Self-Realization through Yoga Meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra

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Danda Diksha - August 9, 1999
Dandi Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati

Initiation as Swami in the Himalayan tradition and the Shankaracharya order was given by Swami Rama in 1993, in the non-ceremonious style, along with traditional imparting of mahavakya, contemplative mantra. Initiation as Dandi Swami (a most honorific initiation in the Shankara tradition, in which a Danda, or staff is bestowed) was given at the bank of the Ganges at Haridwar, India in 1999. The Danda (staff) was passed by a most revered Acharya (teacher) of Dandi Swamis (not pictured), along with three other Dandi Swamis. The photographs below are of the celebrations after the initiation itself, and of the traditional bandhara, feeding of monks. 

At age four, there was memory of the Danda, and although it was sought, it was neither clearly understood yet, nor found, as there was no cultural context for this in America. A painting of Adi Shankaracharya holding a Danda was first seen many years later, and the Danda was immediately recognized as the type of staff being sought in early childhood. In late 1995, Swami Rama said he would "arrange" this diksha, a most honorific initiation, which has rarely been given to a non-Indian. In the true mysterious ways of the masters, this diksha came almost three years after Swami Rama left the body, and over forty-five years after the first childhood memory and seeking of the Danda. 

Since Swami Rama's Ashram in Rishikesh was not available due to organizational matters after Swami Rama left the body, the celebrations after the initiation were held at Nirmal Ashram, Haridwar, at the most generous and loving invitation of Sri Mahamandaleshwar Swami Satchidananda (placing a garland in photo #1), and Maa Jyoti Chetanya (wearing a yellow scarf in photo #1). 


(photo is Swami Rama)

 

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This site is devoted to presenting the ancient Self-Realization path of the Tradition of the Himalayan masters in simple, understandable and beneficial ways, while not compromising quality or depth. The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality. This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand. We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga. Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called bindu, leading to the Absolute.

 

 
Yoga Nidra Meditation CD by Swami Jnaneshvara
Yoga Nidra CD
Swami Jnaneshvara