AUM
When the mind is absorbed by the cosmic vibration, AUM, then the power of understanding becomes pure, the mind remains established on the Self at the spiritual eye, and finally the Self is revealed.
The Self is formless and transcendental. Let not thy meditation be merely blind practice without the understanding of its principles and ideal. Such practice often misleads the aspirant and wrecks his spiritual life. Thy understanding will become perfect with the realization of the Self. Those who seek phenomenal powers through meditation create bondage and misery for themselves. (49) By following the path of meditation with true understanding and perfect vision, thou shalt realize thyself as the absolute Self. Therefore practice thy meditation with joy and determination. This is the secret of self-realization. (50) The true Yogi does not desire any phenomenal power. Thus he transcends the limitations of duality and realizes the state of absolute bliss. (51) In the process of meditation, when the consciousness of sense-identification is removed, the limitations of time, space and causality vanish in the realization of conscious, blissful, eternal existence. (52) When the mind is absorbed by the cosmic vibration, AUM, then the power of understanding becomes pure, the mind remains established on the Self at the spiritual eye, and finally the Self is revealed. (53)
The self:
What is the nature of absolute self-realization? Transcending all limitations, how does a man of self-realization manifest himself in speech, action, and life? (54)
The supreme Self:
Eternal existence in absolute bliss is the glory of self-realization. It is the state of pure-consciousness, wherein the self is liberated in the cosmic Self. In this state of pure-consciousness all thoughts of self-limitation are forever gone. (55) When a man of self-realization manifests himself on earth, to him suffering and happiness are various waves of absolute bliss. He lives in peace. His all-embracing love is pure and spiritual. The realization of his oneness with all is ever present in his consciousness. He is ever aware that his own infinite perfection is reflected in and through all beings. He realizes that the whole manifested universe is a part of his own cosmic Self. (56) The same to all is the man of perfect wisdom. Virtue and vice are to him different degrees of the same goodness. In him both saint and sinner find guidance, assurance, comfort and inspiration. Peace and calmness are not conditioned by circumstances for a man of self-realization. (57) Absolute control over the mind is the prerequisite of self-realization. When the mind is withdrawn from the senses and sense-objects, when all its modifications have ceased, then the Self is revealed and wisdom is attained. (58) Consciousness of forms exists in the qualified Samadhi, the Savikalpa. All forms vanish in the absolute Samadhi, the Nirvikalpa. (59) When the mind fails to reflect the perfection of the Self, it becomes a slave to the senses. (60) Therefore the spiritual aspirant continuously identifies his mind with the Self, and thus finally attains self-realization. When the mind is no longer dominated by the finite, it invariably leads to the state of infinite consciousness which is the state of absolute self-realization. (61) In the finite plane of consciousness mind is the reflector of the Self as well as the recipient of impressions of phenomena. But when it is allowed to be occupied exclusively with the latter it becomes allured by these and longs for phenomenal powers, and challenges any obstacle to their fullest enjoyment. (62) Gradually the veil of finitude and delusion hides the reflection of the Self from the mind. Finally, it becomes almost oblivious to its identity with the Self and is lost in the snare of phenomena. (63) But when the mind is identified with and guided by the Self, the aspirant is neither distracted nor discouraged by the allurements of phenomenal powers. He continues in his meditation in perfect self-assurance and serenity. (64) In perfect calmness of mind, all consciousness of duality vanishes and the Self is realized. This is the state of absolute bliss. (65) Without the complete identification of the mind with the Self, the Self is never realized. Without self-realization there is no peace. And without peace, how can there be the attainment of bliss? (66)
Swami Premananda
The Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita: The Revelation of the Supreme Self
Spiritual interpretation of the Gita according to Kriya Yoga
Ajna - The Spiritual Eye
The illuminating, joyous vibration of the ascending current of Pranic force resembles the tone quality of the hum of the bumblebee at Muladhar, coccygeal; that of the melodious note from a violin at Sadhisthan, sacral; that of the sweet call of a flute at Manipur, lumbar; that of the deep and vibrant roar of a conch at Anahata, dorsal; that of the reverberation of rolling thunder at Visuddha, cervical; and that of an universal symphony of exalting blissfulness at Ajna, the spiritual eye.
Illumined and inspired by the divine qualities of the indwelling supreme Self, the enlightened self becomes firmly established at Ajna, the spiritual eye, and witnesses a white star within a dark blue center surrounded by a brilliant but soothing effulgence. While at this state there is awakened a cosmic vibration of all-engulfing immensity wherein the self is merged in blissful self-consciousness. The illuminating, joyous vibration of the ascending current of Pranic force resembles the tone quality of the hum of the bumblebee at Muladhar, coccygeal; that of the melodious note from a violin at Sadhisthan, sacral; that of the sweet call of a flute at Manipur, lumbar; that of the deep and vibrant roar of a conch at Anahata, dorsal; that of the reverberation of rolling thunder at Visuddha, cervical; and that of an universal symphony of exalting blissfulness at Ajna, the spiritual eye. Besides these there are also felt in this body temple the power of calmness of mind and poise of the senses, clear conscience and love of truth, intuition and enlightened perception, as well as the power of purified consciousness and self-realization. The illuminating power and joyousness of these vibrations are beyond the conception of mind. This cosmic vibration, resounding throughout the entire being and consciousness, spiritualizes the faculties of the senses, transforms the will of the sense-attached mind, and liberates the self from sense-identification.
Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita: The Revelation of the Supreme Self
Swami Premananda
Meditation at Dawn and Dusk
The practice of meditating upon first awakening in the morning and as the last thing we do before retiring at the end of the day is quite natural and logical. We feel drawn to Nature’s heart, a consciousness that unites our body, mind and spirit in inspiration.
The practice of meditating upon first awakening in the morning and as the last thing we do before retiring at the end of the day is quite natural and logical. We feel drawn to Nature’s heart, a consciousness that unites our body, mind and spirit in inspiration. With each dawn, the sun floods all earthly life as it spreads its gaze over the horizon and reawakens all with its smile of pristine purity. With daily morning meditation, we feel that our day has been blessed from its beginning with God’s own Light-Life-Love to sustain and guide us.
Our evening meditation affirms our spirit’s independence from worldliness as a perfect completion to our day: As the sun withdraws over the horizon, we also withdraw our minds from all attentions, trappings and efforts as “sufficient unto the day” and finished, following the sun’s example by letting go of all mundane responsibilities such as job, family and other social concerns.
Swami Kamalananda
The Breath of God and Pranayam
Breath
Before there was existence or nonexistence, Before there was sky or atmosphere above, Before there was birth, death or immortality, Day or night, light or darkness. . . Only the One Existent breathed calmly. . . self-contained, with nothing beyond.
There are many similarities in Vedic and Biblical stories of creation.
God is Creator in the Book of Genesis and the Supreme Being (“Brahma”) in the Vedas. In both traditions the Creator transcends the entire universe while bringing forth all life and beings, animate and inanimate. Every religious tradition we know describes the human being as the pinnacle of the process of creation, the most advanced of all living beings on earth.
In the Biblical story, God first created heaven and earth, the seas and the air, the fishes, fowls, herbs and plants and all living creatures in six days, and seeing that it was good ended all this work on the (symbolic) seventh day with rest. And then,
...the Lord God formed man (Adam) of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
The name “Adam” derives from a combination of “adi,” meaning first, and “aham,” or “ahong,” meaning “I-consciousness.” Adam thus became the first manifested self-consciousness as he drew in God’s imparted breath-of-life. This is similarly stated in the Qur’an:
I breathed into humanity something of my own spirit. Qur’an 38:72
Yet reading “God breathed” only begs the greater persisting philosophical question: How? Exactly what is God’s breath? The profound answer to that question is what strikingly distinguishes the Vedic and Upanishadic thought in several ways, the foremost being that breath existed BEFORE creation itself, i.e., without extraneous breath, as the One Existent, without a second:
In the beginning,
Before there was existence or nonexistence,
Before there was sky or atmosphere above,
Before there was birth, death or immortality,
Day or night, light or darkness. . .
Only the One Existent breathed calmly. . .
self-contained, with nothing beyond. Rig Veda
From that Absolute Being comes the cosmic manifestation of Breath.
Yoga in its Purest Form
By the introspective absorption of consciousness and mind, with its potency of thoughts, determination of will, and absolute devotion, the direct perception of the indwelling self is attained. All concepts of duality fade away; thought rests in the stillness of illumination, will expands into dynamic immensity and devotion melts into all pervasive peace in an infinite effulgence of our expanding consciousness wherein our self is revealed in its truth, power, beauty and perfection.
How are we to discover our true self? Following what procedure can we reveal unto ourselves what we really are in our essential nature?
By the introspective absorption of consciousness and mind, with its potency of thoughts, determination of will, and absolute devotion, the direct perception of the indwelling self is attained. All concepts of duality fade away; thought rests in the stillness of illumination, will expands into dynamic immensity and devotion melts into all pervasive peace in an infinite effulgence of our expanding consciousness wherein our self is revealed in its truth, power, beauty and perfection.
This is yoga in its purest form. The ideal of yoga practice is the attainment of the realization of our true self. Self-realization leads to God-realization. Discover your true self and you will reveal unto yourself your identity with God.
Swami Premananda
The Blessedness of the Inner Life
Subjective Meditation
The realization of the transcendental Self is a difficult task; this is the experience of every seeker after the state of self-liberation. But by the practice of subjective meditation the mind becomes steady, serene and self-composed, it is inspired by the strength of the self, and the power of remembrance reawakens the consciousness of self-transcendence, and finally the revelation of oneness with the absolute Self is attained.
By the practice of subjective meditation the Self is revealed in its transcendental perfection as well as in its immanental existence; and the Yogi realizes that he is the Self, all-pervading yet absolute.
Meditation reveals in successive states of consciousness: I, the self, exist in the Self; the Self manifests itself through me; I am one with the Self; I am the Self; I am the Absolute.
The practice of Kriya unfolds the absolute divinity of one’s own Self, and the whole phenomenal universe, in all its diversities, is revealed as the manifestation of the one cosmic Self.
In the power of pure-consciousness the bliss of the Self transmutes the dual experiences of joy and sorrow in all states of existence. Bliss is the supreme power of self-realization.
As he aspires to liberate the mind from its identification with the sensory enjoyment of temporary pleasures the spiritual aspirant observes that the mind is incapable of independent existence, hence it seems that permanent tranquility is not its nature.
The sense-identified and sense-bound mind remains invariably objective in its tendency and stubbornly refuses to become subjective. Abiding calmness of the mind seems as impossible to attain as it is to gain perfect polarization of the currents of energy between the Muladhar and the Sahasraram.
The impression-bound mind is subject to ungovernable passion for objectivity and is consequently restless; but by continuous and steady practice of Kriya, as well as by complete renunciation of all relative desires, sensory and supersensory, the mind is made serene and is illumined by the Self.
The realization of the transcendental Self is a difficult task; this is the experience of every seeker after the state of self-liberation. But by the practice of subjective meditation the mind becomes steady, serene and self-composed, it is inspired by the strength of the self, and the power of remembrance reawakens the consciousness of self-transcendence, and finally the revelation of oneness with the absolute Self is attained.
Subjective Meditation 6:29-36
Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita: The Revelation of the Supreme Self
Swami Premananda
Truth Alone Conquers
Truth alone conquers, falsehood never does. The path to God is built on the foundation of truth. By following that path the sages of renunciation reach the transcendental state of the absolute Truth.
The effulgent, pure and perfect Self is ever present within this body. In purity of heart, the cognitive consciousness, is gained the direct vision of the Self, the absolute God. Love of truth, discrimination, right knowledge, serenity, self-discipline and intuition are the prerequisites to the attainment of realization of the supreme Self.
Truth alone conquers, falsehood never does. The path to God is built on the foundation of truth. By following that path the sages of renunciation reach the transcendental state of the absolute Truth.
Not by the sight of the eyes, nor by the words of speech, nor by the power of any other sense faculty can the universality of the supreme Self be perceived. When the heart is made pure by the Yoga of meditation the initiate realizes the formless Brahman in the immensity of the
effulgent pure-consciousness.
Mundaka Upanishad
Light on Kriya Yoga
Translation by Swami Premananda
Pranayam and Meditation
Since the beginning of creation, every soul has been endowed with the desire to regain its original state of absolute perfection. This desire inspires the spiritual aspirant to manifest his divinity in its fullest glory. Let him meditate on the six centers within the spine to awaken their spiritual vibrations. The spiritual vibrations of these centers, thus awakened, will keep his mind uplifted and enable it to remain established on Ajna, the spiritual eye; and finally he will be led into the Sahasraram where all consciousness of duality vanishes, and therein he will attain the supreme state of absolute, self-existent, conscious bliss.
Existence in the world of duality, even for an instant, is impossible without Prana, the cosmic energy, because the phenomenal universe is the differentiation of the undifferentiated Prana. Illumination does not come from merely attaining complete mastery over the sense-organs. But when mind transcends the influence of sense-impressions, the Self is realized. The enlightened mind must rule the senses. Control over the mind is attained by Pranayam and meditation. When the senses and the mind act in perfect harmony with the Self, then alone liberation is attained and the Yogi realizes himself as the absolute Self. Therefore practice Pranayam, the Kriya meditation, observing all major and minor laws in every detail. Pranayam regulates the entire system of the Yogi and enables him to attain higher realization, hence the practice of Pranayam is more desirable than living in an inharmonious state of body and mind. Besides, it is absolutely impossible to feel even the least sensory vibration without preserving in some measure the harmonious movement of Prana in the body. Pranayam must be practiced with the sole object of self-realization, otherwise it will become a veritable source of bondage. Therefore, discarding and thus being free from all phenomenal desires, practice Kriya. Since the beginning of creation, every soul has been endowed with the desire to regain its original state of absolute perfection. This desire inspires the spiritual aspirant to manifest his divinity in its fullest glory. Let him meditate on the six centers within the spine to awaken their spiritual vibrations. The spiritual vibrations of these centers, thus awakened, will keep his mind uplifted and enable it to remain established on Ajna, the spiritual eye; and finally he will be led into the Sahasraram where all consciousness of duality vanishes, and therein he will attain the supreme state of absolute, self-existent, conscious bliss.
Spiritual Interpretation of the Gita according to Kriya Yoga
Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita: The Revelation of the Supreme Self
Swami Premananda
Meditation on AUM
AUM represents the physical, mental and spiritual states of consciousness of the Self. For the final Wednesday evening of our Kriya Yoga Meditation series we will explore the powerful suggestion of the silent utterance of this sacred mantram, contemplating its meaning and significance, as we meditate on AUM.
Kriya Yoga Meditation Series
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Conducted by Srimati Karuna
All are welcome.
AUM represents the physical, mental and spiritual states of consciousness of the Self. For the final Wednesday evening of our Kriya Yoga Meditation series we will explore the powerful suggestion of the silent utterance of this sacred mantram, contemplating its meaning and significance, as we meditate on AUM.
"AUM is the symbol of the cosmic universe, the phenomenal as well as the noumenal. The past, the present, and the future, the origin, existence, and unfoldment in perfection, are all explained by the word AUM. And that which is beyond the category of time is also revealed by AUM. Verily, all is the manifestation of the Reality of AUM."
Mandukva Upanishad
Light of Inner Illumination
All messengers of light have identified the path of inner illumination. It is accessible to anyone who makes sincere effort. Even when darkness surrounds us from all sides, still there is a light on the altar of our consciousness that burns bright. For this evening’s Kriya Meditation, let us meditate on the glory of that effulgent reality. All are welcome.
Kriya Yoga Meditation Series
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Conducted by Srimati Karuna
All are welcome.
All messengers of light have identified the path of inner illumination. It is accessible to anyone who makes sincere effort. Even when darkness surrounds us from all sides, still there is a light on the altar of our consciousness that burns bright. For this evening’s Kriya Meditation, let us meditate on the glory of that effulgent reality. All are welcome.
“The innermost radiant light within the spiritual eye is the mystic door of God-revelation. When the mind remains firmly established on that radiant light, it is gradually absorbed by the ever expanding effulgence pervaded with pure self-consciousness that finally leads to the realization of the absolute Self, Brahman. if, however, the mind fails to remain fixed at the spiritual eye, it returns to the senses, but continues to retain its peace and serenity. By virtue of its subjective meditation and enlightenment the mind attains greater patience, devotion, inspiration, determination, power, faith, wisdom, self-illumination, and other lofty qualities. In the light of the spiritual eye mind receives the illumination of the Self.”
Kaushitaki Upanishad
Translated by Swami Premananda
Light on Kriya Yoga
Hong Swa
"O Thou self-manifested cause and substance of creation, O Thou indwelling Self of all, Thou source of illumination, guide me beyond Thy rays of creation, transport me beyond Thy objective form that, by Thy grace, I may behold Thy glorious Self: That absolute Self abiding in the transcendental effulgence, verily, I am That."
Kriya Yoga Meditation Series
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Conducted by Srimati Karuna
All are welcome.
The hamsa, or the swan, is often identified with the Supreme Spirit, Ultimate Reality or Brahman. The flight of the hamsa symbolizes moksha or freedom of self-liberation in release from the cycle of samsara.
"O Thou self-manifested cause and substance of creation, O Thou indwelling Self of all, Thou source of illumination, guide me beyond Thy rays of creation, transport me beyond Thy objective form that, by Thy grace, I may behold Thy glorious Self: That absolute Self abiding in the transcendental effulgence, verily, I am That."
Isha Upanishad
Prana and Kundalini
In meditation, the mind has to become more subtle. To get to that subtle perception we have to begin with that which sets the whole engine in motion. That is Prana. Prana determines the quality of our consciousness. This cosmic Prana is not realized by the light of intellect, the brilliance of mind, or the power of the senses.
Kriya Yoga Meditation Series
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Conducted by Srimati Karuna
All are welcome.
In meditation, the mind has to become more subtle. To get to that subtle perception we have to begin with that which sets the whole engine in motion. That is Prana. Prana determines the quality of our consciousness. This cosmic Prana is not realized by the light of intellect, the brilliance of mind, or the power of the senses.
Our minds draw power from the cosmic prana, illuminating the centers of consciousness so that it connects a person’s inner being with cosmic life energy. When universal consciousness is perceived, the result is an awareness of ourselves as well as life around us. In this fourth evening of our Kriya series we will explore the depth of Prana.
“Absolute calmness cannot be attained without the practice of Pranayam; nor is the Self realized without meditation. Existence in the world of duality, even for an instant, is impossible without Prana, the cosmic energy, because the phenomenal universe is the differentiation of the undifferentiated Prana. Illumination does not come from merely attaining complete mastery over the sense-organs. But when mind transcends the influence of sense-impressions, the Self is realized.”
Swami Premananda
From His Spiritual Interpretation of the Gita
Chapter 3: The Law of Unfoldment
Serenity and Subjectivity
To free the mind from the strong grip of mental attachment requires a steadfast pursuit of the study of silence. Not just silence of the senses but a sense of calm can be attained by an inward journey. In this second evening of our Kriya Yoga series we will dive into the ocean of self-subjectivity and the depth of calm.
To free the mind from the strong grip of mental attachment requires a steadfast pursuit of the study of silence. Not just silence of the senses but a sense of calm can be attained by an inward journey. In this second evening of our Kriya Yoga series we will dive into the ocean of self-subjectivity and the depth of calm.
"With sense organs wondrously infused with Thy cosmic powers, unto Thee I surrender all my thoughts and deeds. Blessed by Thy divine effulgence enshrined in my soul, I become pure, strong and calm, facing all vicissitudes of life with peace and confidence."
Rig Veda
Awakening
What are the dimensions of our meditation? In our daily life and activity we live in dimensions of length, height and depth and we experience the effects of time. Scientists theorize about additional dimensions in which other worlds arise and other histories and futures are possible. In our meditation we explore universes of experience that go beyond space and time, to the infinite and eternal. In the first evening of our Kriya Series we will begin to explore awakening to the light and life of meditation.
What are the dimensions of our meditation? In our daily life and activity we live in dimensions of length, height and depth and we experience the effects of time. Scientists theorize about additional dimensions in which other worlds arise and other histories and futures are possible. In our meditation we explore universes of experience that go beyond space and time, to the infinite and eternal. In the first evening of our Kriya Series we will begin to explore awakening to the light and life of meditation.
“When the self is awakened in the Supreme Self, when consciousness is liberated in Pure-Consciousness, then Brahman, the Absolute, is realized in boundless Bliss.”
Kena Upanishad
Meditate on the Light of AUM
“By meditating on AUM, the Word, within the effulgence of each of the seven lotuses, the mystic centers of spiritual revelation, is gained the inner illumination of the self which consumes the causes of all finiteness and self-limitation.”— Kaivalya Upanishad “The Self is symbolized by the word AUM. AUM is composed of three mystic sound vibrations. These also signify the first three states of consciousness in the self." — Mandukya Upanishad
Hong Swa & Pranayam: The Breath of Life
“Rise above the consciousness of separation and realize thyself in all and all in thee.” -Adi Shankarachariya “The flame of pure-consciousness is eternally ignited within this body. By the meditation of Hong-Swa, all delusion having been dispelled, the Self is revealed in its effulgent glory. The supreme Self is Hong Swa, which leads to the realization of Sohong in wisdom and bliss.” -Svetasvatara Upanishad
Finding Freedom from the Gunas
All aspects of creation are the various modulations of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas—the law of harmony, the self-manifesting power, and the evolving potency—but in reality these are the objective manifestations of myself. I am not limited by them, though they exist in me... Rise above the pairs of opposites, be thou firmly established on truth, be not attached to material gain and possession, be established on the Self, and thus thou shalt find freedom in and from the relative world of the Gunas.
Power of Cosmic Prana
Like the spokes on the hub of a chariot wheel, all beings are established on Prana. Life, Prana, is born of Atman, the absolute Self. Prana sustains and determines the functions of various currents of life-force within the body.
Guiding the Mind in Meditation
The Self is immutable and self-composed. It is transcendental. It is more subtle than the mind. It is beyond the limits of sense perception. It is serene; yet it is more active than the mind or the sense faculties.
Heart-Centered
The state of pure-consciousness, transcends all other states of spiritual enlightenment; it is enshrined within the effulgence of the heart lotus, Anahata. Those who aspire with patience and perseverance to reach that blessed state become completely immersed in it. Meditate on the lotus of the heart with calm serenity and subjective purity.