Back of the Book:
According to medical research, only 15 to 20 percent of the brain centres are at work, the rest are asleep. The unactivated brain centres can be awakened and activated by the awakening of the spiritual energy Kundalini, which lies spiritually dormant under the base of the spine. Classical methods, such as Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Tantra Yoga and others may take a whole lifetime for the awakening Kundalini in a short time is through the passage of "spiritual energy" from Guru to disciple through Shaktipat Initiation, which is also known as "Maha Yoga", as it enables the initiate to experience all the symptoms of the different yogic methods. This book provides the most comprehensive knowledge of the Shaktipat method with all its intricacies and details - from finding a Guru to inner experiences and life in an ashram.
About the Authors:
Dr Ravindra Kumar has obtained a PhD in mathematics, from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, in 1968. Thereafter he continued post-doctoral research at universities at Lancaster and London, UK, and taught mathematics in many countries. He experienced the awakening of Kundalini in 1987, after which his interest shifted to religion and parapsychology. He resigned from his position as professor in mathematics in 1994. Till date he has authored about fifteen research papers published in USA and eighteen books on Kundalini and occult sciences. He is a trustee of the Academy of Religion and Physical Research, USA, and founder/president of the Academy of Kundalini Yoga and Quantum Soul, with centres in New Delhi, Copenhagen, London and Saratoga (Florida). He himself received initiation through Shaktipat by powerful Gurus in the Tirth lineage of India, and is actively involved in the ashram's work, also imparting training on Shaktipat Initiation.
Jytte Kumar Larsen has a degree in economics and administration and she has been the Administrative Manager of a reputed Norwegian firm in Copenhagen. She experienced the awakening of her Kundalini in 1992, which led her to meet Ravindra in a Philadelphia conference in 1995, Ever since, they have been guiding people round the world towards the awakening of their Kundalini.
Preface:
Shaktipat is the ancient method of being spiritually awakened by a Guru. The process awakens and activates the Kundalini in the shortest time. This awakening has minimum or no risks or side effects, and in most cases is instant and effortless. Through the intuitive grace of the Guru one knows directly that there is no death, and as a result lives fully and awakes for the first time. Automatic movements in the body reverse the flow of vital fluids, which prepare the brain to receive enlightenment. Accumulated karma from several lives is thinned out and there is calmness, an inner contentment and a synchronicity with life. Living in two worlds becomes a reality.
I can make the above statements because of the awakening of my kundalini that took place in 1992. I have experienced Shaktipat through my Indian Guru, and I am reasonably versed with the Indian philosophy of liberation. Liberation of the East is the same as Salvation of the West.
The initiate surrenders to the Higher Consciousness in the Guru. The Guru being the vehicle of the Divine Grace, directs the passage of Shakti through him/her to the initiate to awaken his spiritually dormant kundalini. One's kundalini can also be awakened through self-effort, but this may take several years if not several lifetimes. Shaktipat Guru has transcended worldly attractions and lives a simple and dedicated life. Gurus initiate people for Self-realisation as a service to God, and they do not expect remuneration from the initiate, as they are self-sufficient. But initiates are advised to offer the Guru presents in line with the tradition for showing respect and surrender. Some present-day gurus and Catholic priests are found guilty, and even published for abusing children sexually; these are the ones who were forced to lives as celibates while not having risen above sex and worldly attractions. Such pseudo-gurus have brought a bad name to the real gurus, who have always existed and will always exist. I have been having out-of-body experiences and travelling in past and future. The awakening of the kundalini enables these experiences. Shakti brings these experiences according to the need and education for the initiate. At times I have seen the figure of Jesus Christ manifesting before me, and on another occasion the figure of AUM has appeared large in the sky. When this happens I am filled with feelings of bliss and protection from God Almighty. Then there is the knowledge that one is eternal as Soul or Atman, and the fear of death is gone forever. It is the first time that one lives life in a full way. I am convinced of the Shaktipat method, and would recommend it safely to men, and to women, like myself.
Shaktipat is a secret path for the awakening of Kundalini Shakti in a disciple through the power of Guru, who is normally authorised to do so in the lineage. Only genuine seekers, who come to the Guru of their own, are qualified to receive the initiation. In the past the secret knowledge of Shaktipat has been passing as a word of mouth from Guru to disciple and never written in a book form. A seeker has only to find the right Guru to get the benefit of this direct method of awakening the Shakti. Since the symptoms of all self-effort methods, such as Bhaktiyoga, Jnanayoga, Karmayoga and Tantrayoga, etc, begin to appear automatically on the awakening and activisation of Shakti through Shaktipat, this method is known as Mahayoga or Great Yoga. The initiate experiences Shakti directly within him/herself and becomes conversant with it.
In the present book the authors have elaborated the various aspects of Shaktipat Initiation and have given a clear comparison with self-effort methods known as "aanvopaya." Through personal experiences of Kundalini awakening the authors have presented a complete guidebook for the purpose. A seeker on the path can prepare oneself very well before presenting him/herself before the Guru. This can save unnecessary time for the awakening of Shakti. Certainly the Guru is happy to accept such a disciple and the results are quicker than normal time.
Dr Kumar is a prolific writer, having already authored more than 15 books on Kundalini and other branches of occult sciences. The book is recommended to the seekers of Shaktipat Initiation as a preparation for receiving initiation in a short time and in a successful manner.
Impressions or tendencies formed in chitta or psyche from the past impel a person to continue in the same direction without any will on their part. This helplessness becomes the cause of further unhappiness. According to sankhya philosophy sadhana or spiritual pursuits should be such that the three types of burnings (physical and mental, spiritual, and calamities sent by heavenly beings) should be totally eradicated so there is no chance of them returning. Just as medication reduces fever to heal the body so the fever does not return, in the same way through spirituality we are healed so that unhappiness goes away and does not return. Yoga is the tried and tested permanent cure to unhappiness. Kriyas or automatic movements offer diagnosis, reason, treatment and elimination for the big disease. The big disease includes birth, old age, diseases and death. Avidya or ignorance is diagnosed as the reason, and Self-realisation is the treatment that eliminates the disease from its root.
Three mistakes prevent attaining Atman. The first is the belief that worldly pleasures enjoyed through the senses give happiness; the second is the desire to keep the body healthy and strong forever; and the third is the expectation that the cause of pleasures will always be available. Becoming attached to pleasures in this way keeps the cycle of re-incarnation continuing. The only way to end this cycle is to stop all mental modifications and by doing this to experience Self-realisation.
Shakti, on awakening and activation, onsets kriyas (automatic movements) in the initiate. This ends all mental modifications (past impressions and tendencies) and gives the experience of divine bliss to the initiate. This joy surges from within, and is independent of the five senses. Enjoyment through the senses requires external objects which are not needed for inner joy, and the mind in inner joy does not become absorbed in external activities. The initiate is so absorbed in the bliss that he does not want to end the meditation. According to Mundakopanishad such a yogi is said to be dwelling within, attached to and active within the Self or Atman, and is said to be the best among those who know Brahman. In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna describes such a yogi as being free from worldly activities, having achieved nirvana or becoming one with Brahman. Every kriya brings the joy of Self, and all pleasures of the world appear insignificant before it. Saint Kabir noted that when the mind is absorbed in the inner bliss, why should it wander around looking for other things? Omnipotence and omniscience of Shakti can be seen in all kinds of kriyas, such as shaking, rotating round or back and forth, singing, laughing, weeping, speaking in strange languages or advising like a Guru, which are done by Shakti herself. However, when chitta reaches the steady state within the Atman or Self, the kriyas become subtler, and having finished their job gradually disappear.
The initiate witnesses everything being done without his/her efforts. The main goal of sadhana is to control the mind through kriyas. Proper food, rest and other helpful activities are part of sadhana, while activities that hinder spiritual progress are called obstacles. Achieving the state of "unbroken inner contentment", where there is indifference to the pleasures and pains of the world, is liberation while still living in the body. This is the ultimate goal of sadhana. Once this point is reached there is nothing more to be done. According to Lord Krishna who says in the Bhagavad Gita, once reaching this state even the greatest sorrow cannot shake the person.
Most of the kriyas are such that the initiate through his own efforts cannot perform them. Shakti does everything. All sanskaras such as anger, fear and desire thin out and gradually disappear. Renunciation or disinterest in worldly affairs develops. After the quietening of kriyas a natural meditative state emerges in which chitta appears to have been dissolved, and the mind is empty of determinations and indifferences. Virtues of Self-realisation such as fearlessness, equanimity and compassion emerge in the initiate. Since yoga (oneness of Atman and Paramatma or Soul and God) takes place naturally, the process is known as Sahajyoga or Siddhayoga. Since it combines all the four major kinds of yoga-Hath a, Mantra, Laya and Raja-it is also known as Mahayoga.
Shakti motivates the initiate's interest in different kinds of yogic activities, according to what is needed. As the initiate realises that Shakti does all activities in him, the sense of doership dissolves naturally and of witnessing emerges. Unmani avastha or the state of "joyfulness beyond mind" sets in. The initiate should never fall prey to "doubt", and should maintain the state of faith and surrender to Shakti under all circumstances, until the final state of union with Atman is attained. I have discussed spiritual matters, including the awakening of the kundalini, in three earlier books - Secrets of Numerology (1992), Destiny, Science and Spiritual Awakening (1997), and Kundalini for Beginners (2000). In The Secrets of Kundalini Awakening (2002) I have attempted to harmonise the key points from these three books while elaborating on them, in order to present the reader with a shortcut "integral path" towards kundalini activation and enlightenment. Twelve mini books on various branches of occult science have also been published in the past three years. Up to now I have been presenting mostly self-help methods. In this book I present the shortest and most direct method of passing Cosmic Energy from Guru to initiate to awaken his kundalini. It is suitable to those who have faith in and can surrender to the Higher Principle in the Guru. Finding the true Guru, who has transcended sex and other worldly attractions, and who demands nothing from the initiate is rare. The only thing required from the initiate is to surrender to the higher principle embodied in such a Guru. A true Guru helps every genuine seeker only as a service to God and with no return in mind.
I was studying mathematics, having obtained my PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, in 1968. I taught mathematics in eight countries including India, UK, USA, the Middle East, the Far East and Africa. About six books and 30 research papers were published in mathematics. After experiencing kundalini in 1987 my interest shifted to spiritual and psychical research. More than a dozen papers have been published in the Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, USA. Presently I am a trustee of the Academy of Religion and Psychical Research, and founder president of the Academy of Kundalini Yoga and Quantum Soul. I eventually resigned my job as mathematics professor in 1994. Later I worked as professor of comparative religion at Belk Research Foundation, Charlotte, NC, and as professor of yoga philosophy and meditation at Hindu University, Florida for some time.
I studied by self-effort various methods of raising kundalini that exist in various faiths and traditions of the world. These methods are presented with details in my book The Secrets of Kundalini Awakening. In recent years I came across some genuine Gurus of the Shaktipat order and learned about the instant raising of the kundalini in an initiate by the grace of the Guru. Symptoms of arousal are seen within days or even within hours in an initiate who is well prepared through sadhana or spiritual practices prior to Shaktipat initiation. For others the kundalini first purifies the chitta by thinning out the sanskara or accumulated karma from several lifetimes. This process may take a few weeks, months or years, according to how much karmic debris has been stored. As the chitta purifies so the symptoms of active Kundalini Shakti appear in the initiate.
There are certain vocabularies related to the mechanism of Shakti, which are helpful for the reader to know. The next article, 'The Mechanism of Shakti', fulfils this need. References from each chapter are listed in the end. A comprehensive glossary of words in Sanskrit and a bibliography are given at the end of the book.
Back of the Book
Kundalini Maha-yoga (Shaktipat) is a self-proven and self-perfecting spiritual practice. This means that the Kundalini power causes an initiate to perform kriyas (automatic movements) through the power of Kundalini itself. Therefore, its other name is Siddha-yoga, or "the self-proven path of meditation." It may be relevant to mention that in every aspect, in body, in mind and in intellect, Shakti itself performs the meditation. An initiate must not make any effort at all; one's duty is only to surrender. The time and characteristics of the manifestation of Shakti are solely the work of the divine power (Shakti) itself. To practice this type of meditation means that one must simply allow the divine power the opportunity to perform the meditation by itself.
Of course, Kundalini Maha-yoga (Shaktipat) is different from other paths of meditation, because on other paths you are responsible for performing certain tasks or mastering certain techniques. In other methods of meditation, you may be responsible for performing meditation yourself or you may have to acquire a great deal of knowledge concerning spiritual matters. You may have to perform worship ceremonies, you may have to practice different asanas (yogic postures) or you may have to constantly endeavor to eject undesirable thoughts out of your mind. However: In Maha-yoga (Shaktipat you don' t have to do all these things you just have to sit with a total sense of surrender. Then according to the nature and the state of the spiritual consciousness of an initiate, the different meditative experiences of an emotional, intellectual or creative nature occur by themselves.
The following pages are guideline for the seeker of Truth. Presented in question and answer form, it allows the reader a direct response to many of the questions most commonly asked. In the first chapter the author expounds on the meaning of Shaktipat and the path this spiritual power takes once activated. Explanation is also given on differences among Yoga practices with particular reference to YogaDarshan. Chapter II deals with Shaktipat initiation, what preparations a disciple should make and what initial results he might expect. In the third chapter, certain aspects of a disciples' spiritual advancement are described as signs for measuring his progress. Also a specific outline is presented for the process of freeing oneself of lifes' dualities and ultimately obtaining God Consciousness. Furthermore, answers are given .for ways of dealing with different experiences and thoughts which may occur during meditation. In the fourth and final chapter, questions that come to mind after some time when the spiritual aspirant has gained sufficient experience both inside meditation and during worldly activities are answered. The two types of disciples, house- holder and renunciate, within the Shaktipat system are discussed at length; the purpose and benefits of an Ashram and the definition and the responsibilities of the Guru are also elaborated upon. Specific advice is given for women who are seeking Divine knowledge and in general, the Shaktipat path and how it affects ones course in daily life is clarified.
God has blessed us with His love and knowledge through our most gracious Sat Gurudev Swami Shivom Thirth. Swamiji's under- standing and ability to express God's truth in such a clear and informative manner is a benefit to us all. This is his first book translated to English language. It is hoped that it will help alleviate any barrier that may hinder ones quest for God and give the inspiration needed to allow His light and glory to fill ones heart and soul.
We are thankful to Devatma Shakti Society, Paige Texas (U.S.A.) for the valuable help rendered to us for printing this book. We are also thankful to Mrs. Daya Murthy for collecting funds exclusively for bringing out this publication. Finally, we express our sincere gratitude to Shri Chandrakant Mhaske, an Artist from Bombay who helped us immensely to design the cover page and make necessary corrections.
This book titled' A Guide to Shaktipat' is in your hands in which the day-to-day doubts, difficulties and problems faced by all the Sadhaks and readers have been solved after giving deep thought. I have incorporated the questions asked by Sadhaks whenever I am on tour or whenever they come to the Ashram. Apart from these questions, there may be and there are several other questions that crop up. I have plans to write a series of books on the different approaches to GOD realization /Self-realisation. One book will deal with questions and difficulties pertaining to Yoga. One book will deal with matters connected with 'Bhakti' (Devotional Worship) and another will treat the subject of 'Gyan Marg! In one or two books, the experiences of Sadhaks will be incorporated as reading about others' experiences helps in creating a sense of eagerness or interest to do Sadhana. This book, which is first in the series has the mixture of all the paths.
In fact, Shaktipat is not an independent Yoga or System of Sadhana. Shaktipat is a means of awakening the Shakti towards inner consciousness and to make it perform automatic movements (Kriyas). After the awakening, depending upon the state of the Sadhak's inner world and the changes in it, there is progress in the Kriyas (automatic movements) and changes in them. Just as when Sanskar (accumulated seeds of past actions) pertaining to Bhakti are aroused Kriyas pertaining to Shakti occur so also when Sanskar in respect of Hatayoga are aroused, Kriyas pertaining to Hatayoga occur, and so also when Dhyan Yoga Sanksar are aroused Kriyas pertaining to Dhyan Yoga occur. In this way all types of Sadhana, Upasana and Yogic practices are assimilated in this path. That is why this Sadhan is called 'MAHAYOGA' as it has the mixture of Mantra, Hath, Laya, Raja, Bhakti and Gyan Yoga and Karma and which is manifested in the Sadhak at different times depending on the different state of the inner "Chitta" (mind stuff.). Sadhan is dependent on two things; one depending on the past deeds, Kriyas occur and secondly on the basis of 'tatwa'. The past deeds of each one are different. Inter, alia Kriyas also differ. As the 'Chitta' gets purer, Kriyas start to rise, above the past deeds and are manifested on the basis of 'tatwas'. In the middle there comes a stage when according to his past deeds Kriyas occur depending upon the tatwas. That is why these Kriyas are different from each other. As and when Kriyas occur depending upon the tatwas, his Kriyas will resemble those of the other Sadhaks of the same status. This point has not been elaborated in this book. In the series of books to be published attempts will be made to throw light on the above.
Some Sadhaks have funny thoughts in their mind and these thoughts are so deeprooted that it is very difficult to up-root them. Just as some Sadhaks believe that when Shakti is awakened it rises from Mooladhar (first chakra which corresponds with the pelvic plexus of the sympathetic nervous system) towards Sushumna (subtle central current running through the spinal column) in zig zag manner. Such Sadhaks are believed to have said that they have seen a snake in the Sushumna as if there is a snake within them. So also there are peculiar ideas about the petals of the flowers present in each 'chakra' as if these flowers are hung in the body. They also do not understand the alphabets written on these petals. If the alphabets etc. are written on them how can a Japanese, European or American Sadhak read them. Matters relating to Yoga have also to be discussed which will be attempted in the next book in the series.
By thinking on any topic or concentrating on any subject, the seeds of the subject or object get embedded in us. Doing prayers, japa, meditation upasana going on piligrimage, reading or recital etc. which gives one pride that 'I am the doer' are all covered in this Sadhan. In this Sadhan, the accumulated seeds of past action (Sanskar) from outside are accumulated in the 'Chitta'. For example if any Sadhak meditates and does Japa of either Shankar, Krishna or Devi when his thoughts mature, the Sadhak sees the worshipping diety within him- self which is nothing but the interplay of his accumulated seeds of past action and is happy.
The other Sadhan is to wean out or remove from within these accumulated seeds of the past action which is possible only when the divine Shakti turns inwards and becomes active. At this point one should give up the prayers or meditation wherein you forcibly concentrate, and surrender to the Divine Shakti and sit for Sadhan. Doing Japa, meditation and prayers with a purpose will again fill the "Chitta" with further seeds of action, when the purpose of Sadhan is to wean out the accumulated seeds of past action to make it (Chitta) pure. It should be remembered that as long as seeds pertaining to 'Tamoguna', 'Rajoguna or 'Satwaguna' are within the 'Chitta' it will be impure and engulfed by the above qualities. When the Shakti is directed to- wards the inner consciousness, it cleanses the soul of the accumulated seeds of past actions (Sanskar). In this book, discussions on the above have been done at random. However it is necessary to elaborate on this issue.
To ponder on the above issue as also several others and to teach a definite goal is of paramount importance to a Sadhak. These shall be dealt by me in the forthcoming series of books. It is hoped that what- ever has been written in this book, the Sadhaks will read and seriously think it over and try to understand the same which will help in one's progress in Sadhana. With prayers that God will protect love and devote himself to all living beings.
It is very difficult to introduce Shri Swami Shivom Tirthji, because what he appears to our worldly perception and what he really is are two different things. Understanding his inner state, his high spiritual echelon, and his authority is elusive because these attributes are enigmatic and beyond the grasp of a worldly person. Whatever would be said -about him is likely to be incomplete and only fragmentary. Whatever we may be able to know and understand about him will depend totally upon his grace and his willingness to reveal his real self.
One example given by Shri Shivom Tirth Maharaj himself during his discourses applies to him very directly and perfectly. He said that scriptures are like those drops that spill from a full bucket of water (of inner experiences) into which a person merges. The commentaries on the scriptures are like the dust on the roadside that gets mixed with those drops of water. Similarly, whatever we may say about Guruji is like describing those drops of water that get spilled and mixed with the dust on the roadside, The contents in the bucket of water will be known only to himself and the few lucky ones whom he would select to reveal the Self.
His Holiness Shri Swami Shivom Tirthji is a very powerful, capable, Siddha yogi from a lineage of Shaktipat tradition. He has been blessed with the experience of the individual Self and the Cosmic Self, and he constantly dwells in the cosmic joy. People around him get sprinkled with his joy. By listening to his words the aspirant's mind starts an inward journey. At his discourses the audience is listening to his words with their eyes closed in a meditative inward journey, and their faces beaming with ethereal joy. His presentation of highly elevated and complex philosophical concepts is clear, simple, digestible and experiential. At times some people actually experience the spiritual truths and high levels he is describing.
Guruji's gift to serious seekers is priceless. At first he takes his own time to ascertain the earnestness of an aspirant's desire for spirituality. But once he is convinced, his grace is powerful, immediate, direct, bountiful and unfailing. In a few days most aspirants start to uncover and reach inner depths never experienced before. The greatest gift of Swami Shivom Tirthji is the self-propelling or autonomous process of inner cleansing of samskaras (the impressions of past actions and experiences on the psyche) which starts with Shaktipat Initiation. This is followed by a tranquility of mind that accompanies spiritual progress and eventually the experience of Self ... Sat-Chit-Anand (truth- con- sciousness-bliss ).
His Holiness Swami Shivom Tirthji is master of Shaktipat-the process of awakening the Shakti or the consciousness of the aspirant inwardly. In the life of Shri Shivom Tirthji the three rivers of sadhana, satsang and selfless service come together, and those who come to him get purified and uplifted by a bath in this holy waters. His love for all is so pure, real and touching that it almost feels as if divinity has touched the heart. His love for everyone and childlike playfulness bring Krishna alive. In his personal meditation the steadiness and bliss on his face remind people of Shiva in human form. The rest of the time Guruji is busy helping people who are engrossed in worldly attachments and afflictions. Ayogye api yogyatamapadya shri gurusuryo bodhati. This means the guru, like the sun, shines over all and makes them worthy and enlightens.
Swami Shivom Tirthji received his Shaktipat initiation from Swami Shri Vishnu Tirthji Maharaj. Looking at his disciple's surrender, ever readiness to serve, and spiritual worthiness, Swami Shri Vishnu Tirthji Maharaj made him his spiritual heir. He empowered him to uphold the torch of spiritual flame and appointed him as his successor.
"In the Pursuit of living, we forget to live." Every one of us, knowingly or unknowingly, is in search of eternal happiness. Unfortunately, we end up just chasing concepts of happiness. Today, happiness has become a mirage in the rat race of ambition, greed, and a desperate urge to control everything and everybody. In this process, we forget virtues like patience, integrity and discrimination.
How to make one ready to soar high in the sky is the science of Inner life. Our pilots who carry us from one place to other place are the product of a rigorous and scientific training. If this training is required only for a mission flying for some hours and days, imagine what quality of training and monitoring is required for transforming your life. It is matter of transformation. The Guru has tremendous responsibility of elevating you from one layer of existence to another layer of existence. So he must have deep insights into the basic traits of human beings and higher beings and he must know the science of creating a bridge where in human beings can be inspired to walk on the bridge and join higher beings.
I am really grateful to Swami Vijayananda of Ananda Ashram of Bevinkoppa for allowing me to be a part in this great and unique mission of spreading this eternal joythrough Shaktipath Yoga. The teachings of Bhagwan Nityananda will definitely bring some spark in your life. It is my humble prayer that the Bhagwan Nityananda and his inner circle of Great Masters should bless us all, so that we bring the awareness of divinity in our lives too.
In the forthcoming chapters, the great masters are going to add wings of Shaktipath Yoga to your sadhana to enable you to fly and to float in the rarified and unique realms of joy and bliss.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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Asana (92)
Bhakti Yoga (20)
Biography (49)
Hatha Yoga (79)
Kaivalyadhama (58)
Karma Yoga (31)
Kriya Yoga (69)
Kundalini Yoga (56)
Massage (2)
Meditation (319)
Patanjali (133)
Pranayama (65)
Women (32)
Yoga For Children (12)
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