Knowledge and the Upanishads

-















"The illumined sages say Knowledge is twofold,
higher and lower.
The study of the Vedas, linguistics, rituals, astronomy,
and all the arts,
Can be called lower knowledge.
The higher is that which leads to Self realisation."

(Mundaka Upanishad, I, 1)

Popular posts from this blog

Karma Yoga - Selfless Action

-
Image
One of the ways the Seva Sadan Society raise money for underpriviledged girls in Mumbai is by running a cafe called "By the Way". I happened to come across this place, on one of my trips, and was happy to do so as the food was delicious. The experience was amazing too - if you take a look through the back door, you'll see a courtyard and a school. I happened to go back there when the children were playing and spent some time with their them as well as the teachers there. Hearing the girls sing and talk of their activities was so much fun I took my friends and family back there to meet them. One of the paths to yoga is karma yoga - the yoga of selfless service. The people who run this organisation put so much positive energy into it, that I felt inspired to help. See http://www.sevasadan.org/ for further information on the Seva Sadan Society, Mumbai. A few lines from the Isha Upanishad: "Those who see all creatures in themselves And themselves in all creatures know...
Read more

Mantra for the Sun Salutations

-
Image
Om Mitraya Namaha - salutations to the friend of all Om Ravaye Namaha - salutations to the shining one Om Suraya Namaha - salutations to the inducer of activity Om Bhanave Namaha -  salutations to he who illumines Om Khagaya Namaha -  salutations to she who moves quickly in the sky Om Pushne Namaha -  salutations to the giver of strength Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha - salutations to the golden cosmic self Om Marichaye Namaha - salutations to the Lord of the Dawn Om Adityaya Namaha - salutations to the son of Aditi, the cosmic Mother Om Savitre Namaha - salutations to the Lord of Creation Om Arkaya Namaha - salutations to he who is fit to be praised Om Bhaskaraya Namaha - salutations to she who leads to enlightenment  See descriptions and pictures of the Sun Salutations .  Also see Bija Mantras for Sun Salutations.
Read more

Pranayama - The Fourth Limb of Yoga

-
Image
Pranayama involves the use of various breathing techniques, and can be translated as "control of the breathing", or "breathing exercises." However, the use and effects of pranayama are much greater than this. The word p rana actually refers to the “vital life force” and ayama means “to control or extend”, so pranayama can also be defined as “extension of the life force”, which is why it can help to restore, to heal and to relax. . The yogis figured out in ancient times that “when the breath wanders, i.e. it is irregular, the mind is also unsteady, but when the breath is still, so is the mind, and the yogi lives long. So one should restrain the breath.” (Hatha Yoga Pradipika). The yogis also believed that the length of our lives could be measured in terms of how many times we are destined to breathe, rather than in terms of days or years. We can observe the same in the animal kingdom, animals such as tortoises, elephants, and snakes have a slow breathi...
Read more