NOW

Focus on NOW.   Whatever you understand by the term is fine.  Just focus on what the term refers to. Cut out the distractions.  And slowly … 

Dive in.

As you immerge yourself into the Now, you start to realize Now encompasses everything you know.  Every experience, every activity, every memory, every anticipation, every thought appears in NOW alone.  

Not just these. All that is known, all that is knowable, the One that knows, are all present in the present moment only.  

Go a little deeper.

Try to step out of Now.  Can you move, ever so slightly, to a point out of now?  

No.

You can perhaps think of something that happened in the past?  But look closely. The only current reality in that activity is not the event that you are remembering but the thought of remembrance that happens now.   Same goes for any anticipation of future.  Or an imaginary situation.  All these are just thoughts which appear in mind, NOW.  

Mind you, these Appearances can entrap and hide the underlying reality of NOW where all this things are playing out.  That is what Maya does.

Meditating thus, you realize that that Now is beyond time.  In fact, NOW encompasses all eternity.  It is timeless.

Everything appears in NOW.  

Go Deeper Still.

See if for a moment you can imagine a YOU that is not NOW.   This is a delicate step. Takes time. But soon you realize that that YOU and NOW are actually inseparable. 

As you focus on NOW, you find Yourself.

Stay there.

Hari Om Tat Sat.

*********

Note:  This passage was written to induce an experiential understanding of Nididhyasana.

Nididhyasana: The Practice of Deep Contemplation (AI-Generated)

A Path to Self-Realization

Nididhyasana, derived from the ancient Sanskrit language, is a significant practice in the realm of Advaita Vedanta, an Indian philosophical tradition that emphasizes non-dualism. The term "Nididhyasana" can be loosely translated as "deep contemplation" or "profound meditation." It represents the third and final stage of the tripartite process of attaining self-realization, following Sravana (listening to the teachings) and Manana (reflective contemplation).

The Essence of Nididhyasana

Nididhyasana is not merely a form of meditation but a dedicated process of internalizing spiritual truths until they become an integral part of one's consciousness. While Sravana involves listening to the teachings of the Upanishads and other scriptural texts, and Manana requires reasoning and reflecting upon these teachings, Nididhyasana is about transforming this intellectual understanding into a living experience.

The Practice

The practice of Nididhyasana entails intense and sustained contemplation on the truths revealed during Sravana and Manana. It involves:

• Focused Meditation: Unlike general meditation practices that may focus on breath or an object, Nididhyasana involves meditating on specific spiritual truths, such as the nature of the self (Atman) and its unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman).

• Visualization: Practitioners often visualize themselves as the infinite, non-dual consciousness, transcending the limitations of the physical body and mind.

• Affirmations: Repeatedly affirming the core teachings of Advaita Vedanta, such as "I am Brahman" (Aham Brahmasmi) to reinforce these truths in the subconscious mind.

• Integration in Daily Life: Nididhyasana is not confined to formal meditation sessions but is integrated into daily activities, constantly reminding oneself of the non-dual nature of reality.

The Goal of Nididhyasana

The ultimate goal of Nididhyasana is to transcend the illusion of duality and realize the oneness of the individual self (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman). This realization leads to the dissolution of ego and the experience of true freedom and bliss (Ananda). It is a state where one perceives the world as a manifestation of the divine and lives in harmony with all beings.

Benefits of Nididhyasana

The practice of Nididhyasana offers numerous benefits, both spiritual and psychological:

• Self-Realization: The primary benefit is the attainment of self-realization, where one experiences the true nature of the self beyond the physical and mental limitations.

• Inner Peace: By constantly contemplating on the non-dual nature of reality, one develops a profound sense of inner peace and equanimity.

• Reduction of Suffering: Understanding the illusory nature of the ego and the material world helps in reducing attachment and aversion, leading to a significant reduction in suffering.

• Enhanced Awareness: Nididhyasana sharpens the mind and enhances awareness, allowing one to perceive the deeper truths of existence.

• Compassion and Love: Realizing the unity of all beings fosters a sense of compassion and unconditional love towards others.

Challenges in Nididhyasana

• While Nididhyasana is a powerful practice, it is not without challenges. Some of the common obstacles include:

• Restless Mind: Keeping the mind focused on abstract spiritual truths can be difficult due to its natural tendency to wander.

• Deep-Seated Conditioning: Overcoming deep-seated beliefs and conditioning that reinforce the sense of duality requires persistent effort and dedication.

• Lack of Immediate Results: Unlike some meditation practices that offer immediate calming effects, the results of Nididhyasana may take time to manifest, requiring patience and perseverance.

• Intellectual Understanding vs. Experience: Transforming intellectual understanding into experiential knowledge is a subtle and challenging process.

Overcoming the Challenges

To overcome these challenges, practitioners can employ several strategies:

• Regular Practice: Consistency is key. Regular practice helps in gradually deepening the meditative state and reinforcing the non-dual truths.

• Guidance from a Teacher: Seeking guidance from an experienced teacher can provide valuable insights and techniques to overcome obstacles.

• Supportive Environment: Creating a conducive environment for practice, free from distractions, can enhance concentration and focus.

• Supplementary Practices: Combining Nididhyasana with other supportive practices like mindfulness, pranayama (breath control), and physical exercises can help in managing restlessness and maintaining overall well-being.

The Role of Faith and Devotion

In Advaita Vedanta, faith (Shraddha) and devotion (Bhakti) play crucial roles in supporting the practice of Nididhyasana. Faith in the teachings and the guidance of the teacher helps in sustaining the practice, especially during challenging times. Devotion to the divine, in any form, fosters a sense of surrender and humility, which are essential for dissolving the ego and experiencing the non-dual reality.

Common Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about Nididhyasana that need to be addressed:

• It is Only for Monks: While traditionally associated with monastic life, Nididhyasana can be practiced by anyone committed to spiritual growth, regardless of their lifestyle.

• It Requires Renunciation: Nididhyasana does not necessarily require renunciation of worldly duties. It is about changing one's perception of reality, not abandoning responsibilities.

• It is a Passive Practice: Nididhyasana is an active and dynamic process of internal transformation, not a passive or escapist practice.

Conclusion

Nididhyasana is a profound and transformative practice that leads to the ultimate realization of non-dual reality. It requires dedication, perseverance, and the right guidance. By integrating this practice into daily life, one can experience the true essence of existence and live in harmony with the universe. As the ancient sages of India have proclaimed, "Tat Tvam Asi" – "Thou Art That" – the realization that the individual self is none other than the universal consciousness is the pinnacle of spiritual evolution.

In the journey of Nididhyasana, every step taken with sincerity brings one closer to the divine truth, unfolding the infinite potential within and paving the way for a life of wisdom, peace, and boundless joy.

Harmonizing between Devotion and Non-Dualism

If you are stuck in a situation where you are trying to follow both the path of Devotion and Non-Duality, you are putting yourself into a world of confusion and bewilderment.

• If you are Brahman, the One Reality, who are you being devoted to in prayers?
• If you are a Devotee of Lord Krishna (Or Shiva, Or Kali), how can you turn around and see yourself in the same pedestal where you place your Ista? 

This can and will drive you nuts.  

Swami Sarvapriyananda ji was once told by a senior monk --  

Je tomar Ista, Shei Tomar Atma.   

Meaning: 

The One who is your Ista, that very same One is also your Atman.

OK ...  But how does that help you?

The Only way to cut through this confusion is to be super honest with yourself and ask this:

Have I realized undeniably that I am the One Witness Consciousness, within what the entire Cosmos appears?   

This realization shouldn't be a intellectual understanding.  It has to be a lived experience. 

If yes:  (Master, I touch your feet and am honored beyond words that you are here)

Then you know what you know.  As Lord Krishna said Himself, the enlightened ones are His greatest devotees.  Please help us on our journey. 

If no:  (Which is the case for most of us.  Welcome to the Club) 

Grab hold the feet of your Ista, without His grace no non-dual self realization shall you ever come across.  There is nothing more important than Devotion when you are on the path to Self Realization.

If Errr:  (This is the dangerous in-between state. During mediation or self enquiry you get to the state of Oneness but you snap out of it when the phone rings or the world gives you a prod)

Keep things separate, like Quantum Physics and Relativity. There's no need for a unified field theory and absolutely avoid the desire to find one. 

During Meditation - Abide in Self.  Go deeper.  If a stray thought of Iswara comes, know that you have reached here with His blessings but bring the focus back into forming your Brahmakar Vritti.  Focus.

During Prayers or Interacting with the World: Focus on Bhakti, Focus on the words you are chanting. Spiritualize your life and work. Live Karma Yoga.  Your intellect Knows Brahman is the foundation upon which all appears and while you mayn't always perceive the Cosmos that way all the time, you can and should see Cosmos as a manifestation of your Ista Devata Grace. Keep focus on Bhakti during your Prayers and Work done in the Spirit of Karma Yoga.    

Well, that is the simple not-so-simple path to retaining sanity that sometime works. 

Now you know why they say:  Don't follow multiple paths simultaneously.

But if you are like me....

Hari bol! 

A Recollection of a Sacred Sojourn to Dakshineswar

Disclaimer:  This blogpost has been written in collaboration with Gen AI

Namaskar dear devotees. Allow me to share the tale of a journey to the sacred precincts of Dakshineswar, a place sanctified by the divine presence of Sri Ramakrishna Dev, Ma Sarada, and the spiritual legacy carried forward by Swami Vivekananda.

A pilgrimage to Dakshineswar, for me is always the highlight of a visit to Kolkata/Dankuni.  This time was no different.

Ma and I set out early from our home in Dankuni, determined to beat the inevitable influx of devotees drawn to the spiritual magnetism of Dakshineswar. As we traversed the familiar streets of Kolkata Dankuni leading up to Dakshineshwar, anticipation danced in the air, and the city seemed to resonate with a sense of divine grace. 

Returning after five years, we noticed the winds of change had swept through the surroundings. The quaint hut-style eateries that once adorned the path to Dakshineswar had given way to well-constructed restaurants, a testament to the evolving landscape of this sacred pilgrimage site. 

The atmosphere was different, cleaner, and not yet bustling with the mid-morning crowd. The transformation was undeniable, yet beneath the external changes, the essence of Dakshineswar remained timeless, beckoning devotees to its spiritual embrace. 

We purchased fragrant floral offerings for Ma Bhavatarini, eager to present our love and devotion at her lotus feet. The flowers, vibrant and filled with symbolism, seemed to carry the prayers whispered in our hearts.  

As we stepped into the temple premises, an inexplicable feeling of bliss enveloped us. It was as if the Avataar Sri Ramakrishna had left an indelible mark on every inch of the sacred land. The very ground we tread upon seemed to echo with the divine footsteps of those who had walked this path before us.

The Pranam mantra to Thakur, that Swamiji had composed resonated in our mind:

“Sthapakaya Cha Dharmasya Sarva Dharma-Svarupne;

Avatara-Varsthaya Ramakrishnaya Te Namah.”

To The One Who Came To Establish Spirituality, One Who Is The Personification Of All Faiths And Religions, One Who Is The Greatest Embodiment Of The Divine, To That Ramakrishna I Offer My Salutations.

There was a queue for Darshan, a testament to the enduring allure of Ma Bhavatarini. However, the line was not overly long, and the early hour granted us a sense of tranquility. The journey to the sanctum sanctorum unfolded with each step, building a crescendo of spiritual anticipation.

Before long, we found ourselves in the hallowed presence of Ma Bhavatarini. The divine energy in the sanctum was palpable, and our hearts resonated with a deep sense of connection. We offered prayers, surrendering our hopes, fears, and gratitude at the feet of the Divine Mother.

As part of the Puja offerings, we received back from the Temple Pujari, Flowers, Prasad and pieces of clothing as tangible symbols of Ma’s blessings. Slowly we made our way out of the sanctum to the sitting area that faces the sanctum. 

As we sat in the sitting area, gazing from afar at the divine countenance of Ma Bhavatarini, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that Sri Ramakrishna had achieved enlightenment at this very place by Mother's grace.

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa Dev was truly a spiritual genius. The essence of his teachings lies in the universality of spiritual paths and the realization of the divine through direct personal experience. He emphasized the idea that all religions are valid paths to God and advocated for the harmony of different religious traditions, encouraging individuals to cultivate a deep, personal connection with the divine through sincere spiritual practice. My own humble journey in Spiritual life has been entirely guided by this approach and has enabled me to see the same Truth, my Lord Sri Krishna, in both the Advaita and Dvaiata paths. Joto Math, Toto Path. 

After leaving the temple, we made our way to the Ghats of the Ganga to collect holy water. The Ghat area, now made divine by the newly installed statues of the original devotees of Sri Ramakrishna, both monks and householders, exuded a serene energy. The river Ganga flowed calmly, mirroring the spiritual serenity of the surroundings.

But the journey did not end there. We proceeded to the nearby Aadya Ma Temple. It happened to be a special day at the temple, and an elaborate prayer ceremony was underway. Being early allowed us to take our place in front of the sitting area for devotees, providing a clear view of the entire proceeding. The ceremony unfolded with grace and devotion, immersing us in the spiritual ambiance. 

Following the ceremony, we made our way to the Prasad hall and enjoyed an amazing Prasad lunch, a humble feast that filled not just our stomachs but our souls with gratitude and contentment.

With vessels filled with sacred Ganga water and hearts brimming with the blessings of Ma Bhavatarini and the luminaries who found enlightenment in Dakshineswar, we concluded our visit—a journey that lingered in our memories as a tapestry woven with threads of devotion, spirituality, and divine grace.

Jai Maa!

-----------------

This blogpost was generated in collaboration with AI.  The parts which are in Courier font are generated by ChatGPT with my minor edits in Calibri.  Notice how it has mimicked my writing style.

The RAG and Fine Tuning techniques applied to make the ChatGPT sound like me can be found in the following link

https://chat.openai.com/share/248a47ee-3867-458f-b659-b6659d6bdecd  

You will notice that sometimes it still makes errors but these are easily recoverable.  The trick is not to use ChatGPT as a know-all Oracle but more like a brainstorming partner.

Happy Exploring.

Jai Ma.   The True Intelligence behind All.  

The One

The One:  Brahman

Outside the prison of Space, Time, Objects; beyond the confines of Names, Forms and Functions; and alien to any semblance of duality, there is just One.

One - that is Existence. Consciousness. One that is Infinite. Satyam. Gyanam. Anantam.

Without attribute. Immutable. Eternal. The One Reality is known by the name Brahman.  Brahma Satya. Brahman is the ultimate reality.

Maya

A power that Brahman possesses causes modulations to appear when there are actually none. Like Mirages. This power is referred to as Maya. Maya is not a different entity with an independent existence. Maya is itself an appearance in One Consciousness or Brahman and can be likened to a mirror in which Brahman regards itself within itself.

When Brahman regards itself in the mirror of Maya an infinite number of such modulations (or mirages) appear. Each modulation can be thought of as a localized appearance of the Infinite One as a Finite Temporary phenomenon. This is the process through which the Infinite Eternal All Encompassing One appears as infinite number of temporary appearances. One appears as Many.

This Infinite (Many) appeared in and from That Infinite (One).  

Om Puurnnam-Adah Puurnnam-Idam

Puurnnaat-Purnnam-Udacyate 

The Jagat

The sum-total of the entirety of these Many modulations (appearances, mirages) is known as Jagat. From Universes to Kirtans. From imaginations to Time or Numbers. From Amoeba to GPT. From Humans to the high Devatas, everything are instances of such modulations that form part of Jagat.  All essentially appearances in Brahman activated by Maya.  Jagat is therefore called an empirical reality but not the ultimate one.  Jagat Mithiya.

Jiva

Two known categories of these modulations are Insentient objects like AI that can’t reflect consciousness and sentient objects like kittens that can. Jada and Chetan.  For Chetan, the word that is used often is Jiva.

"Jiva" refers to the individual self or the individual soul. It is the limited and conditioned aspect of consciousness that identifies with the body, mind, and ego. The Jiva is seen as the individualized expression of Brahman. The Jiva is associated with a sense of individuality, personal desires, and the egoic identity.  Jiva is You and I.   What we identify with is are the trappings of Maya - Body, Mind, Relationships, Possessions, all of which are just mirages, appearance.  

The fundamental reality of Jiva, the core, when all trappings are shed, is consciousness alone.  What we fundamentally are, is nothing but Brahman.   

Jivo Brahmaiva Naparah   

The soul, Swami Vivekananda has once said, is a circle whose circumference is nowhere, but whose centre is in some body. The so-called death is only a shift in this centre to another body. God, similarly, is a circle whose circumference is nowhere, but whose centre is in every body.

The reason for Jiva’s existence is know the answer to the question - Who Am I?

The Answer:  That Thou Art.  Tat Tvam Asi.

The path to realize the answer is called Sadhana.  For Sadhana to reach its outcome, there are many requirements and condiitons but nothing is more important than Grace.

Lord Sri Krishna

Grace can only be given by a special appearance of Brahman called Ishwara.  Ishwara can be thought of as the reflection of Brahman in the entirety of Maya. This reflection is all-powerful, all knowing, benevolent. Ishwara is also known as Lord Sri Krishna and many other names. He/She/They are beyond Maya and are self-same as Brahman. Ishwara is Saguna Brahman.  Brahman appearing with all auspicious attributes. 

It is His grace, His mercy alone that allows a Jiva to Transend the shackles of Maya and know the reality. Bhakti makes a Jiva ready to receive that Grace, which Ishwara is always transmitting.  It makes one worthy of reaching enlightenment. 

So, finally, the main thing to strive for is Bhakti.  Achieve that and all else will follow.    

Sri Krishna Saranam Mamah.

“हरेर्नाम हरेर्नाम हरेर्नामैव केवलम् । कलौ नास्त्येव नास्त्येव नास्त्येव गतिरन्यथा॥”

Further Study:

Dear reader, it is natural for many questions to come when we contemplate of this subject matter - such as why does Maya appear? What impels the One to appear as many?  Why should we care even if it does?

Swami Sarvapriyananda ji masterfully addresses these questions in the clip below.  Please do watch.

Finally, I had to add these few line from Srimad Bhagavad Purana that demonstrates one practical implications of this knowledge of Brahman. 

There are other deeper implications, we will cover them together very soon.

Journey to the Holiest of Holy Lands | Jagannath Dham Puri

A visit to Jagannath Dham Puri is really a spiritually uplifting experience.  Just the thought that for centuries devotees have adored Lord Jagannath, the Supreme Lord of all Cosmos and have thronged to this holy place to bow down to Him, makes one feel humbled and privileged for being able to follow their footsteps.

Lord Jagannath is none other than our very own Lord Krishna. The legend of how he appeared in this form, makes for an amazing reading.

My family has been coming here for many generations. I remember my father bringing my brother and I to this holy place during our boyhood for our very first darshan of the Lord. What an amazing experience it was. On that trip our respected Choto Kaku, my father's brother had come with us. My brother has been to Puri with my niece a few years back to offer pranams and obeisance to the Lord.  Therefore I experienced a great joy to be able to, finally, make this trip with my son and thus add another link into this tradition.   

The Darshan

The highlight of any trip to Jagannath Dham is obviously the Darshan, at the act of seeing the Lord in his abode, the Temple and being seen by Him performing that act.  Seeing His image in a temple where his has been worshiped for centuries is no less than actually seeing Him face to face.  

How so, you ask. Isn't this the idolatry which many faiths have decried?  

Well, different traditions have different understanding of the same Truth, which is why there are so many religions, each claiming to be the one one true faith.  The basis of Hinduism, the Sanatana Dharma, is the divinity of all creation as being One with Brahman.  Only God Is.  However, a direct response to the query  How Lord God, the Supreme Ishwara comes to reside in His properly consecrated image which is worshiped regularly was recently given by Swami Sarvapriyananda ji, in the lecture "Where is God?"  Please do watch. 

The Darshan in the morning however is not for the faint of heart or the frail of the body.  My son and I found myself thrust into a sea of eager devotees pushing and pulling in all directions wishing to catch a glimpse of the Lord. No system exists and chaos reigns supreme. My Mom and wife decided not to hazard this, so son and I plunged headlong into this tumultuous sea of knees, elbow and frayed tempers. After about 30 mins of relentless struggle we found ourselves in front of the Lord. The experience of Darshan is very personal and hard to describe. For me such experiences almost always blanks out all thoughts initially and I look on awestruck at the face of lord. Once my mind rebooted, I chanted a few mantras, said a small prayer. Soon offspring and I were pushed out of the sanctum by the crowd.  

However here what I will tell, even in the midst of such jostling, the few minutes that you get to spend in front of the Lord is just divine. For Spiritual Masters such as Adi Shankara, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramakrishna Paramhansa, such encounters must have been nothing less than actual communion with the Supreme Lord. But even the hearts of fallen sinners like me can't but come alight with the glow of Bhakti, in the divine presence of Lord.  The crowd appears to melt away, the din and chaos momentarily falls silent and all that remains is you looking at your Master. No words need be spoken.

Jagannatha Swami Nayana Patha Gami Bhabatu me.     

                                           -- Jagannatha Astakam 

Once outside we found my mom, mother-in-law and wife, who happily recounted that they too were able to get a Darshan with much less struggle taking help from a local Panda. Well, when Lord Himself wants to grant a darshan, it is bound to come to pass. 

Gambhira and Siddha Bakula 

A visit to Puri is never complete without a visit to Gambhira where Lord Chaithanya Mahaprabhu had stayed for 12 years in divine ecstasy.  It was such an amazing experience to be in the same premises and chant the Mahamantra.

When I shared the details of this visit with the revered missionaries and fellow devotees from Srila Prabhupada's Iskcon Bangalore, the blessings and encouragement I received made the entire experience even more nectarine.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare 

This time at Puri, I also learnt about a new pasttime of Lord Chaithanya Mahaprabhu, the One at Siddha Bakul. I was able to find the place due to a fortunate coincidence and spent considerable amount of time talking to the devotees who take care of the premises as well as just exploring everything there. 

Information about Siddha Bakula may be found here

The Joys of Puri

During our few days at Puri we took a dolphin sighting boat cruise, visited Konarak Sun temple, enjoyed frolicking at the sea, honored Lord Jagannath's Mahaprasad and enjoyed amazing street food as well as gourmet cuisine.  An interesting episode was when Mom did a solo trip to Sakshi Gopal. She managed is rather well, though she was a little cross with the Pandas at the temple.  But then what is a spiritual trip without a few such adventures here and there.  

Jai Baba Jagannath

Finally with heart filled with good memories,  many photographs and most importantly blessings of Lord Jagannath and Lord Chaithanya, we returned home renewed and refreshed.

References

1.  Jagannath Puri Dham Darshan   

2.  "Where is God" Special Lecture by Swami Sarvapriyananda ji

Be Still and Know that I am God | Meditations on Brahman

 Recently I encountered a veritable treasure hidden within the pages of the Old Testament. A statement so profound, so exquisite that it had within it the echoes of the Upanishadic Mahavakyas, which state the Ultimate Truth about Existence and Being. What was even more amazing was that it also hinted at an amazing concept on enlightenment that I have found elaborated in Bhagavad Gita alone.

The treasure, what appears as a verse, is

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God,”

Here's the truth on how I came across this verse 😊

It is not that I was reading the Bible and chanced upon this verse.  YouTube recommended a video by the well-known thinker and teacher Eckhart Tolle where he beautifully expounded on this topic.  I listened mesmerized and with awe.  I have had a long exposure to Old Testament as an account of the early patriarchs of Israel and an indicator of how the early Abrahamic worldview evolved.  There is a lot to learn from those experiences, and one of them was this treasure that that I re-discovered. 

And as treasures go it was valuable indeed.  But to realize that value one has to excavate and understand the true meaning of what is meant here.

Let’s start to explore the many paths to the Truth within.

The Path of Bhakti

The meaning of this sentence, as explained by the pages that a web search throws up, is on the usual lines of us needing to be quiet, be calm, be still in front of the exalted majesty of God.  This is how many theistic traditions have typically viewed God: a ruler, a heavenly father, the Supreme Bhagavan. There is reverence in this viewpoint, a faith. Sometimes Faith in God is all that we need, but it must be supreme devotion, Para Bhakti.

Thakur Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa often said a childlike faith in God, crying out Ma Kali’s name in love, like a child calls out to his or her mother, at the exclusion of all else, would compel our divine mother to pick us up. He would further say, “Mother is an object of great love. One is able to realize God just through love. Ecstasy of feeling, devotion, love, and faith-these are the means”.  This is Para Bhakti.   

 

The Path of Meditation and Yoga

Eckhart Tolle takes another approach and draws simile between Being Still and the act of Mediation and how in the stillness of Mediation when the final chitta-vritti has died down, you encounter the One Consciousness, the One Existence, the Infinite that is you truly are.  The One is Brahman, and the Brahman alone Is.  Patanjali’s Astanga Yoga, that Tolle draws from, provides the path to such Chitta-Vritti Nirodha.  Please do listen to this talk by Tolle, it is wonderful [1].

Paramahansa Yogananda’s Yogada posits Jesus as an enlightened Yogi as described here.  Many other traditions have similar points of view, which I find fascinating.

The Path of Knowledge and Discernment

The most sublime and beautiful interpretation of this verse is from Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Let’s unpack this completely, get to the treasure and make it truly ours.

Be Still and Know

In Gita, Lord Krishna introduces this wonderful term called Sthitaprajna to indicate an enlightened master.  Stitha means to be firmly established, to be still. Prajna means knowledge, to know. 

The literal translation of this term Sthitaprajna means to be know established in knowledge. To be Still and to know! 

How wonderful is that?   

So, who is a Sthitaprajna?

Sthitaprajna is a person who has achieved enlightenment and has centered himself in the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Reality. 

In BG 2.55 The Supreme Lord Krishna says:

O Parth, when one discards all selfish desires and cravings of the senses that torment the mind, and becomes satisfied in the realization of the self, such a person is said to be transcendentally situated.

To the enlightened Sthitaprajna, all illusion of duality is removed, and he/she remains firmly established in his real Self, the One Brahman. He/she realizes that this Jagat, this cosmos is just an appearance of the one Brahman.

A boy and a cake may both appear on the TV screen and superficially it may appear that the boy wants the cake. But imagine what would happen if the boy appearing on the TV screen were to realize that in reality, he is just a few lit pixels in the TV screen, as is the cake, as is the table on which the cake is sitting or his mom who is loving watching him. That the only reality is the TV, which is appearing as all these images on the surface of the screen? Would he still crave for the cake?  

An amazing and extremely deep explanation on what it means to be Enlightened based on the Wisdom of Gita is provided by Swami Sarvapriyananda ji in this talk.  I haven’t come across a better talk on this subject, and I will highly recommend this [2]. This is an advanced Vedanta topic.

That I am God

Aham Brahmasmi, a Mahavakya, from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad literally translates as I am Brahman.   

Very often this statement is grossly misunderstood and has been even called sacrilegious. It is because sometimes people think this posits this insignificant I, is being equated God.  Absolutely not.  What is being said instead my fundamental reality is Brahman and that’s the ONLY reality that exists.  Another way to put this is:

Isness is Brahman. I am.

From the TV and boy example above, if the boy were to exclaim, I am the TV, to his exasperated mother and proceed to tell her that he doesn’t want the cake because neither is it real, nor is it anything other than what the boy really is himself, i.e., the TV Manifesting upon the screen; you could perhaps call the boy a Sthitaprajna in the TV Screen Universe. 

As Swami Vivekananda once remarked:  Only God Is, the World Isn’t.

However, such realizations are not restricted to the great Vedanta saints alone.   There are many in other traditions who have arrived at the same Conclusion.

Meister Eckhart, a 13^th Century Christian Mystic, who emphasized on Direct experience of the Divine and didn’t hold God as someone out there other than one's own Self, had famously claimed: “God's ground is my ground and my ground is God's ground”. 

And who in India doesn’t know these famous lines from Sant Kabir Das:  Moko kahan dhunde re bande, Mein to tere paas re, Wherefore do you seek me my man, I am with you always.[3]

It very important to differentiate between our understanding of Brahman and Ishwara. We all can say I am Brahman, but only Lord Krishna can say, I am Ishwara.  This is another deep philosophical detail where we have deal with Maya as well, that is best left for another day. 

A point to ponder on, meantime, would be the relation between the TV and Screen, in the example above.

So, what does the Verse Finally Mean?

"Be still and know that I am God,” 

Means

As a Sthitapajna Realize that Aham Brahmasmi.

In Other Words:

Be established in your Self  such that you know your Self to be the One Infinite Existence, Consciousness (Brahman) 

Swami Sarvapriyananda ji often quotes one Sadhu from the Himalayas:

Yeh bada ulta Darshan hai Mahatmaji 

Tum Jano Ya Na Jano

Tum Mano Ya Na Mano

Tum hi Ram (Brahm) Ho.  

And this, my dear friends, is what enlightenment really is. Knowing your True Self. Seeing that truth with your eyes closed and open. Becoming a Sthitaprajna in the true sense.

My prayer to Sri Krishna, Lord God Himself, to bless us all, for only by His grace and the blessing of his devotees who have come in all land and in all ages, may we all receive the true treasure of Enlightenment.

 

Sri Krishna Saranam Mamah

 

References:

[1] What is God? | Eckhart Tolle Explains  https://youtu.be/LFsPIj6pmcY

[2] Enlightened Life |  Swami Sarvapriyananda https://youtu.be/j26vC73nyWo

[3]  Kabir Bhajan | Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan  https://youtu.be/HunoK5PCGMQ

 

Postscript

In my last blogpost I had said the following: 

Bhagavad Gita has given three paths to realize truth.  Follow any one of them or follow all of them. They all lead to the same realization- The Oneness of Brahman."

That, however, is a discussion for another day!

Well, that day is today and the discussion is what I presented above.

The three paths are Bhakti, Yoga and Jnana as I have referenced in this post.  There are not one or the other path. The way to make progress towards enlightenment is to include practices from all of these paths in your Sadhana.

This of course comes from the Bhagavad Gita and as I have always said there is no better pathway to enlightenment than what is given in those 700 verse.