Guest guest Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 Om Namah Sivaya Saivites consider that there are FOUR Progressive stages to realise Siva, termed Charya,Kriya, Yoga and Jnana. These four categories are the natural sequence of the soul's evolutionary process, much like the development of a butterfly from egg to larva, from larva to catapillar, from caterpillar to pupa, and then the final metamorphosis from pupa to butterfly. Charya is the performance of altruistic religious service and living according to traditional ethical conduct & culture and is the stage of overcoming basic instinctive patterns. This has the magical effect of softening ego bringing forth the soul’s innate devotion. Here the soul relates to God as servant to master Kriya is joyous and regular worship (includes puja,japa, fasting and scriptural learning). In this stage one overcomes the obstinacy of the instinctive-intellectual mind. We now look upon the deity image not as cave stone, but as living presence of the God. Here the soul relates to God as son to his parents. Yoga is internalized worship which leads to union with God. In this stage the kundalini fire of consciousness ascends to the higher charkas, burning the dross of ignorance and past karmas and leads first to Savikalpa Samadhi, the contemplative experience of Satchidananda, and ultimately to Nirvikalpa Samadhi, experience ParaSiva. Here the soul relates to God as the best friend. Jnana is divine wisdom emanating from an enlightened being, a soul in its maturity, immersed in Sivaness, the blessed realization of God, while living out earthly karma. He is the liberated one, the jivanmukta. Here the soul identity itself with Siva.One does not become a Jnani simply by reading and understanding philosophy as the state of jnana lies beyond the intellect. Lord Siva Himself thought these progressive spiritual stages to the sons of Brahma, who are sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara (the first inhabitants of the earth)and by the grace of the Lord they attained immortality. Sivaya Namah Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.