Forest Meditation on the shores of river Narmada

I went to Amarkantak, the source of river Narmada on February 2011, for some soul-searching. Numerous Yogis and Rishis of yore have meditated on it's banks and attained salvation. Even yoga adepts dating back only 60 to 100 years, have performed rigorous austerities there and reached a state of ultimate peace. So, this place is believed to be vibrating with spiritual energy. It is the proper abode of inner silence. Let me share a few moments of my journey with you.

Let there be peace of mind. There's nobody else but you, on the bosom of mother Nature.

Deep in the forest, the sounds are different.

ॐ शान्तिः O my inner soul, let everything overflow with peace! Om Shanti.

The river of Occult Knowledge. The liquid body of bliss! Har Narmade!

||  सत्यम् ज्ञानम् अनंतम् ब्रह्म ||

Dealing with death and sorrow

Our dear mother left us on April 2012. I'm still mourning her loss. After her passing, I can feel the huge vacuum she has left behind. I cant cry, I'm not that type. I can only feel and comprehend the depth of human relationship. There is none on earth, who has loved me  more than her. My Guru also deeply cared for me. But his love is selfless, somewhat beyond grasping. Mother worried about my well-being relentlessly. May her great loving soul rest in peace.

Karma Mental Bondage says Gita

Srimad-Bhagwat-Gita 6/6 :
Gita Chapter 6, Dyana-Yoga, verses 6 & 7.

Your mind is your friend and your own enemy.

This verse contains great wisdom. Let us understand the psychology and philosophy of Karma.

Hence it is said, that mind is the root cause of Bondage and Liberation. All the works we perform, all Karmas are actually mental. The physical work is just the external projection of the mind. The sense organs like eyes, ears, nose, skin, tongue, bring signals from the external environment into the brain, the mind interprets it, and then we react to those impulses as we decide. We react through the organs of action like speech, hands, legs, sexual organ, etc. Now, all these organs are harmless tools that obey whatever order the mind issues. So, we actually create Karma (actions) through the mind, not this physical body. The mind is encased in the brain and spinal cord.

If we bring the reactions of the mind under control, we can take wise decisions and perform meritorious actions. Then the mind is our friend. If we let basic instinct and animal impulses overtake us, then we are bound to commit grave mistakes in life. This is like my own Mind acting as my Enemy. We must judge and consider, what is the right thing to do in the current situation and then act. Also, my personal opinion is, that one is much better off when he/ she has made up one's mind on the goal of life. Then half of the battle is won! In order to do so, you must have a clear idea about who you really are, what are your talents, virtues and problems. Then our actions will be more focused, and we will not be wandering aimlessly, dragging our lives along.

    The picture is taken from  Sacred Calligraphy of the East-  by John Stevens. I am fond of Calligraphy. It soothes the mind, provides moral and emotional strength at some subtle level. And its very aesthetic.