Always be a Yogi – Koala Yoga and the way to sleep

This is the way one should be sleeping. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of visitors, I am impressed to see this Koala at Currumbin* Wildlife sanctuary is sleeping with its body perfectly balanced between the tree branches. This is the way to sleep. Like a yogi who is deep meditation, and nothing else can disturb him.

In Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6 Verse 46, this is what Lord Krishna advises Arjuna that, 

Koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

A Koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

"A yogi is greater than the ascetic, greater than the empiricist and greater than the fruitive worker. Therefore, O Arjuna, in all circumstances, be a yogi”.

Generally, the moment word Yogi is heard, people take it to be someone who had given up everything in life, wearing orange clothes, leading a secluded life, of course with a long beard, one who can bend his body in any direction etc.

But, Lord Krishna in the very next verse 47 gives his opinion about the best or highest of all the yogis.

“yoginām api sarveṣāḿ
 mad-gatenāntar-ātmanā
 śraddhāvān bhajate yo māḿ
 sa me yukta-tamo mataḥ

Translation

And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me—he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion”.

Further on from the Chapters and at the conclusion of Bhagavad Gita, we understand that Arjuna becomes the greatest yogi by performing his duty as a devotional service to the Supreme Lord, which is called bhakti-yoga and is considered as the ultimate perfection of all Yogas.

The word Yoga has its roots in a word called Yuj, which means to connect with the Supreme God. So, the ultimate purpose of any yoga is to connect to the supreme reality. Talking about Koala Yoga,the word Yoga today has become synonymous with a particular body posture but, in reality it is only one part called Hatha Yoga where a number of yoga poses are incorporated taking the inspiration from the nature like, Birds, Animals,trees, Reptiles and even Aquatics.(Hatha Yoga inturn is a branch or limb of Astanga Yoga which consists of Eight limbs called Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara,   Dharana,Dhyana and ultimately Samadhi).

Here is a list of some Yoga poses:-

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Benefits are flexibility, reduce stiffness and tension.

Cat Pose (Bidalasana): Useful for for increasing spine flexibility

Fish Pose (Matsyasana): Useful to relieve congestion in the nasal passages.

Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana): Good for the spine (posture) and stretches both the legs and the arms.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): An excellent pose to open the chest and also strengthens the spine.

Pigeon Pose (Rajakapotasana): Stretches the upper legs, increasing flexibility.

Crow Pose (Bakasana): Crow Pose is an invigorating and satisfying balancing act.

Peacock Pose (Mayurasana): This pose is good for balance and strength, but also aids the inner organs.

Eagle Pose (Garudasana): Stretching for the upper body.

Crocodile Pose (Makarasana): Excellent resting pose for relieving stress and tension.

Scorpion Pose (Vrischikasana),Frog Pose (Bhekasana),Camel Pose (Ushtrasana),

Turtle Pose (Kurmasana) etc.
* (http://www.cws.org.au/ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed    zoological garden at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia)

Artwork Images of Indigenous Culture at Law Building, University of Melbourne

Today, I happened to visit the Law building at the University of Melbourne campus for a team activity on level 9, Common room.There, I came across these interesting artwork.I thought, they are awesome, mystical, charming and intriguing.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK IMAGES

Artist: Ande K Terare

Language group: Bundjalung

Tribe/clan: Minjungbal

Titles of image:‘Food Sites’

Ande K Terare was born in 1970 on the North Coast of New South Wales. He gained knowledge of traditional culture from older siblings and other relatives in his family. His paintings depict the traditional ways of life: the land, the natural resources, ceremonies, stories and legends, and contemporary works which are largely influenced by his Aboriginal heritage. He currently shows his work at Art Yarramunua Gallery (www.artyarramunua.com.au)

Indigenous Artwork

Indigenous Artwork

Indigenous Artwork

It's me, Ofcourse

Indigenous Artwork

Indigenous Artwork

Let me get some Good Karma

Saving a Butterfly for Good Karma

One day as I got into the lift at my workplace and noticed that One of my colleague was standing in a stiff and funny way. 'What's wrong with him', I thought and then I noticed that he is having a butterfly sitting on his shoulder."What are you upto Mate ?." I asked him, trying to not disturb his mood of whatever that he is upto.Looking a little bit embarrassed and proud my colleague replied." Oh, You see ! Found him trapped in the lift.Obviously, he is in the wrong place. I am going to take him out of the building and leave him in the nature. Let me get some Good Karma". I thought this is a good act by my colleague. If someone wants to bestow kindness, there are so many ways he can.Man is endowed with a higher sense, which is different to the animals. For animals in the jungle, the laws are different. There, the strongest will survive. But, laws of human beings are different.It is not the survival of the fittest but, Live and let live. It is showing compassion and taking care of other living beings suffering in the world.What could be the intention of my colleague - I wondered. Because, most of the times people consider Karma to be something straight forward and black and white. Also, some people visualize it as a dramatic event of equal justice, ' An eye for eye' etc.I also remember seeing a movie, long time ago where the villian is a Mafia Don and getting people killed.Once he hears the news of someone dead, he dramatically saves a Ant or a insect drowing in a glass of water or somthing and says something like ‘One killed and another saved.It is now even..Ha ha ha’ Actually, it is not so. The laws of Karma are so intricate and difficult that even the most knowledgeable persons are sometimes bewildered. Bhagavad Gita advises the same thing. There is a story of  a King Nrga in Bhagavatam who performed a wonderful Fire sacrifice and donated a lots of Cows to brahmanas but, had to take birth as a lizard for a simple mistake of donating same cow twice.Similarly, we see a rich person who has practically everything like fleet of Cars, Bank balance and a huge mansion can only eat so much or may be cannot eat sweets due to health reasons, or he might have a 20 bedrooms but, cannot go to sleep suffering with insomnia. So, the Karma for a living entity as Mahabharata explains, especially an evil deed is like a indigestible food in the belly- which is its own punishment, if not experienced in this life will follow us to the next life. No one can escape the laws of Karma (Not even by suicide)

So, it is completely wrong to consider that one wrong act or deed can be counteracted by another noble act or a good deed.

An Evil Act - Law of Karma

As per Bhagavad Gita chapter 2 and 3 Krishna explains karma, akarma and vikarma. Karma Yoga is essentially acting, or doing one's duties in life as per his/her dharma, or duty, without attachment to results – a sort of constant sacrifice of action to the Supreme. It is action done without thought of gain. In a more modern interpretation, it can be viewed as duty bound deeds done without letting the nature of the result affect one's actions. Krishna advocates Nishkama Karma yoga (Selfless Action) as the ideal path to realize the Truth. The most important theme of Karma Yoga is not focused on renouncing the work, but doing the work in the spirit of detachment and sacrifice.

Thus, there are various paths or Yogas explained in Bhagavad Gita like, Karma Yoga which is further subdivided into Sakama Karma Yoga which is performing a work with a God Consciousness but there is still an attachment to the fruits of the work, and Nishkama Karma Yoga where one is completely detached from the fruits of work with God as center.

Lord Krishna, advises Arjuna to fight without considering happiness or distress, loss or gain, victory or defeat and informs him that by this he will not incur Bad Karma, Vikarma or Sin. And, then further on Lord Krishna talks about various other yoga, like Jnana Yoga, Dhyana or Ashtanga Yoga and  finally Bhakti Yoga, which is the devotional service to God.

Dhruva Teela,Dauji and Shatrughna Temples at Madhuvan Forest

Lord Vishnu deity in the temple at Dhruva Teela

Dhruv Teela

During my last visit to India, I visited Madhuvan, the forest near Mathura.Madhuvan is one of the 12 forests of Vraja Mandala,situated towards the western side of river Yamuna.This is a very special forest area with many interesting references in the scriptures. Although, today the forest area is reduced to a bare minimum, may be about 50 Acres, the place (Now a small Village) still has some magical charm to it.After visiting the temple and taking darshan of the deity of Lord Vishnu,we stepped on to explore the forest. There are a number of Peacocks and some small cottages, Huts where some Babaji's live.We entered the residence of one of the Babaji's, who had few Cows, I looked around nervously to see if there is any sign-boards like, 'Keep off, private property. Trespassers will be prosecuted, or something similar. However, there was nothing like that and our Guide, Radha Charan Prabhu being a local was quite at ease and patting the Cows there remarked to the old man relaxing on a Cot 'Beautiful Cows Babaji, are these yours?.' And, the old Babaji got up and with folded hands said 'Nothing is mine.They all belong to Tagore ji(Lord Krishna)'.

Walking around in the forest

Srimad Bhagavatam describes the pastime of Dhruva Maharaj in Satya Yuga, who at the tender age of five, left home in anger.He wanted to sit on the lap of his father while his step brother is already sitting.His step mother immediately stopped him saying that to gain the eligibility to sit on your father's lap, you should be born as a son to me.Angry and humiliated Dhruva went to his mother and told her that - as a revenge, he wanted to get a bigger kingdom than that of his father or anyone else in the world. His mother advised him that only Lord Vishnu can fulfil his desire and it is said that Lord gives his vision to people who worship him undergoing severe penances in the forests.

Selfie in the forest

Forest Walk

Then Dhruv left home and on his way met Narada Rishi on his way. Narada Rishi took pity on the boy and advised him to go back. But, upon seeing determination of the young Prince, Narada Rishi gave his blessings and advised him to go to Madhuvan forest,perform his tapasya there.He also gave initiation and the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' to Dhruva.Interestingly, Narada Rishi gave a wonderful description of the appearance, features of how the Supreme God looks like and instructs Dhruva to meditate on this form of Lord Vishnu and not on any light or other forless aspects of God.

So there is a Hillock famously known as Dhruva Teela,the place where he performed his Tapasya meditation and attained the darshan, vision of lord Vishnu known as Prsni Garbha.Today, there is a small temple with deity of Lord Vishnu exists. There is also a Shiva Linga and a stone inscription by a sadhu who centuries old, which glorifies the power of this place and how he also performed the tapasya and had darshan of the Lord Vishnu.As instructed by Narada Rishi, Dhruva practiced controlling of Breath - Pranayama, Astanga yoga, devotional service and worship of Lord Vishnu for six months.

Bhagavatam explains that when Dhruva Maharaj performed tapasya or austerities, deity worship, devotional service, chanting the mantra given by Narada Rishi Lord Vishnu appeared and awarded him the kingdom of Dhruva Loka, which is famously called as Pole Star, which is the brightest star visible in the sky. 

Entrance to the cave of Lavanasura

Cave of Lavanasura

Dhruv Teela

Then there is also a small temple of Shatrughna, the brother of Lord Rama,who made his capital in Madhuvan.There is a small temple and Deity of Satrughna.Then, there is Krishna Kund which was made by Krishna striking his flute on the ground. There is also a cave in which the demon Lavanasura lived and who was killed by Satrughna.You can visit the cave of the demon Lavanasura today which was of course built with steps and walls, so that people can go and visit the place.Probably, this is the only place where there is a temple for Shatrugna (I thought but, later found out that there is one more temple for Shatrugna. Bharat and Shatrugna are the two demigods known as Ashwini Kumaras incarnated in human form).

Deity of Lord Shatrugna with his wife

It is also said that during the time of Lord Krishna's pastimes on earth, this used to be the pasturing ground for his cows.Lord Krishna, as Gopal would bring His cows for grazing to the forest of Madhuvan and would have His cows drink the cool nectarine waters of Madhu Kunda also known as  Krishna Kunda in Madhuvan.It is said that during the time of Krishna, Madhuvan was filled with Kalpavriksha trees covered with the most nectarine bee hives which would produce the sweetest Madhu (honey) in all the creation for the pleasure of Krishna. Therefore this forest came to be known as Madhuvan and Krishna would perform the sweet pastime of Rasa Leela with the Gopis on the banks of Madhu Kunda in the autumn season.

Temple of Dauo Ji - Lord Balaram

Dauo Ji - Balaram appearing in Black Complexion

There is also a temple of Balarama who is known as Dauo ji(Elder Brother) and the speciality of Balaram here is that instead of white color, here the deities complexion is black. The reason for which is explained that,Once while extolling the beautiful qualities of Krishna to the Gopis, in order to pacify their feelings of separation after Krishna’s departure from Vrindavan, Balaram ji Himself became so absorbed in thoughts of Krishna that His complexion turned blackish.Dauji is the village deity and we have also visited this temple and took darshan and blessings of Dauji. I went into a local village shop and bought some Mishri (sugar candy) and Yoghurt and offered them to Dauji because, apparently you should never go to a temple empty handed.

How to influence the subconscious minds of others

Real Human Life 

This was the title of the email that I recently in my Inbox.Now a days, there is so much Hype and advertisements about controlling your mind and others mind using XYZ Nueroscience techniques, Hypnosis and so on.This made me wonder,Controlling one’s mind is OK but why do you want to control others minds?. Isn't it demoniac.? You want to control other because of some evil, sinister agenda, to manipulate them for your benefit.Worst of all, apparently these techniques are now being employed by so many people that we come across in our day to day life like a Car sales man, Realestate agent, Marketing people and so on.It seems that initially these people employ somthing called a mirroring by which they build a rapport with you and then get harmless sounding suggestions or words that sublty affect your subconscious mind. And, for that, they mostly rely on youe eye movement.By the way you look, they can interprest weather you use your right or left brain and so on.This is akin to the Black Magic or Charms practiced by people in the olden times in India (and other countries as well I believe). 

Furthermore the email says the below,

“Have you ever wanted to influence the subconscious minds of others using XYZ

How Conversational Hypnosis Gives YOU the Power To Tap Into the Subconscious Minds of Others: Including common myths about it and how to use it most effectively.

How to Subconsciously Influence Everyone You Meet: In everyday situations, without their awareness, no matter what your relationship.

How to Use the Language of the Subconscious Mind: You'll learn how to hypnotize people in normal conversations.

How to Use Embedded Commands that Work: Turn each sentence into a hypnotic command with subliminal messages.

How to Tell Hypnotic Stories: That distract the conscious mind and fully engage the subconscious mind.

How to THINK Hypnotically: So you'll be automatically speaking in hypnotic patterns, without any effort at all.

How to Gain Unconscious Hypnotic Rapport: People will instantly like you and be attracted to you, WANTING to do what you ask.

BONUS: How to Use Conversational Hypnosis in Sales: Your prospects will practically be eating out of your hand”.

 

So this is the current state of affairs. The moment we step out of our house or even sitting at our Home someone may come door knocking - trying to brainwash, get us to do something we actually never wanted to do.Of course, this has always been the agenda of all those companies selling products and services through various channels of communication like TV, Radio, Paper Ads like -Earn thousands of dollars through internet and websites etc. but, now it seems to be getting more closer. I don't know if these things work or not and I am not interested to try either because, I don't want to influence the sub.. of other.I feel this is illegal and somehow needs to be curbed and let us make a start or a beginning from our side.

Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita talks elobaratly about the need and necessity of controlling one's mind, how you can control your mind,what happens - when ones mind comes under control.For someone, whose mind is under control, he becomes the greatest friend who can guide in the right desires,right direction in life and right deeds.For someone whose mind is not controlled, it is the greatest of the enemie and causes havoc in ones life, takes one into dangerous situations and causing greatest distress.How to control your mind is right practice of Yoga, through knowledge and developing a sense of detachment and a sense of making right distinction - like all that glitters is not Gold.Once Mind is made stronger and purified by practice of Yoga, no one can control your mind consciously or subconsciously.Ofcourse the easist way to strengthen you Mind is through Bhakti Yoga, practicing (Hare Krishna) Mantra meditation, which can be practiced by anyone in any condition of life. 

Sunshine and Different forms of God-Realisation

Morning Sunrise

Oh What a beautiful morning, I thought as I looked at the sunshine coming through the glass windows of my living room.I suddenly thought, why am I calling the light as sunshine, I can as well call it Sunlight, Sun rays or Sun and it would not be wrong.Still,Sunrays is the most appropriate description.Similarly, everything we see around including ourself is a manifestation of the energy of the god but, still can't be called as god.Its the energy of the God that took these various forms.The ancient scriptures tell us there there are two types of energies of the the Lord, the Spiritual energy and the material energy.Spiritual energy is eternal, everlasting and intelligent while the material energy is inert, does not have a consciousness and does not undergo six transformations like,manifesting,sustaining, producing by products and dwindling.

As explained in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2- verse 16,

“nasato vidyate bhavo

nabhavo vidyate satah

ubhayor api drsto ’ntas

tv anayos tattva-darsibhih

Those who are seers of the truth have concluded that of the nonexistent [the material body] there is no endurance and of the eternal [the soul] there is no change. This they have concluded by studying the nature of both”.

Srimad Bhagavatam explains that the Supreme absolute truth or God is realised in three different forms.Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan.The Brahman aspect can be compared to the Sun rays or sunlight,which is an impersonal feature which is perceived by many of the Philosophers.

So Brahman realisation can be compared to a mystical experience where you can percieve or feel the presence of god as a light.So more people like to worship god this way, impersonal. God is light, god is everywhere and everything is god.But, God is not impersonal but, formlessness is one aspect of the god.Everything is a manifestation of God's energy but, still everything is not god.That's what is explained by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita by saying 9.4'By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them."

The Paramatma feature is explained as the localised aspect of the Supreme Lord.Bhagavad Gita explains that the Supreme Lord as Paramatma is seated in the Heart region and Astanga Yogis realise this, in their deep meditation and practicing Pranayama, controlling their breath. In Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna says this, ‘sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto - I am seated in everyone's heart’ –( as  Paramatma).

The Bhagavan feature or the most complete and spiritual form of the Supreme God is realised by the people practicing Bhakti Yoga or devotional service to the Lord. It is said that when a person's eyes are anointed with the pulp of love and pure devotion to God, then they can see the beautiful form of the God.

Coming back to the example of Sun and the Sun light.When one can see the Sunlight and realises that this is the sunlight coming from Sun, it is called Brahman realisation.When one actually goes out and looks at the blazing ball of light, the Sun planet, he is said to have realised the Paramatma feature of the Lord. And, when actually goes to the Sun planet, meets the presiding deity of the Sun God – Surya Narayana and offer services to him, it is called Bhagavan or the complete realisation.

What Movie Character are you? And the real You.

Whenever a new movies that becomes a hit,great fan following,audience - this is a common thing that comes up.Displayed below is the famous south indian (Telugu) movies that had recently hit the silver screen. 

The movie is called Bahubali and made record collection.And, in Facebook you can see the quizzes that come up. One of your facebook friend answers the quiz and the verdict is given. The app will display what character of the movie your friend is and provokes you to try and see who  you are. A nice of engaging audience is to involve them in the movie so much that they ascribe themselves to a character in the movie. Long time ago, I had a friend who confessed to me that he watched a movie about 50 times (an era when there was no internet and the only way you get to watch a movie is to go to the theater and watch it).He would come out of the movie, half way when the role of character that he identified with is finished. So, its a common thing. People watch movies because, they enjoy the movie, the characters, the melodrama, story and identify themselves with a character.But, as soon as the movie is finished at least majority of the people come out of the movie world and back (or forced to come back)to reality.Humm, a person may watch a movie where he becomes a hero of the movie driving a Ferrari or Porsche.Once the movie is over, he has to come out,go to carpark and get back into his broken Car or may be a bike, which he had to kick start 10 or 15 times to start it.Actually, one of my friend told me an interesting incident. One day he went to a movie (this is in India) and parked his bike in a no parking area where there are

already a number of other bikes parked illegally.He had a good time at the movie and slowly,lazily came out of  the Movie hall and walked to the place where he parked his bike.Lo Behold ! there was not a single bike remained at the place where he parked his bike and of course his bike was still parked there but, there is a Police Conestable sitting on it, smoking a Cigarette and patiently waiting for the owner to turn up.I don't want to write what happened next but, you can imagine.

So this is easy.People identify with some character because, they like, adore whatever but, quickly out of it because, it's a movie. It's something external to us and we can see the difference.What is difficult is the fact that is stated in Bhagavad Gita about our real identity as a spiritual Soul, that never dies, simply takes up different bodies just like one changes a dress from old to new.Furthermore, when people read that the spirit soul is indestructible, can never be destroyed by any weapon, cannot be cut, burnt or made moist, it just goes out of their rational and logical brain which immediately shouts back "What do you mean that I am not this body.? I can touch it, feel it, I suffer when something hits me and of course,I have burnt my fingers too many times. It's me that is this body and the body is mine.

Its interesting if you think about this. Who is this "me saying mine"?.The knowledge of soul is so basic that Lord Krishna talks about the Soul and its nature in the 2nd Chapter of Bhagavad Gita from verses 12-25 succinctly and with examples and does not further talk about it in the further Chapters.The Soul resides in the region of heart and like sun illuminates the whole body with consciousness.When someone dies, people say that he passed away. But, who passed away?. The body is still there (except the Consciousness).Thus, Consciousness is the symptom of the presence of the Soul.Further on Lord Krishna talks about, various Systems of recognising one's eternal nature which is Soul. Various practices like Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Astanga Yoga and Bhakti yoga.Of which, Bhakti yoga or devotional service to the Lord is explained as the most sublime and easiest method. Enter the Bhakti laboratory and experience your real self.