The element within the ‘I’ is this, that it is and it is not. So that which is forever changing could never have permanent value and because of its changefulness, it loses all its value in permanency.
Continue reading... 29 septiembre, 2015
Self-surrender to Divinity
Now, we come to the last section of Niyama. The Sanskrit word is Ishwar Pranidarn, Ishwar Pranidam. That is what all religions are about, ‘Self-surrender to Divinity’. We talk and we read about, ‘Thy will be done’ – lip service. As long as we have this me and mine, Thee and Thine are forgotten, always. Self-surrender would imply this very principle, ’Thy will be done’. Now if you cannot surrender yourself to the impersonal God, the transcendental Divinity, then surrender yourself to the imminent God.
Continue reading... 27 septiembre, 2015
Self-study and also study of Scriptures
Now the next principle of Niyama is Svadhyaha – that’s a Sanskrit word which means – you can have this piece of paper – Svadhyaha means self-study. Self-study and also study of Scriptures. Now, I’ve given you an example before – I don’t know if it was here or in America or wherever – it’s worth repeating: what does self-study mean? Self-study can be interpreted as self-analysis, for one, and it can also be interpreted as self-evaluation, self-evaluation.
Continue reading... 27 septiembre, 2015
Austerity
Tapas which literally means austerity. Now that austerity, like Brahmacharya is also a word so, so misinterpreted. Austerity doesn’t mean that you deprive yourself; that if you have a bed at home, a comfortable bed, that you will go and sleep on the ground
Continue reading... 26 septiembre, 2015
Niyama has five aspects
Sochia – that’s a Sanskrit word which means ‘inner and outer cleanliness’, inner and outer cleanliness. Now the outer cleanliness does not necessarily refer to the body, although it’s part of it, but outer in this sense could also me environment, and how we react to the environment. Inner cleanliness necessarily involves right thinking
Continue reading... 26 septiembre, 2015
Difference between detachment and non-attachment.
So we have talked about non-attachment to these ties. It does not mean do not have ties, but view the ties objectively. View the ties objectively, and when we view these ties objectively, we do forget the curse of mankind….
Continue reading... 26 septiembre, 2015
Rejection of all ties
Aparigraha literally means rejection of all ties. Now, as a householder we cannot reject all ties. By ties I don’t mean the lovely maroon one you have on there.
Continue reading... 26 septiembre, 2015
Brahmacharya, the most misinterpreted word
Brahmacharya, means to walk in the path of Divinity. That is the true meaning of Brahmacharya. Now to practise Brahmacharya, one necessarily must exercise some form of control. Now that control can be about eating, can be about sleeping, can be about drinking, or the sexual act.
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