Category: Swami Rama

The two different kinds of physical exercise essential to good health are stretching exercises such as the yoga postures and aerobic exercises such as jogging. Both are very beneficial for cleansing, relaxing, and revitalizing the body and for helping it function properly.

Although quite different, they complement each other. The postures are relaxed, slow and gentle; they provide systematic stretching to all the muscles and joints of the body and massage the glands and organs. Aerobic exercise is active and stimulates the heart, lungs and muscles. Both kinds are necessary; each has unique effects which the other cannot produce. But they must be practiced regularly, carefully, and in the correct manner in order to attain the desired effect. Doing either beyond one’s capacity does more harm than good.

These days body therapies like massage, chiropractics, Rolfing, bioenergetics, and reflexology are very popular. They all have specific benefits but are limited in two respects: one needs to rely on a therapist to provide the treatment, and the effects tend to be short-lived unless one returns again and again for more treatments. The yoga posture, on the other hand, are perfected gradually. This encourages self-reliance, and as one practices, observing his physical and emotional reactions, he will begin to notice definite positive changes in both body and mind.

An obvious effect of the postures comes from the stretch and stimulation they give to the muscles, ligaments, and joints. This restores elasticity and tone to the body so that it eventually regains its natural shape. In addition, they stimulate circulation, revitalizing the internal viscera, the brain, and the nervous system.

The respiratory system performs more efficiently when one does the postures, for greater amounts of oxygen can then enter the system and more toxins can be eliminated. All the internal organs are massaged and toned, improving not only digestion but also bowel and kidney function. The endocrine system is stimulated and regulated to a fine balance. The postures increase resistance to fatigue and relieve tension. One learns how to relax, allowing the systems of the body to function properly.

So the postures are a good, gentle tonic for the entire personality, making one feel healthy and full of energy. Excess weight is also reduced; the body becomes supple, and one moves with grace and ease. The complexion glows; the eyes shine.

By practicing the postures regularly, one gains control of the body and is able to maintain a steady, comfortable pose for increasingly greater lengths of time. One then begins to observe the finer functions of breath and mind, for only when the body is still can one turn within and begin to know oneself.

The basic goals of the yoga postures are to maintain a healthy body and gain peace of mind. Yoga texts tell us that many physical complaints come about in this way: a psychological disturbance can lead to a functional impairment which, in turn, is often reflected in irregularities in the breathing patterns. If this process continues, it can lead to actual cellular damage and manifest itself in a structural alteration. The yoga postures work first to correct the structural alteration and can be used as an effective therapy (particularly in the early stages) in reversing the above process. Then breath awareness and various breathing exercises can be useful in eliminating the irregularities which have developed in the breathing patterns. They can thereby help resolve the psychological disturbance which created the alteration in the first place. Thus, changes brought about through the practice of postures are not sudden or dramatic; they are deep and permanent.

At first the postures may seem awkward, but they have been systematically developed for centuries, through direct experience and observation, to calm, balance and regulate the systems of the body. When done properly and patiently at a regular time and place, one enjoys them, and they become a habit which brings a deep sense of calmness and much satisfaction.

There are over three thousand yoga postures, but only a few are basic. Among them are the cobra, boat, bow, plow, shoulderstand, fish, forward bend, spinal twist, headstand, and stomach lift. The yogis lived close to nature and keenly observed their fellow creatures. Consequently, many of the postures (for example, the cobra, locust, fish, scorpion, frog) are based on certain unique characteristics a particular animal displays.

Editor’s Note

Reprinted from Dawn vol 4 no 2

The journey on which we are now treading and being led is an internal journey, a journey within. On an external journey, you move faster and faster until it is complete – but on this journey you do not move, and yet you go ahead. The laws of this internal journey are entirely different. They comprise the science of yoga. You want to be an interior researcher; you want to know something is valuable. To do that, the first thing you need to do is to understand the four states of consciousness: the waking state, the dreaming state, the state of deep sleep and the state beyond.

Once you understand the first three states, then you definitely understand that there is something beyond. The state beyond is not known by ordinary people. But how fortunate is he who touches Infinity while he is here. Even the greatest of people cannot do that. Even
devas
, or celestial beings, cannot do that. Great is he who lives here, yet remains above. This finite vessel of the body has something great in it: it carries the Infinite all the time. It is a glass box or a glass house in which Infinity lives. All the expressions of your face, all your smiles, have been created by that Great One who peeps through these windows and through the corridor of your life.

Understand one thing first: you should always think that it is easy to meet Him. To speak to others you have to move your lips, but to converse with Him you do not have to do that. You just have to be quiet and silent. You do not have to do any work or take any action to receive great joy. If any such action is performed, it is performed in the inner world in a subtle matter.

We will begin to discuss the waking state, following the teachings of the Upanishads. They are considered to be the finest literature on the best of the philosophies in the world. The Upanishads are the finest part of the Vedas, which are the most ancient scriptures in the library of humanity today. It is not easy to understand them, however. They are composed of
sutras, or “threads”, which are small compact aphorisms, not easily understood without a teacher.

According to the Upanishads, you first need to understand the waking state and to learn to work with your mind. During the waking state, you remain awake and conscious. The entire educational system, all over the world, has only one thing to teach you: that which applies to the waking state. While awake in the external world, if you learn to coordinate your senses and to establish a coordinated function with that external world, then you are considered to be great.

But in the external world where you live, “wisdom” often means stealing, drinking, being harsh to others, being injurious, being hurtful and harming. This is because you make your own ego the center of your life. The ego is only meant to be a representative – but that representative, forgetting its true master, starts to function and control things in the external world.

Let us see how the ego is used – wisely and foolishly – in the waking state. The purpose of the ego is to hold and retain your body, to retain your individuality. But there is nothing beyond that! As long as the ego is functioning to retain your individuality, it is doing its work well. But unfortunately the ego gets involved with other things, and tried to get involved with others´ individuality as well. So if you believe that your partner is superior to you in some regard, you cannot accept that; a struggle goes on, and then the marriage or friendship falls apart.
When this happens, it means the partners have not accepted each other as they are. Then how can they really love? They have accepted each other merely for their own convenience – and to accept someone for one´s own convenience is not love, it is selfishness, it is food for the ego.

In the external world, only the ego is strengthened. Whatever we do, we do it for the sake of the ego, and the ego´s function is merely to retain this body successfully in the external world. The ego does not know anything important, but if you give all your energy to the ego and go on increasing your ego with all your mind, action and speech, then you will find that you have become a great ego. With such an ego you build walls around yourself. You share the same bed and the same roof with someone, you love somebody, and you accept them as a partner – and then you build a boundary around yourself and do not allow that person to know how you are feeling inside and what you are thinking. You cannot share your innermost ideas and feelings, even with yourself.

Therefore the vast portion of your personality remains submerged because of the walls between your ego and you, and between you and the Reality. The vastness of the mind is not known to you and remains forever submerged. What is submerged in the unconscious or subconscious, which is then not understood. Psychologists used this word “subconscious” earlier; in modern times everything is considered to be “unconscious”. The unconscious means that you own it and you have it within, but you are not aware of it. To bring forward the unconscious wealth that is the infinite library in the mind, you simply have to allow it to come forward. Even meditation will not totally help.

There is another way – the intuitive way of receiving information from the mind. Intuition dawns when you learn to calm your mind. When you calm your mind and when you meditate deeply, your mind becomes one-pointed, free from all other thought patterns. During that time one has the power to penetrate and pierce through those folds of mind that are not ordinarily penetrated by any human being.

Editor’s note

This passage has been taken from of the book Path of Fire and Light: Volume 2 by Swami Rama, pages 55 – 58, published in 1988 by Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA.

The sun, the moon, the stars, and all the lights that you can imagine in the entire external world are but fragments of that one great Light that is within you. It is the light of knowledge, the light of discrimination, the light of understanding, the light of life, the light of sharing and love, the light of Being that you are. “Thou art that.”

The light within is like a ripple in the vast ocean of bliss – that which we call Brahman, the Absolute, Infinity, the Highest. You yourself are that ripple, you are a wave. You should always have confidence that the light of life really is within you. Physics corroborates this philosophy; it also says that light is like a particle, like a wave. It repeats the ancient philosophy that tells us that life is a wave born from the ocean of bliss, playing in it, and subsiding again into it.

There is nothing that is truly subject to death. The Vedas, the most ancient scriptures in the library of humanity say that after this universe goes into annihilation, it returns again. The sun, moon and stars shine again in the same way that they did before. Essentially nothing dies; we also do not die. How can we die? To think that we die is a weak philosophy. If God is everywhere, what dies? Where is that which dies? The idea that one is completely annihilated is philosophically inaccurate.

You need to understand something about life and the universe first before we discuss practical spiritual techniques, because no technique is complete if you do not have an individual philosophy. If you do not understand these things before undertaking spiritual practices, these questions will preoccupy your mind, disturbing your practice. Thus, your individual philosophy should be well understood.

Editor’s note

This passage has been taken from of the book Path of Fire and Light: Volume 2 by Swami Rama, pages 1 – 2, published in 1988 by Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA.

Homage to the Guru

Akhanda-mandalakaram

unbroken, complete orb,
having the configuration

Vyaptam yena characharam

pervaded by all that is moving and unmoving

Tat padam darshitam yena

that pedestal, that state was shown by whom

Tasmai shri gurave namah

to that glorious Guru, my homage.

Guru Purnima is a day that reminds one that the purpose of life is to attain knowledge which dispels the darkness of ignorance. The word “guru” is a pious and holy word which means the source of knowledge. There is only one life force so there is only one guru. Deep within the center of our being resides the guru. Let us all direct and guide our energy to the center from where consciousness flows in various degrees and grades.

The day of Guru Purnima is celebrated because internal research is more important than any other attainment in life. The world is full of charms, temptations and attractions. One should not be lost by the temptations. The external world furnishes the means, but the seed of reality resides within. With the help of spiritual guidance one allows that seed to grow and attain perfection in this lifetime.

Blessed are those who are guiding disciples and blessed are those who are being guided. May you be happy, healthy and wise. My blessings are always with you. I pray for you in every breath of my life.

Editor’s note

The following is taken from a transcription of the recorded address to the sangha by Swami Rama on Guru Purnima, 1980.

The power of emotion arises from desires, and desires arise from the four primitive fountains, but there is another basic urge in human beings. This is the drive to know the Truth, the desire to love the Truth. This dormant inborn desire within does not arise from one of the four fountains. It is the source of positive emotions – joy, forgiveness, peace. It is not possible for a human being to be free from desire, because it is the nature of the mind and the senses to be attracted to objects and ideas. This is not bad; it is a fact that can be used. Even that desire which is one´s greatest burden can be a means for his liberation if he learns to direct it properly. When that force is directed toward the divine instead of toward the external charms and temptations of the world, then one´s journey is propelled by the power of love, for love is the strongest force. One can use that natural tendency to desire something as a means for attaining the highest goal in life. When one does not allow his mind to be dissipated and agitated by the senses and the ego, then he finds that centre of love within. When that spark is ignited, it becomes a burning desire to reside always in union with the Divinity. Then that great conflagration burns away all little desires, and there is only one perennial flame burning in the altar of the heart.

Editor’s note

This passage has been taken from page 70 of the book Choosing a Path by Swami Rama, published 1996by The Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A., Honesdale, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

People constantly identify themselves with their thought patterns. Thoughts are virtually actions. To identify yourself with actions is not good. To be caught by the blind rules and injunctions of society is to create a prison for yourself.

You should not brood on past actions. That which has been done, is done. If you want to do it again, do it again. To allow your mind to travel to past grooves creates a bad habit that in time becomes part of your life.

You should learn to forgive yourself. Those who do not forgive themselves never forgive others. Forgiveness is the greatest of all virtues.

Editor’s note

This passage has been taken by the book Sadhana: the Essence of Spiritual Life by Swami Rama. Copyright 1996 by the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, New Delhi, India. Page 34

You are to take responsibility for your own life. This point seems especially important in America these days, where so many people are in the habit of blaming someone else for their unfortunate situations. Their parents may have abused them, neglected them, or in some way failed to appreciate or understand them. They say the result is their own unhappy marriage, difficult relationships with their children, or career failures.

Perhaps the parents were abusive, neglectful, or misunderstanding. They did their best with what they knew. Undoubtedly there is a link from one generation to another. If a parent is abusive with a child, there is an effect. However, when a child realizes the cause and effect, then it is time to begin releasing the parent from blame and responsibility. Until that happens the child cannot progress. Until then, he or she is bound to the past.

The same kind of blaming goes on towards siblings, spouses, and children. It goes on toward the government, the educational system, culture, and history. Whatever is wrong in a person’s life is blamed on unfair sibling relationships, uncaring spouses, needy children, taxes, imperfect schools, or having been born at the wrong time.

Understand your relationships, your government, and your history, but let go of blaming. There is nothing in your life that is not your own choice, your doing, your karma. That may sound harsh but it is a liberating reality. If everything is your own doing, and your choice, and everything is right for spiritual growth, then nothing is really wrong. Everyone has an opportunity to grow. There is nothing to fear.

Editor’s note

This is an excerpt from Sacred Journey by Swami Rama. Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust. 2002. Pages47 – 48.

July 5, 1990

I pray to the Divinity within you.

This day of Guru Purnima is a great day which is considered to be a spiritual day to celebrate the reverence to the noble heritage of the spiritual knowledge. This day makes the aspirant aware that the light of knowledge is eternally flowing, and overflowing internally and externally both. This day reminds us not to be caught by snares of the charms and temptations of the world, but to discharge one’s own duties selflessly, lovingly and skillfully. And do not forget that the aim and purpose of life is to attain enlightenment. It is a great day for the spiritual seekers, and it is enjoyed traditionally by all aspirants who follow the tradition of spirituality. That which dispels the darkness of ignorance is called guru. Deva means bright beings. The bright beings that emanate knowledge and love with mind, action and speech with spontaneity is a light divine.

This day we all celebrate in honor of our spiritual teacher with great joy. May the Lord of Heavens bless us on this day so that we remain aware of our spiritual goal till the last breath of our life. This day reminds us that we have to attain our goal here and now.

God bless you all.

Peace, Peace, Peace

An old story of creation narrates that after the heavens, all the stars, the earth, the air, the waters, the sky, and all the creatures on land and in the sea were made, God created humankind. When the first human awoke and became conscious of worldly life for the first time, he looked around at the lakes and rivers, the mountains and forests, at the leaping fish, the flying birds, and the great herds of animals. He was silent. He looked then at God. He was silent. When he had taken in everything around him, including the Lord himself, the first human on earth looked finally at himself and said, “Who am I?”

This first human did not look at the animals or the stars and say, “What are they?” He did not ask, “Where am I?” He did not even ask of God, “Who are you?” His first words, his first wondering thoughts and first curiosity were to know his own identity.

That is the question that drives all human beings. Everything a human being does and wants involves that question. People want happiness and peace. Instinctively they know that the acquisition of happiness and peace rests with the question, “Who am I?”

To consciously realize this as the question of life is the first big step on a sacred journey. The next big step is to find the answer.

Editor’s note

This is an excerpt from Sacred Journey, Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully by Swami Rama. Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust. 2002. Pages 117 – 118.

Death, space, and time have so far been unsolvable riddles for many thinkers, but death has many times opened her golden vents for me to peep into the secret of eternal life. Do you mean to say that when you die you cease to live? That is absolutely incorrect. You live and live, for the life force is one, eternal, and all-pervading.

Death has for ages been the source of fear, misery, and pain because people have never pondered over the realities and travails of life. Oh! Ye who suffer and fear the approach of death should learn to hear the music of the eternal silence, where the Deathless resides in its timeless repose.

I have been waiting for that day when every man and woman will strive to secure the light of truth and live simply and wisely for the common good. There will be absolute freedom from bondage of karma, and no one will suffer the pangs and sorrows that are brought by the visit of death. One has simply to learn to tune the chords of one’s being and make them move in harmony with the music of the cosmos. Then death will become the sweet music of a lullaby.

All existence constitutes the one organism of the entire cosmos, emanating love as the highest manifestation of its vital energy and having consciousness as the center of the spiritual galaxy. To comprehend this, the heart of man need simply be transformed to enable it to discover the harmony in the universe. Then it will spontaneously attune itself to the music of all spheres and will find peace on this earth. I believe that man is till an unfinished being, but when love finds its abode in all things, then the discovery of love will lead him to its highest peaks, and the entire humanity will bind itself into a solid frame of joy, and man will be complete.

Through compassion alone mankind will attain knowledge and wisdom to behold the light of truth, freedom, and happiness. Mere fancies, fantasies, and vain illusions will disappear. To learn this philosophy, one will have to become a student of life. Then philosophy will surmount all obstacles, and the blessed one will ascend to the summit of the mountain of completion and perceive the grand vista of valleys and plains below. Then the purifying festival celebrated by merciful death will no longer remain a source of sorrowful misery. Joy, joy, joy! You will hear death whispering the secret of life here and hereafter.

The secrets of birth and death are revealed to the fortunate few only. Long are the arms that embrace the whole, the arms of love. Those who learn to love and lived according to the law of self-surrender and giving know not the fear of death.

O man, you were never born, therefore you never die. The stream of life flows perennially from eternity to eternity. Those who believe in death suffer by the terrible fear created by the pangs of death.

Editor’s note

This is an excerpt from Love Whispers by Swami Rama, Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A., 1986, pages 41 and 42.