Teachings

WHAT IS SHAKTIPAT?
Part 3 of 3

~ The Unfolding~
Metamorphasis of Mind-Body-Soul

"muladharad-abrahmabilam vilasantimi
Bisatantu-taniyasimi vidyut-punja-pinjaram
Vivasvad-ayutabhasvatprakasama parama
Shata-sudha-mayukha-shitala-tejo-danda-rupam
Paracitimi kundalinmi bhavayet"

"contemplate kundalini, who is supreme Consciousness,
who plays from the muladhara (root chakra)
to the sahasrara (crown chakra),
who shines like a flash of lightening,
who is as fine as a fiber of a lotus stalk,
who has the brilliant radiance of countless suns,
and who is a shaft of light as cool as
hundreds of nectarean moonbeams."
~ Bhagavad Gita

What is the nature of the Limited, Individual Soul? How does Shaktipat affect the Soul and its Healing? Which Soul limitation does Shaktipat erase? Why is Shaktipat so necessary? What is true Yoga? How do I overcome the egoic fear and resistance to the changes that start to occur? What are the 4 general ways one personally experiences Shaktipat?

In Parts 1 & 2, and with our previous discussions in mind, we approached the whole question of "What is Shaktipat?" by recognizing that this is indeed the same process of ‘soul birthing’ that is evident in all cultures and ages of mankind. We examined the ‘Arch of Descend’ of the Supreme, and the many ways Shaktipat, the descent of Grace, occurs: as an inextricable, divine, evolutionary force that is beyond any human rationale or control, but occurring perfectly and just right for each one of us. Be it through the testimonies of innumerable numbers of saints, sages and gurus, the mythologies of ancient civilizations as archetypal plays of group consciousness, or the modern expositions of mystic scientists and psychologists: the awakening and inner unfolding journey of ‘re-recognizing Self’ in the returning ‘Arch of Ascent’ is profoundly mysterious and empiric. This baptismal fire of transformation and transcendence is at once unique, deeply intimate and compelling, and yet inter-relational and universal as well.

In Part 3, the final in our series of discussions of "What is Shaktipat?", we will take a look at the nature of the ‘limited, individual soul’, and the effects of Shaktipat on it. We forge into the question of how to overcome the fears and self-doubts that riddle us as the changes start to occur. We will learn the place of correct self-effort and the true yoga of saint-making, called ‘Raja Yoga’ meaning royal yoga, ( also called ‘Maha’ or supreme yoga, or the yoga of ‘Siddhas’, or saints). We will also briefly explore the 4 ways in which people generally experience the manifestation of awakened Kundalini, within the categories of kriyavati, varnamayi, kalavati and vedhamayi.

What is the nature of the Limited, Individual Soul? How does Shaktipat affect the Soul and its Healing?

There are 5 general limitations of ‘individuated Self’ and the ‘limited, bound soul’, called ‘Jiva’. These five general mayas, or illusionary concepts that the limited soul has about itself are the mistakened ideas of:

Kala* = limited omnipotence (authorship, power, creation)
Vidya = limited omniscience (knowledge, awareness, cognition)
Raga = limited completeness (comprehension,necessity to select attention or interest)
Kala **= limited eternal existence (sequential vs. multidimensional time/existence)
Niyati = limited omnipresence (time and space, the ‘where’ of Self)
* accent on second ‘a’
** accent on first ‘a’

According to Kashmir Shaivism, these are collectively called the Kanchukas, or Cloaks of subjective limitation within the schemata of the Tattvas, or principles of creation. Such an incarnated soul, who is completely oblivious to True Self due to these perceived self-limitations is called a ’Sakala’, and is associated with what is fragmented, limited, partial, different and incomplete. The classic behavioral signs of such a one is competitiveness, pridefulness, fear & self-doubt, anger, hatred & rage, sloth, envy & jealousy, greed, lustfulness, fearfulness, worry and infatuation & projection. Typical relationship dynamics include self-defeating and dysfunctional archetypal roles such as the Victim, Saboteur, Silent Child and Prostitute.

The yogic scriptures explain that with Shaktipat of the incarnated soul, (the human being) the cellular imprints of past traumas, mental scripting, ’sins’, and good ‘ol emotional baggage/garbage (called ‘samskara’ in Sanskrit), which are denied, suppressed and being held in the auric field and Sushumna Nadi, or energetic channel of the spinal cord, begin to dislodge and stir to the surface for expulsion. The result of this soul-healing ripples all the way down to the individuals mental, emotional and physical being. Often there are temporary, sometimes intense sensations and feelings of the ‘emotional pain body’, such as guilt, fears, shame and other negative emotions and feelings. There may also be real, physical manifestations of purging and clearing as well, such as brief, transient sore backs, gastro-intestinal upset, aches & pains or headaches. Often there is accompanying sensations of burning, tingling, vibration and/or pressure around the Chakras and/or energy channels. All these are often mistakened by initiates and their healthcare providers as illnesses and ailments which can not be explained or remedied.

Modern medical sciences does, however, have a term called ‘healing crisis’, that is coined to describe this phenomena. Aryvedic, Chinese and Naturopathic medical arts are more aware of this fundamental physiologic process of purging and clearing deeper, ‘root-cause’ lesions for expulsion to the ‘surface‘ through differing physiological mind-body-spirit organs and systems. Indeed, the ancient Hindu scriptures refer to Grace, or Shakti as the ‘divine physician to the world of suffering’, and the alchemic healing and completion of the individual soul by the divine fire of Grace was probably the original meaning of the Latin word of medieval Europe, ‘nostrum’, or ‘divine medicinal elixir which is a panacea or cure-all to all mankind, of unknowable origin but by the preparer, and that which can not be scientifically proven’. Interestingly, these earliest physicians and pharmacists of Europe were all within monastic orders, working within the inner sanctum of sacred places.

Why does the ’limited soul’ and its consequences happen? In Kashmir Shaivism, it is by the very will of God! Shaiva philosophy says that Shiva has 5 principle actions: Creation, Destruction, Maintenance/Harmony/Balance, Concealing Self and Revealing Self. Shiva, impelled by his desire to sport or play, locks himself in a prison and hides the key, so to speak, by creating many small selves, the Jivas, or individual souls. The shackled Jiva, then, is bound by 3 malas, three encircling forms of limitation, the anavamala, the limitation of smallness, the mayiyamala, the limitation of illusion, and the karmamala, the limitation of action and illusion of doership. Why does He do this? The idea is the thrill of recognition, the joy of Self discovering & experiencing Self, as if in a grand, cosmological peek-a-boo game! I often ask my students this koen, "Tell me why a joke is funny, and you will understand the nature of God". There is great joy in recognizing Self, first hidden then discovered as the infinite multidimensionality and ‘yin-yang’ variation & flow of the manifest universe. In the same way, we get a small glimpse of God's eternal bliss when we find momentary joy in recognizing the simple 2 dimensional, or double-meaning hidden within in a joke. (Having divulged the answer to the riddle, I guess I can’t use that koen anymore now!)

Which Soul limitation does Shaktipat erase? Why is Shaktipat so necessary?

The most powerful of the 3 malas of limitation of the Supreme is anavamala, the limitation of smallness. Paul Muller-Ortega writes: "For Shaiva schools, then, it is the gift of Shaktipat and Shaktipat alone that leads to the destruction of anavamala. In one moment, instaneously, its binding power is done away with. Of course, this does not mean (in most cases!) that liberation is immediately achieved. It is through sadhana that the destruction of the other two malas is thought to occur. That is why it is always taught that there must be a balance between grace and yogic effort. Both are absolutely essential. But in truth, it is the anugraha-shakti, the Power of Revealing, the power of grace, that is truly indispensable. Without it, at best only preliminary practices are possible. With it, the destruction of the other two malas is assured and will eventually occur, (it’s a matter of personal choice and self-effort vs. number of years or lifetimes to Self Realization). Indeed, for the Shaivite teachers, if liberation is impossible before Shaktipat, it is inevitable after it."

Swami Muktananda, a great Siddha saint of India explained, "When one receives the Guru’s Grace, when one’s karmas are burned in the fire of knowledge, then one does not take birth again. When the causal body is in bondage, it is called ‘anavamala‘. When the inner shakti unfolds, the fire of love for God arises, and this fire burns this anavamala. This fire is also called the fire of knowledge, and the fire of knowledge burns all the karmas. After all his/her karmas are burned to ashes, man becomes free from sins, faults and he/she becomes free from rebirth and redeath."

And Paul Muller-Ortega continues: "By diligent spiritual practices of various sorts, even before receiving Shaktipat, the yogi will certainly begin to reduce the influences of the self-limitations of karma (action) , and maya (illusion). These two bonds can be worn down or thinned out by diligent and sustained yogic effort (spiritual practices). But the crucial point, Shaiva philosophy asserts, is that without Shaktipat, the first and fundamental limitation, anavamala, (limitation of small self), will never yield before even the most heroic of yogic assaults. On its own, the small self will never be able to escape from its imprisonment. The anavamala is the impulse of Shivas’ will to dance in the waves of karma. Nothing that is not Shivas’ will itself can reverse the power that holds the small self bound by the anavamala."

What is true Yoga?

There are 4 key elements to the practice of any true yoga: right posture (includes everything from rooting, centering, physical position, ‘body lock’ and attitude), right breathing, (including energetic circulation and processing), right knowledge (correct understanding, awareness), and right intention (includes appropriate heart-centered mental focus, concentration, inner visualization and inherent consequences/action). So it is with the overall yoga of ascension. What is ‘true yoga’? That which supports Shakti (Holy Spirit, Grace) within us, and allows us to follow as good disciples, the direction of the Guru, (God-within, the I AM presence), which wishes, in perfect, divine free-will, to ‘birth’ Self-recognition, awareness and ‘being-ness’ into our conscious lives as incarnate beings of living light. Ultimately, the highest achievement comes full circle: to simply be yourself. This is the essence of tantric yoga, the full, conscious integration and unity of the divine into our ordinary, daily lives. Let’s take a look at some important aspects of ‘right understanding’, and ‘right attitude’ regarding the Shaktipat Initiation in supporting the unfolding experience.

Swami Muktananda, in his book, ‘The Perfect Relationship: the Guru and the Disciple’, writes of the good disciple (seeker/servant of God): "He regards the Guru (God-within/Shen) as the Self. He considers his vital force to be the Guru and his body to be the disciple (ego personality/ the automatons ‘hun & ‘po’ of esoteric Chinese medicine). By imbibing the Guru’s wisdom, he has become the Guru, yet he never forgets his own discipleship, (continued discipline of ‘lower-self‘). Such a disciple is the child of the Guru, (child of God/lamb of God/son of God/ the chosen one), and is worthy of receiving initiation into yoga." In the Kularnava Tantra, Shiva says, "guru-daivata-sambhaktam kamini-pujakama param…nityama gurusanipasthama guru-santosha-karakam", "he always remains close to the Guru and does the work which pleases the Guru, ( ie. following divine will). Through meditation he worships the great Shakti Kundalini, the Goddess and the mother of the world. He has complete devotion to the Guru and the deity".

We recall that the Sanskrit meaning of ‘Guru’ is ‘gu’ =darkness, the unconscious, shadow archetype of our ego-personality, and ‘ru’ =light, the destoyer of our darkness, egoic fantasies, karmas, samskaras (emotional baggage), fears and doubts. So it is this principle of ‘Guru’ as the power of liberation through the Grace-bestowing transmissions of the external master teacher, the Satguru, that is pivotal to our successful purification from darkness, and ascension into Self-recognition. The Siva Sutras say, "gurur va parameshvari anugrahika shaktihi", (the Guru is the grace-bestowing power of the Lord). Kashmir Shaivism asserts that Shaktipat is an act of divine freedom, an impulse of liberation that is released by the Satguru from within supreme consciousness, which is the gurus’ most intimate reality.

Through this energetic joining of master and disciple and transmission of energy, the disciples’ inner dormant kundalini is awakened, through catalytic ‘resonance’, or ’entrainment’. In the case of repeat Shaktipat transmissions, Darshan ( blessings by the satguru), and other initiations, the kundalini and energetic body of the disciple is further purified and strengthened. It is through the disciples’ committed attention, and correct intention in the process of sadhana, (correct spiritual practices under the direction and support of their Satguru), that the unfolding of this supreme consciousness blossoms and spills forth, a veritable metamorphosis of mind-body-spirit that affects every facet of the disciples life and their relatedness to the world they live in.

The noted Southeast Asian Scholar, M.P.Pandit, writes of this, "Whatever the path chosen and discipline selected for the seeker, no real sadhana (yogic spiritual practices) begins till a relationship is established between him/her and the Guru. And this relationship starts from the moment an inner connection is made, between the two as a result of something from the consciousness of the Guru entering into the being of the disciple. This entry of the Guru into the disciple is aptly described as the impact of descent of the higher Power, the conscious Power of the Guru, or of the very Divine through him/her; this is called Shaktipat. Where this Shaktipat is not, say the scriptures, there is no fulfillment".

How do I overcome the egoic fear and resistance to the changes that start to occur?

This is a very practical and pertinent question, which we’ll explore more deeply in future articles, and is the very reason for attending Satsangs with the master teacher regularly. The ultra-short answer is: it is not possible to overcome these negativities without enough of what I call, 'God Juice'; without the grace of the Guru, as these are anavamala characteristics borne of the sense of smallness and separation, and is a very real, but divinely designed entrapment that goes all the way down to brain anatomy & physiology and our own DNA encoding. Even so, correct mental understanding is an important start, so here goes!

Such times call for understanding of the benefits of the process, and with gratitude, that these root causes of our personal misery and suffering are once and for all being eliminated from our systems. It helps to consider this whole process as ‘divine medicine’. It is crucial at this time, to trust the master teacher and the process, the ‘physican’, as breaking through our old, encrusted egoic ’comfort-zones’ will actually feel like ‘reckless abandonment‘; uncontrolled and counter-intuitive. Ego will not have a handle or be able to control this divine process, (as that is not its place, but it doesn’t know that), and coupled with the surfacing of its old, suppressed fears, self-doubts and ‘knee-jerk’ behaviors, it is all too easy to regress and ‘fall asleep again’ without sticking very closely to the Source, or ’Catalyst’, your external Guru.

A note here on the Kashmir Shaiva versus modern scientific understanding of ‘ego’, as I see it. The closest I have found to this term in Sanskrit is ‘Antah-karana’, which is defined as ‘the inner organ; inner sense, inner instrument, inner causes‘. It is comprised of the intellect, ‘lower mind/chitta’, and the ego as ‘ahankara’, being the self-referral device of limited self-perception, bound by the 3 ‘gunas’, (the 3 laws of physicality that bind us to the mundane world: will, manifestation and inertia). This doesn’t mean too much until we discover that this ‘inner sense organ’ processes, interprets and associates data coming in from ‘outer sense objectification’, and decides to either associate it as either Self, self or non-self. In Sanskrit scriptural terms, as defined by John Grimes in “A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy, “the Antah-karana functions by ‘streaming out’ to an object, illuminating it, assuming its shape, and then cognizing it. It is the seat of the functions of the senses as distinct from their outer organs. It perceives objects by its relation with either the small self or universal Self. According to Kashmir Shaivism, the perceived variations of different individuals’ cognitions are due to the differences in their respective Antahkaranas.”

In modern medical science terms, the closest to these functions and degrees of ‘object-subject’ and ‘egoic self-referral’, either to Higher-Self or lower-self occurs in the cerebral cortex, which are the 2 large hemispheres we often think of as the ‘higher brain’; the thalamus, and the limbic system, which is often referred to as the ’animal brain, or lizard brain’. The hypothalamus is in the middle, in the diencephalons, which lies above the brain stem ,(vegetable brain), and also contains the hypothalamus, optic tracts and optic chiasma, the posterior pituitary, and the pineal gland, (third eye area). Each of these centers take in energy, essentially as quantum packets of information, be it light, color, sound, vibration, heat, smell, etc.., interprets it, and edifies it as ‘self’ or ‘non-self‘, as well as ‘Self’ or ‘self‘. They work together to create our self-identity and world-view, (paradigm), to decide if the data should be interpreted as pleasurable, painful or neither, and what to do about it, if anything.

Add to this the caveat of the hypothalamus and reticular formation system which decide to what degree which centers are ‘awake’ or ‘asleep’, and we see the correlations to mankinds’ sum total spiritual challenges also, i.e. how to awaken ego’s self-referral mechanism from perceiving limited-self to Universal Self. This is the whole theme of the Bhagad Gita, no less. In between is the rather slippery area of differentiating energetic self from energetic non-self, and energetic Self from energetic self, unifying all that under ‘awareness’, a dynamic, moving target itself, and then deciding what to do about it, if anything, (tantra). This is the realm of advanced yogis, the value of developing inner psychic instruments, or ‘organs‘, (siddhi powers), adept mental (jnana yoga), and spiritual practice disciplines,(sadhana, ‘austerities‘), and the great gift and purpose of Shaiva schools and their master spiritual directors, Satgurus.

In any case, it is important to recognize ahead of time that the seeker, (and all of their brain/mind/ego), is an active participant to their transformation, purification and mind-body-spirit de-toxification process, (separation and elimination of ‘self’ and ’other’ from Self). Conscious choice-making matters, (higher-brain). We are each responsible and accountable for nurturing the abilities and awarenesses, (wakefulness), that recognize Self as unfolding Witness/Unity Consciousness versus the very real resistance of ‘lizard-brain’, ’lower-self’ ego, which, in effect, is being coaxed into facilitating its own ego ’death’. Mentally articulating (awakening the ‘higher-brain’), to oneself that ‘this is a good thing, I am ready, and I allow this to happen’, is often the very first step in easing the resistance that naturally comes up due to the reflexive patterns already laid down earlier in the mind-cellular intelligence system and dutifully protected by the ’lizard brain’ of the limbic system.

Remember that it is this limbic system that is governed by wild animal passions, prone to selfish attachments and addictions, and to the worldly pleasures of sex and material creature comforts. It is always either in fight (anger/hatred) or flight (fear) over its survival as an entity. This is home to most of humanitys’ sense of ego-self. Both esoteric Chinese medicine and Hindu teachings have the allegory of the phased, gradual taming of a big wild beast such as a horse or ox, in giving us the mental understanding and model of how the higher divine mind (Chitti-Shakti), coaxes, tames, redirects and masters the lower egoic mind, (Chita-Shakti), which is its own very Self also, since Self is All.

In Kashmir Shaiva, this traditionally means developing good mental discipline by following the instructions and teachings of the master teacher to a ‘tee’ through the yogic, meditative spiritual practices, ( ‘sadhana’), which includes doing pilgrimages to sacred temples, Seva (selfless service and good stewardship), & Dakshina (offerings and donations); regular attendance of Satsangs, receiving Darshan &Prasad, (blessings); and Mantra & Shaktipat Initiations & follow-up Intensives, (visit www.IBASI.org or email at DeviNostrum@IBASI.org for more information). Mental discipline and practicing good sadhana gives us the ability to remain more open-minded, humble, detached and non-judgemental. We can more easily forgiving ourselves & others, maintaining a light, playful sense of humor and creativity, and willfully surreander the ‘limited-self’ ego with courage, gratitude, enthusiasm, complete self-acceptance & detached compassion.

Nurturing intelligent discernment, self-inquiry, trust, self-integrity, and authentic, heart-centered communication is also very supportive to the healing process that Shakti Kundalini is catalyzing in order to break through the effects of our soul limitations. Continually dwelling on the negative or attempting to suppress or stop the progression of divine order,not only drains the Shakti (Grace) from sacred places but also adds additional burden onto the master teacher. Rejecting this process is tantamount to rejecting God, and throws us far, far away from Him and therefore the Guru-within/External Guru.

Swami Muktananda said, "Whatever thoughts one has come from the Central Nadi, and all ones karmas and impressions from many lives are lodged here. All the different states we experience - desire or greed, inspiration or dullness - arise from the Sushumna. In the upper region of the Sushumna are such qualities as contentment, peace, and knowledge, while in the lower regions lie the passions of lust, greed, anger, and all the feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. When your Shakti is awakened, all the past impressions and karmas come out. That is why when you first receive Shaktipat, you sometimes feel very negative or very angry. You shouldn’t be afraid when you get into such a state; it happens because the Shakti is expelling all the karmas or countless lives". Until the modern quantum sciences create a magic pill for Self-Enlightenment, this is the known, tried and true way of Kashmir Shaivism.

What are the 4 general ways one personally experiences Shaktipat?

"O Almighty Lord, may we, armed with Your powerful divine Shakti, completely annihilate our inner vices in the struggles of life and be victorious."
~ Rig Veda

Even though each person’s reaction in type and intensity to Shaktipat is unique, due to the configuration of each persons karmic and samskaric history and ‘accumulated merit’. Even so, there are four basic categories of personal experience listed in the Yoga Sutras, being kriyavati, kalavati, varnamayi and vedhamayi. Each of these are natural, spontaneous, (unpremeditated) and effortless events that are brought on by the workings of Shakti Kundalini. Kriyavati manifests as kriyas, or movements and body-locks of the physical body. This could range from gentle, spontaneous swaying and mudra hand & finger positions and movements to rigorous hatha yoga positions and breathing changes.

Varnamayi pertains to spontaneous mantra yoga. Vocal powers that had previously lain dormant are awakened in a seeker. He may begin to utter words, sentences and mantras in Sanskrit or other languages that are often completely unknown to the initiate. This can be likened to the Christian ‘speaking in tongues’ phenomenon. Kalavati, is the spontaneous vyapti, or fusion of the gross tattvas, reabsorbed into the more subtler ones. This process is also described as a series of 112 meditation yogas in the sacred text Vijnana Bhairava. As each of the Tattva principles are purified and the seeker automatically detaches him/herself from it, he/she moves closer to realizing the Self, until finally, only the Self remains, and he/she realizes his true identity is Shiva, the Absolute. And finally, in Vedhamayi, the seeker experiences the piercing of the Chakras. These may take various forms, spontaneous sensations of heat, intense pressure or vibration, visions, divine fragrances and celestial sounds and rapturous states of divine union with God.

In our next article we will take a closer look at these categories, read some very interesting testimonies of wonderful awakenings experiences, and learn how seekers commonly experience piercing or openings of each of the 7 major Chakras as the awakened Shakti Kundalini rises through them in its healing and integrating work. Finally, we will describe the Sahasrara, (the Crown Chakra), commonly understood to be the highest center of Consciousness and the final state of Self-Realization or divine union, the ultimate quest of human life.

~ Devi Nostrumananda

Copyright IBASI 2002-8. All rights reserved. Contact IBASI for permissions.

* ARTICLES * TEACHINGS *

THE YOGA of SAINTS:

KASHMIR SHAIVISM

PART 1of 3

Swami Devi Nostrumananda

"Yoga jnanam tatha sankhyam,Vidyah shilpadi-karma cha,

Vedah Shastranivijnanam Etat sarvam janardanat."

~ Vishnu Sahasranama

(The system of yoga, knowledge of the divine, also the…

sciences, arts…the Vedas…and the sacred works

of reflection emanate from… an aspect of God,

one who brings men to their ego death)

Yoga can be said to be the work, or the way of attaining God; the spiritual practices and disciplines leading to 'Perfect Yoga', or the 'Mystical Union' with God, in Christian terms, and 'Moksha', or 'Liberations' in Sanskrit. In fact, 'yoga' means 'union', in sanskrit, and is the ancestor of the english word, 'yoke'. God, here, is both the creator of mankind’s ignorance, (or maya, illusion) of his True Self and the destroyer of mankind’s ego (Mind) to reveal true knowledge, being Awareness, or God-Consciousness.

There are many types of joga. One of the core sacred texts of Kashmir Shaivism, a revelation from the Supreme God, Shiva, is called the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, (i.e. 'divine consciousness’ ). This secret teaching explains no less than 112 yogas as a means to realization of ultimate reality. In this 3-part introductory series called, The Yoga of Saints: Kashmir Shaivism, an excerpt from an upcoming book I am writing, we shall explore the secrets of the ancient wisdom tradition, Kashmir Shaivism and its three levels of yoga practice which are based on the strength of awareness of the spiritual aspirant. We will review the 'prerequisites' for beginning this 'journey of ascension' to Sainthood and the various 'Limbs of Yoga' or styles which roughly correspond to the Chakra system, (energy centers along the spine). All Yogas are included in Kashmir Shaivism. There are various systems or schools of Kashmir Shaiva Yoga, the most advanced systems are often called the Maha Yoga, the Great Yoga, or Raja Yoga, literally meaning the 'Yoga of Royalty'. We will be exploring the way of this Great Yoga, the Yoga of Saints.

So, it may be apparent to you that the Yoga we speak of here is not what you may think, a painful stretching exercise! In fact, the goal of yoga, Self, our Home and natural state of Being, is nothing like we can imagine, intuit, predict, think or speculate. Not only that, but we are ‘hardwired’ for this mysterious state, and in fact, are in this state already, but unaware of it! Such are the many paradoxes along the way.

Ah! Paradox, the language of God! The sacred text, Shri Guru Gita, verse 40, says, "Yasyamatam tasya matam, matam yasya na veda sah; Ananya-bhava-bhavaya tasmai shriguruve namah", "One who (thinks he) knows not, knows; one who (thinks he) knows, knows not. Salutations to Shri Guru,(God) whose thinking has no thoughts (but those of the Absolute)" . It goes on to make a special example of the ‘Know-It-Alls’ and those gifted with special powers yet stuck in the illusion of false self in verse 85, "Mahahankaragarvena tapo-vidya-balanvitah, Samsara-kuharavarte ghata-yantre yatha ghatah.", "due to inflated ego and pride (even) those equipped with the power of austerity (special knowledge and powers) and learning (continue to revolve) in the (suffering of the) vortex of worldy life, like pots on a water wheel". So, for the beginner, a good rule of thumb from the very beginning for embarking on the true path (better described as unfolding or dissolving) into God, is to stay humble and not assume right knowledge of anything. It is said that yoga starts where psychology ends. Learn non-attachment to any previous fixed ideas or ways; rest comfortably in mental uncertainty, until yoga begins to reveal true divine knowledge everywhere you look, and for the true aspirant, it will. You may ask,"How do I get that, where does it come from, and how much does it cost?!". After learning more, you may also ask, "Oh, ok, and why are we doing this again?!". Great questions worthy of our attention in a future article. In the meantime, let’s continue our ‘preliminaries’; inventory, checklists and packing our bags for the Journey of Ascension, the Great Expedition Adventure, (into stillness and silence), to meet God, (your Self). Paradox. Learn to love it.

Yoga is a means to an end. The Higher Self, True Self, Awareness, Enlightenment, God, God-Conscousness, Source, Absolute and the goal of Yoga are all the same thing; terms trying to clothe a state of being that is indescribable, and that which Siddhas, Saints,(both mean ‘holy, perfected beings’), true Guru’s and true Master Spiritual Teachers embody. There are probably thousands of enlightened beings walking this planet at this time, with many, many more individuals transcending to this ’place’ in the months and years to come as planetary shifts continue. Since Samadhi, (firm establishment in the Absolute), or Enlightenment, has several stages and takes time to integrate and stabilize, there are thousands upon thousands on Earth at this time who are in these final stages. Each of these individuals have spent great self-effort in Yogas of various sorts which are well explained and used in Kashmir Shaivism. Only relatively few of these Beings are bestowed with the gift of the ability to energetically transmit Shaktipat, which is required for the journey to begin in earnest with our Yoga of Saints, the Maha Yoga.

It may surprise you that you are in fact undertaking the road to Sainthood. However, realize that all Saints were spiritual seeker ‘newbies’ like you and me at one time too, and not ‘out to become a Saint’. Various Great Teachers, including Deepak Chopra in his recent book, ‘How to Know God’, writes that the natural evolution of man is towards Sainthood, so it’s actually natural and unavoidable! Also, it has very little to do with ‘religion’ . In this ‘Roadmap to Enlightenment’ with Kashmir Shaivism, it starts off stating that this is, in fact, not a ‘religion’ per se, but a tradition and philosophy open to those who have a desire to understand it; hence there are no restrictions of caste, creed, sex, age or color; anyone can become a Saint. So, in re-examining the word, ‘Saint’, what does that really look and feel like in this modern day and age? You may be greatly surprised. A great topic for future discussion!

Kashmir Shaivism is vast. Perhaps the best place to start is with the two ‘prerequisites’ to practicing Maha Yoga. One is the awakening of ‘Infinite Human Potential’ also known as ‘Holy Spirit’ in Christian terms and ‘Shakti Kundalini’ in Kashmir Shaivism ( and Hinduism in general). The other is self-effort, and this is where yoga comes in. ‘Shaktipat’, the awakening of the Kundalini,(or ‘True Baptism’ into the Holy Spirit), can only be done through the energetic transmission of ‘Grace’ by a true Shaktipat Guru or true Shaktipat Spiritual Teacher. The Guru Gita, verse 56, says "Yasmad anugrahum labdhva mahadajnanamutshrjet", " (upon) receiving His grace, one gives up great ignorance", meaning the veil of illusion is lifted and the natural, easeful and automatic ascent away from the ‘evils’ and suffering of mankind to the eternal peace and bliss of the Absolute begins. Although it sounds religious and unreal, the entire event and process is very tangible, well documented and widely corroborated in real time amongst the many groups undergoing this transendence in the here and now.

Needless to say that most of the Baptisms of modern churches unfortunately do not count. This may sound shocking and blasphemous, that most of the Christian world (and mankind) walks this world today without the support, guidance and protection of the awakened seed of God within them that was supported to have happened with their church Baptism. Even Radio Evangelists are broadcasting that it is prophesized in the Bible itself and quite self evident in the news these days, that "churches are no longer the safe haven from evil they once were, but are in fact the harbor of the workings of Antichrist"! This Biblical prophecy of the times may not be so far from the truth when we observe that the Catholic Church is plagued with corrupt criminal priests and many Moslem mosques are unwitting financial supporters and accomplices of the Al’Quida terrorists, the greatest perceived threat of the world. Does it seem one can no longer assume spiritual safety in established 'Houses of God' of old?

Sincere seekers of God may need to search for true agents of God outside the old established churchs. Examples of such are Saints,(irrespective of culture), Jesus, Buddha, AmmaChi and various Swami’s and even newly emergent American Masters like Gabriel Cousens and Solomae Sananda. In fact there are dozens of such Masters, living and in spirit, who are available to us as 'spiritual catalysts'. Also, one can, depending on spiritual merit and strength of awareness, follow the 'Direct Path', without bonding to a 'middle man', pe se. Shaktipat Spiritual Masters are fairly inconspicuous, found within spiritual ministries, the healthcare system, spiritual schools and society at large. Recognizing a true versus fraudulent Shaktipat Guru or Master Shaktipat Spiritual Teacher, and ‘approaching’ such a Being, rare as they are, is actually very easy once you know what to look for, and this is an excellent topic for future discussion. Once Shaktipat, or 'True Baptism' takes place, the second prerequisite is sincere, committed self-effort, otherwise generally known as Yoga. Yoga is spiritual pathwork or spiritual discipline practiced under the guidance and support of either the Guru/Master Spiritual Teacher, (being the embodiments of God through Grace), or through direct experience of the divine, or both.

~ Devi Nostrumananda

The YOGA of SAINTS: KASHMIR SHAIVISM

Part 2 of 3

Swami Devi Nostrumananda

"Sphatika-pratima-rupam

drsyate darpane yatha,

Tathatmani cidakaram a

nandam so hamityuta"

Guru Gita

Just as the image of a crystal is seen in a mirror,

so the bliss, which is consciousness, (is reflected)

in the Self and (the realization comes), "Indeed, I am That".

Kashmir Shaivism is an ancient wisdom tradition that originated culturally in the large, Himalayan state of Kashmir in northern India. Shaiva means God, or Shiva. The 'Yoga of God', as in the way of ancient and mystic temples and households of Kashmir, echos eternally through the timeless passages of man‘s creation and evolution. It is as ancient, venerable and true a pathwork as any ancient wisdom tradition that existed since the dawn of mankind. There are many parallels between it and other true ancient wisdom traditions, and even modern scientists are drawn to its system, often called the ‘Geographical Map of Human Consciousness’, because not only is it so complete but also so practical and scientific, offering Direct Experience of the Divine. Kashmir Shaivism draws those who hear the call to awaken ‘Infinite Human Potential’ within themselves, and to evolve by natural ascend with Yoga, or spiritual practice, to Sainthood through the gift of Grace, called Shaktipat. This rare and mystical gift of Shaktipat can be likened to starting a chemical chain-reaction with the Master Teacher and the Shakti Kundalini being the chemical, or alchemic 'catalyst'.

In PART 1 of this discussion, we reframed the true intent and goal of the word ‘Yoga’ and how to best prepare for the Great Expedition Adventure, the ascent to Self-Realization. We learned about the value of recognizing Paradox and Uncertainty as good signs of being on track. We recognized that the path to God is mankinds’ natural evolutionary process to ‘Sainthood’ , occurring spontaneously, easefully and joyfully provided two ‘prerequisites’ were accounted for. One ‘pre-requisite’ is the awakening of Shakti Kundalini, or Holy Spirit through the energetic transmission of Grace, called Shaktipat, or True Baptism by a qualified, true Guru or Master Teacher. The other ‘prerequisite’ is sincere self-effort, which is generally called ‘Yoga', or spiritual disciple with techniques and pathwork. Self-effort is required by the aspirant until their God-Awareness is so advanced as to be at the very threshold of ‘Niranjana’, meaning the ‘state beyond mental functions’. At this point, even self-effort can no longer assist us, and only the Grace of the Guru, (God), automatically compels us into final God-Awareness. We continue now with exploring Yoga more, and defer discussions on the first ‘pre-requisite’, ‘Shaktipat’, to a future article.

As mentioned before, the purpose of the many yogas is to support the aspirants’development in removing maya, the illusion or ignorance of Self through limited, individual-consciousness, (Chitta mind ), to that of the infinite, universal unity-consciousness, ( Chitti mind ), of True Self. With the fusion of individual-consciousness of duality into unity ‘I am That’ awareness, true freedom and liberty from the suffering of the external world is finally achieved. This independence from the world, yet absolute oneness with it, gives rise to the state of Jagad-ananda, meaning ‘Universal Bliss’. With Shaktipat, the Shakti Kundalini naturally draws the aspirant within and all yogas occur spontaneously and naturally of their own accord to fit the perfect needs of the aspirant in building strength of awareness. In that case, one may ask, “Why learn all this, since it’s going to happen naturally anyway?”. The answer is because the yogas are very tangible and physical phenomeona. Sometimes they are very subtle and sometimes they are very surprising, odd or alarming to one who is not aware of what’s going on.

Fear and anxiety will impede the workings of Grace and therefore ones’ spiritual progress. Knowledge of the Agamas (scriptural documentation of Shiva) of the many yogic forms that Shakti Kundalini can manifest alleviates anxiety, fear or confusion and replaces it with gratitude, relief and even anticipation and excitement. Imagine what the little chrysalis grub must go through physically to emerge as the beautiful butterfly, aren’t there real, physical changes occurring? So too with the transformative power of Grace. The meridians, (nadis), energy channels, chakras; nervous and immune system, the very biochemistry and DNA of your being undergoes changes in this evolutionary process. The other reason for learning a little about the various yogas is to not only recognize them when they occur, but to fully support and embrace the Shakti and its work by participating actively. This not only requires strength of awareness but also, in doing so, further creates strength of awareness.

The cognitive, thinking aspect of our being is therefore key in compelling the surrender of thinking; thinking being the subject-object world of all illusion and maya. Another beautiful paradox to comtemplate! Solomae Sanada, a self-realized Master Spiritual Teacher has this to say, "Your life is a clear pool, waiting for your reflection. When you open your eyes, what do you see in the world? Your vision is clouded by your illusional filter. There is no reality other than the one you project. To see clearly, one must clear out the debris. To clear out the debris, one must surrender the concepts, beliefs and structures of the mind. Only then will the filter be clear and only then will true reality be reflected through the eyes". Yoga has a beginning, middle and end. Atman or the true, limitless, perfect Self is like the bottom of the pool, and Jiva our limited, small perception of reality, is like waves lashing the surface and muddying the water so the bottom can not be seen. The sum of our Karma,(cycle of cause & effect in 'limited mind' initiated action), Samskaras (emotional baggage), psychological 'filters' and generally false identification with the Ego greatly inhibits the purity of the water and therefore clear vision of the pools' bottom. Purifying the 'limited-mind', or Chitta, with Yoga helps acheive this clarity, or Chitti, the mind of God. Perfect Yoga brings final success and its own completion.

So now, lets briefly examine the Three Major Classifications of Yoga and their appeal to seekers, (or sadhaka, in Sanskrit), who are at certain levels of God-Awareness. In Sanskrit, the first one is called Shambavopaya, the highest, fastest and most difficult means to universal God Consciousness. The next one is Shaktopaya, the choice for aspirants with medium strength of awareness and this takes longer and is a little easier. The third is called Anavopaya, regarded for inferior strength of awareness and this route takes the longest to reach Liberation, but is the easiest.

According to Abhinavagupta, a great Kashmir Shaiva Siddha, (Saint in Sanskrit), the aspirant should attempt the highest pathwork first. Failing this, the Sadhaka, (student) , should try the next one down until they find that level of yoga they can work with. From Anavopaya, the lowest, to Shambavopaya, the highest form of contemplating God, the different types of yogas roughly follow the physical ascent of the Kundalini up the different Chakras, (energy centers), along the spine. Also, any particular yoga has the ability of bringing the aspirant to Samadhi, or the mystical union with the divine. The nature of a particular yoga, or spiritual practice changes, as can the type and level, as the ascent (better described as surrender, unfoldment or dissolution) progresses. Many Sadhaka are drawn to experience many different forms or yoga concurrently and spontaneously through the activity of the Shakti Kundalini. As the Kundalini clears 'debri' and ascends the shushumna spinal energy channel, the yoga forms will vary in intensity and configuration, much like chords of a harp.

This is the major reason why attempting various spiritual disciplines, practices and techniques without Shaktipat and a true Guru usually fails; at any given moment the needs of the process change and the un-initiated yogi will not know which yoga to practice when, and to what degree. The un-initiated aspirant needs to practice the technique continuously to maintain benefit, practice for many many years before reaping any fruit; stopping will drop his/her strength of awareness back to square-one again, and their technique may actually be dangerous to the body-mind-spirit at the time they try it. In Medical Qigong, these failings and abhorations are called Qi-Deviations. The major reason why the American Acupuncture profession avoids the spiritual practice of Medical Qigong is exactly this fear of Qi-deviations, which can occur in those un-initiated yogis practicing techniques without Shaktipat or a Guru/Master Teacher. Failure of this alternative-medicine profession to realize the existence and value of the correct, scriptural basis of Spiritual Healing, (Shen Gong), is a great, untapped opportunity, since this process of Kundalini ascension is very healing when done correctly.

In natural and safe ascension, the final integration of the internal Samadhi state with external experience of the world, Vyutthana, through the process of Krama Mudra, (paced, gradual, integrative oscillation between the two states over time), stabilizes and fuses the perceived inner and outer worlds into permanent Unity Conscousness of Liberation, or Moksha. The objective, (outer), world becomes the subjective, (inner) world; the seer, seen and seeing become one. The Chakras are peirced, the Three Knots unfurled, and they are all integrated and realigned. Earth (Shakti, the female principle ), meets and unites with Heaven, (Shiva, the male principle), and man becomes JivanMukta, the living Liberated, in ParaShiva, supreme God.

Again, without Shaktipat and the guidance of a true Guru or Master Teacher, this would be very dangerous to undertake, and ill advised, as it may lead to ‘turning to the dark side’,(back into ignorance); illness, psychosis or even permanent brain damage. At best it would be fruitless and futile, although not impossible. And now you have a glimpse of the mechanics of how a sinner becomes a saint, and indeed, how the Devil came into being, exists and will be finally redeemed back into Heaven one day. All by the Grace of God. The truly amazing thing is that all of this happens nowhere else but in our very selves, our own body, which already contains the universe, all the peace, love and joy we seek, and also the means to realizing it.

See Part 3 in ARCHIVES page...