Saturday, November 28, 2009

Vishuddh Chakra

Spiritual Success is not possible till the Sadhak is not free of ego. And freedom from ego is attained only after activation of Vishuddh Chakra.

The ancient texts state that on activation of this centre of the Kundalini the Goddess of wisdom and learning Sarswati blesses the vocal chords and thus one gains the knowledge of all Vedas and shastras.




Present inside the human body are subtle energy centres that hide amazing powers and capabilities through the activation of which a person can even realize the supreme. But as these centres are unactivated their potential is seldom realised. These centres are known as Chakras of the Kundalini and by activating them life can be taken to the highest pinnacle of success and achievement. But for that one has to try really hard, one has carry out sadhar as only then can one get the pearl of success. As Kabir as said -

Jin Khojaa Tin Paayiyaan, Gahare Paani Peeitth,
Mein Bouri Khojan Gayi, Rahi Kinaare Beitth.

One has to dive deep into the ocean of Sadhanas and lose oneself in meditation in order to activate these centers.

The first few Chakras a Sadhak can activate through his own attempts but in order to activate the further Chakras one needs the grace of the guru and his guidance as well. One needs Shaktipaat or transfer of divine energy from the guru in order to activate the later Chakras. This transfer of energy can be through Sadhana. Diksha or suddenly without any apparent reason. There are no fixed rules for this.

Knowledge of all Vedas
As soon as the Vishuddh Chakra present in the throat region is activated the Goddess of learning and wisdom, Saraswati, blesses the Sadhak and he gains knowledge of all Vedas and ancient texts automatically. Verses start to pour out of his lips on their own even though he might never in his life have studied ancient texts. In fact then he need not study any text like Upanishads comes to him own its own. What more the individuals starts to have to realization of the supreme.

Activation of the Astral body
As soon as the Vishuddh Chakra is activated the astral starts to move about freely according to the Sadhak’s will. The Sadhak can then even alter the size of his physical body – make it small as a mouse or large as a mountain. Also through the astral he can travel to any part of the universe. Sitting in a room he can astrally be anywhere in a moment and return in a trice. Lord Krishna is said to have manifested many physical forms. This can become possible only on activation of the Vishuddh.

This is why activation of the Vishuddh Chakra is said to be a great achievement of one’s life. And this activation is possible only through Shaktipaat. Shaktipaat does not mean one has to be in the presence of Guru rather this subtle transfer of energy can also be possible though Mantra Sadhana . But if one finds Sadhana difficult the Guru can directly transfer energy into the Sadhak. But even after Shaktipaat one has to do Mantra Sadhana so as to harmonise oneself fully with the divine.

Realisation of the Self
All great soul have started their spiritual quests with questions like Who am I, All these question are evidence that a human is eager to realise the self .When he is unable it use his energy for this realisation he starts to utilize it running after dreams like becoming the richest man on earth, becoming the owner of property and vehicles, becoming powerful or handsome. He wants to succeed in some way or the other and make the world realise that he is something. Everyone wants to be a doctor, engineer or a powerful person and thus earn respect and fame in the society. Or if a person’s children become famous he starts to feel proud about their success. All his life he endeavours to rise high in life trying all the time to know his true identity .But in fact he is never able to realise his true self and keeps wandering aimlessly.

Realisation of the self is possible for a person only after the activation of the Vishuddh Chakra. Once this activation takes place one realises who one was he did .When he is linked to the soul all confusion in his mind disappears. Also there remains no difference for him between a male and a female. Linking with the soul means viewing everyone, whether a man or a women with the same feelings.

All doubts vanish
On activation of the Vishuddh a person realisation his soul and then doubts about himself and about life disappear. Problems still come in his life, sorrows and joys still manifest but he remains blissfully unaffected by all such influences. Before activation of Vishuddh a person does feel sorrows and joys but after one has linked oneself to the soul one loses oneself in divine joy and then no outer influences can have any effect.

Just another milestone
After having been through the crests and troughs of joys and sorrows all his life when the Sadhak has the first taste of divine joy he feels like ever remaining lost in it day and night. He does not feel like emerging out of it. But one has to remember that activation of the Vishuddh Chakra is just another milestone and not the final destination. And because one seems reluctant to forgo this joy, progress becomes difficult after this stage unless one is fully conscious. Sometime it happens that a person might get stuck at the Vishuddh Chakra for years at a stretch. The reason for this is that one has tasted divine joy that comes by activation of the Vishuddh does not wish to forsake it. Due to this further progress is stalled and he makes no attempts to make Kundalini rise further.

Right from the time one becomes an adult a person had to face sorrows, pain, problems and worries. So when he reaches a source of true joy for the first time in his life naturally he would be most unwilling to leave it and move on. It is like tasting elixir and he does not feel like giving it up. Progressing ahead sure means that this joy will be lost. So a person feels contented remaining at the Vishuddh and he sort of becomes addicted to this joy. But determined Sadhak use their strong will power to emerge from this divine state and start to move forwards the next Chakra. Or if the Sadhak is not so determined he keeps enjoying this state and after sometime having had his fill of this state he decides to progress further.

Freedom of ego
Realization of the soul means freedom from false ego. Ego means being overly conscious of the self. This ends activation of the Vishuddh but still remains a bit of ego. In other words at Vishuddh a Sadhak realizes that he is not the physical body but a soul. But even at this stage he feels he is different from other souls and this gives rise to subtle egoism.

Losing oneself completely is true joy
One who thinks that he is different meets his end one day, but one who is ready to lose his identity becomes immortal. But very few people are ready to lose their identities. That is why very few are able to realize the Truth. Most people feel happy in limiting their personalities, they lead lives like small ponds and are not ready to merge into the ocean. By doing so they wish to prove that they are different.

But this is just false egoism, for in the ponds too it is the same water that is in the ocean. So the attempt to have separate identity is futile. A pond fears that it might lose its identity if it merges into the ocean and so it never flows and stagnates. But when it realizes that the water present in it is same as the water contained in the ocean it stops worrying about losing its identity.

Similarly when a Sadhak starts to lose himself he does not worry about his identity. Then fear of death does not worry him and then he becomes egoless and fearless.

But the mind of a person deludes him. It wishes to have a separate identity. It says what shall be the use of searching for the Truth. But the moment one has such thoughts one loses a lot. One loses a precious life in which one could have realised the Supreme Truth. By listening to his mind a person might well gain wealth, property, wife, children and material comforts but he loses chance to know about the real purpose of life. And the last moments of his life he realises that he has gained nothing and all that he had gained is useless.

But if a person activates the Vishuddh Chakra and loses his false identity then in the last moment his life he does not have to worry that he wasted his life. Then even when he dies he does so cosciously. Then death too is but a part of existence for him - merely a chance to change the old body and gain a new one. Losing the false ego is known as activation of Vishuddh.



Form of the Chakra
On activation of the Anahat Chakra the soul of a person starts to get linked to the universe outside but this link becomes total when Vishuddh is activated. Present in the throat region this Chakra has the shape of a yellow lotus with sixteen petals. The element of this Chakra is Ether. Sadhak who have freed themselves of base instincts through Yoga or Sadhanas are able to hear the chanting of the sixteen Beej Mantras of this Chakra. In the centre of the lotus is a white region in which is present a white elephant inscribed on which the Beej Mantra (ham) of the Chakra. On the Beej Mantra are seated Ardhanarishwar i.e Lord Shiva has three eyes, five heads and ten hands. He wears a garland of snakes around his neck.

- Revered Sadgurudev Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali

Sunday, November 08, 2009

PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN

ARYABHATT (476 CE)


MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN
Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur ( Bihar ), Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499 CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel treatise on mathematics called 'Aryabhatiyam.' He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician, Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, 'This value has been given by the Hindus.' And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.

BHASKARACHARYA II(1114-1183 CE)


GENIUS IN ALGEBRA
Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya's work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality. His renowned mathematical works called 'Lilavati' and 'Bijaganita' are considered to be unparalled and a memorial to his profound intelligence. Its translation in several languages of the world bear testimony to its eminence. In his treatise ' Siddhant Shiromani ' he writes on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, mathematical techniques and astronomical equipment. In the ' Surya Siddhant ' he makes a note on the force of gravity: 'Objects fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the earth, planets, constellations, moon, and sun are held in orbit due to this attraction.' Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton . He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India . His works fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars, who through research on his works earned fame and popularity.

ACHARYA KANAD (600 BCE)


FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY
As the founder of ' Vaisheshik Darshan '- one of six principal philosophies of India - Acharya Kanad was a genius in philosophy. He is believed to have been born in Prabhas Kshetra near Dwarika in Gujarat . He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul. He says, 'Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules.' His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton . Kanad has also described the dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook , has said, 'Compared to the scientists of Europe , Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters of this field.'

NAGARJUNA (100 CE)


WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE
He was an extraordinary wizard of science born in the nondescript village of Baluka in Madhya Pradesh . His dedicated research for twelve years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of chemistry and metallurgy. Textual masterpieces like ' Ras Ratnakar ,' 'Rashrudaya' and 'Rasendramangal' are his renowned contributions to the science of chemistry. Where the medieval alchemists of England failed, Nagarjuna had discovered the alchemy of transmuting base metals into gold. As the author of medical books like 'Arogyamanjari' and 'Yogasar,' he also made significant contributions to the field of curative medicine. Because of his profound scholarliness and versatile knowledge, he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda . Nagarjuna's milestone discoveries impress and astonish the scientists of today.


ACHARYA CHARAK (600 BCE)


FATHER OF MEDICINE
Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the ' Charak Samhita ', is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda. His principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe , Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the ' Charak Samhita ' he has described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of rishi-scientists.

ACHARYA SUSHRUT (600 BCE)


FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY
A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in ' Sushrut Samhita ,' a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe , Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he prescribes treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations. His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125 types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles, Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use of horse's hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.

VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)



EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMER
renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in Avanti ( Ujjain ). Varahamihir's book 'panchsiddhant' holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the ' Bruhad Samhita ' and ' Bruhad Jatak ,' he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology and astronomy.

ACHARYA PATANJALI (200 BCE)


FATHER OF YOGA
The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali , the founder, hailed from the district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh . He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness. Acharya Patanjali 's 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body. Yoga has eight limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.

ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE)


PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the ' Yantra Sarvasva ' which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through techniques described by him:
1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible through the application of sunlight and wind force.
2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine visible through the application of electrical force.
3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation in another plane.
4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what's happening inside another plane.
Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.

ACHARYA KAPIL (3000 BCE)


FATHER OF COSMOLOGY
Celebrated as the founder of Sankhya philosophy, Acharya Kapil is believed to have been born in 3000 BCE to the illustrious sage Kardam and Devhuti. He gifted the world with the Sankhya School of Thought. His pioneering work threw light on the nature and principles of the ultimate Soul (Purusha), primal matter (Prakruti) and creation. His concept of transformation of energy and profound commentaries on atma, non-atma and the subtle elements of the cosmos places him in an elite class of master achievers - incomparable to the discoveries of other cosmologists. On his assertion that Prakruti, with the inspiration of Purusha, is the mother of cosmic creation and all energies, he contributed a new chapter in the science of cosmology. Because of his extrasensory observations and revelations on the secrets of creation, he is recognized and saluted as the Father of Cosmology.

PARAMHANS SWAMI NIKHILESHWARANANDJI



GOD-FATHER OF EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.