toward outward objects, prevent it and fix it in the Self or 'I'. This is all the effort required on your part." Day by Day p.287 The practice of Self-abidance is the essence of simplicity. No other practice is necessary. I have found that ajna bindu concentration and Sree Yantra concentration can be useful in helping to hold fast to the "I". >And if I may - Are you in touch with your heart space? I come from a yoga background. Verse 4 from Arunachala Pancharatna states, Abandoning the outer world, The mind and breath controlled, To meditate on Thee within, The Yogi sees Thy Light, O Arunachala! And finds his delight in Thee. I have seen the living cosmic Sun that is the "I" of this universe. >May Lord Shiva bless you. You may be interested to know yogis declare that at the ajna chakra is the Shiva granthi (or knot). If you can pierce the knot, oneness with Shiva results. Holding fast to the "I" at the ajna bindu is thus the greatest Shiva bhakti that leads to piercing the knot. Om Nama Shivaya David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2004 Report Share Posted February 15, 2004 Namaste, Shiva Bhakta, You have received elaborate notes and instructions from few members in this group and I am sure what appeals to you will take you further in your endeavour. Bhagavan's keenness in the Sri Chakra pratishtapana and upasana have also been quoted. It is not unusual for a Jnani to follow Sri Chakra upasana or show interest. To those who are not aware, the Jagadguru Shankaracharya at Sri Sharada Peetam, Sringeri, performs Sri Chakra puja every friday. Sri Chandrasekahara Bharati swaminah, the 34th pontiff took to vichara, akin to Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, leading to Self Realisation. He never practised Hatha yoga or any other such kind of sadhana. My grand father was fortunate to be Private Secretary to His Holiness and thus had the previlage of being one among the very few to be in close proximity to His Holiness. While firmly abiding in the Self all along, His Holiness was considered a great Sri Vidya Upasaka. Apart from the bahya or bahiranga sadhana (external) where you worship Sri Chakra - a photo or the 3D image, an advanced upasaka follows antaranga sadhana (internal). This antaranga sadhana is explained in detail in Bhaavanopanishad. This upanishad starts with "Sri Guruh Sarva Karanabhuta Shaktihi" (surrender first!) and "The nine gated body is Sri Chakra". The following link gives a simple translation of the text of Bhaavanopanishad. http://www.hubcom.com/magee/tantra/BHAVANA.HTM You will find that even if various thoughts arise, including dehaatma bhava, the upanishad helps in ultimately directing it to the source of all thoughts. Though Bhagavan generally turned all questions related to sadhana or different paths to Self enquiry, there is an instance where he explained in detail about Kundalini Yoga to a visitor from North India. Elder devotees have said that if Bhagavan found that Kundalini Yoga alone was suitable for the progress of such a sadhaka, Bhagavan would get into minute details of such sadhana and explain it. Bhagavan has told that the heart space is said to be in the right hand side for comprehension of those who wanted to know a location in the body, this is for those with dehatmabhava. There is also mention of this location in Vedas to be two thumb widths to the right from the centre of chest. But this heart space is everywhere as told by Bhagavan to Papaji (Sri Hariwansh Lal Poonja Maharaj, who, incidentally was a close family friend of ours and stayed with us for long during his days in South India) Hridayam, he said, is 'ayam hrit', where the notion of 'I' arises, the source. If it appeals to you, you may focus your attention on physical location of right hand side of chest or just watch and direct your attention as to where all thoughts and the 'I' thought comes forth. The chaitanya from where it springs forth is definitely not confined to a particular location in the body. You will know this as vichara/enquiry progresses. In may case, while doing Gayatri Japa, all consciousness of body was lost, the source from where Gayatri was coming forth was definitely not from a point to be located anywhere, there was no body to feel, no limitation demarking inside or outside. I had to tap my lap or pinch the body to come back to body consciousness. If you are focussing your attention on any of the chakras while meditating, I would suggest never to focus on Muladhara and Swadhishtana but begin from Manipura. For a satwic sadhana the beginning is from Manipura. Ajna is best and you have already received this suggestion. I have found that focussing on Brahmarandhra/Sahasrara has benefited me most. But this focusing on Ajna or Sahasrara was gradually guided not to focus on a physical point but towards the source of my Being. (Guided as I sat in mediation at Samadhi shrine of Bhagavan in Ramanashram and Samadhi shrines of erst while Jagadgurus at Sringeri). The Self or Parabrahma Tattva is everywhere and if that is expressed in a body called Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi or Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati or another sage, it is our problem if we see different bodies and differentiate their utterances. While Paramacharya of Kanchi Sri Chandrasekahara Saraswati was travelling in Tiruvannamalai, someone asked Bhagavan if he had met Paramacharya, Bhagavan's reply was in the lines of "When were we away to meet now. We are always one." The technique of simple focussing on a chakra is not harmful. If you are trying to force Kundalini Shakti to move upwards along spine with a combination of asana, pranayama, bandha, mudra and mantra, it has to be strictly followed under the direct supervision of an adept in Kundalini Yoga or in the presence of a Self Realised Master. An ordinary practitioner can never help you from the perils that you might have read. Never start with any kind of expectation of an extraordinary experience. This is a great obstruction to sadhana. On the other hand, surrender to Sadguru and beginning without expectation for experiences will help you a lot. I would suggest not to bother about Kundalini rising or chakras acknowledging, as you go about your sadhana, it all happens automatically when you are prepared in due course. The perils are caused when you are fit for the Kundalini to raise only up to Manipura and you are forcing it to reach a higher chakra. The advantage of focusing on Ajna or Sahasrara is best explained figuratively in the words of Swami Nityananda (of Ganeshpuri). I have not re-produced his words verbatim here but the message is accurate. "There is a pond with very sweet water at the bottom. It is dark while you peep in, you do not know the depth, nor do you know if the walls are infested by dangerous insects and pests. The way down is unknown as well and it might be slippery. There is every chance of you falling down and not being able to come up. So play safe, stay at the top, use a pully, lower the vessel tied to a rope and draw the water and drink it." This way, the perils you have read can be avoided. When I take 'I mean business' attitude as regards my sadhana, I find it fruitful and profitable. When the intensity and schedule is slackened, I incur loss:-) I make it a point to continue with enquiry or if that is impossible stay in deep remembrance of Sadguru, while walking, travelling, eating or any time while I am not required to focus my attention on a particular work. This has helped me to overcome the limitation of fixing a time and place for sadhana. When I am free from work, I am prepared to sit anytime, anywhere. Life's mission is Self Realisation. Don't stop until you have accomplished the mission. My best wishes to you and may God bless you. NagarajaShiva Bhakta <shivabhakta (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote: I have been meditating ...(only a week so far) trying to feel the Sahasrara, Ajna, Vishuddhi, Anahata, Manipura, Svadhistana, Muladhara. So far no luck yet. I can feel a throbbing at the Vishuddhi, nothing more... How is the heart space (to the right hand side as said by Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi) different from Anahata? How are they related I have been reading a bit (see links below) trying to better understand our chakras I would like to hear of progress by others, I am seeking some inspiration. Also, any personal recommendations /websites to help in the concentration and awareness, should be helpful too. I had a question that I had clarified - that these techniques would NOT be harmful and I was told that it will NOT be harmful. But I hear of the perils of Kundalini shakti rising and I am a bit paranoid of this...any suggesions will be helpful. Is it possible that we need to attain a high level of behavior before these chakras start acknowledging themselves? At this time, I am spiritually quite dense and I just wonder if someone like me could ever achieve some progress, let alone enlightenment Thanks, SHIVA BHAKTA India Insurance Special: Be informed on the best policies, services, tools and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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