Nine Obstacles in practice
Raja Yoga: The Royal Path Radhika Grouven Raja Yoga: The Royal Path Radhika Grouven

Nine Obstacles in practice

There will be obstacles in practice as one proceeds on the path of self-knowledge. Without these obstacles, we would return to the natural state very easily. The natural energies are like a river which has been dammed —when the dam is removed, the water begins to flow. So, as you remove the obstacles, the energy starts flowing naturally and consciousness expands.

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Asanas
Patanjali Yoga Sutras Radhika Grouven Patanjali Yoga Sutras Radhika Grouven

Asanas

Asana means “seat” in Sanskrit. In Yoga, the different poses or postures are called asanas. There is only one sutra in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that mentions the word asanas. It says: Sthira sukham asanam. Sthira means “steady” and indicates a static pose without movement. While sukham typically means “happy,” it means “comfortable” or “relaxed” in this case. This sutra indicates that The Yoga Sutras are referring to static poses, not done in the spirit of competition.

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Inner Journey: Four Stages of Sadhana
Samaya Srividya Tantra Radhika Grouven Samaya Srividya Tantra Radhika Grouven

Inner Journey: Four Stages of Sadhana

One of the first places a seeker starts is looking for information in books and lectures. A few, however, are not satisfied with this “second hand knowledge.” They are confused by the contradictory scriptures. Some scriptures declare reality to be non-dual, while others claim the Divine is separate from the world. Some say God and the Universe are real, while others insist God is the only reality and everything else is an illusion. Tired of these contradictions only a discerning few set out to attain knowledge through direct experience. This is a great milestone on the spiritual journey.

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Circles of Love

Circles of Love

There are two competing processes in life, which determine the entire course of a person’s spiritual growth and evolution. One process is the tendency toward contraction, in which a person becomes increasingly selfish, bitter, egotistical, and separate from others in life. The second process is vital, for it is the process of expansion, the opening and development of love and the ability to recognize the essence in all.

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Karma and Samskaras Part 2/2

Karma and Samskaras Part 2/2

As long as the unconscious mind remains, the impressions will ripen, come forward and manifest in the form of birth, span of life and experience. Just like a plant that emerges out of its winter sleep, even though it may have completely dried up, so also a disembodied being is reborn due to the impressions in the jiva that must be lived out. Thus, death is like winter sleep.

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