Skip to content

Consciousness

Ten Principal Upanishads: Preface

The teachings of the Upanishads are not confined by time, culture, or geography. Their insights transcend the boundaries of tradition and speak to the universal human experience.

Death: The Quantum Transition

Quantum Connection: Dr. Stuart Hameroff, in collaboration with physicist Sir Roger Penrose, has proposed a radical hypothesis that sheds light on the transition from life to death.

The Quantum Brain

This article examines the convergence of quantum phenomena and consciousness, synthesizing ideas from the fields of philosophy, neurology, and quantum physics.

Unifying Vedanta and Quantum Physics

The interplay between Vedanta and quantum physics has been a subject of profound philosophical and scientific inquiry. This topic not only brings together two seemingly distinct realms of thought but also highlights the potential for cross-disciplinary insights.

What is it that I could do more of?

From a Vedantic perspective, this journey of self-realization aligns with the core principles of Advaita Vedanta, where the individual self is recognized as none other than the ultimate reality, transcending boundaries and limitations.

All-Absorbent Meditation

All-Absorbent Meditation is a term from the ancient Indian spiritual tradition of Vedanta. It refers to a practice of meditation that involves focusing the mind on the ultimate reality or truth behind all things and experiencing a state of pure consciousness in which the individual self merges with the Universal Self.

Awareness

Awareness is that, in which all experiences appear. It is that with which all experiences are made.

The Essence of IshaVasya Upanishad- Part-2

The Self [ the atman] is everywhere, without a Body, without a shape, whole, pure, unpierced by evils, wise, all knowing, far shining, self depending, all transcending, functions and duties are allotted by HIM alone to the Creator for eternity.

Awareness: The Ultimate Truth

Awareness: IT is That which is Absolute, fills all space, is complete in Itself, to which there is no second and which is continuously present in everything, in every being and everywhere. It is homogeneous in nature. It is known as “Brahman in Vedanta”

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-8C

The Self is free from sin, free from old age, free from death, free from sorrow, and free from hunger and thirst. It is the cause of desire for Truth and for commitment to Truth”

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-8B

When a person is in deep sleep, he is free from all worries. In deep sleep,  mind lies inactive, desires nothing, dreams nothing, and knows nothing. This is his intellectual condition.

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-8A

Within the City of Brahman, which is the Body, there is the Heart, and within the Heart there is a little house. The house has the shape of a Lotus, and within it dwells that which shines by its own light.

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-7C

Only when one becomes full of steadfastness (devotion), then can one be full of faith. Without Steadfastness, no one can have faith.
Only when one is given to Action, then can one be full of Steadfastness. No, without action, one can not have steadfastness.

The Four Great Vedic Statements [ Mahavakyas]

IT is That which is Absolute, fills all space, is complete in Itself, to which there is no second and which is continuously present in everything, in every being and everywhere. It is homogeneous in nature.

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-7B

When man becomes powerful (gains great strength), he rises (gains spiritual power); as he rises, he serves (Karma Yoga). as he serves, he associates with wise (Discipleship), he sees, hears (Sravana), thinks (Manana), knows (Nididhyasana), acts (intense Tapas), and he realizes (Attains Self).

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-7A

He who in Will, worships the Infinite, attains the sphere within reach of Will. He is free to act as he wishes. Such is he who in Will worships the Infinite!

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-6B of 6

In sleep, you get into yourself, you enter yourself, you become yourself, and know nothing but yourself. This is sleep. You have withdrawn yourself from all outside connections and relationships.

Essence of ChAndogya Upanishad: Part-6A of 6

In the beginning, there was “Existence alone”, mere Being, one without a second. Some say there was mere nothing, nothing whatsoever; that everything has come out of nothing.

My journey through Books: Part-2

Human Beings are simply the consequence of ” Collective amoebic Consciousness” Having harmonious relation of the 50 trillion cells, a human can take control of his/her life. Each sell is an intelligent being

Essence of Katha Upanishad :part 4B of 4

When He shines, everything shines after HIM; by His light, all these Shine!” One Supreme Ruler is the inner Self of all; This one quality appears in all individuals. The wise realize Him in their own hearts.

Essence of Prashna Upanishad: Part-3 of 6

“He who knows the sources and power of Life, how it enters, where it lives, how it divides itself into five, how it is related to the Self, attains immortality; yes!  attains immortality”

Essence of Prashna Upanishad: Part-2 of 6

Prana dwelling in the body is like a King (Prajapati)and the sense organs are like his Subjects. Offerings are token of love, reverence and respect to another. By Prana are all senses and mind supported.

Essence of Prashna Upanishad: Part-1 of 6

The message out of this lesson is that it is the same life-principle in all creatures. There is no longer the individualistic view of life. Life is one; that there is one universal Life-force, and it manifests through all life forms. The Sun is indeed Prana, life, Energy.

What is Consciousness?

” O Rama ! The world is nothing but a mere vibration of Consciousness in space. It seems to Exist even as a Goblin seems to exist in the eyes of the ignorant. All this is But Maya. For here there is no contradiction between the infinite Consciousness and the apparent existence of the Universe. It is like marvelous dream of a person who is awake”…..  from “YOGA VASISTHA” as said to Lord Rama by the Sage Vasistha.”

Wisdom of Five Fires: Panchagni Vidya

When the secret is known, no one will say, ” It is my son or my daughter.” It is neither yours neither mines. It belongs to that from where it has come.

Essence of Chandogya Upanishad: Part-1A

He who, knowing it, adores this imperishable Udgitha, becomes the solicitor. This is worship. Praising OM has a threefold reward: relating to the Body(Adhyatma), relating to animals (adhibhuta), and relating to the elements(adhidaiva)

Essence of Aitareya Upanishad: Part-B

He having realized oneness with Pure Consciousness, soared from this world and having obtained all desires in yonder heavenly world, became immortal! Yes immortal.

Essence of Aitareya Upanishad: Part-A

Atman includes everything and everyone. It is the Total of all created beings, and so it is called Brahman. The ultimate in us is Atman. The ultimate in the cosmos is Brahman. Atman is Brahman. There can not be anything other than this Universal Reality.

My journey through Books: Part-1

Books hold the power to transform lives and ignite new journeys. Just as life-saving drugs alleviate ailments, books have the potential to rescue individuals from ignorance and apathy, guiding them towards enlightenment and growth.

MaNDukya Upanishad- The Nature of OM: – Part-1

The only proof of His existence is union with Him. The world disappears in Him. He is the peaceful, the good, the ONE without a second. This is the fourth condition of the Self- The most worthy of all. This is the Atman. 

Essence of MUNDAKA Upanishad: Part-2-A

From HIM arise oceans, rivers, mountains, herbs and their properties. And in the middle of the elements is the innermost Self. HE is the inmost Self of all.

Essence of Prashna Upanishad: The Third Question: —

“He who knows the sources and power of Life, the Prana, how it enters, where it lives, how it divides itself into five, how it is related to the Self, attains immortality; yes attains immortality”
Prana as a whole is  composed of five Pranas (prana, udana, vyana, samana, apana.

Essence of Kena Upanishad (KENOPANISHAD)

I am the Consciousness. I am the witness of the Body and Mind. This Consciousness self, this pure subject, is not an object. It cannot be known. I AM always Awareness, Consciousness, not something else. 

“Ashtanga Yoga” [ Eight limbs of Yoga]~ Part-5

Mental modifications are the cause of unstable mind. Instability of mind can be stopped ,if we concentrate on our thoughts appearing in mind. Whatever we think in waking condition are among five types of Vritti as mentioned in Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Most of the time, the thoughts are found to be baseless and they are originated due to ignorance only. This ignorance is due to absence of knowledge of our real nature, true nature which is “purusha”.  Ignorance is removed by regular and persistent practice of Yoga. Ignorance can be removed by gaining more insight into the nature of our mind and going beyond mind.

What is Joy? (Part-1)

Advertisements

PEACE MANTRA: 🙏🙏🙏

“May HE protect us both. May HE take pleasure in us both. May we show courage together. May Spiritual knowledge shine before us. May we never hate one another. May peace and peace and peace be everywhere”.

 Definition of One unit of ‘Human Joy” as mentioned in Taittiriya Upanishad.

Let’s look into the section VIII of Brahmananda Valli, the second part of Taittiriya Upanishad which is one of among 10 Principal Upanishads.

We all know that our fundamental aim is to be always happy, joyous in our life. We always think of overcoming sufferings, miseries during different phases of life. We need permanent happiness which ordinarily is never seen. Any living creature will seek comfort zone with all good happenings all the time. Among all creatures, Human is considered to be the most intelligent creatures of this world. We the human being, though always search for joy and always try for a life with full satisfaction, yet we cannot achieve both joy and satisfaction permanently. Joys and sorrows come and go like waves’ crest and trough.

According to Vedanta, the goal of Human is: ” Attyantika Dukshya Nibritti, Paramananda praptyachya”.

Complete cessation of sufferings and attainment of Bliss is the goal of everyone.

In the Second part of the Brahmananda Valli, there is one section (section eight), known as ” Ananda Mimamsa” which means an enquiry into the form of Supreme Bliss (Ananda). The Text first defines what is human joy and defines one unit measure, a standard unit of human joy. Then it explains about multiple units of this Joy at different levels and compare those number of Joys (Bliss) with one revelation. According to measurement model, it will take us to the highest level for clear conception about Joy. Very interestingly and mathematically described in such a fashion that one will understand and find what is Joy in reality.

Part of Sloka starts like this: –

2. "seisa ananda mimAMsA bhabati".  This means " This is the enquiry for Joy (Bliss)"

3. "yuvaasyaatsaadhuyuva aadhoayakaha aashishtho drathistho balishthah tasyeyam pruthvi sarva vittasyapoomasyaat sa eko maanusha aanandah"

Call his joy as “eko maanusha aanandah” means one unit of human joy”!

Above sloka defines measurement of one unit of human joy this way: — Think of a young man, well educated, ambitious, firm, strong, noble, and poses total wealth of this world. Call his joy as “eko maanusha aanandah” means one unit of human joy. Thus, the standard unit of Human joy is defined. We will now see what next is in the sacred text.

So, we have now one unit of human joy for further enquiry, further analysis. Before proceeding further, we will analyse the definition of one unit of human joy. The first point to be noted here is that the first condition is, the Man should be young. Why young? Because youth is the ideal condition in one’s life to enjoy, since at young age, body holds full strength, vigour and vitality. Looks very attractive, body heals faster and possess all the benefits of physical works. Second condition is that the youth should be well versed, ambitious, firm, strong, noble and have the wealth of the entire world. We may imagine him as the King of this world.

The Joy of such a person may be assumed as one unit of human Joy which is maximum possible Joy of any human in this world. According to Vedanta, even more than this Joy is possible, but not in this world ( loka /plane/heavens and also known as Astral Planes ). There are higher worlds beyond this world like heavens which is believed by most of the religions. I will write about those Astral planes in my other blog. However we should understand the concept of Joy in actuality.

Now we will move to the next part of the sloka.

Sloka continues :-

  • A hundredfold of that Human joy is now unit measure of Human Gandharvas, joy of those brought to the celestial choir (Gandharva loka) by their good deeds. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • A hundredfold joy of Human Gandharva is now unit measure of joy of celestial Gandharva. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • A hundredfold joy of celestial Gandharva is now unit measure of joy of manes (forefathers), living in their eternal paradise (Pitri loka). A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that one unit of joy of pitri loka hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Heaven born gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that one unit of joy of Heaven born gods hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Gods brought to godhead by their good deeds . A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of gods brought to godhead by their good deeds. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of ruling gods . A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of god Indra (known as King of Heaven and also known as God of Thunder). A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Brihaspati, who is known to be Guru of gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Prajapati, who is known to be maker of gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

  • Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Spirit. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.

Sloka Continues: 

'He who lives in Man, He who lives in the Sun are one. He who knows this spiritual joy, mind cannot grasp, nor tongue speak, fears nothing."


“He who knows this, cries goodbye to the world, goes beyond elemental Self, living Self, thinking Self, knowing Self, joyous Self. Here is my Authority. “ [** End of Sloka 2.8 of Taittiriya Upanishad.]

Let us now analyze the amount of human joy which is One unit in this world. More happiness is possible. but not in this world. As we believe, beyond this world, there are higher worlds, higher planes commonly known as Etheric plane, Astral planes of different vibrational frequencies. All the planes are in ascending order according to the energy densities. Commonly we call it as Gandharva loka, Pitri loka, Deva loka, Indra loka, Brihaspati loka, Prajapati loka, Brahma loka etc. All these lokas* are in ascending order. According to description, joy of each loka is multiplied by hundred to that of joy of previous loka. Finally, the figure of joy becomes billions of times greater than that of maximum human happiness. 

For the time being, let us assume and believe that those higher worlds exist and also believe in the text of the sloka. We may concentrate on the concept. What we have learnt from the above sacred text? We can have discussion over it. In the sloka, every time it has been pointed out that the amount of Joy in the new loka, remains same. The statement is “A man full of revelation, but without desire, has equal joy”.

Read More »What is Joy? (Part-1)

Exit mobile version