S1va

These videos are lengthy, about 2 hours. I liked this one also.

I used to have these notions about staying in the present based on some books. Now, I feel it's just residing, bring present in the energy flows. I think there are also multiple levels or layers of residing, or staying in the present as we progress. It's not one thing for everyone at all times in my view. This is what some of the books I read earlier implied. Some teachers teach others how to stay present through books and talks. I am not sure if this can be taught in a book. As we progress and clear energetic blockages, the residing or staying present seems to happen as a na

Hi Trish, I liked the Q&A overall. Some of the following stood out for me. He described Kundalini stating it is not some serpent power, but embodiment of universal consciousness. I liked this answer on Shiva. "Q. Is it possible that an individual would be able to communicate directly with Shiva and be in his presence? A. But Shiva is already there, Shiva is never absent, in individuality also. So it is possible. Only knowing and not knowing come in the way. When you don’t know, you are individual, when you know, you are universal." The left

I came across this Q&A with Swami Lakshmanjoo and found it interesting. https://www.google.com/amp/s/educatemygirl.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/kashmir-shaivism-a-lecture-by-swami-lakshmanjoo-promoted-by-james-powell/amp/

Yes, God/universe is bigger and works in mysterious ways beyond the limited understanding of the local mind. However, I am of the view that worldly agonies are the results of the mind, and can ease away eventually in time for those on the path of Buddhas/Bodhisatvas. There cold be some physical agonies as long as there is birth and a physical body. I was making the point that one does not just wait despondently for a Buddha or God to remove all their problems. Like the saying, ‘God helps those who help themselves’, I believe when we do our part, the universe helps us in its own mysterious wa

There is some interest for me in the recent times with Mahayana sutras and Buddhist tantra. Though their framework seems to be unique, they seem to have similarities with some Hindu tantra traditions, like deity yoga etc. Wanted to share this video I found interesting. Some of these tantras talk about male, female polarities, emptiness, deities, formless beings and different stages of the path in some detail. I will share couple of other videos I found interesting later.

It’s not despondently giving up the individual hope and effort and rely on someone to help save. That is not what Buddhas and Bodhisatvas are about. Buddhas, or fully realized beings are out there sharing their wisdom, and help support all beings and the mandala all of the time. The universe exists in its current state because of their support. Bodhisatwas are beings on the path, they follow the path of the realized masters. Their compassion is reflected in their actions as help to other beings.

I have read in some Buddhist texts that Bodhisattvas postpone their realization inorder to help others. This was a bit problematic for me to understand at that time. Right now I feel that Bodhisattvas are those that have reached such levels of refinement that if they choose to, they could just revel in a blissful state and not have to come down and undertake actions at worldly levels. But they seem to choose to come down from such high levels of refinement inorder just to help others. Indeed they are noble, and their path is noble because they guide others to the light they discovered.

No one else can find answers to such questions for us. We need to find the answers ourselves. Questions (all questions) come out of a disturbed state of mind that is trying to find some answers, or trying to arrive somewhere. No external answer can convince a mind that is in such state of disturbance. As we expand, our clarity increases, slowly we begin to know more. The answers will reveal themselves, when the mind is calm, and when there is no hurry to find anything or go anywhere.

If the universe were a puzzle or a game, it feels like different traditions or masters have explored and described different aspects. All of them very interesting in their own ways and in the context in which the teachings were shared. The what, or the process that leads to suffering Buddha asked questions like, what causes suffering and found the answers for that. His findings in my views throw some light on the details of the process. He identified accurately that the point at which a feeling turns into craving (Taṇhā) as the root cause of suffering. Now, what is the r

While I agree with most of what you have described, I feel it depends entirely on where a person is. The Dzogchen teaching is wise, but I feel it may not be the right answer to everyone universally. This is why in Kashmir Shaivisim they propose 3 paths depending on where a person is and how much they can absorb. There is also a fourth way in KS that is similar to what you described from Dzogchen that transcends all the others. But, it is not a path advocated for everyone. The first path sambhavopaya in KS involves the shaktipat or anugraha from a divine being, which

Agree with the precision from Iyengar yoga. I leaned some basics in Dallas Iyengar studio about 15 years back. I was impressed. It was very helpful, not just as a yoga practice, but from learning how to stand when idle (foot posture, evenly distributing body weight etc) to various other things to be mindful through the day and night. The basics of asanas/yoga, tai chi should be taught in the primary and high schools. This can help children grow into a healthier lifestyle and avoid so many diseases and ailments.

Wise words. Having done moderation, I can say it will be challenging especially with political topics. Most people that participate only in political discussions are not exactly Buddhas or Gandhis. The minimal or no moderation may sound good at the start, but it will not be practical if the forum becomes popular with regular visitors and guests. There are going to be all types of characters pushing all types of boundaries and making the staff work hard depending on how busy the site is. There can be bitterness at times with members taking different sides and finding fault with the staff n

Insightful. Thanks for sharing. Maintaining inner silence and to be in equipoise through any type of social interaction seems to be way more challenging than achieving or maintaining inner silence during other day to day activities. I guess it is so, because the energetic interaction with others unearths or brings dormant issues to the surface which otherwise may be hidden in isolation.

Welcome Chang!