On the Advaita of Shri Shankara
Based on an extract from an essay by Hari Prasad Shastri entitled ‘An Outline of the Advaita of Shri Shankara Acharya’ Limitations are a darkness and obstruct the vision of Truth. They make Reality appear what it is not; where there is bliss they paint a picture of distress, pain, sorrow and disappointment. Our mind…
Read MoreSee Me Everywhere: Bhagavad Gita Chapter Seven
On the Bhagavad Gita Chapter Seven WE ALL WANT to be happy. What then is happiness? There is no simple answer, but for many happiness is at least in large part a state of mind in which we are aware of a deep, underlying unity and connectedness in all things, and of our place in…
Read MoreMeditation Practice: Every Mind is Lit
A recent session led by the Warden at Shanti Sadan MEDITATION is a practice that is progressive. If we persevere, our meditation will help us to find peace and relaxation independent of outer circumstances. Our practice session will become a welcome and necessary part of our daily activities. But with meditation there are further progressive…
Read MoreJoy Follows Dharma
By Hari Prasad Shastri There is a saying: ‘If you want to succeed in life, do not be too good.’ Alexander, Napoleon, Caesar, Charles V, Queen Elizabeth I and Isabella of Spain, were people of great worldly eminence, and yet can we regard them as being unequivocally good? Were they not opportunists who believed in…
Read MoreFrom Harmony to Illumination
Rise in tranquillity Walk in peace Stay in harmony from Echoes of Japan by Hari Prasad Shastri THERE IS a deeper realm of harmony and peace hidden within our own being. If we want ultimate fulfilment then we need to experience this realm directly—to be one with it—and this realisation is possible. Actually it is…
Read MoreYou Can Never Tell
We are told that Rabbi Akiva, a great teacher from the Judaic tradition who died at the hands of the Romans, once rode into a village seeking shelter for himself and his donkey. But no one cared to give him hospitality, and so he had recourse to a nearby wood. He arranged a bed of…
Read MoreMeditation Practice: the Power that Guides the Mind
What is the most effective means of learning about meditation? It is our own practice, done regularly. There is no teacher greater than our own experience. But before we enter into the practice, here are one or two ideas that may be helpful. Meditation involves making a new use of that familiar instrument—our own mind.…
Read MoreHappiness
by Hari Prasad Shastri All our activities from the time we see the light to the day we cease to breathe are directed towards one aim—to be happy. We perform our duties so that our conscience may be light and we may be happy. The wise in pursuit of their happiness do not want it…
Read MoreThe Highest Devotion
The Conclusion of the Sixth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita In chapter six of the Bhagavad Gita detailed guidance is given on meditation practice. In a quiet place, on a suitable seat, the seeker is to practise equanimity, stilling the mind, and focusing on Self, the inner light of awareness. This is to be done…
Read MoreYoga and the Idea of a Deeper Reality
What is the meaning of yoga in the context of the non-dual teachings? The popular idea of yoga, which many take for granted, is that it is a system of physical exercises which originated in India and is now available in most sports centres. One with deeper knowledge would point out a link between yoga…
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