Namaskar Hi All The interest in what is the underlying root cause that supports the universe and what is mind in the sense of consciousness, is most likely the field of since that starts developing the most this century. It can be called intuitional science, because it goes beyond merely looking at mind through its physical expression (the brain) or mind through its intellectual expression (the intellect). It goes to the root of consciousness itself - which is found in the spiritual dimension. Rupert Sheldrake, a leading scientist and currently a Fellow of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, San Francisco has also been instrumental in opening up this whole area. One of his main concerns is exploring the connections between science and spirituality. The basic starting point is, as he says: "Most biologists take for granted that living organisms are nothing but complex machines, ruled by the known laws of physics and chemistry. I have also had that view. But during a period of several years, I have come to realize that it is hard to justify such an assumption. Because when you understand so little, there is a clear possibility that at least some of the phenomenon of life depend on laws or factors which the physical sciences still don't know anything about." He also espouses the theory of 'morphic fields', which goes some way to explain how psychic / mental propensities and the potential reactions to past actions affect our life. "Morphic comes from the Greek work for form, morphe. A morphic field is a field of form, a field or pattern or order or structure. Such fields organize not only the fields of living organisms, but also the forms of crystals and of molecules. Each kind of molecule, each protein for example, has its own kind of morphic field -- a hemoglobin field, an insulin field. So does each kind of crystal, each kind of organism, and each kind of instinct of pattern of behavior. These fields are the organizing fields of nature. There are many kinds of them, because there are many kinds of things and patterns in nature. I think our own mental life depends on just this kind of field and through this morphic field theory of organization in nature we can come to a new understanding of the nature of the mind -- a field theory of the mind." Check out his web site at: http://www.sheldrake.org/ And also: http://www.transaction.net/science/seven/ http://www.salon.com/people/feature/1999/11/23/sheldrake/print.html http://www.twm.co.nz/shel-int2.htm http://www.dialogonleadership.org/Sheldrake-1999cp.html http://www.williamjames.com/transcripts/sheldra1.htm http://www.hootenanny.com/hoot/3/sheldrake.html http://www.workingdogweb.com/Sheldrake.htm http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC12/Sheldrak.htm http://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/science/prat-shl.htm --- The below also explains some of the developing scientific thought and relationship between current science and spirituality. The Cosmic Cycle The Cosmic Cycle is called Brahma Cakra. It's named as such because it occurs within the Cosmic Entity (Brahma), starting and ending at the point of pure Cosmic awareness. So the whole universe exists within the infinite Cosmic Entity in a never-ending flow. All its diversities are the transitory transformations of part of the Cosmic Entity in a continual process, with different parts of existence at different stages at any one time. This implies that life and the universe will never end, but that parts of it are continuously being created from the Cosmic Entity and concurrently merging back into It. The Cosmic Entity (Brahma) is everything. Everything exists within It, and nothing exists outside It. In fact, there is no "outside" because It is infinite and eternal. There can be no existence separate to infinity. Brahma is composed of two parts: the Cognitive Principle (Consciousness), and the Operative Principle (Force). They are inseparable, just as fire cannot be separated from its capacity to burn, or two sides of a piece of paper cannot be separated from each other. For philosophical purposes, in many yogic texts, and for ease of convenience, Consciousness is given the male gender and His Force the female gender. Under His direction She transforms part of Him into the universe. She is always under His control. He does not act but allows Her to act. It's as though a blind person was carrying around a paralyzed person: the blind person moves around under the direction of the one who can't move. One is the action; the other the thought behind the action. The Operative Principle (Force) has three attributes, or sub-forces. The subtlest is the sentient force; the middle the mutative force; and the crudest is the static force. The Cosmic Mind is formed from the Cosmic Consciousness in three stages by the action of these three forces. First a small portion of Consciousness is metamorphosed into the Cosmic sense of existence (feeling of "I am") by the sentient force. Then a small portion of that I-feeling is transformed into the feeling of "I do" by the mutative force. Finally part of the "I do" feeling is transformed into the "I have done" feeling by the static force. All three states together make up the Cosmic Mind, existing within the original Cosmic Consciousness. Then continued bondage by the static force on the "I have done" feeing of the Cosmic Mind causes further metamorphosis of the "I have done" feeing into the fundamental factors of the universe. So the Cosmic Mind comes from the Cosmic Consciousness, and the universe comes from the Cosmic Mind. The universe is made up of five fundamental factors: the ethereal factor (space), aerial (gas), luminous (heat/light), liquid, and solid. Each factor is formed from the subtler factor preceding it; from the transformation of part of the factor from which it comes. Hence the aerial factor comes from the ethereal factor, the luminous from the aerial and so on. All factors exist within the Cosmic Mind from which they came, and the Cosmic Mind is inherent within them all. The universe is thus a thought-projection of the Cosmic Mind. As the Cosmic Mind also exists within the Cosmic Consciousness, everything is a part of that Consciousness and the Cosmic Consciousness is within everything. The dominance of the Operative Principle (Force) over the Cognitive Principle (Consciousness) increases with each successive stage, each stage being cruder and denser than the one before it, the solid factor being the crudest and densest stage of manifestation. Energy is formed in each factor from the "friction" caused by the pressure of the static force on that factor. Vital energy is formed from the combination of all the different energies of each fundamental factor within a solid body. So each factor has its own energy, but the solid factor also has vital energy – the combination of the energies of all the factors that are within it. Due to the continued pressure of the static force on the solid factor, eventually the pressure becomes excessive and one of two things happens: 1. Explosion If the factors within it are not in the right balance, eventually the solid factor (as a celestial body) will explode, and all the factors within it will merge back into their respective factors of the universe. For example, the ethereal factor will merge back into the surrounding space, the aerial factor into gas, etc. 2. Life If the environment is favourable, and the factors are in the right balance, some portion of the solid factor gets pulverized subtler than ether, and the "I have done" feeing within it (remember the fundamental factors originally came from the "I have done" feeling of the Cosmic Mind) manifests as mind-stuff, which gives the feeling of "I have done" (or "done-I") to a new unit mind. That mind gets attached to an appropriate body and controls the vital energy of that body, which in turn controls the body's functions. Because the individual mind originally comes out of the solid factor from a small part of the Cosmic Mind within that factor, it is said that "the microcosm is a miniature of the Macrocosm." It can therefore be seen that mind comes from matter, and matter – via the Cosmic Mind – from Consciousness. Now we're into the second half of the cycle. The first half was up to the crudest manifestation of the solid factor. You could say this is the inanimate phase. Now in the second half (the animate phase) we have all the individual unit minds evolving back to their source: the Cosmic Consciousness. In this "returning phase" of the cycle, Consciousness gradually withdraws the power from the Operative Principle or Force. So, it is said that: "He has allowed Her to bind Him to the ultimate state of crudity. Now He contracts Her power until the unit mind merges back into Him." This is the notion of Shiva and Shakti that is found in the spiritual literature. This corresponds to the gradual freeing of the mind through expansion, ultimately to infinity. In this process the unit mind gradually evolves over many different births, in many different bodies. It adopts more complex physical structures as it evolves, appropriate to what it wants to express. Note that there is a clear distinction here between body and mind. The body is the vehicle that the mind adopts according to its degree of evolution, "life" being the existence of mind in association with a particular body, and "death" being the temporary loss of a physical body until a new one is attained by the mind. In this process, the mind develops as the bondage of the binding principles decreases. At first the static force within the mind dominates, giving the feeling of "I have done." This is expressed as instinct (Crude Mind). In the course of development, the mutative force eventually becomes dominant and the "I do" feeling develops as intellect, or ego (Subtle Mind). Finally, the sentient force dominates the mutative, and the unit "I-feeling" (feeling of pure existence) evolves out of the "I do" feeling. This manifests as intuition (Causal Mind). So we may find creatures and plants with only instinct, or with intellect as well, or with all three: instinct, intellect and intuition. In undeveloped beings it is instinct which dominates. In developing beings there is an increase of intellect over instinct, but it is only at the human stage that intellect dominates. Then with the development of intuition the mind starts to question the nature of its own existence and the spiritual quest begins. The desire for spiritual practice develops as ego is replaced by intuition and attraction for the Cosmic Nucleus - that is, attraction to the Great. This attraction is called devotion. Devotion is love for the Infinite. It is said that when devotion is attained, everything is attained, because it leads to final merger with the Supreme - Cosmic Consciousness. This is what the yogis describe in the spiritual literature. Attraction towards the Cosmic Nucleus accelerates as the mind expands and becomes more subtle. One begins to experience the merger of mind in the Goal: absolute bliss – complete absorption in Cosmic Consciousness. It's not possible to come even close to describing this state, let alone thinking about it, because it's beyond the mind. One's mind exists in and of Consciousness. We cannot think about it simply because it's not possible to think of anything beyond the boundary of one's own mind. Many accounts of great saints try to describe it and poets also try to express it. "I do not say that I know Him; nor do I say that I do not know Him. Because I know that He is beyond all knowing and not knowing." - Shrii Shrii Anandamurti Spiritual practice, therefore, is the process of transcending the mind to the Consciousness within which it exists: the Cosmic Consciousness. It is this transcendence of the "I-feeling" that results in the supreme experience of the Absolute: "Where 'I' is, 'He' is not; where 'He' is, 'I' is not." "The Supreme Entity is the vastest entity; the ultimate source of all Cosmic emanations. The Supreme Entity, which is difficult to conceive, is the subtlest of the subtle. The Supreme is farther away than any other entity, but again the Supreme Consciousness is nearer than the nearest. Only the one who looks into the innermost recesses of himself or herself can realize the Supreme Entity." - Shrii Shrii Anandamurti --- WHAT IS MEDITATION? One of the fundamental teachings of Ananda Marga is to experience the Infinite within oneself. We give expression to the unique Dharma (spiritual nature) of human life by focusing our awareness on the inner self - on the reflection of the Supreme. This process is the practice of meditation. Many people think that meditation is like some instant product, just add water (or just sit down) and the process works magically, dropping the meditator into a thoughtless world of pure bliss, stillness and shining lights. Not only do people think this, but they suppose they are doing something wrong or that their mantra is defective when the instant stillness doesn't happen in the first week, and consequently many people discontinue the practice simply because they do not know what to expect. So what does happen in the first weeks of meditation? In some respects it depends on each person's mental characteristics that have been built up in the past. But, "The mind is like a mad monkey stung by a scorpion", said the great yogi Ramakrishna, and all of us who start meditation and try concentrating on a mantra know there is some difficulty when commencing. Especially in the beginning, the mind is unruly. As you sit down so many thoughts arise in your mind. You get your mantra going and then you drift off thinking of something else. Sounds and noise from without may sidetrack your internal concentration, your body won't stay still, and you finally get up thinking that nothing has happened. But it has. By constantly bringing your mind back to the mantra you are building your capacity to hold your mind steady in the future. Much as an athlete in training, the body acquires great physical strength and stamina, so too, the struggling meditator is developing mental strength and the capacity to concentrate. It is concentration which we are practicing in the beginning stages and it is only after a time that one will come to the stage when you can truly fix your mind on the object of concentration, and hold it there ... then a person will be performing meditation with clarity. Another puzzling experience for the new meditator is that the mind may appear even more unsteady after commencing meditation. More thoughts than usual may come to the mind. And this is often taken to mean that the process is not being done correctly. Here, just the opposite is true. The function of the mantra is to internally work upon our minds by clearing out all the distortions and impressions which our past actions (karma) and thoughts have registered upon our subconscious. Thus, the repetition of the mantra acts to revive memories and thoughts of what has come before. It's like cleaning house; in the middle of the process the house arrangement may look odd - different to when you started, but by persevering, and not quitting in the middle, we are better off. Cleanliness and clarity is gained. The same is true for the mind; as we continue to meditate, our mind will get clearer and clearer. Meditation is the effort to control and develop the mind; to realise one's true nature. It is the means by which we can realise our full potential on all levels of existence, physical, mental and spiritual. The tool we use to control and elevate the mind is called 'mantra'. Mantra is a Sanskrit word which literally means "that which liberates the mind"; it is the means by which one's personal or individual vibration is brought into harmonious resonance with the Cosmic vibration. Yes, it does involve such a lofty and inspiring outlook! Were it not so, the goal would be more limited. But the goal of meditation is the Unlimited. It is one's true Self. The most significant difference between a Mantra and an ordinary word or sound is that a Mantra has been injected with spiritual force, and it is this force which gives it its elevating power. All this has to do with the subtle science of inner acoustics and various aspects of mind and the resonating and uplifting influence of sound and ideation. You learn it through experience by practising meditation - it is not mere intellectual knowledge learnt from books. Such a mantra comes from a fully realised spiritual preceptor - a Guru - who knows this intuitional science. As we are all different individuals, so too the technique is different - hence mantras will differ from person to person. Ananda Marga teachers known as Acaryas ("one who teaches by example") give personal instruction in the science of meditation and mantra, but to begin with, a person can meditate with a general mantra. The mantra used for singing and for introductory meditation is composed of three words: BABA NAM KEVALAM. BABA = Infinite Consciousness, Infinite Love, or Most Beloved NAM = Name or Expression KEVALAM = Only or Everything Thus, BABA NAM KEVALAM means: "Only the name of Infinite Consciousness" or "Everything is the expression of Infinite Love - all is Love" or "The Most Dearest is Everywhere" or similar sentiments. Meditation is a very direct means of understanding and realising oneself - the inner self, where that essence of Humanity must lie. It can't be determined by intellectual capacities alone, for here too there is much scope for conflict and argument. In order to be truly mentally free, all these bondages will have to be shed. Through meditation, the layers of insecurities, weaknesses and ignorance are peeled away, revealing the unadulterated, clear thinking and peaceful self. The deeper the meditation, the more real is the awareness that the human mind is in fact not bound by narrowness and selfishness. It is this expanded mentality which inspires the inner courage necessary to oppose negativity from within and also from the environment. One's search for inner peace and fulfilment goes hand in hand with a dynamic and meaningful commitment to life. Ananda Marga's philosophy and practice is based on the ancient teachings of Tantra ("that which expands and liberates from bondage"). Tantra is a science of life; it is an understanding of Cosmic laws relating to humans and how they are to live in order to develop one's full potential. It teaches that one must take an objective look at everything in life and live positively - to always do those actions which help our evolution, our advancement towards the Supreme - it provides the guideline to distinguish between that which takes humanity to greatness from that which leads to confusion, darkness and ignorance. Tantra is a science with its application in everyday use, for all people. --- KIIRTAN: DEVOTIONAL CHANTING Kiirtan is chanting or singing mantras, usually done before meditation. There is a universal mantra that has a deep spiritual meaning: Baba Nam Kevalam. Baba in Sanskrit means " my most beloved one", nam means "name" and kevalam means "only" "Only the name of my most Beloved One". The ideation of this mantra is: "Everywhere I look, in everything I feel, hear, taste, smell and see, I perceive that one Supreme Consciousness which pervades all things." In general, we can say that Baba Nam Kevalam means "Infinite love is all there is". Kiirtan has many benefits. It prepares the mind for meditation by focusing body and mind in Cosmic thought. Disturbing thoughts disperse and peaceful feelings arise from within. Because the mind becomes clear, one can find solutions to problems easily after finishing kiirtan. And when many people sing and dance kiirtan together, a strong spiritual force is created which can prevent and remove afflictions, calamities and miseries. Kiirtan is usually accompanied by Lalita Marmika, a simple and ancient dance done with upraised arms and a gently swaying motion of the body. The movements of the dance opens the heart and create a feeling of surrender and joy. --- INTELLECTUAL AND ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT Socially, from a spiritual perspective, we should also cultivate aesthetic mental tastes that expand our mind. RAWA stands for Renaissance Artists and Writers Association. RAWA's activities revolve around the basic premise of 'Art for Service and Spiritual Unfoldment', and aim to uplift society both socially and spiritually by encouraging positive artistic stimulation. Renaissance Universal or RU, is an affiliated organisation of Ananda Marga. Its central objective is to unite intellectuals and value oriented individuals in their efforts to bring about progressive social change. RU produces an international magazine 'New Renaissance'. RU is a subsection of RAWA. The New Renaissance magazine can be found at: http://www.ru.org RAWA sponsors and supports the following artist: http://www.eternalwave.com