From Limited Mind and Body to Our True (No) Self

Abstract: We all have a fascination with supernatural beings. This intrigue often stems from our curiosity about what lies beyond our understanding as we explore the divine. At certain levels of meditation and through energy channels, we can encounter these divine figures face-to-face. One may feel inspired to uncover these mysteries based on their religious studies and background. Both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions describe divine or enlightened beings who assist the truth seekers by providing guidance and direction for their spiritual growth. This article aims to shed light on to this topic and illustrate examples of how these divine beings make themselves known to practitioners in both Eastern and Western traditions. It is surprising to see how these divine figures appear in different/unique shapes to us, depending on the relative/background information we have in our mind. But that is how the universe communicates to the meditator. A divine message from the absolute to t...

Abstract: There exist many interpretations to the term “consciousness”. In some of the Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, the consciousness is referred to as the highest meditative attainment and it is frequently equated with the “Godly” or the enlightened nature of our mind. However, in the Buddhist tradition, such an enlightened state is referred to as the “cessation of consciousness” in which, the gross-level human mind disappears. There’s no individuality or self-notion to grasp in it. However, our mind, when it operates with the five senses in day-to-day life, is also called consciousness in science, albeit this is the gross-level operation. There’s a contradiction in the usage of this term. This article demystifies the term “consciousness” and explains different meditative states one can attain with respect to our day-to-day mind. It is also worthwhile to study about the “illusion game” created by our consciousness and to navigate through its dramatic narratives. Fig. 1. ...

Abstract: Different spiritual traditions present different interpretations to the complex mechanism called "karma". Sometimes people label that everything happens around us is due to our karma, and this statement is against the general Buddhist view. This is what the human mind is generally capable of, making unsubstantiated speculations on the things it doesn't comprehend. However, only an enlightened being knows whether something is really due to our karma or not. Based on his extraordinary understanding, Sakyamuni Buddha had revealed, certain universal principles called "niyama dharma" that do not fall under this "karmic" category. But whoever appears in this world in a physical form, is bound by these universal principles. Therefore, Buddha has introduced a new concept called "cause & effect", which is, in principle, more scientific, more liberating and universal. This article will explain why "Karma & Effect" is just a ...

Abstract: Vipassana practice is unique to Buddhism. It is said that Gautham Buddha had found this practice 2500 years ago, which lead him to his final liberation under the Bodhi tree. However we find different forms of Vipassana practices in other religions too. This could be true as Vipassana essentially means, "Insight Meditation" which can be practiced by anybody despite their religious or ethnic background. There are many programs nowadays offering seasonal Vipassana retreats (during Monsoons). We believe that Vipassana practice is the sure remedy to end our suffering and to be free from mind projections. But how so? And what is the true from of Vipassana? This article covers only the practicality of Vipassana and relate them to Buddha's enlightenment.    Fig. 1: Vipassana : From meditation to a quality of mind. When it comes to the practice of meditation, there are thousand different forms to it. Similarly in Vipassana meditation. The aim of this article is to bring ...

Abstract: When we talk about "Tantra", most likely the first thing crosses our mind is "Sex". Terms Tantra and Sex have become so interrelated in our mind, despite its true meaning: To go beyond mind. Tantra means the interwoven nature of existential phenomena. In other words, the existential phenomena and the buddha nature are inseparable, intertwined with each other and therefore, our very (mundane) life is the perfect playground to exploit, practice spirituality, according to Tantra. As the saying goes, "passion" was the source of universal creation and therefore can be exploited to end it. This principle gave the rise to the practice of sexual yoga or "Karma Mudra". For an ordinary being, this is certainly a drive force to practice Tantra. Would it be same for a bodhisattva ? Let's dig into this deeper and explore the science behind it.  Note: Please do not try anything in this content at home !  Reports on sexual scandals and misconduct ...