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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Mindfulness

Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati

The terms "mindfulness" and "mindfulness meditation" have become extremely popular in recent years. Mindfulness is generally described as open attention to thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment. It is also described as including awareness of body and breath. If the mind becomes distracted from this attention, that attention is brought back to the body and breath, and to the mental processes of the present moment.

It is easy to think that this "mindfulness" is a unique practice, separate unto itself, or to be an exclusive part of some particular traditions or religions. It is as if mindfulness has become a brand name like some consumer product. However, the fact of the matter is that this kind of attention is not some separate practice, but has been part of meditation practices from the beginning of history of the sages and yogis, and their many lineages or traditions.

Some view mindfulness meditation as complete unto itself. However, this perspective can easily miss the fact that deeper meditation traditions see this awareness of the conscious mental activity not as an end unto itself, but as preparation for the more advanced practices. Some see the goal as being one of quieting the conscious mind and stilling the physical body, which is very useful for physical health. Stilling the body and quieting the mind are prerequisites to exploring and expanding through the unconscious mind so that the true Self, beyond all of these, can be experienced.

Mindfulness is extremely useful, and each practitioner of meditation must decide for himself or herself whether to practice only at the level of quieting the conscious mind or seeing this as preparation for the deeper practices leading to the realization in direct experience of the Self, the Atman, which is one with the ocean of Brahman, the Absolute Reality.

Quieting the Conscious Mind:

Beyond the Conscious Mind:


  

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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