Friday, November 5, 2010

Great Indian Founders




Great Founders

ARYABHATT (476 CE)

MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN
Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur ( Bihar ), Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499 CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel treatise on mathematics called "Aryabhatiyam." He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician, Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, "This value has been given by the Hindus." And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.
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BHASKARACHARYA II (1114-1183 CE)
GENIUS IN ALGEBRA
Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya's work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality. His renowned mathematical works called "Lilavati" and "Bijaganita" are considered to be unparalled and a memorial to his profound intelligence. Its translation in several languages of the world bear testimony to its eminence. In his treatise " Siddhant Shiromani " he writes on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, mathematical techniques and astronomical equipment. In the " Surya Siddhant " he makes a note on the force of gravity: "Objects fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the earth, planets, constellations, moon, and sun are held in orbit due to this attraction." Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton . He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India . His works fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars, who through research on his works earned fame and popularity.
ACHARYA KANAD (600 BCE)
FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY
As the founder of " Vaisheshik Darshan "- one of six principal philosophies of India - Acharya Kanad was a genius in philosophy. He is believed to have been born in Prabhas Kshetra near Dwarika in Gujarat . He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul. He says, "Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules." His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton . Kanad has also described the dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook , has said, "Compared to the scientists of Europe , Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters of this field."
NAGARJUNA (100 CE)
WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE
He was an extraordinary wizard of science born in the nondescript village of Baluka in Madhya Pradesh . His dedicated research for twelve years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of chemistry and metallurgy. Textual masterpieces like " Ras Ratnakar ," "Rashrudaya" and "Rasendramangal" are his renowned contributions to the science of chemistry. Where the medieval alchemists of England failed, Nagarjuna had discovered the alchemy of transmuting base metals into gold. As the author of medical books like "Arogyamanjari" and "Yogasar," he also made significant contributions to the field of curative medicine. Because of his profound scholarliness and versatile knowledge, he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda . Nagarjuna's milestone discoveries impress and astonish the scientists of today.
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ACHARYA CHARAK (600 BCE)
FATHER OF MEDICINE
Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the " Charak Samhita ", is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda. His principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe , Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the " Charak Samhita " he has described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of rishi-scientists.
ACHARYA SUSHRUT (600 BCE)
FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY
A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in " Sushrut Samhita ," a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe , Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations. In the " Sushrut Samhita ," he prescribes treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations. His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125 types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles, Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use of horse's hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the " Sushrut Samhita ," and fibers of bark. In the " Sushrut Samhita ," he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.
VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)
EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA
Renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in Avanti ( Ujjain ). Varahamihir's book "panchsiddhant" holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the " Bruhad Samhita " and " Bruhad Jatak ," he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology and astronomy.
ACHARYA PATANJALI (200 BCE)
FATHER OF YOGA
The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali , the founder, hailed from the district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh . He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness. Acharya Patanjali 's 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body. Yoga has eight limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.
ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE)
PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the " Yantra Sarvasva " which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through techniques described by him:
1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible through the application of sunlight and wind force.
2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine visible through the application of electrical force.
3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation in another plane.
4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what's happening inside another plane.
Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.

ACHARYA KAPIL (3000 BCE)

FATHER OF COSMOLOGY
Celebrated as the founder of Sankhya philosophy, Acharya Kapil is believed to have been born in 3000 BCE to the illustrious sage Kardam and Devhuti. He gifted the world with the Sankhya School of Thought. His pioneering work threw light on the nature and principles of the ultimate Soul (Purusha), primal matter (Prakruti) and creation. His concept of transformation of energy and profound commentaries on atma, non-atma and the subtle elements of the cosmos places him in an elite class of master achievers - incomparable to the discoveries of other cosmologists. On his assertion that Prakruti, with the inspiration of Purusha, is the mother of cosmic creation and all energies, he contributed a new chapter in the science of cosmology. Because of his extrasensory observations and revelations on the secrets of creation, he is recognized and saluted as the Father of Cosmology.
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Thursday, October 21, 2010

You and Supreme soul

 Dear friends of Yoga:

This piece is being shared because it touches on many of the finer points of Yoga philosophy. Also the references for the piece are second to none.

The publisher is an online vendor of artful things of Indian Yoga and religion. Frequently articles such as this are offered and are available by signing up. See bottom of page.

May you find peace and happiness through your explorations in Yoga.

In the light of Yoga:

John


From Individual Soul to The Supreme: A Study in Identity

Article of the Month - October 2010

The Vedas are unanimous in declaring God as the Supreme Soul (Param Atma), who is infinite (ananta). However, the most potent Vedic statements also declare: 'You are That' (Tat Tvam Asi), meaning that the individual soul is none other than the Supreme Soul. This naturally presents a problem. The individual soul, as we know it, is inevitably linked to our physical body. Therefore, there is no way that it can exceed the size of the body and share God's infinitude. How then can it be equated to the Supreme Soul? This problem can perhaps be solved if we are able to pinpoint the exact size of the individual soul (jiva atma).
Conjecture: In all probability it seems logical to assume that the jiva is of the size of the body itself.
This supposition does however present some issues. During childhood the size of the body is small which grows larger in youth. How does the soul accommodate this change in size? No one can say that it stretches itself. Also, what about rebirth? If we are to take the body of a cockroach in our next life will the soul compress itself, or will it expand if we are to take on the form of an elephant? More importantly, assigning a finite size to soul implies that it is non-eternal, since it is but our common experience that everything with a finite shape or size is ultimately prone to destruction.
What then do the Vedas themselves say in this regard? For one, the scriptures definitely seem to imply that the soul has a size, because they mention its passing out of the body at the time of death, and also its journeying to other worlds:
'The soul passes out of the body at the time of death, carrying along with it speech and other sense organs' (Kaushitaki Upanishad 3.4).
'To reap the fruits of its karma, the soul ascends to the region of the moon' (Kaushitaki Upanishad 1.2).
'The soul returns to the mortal world again to do fresh karma' (Brhadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.6).
Conjecture: If the individual soul was really infinite like the Supreme Soul, there would be no possibility of its movement. We have already seen that it cannot be of the size of the body. Since it is neither infinite, nor finite in size, therefore, it must be atomic in size, as declared by the scriptures:
'The soul is a hundredth part of the hundredth part of the tip of a hair' (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 5.9).
'The soul is finer than the tip of a pointed iron goad' (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 5.8).
A Refreshing Bathe in the River Ganga
A Refreshing Bathe in the River Ganga



Objection to the Conjecture: If the soul is atomic in size, it will be located at only a single point in the body, this will contradict our everyday experience that the whole body is conscious of a refreshing coolness when we bathe in the river Ganga, or in the summers we are conscious of heat all over our body.



Atomist: No, it is not a contradiction. Just as a drop of sandal paste (chandan), applied only to a particular part of the body, nevertheless produces a pleasant sensation all over the body, similarly the soul, even though located at only one part of the body, due to its contact with the skin (the organ of touch), derives the experience of pleasure and pain all over the body, because the skin is spread all over the body.
Question: This is an inadequate comparison. In the case of the sandal paste, we can directly perceive both, its point of application and the subsequent diffused experience of pleasantness all over the body. In the case of the soul however, we are aware of it only through the consciousness of pleasure and pain all over the body, but cannot at all pinpoint its exact location in the body as we can do for the sandal paste. Thus, we cannot say with certainty whether it is atomic in size with an exact location, or all-pervading like the akasha, as mentioned in the scriptures.
Atomist: This presents no problem at all. The Upanishads clearly mention the soul as residing in the heart (Brhadaranyaka Upanishad 4.3.7; Prashna Upanishad 3.6; Chandogya 8.3.3; Taittriya 2.1). So now we not only have the perception of the soul all over the body in the form of consciousness, but also its exact location inside the body. Hence, we can now safely reiterate that the individual soul (jiva atma) is atomic in size.
Or there is even another way which easily explains how the atomic soul even though located at one point in the body is experienced as consciousness all over it. Consider the example of a lamp kept in a one part of a room. Its light spreads over the whole room, similarly, the consciousness of the soul spreads all over the body and causes us the experience of pleasure and pain.
Objection to Atomist: The quality of a thing does not wander away beyond that thing in which it inheres. The whiteness of a piece of cloth remains in it and not beyond. In fact, light is not a quality of the flame, it is a substance (matter), just like the flame itself. Light in its maximum density is the flame (lamp), and in the diffused state it is light (Shankaracharya's Commentary on the Brahma Sutras 2.3.26).
Here we have the great Shankaracharya declaring light to be 'matter'. More than a thousand years later, Albert Einstein would receive the Nobel prize for discovering the same.

How Does Vedanta Resolve this Issue?

A Classical Dancer Enacts the Pricking of a Thorn in the Sole of Her Feet
A Classical Dancer Enacts the Pricking of a Thorn in the Sole of Her Feet




It is unequivocally declared that jiva is non different from the Supreme Soul (God). Therefore, it has to be as big as the Supreme Soul, which is all pervading. Otherwise, we cannot experience the sensation of pleasure and pain extending all over the body. To say that such an experience is possible on account of the soul's connection with the skin extending all over our body, is to negate our own actual experience. The pain of a thorn pricking the sole of our feet is located at the sole and not experienced all over the body.




Nor can it be said that the jiva pervades the entire body by means of its quality of consciousness, for if the jiva is atomic in size, its quality must reside in it, and cannot go beyond it in order to pervade the entire body. A quality which wanders beyond the substance ceases to be a quality. The light of the lamp which goes beyond the flame is a part of the flame itself, and not separate from it. In essence, the flame and its light are not two different things, i.e., we cannot say that the soul is somewhere else and its influence somewhere else. Wherever its influence is being experienced, there the soul is present too. There is no example in our experience where we can say that an object is situated somewhere and its influence is being distributed elsewhere independent of it. Like the power is non different from the one wielding it, similarly, any quality is non different from the object possessing it. The quality and its possessor cannot be separate, they can exist toge! ther only.
If consciousness, as the inherent quality of the soul is said to pervade the whole body, it is as good as saying that the soul is not atomic in size. Because, consciousness is nothing but the innate nature of the soul. We have already seen above that the soul is not of the size of the body. By default then, it has to be all-pervading or infinite.
Objection: Why then is the soul described as minutely small, and residing in the heart?
Resolution: Due to the imposition of the qualities of the buddhi (intellect) on to the soul. When the qualities of the buddhi, i.e. desire, aversion, pleasure or pain are superimposed onto the faultless soul itself, then is the latter spoken of as being atomic, the size of the buddhi, which is said to reside in the heart. Fundamentally, the soul is eternally free from these qualities.
The Shvetashvatara Upanishad says: 'The soul is a hundredth part of the hundredth part of the tip of a hair, and yet it is infinite.' (5.9). Now the same soul cannot possess these contradictory attributes. According to 'Tat Tvam Asi', the individual soul, being nothing but the Supreme Soul, must be infinite like the latter. Therefore, the atomic size must be understood as simply metaphorical or conditioned by the qualities of the buddhi. This is clear from the statement: 'The jiva is like the tip of a goading stick on account of it being endowed with the qualities of the buddhi, and not on account of its own true nature' (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 5.8).
The statement that: 'the individual soul is atomic, and is to be known only through the inner light'(Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.9), is not meant to indicate that the soul is atomic in size, but rather that the Supreme Soul (God) cannot be apprehended by the sense organs turned outwards, but only when they are withdrawn from the outside world. This is precisely the reason why it is said to be located inside the heart. The word atomic is used to make us understand that the soul is too subtle to be discerned, it in no way describes the innate true nature of the soul, which is identical with the infinite Supreme Soul (God or Brahman).
It is the metaphorical ascription of the qualities of the buddhi to the soul that is echoed in the other scriptural passages quoted above. The Prashna Upanishad clearly states that the passing out of the soul from the body and its consequent departure to other regions and then coming back to this mortal world is falsely ascribed to the soul on account of the upadhi of the buddhi and prana (Prashna Upanishad 6.3-4). The soul can never be spoken of as leaving the body, since what leaves is the prana and not the soul. In other words, just as the infinite God is spoken of as 'smaller than a grain of rice', for the purpose of devotion (Upasana), even so the soul is said to be atomic so long as the qualities of the buddhi are superimposed on to it.
As a matter of fact, there is nothing like an individual soul (jiva), except the Supreme Soul appearing as jiva on account of the upadhi of the buddhi. For throughout the Upanishads we do not we do not meet with any other conscious principle other than the One and Only Supreme God.

Conclusion: What is the Use of This Analysis?

Vedanta purposefully starts off by pointing out to us that even though we identify ourselves, and others too, exclusively through the physical body, we are in fact different from it. When a person dies, even though his physical body is lying in front of us, it is inert. What this shows is that by itself the physical world is inert, and it is powered some conscious power which is independent of the physical forms. Therefore, there is something different from the body which grants it consciousness. This is what is known as the individual soul.
Once we have logically recognized the presence of a soul in the body, we then set out to determine its physical size. Proceeding step by step we realize that it can neither be the size of the body (finite), nor can it be atomic. Thus, it has to be all pervading, as concluded by the scriptures. It is only because we perceive the soul conditioned by the qualities of the buddhi, mind etc, imposing these on to the eternally pure soul, that the Vedas speak of it as having an atomic size situated inside the heart, making us understand in the process that unless we withdraw inwards from the outside world, there is no hope for salvation.
Finally, this analysis by Shri Shankaracharya Ji makes us realize that even though we are all pervading, we wrongly think of ourselves as confined within the limits of this one single body. We think of ourselves as only 'this much,' and the rest as different from us, thus getting too much attached to our own body and the things associated with it, despising others which we perceive as inimical to the interests of our physical world. It is this raga (attachment) and dvesha (aversion) that this analysis helps us in overcoming.

References and Further Reading:


This Article by Nitin Kumar.
This article is based almost entirely on the teachings of Param Pujya Swami Paramanand Bharati Ji. However, any error is entirely the author's own.

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Saturday, October 2, 2010

PancaKosha

It's being bandied about that this generation is to be known as The Internet Generation. Some of us are hold-overs from several generations back but we are still here and trying our best to "be with-it." This blog, then, is for those that qualify!
Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutra, tells us as one of the Niyamas that we should practice Svadyaya, or self study. Until recently I had assumed this just meant study of the BIG SELF but now I'm seeing where it's also useful to study small self and it is with that in mind when talking about this topic of Pancakosha.
Here it is: use your internet skills and some or all of the search engines available and begin your own Svadyaya education. Some hints: there are many ways to spell transliterated Sanskrit words and, as you will find, not all spellings lead to the same results, so if you really want to know the entire story it is recommended to try more than one spelling For instance  Pancakosha may also be spelled Panchakosha or five sheaths or five bodies. Each leads to a unique set of explanations of meaning. Yes, I know there are many similarities but we are talking about fathoming the nature of spirituality and every nuance can have a significant meaning.
You will learn that purification of these five bodies leads to purification of our being and with that our divine light is able to shine more brightly. Undoubtedly in the process you will learn that Yoga provides purification  practices for each of these bodies. With that we become physically and mentally healthy leading to a reduction in suffering and an increase in happiness and health.
In the Light of Yoga

Sunday, September 19, 2010

SEVA Par Excellence



Sincere and heart-felt congratulations to Terry and Ajay Gupta for the marvelous day-long celebration of
Yoga for Peace in Action at their 3rd Annual NH Global Mala (http://yogacaps.org/) held in Nashua on September 18th! They put together an inspiring and spiritually uplifting day-long program blending Eastern and Western Yoga traditions to achieve a rarely seen true Yoga event. Half of the net proceeds of the day will be used to support their Yoga Volunteer Corps who bring Yoga classes to those souls dealing with cancer and the under served in society who can benefit from Yoga practice. The other half will be used to support the Peace and Social Justice program at New Hampshire Community College in Nashua. "The Peace & Social Justice Studies concentration within the Liberal Arts degree program prepares graduates to function as community advocates to help ensure a society in which equity and peace building is embraced and preserved." Two wonderful programs serving humanity and helping to raise the consciousness of students who will shortly be entering society as contributing citizens.
The meaning of the word SEVA  is selfless service: doing something for someone or society without an expectation of reward. True giving from the heart. Ajay and Terry are wonderful torch-bearers of this ideal, not only in putting together this function but in their continued devotion to the concept of selfless service in all their Yoga programs. It is a given they have devoted their energy and lives to this cause.
Watch for future events like this from Yoga Caps and come and join in to know what it's like to feel "your heart soar like an eagle!"

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Sanskrit

Did you know Sanskrit is the language of Yoga? Did you know the Sanskrit sound syllables are distributed through the Cakras? Did you know Sanskrit vibrations can carry one's consciousness beyond the mind to a place described as Nirvikalpa Samadhi? Did you know healing can be accelerated though chanting of Sanskrit sound syllables? Did you know chanting of mantras using Sanskrit can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways of experiencing Union with the ultimate reality?
For those of us practicing Yoga as more than physical exercise Sanskrit can be one of the most powerful and effective practices in our kit-bag of Yoga techniques for achieving enlightenment? Okay, call it Self-Realization, Union with the Divine, transcending the thinking mind, Samadhi or any one of many different names. Call it knowing THAT where THAT has many names and there are many paths to THAT and all the paths work. The trick for the seeker is to as quickly as possible find the path that really works and provides good results.
Do you know that if you really want to experience the power of Sanskrit vibration you can attend a two day weekend seminar in Peterborough NH on Columbus Day weekend? Taught by Joe Brill a senior student of Vyaas Houston founder of American Sanskrit Institute. Details are here:

http://www.americansanskrit.com/learn/classes.php?id=100910jb

Practice Yoga for peace, health and happiness.

Hari Om

John

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Buddha

The following article is from: WWW.SHUNYAMPRODUCTIONS.COM
Siddhartha Gautama, whom became known as Buddha, was a wealthy prince who renounced his life of luxury in order to contemplate the true meaning of life. After meditating extensively under a banyan tree, he came to some conclusions about life itself.

Buddha's Enlightenment

Buddha's road to enlightenment lasted for seven years. While in a deep meditative state, he looked far into his mind while trying to get to the heart of life and creation itself. After finding out that self-denial wasn't the way to go, he began to take better care of his body and found that meditating in a healthy body brought more clarity. He started to teach and his first speech is known as "The Turning of the Wheel of Truth." With this, he arrived at the Four Noble Truths.

The Four Noble Truths

Different stages of meditation exist. Some people enter into a light meditative state for relaxation. Others go into a deep meditation in an attempt to reach a higher state of consciousness. While deep in meditation, Buddha learned of what he referred to as the Four Noble Truths.
The first one is suffering, also known as dukha. The reality is that everyone suffers during their lifetime. Whether it be physical or mental, no one has a perfect life and ultimately, everyone dies. This may seem like a no brainer to most, but to Buddha, he was shielded from the world while growing up and was quite surprised when he found the world wasn't a perfect place.
The second truth is attachment, (trishna.) People become attached in life without understanding that nothing is permanent. The third truth is liberation that can also be referred to as nirvana. According to author Gary Gach of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism, "Nirvana represents the state of ultimate perfection, beyond dualism, beyond words." Suffering can be eliminated by living for now.
The final truth is known as marga which is when liberation can take place. This is when personal freedom is achieved. It's a way to live one's life without suffering.

Meditation Enlightenment

Through meditation, Siddhartha Gautama was able to reach spiritual enlightenment. He took what he learned and spent the rest of his life teaching others. Buddhism is not a religion, but a philosophy that deals with the teachings of the man who became known as Buddha.
The Four Nobles truths that Buddha taught were all about getting rid of the attachments in life that can cause suffering and live life in the now. This once wealthy prince gave up his luxurious lifestyle in order to seek the true meaning of life and found it through meditation.  



Tuesday, September 7, 2010

First Blog

There always seems to be an never ending source of Yoga related materials that I would like to share with like-minded individuals. Prior to the creation of this blog, I would send e-mails to students and others in my e-addy book in what some, or many, would have referred to as spam. It is my hope that this blog will provide interested students of Yoga with a source and a forum for the kinds of material which has been sent in the past.

Lets see how it works out.
Hari OM