Spiritual
Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi and others
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Monday, May 13, 2024
Nirvana Shatakam
Verse 1
I am not the mind, intellect, ego or memory (the four aspects of what is known as antaḥkaraṇa). Nor am I (the five organs of perception) the ear, tongue, nose, eyes, (or skin), nor (the five elements) the space, earth, fire, air and water.
I am pure Knowledge and Bliss, I am Śiva, auspiciousness itself.
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Our inner instrument (antaḥkaraṇa) comprises of four aspects each having its own function. The mind that thinks or imagines, the intellect that discriminates and decides, the ego that calls itself the self, the doer and enjoyer, and the memory that recollects past experiences.
The five senses are the ability to hear, feel, see, taste and smell.
The sāttvika aspects of the five elements (space, air, fire, water and earth) in their subtle form are called the tanmātrās. They are the material cause that constitute the subtle body.
The subtle body (sūkṣma śarīra) along with its constituent elements is here negated as not being the true Self.
Obviously the true Self (ātmā) being the illuminator, or the enlivener of everything else including the subtle body, cannot be those illumined objects. Then, what is the true Self, the real I?
The affirmation comes from Bhagavān Śaṅkara,
‘I am of the nature of pure Consciousness and Bliss Supreme – the one Reality behind everything – I am Śiva, the auspicious.’
When we constantly and sincerely start practising meditation, chanting the verses and reflecting on them in this way, the mind slowly acquires a certain calmness, purity and clarity and becomes capable of abiding in the Truth.
Friday, March 15, 2024
Nisargadatta Gita
1. 1. The ‘I am’ came first; it is ever present, ever available. Refuse all thoughts except ‘I am’. Stay there.
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
What is reality
"Everyone is aware of two things, namely himself, the seer, and the world which he sees; and he assumes that they are both real. But that alone is real which has a continuous existence. Judged by this test, the two, the seer and the spectacle, are both unreal: these two appear intermittently. They are apparent in the waking and dream state alone. In the state of deep sleep, they cease to appear. That is, they appear. That is, they appear when the mind is active, and disappear as soon as the mind ceases to function. Therefore, the two are but thoughts of the mind.
There must be something from which the mind arises, and into which it subsides. That something must have a continuous, uninterrupted existence. That is, it must be the reality!"
- Ramana Maharshi
Thursday, November 16, 2023
DeMello: Being a Changed Person
Sunday, November 5, 2023
DeMello: The Most Important Minutes in Your Life
To acquire happiness you don't have to do anything, because happiness cannot be acquired.