consciousness
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Vedanta: Freedom from Suffering
In Vedanta, the root cause of all suffering is ignorance. This isn’t a lack of information; it’s not knowing our true nature. We suffer because we identify with a “false self” – the Ego. What is Ego Ego is simply a collection of labels you use to define yourself. It’s made of things like: The… Continue reading
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Vivekananda – Sahasrara Chakra
The Sahasrara, or the Thousand-Petaled Lotus, is the final destination of the human journey. Located at the crown of the head, it is not merely a chakra but the Summit of existence. Associated with pure white light, it represents the point where the “individual” current we have been tracking through the spine finally breaks free… Continue reading
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Vivekananda – Mastering the Svadhisthana Chakra
While the Muladhara is the “Earth” foundation of our existence, the Svadhisthana Chakra represents the “Water” element – the fluid, shifting world of our emotions, desires and creative impulses. Located in the sacral region, just above the base of the spine, this center is symbolized by an orange lotus and the seed mantra “VAM”. In… Continue reading
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Maha Shivratri – The Night to Go Beyond the Mind
For most, Maha Shivratri is a night of colorful processions, fasting and chanting. But for the seeker, and the yogi it is something far more profound. It is a rare moment when the universe conspires to help the human spirit transcend its limitations. 1. The Geometry of the Cosmos We often forget that we are… Continue reading
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Vivekananda – Handling Insult and Criticism
When we are criticized or mocked, the nervous system responds as if we are in danger. The brain prepares for survival, not understanding. Adrenaline floods the system. Logic steps aside. All teachings are forgotten. The Ego’s Survival Error Swami Vivekananda explained this reaction long before modern neuroscience. The ego, he said, is a fragile construct… Continue reading
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Understanding Aham Vritti
We spend our whole lives protecting, polishing and worrying about ourselves. We say, “I am stressed”, “I am successful” or “I am getting older”. But have you ever paused to look at the “I” itself? Not the person in the mirror, but the actual sense of “me” that shows up before any other thought begins?… Continue reading