Treasures of the Past

We left at the beginning of contemplation and observing the thought process in the last issue. We now continue this and take it further into to the realm of meditation and Yoga.

The picture is of a Yogi doing Tapas or intense contemplation. It is highlighted with the seven centers of energy confluence inside the human body that propel the consciousness from the material plane to that of divine domain.

1 At the base of the spine is Muladhara which corresponds to the Sacral Plexus.
This charka is ruled by Sakini Devi who is present in the form of a flame!

2 Swadhistana which corresponds to the Prostatic Plexus. These two are placed one before the other.
This chakra is ruled by Kakini Devi.

3 Manipura, the third chakra, corresponds to the Solar Plexus.
This charka is ruled by Lakini Devi.

4 Anahata, the fourth chakra, is located in the heart region, and corresponds to the Cardiac Plexus.
This chakra is ruled by Rakini Devi who is present in the form of a resplendent Sun!

5 Vishuddha, the fifth chakra, is in the throat region, and corresponds to the Laryngeal Plexus.
This chakra is ruled by Dakini Devi.

6. Ajna, the sixth chakra, is located between the eyebrows, and corresponds to the Cavernous Plexus. This chakra is ruled by Hakini Devi. .

7 Sahasrara, is the seventh chakra, is located on the crown of the head, and corresponds to the Pineal Gland. This chakra is ruled by Yakini Devi who is present like a shining full moon!

During meditation the Avarohana or descending and then Arohana or ascending method is followed and these personifications of Devi rupa in their respective abode helps to concentrate on the chakra and achieve laya or one pointed attention. The process starts at throat region or Visuddhi chakra region.

The Brahman or Sadasiva is described as five fold here as Adi Sakthi (Aham), Para Sakthi, and Iccha Sakthi as Brahma the creator also called Virat, in charge of Srshti or creation. He represents the Jagrat avasta or manifested universe or gross consciousness. This state is also known as state of being awake or being aware of the world around. Gyana Sakthi, representing the sustainer or Vishnu, also called as Swarat the ordainer , operating on stability within the time and space concept. This state is called Swapna avasta or a dream state of consciousness. This part requires certain amount of explaining. That is, why this state is called Dream state? Because certain amount of stability and feeling of permanence is required in order to conduct the affairs of the universal creation and its activity. This is achieved through a make believe feeling of separate identity. Through the concept called Maya a tatva or a principle called the Ahankara comes into play. This effectively separates the identity though apparently. Hence the activity goes on! Kriya Sakthi or Rudra representing the destroyer
(of vasanas) also called Samrat the ruler, who operates in a state of consciousness called Sushupti an intermediary state of consciousness where the awareness about the fallacy of separate identity is present at the same time total identity with Brahman is not achieved as the impressions of various vasanas acquired in the gross dimension still persists. There are knots or blocks that are placed among these charkas! A Sadak will have to cut them upon reaching the respective abodes and proceed further. A surprising aspect is that these knots are named after the very God heads we call as Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. These Gods are both facilitators and those who check the progress of a Sadak! This concept comes amply clear when you closely look at various Vedic mantras in Yajur Veda. They are in the form of a prayer to Visnu and Agni not to harm the sadak and instead facilitate progress in the attempt to reach higher conscious levels. A Sadak is also expected to maintain celibacy and the names of the Asuras who are vanquished by Goddess Sakthi in her avatar as Lalithambika is also note worthy. They are Visukra, Vishanga. These names indicate the exact pitfalls that await a sadak on his track! Visukra means one who takes away the vital energy that one generates through observance of celibacy. Vishanga means one who distracts the attention and draws towards the Vishaya Anubhava or sense perceptions! We shall see the significance of many Asuras like Banda, Mahisha, Sumba, Nisumba etc in the coming issues and understand their inner meanings.

During the process of Contemplation or meditation one must strive to surpass these three states of consciousness and achieve the fourth state and still go beyond. Because in all these three states of consciousness the principle of time and space operate! Though on different scales!

We shall see how to reach these states of consciousness and what happens upon reaching them in the coming issues.