Deeepavali

 The festival of Lights is called 'deepaavali'. We decorate our home, temples,and all public placeson this occasion and spread light. Whatever the puranic rendering of yhis even, the significance is of spreading light everywhere. symbolically, Light is knowledge. Light destroys darkness and knowledge destroys ignorance. This is also the prayer asato ma sadgamaya and tamaso ma amrutam gamaya | Now, having celebrated this great festival and rejoicing whether we have attained any knowledge or have we seen the "Light within' is the question. Do we know how to visualize  the Light within? At least, do we know what is light and whether it is there within us? Theses are questions of great importance in the search of the self, the truth. This is why we seek the Lord's grace and help to seek the Light within. Everybody says, see the Light within and it is doubtful whether anybody has seen the Light,'sahasrar prajnya'.see , Any person who visualizes this symbolic thousand candle bulbs alight in the head during the transcendental meditative state is a yogi. He has seen the Light. Once this Light reveals what is the nature of this phenomenal objective world and the 'reality of our existence' . The drushtara, person who visualized 'truth' will not bother about the objective world and sees the world within his self.

   The Light received sun is as good as shadow of the sun only! The solar radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves reach the earth in waves and particles (wavicles) in quanta. A  particle of that is a photon; so also, the Atman, a photon and this photon of our soul may be of different origin.There are trillions of stars radiating in space and some of them are enumerated in the Hindu Calendars. The radiant particles of Energy from these stars (nakshatra) reach the earth get embedded in soil and water thereby forming a life-form, may it be an ant or an elephant, cat or a dog, monkey or man,no difference in its fundamental soul particle (Atma). Atman gets embodied as a jiva and thus we are jivatman with our prana, prajnya, and life-breath derived from this electromagnetic waves, photons, and Light (constantly recharging our battery). Thus, we are nothing else but the star particle at the core, the soul, but appearing in different organic entities, life forms. This is also called 'chit' or chaitanya, consciousness. The Light is the same for all. The Light in all is one and the same! 
   But what is this Light within?The Light is the radiant energy, the prana shakti. It is the Atman, a thumb-sized light burning similar to the candle light. It is self effulgent and has no pot of oil or whick to support it. it is niralamba and nirupadhika. This Light emits seven colours- violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. These are the refracted qualities of the same white rays like that of the sunrays. These seven qualities are also the qualities of the five great elements, pancha mahabhutas. These possess the gandha, rasa, rupa, sparsha and shabda and manas and chitta. The first two elements- the earth and water are gross solid and liquid respectively. The third is fire and the fourth are the subtle aspects that are also the deciding factors of human life on earth. Now, as regards the seven colours of Light within us, it is very clear that they represent the seven levels of Copnsciousness- from gross to subtle and subtlerones. There is no upper limit since brahman cannot be reached siiting on the earth.  
  The Seven Chakras from muladhara to sahasrara are represented by the seven colours. The muladhara and the svadhsthana are the gross levels. The seven leves can be transcended by chakradhyana with the bijakshara mantra. These are 'lam', 'vam', ram, yam, ham, aum (Om), and so'ham. Ultimately the sadhaka, the embodied jiva, attains to Shiva and declares his self as Shivo'ham. The sadhaka is required to chant each bijakshara mantra with deep intake of breath and outbreath loudly with the utterance of bijakshara. This may require a non-stop chant each one for about six months in order to transcend each level. Thus, it is not impossible, but difficult for an ordinary seeker. It is possible only to a person of determined mind. Ultimately several siddhis accrue to the sadhaka. It is worth a try. This brings total release fom bondage and there will be no rebirth, says the mantra shastra.   
  We are not giving illustrations or charts here and these can be seen in the respective websites on chakra meditation.
   Wishing all the readers a very happy Deepavali and enlighetnment.

Symbolism

    Symbolism is very important in spiritual texts. In the first instance, spirit only becomes matter and it is from the abstract invisible aspect (that cannot be described since there are no sounds, alphabets or words to express) emanate the concrete gross objects of the phenomenal world. Thus what all we see have a subtler invisible base in the spiritual power. This spiritual creative power is attributed to the Lotus, a flower that blooms with the first rays of theSun. It is thus the symbolic expression of manifestation of consciousness. It has petals resembling the blades of fan that help disseminate knowledge. The Lord Padmanabha is shown as the 'Father' from whose navel (nabhi) the Lotus blooms! He, the Lord Padmanabha, Anantashayana, is shown in pictures as one lying in the ocean of Consciousness (Chit-sagara) on the bed of Five-hooded Serpent Adishesha (serpent symbol of consciousness and potency), with Lakshmi, the source of all creation and brahma seated on the Lotus, symbolic of dissemination of knowledge (jnyan), Consciousness (chitshakti) and creative power (kriyashakti). There are blue, red and white Lotus flowers indicating the tamas, rajas and sattva aspects, respectively. The thousand petalled  Lotus is not exactly a thousand by numerous. These sahasrara daLa (thousand petals) are symbolic of Light (referred to as a thousand electric bulbs lighting a room) indicative of knowledge and consciousness (jnyan and chit shakti). When a person attains the highest level of spiritual power through yoga, the upasaka is said to have reached sahasrar prajnya level and gets  Light- enlightenment.
   Thus, a blooming lotus flower and its petals are used as symbols of manifestation of the inherent chit shakti and jnyan shakti. This is widely used in all the scriptures.

Lotus Petals

Lotus Petals are symbolic like of the blades of a fan where lotus stands for consciousness and the petals stand for the power of creation or shify of level of consciousness. The blossoming of Lotus is attributed to flowering Consciousness due to activation of the chakras or plexus of Consciousness in us. This is possible only with the upward movement of our ‘out-breathe’ (nihshvas/rechaka) though the central pipe sushumna nadi that is closed at the bottom. It is only with the opening up of this vent awakening of the human consciousness is possible. Otherwise, we spend all our time just eating and sleeping and entertainment.      Each Chakra has a particular number of petals with a Sanskrit alphabet on each petal. The vibration that is produced at each petal is represented by the corresponding Sanskrit letter. Every letter denotes the Mantra of Devi Kundalini. The letters exist in the petals in a latent form. These can be manifested and the vibrations of the Nadis felt during concentration.

     The number of petals of the lotuses varies. Muladhara, Svadhishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha and Ajna Chakras have 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, and 2 petals respectively. All the 50 Sanskrit letters are on the 50 petals. The number of petals in each Chakra is determined by the number and position of the Yoga Nadis around the Chakra. I will make it still clear. From each Chakra a particular number of Yoga Nadis crop up. The Chakra gives the appearance of a lotus with the Nadis as its petals. The sound produced by the vibrations of the Yoga Nadis is represented by the corresponding Sanskrit letter. The Chakras with their petals hang downwards when Kundalini is at the Muladhara Chakra. When it is awakened, they turn towards Brahmarandhra. They always face the side of Kundalini. 

THE MULADHARA AND KUNDALINI 

   The so-called ‘Chakra’ is identified as ‘plexus of consciousness’ within our body is nothing but the centres within the Sushumna nadi where the air we breathe creates a swirling action and generate power (Shakti). This is just like the wind mills of different capacity. The air we breathe normally moves down from either ida or pingala at a time reversing in opposite direction in seven trip cycles. The sushumna nadi is closed at the bottom and thereby air cannot enter here (see diagrams). The air we breathe in and out is thereby not able to reach these centres or chakras. Thus we will not get any help of these in our normal life. Only those who know this secret of activating the Kundalini know the trick. They take to compulsive action hathayoga and open up the sushumna nadi and force upward movement of the air we breathe out in a concerted effort. Thereby they become yogis, however, it is warned that this hatha yoga is only for those who are physically strong and capable of withstanding the terrific force of the gushing upward movement of air. It may even rupture the nerves and bleed within! It is advised not to do this without a teacher’s help. A yoga teacher well-versed in hatha yoga only can help in this matter. Kundalini will ultimately open up the sahasrar plexus where enlightenment takes place. This is an arduous task for even a well-trained yogi.

Chakras as Levels of Existence

   People living in different psychosomatic levels are found found everywhere. However, most are living at the basal plexus, the muladhara chakra that is characterised by just eating and sleeping like animals. Much of the leisure time is spent in some pastime. There is sex obsession and search for avenues of exciting games. There is no sense of higher purpose and normally people are bothered about higher levels of conscious living. There is plenty of scope for people to rise from mundane level to higher levels of spiritual life (mahat or anahata chakra level) as could be seen from the attainments of great sages. The attained people show a high sense of sacrifice, selfless service and get satisfaction from serving people at large. They become divine souls (vishuddhi chakra level). There are also people well-versed in knowledge of scriptures (ajnya chakra level) and spread spiritual knowledge all the world over. But, very few reach the highest level of the Sahasrar level attaining absolute state of the Buddha.   
  The idea of chakras as understood in Eastern philosophy does not exist in the West especially in the field of medical science. In Eastern thought, the chakras are thought to be levels of consciousness, and is said to be different states of the soul, and 'proving' the existence of chakras is akin to 'proving' the existence of a soul. A mystic deals with these metaphysical concepts on the metaphysical plane, as a model for their own internal experience, and when talking about 'energy centres', they are generally talking about subtle, spiritual forces, which work on the psyche and spirit, not about physical electrical or magnetic fields.

    The primary importance and level of existence of chakras is therefore posited to be in the psyche and in the spirit. However, there are those who believe that chakras have a physical manifestation as well. Although there is no evidence that Indian mystics made this association themselves, it is noted by many that there is a marked similarity between the positions and roles described for chakras, and the positions and roles of the glands in the endocrine system, and also by the positions of the nerve ganglia (also known as "plexuses") along the spinal column, opening the possibility that two vastly different systems of conceptualization have been brought to bear to systemize insights about the same phenomenon. By some, chakras are thought of as having their physical manifestation in the body as these glands, and their subjective manifestation as the associated psychological and spiritual experiences.

    Indeed, the various hormones secreted by these glands do have a dramatic effect on human psychology, and an imbalance in one can cause a psychological or physical imbalance in a person. Whether these changes in body state have a bearing on spiritual matters is a subject of dissent even among the Indian theorists, and the different systems of conceptualization, Indian and Western, make only a partial convergence in this case.

    Chemical reactions in the body as well as psychological changes take place under the influence of the chakras. One such example is the secretion of the glands, the psychedelic drug DMT (which is synthesized by the pineal gland, corresponding to the brow chakra). It is said that some individuals have sought spiritual breakthroughs through the use of the chemicals, occasionally referred to as entheogens in this context. 
  There is ample scope for further study of the influence of circulation of pranic energy, effect of chakras, on human body and mind.
    

Chakra Theory

    The physical body has energy centers, chakras, that look like spinning wheels and are called Chakras. They allow energy to flow from one part of the body to another. As with all things in our reality, they are linked to sound, light and color. To heal, is to bring the chakras into alignment and balance then understand the nature of creation and your purpose in it. It's all in motion in the chemistry, alchemy, of time. 

   Chakra is normally meant to indicate the wheel. Here, in our physical system, it is the system of air circulation at different levels. It works as a fan and turns at different speeds at different levels. It is actually the circulation of our vital airs, pranic energy. Though it is called plexus of consciousness, it is actually the energy level that stimulates mental action at spiritual level. It acts as a turbine in an hydel power station since human body is made of 70per cent of water and these chakras turn in the seven chakras from muladhara to sahasrara. It stimulates spiritual power and increases cellular energy with increasing revolution per minute (rpm). But, mental and physical (psychosomatic) activity reduces with every increase in speed of the revolution of these chakras. Contrary to physical and mental activities depending on the energy supplied by the food we eat, the spiritual energy depends on the self-effulgent soul-power; it is the unsupported  (nirupadhika niralamba) spiritual power, atma shakti. Thus, the chakra (circulatory movement also known as mandala in Sanskrit) is the wheel of consciousness. Consciousness and energy move from one frequency to another in spiraling fashion. There are thousands of Mandalas and the Earth and Solar System. The human beings are also mandalas in a way and possess seven large and many smaller circulatory systems.    

Origins and Development of Chakra Theory

   The earliest known mention of chakras is found in the later Upanishads, including specifically the Brahma Upanishad and the Yogatattva Upanishad. These Vedic models were adapted in Tibetan Buddhism as Vajrayana theory, and in the Tantric Shakta theory of chakras. It is the shakta theory of 7 main chakras that most people in the West adhere to, either knowingly or unknowingly, largely thanks to a translation of two indian texts, the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, and the Padaka-Pancaka, by Sir John Woodroffe, alias Arthur Avalon, in a book entitled “The Serpent Power”.

    This book is extremely detailed and complex, and later the ideas were developed into what is predominant western view of the Chakras by the Theosophists, and largely the controversial (in theosophical circles) C. W. Lead-beater in his book The Chakras, which are in large part his own meditations and insights on the matter.

    That said, many present-day Indian gurus that incorporate chakras within their systems of philosophy do not seem to radically disagree with the western view of chakras, at least on the key points, and both these eastern and western views have developed from the Shakta Tantra school.

   There are various other models of chakras in other traditions, notably in Chinese medicine, and also in Tibetan Buddhism. Even in Jewish kabbalah, the different Sephiroth are sometimes associated with parts of the body.

    In Islamic Sufism, Lataif-e-Sitta (Six Subtleties) are considered as psycho-spiritual "organs" or faculties of sensory and supra-sensory perception , activation of which makes a man complete 

    Attempts are made to try and reconcile the systems with each other, and notably there are some successes, even between such diverged traditions as Shakta Tantra, Sufism and Kabbalism, where chakras , lataif and Sephiroth can seemingly represent the same archetypal spiritual concepts.

   In Surat Shabda Yoga, initiation by an Outer Living Satguru (Sat - true, Guru - teacher) is required and involves reconnecting soul to the Shabda and stationing the Inner Shabda Master (the Radiant Form of the Master) at the third eye chakra. 

Sri Chakra navaavarana

    The universe is replicated itself in three levels, rather, the blueprint of creation is the same for the universe (macrocosm), the jiva (living beings), and the jivaanu (microcosm). Every atom, every cell, every molecule has all the creative power, knowledge, technology, ability to transform, develop and annihilate! The Sri Chakra is the symbolic or geometric presentation of the universe in totality. It holds all the three macro, meso and the micro level of creation. It starts with nada, bindu, trikona representing the triads of chit, jnyan and kriya shakti, sat, chit and ananda, srushti, sthiti and laya, sattva, tamas and rajas, etc. Shiva prakasha and shakti vimarsha together create the universe of the sun, moon, earth, all living beings, days and nights called nityas, the forces operating on the jivas like sense attractions (akarshini), the forces (shakti) that guard (dik-paala) the creation of several lokas (vyahruti), and sustain it, and all that. The supreme Lord (mahat) only enters into creation as the core of the substance (anoraniyan) as Consciousness and operates!

  The same structure is repeated in the jiva as well as every cell in its body like the nerves and neurons, blood cells, brain cells, skin cells, bone cells, etc. The powers vested within are astounding! There are 25000 protein cell covered cells, each with amino acids, nucleic acid RNA and DNA (ribose and deoxyribose nucleic acids), proteins, enzymes,vitamins, harmones, chromosomes, genes, and what not? Further, a microscopic entity like a zooplankton, protozoa, spermatozoa, a cell or any such thing contains knowledge that is found in all the books of the world libraries! What a creation?

  But the question remains. What is the purpose? The entire purpose is to see for itself and realize this truth. This is put in a simple phrase: "The consciousness is conscious of its self"- Shiva. If the jiva is conscious of the world as an other different from itself it is shive, prakruti or vimarsha. The entire world (jagat /prapancha), the jiva and Ishvara is unity consciousness, samyak-prajnya. Any person who is established in self aware of both Ishvara and the prakruti or prapancha is a jnyani, at the same time is said to be a knower- jnyata. He holds jnyana, jnyeya and jnyata - all the three within himself. Thus jnyan or consciousness only exists in different forms at different levels.

   This oneness can be attained from chakra dhyana. The sadhaka will be merged in dhyan of Sri Chakra and feel oneness with the param padam, sadakhya. The technique of meditation on Sri chakra will be given in the next.

Sheaths or Avarana

    The core of the universe is covered by several sheaths, envelopes; it is like boxes within boxes. The human soul or Atman is also covered by several sheaths of kosha.  This is just like a silkworm that goes on building a cocoon out of its saliva. The jivatman is entrapped in the sheaths, koshas, it has built slowly in the mother's womb- one of skeletal structure, tissues, organs and body.  Each one of this start from subtler state and become solid or gross state. Once the jivatman is thus entrapped it tries hard to get out of its own embodiment, but fails due to the gross and ignorant state of the jiva. How to overcome this impediment, the walls created by its own desires, attachment, greed, etc is the problem. This problem has been carefully studied by great sages and solutions are offered to the needy and willing! But, most of the people who live and work for livelihood  or sensuous life are not interested in these.But it is not the intention of the learned ones to propagate the secrets they have discussed, but only to help the needy only. Thus knowledge was never sold for a fee!

   The sheaths that envelope the soul are many and varied. They are all extremely subtle and cannot be seen, touched or even experienced at times. The single egg cell in the mother's womb that accommodate a sperm and feeds it develops a body of its type and delvers over a period of gestation. The child develops and appears in flesh and blood and grows in to a well-built man or woman over decades of constant feeding. Thus the person acquires all the qualities of the food and its physical, social, and cultural environment. This is the first invisible imperceptible envelop that  the jiva acquires and thus behaves as if it is of particular nature like a mountain tribal, coastal inhabitants following a certain cultural tradition, religion, caste and creed. It is very difficult make the jiva understand it is not the true nature, but an acquired sheath of ignorance. Thus, people suffer due to avidya, knowledge covered by a sheath of lack of understanding the true nature. .

  The well recognized sheaths of a jiva are the sheaths of food (annam), life-force (prana), Mind (manas), knowledge (jnyan) and joy (ananda). It is needless to impress up on the readers that all these coverings, envelopes, or sheaths of ignorance, and not the reality. The jivatman suffers due to falsely believing these as true. For example, the joy one gets by attaining power, position, name, fame or the desired objects is not true since this joy is short lived; it disappears soon as the desire is fulfilled or objects are attained!. So also, all the knowledge is of the worldly interests and of material nature. These are of no avail for the release of the embodied soul.
  We build walls around ourselves and later on cry. This is like children marking a boundary and cry foul  in games. We put thick curtains and make our rooms dark and sweat! We  create unwanted relations, friends and relatives and feel cheated. There is no end to these walls we go on building from childhood and later lament in old age. Where is the solution for our foolishness. Sri Krishnanandaji of Sri Shivananda Ashram, Hrishikesh, rightly said, "All relational existence is unreal". Do we understand. Unless the subtle thread of anthahkarana is cut, the jiva cannot leave the body even though the body is dilapidated and lying in ICU. This is like the old people unwilling to leave their dilapidated buildings although they fear these may collapse in no time during the rainy days! This is the predicament of the jiva.
 The sheaths of physical body, the objects of desire of senses, the fickle mind, the perverted intelligence and the ego are all invisible sheaths of ignorance. Satisfying the needs of these will ultimately destroy the jiva. None of these will ever help the jivatman get released from eternal bondage, the shackles of repeated births and deaths. Whatever satisfies the mind, senses, buddhi and ego are not helpful in redemption, liberation of the should from further embodiment. This is true knowledge. Hence, Bhagavan Shree Krishna advises Arjuna to overcome all these by yogabhyasa. tasmad yogirbhavaarjunaa | Even the three gunas, all knowledge of worldly existence are of no use, hence to be discarded. Knowledge is also a burden, vishayaa veda nistraigunyobhavaarjunaa | 

  A person becomes totally free by abandoning, discarding, casting off what all that have been acquired since its entry into the realms of the earthly existence as a cell or  molecule from its earlier pure state of particle of energy, a photon. One should become Light to oneself.

Creation as manifest Forms of 'brahmn'.

     Did the Universe manifest instantly? Yes. It did! The Universe consisting of the dark matter, light (photons). mass of stellar clouds and the condensed forms of stars, their planets, satellites, life, everything manifests from brahman. These manifests forms are sat, chit, ananda (bliss). The waves of energy in different forms of waves, wavelengths, amplitudes, intensity, and frequencies created numerous forms and created the objective phenomenal world. This is what is narrated in Bhagavata, Shaivagama shastra, Srividya, Vishnu purana, the Veda and numerous upanishad. There is no doubt as to the powers and ability of the supreme Lord Almighty in creation. May be, it is our intellect that attributes qualities to the formless (nirakara). attributeless  (nirguna, nirvikalpa) brahman. But, this intellect (buddhi) is the manifest energy of brahman only, and none else. And, everything is energy here. In fact one unmanifest brahman only has become the many, the multifarious world of objects.

   This vast universe is like galaxies and stars in the vast deep space as well as the vast millions of populations on earth. One brahman manifests as the many. It is just like my Grandfather who was a single (bachelor) became one more (with his wife, my Grandmother, multiples into a hundred or more with his sons and daughters marrying and having children, thereby creating a vast family and extended family. 

    Me, too, alone, got married and became one more, a family and two more with kids, and many more with daughters-in-law and sons-in-law and grandchildren make a huge branch of family tree. Bhagavan Shree Krishna described this to a inverted banyan tree (urdhvamula ashvatha), with roots spread wide into heavens getting all the support and the branches with fruits spread wide down below. This is the beauty of creation. What wonder is there if these kids play and create flying machines and floating boats ships and submarines, and play warfare?

Manifest Forms and Functions

Every atom or molecule that exists in this universe has a specific form and function. The Nobel Laureate Pritjof Capra did  an excellent job in identifying these. The nucleus and its vibration swinging left as electrons and right as protons do marvelous jobs. The Hydrogen and Helium combine to constitute the Sun, as a moderate Star (neither a giant nor a dwarf). These  gaseous elements are the source of energy in the solar system. Now, the role of  waves of X-Ray radiation from the distant stars has added a new dimension to our knowledge. So also, the neutrinos that support a molecules of organic matter does marvelous jobs. Every molecule, every cell, in the human body, for instance carryout sixty-thousand odd jobs in a second and create wonders! This is the mystery of life that has to be understood. However, we do not know how the same cell or molecule works differently in a human brain, or a particle of blood or bone marrow. There is a wide-ranging field for further research. But all these are described in minute details in spiritual texts.

  The Spiritual texts invoke divine forces (Shakti devi devatas), Thirty-three thousands of them to explain the different functions. Prominent of them are being the Twenty-four that have their seed letters of Gayatree mantra as their source of power. The secret told in the form of code words, syllables of mantra are to be decoded. The purans tell these in stories for the sake of illiterates.  BBut, nobody will ever reveal the secret since these are very powerful forces that can well destroy the universe! The learned sages take oath to preserve the secret before learning it from their teachers. Moreover, they (the mantra) remain powerful as long as they are not spelled out by mouth. Whatever revealed by word of mouth is vaikharti adnloses its power. These mantra are used for dhyana, dharana, and samadhi and the powers accrue to the sadhaka; tht's all. These powers should nnot be used for profit or pleasure. These are for the welfare of the living beings t large (loka sangrahartha).

   The alphabets starting fro a to the end ha in Samskruta bhasha are the seed words from which all the essential resources for creation, sustenance, development and dissolution are available. a ha and m makes it aham the Self, Rudra on which everything in  the universe rests. ya ra la va sha sha sa ha.are the very life and breath, prana shakti (sa, ha) and power centers, plexus of consciousness (prajnya chakra)  such as lam, vam, ram, yam, ham, sah Om, so'ham in the jiva. One can attain the highest brahmn in deep contemplation of these seed letters (bijakshara mantra) one by one in chakra ddhyana. It may take several decades to complete this!

    So also, the Gayatri mantra is a very powerfull means of spiritual attainment. The twenty-four letters tat sa vi tr va re nyam bha rgo de va sya dhi yo nah pra cho da yaat are the source of power that run the body day and night. It is said that the body was not functioning soon after the birth of the jiva and the supreme Lord entered the body through a hole in the head (brahma randhra), took position in the  lotus heart (brahm kamala). tadsrushtva tadevaanupravishat | Immediately all the devi devatas took position in the nadis (crucial joints) to serve the Lord and the jiva started functioning! Science also admits this mysterious power when the child does not cry soon afetr the birth. The doctor splashes some cold water and taps the baby and lo, the baby cries. Nobody guarantees the life of a new born and everybody prays the Lord. 

   We go on blah blahing without knowing these secrets.We do not hesitate to talk ill of others and  shout bad words or even harm others because of our ignorance. This is one of the reasons why  one should take to pious life and be kind to others and talk sweet always.

  This describes how the Lord manifests in all as tyhe vital breath, prana, prajnya and functions in different capacities.  

Evolution or Manifestation?

   The Theory of Evolution and Neo-Darwinism ana ll that have now been discarded. However, debate is still going on about the exact nature of origin of life and when exactly inert matter turned into living beings. So far, there is no conclusive evidence. The chemical engineering, geotechnology, particle physics DNA studies, and biotechnology have made much progress and we have plenty of material to study. But, what is the underlying force, electric charges or motivating factor, life-force (pranic energy) or that significant factor that differentiates energy, matter and life? The answer is not clear. Some say, organic matter can become living entities. Does this Organic matter belong to the domain of biology or chemistry? What is the earliest form of life? Is the phytoplankton, algae, mosses and lichens or zooplankton (protozoa?) first to come? What are their constituents and where do they comm from? All these interesting questions. The Vedic perspective is much clear when compared to the scientific theories, postulations and guess work of scientists. The Veda proclaims that all that manifests as the objective phenomenal world are the manifest forms of brahman only. The primordial matter is nothing but the thought, will of the Lord! Science also admits thought is a particle of energu of the vibrant mind. Mind is both energy and matter at the same time or in different modes of vibration..What all that exists is brahman only. sarvam khaluvidam brahmaa |

   What is brahmn has already been defined as 'Tht', ('tat') which cannot be defined since the syllables or alphabets and words have not yet ppeared and only 'That' inexplicable existed in a satte of dynamic silence, like animated suspension of the Cosmic entity. The word used for this state is 'tirodana'. Everything simultaneously appear in multifarious forms and functions instantly! They may disappear intantly, too. It is the will of the Lord! Thus what all we see is an illusion of forms and functions of waves of vibrant energy,'Will of the Lord'.."The Lord willed", they say. Ekoham bahusyam | "I am alone and I shall be many", said the Lord. The universe manifested from brahmn. Rather, what was already there appears and disappears like a magical show! This is attributed to the veiling power of the Lord, Maya. Bhagavan Shree Krishna says in the Gita that "I am mayavin (magician). I shall create and detroy at a moment by the waving of my Magic wand". This is what is to be understood. Thus, what all we feel, touch, hear or see are not real. These are just our own illusion. It is due to our 'bhavana'., feeling, that things appear as such and such. If we discard all our attachment and desires, the world disappears; at leats we will not be affected by goings-on or happenings in the world. 

   "Contemplate n brahman". "Meditate on brahman", advice the sages.. 

Where does the Self (Atman) come from?

The abode of the Self, the Atman, is pure Consciousness (shuddha vidya). And, as such, it is pure consciousness by itself. It is everywhere. It is the radiant energy called 'Vishnu' in the scriptures, 'vish' meaning, 'to pervade'. What pervades the universe is this pure Consciousness, called 'chit' in the scriptures. This 'chit' is nothing but 'fire' (agni). It is 'Energy'. Energy is self-effulgent, unborn, eternal, all pervasive. It is the surya (Sun0 , Soma (Moon), Lightning and the Fire in coal, oil, natural gas, timber and rocks. Everything is fire only. The body is discarded when it becomes cold and inert. Thus, 'chit is the energy, , prana (life force). This 'chit' can assume many forms. It is chetasa, chaitya, manas, buddhi, ego (ahankar), chittabhramana or mano-vikalpa (thought-force or vibration). Ultimately, everything is vibration of this 'chit-shakti at different amplitudes, wavelengths, intensity and thereby create forms. The tanmatra or the subtle aspect of fire is rupa (form). hat we see as a certain form is the bibration creating multitude of forms in different modes of chitta. Thus, everything is reduced to this chit.

   The particles or sparks of fire can create fire, and as such, it is fire only in a minute form. So also the Jiva, life form is a particle of fire, light, called jivajyoti. The jiva lives and works as long as this life-force, prana, is in it. This light particle (photon) cane enter.as a prana-shakti (life-force) into anything and thereby create a prani. Hence, all jivas are vibrations of chit-shakti, however minute like an ant  or a fly, or big like  whale or an elephant. The Mind is also the same energy that vibrates as matter at low intensity.Mind (manas) creates man, manav. hence the jivas are just a bundle of energy with vibrant mind and moods, creating different attitudes and behaviors. There is nothing else! If the chaitanya is reduced the person becomes weak and if the life-force stops vibration the jiva becomes inert. What value can we attach to this transient name and forms of jivas?   

The 'Self' and 'An Other'

  The 'Self' is the core of the substance, 'the Atman'. It is the sub-atomic particle, a photon, a particle of "Light'. This is the electromagnetic, atomic energy, Gravity, and the strong and the weak force that governs the entire universe, as well as, the jiva! There is a fifth invisible force that activates all these four forces. This Light, self-effulgent, an eternal, undiminishing, and all sustaining one is called parabrahman. It is smaller than the smallesst and larger than the largest. anoraniyan and mahatomahiyan | It is the Veda, the entirety (Circumference, the cosmos/brahmanda) that encompasses everything, as well as, the vyasa (Radius) that connects the center/ the focus with the circumference. It is the paramtman, as well as, the Atman!
   The phenomenal world of objects is 'an other' that is perceived by the Atman, if at all it is interested in it! It is an other, besides and an objective, transient, and phenomenal one. It is not the 'Self' as many think of. It does not belong to the 'Self.' although it appears so! It (the soul/Atman) can exist without our involvement in it. It simply does not exist if we do not realize it; so also, the objective world does not exist unless and until we entertain it. Hence both the world and the self are an enigma unless we realize what is what!. We will never realize the two without a guide, a Guru. In fact, we have nothing to do with the world, an other, an outsider, unless we, ourselves, get involved in it. As long as we do not take cognizance of it it remains outside our purview. But, we are forced to take cognizance of it. It is due to the inherent powers of our mind, buddhi and the senses that we take cognizance of it and thus believe in it as an 'existential reality' due to our ignorance. We suffer due not to the world but due to our ignorance.
    There is no need to unnecessarily get involved in it. But, we still do it. It is due to our senses, buddhi, vibrant mind (chanchala chitta), our ego, and lack of proper guidance from learned jnyanis. We get into this illusory or 'make-believe' world and suffer. One can live happily without being dependent on any external support. But it requires full control over the senses and discipline. The jiva suffers due to ignorance of its true nature. When the jiva closes its door to the external world and turns inward its journey towards the Self.It perceives the Him in the inner sanctum sanctoram of his heart where the Lord is seated. It is a long journey and only one in a billion will ever aspire for it and starts the inward journey.  Once we reach there where there is 'nothing' to perceive and reach a point beyond which there is 'nowhere' to go, it is attainment of the pure state. The jiva has realized its goal, This is redemption to the jiva that was repeatedly taking birth on this earth, a mrutyu loka, where all that is born has to suffer hunger, thirst, old age, illness, and death besides run after desires and look for things that are incapable of giving happiness. All that exists here are transient. Our senses are guided by illusory things and insatiable.
   When a child is born little does it know where it has come and what is it going to do? Its true nature in this state is one of pure state! It has no name (nama), form (rupa) or quality (guna). It is given a name and it takes a form, that goes on changing from time to time from childhood to ripe old age and nothing is certain. All the qualities it displays is one of the environment- physical and cultural. All these are the acquired ones and there is nothing of its own. In fact it reaches this same state when it reaches a ripe old age after 95 or 96 when it forgets what all that happened to it the whole life! It is back to square one. If this is the case, what is it that one has attained by name, fame, wealth, and all that? One should realize this before it is too late. This is what is called realization. Realization is what is real humility, living a life of absolute sense and sacrifice. The true nature of the being should be clearly understood and kept in mind all through life. There is no need to assume and act and suffer later. But this is not easy. One cannot keep quiet, unmindful of social responsibilities. As one grows older, there is bound to be lots and lots of cumbersome affairs happening and sometimes, things go out of one's control. All jivas suffer due to this simple fact that things go beyond one's control. Then, what is the remedy?
   Remedy to all karmaklesha are given by Bhishma pitamaha lying on the bed of arrows who says that "chanting the name of 'Rama' will erase all bondage". Bhagavan Shree Krishna says, "surrender to Me, I shall redeem you." Those who trust in Him will have no problem.  

Victory of Evilover Good ?

Yes,  it is often found that the evil-mongers get over unpunished and the good and the pious people suffer at the hands of cruel people. But it is only for a short time. Satyameva jayatre | Truth only prevails. Thee is a propitious time for everything. Nothing can go on forever. Natural justice, dharma prevails. This is what is assured by Bhagavan in the Gita. He will appear to restore dharma. This does not mean we should keep quiet till He comes. He wants that we should rise against all adharma and fight for the good and welfare of all. It is we  only that should take responsibility to punish the wicked and that is the message of the Dasara, a nine nights ritual. All thye animals, weapons, and instruments of warfare, rather, equipments to fight evil-mongers are cleaned and worshiped and taken in a procssion (to show preparednesss). This ritual is also practiced with the burning of the effigies of the famous epic villain Ravana asmatter of symbolism. Nothing much to be rejoiced at this. Ravana was equally a valiant king and a an ardent devotee of Shiva.  It is symbolism and common people cannot understand this. It is the pride, ego of Ravana that led to his end. Sri Rama is presented as an iconic figure, a model and his rule in Ayodhya is given as an example. But these are idealistic; and, one should realize, good and evil go together. There cannot be all good and no evil! 

  This world is a make-believe one, said Sri Shankaracharya. We do not understand his maya vada, doctrine of myth. The true meaning of this 'illusory world' (maya prapancha) is very simple. Everything here is subject to change! Whatever comes within the grip of 'Time' (kaala), 'Space' (desha0, and 'Causality' (kaarya-karana/ cause and effect) is bound to chane. Thus, nothing is certain. Even what we call 'Time' (kaala) does not exist! Hold your cell phone in yourhand and watch how the digital clock works! The second is running out and every minute is receding to give place for the next. Then what is it we call 'present' (vartaman), or past (bhuta) and the future (bhavishyat)> These do not simple exist. The space and phenomenal objects that fill this space too do not exist since neither there is time nor space that is created by it exist! The illusion of Time is created by our mind and a relational existence. 'asat'. Thus we live in a illusory world with a mistaken identity. We are not what we think of or 'pose to be'! We will never realize the true nature of ourselves. Our Self is unborn, eternal, and immortal. It sat, chit  and ananda, It is sheer bliss o live in that state of  pure consciousness, an unblemished state where there is no ego, likes and dislikes, you and i, or 'here and there', 'now and then' and all such dualities.

 Those who transcend time in 'samadhi', transcendental meditative state will realize this truth.

Devi Pooja during Navaratri

  There is jubilation and festivities all over India celebrating the victory of 'good' over 'evil' and praise of Durga devi, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. There is a function to worship machinery, including household equipment like knife and scissors! What is the significance of all these?

  First, the festivities of Navaratri- celebration for nine days, is dated back to 'tretayuga' when Prince of Ayodhya Sri Ramachandra returned victorious after defeating the Demon King Ravana of Sri Lanka and was installed on the throne as the King by his brother Bharata who was ruling the State 0n his behalf, actually keeping his paduka on the throne. These are the details available from ancient Indian history and epic writings by Valmiki and many others. This is dated roughly about 7500 years ago according to our historians. But there is also the Great epic Ramayana by Sri Krishna Dvaipayana who later became Veda Vyasa. All these are confusing. So many have given commentary on Ramayana and some of them are credited to Sri Tulasidas, Sri Veerappa Moily, Kuvempu (Prof. K. V. Puttappa}   However, it is not necessary to contribute to these views here. The inner meaning (antrartha) of the famous epic Ramayana is altogether different!

   Devi parayana or Devi upasana is a Tantra to appease Her to get her blessinsg. Lalita Sahasranama, Soundarya Lahri, Shree Sharada Chatushyati, Durga Saptashati, and many other scriptures describe Devi as the all-powerful (omnipotent/sarvashakta), omniscient (sarvajnya), omnipresent (sarvantaryami) and the Divine Mother, She, the Devi is the First potent force Adhya Shakti. She is the sovereign supreme Ruler of the three worlds- Tripureshi, Raja Rajeshvari. She is also the Most beautiful one of the three lokas, Trailokya sundari, She is eulogized as the eternal flow of Consciousness in Soundaryalahari. She is Lalita Parameshvari, Durga Devi, the most powerful who sits on a Lion and holds the armaments (ayudha) to punish the evil-mongers and protect the pious ones. She is accompanied by The Deities Lakshmi and Saraswati who are the custodians of Wealth and Knowledge, respectively. There is a huge army of servants, retinue of devis and devatas to serve her and these include- days and nights (nityas), the dik-palas (watch and wards), the deities of our senses (akarshins), etc. (See Soundarya Lahari, Durga Saptashati, Sharada Chatushyati, and Lalta sahasranama). 

   In a way, all these powers are attributed to Devi by the learned poets and Tantra Shastras describe the way to propitiate the Devi. For example, Vaishno Devi in Katra near Jammu is the most sacred and richest shrine in India where people go in millions to worship Ma Durga, Ma Lakshmi and Ma Saraswati. These are three shalagrama or pindis (Rounded stones or rock protrusions in the Himalayan Lower Ranges) There is also the ancient Temple of Sharada at Sarda Village at the confluence (sangam) of three Rivers Kishen Ganga, Saraswati, and Madhumati  near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir ) near Srinagar where the Devi is in the form of a Shlagrama on a high pedestal and there is no roof to this temple. this temple is dated back to the dvapara yuga when the Saraswats worshiped Devi Sharadamba here! These are very interesting things when it comes to worship of Devi.

  The most important thing to remember here is the role of Divine Mother. The Earth is our Divine Mother-Bhu Devi. The Sun is the Divine Mother (suryaah) for the Earth (Bhu) as well as all the other Planets like Budha, Mangala, Shukra, Guru, Shani, and Neptune. However, the Galaxy Milky Way (Akasha-Ganga) holds the olar system and thus, the divine Mother for all the Stars and Planets. But Who is the Father of all? Rk Veda says Narayana is the Father of all that exists! Narayanopanishad explains the creation in detail.
   Now may we presume, believe or say that worship of stones in the form of Lingam, pindis (rounded or just ordinary ones) and the sculptured icons came to be worshiped since very early times. The Agama shastras support this. But, why should we worship stones or objects like that? The answer is very simple. The great sages used to experiment about spiritual powers. It is said that they used to direct faith, devotion, and adoration with love towards an object like a rock and felt very peaceful, happy and joyful. Now also this practice of putting a few stones one above the other and covering it with a red piece of cloth as in Vaishno Devi or Ladakh region could be seen. It is indeed to get peace and joy that we go to temples or pilgrimage and worship devi devatas. It is all about waves and vibrations that create this and this needs a careful understanding.
  Now that we invoke Devi to eliminate the evil forces, may it be like the asuras mahishasura, madhu, kaitabha, dambasura, vrutra or vala, the followers of the evil forces, too, feel hurt and invoke more and more evil forces. This has come to be known as vamachara. Hence, the good and the evil go together; one cannot exist without the other if the world is to go on. The world comes to an end when there is equilibrium of all forces.

   Thus we have the Shakti cult where we worship Devi Devatas as the Divine power that create, sustain, and dissolve all that is created.  May the Navaratri be the festive occasion  that brings joy, happiness and peace to all.
Om | aim hreem shreem shreeh || Om Shree Lalitatripurasunadari padukaabhyam namah || 

'tittiri'

   Taittiriya upanishad is one of the ten most important upanishads on which Sri Shankaracharya has given his learned comments. The term 'tittiri' actually means vomiting. It is the undigested food that we vomit. Here the term applies to all that we write, speak or even what we read or hear! It is the half-knowledge, (words that are not digested?) not actually experienced by the author. Like small children who say nursery rhymes we rush to tell others, or write about things which we think we have understood and most often we repeat what others have already said or written without giving it a careful thought, contemplation, and experiencing the truth. Whoever understands and experiences the truth will not attempt to speak or write about it.  Saint Tukaram says, "What can I say anything but what already the learned ones have said? I can utmost repeat it." This is real understanding. There is nothing that one can speak or write except what has already been said and written. Now-a-days we find large number of books in the market that are grossly misrepresenting the scriptures and doing great harm to society. Hence, it is better to leave it to people to learn on their own and enlighten themselves. Some times, we too feel like putting an end to all these and sit in total contemplation on brahman and, that will happen sooner or later.
   Whatever one speaks or writes is an expression of a thought, idea, or a sound, or word that comes out. It is called 'vaikhari', a style of presentation. But the 'sat' , the 'truth' is something that cannot be expressed in any form, whatsoever! What all comes out of mouth is tittiti. Para, pashyanti, madhyama and vaikhari are the four stages that an expression undergoes before it is finally takes a form. AUM (Om), for instance has its origin in the navel, seat of brahmn. It starts as sound of 'A' at the brahma granthi near navel, and reaches anahata, at the heart level- Vishnu granthi, to add the sound of  'U' to it; later, the sound of 'M' generates at the Vishuddhi level (at throat level) and becomes AUM (Om) at the Ajnya level -Rudra granthi (between the eyebrows). As the primordial sound, the AUM (Om) is nada brahmn that has the power of creation, sustenance and dissolution.. The upasaka should see to it that it reaches the sahasrar-prajnya level above the head in the state of samadhi so that enlightenment takes place. However, we spell it out from our mouth and it becomes vaikhari and thereby, it loses all its power. Anything that we spell out loses power! Hence, it is advisable not to utter the sound (mantra) by word of mouth if one wants it to be powerful and effective. One should meditate on Om. It (Om) should be contemplated upon in meditation, dhyan.
   Great sages remain in a state of dhyana, contemplate on Om and perceive, visualize brahmn- 'the truth'. It is extremely difficult to meditate on Om ('brahmn'). Whoever reaches the state of transcendental meditation contemplating on Om, brahmn will attain to the highest level of pure Consciousness. One can visualize the the supreme self at this state. dhyaanavasthita tadgatena manasaa yoginaa pashyanti paraah |
   The yogins may reach a state in nirvikalpa samadhi, ie samprajnya samadhi, and find themselves in an ecstatic state and become unaware of themselves!
   Any expression of mantra like the Om in sound form starts at the throat level as madhyama. But it has already lost it power by the time it reaches there (throat level or vishuddhi level). The mantra as sound starts from anahata (Rishi/ drushtara) level. Rishis who are at the anahata-prajnya level in meditative trance prefer to remain in that state. However, it is very difficult to be in that state. They come down to the lower levels soon.When, they reach to vishuddhi-prajnya level they become eager to spell out or express their experience and words begin to form at the throat. It becomes a style- vaikhari, when they try to express the inexplicable and thereby whatever they speak becomes only verbal, without much spiritual power.

   Taittiria upanishad has a similar, but different version of this. It brings out the essentials of the Vedic texts for upasana. All the scriptures are meant for our upasana, dhyana, dharana, and realization. We attain pure state by contemplating on the mahavakyas like aham brahmasmi, tattvamasi, aatma eva brahmaa, ayam aatmaa brahma, sarvam khaluvidam brahmaa, etc. Ultimate reality is brahman. When we discard everything including 'knowledge' we attain to brahman. Even a brahma Rishi will not attain to brahman unless he / she stops the status of a Rishi, searcher, looking forward for brahman. One attains to brahman when everything becomes silent, The concept of brahmn is nothing but attaining to the ultimate state of silence, one of dynamic silence, like an engine ready to move any time! It is at total rest when it has reached the destination and steam is off, but ready to move again, any time, when called for!