Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Swami sadasivananda <sadasivananda wrote: Question: “Is the Hindu view of reincarnation correct?†Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with regards to “reincarnationâ€. And as was his habit, he always spoke in a manner that would suit the temperament of the questioner. In some cases, he would elaborate on the “conditions†of the mind, the vasanas or habits therein, that would cause the ego (the lower mind) to take up another body after the present one became physically depleted. However, it seems fair to say that he usually would expound on this topic with this answer found in Talks: “No definite answer is possible for this question. There are pros and cons for the view. Even the present birth is denied “na tvevaham jatu nasam... etc.â€: Bhagavad Gita II: 12: “Truly, there was never a time when I was not, nor you, nor these lords of men; and neither will there be a time when we shall cease to be, form this time onward.†Question: “What then is the meaning, in the previous verses declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of a difference between the “living†and the “deadâ€? You have asked a wonderful question, which lies right at the very heart of a proper understanding needed to achieve real spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence, therefore, that this secret is revealed in the very first teaching of Sri Krishna within the Bhagavad Gita. Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that there was never a time when “we†ceased to be, He says: “gatasun agatasums ca nanusocanti panditahâ€, “The wise mourn neither for the dead or for the living.†The word used for “dead†is “gatasunâ€, the gone. The word used for “living†is “agatasunâ€, the not gone. So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The answer is found by looking within the meanings of the root words in Sanskrit that formed the two words in question. In both cases they are the same, coming from “gata†and “asuâ€. “Gata†means gone, “asu†means breath! Now we should begin to see the reason why many scriptures of various religions refer to what we nonchalantly call “respiration†to, in reality, be the “Breath of Lifeâ€. Bhagavan says, in his famous eksloke, engraved above his marble statue in the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated to the Divine Mother: “If you follow the “I†thought to it’s source, or the breath to it’s source, you will arrive at the same origin- the Selfâ€. The Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The breath will lead you all the way to Nirvana.†Thus, within many correct forms of meditation, watching the breath (awareness of its length and movement) is an essential aspect of a practice that leads to the most advanced attainment, to the purpose of life. The breath is therefore a means for ending the cycle of successive lives, if only we use it skillfully. The Self never waivers, neither from increase nor diminishment, It is! We are sometimes given the gift of “breathâ€, and with it we progress towards higher life in God. Sometimes we move, without the need for breath to sustain us, through “other worldsâ€, “other mansions†within creation to approach and serve our Creator. It all depends on the lessons we need to learn, the appointments we need to keep, and the habits we need to break or acquire! Our meditation brings us, eventually through skillful practice, to complete awareness and realization of being truly “awake†in God. Sri Krishna, therefore, ends this most important second chapter of the Gita by explaining this state as “stita prajna – steady in wisdomâ€. It is synonymous with “liberation†in life; the extinction of pain, infinite bliss, and steady (poised with dignity) throughout all of life’s joys and sorrows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 I have a friend right ow who is struggling with the notion of reincarnation.Is the dialogue below something that is from a book, or is it a private communication?Thanks,avaOn May 27, 2009, at 5:42 PM, Yosy Flug wrote:Alan Jacobs wrote:>>>>> * Swami sadasivananda /<sadasivananda >/* wrote:>>> *Question**: “Is the Hindu view of reincarnation correct?” *>> > Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with regards to> “reincarnation”. And as was his habit, he always spoke in a manner> that would suit the temperament of the questioner. In some cases,> he would elaborate on the “conditions” of the mind, the /vasanas/> or habits therein, that would cause the ego (the lower mind) to> take up another body after the present one became physically> depleted. However, it seems fair to say that he usually would> expound on this topic with this answer found in /Talks/: “No> definite answer is possible for this question. There are pros and> cons for the view. Even the present birth is denied “/na tvevaham> jatu nasam/... etc.”: Bhagavad Gita II: 12: “Truly, there was> never a time when I was not, nor you, nor these lords of men; and> neither will there be a time when we shall cease to be, form this> time onward.”>> *Question:* “What then is the meaning, in the previous verses> declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of a difference between> the “living” and the “dead”?>> You have asked a wonderful question, which lies right at the> very heart of a proper understanding needed to achieve real> spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence, therefore, that this> secret is revealed in the very first teaching of Sri Krishna> within the Bhagavad Gita.> > Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that there was never a> time when “we” ceased to be, He says: “/gatasun agatasums ca> nanusocanti panditah/”, “The wise mourn neither for the dead or> for the living.” The word used for “dead” is “gatasun”, the gone.> The word used for “living” is “/agatasun/”, the not gone.>> So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The answer is found> by looking within the meanings of the root words in Sanskrit that> formed the two words in question. In both cases they are the same,> coming from “/gata/” and “/asu/”. “/Gata/” means gone, “/asu/”> means breath! Now we should begin to see the reason why many> scriptures of various religions refer to what we nonchalantly call> “respiration” to, in reality, be the “Breath of Life”. Bhagavan> says, in his famous /eksloke/, engraved above his marble statue in> the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated to the Divine Mother:> “If you follow the “I” thought to it’s source, or the breath to> it’s source, you will arrive at the same origin- the Self”. The> Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The breath will lead you all> the way to Nirvana.” Thus, within many correct forms of> meditation, watching the breath (awareness of its length and> movement) is an essential aspect of a practice that leads to the> most advanced attainment, to the purpose of life. The breath is> therefore a means for ending the cycle of successive lives, if> only we use it skillfully. The Self never waivers, neither from> increase nor diminishment, It is! We are sometimes given the gift> of “breath”, and with it we progress towards higher life in God.> Sometimes we move, without the need for breath to sustain us,> through “other worlds”, “other mansions” within creation to> approach and serve our Creator. It all depends on the lessons we> need to learn, the appointments we need to keep, and the habits we> need to break or acquire! Our meditation brings us, eventually> through skillful practice, to complete awareness and realization> of being truly “awake” in God. Sri Krishna, therefore, ends this> most important second chapter of the Gita by explaining this state> as “/stita prajna/ – steady in wisdom”. It is synonymous with> “liberation” in life; the extinction of pain, infinite bliss, and> steady (poised with dignity) throughout all of life’s joys and> sorrows. > oh yes!BreathBreathIs the bridgeBetween beingAnd being not.,Called by people"Life" and "Death".The timeless,All containing life,One without a secondHas nothing to oppose.The opposite of deathIs birth.Inhaling –I am born.Exhaling –I die.In the meantimeMy lifeFlows,Unaffected.Praise be!gratefully,yosy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Alan Jacobs wrote: > > > > > * Swami sadasivananda /<sadasivananda/* wrote: > > > *Question**: “Is the Hindu view of reincarnation correct?†* > > > Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with regards to > “reincarnationâ€. And as was his habit, he always spoke in a manner > that would suit the temperament of the questioner. In some cases, > he would elaborate on the “conditions†of the mind, the /vasanas/ > or habits therein, that would cause the ego (the lower mind) to > take up another body after the present one became physically > depleted. However, it seems fair to say that he usually would > expound on this topic with this answer found in /Talks/: “No > definite answer is possible for this question. There are pros and > cons for the view. Even the present birth is denied “/na tvevaham > jatu nasam/... etc.â€: Bhagavad Gita II: 12: “Truly, there was > never a time when I was not, nor you, nor these lords of men; and > neither will there be a time when we shall cease to be, form this > time onward.†> > *Question:* “What then is the meaning, in the previous verses > declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of a difference between > the “living†and the “deadâ€? > > You have asked a wonderful question, which lies right at the > very heart of a proper understanding needed to achieve real > spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence, therefore, that this > secret is revealed in the very first teaching of Sri Krishna > within the Bhagavad Gita. > > Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that there was never a > time when “we†ceased to be, He says: “/gatasun agatasums ca > nanusocanti panditah/â€, “The wise mourn neither for the dead or > for the living.†The word used for “dead†is “gatasunâ€, the gone. > The word used for “living†is “/agatasun/â€, the not gone. > > So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The answer is found > by looking within the meanings of the root words in Sanskrit that > formed the two words in question. In both cases they are the same, > coming from “/gata/†and “/asu/â€. “/Gata/†means gone, “/asu/†> means breath! Now we should begin to see the reason why many > scriptures of various religions refer to what we nonchalantly call > “respiration†to, in reality, be the “Breath of Lifeâ€. Bhagavan > says, in his famous /eksloke/, engraved above his marble statue in > the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated to the Divine Mother: > “If you follow the “I†thought to it’s source, or the breath to > it’s source, you will arrive at the same origin- the Selfâ€. The > Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The breath will lead you all > the way to Nirvana.†Thus, within many correct forms of > meditation, watching the breath (awareness of its length and > movement) is an essential aspect of a practice that leads to the > most advanced attainment, to the purpose of life. The breath is > therefore a means for ending the cycle of successive lives, if > only we use it skillfully. The Self never waivers, neither from > increase nor diminishment, It is! We are sometimes given the gift > of “breathâ€, and with it we progress towards higher life in God. > Sometimes we move, without the need for breath to sustain us, > through “other worldsâ€, “other mansions†within creation to > approach and serve our Creator. It all depends on the lessons we > need to learn, the appointments we need to keep, and the habits we > need to break or acquire! Our meditation brings us, eventually > through skillful practice, to complete awareness and realization > of being truly “awake†in God. Sri Krishna, therefore, ends this > most important second chapter of the Gita by explaining this state > as “/stita prajna/ – steady in wisdomâ€. It is synonymous with > “liberation†in life; the extinction of pain, infinite bliss, and > steady (poised with dignity) throughout all of life’s joys and > sorrows. > oh yes! Breath Breath Is the bridge Between being And being not., Called by people " Life " and " Death " . The timeless, All containing life, One without a second Has nothing to oppose. The opposite of death Is birth. Inhaling – I am born. Exhaling – I die. In the meantime My life Flows, Unaffected. Praise be! gratefully, yosy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 ava rosenblum wrote: > > > I have a friend right ow who is struggling with the notion of > reincarnation. > > Is the dialogue below something that is from a book, or is it a > private communication? > > Thanks, > ava hi ava, welcome to the company. as for your question: the first part appears to be from the teachings of beloved ramana, and the reply is a poem that wrote itself long ago, expressing ongoing experience.... yosy ps.... as for your friend, this may clarify it further: the blue hole dive 1972 death beckoned me softly and i followed. but then it smiled, saying: do not rush, my dear. anyway, your corpse is mine and keeps on dying all the time! but you are not. unborn, boundless, how can you die? wake up, my friend and return to the surface. there is no " i " ! nnb (nothing new below) > > > ava > On May 27, 2009, at 5:42 PM, Yosy Flug wrote: > >> >> >> Alan Jacobs wrote: >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > * Swami sadasivananda /<sadasivananda >> <sadasivananda%40gmail.com>>/* wrote: >> > >> > >> > *Question**: “Is the Hindu view of reincarnation correct?” * >> > >> > >> > Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with regards to >> > “reincarnation”. And as was his habit, he always spoke in a manner >> > that would suit the temperament of the questioner. In some cases, >> > he would elaborate on the “conditions” of the mind, the /vasanas/ >> > or habits therein, that would cause the ego (the lower mind) to >> > take up another body after the present one became physically >> > depleted. However, it seems fair to say that he usually would >> > expound on this topic with this answer found in /Talks/: “No >> > definite answer is possible for this question. There are pros and >> > cons for the view. Even the present birth is denied “/na tvevaham >> > jatu nasam/... etc.”: Bhagavad Gita II: 12: “Truly, there was >> > never a time when I was not, nor you, nor these lords of men; and >> > neither will there be a time when we shall cease to be, form this >> > time onward.” >> > >> > *Question:* “What then is the meaning, in the previous verses >> > declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of a difference between >> > the “living” and the “dead”? >> > >> > You have asked a wonderful question, which lies right at the >> > very heart of a proper understanding needed to achieve real >> > spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence, therefore, that this >> > secret is revealed in the very first teaching of Sri Krishna >> > within the Bhagavad Gita. >> > >> > Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that there was never a >> > time when “we” ceased to be, He says: “/gatasun agatasums ca >> > nanusocanti panditah/”, “The wise mourn neither for the dead or >> > for the living.” The word used for “dead” is “gatasun”, the gone. >> > The word used for “living” is “/agatasun/”, the not gone. >> > >> > So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The answer is found >> > by looking within the meanings of the root words in Sanskrit that >> > formed the two words in question. In both cases they are the same, >> > coming from “/gata/” and “/asu/”. “/Gata/” means gone, “/asu/” >> > means breath! Now we should begin to see the reason why many >> > scriptures of various religions refer to what we nonchalantly call >> > “respiration” to, in reality, be the “Breath of Life”. Bhagavan >> > says, in his famous /eksloke/, engraved above his marble statue in >> > the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated to the Divine Mother: >> > “If you follow the “I” thought to it’s source, or the breath to >> > it’s source, you will arrive at the same origin- the Self”. The >> > Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The breath will lead you all >> > the way to Nirvana.” Thus, within many correct forms of >> > meditation, watching the breath (awareness of its length and >> > movement) is an essential aspect of a practice that leads to the >> > most advanced attainment, to the purpose of life. The breath is >> > therefore a means for ending the cycle of successive lives, if >> > only we use it skillfully. The Self never waivers, neither from >> > increase nor diminishment, It is! We are sometimes given the gift >> > of “breath”, and with it we progress towards higher life in God. >> > Sometimes we move, without the need for breath to sustain us, >> > through “other worlds”, “other mansions” within creation to >> > approach and serve our Creator. It all depends on the lessons we >> > need to learn, the appointments we need to keep, and the habits we >> > need to break or acquire! Our meditation brings us, eventually >> > through skillful practice, to complete awareness and realization >> > of being truly “awake” in God. Sri Krishna, therefore, ends this >> > most important second chapter of the Gita by explaining this state >> > as “/stita prajna/ – steady in wisdom”. It is synonymous with >> > “liberation” in life; the extinction of pain, infinite bliss, and >> > steady (poised with dignity) throughout all of life’s joys and >> > sorrows. >> > >> >> oh yes! >> >> >> Breath >> >> Breath >> Is the bridge >> Between being >> And being not., >> Called by people >> " Life " and " Death " . >> >> The timeless, >> All containing life, >> One without a second >> Has nothing to oppose. >> The opposite of death >> Is birth. >> >> Inhaling – >> I am born. >> Exhaling – >> I die. >> In the meantime >> My life >> Flows, >> Unaffected. >> >> Praise be! >> >> gratefully, >> yosy >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Dear Ava, This is a private communication from a highly respected Swami who lives at Tiru. He was 30 years in the Anandamayima ashram before coming to Arunachala and Bhagavan. All regards and best wishes, Alan --- On Thu, 28/5/09, Yosy Flug <yosyflug wrote: > Yosy Flug <yosyflug > Re: A QUESTION OF LIFE AND DEATH > > Thursday, 28 May, 2009, 1:21 AM > ava rosenblum wrote: > > > > > > I have a friend right ow who is struggling with the > notion of > > reincarnation. > > > > Is the dialogue below something that is from a book, > or is it a > > private communication? > > > > Thanks, > ava > >  hi ava, welcome to the company. as for your > question: > the first part appears to be from the teachings of beloved > ramana, and the reply is a poem that wrote itself > long ago, > expressing ongoing experience.... > > yosy > > > > > ps.... as for your friend, this may clarify it further: > > the blue hole dive 1972 > > death > beckoned me softly > and i followed. > but then > it smiled, saying: > do not rush, my dear. > anyway, your corpse is mine > and keeps on dying > all the time! > but you are not. > unborn, boundless, > how can you die? > wake up, my friend > and return to the surface. > there is no " i " ! > > > > > nnb (nothing new below) > > > > > > ava > > On May 27, 2009, at 5:42 PM, Yosy Flug wrote: > > > >> > >> > >> Alan Jacobs wrote: > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > * Swami sadasivananda /<sadasivananda > > >> <sadasivananda%40gmail.com>>/* > wrote: > >> > > >> > > >> > *Question**: “Is the Hindu view of > reincarnation correct?†* > >> > > >> > > >> > Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with > regards to > >> > “reincarnationâ€. And as was his habit, he > always spoke in a manner > >> > that would suit the temperament of the > questioner. In some cases, > >> > he would elaborate on the “conditions†of > the mind, the /vasanas/ > >> > or habits therein, that would cause the ego > (the lower mind) to > >> > take up another body after the present one > became physically > >> > depleted. However, it seems fair to say that > he usually would > >> > expound on this topic with this answer found > in /Talks/: “No > >> > definite answer is possible for this > question. There are pros and > >> > cons for the view. Even the present birth is > denied “/na tvevaham > >> > jatu nasam/... etc.â€: Bhagavad Gita II: 12: > “Truly, there was > >> > never a time when I was not, nor you, nor > these lords of men; and > >> > neither will there be a time when we shall > cease to be, form this > >> > time onward.†> >> > > >> > *Question:* “What then is the meaning, in > the previous verses > >> > declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of > a difference between > >> > the “living†and the “deadâ€? > >> > > >> > You have asked a wonderful question, which > lies right at the > >> > very heart of a proper understanding needed > to achieve real > >> > spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence, > therefore, that this > >> > secret is revealed in the very first teaching > of Sri Krishna > >> > within the Bhagavad Gita. > >> > > >> > Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that > there was never a > >> > time when “we†ceased to be, He says: > “/gatasun agatasums ca > >> > nanusocanti panditah/â€, “The wise mourn > neither for the dead or > >> > for the living.†The word used for > “dead†is “gatasunâ€, the gone. > >> > The word used for “living†is > “/agatasun/â€, the not gone. > >> > > >> > So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The > answer is found > >> > by looking within the meanings of the root > words in Sanskrit that > >> > formed the two words in question. In both > cases they are the same, > >> > coming from “/gata/†and “/asu/â€. > “/Gata/†means gone, “/asu/†> >> > means breath! Now we should begin to see the > reason why many > >> > scriptures of various religions refer to what > we nonchalantly call > >> > “respiration†to, in reality, be the > “Breath of Lifeâ€. Bhagavan > >> > says, in his famous /eksloke/, engraved above > his marble statue in > >> > the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated > to the Divine Mother: > >> > “If you follow the “I†thought to > it’s source, or the breath to > >> > it’s source, you will arrive at the same > origin- the Selfâ€. The > >> > Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The > breath will lead you all > >> > the way to Nirvana.†Thus, within many > correct forms of > >> > meditation, watching the breath (awareness of > its length and > >> > movement) is an essential aspect of a > practice that leads to the > >> > most advanced attainment, to the purpose of > life. The breath is > >> > therefore a means for ending the cycle of > successive lives, if > >> > only we use it skillfully. The Self never > waivers, neither from > >> > increase nor diminishment, It is! We are > sometimes given the gift > >> > of “breathâ€, and with it we progress > towards higher life in God. > >> > Sometimes we move, without the need for > breath to sustain us, > >> > through “other worldsâ€, “other > mansions†within creation to > >> > approach and serve our Creator. It all > depends on the lessons we > >> > need to learn, the appointments we need to > keep, and the habits we > >> > need to break or acquire! Our meditation > brings us, eventually > >> > through skillful practice, to complete > awareness and realization > >> > of being truly “awake†in God. Sri > Krishna, therefore, ends this > >> > most important second chapter of the Gita by > explaining this state > >> > as “/stita prajna/ – steady in wisdomâ€. > It is synonymous with > >> > “liberation†in life; the extinction of > pain, infinite bliss, and > >> > steady (poised with dignity) throughout all > of life’s joys and > >> > sorrows. > >> > > >> > >> oh yes! > >> > >> > >> Breath > >> > >> Breath > >> Is the bridge > >> Between being > >> And being not., > >> Called by people > >> " Life " and " Death " . > >> > >> The timeless, > >> All containing life, > >> One without a second > >> Has nothing to oppose. > >> The opposite of death > >> Is birth.. > >> > >> Inhaling – > >> I am born. > >> Exhaling – > >> I die. > >> In the meantime > >> My life > >> Flows, > >> Unaffected. > >> > >> Praise be! > >> > >> gratefully, > >> yosy > >> > > > > > > --- > > is supported by . New articles are > added there on a continuous basis. Please register at . You will be kept updated and get > the new articles which are posted on the site very nicely > formatted in your e-mail. > > Friends, after registering at , if you wish to > contribute your writing to the site, please let me know. > Your articles should be original, well written, using > subtitles, and be carefully proofread and polished. For a > list of topics considered, please go to and take a look at the site. Thanks. > > > Namaste and love to all > Harsha > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 so, I assume then it would not be appropriate to pass along?Thanks.avaOn May 27, 2009, at 8:20 PM, Alan Jacobs wrote:Dear Ava,This is a private communication from a highly respected Swami who lives at Tiru. He was 30 years in the Anandamayima ashram before coming to Arunachala and Bhagavan.All regards and best wishes,Alan--- On Thu, 28/5/09, Yosy Flug <yosyflug (AT) isdn (DOT) net.il> wrote:> Yosy Flug <yosyflug (AT) isdn (DOT) net.il>> Re: A QUESTION OF LIFE AND DEATH> To: > Thursday, 28 May, 2009, 1:21 AM> ava rosenblum wrote:> >> >> > I have a friend right ow who is struggling with the> notion of > > reincarnation.> >> > Is the dialogue below something that is from a book,> or is it a > > private communication?> >> > Thanks, > > > > > > > > ava> > hi ava, welcome to the company. as for your> question:> the first part appears to be from the teachings of beloved> ramana, and the reply is a poem that wrote itself> long ago,> expressing ongoing experience....> > yosy> > > > > ps.... as for your friend, this may clarify it further:> > the blue hole dive 1972> > death> beckoned me softly> and i followed.> but then> it smiled, saying:> do not rush, my dear.> anyway, your corpse is mine> and keeps on dying> all the time!> but you are not. > unborn, boundless,> how can you die?> wake up, my friend> and return to the surface. > there is no "i"! > > > > > nnb (nothing new below)> >> >> > ava> > On May 27, 2009, at 5:42 PM, Yosy Flug wrote:> >> >>> >>> >> Alan Jacobs wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > * Swami sadasivananda /<sadasivananda > > >> <sadasivananda%40gmail.com>>/*> wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> > *Question**: “Is the Hindu view of> reincarnation correct?” *> >> >> >> > > >> > Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with> regards to> >> > “reincarnation”. And as was his habit, he> always spoke in a manner> >> > that would suit the temperament of the> questioner. In some cases,> >> > he would elaborate on the “conditions” of> the mind, the /vasanas/> >> > or habits therein, that would cause the ego> (the lower mind) to> >> > take up another body after the present one> became physically> >> > depleted. However, it seems fair to say that> he usually would> >> > expound on this topic with this answer found> in /Talks/: “No> >> > definite answer is possible for this> question. There are pros and> >> > cons for the view. Even the present birth is> denied “/na tvevaham> >> > jatu nasam/... etc.”: Bhagavad Gita II: 12:> “Truly, there was> >> > never a time when I was not, nor you, nor> these lords of men; and> >> > neither will there be a time when we shall> cease to be, form this> >> > time onward.”> >> >> >> > *Question:* “What then is the meaning, in> the previous verses> >> > declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of> a difference between> >> > the “living” and the “dead”?> >> >> >> > You have asked a wonderful question, which> lies right at the> >> > very heart of a proper understanding needed> to achieve real> >> > spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence,> therefore, that this> >> > secret is revealed in the very first teaching> of Sri Krishna> >> > within the Bhagavad Gita.> >> > > >> > Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that> there was never a> >> > time when “we” ceased to be, He says:> “/gatasun agatasums ca> >> > nanusocanti panditah/”, “The wise mourn> neither for the dead or> >> > for the living.” The word used for> “dead” is “gatasun”, the gone.> >> > The word used for “living” is> “/agatasun/”, the not gone.> >> >> >> > So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The> answer is found> >> > by looking within the meanings of the root> words in Sanskrit that> >> > formed the two words in question. In both> cases they are the same,> >> > coming from “/gata/” and “/asu/”.> “/Gata/” means gone, “/asu/”> >> > means breath! Now we should begin to see the> reason why many> >> > scriptures of various religions refer to what> we nonchalantly call> >> > “respiration” to, in reality, be the> “Breath of Life”. Bhagavan> >> > says, in his famous /eksloke/, engraved above> his marble statue in> >> > the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated> to the Divine Mother:> >> > “If you follow the “I” thought to> it’s source, or the breath to> >> > it’s source, you will arrive at the same> origin- the Self”. The> >> > Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The> breath will lead you all> >> > the way to Nirvana.” Thus, within many> correct forms of> >> > meditation, watching the breath (awareness of> its length and> >> > movement) is an essential aspect of a> practice that leads to the> >> > most advanced attainment, to the purpose of> life. The breath is> >> > therefore a means for ending the cycle of> successive lives, if> >> > only we use it skillfully. The Self never> waivers, neither from> >> > increase nor diminishment, It is! We are> sometimes given the gift> >> > of “breath”, and with it we progress> towards higher life in God.> >> > Sometimes we move, without the need for> breath to sustain us,> >> > through “other worlds”, “other> mansions” within creation to> >> > approach and serve our Creator. It all> depends on the lessons we> >> > need to learn, the appointments we need to> keep, and the habits we> >> > need to break or acquire! Our meditation> brings us, eventually> >> > through skillful practice, to complete> awareness and realization> >> > of being truly “awake” in God. Sri> Krishna, therefore, ends this> >> > most important second chapter of the Gita by> explaining this state> >> > as “/stita prajna/ – steady in wisdom”.> It is synonymous with> >> > “liberation” in life; the extinction of> pain, infinite bliss, and> >> > steady (poised with dignity) throughout all> of life’s joys and> >> > sorrows. > >> >> >>> >> oh yes!> >>> >>> >> Breath> >>> >> Breath> >> Is the bridge> >> Between being> >> And being not.,> >> Called by people> >> "Life" and "Death".> >>> >> The timeless,> >> All containing life,> >> One without a second> >> Has nothing to oppose.> >> The opposite of death> >> Is birth..> >>> >> Inhaling –> >> I am born.> >> Exhaling –> >> I die.> >> In the meantime> >> My life> >> Flows,> >> Unaffected.> >>> >> Praise be!> >>> >> gratefully,> >> yosy> >>> >> > > > ---> > is supported by . New articles are> added there on a continuous basis. Please register at . You will be kept updated and get> the new articles which are posted on the site very nicely> formatted in your e-mail.> > Friends, after registering at , if you wish to> contribute your writing to the site, please let me know.> Your articles should be original, well written, using> subtitles, and be carefully proofread and polished. For a> list of topics considered, please go to and take a look at the site. Thanks.> > > Namaste and love to all> Harsha> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Dear Ava,It is quite appropriate to pass along. Swamiji has given permission. He can even write directly to him if he wishes.All the best, Alan --- On Thu, 28/5/09, ava rosenblum <gsand wrote:ava rosenblum <gsandRe: A QUESTION OF LIFE AND DEATH Date: Thursday, 28 May, 2009, 2:32 AM so, I assume then it would not be appropriate to pass along?Thanks.avaOn May 27, 2009, at 8:20 PM, Alan Jacobs wrote:Dear Ava,This is a private communication from a highly respected Swami who lives at Tiru. He was 30 years in the Anandamayima ashram before coming to Arunachala and Bhagavan.All regards and best wishes,Alan--- On Thu, 28/5/09, Yosy Flug <yosyflug (AT) isdn (DOT) net.il> wrote:> Yosy Flug <yosyflug (AT) isdn (DOT) net.il>> Re: A QUESTION OF LIFE AND DEATH> > Thursday, 28 May, 2009, 1:21 AM> ava rosenblum wrote:> >> >> > I have a friend right ow who is struggling with the> notion of > > reincarnation.> >> > Is the dialogue below something that is from a book,> or is it a > > private communication?> >> > Thanks, > > > > > > > > ava> > hi ava, welcome to the company. as for your> question:> the first part appears to be from the teachings of beloved> ramana, and the reply is a poem that wrote itself> long ago,> expressing ongoing experience.. ..> > yosy> > > > > ps.... as for your friend, this may clarify it further:> > the blue hole dive 1972> > death> beckoned me softly> and i followed.> but then> it smiled, saying:> do not rush, my dear.> anyway, your corpse is mine> and keeps on dying> all the time!> but you are not. > unborn, boundless,> how can you die?> wake up, my friend> and return to the surface. > there is no "i"! > > > > > nnb (nothing new below)> >> >> > ava> > On May 27, 2009, at 5:42 PM, Yosy Flug wrote:> >> >>> >>> >> Alan Jacobs wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > * Swami sadasivananda /<sadasivananda@ gmail.com> > >> <sadasivanan da%40gmail. com>>/*> wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> > *Question**: “Is the Hindu view of> reincarnation correct?†*> >> >> >> > > >> > Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with> regards to> >> > “reincarnation†. And as was his habit, he> always spoke in a manner> >> > that would suit the temperament of the> questioner. In some cases,> >> > he would elaborate on the “conditions†of> the mind, the /vasanas/> >> > or habits therein, that would cause the ego> (the lower mind) to> >> > take up another body after the present one> became physically> >> > depleted. However, it seems fair to say that> he usually would> >> > expound on this topic with this answer found> in /Talks/: “No> >> > definite answer is possible for this> question. There are pros and> >> > cons for the view. Even the present birth is> denied “/na tvevaham> >> > jatu nasam/... etc.â€: Bhagavad Gita II: 12:> “Truly, there was> >> > never a time when I was not, nor you, nor> these lords of men; and> >> > neither will there be a time when we shall> cease to be, form this> >> > time onward.â€> >> >> >> > *Question:* “What then is the meaning, in> the previous verses> >> > declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of> a difference between> >> > the “living†and the “deadâ€?> >> >> >> > You have asked a wonderful question, which> lies right at the> >> > very heart of a proper understanding needed> to achieve real> >> > spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence,> therefore, that this> >> > secret is revealed in the very first teaching> of Sri Krishna> >> > within the Bhagavad Gita.> >> > > >> > Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that> there was never a> >> > time when “we†ceased to be, He says:> “/gatasun agatasums ca> >> > nanusocanti panditah/â€, “The wise mourn> neither for the dead or> >> > for the living.†The word used for> “dead†is “gatasunâ€, the gone.> >> > The word used for “living†is> “/agatasun/â€, the not gone.> >> >> >> > So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The> answer is found> >> > by looking within the meanings of the root> words in Sanskrit that> >> > formed the two words in question. In both> cases they are the same,> >> > coming from “/gata/†and “/asu/â€.> “/Gata/†means gone, “/asu/â€> >> > means breath! Now we should begin to see the> reason why many> >> > scriptures of various religions refer to what> we nonchalantly call> >> > “respiration†to, in reality, be the> “Breath of Lifeâ€. Bhagavan> >> > says, in his famous /eksloke/, engraved above> his marble statue in> >> > the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated> to the Divine Mother:> >> > “If you follow the “I†thought to> it’s source, or the breath to> >> > it’s source, you will arrive at the same> origin- the Selfâ€. The> >> > Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The> breath will lead you all> >> > the way to Nirvana.†Thus, within many> correct forms of> >> > meditation, watching the breath (awareness of> its length and> >> > movement) is an essential aspect of a> practice that leads to the> >> > most advanced attainment, to the purpose of> life. The breath is> >> > therefore a means for ending the cycle of> successive lives, if> >> > only we use it skillfully. The Self never> waivers, neither from> >> > increase nor diminishment, It is! We are> sometimes given the gift> >> > of “breathâ€, and with it we progress> towards higher life in God.> >> > Sometimes we move, without the need for> breath to sustain us,> >> > through “other worldsâ€, “other> mansions†within creation to> >> > approach and serve our Creator. It all> depends on the lessons we> >> > need to learn, the appointments we need to> keep, and the habits we> >> > need to break or acquire! Our meditation> brings us, eventually> >> > through skillful practice, to complete> awareness and realization> >> > of being truly “awake†in God. Sri> Krishna, therefore, ends this> >> > most important second chapter of the Gita by> explaining this state> >> > as “/stita prajna/ – steady in wisdomâ€.> It is synonymous with> >> > “liberation†in life; the extinction of> pain, infinite bliss, and> >> > steady (poised with dignity) throughout all> of life’s joys and> >> > sorrows. > >> >> >>> >> oh yes!> >>> >>> >> Breath> >>> >> Breath> >> Is the bridge> >> Between being> >> And being not.,> >> Called by people> >> "Life" and "Death".> >>> >> The timeless,> >> All containing life,> >> One without a second> >> Has nothing to oppose.> >> The opposite of death> >> Is birth..> >>> >> Inhaling –> >> I am born.> >> Exhaling –> >> I die.> >> In the meantime> >> My life> >> Flows,> >> Unaffected.> >>> >> Praise be!> >>> >> gratefully,> >> yosy> >>> >> > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > is supported by http://luthar. com/. New articles are> added there on a continuous basis. Please register at http://luthar. com/. You will be kept updated and get> the new articles which are posted on the site very nicely> formatted in your e-mail.> > Friends, after registering at http://luthar. com/, if you wish to> contribute your writing to the site, please let me know.> Your articles should be original, well written, using> subtitles, and be carefully proofread and polished. For a> list of topics considered, please go to http://luthar.. com/ and take a look at the site. Thanks.> > > Namaste and love to all> Harsha> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 *Thank you* so much!avaOn May 27, 2009, at 8:50 PM, Radhe wrote:You can find it at his blog... http://blog.ramanateaching.org/ Then click on the spiritual instructions link...it is his most recent upload :-)Pass away!!! No pun intended, but sure sounds like one, no? In His Service, Radhe - ava rosenblumTo: Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:32 PMSubject: Re: A QUESTION OF LIFE AND DEATHso, I assume then it would not be appropriate to pass along?Thanks.avaOn May 27, 2009, at 8:20 PM, Alan Jacobs wrote:Dear Ava,This is a private communication from a highly respected Swami who lives at Tiru. He was 30 years in the Anandamayima ashram before coming to Arunachala and Bhagavan.All regards and best wishes,Alan--- On Thu, 28/5/09, Yosy Flug <yosyflug (AT) isdn (DOT) net.il> wrote:> Yosy Flug <yosyflug (AT) isdn (DOT) net.il>> Re: A QUESTION OF LIFE AND DEATH> To: > Thursday, 28 May, 2009, 1:21 AM> ava rosenblum wrote:> >> >> > I have a friend right ow who is struggling with the> notion of > > reincarnation.> >> > Is the dialogue below something that is from a book,> or is it a > > private communication?> >> > Thanks, > > > > > > > > ava> > hi ava, welcome to the company. as for your> question:> the first part appears to be from the teachings of beloved> ramana, and the reply is a poem that wrote itself> long ago,> expressing ongoing experience....> > yosy> > > > > ps.... as for your friend, this may clarify it further:> > the blue hole dive 1972> > death> beckoned me softly> and i followed.> but then> it smiled, saying:> do not rush, my dear.> anyway, your corpse is mine> and keeps on dying> all the time!> but you are not. > unborn, boundless,> how can you die?> wake up, my friend> and return to the surface. > there is no "i"! > > > > > nnb (nothing new below)> >> >> > ava> > On May 27, 2009, at 5:42 PM, Yosy Flug wrote:> >> >>> >>> >> Alan Jacobs wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > * Swami sadasivananda /<sadasivananda > > >> <sadasivananda%40gmail.com>>/*> wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> > *Question**: “Is the Hindu view of> reincarnation correct?” *> >> >> >> > > >> > Sri Ramana Maharshi spoke many times with> regards to> >> > “reincarnation”. And as was his habit, he> always spoke in a manner> >> > that would suit the temperament of the> questioner. In some cases,> >> > he would elaborate on the “conditions” of> the mind, the /vasanas/> >> > or habits therein, that would cause the ego> (the lower mind) to> >> > take up another body after the present one> became physically> >> > depleted. However, it seems fair to say that> he usually would> >> > expound on this topic with this answer found> in /Talks/: “No> >> > definite answer is possible for this> question. There are pros and> >> > cons for the view. Even the present birth is> denied “/na tvevaham> >> > jatu nasam/... etc.”: Bhagavad Gita II: 12:> “Truly, there was> >> > never a time when I was not, nor you, nor> these lords of men; and> >> > neither will there be a time when we shall> cease to be, form this> >> > time onward.”> >> >> >> > *Question:* “What then is the meaning, in> the previous verses> >> > declaration of Sri Krishna (Gita II: 11), of> a difference between> >> > the “living” and the “dead”?> >> >> >> > You have asked a wonderful question, which> lies right at the> >> > very heart of a proper understanding needed> to achieve real> >> > spiritual progress. It is not a coincidence,> therefore, that this> >> > secret is revealed in the very first teaching> of Sri Krishna> >> > within the Bhagavad Gita.> >> > > >> > Immediately prior to the Lord declaring that> there was never a> >> > time when “we” ceased to be, He says:> “/gatasun agatasums ca> >> > nanusocanti panditah/”, “The wise mourn> neither for the dead or> >> > for the living.” The word used for> “dead” is “gatasun”, the gone.> >> > The word used for “living” is> “/agatasun/”, the not gone.> >> >> >> > So, what has gone, and where has it gone? The> answer is found> >> > by looking within the meanings of the root> words in Sanskrit that> >> > formed the two words in question. In both> cases they are the same,> >> > coming from “/gata/” and “/asu/”.> “/Gata/” means gone, “/asu/”> >> > means breath! Now we should begin to see the> reason why many> >> > scriptures of various religions refer to what> we nonchalantly call> >> > “respiration” to, in reality, be the> “Breath of Life”. Bhagavan> >> > says, in his famous /eksloke/, engraved above> his marble statue in> >> > the Ashrams new hall of the temple dedicated> to the Divine Mother:> >> > “If you follow the “I” thought to> it’s source, or the breath to> >> > it’s source, you will arrive at the same> origin- the Self”. The> >> > Buddha, and his descendants declare: “The> breath will lead you all> >> > the way to Nirvana.” Thus, within many> correct forms of> >> > meditation, watching the breath (awareness of> its length and> >> > movement) is an essential aspect of a> practice that leads to the> >> > most advanced attainment, to the purpose of> life. The breath is> >> > therefore a means for ending the cycle of> successive lives, if> >> > only we use it skillfully. The Self never> waivers, neither from> >> > increase nor diminishment, It is! We are> sometimes given the gift> >> > of “breath”, and with it we progress> towards higher life in God.> >> > Sometimes we move, without the need for> breath to sustain us,> >> > through “other worlds”, “other> mansions” within creation to> >> > approach and serve our Creator. It all> depends on the lessons we> >> > need to learn, the appointments we need to> keep, and the habits we> >> > need to break or acquire! Our meditation> brings us, eventually> >> > through skillful practice, to complete> awareness and realization> >> > of being truly “awake” in God. Sri> Krishna, therefore, ends this> >> > most important second chapter of the Gita by> explaining this state> >> > as “/stita prajna/ – steady in wisdom”.> It is synonymous with> >> > “liberation” in life; the extinction of> pain, infinite bliss, and> >> > steady (poised with dignity) throughout all> of life’s joys and> >> > sorrows. > >> >> >>> >> oh yes!> >>> >>> >> Breath> >>> >> Breath> >> Is the bridge> >> Between being> >> And being not.,> >> Called by people> >> "Life" and "Death".> >>> >> The timeless,> >> All containing life,> >> One without a second> >> Has nothing to oppose.> >> The opposite of death> >> Is birth..> >>> >> Inhaling –> >> I am born.> >> Exhaling –> >> I die.> >> In the meantime> >> My life> >> Flows,> >> Unaffected.> >>> >> Praise be!> >>> >> gratefully,> >> yosy> >>> >> > > > ---> > is supported by . New articles are> added there on a continuous basis. Please register at . You will be kept updated and get> the new articles which are posted on the site very nicely> formatted in your e-mail.> > Friends, after registering at , if you wish to> contribute your writing to the site, please let me know.> Your articles should be original, well written, using> subtitles, and be carefully proofread and polished. For a> list of topics considered, please go to and take a look at the site. Thanks.> > > Namaste and love to all> Harsha> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Alan Jacobs wrote: > > > Dear Ava, > > It is quite appropriate to pass along. Swamiji has given permission. > He can even write directly to him if he wishes.All the best, Alan > no copyright on truth... yosy > > --- On *Thu, 28/5/09, ava rosenblum /<gsand/* wrote: > > > ava rosenblum <gsand > Re: A QUESTION OF LIFE AND > DEATH > > Thursday, 28 May, 2009, 2:32 AM > > so, I assume then it would not be appropriate to pass along? > > > > Thanks. > > ava > <courtesy snip for lengths> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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