Inner Awakening
Enlightenment is an ordinary life lived in an extraordinary way! - THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM
5 Why Inner Awakening ?
6 What is jeevan mukti?.7 What happens at Inner Awakening ?.8 How to get the best out of Inner Awakening ?
10 Welcome to life at Inner Awakening
11 Morning Yoga! Nithya Yoga!.12 Visiting the Banyan Tree for the first time… .13 Getting ready for the day: Morning sitting with Swamiji.14 Powerful words from the Master.15 Dynamic meditations.16 Time for a bite!.17 Interactive sessions.18 Upanishad: sitting in the presence of the Master.19 Zen Tea by Manasarovar.20 A dip in Vaidya Sarovar.21 A glimpse of Vedic culture.22 Arati at the temple.23 Darshan.24 Evening campfire.25 Falling into restful sleep
26 A learning center for enlightened living
28 The hub of a Vedic renaissance.29 Under the Banyan Tree.30 Rejuvenation for body and spirit.31 At the Vedic Temple.32 With oneself at Manasarovar .33 Space of meditation.34 At Laughing Temple.35 Naimisharanya: the place
- that never sleeps.36 Feel at home
The meditation techniques included in this book are to be practiced only under the direct supervision of an ordained teacher of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam and in consultation with your personal physician to determine your fitness and ability to do the techniques. They are not intended to be a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment. If someone tries these techniques without prior participation in the meditation programs of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam and without the direct supervision of an ordained teacher of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, they shall be doing so entirely at their own risk; neither the author nor Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam nor Nithyananda Publishers shall be responsible for the consequences of their actions. The opinions expressed by individuals in this book do not necessarily reflect the views of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam or THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.
This program is based on religious teachings and spiritual practices sourced from the Vedic tradition. The benefits derived from these teachings and practices may differ according to the capacity and temperament of the individual practitioner. Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam does not guarantee any particular experience or a specific benefit from the above teachings and practices.
Contents
Why Inner Awakening ? - THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM -
How can I describe a program like Inner Awakening? All I can say is that it is a tremendous possibility!
- Inner Awakening is not a program
- -
However else we may choose to describe it, Inner Awakening is ultimately your experience of your own transformation – your intimate contact with your own highest possibilities. Each moment of Inner Awakening is a fresh introduction - because Life is introducing itself to you every moment! No one can predict what your unique experience of this program will be like. But there is one thing I can tell you, for I have seen it happen: no one, no one, ever returns from Inner Awakening without glimpsing at least one dimension of jeevan mukti
- , living enlightenment.
37 Dimensions of Inner Awakening
38 Yoga: Uniting body, mind and spirit.40 Gnana: Life Solutions .42 Dhyana: Meditation.44 Bhakti: Devotion.46 Seva: Blissful service
49 What is Inner Awakening all about ?
50 Higher daily energy levels.52 Emotional balance.54 Conflict-free living.56 Blissful relations.58 Success and abundance.60 Effortless decision-making.62 Freedom from past traumas.64 Energy to fulfill your desires.66 Higher creativity levels.68 Courageous living.70 An unclutched life.72 Life is a romance!.74 Living in ecstasy.76 Healing presence.78 Connection to the Whole
80 Top 10 reasons to attend Inner Awakening
81 Deeper Truths of Inner Awakening
82 Darshan: a vision of Divinity.84 Upanishad: sitting with the Master .86 Deeksha:the transmission of the lamp.88 Inspiration on the path .90 Master is a living scripture.92 Epitome of love and compassion
94 Why 21 days ?
99 Satisfaction survey
What happens at Inner Awakening ?
Much of what happens at Inner Awakening cannot be put into words. But broadly speaking, there are three kinds of experience you will receive here: First, technical knowledge. This is the introduction to the particular concept or truth. Technical knowledge clears your ideological doubts and inspires you to enter into the technique.
Second, technique. This is the exact process you are required to do. It is your part! How you need to move your body, your mind, your being, to cooperate with the entire process - that is technique.
Three, initiation. It is the powerful energy process to awaken those dimensions of you which are unknown even to you! Initiation helps your body and mind retain the psychological revolution which happens in you when you work with the technical knowledge and technique.
Bolting the experience permanently into your body is initiation.
jeevan mukti ?
Jeevan mukti or living enlightenment is nothing but living life at the optimum – with success and abundance in the outer world, and deep joy and fulfillment in the inner world. A person who is living enlightenment radiates so many wonderful qualities: good health, a clear mental setup, pure energy centers, an unclutched being, and above all, the deep feeling that everything is auspicious for no reason. And this is a possibility that is available to each of us at every moment. By your very nature, you are wired for enlightenment! That is why, till you relax into jeevan mukti, you will continue to feel unfulfilled. All your depression, your stress, your seeking, is nothing but the cry of your being to return to its original state of jeevan mukti.
'Inner Awakening is a beautiful journey to discover yourself.' – Geetha A, Engineer, Phoenix, USA
'Being at the feet of a Master and living in his energy field is the greatest opportunity of a lifetime, or many lifetimes.' - Sandhya Bail, Marketing professional, NY, USA
'The depth of joy and happiness, you don't find it in the Master alone, but also in the sanga (the spiritual community).' - Ravikumar S, Research Engineer, Singapore
Inner Awakening is a 21-day enlightenment-intensive program conducted in Bharat by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, an enlightened master of this millennium. This life-transforming program includes yoga, meditation techniques, penetrating spiritual talks, live interactive sessions, powerful direct initiations from the Master and fun activities like campfire evenings.
How to get the best out of Inner Awakening ?
Enter into the whole program with deep sincerity and seeking! Start from the body. Be physical! Drop all intellectual concepts and ideas about what should happen during the program. The conscious decision to be physical will itself awaken that intense seeking in you.
In intense seeking, the seeker dissolves in the seeking.
When the seeker dissolves in the seeking, it is jeevan mukti, living enlightenment!
Morning Yoga! Nithya Yoga!
Every day of Inner Awakening starts with a rejuvenating yoga session, Nithya Yoga, providing a healthy lifestyle while awakening the body's innate intelligence.
Uniting body movements, breath and the power of intention, it allows the mind to beautifully settle into a vibrant silence… and bliss.
Then we're ready for a dynamic meditation: Nithya Dhyaan! Nithya Dhyaan is a complete technique to move from the outer world chaos into a vibrant meditative silence, giving you peace
Rooted in the teachings of the sage Patanjali, the father of yoga, Nithya Yoga brings a fresh new look to the science of sculpting the body and mind for radiating enlightenment.
Welcome to life at Inner Awakening
(In the following pages, a participant shares his experiences.) 'From the safe ambience of this fast-growing spiritual university to the powerful meditations and yoga practice, from the loving care of volunteers to the infinite compassion of Swamiji, Inner Awakening offered the best possibilities for the ultimate life experience to flower in me. Every day on campus was like a new beginning, discovering dimensions of me that I did not even know existed! Looking back at the whole experience, I can say that Inner Awakening is not a mere 21-day program – the experience only starts from here…'
Getting ready for the
day: Morning sitting with Swamiji
The Master silently enters the hall, a tall form in bright saffron, almost gliding above the ground, and gracefully sits in front of us. The day starts with a unique taste, the Master casually exchanging words and stories with hundreds of fascinated people from all over the globe. We start realizing the infinite dimensions of the Master: from his early childhood days to the amazing stories of his wanderings across Bharat, to the onset of his mission. Behind the casual talk is a deep preparation to dive deep within, exploring all the dimensions of our being. This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Existence…
Visiting the Banyan Tree for the first time…
'As I stepped under the shadow of this majestic giant, my mind suddenly slipped into a vibrant stillness. Slowly encircling the tree on the small path, the pebbles gently massaging my bare feet, I suddenly found my seat: a small protuberance on top of the whaleback granite outcrop. The moment I settled on this natural seat, my body dissolved in space, and time vanished. Pure awareness remained in my inner space with the silent sound of the unmoving banyan tree.
I clearly knew that I belonged to no other place: I had finally come home...'
Dynamic meditations
To help us realize our hidden potential, the Master conducts dynamic meditation sessions. These sessions turn out to be powerful alchemy processes - working with our unconscious, engraved mental patterns, and transforming them into pure awareness and energy! The release of deeply buried emotions, fears, worries and anger brings such a deep sense of inner peace and bliss, every day more profound and tangible.
Powerful words from the Master
As the mind settles down from its usual noise, the Master reveals deeper truths of life. We are suddenly starting a journey to the center of ourselves, looking into our own eyes for the first time. The Master is an infinite source of knowledge; ancient wisdom expressed in modern words.
Interactive sessions
The infinite compassion of the Master expresses in so many ways. He patiently addresses all possible questions and doubts related to our personal experience.
The Master explains about the richness of the Vedic inner science and reveals many of the deeper truths of life. What would take a lifetime of study to comprehend, the Master condenses into a few key concepts that dispel the darkness of ignorance.
Time for a bite!
As we come out of the hall, we are pleased by the rich smell and great taste of healthy vegetarian food. The sheer variety of the food ensures that we have an optimal and holistic dining experience!
Zen Tea by Manasarovar
The early evening light gives way to twilight, and we move to the enchanting Manasarovar to enjoy a cup of tea with the Master. No need for words, we just tune in to his presence.
With the Master, even drinking tea can become a meditation! When we flood every action with awareness, a simple cup of tea becomes Zen Tea!
Upanishad: sitting in the presence of the Master
Once our mind relaxes from its endless stream of questions, we are ready for the real process: upanishad, or simply sitting in the presence of the Master and receiving his energy. His presence is an intense fire that lights the flame of our being.
The Master is a lighthouse, guiding us to the shores of true knowledge and pure consciousness, and transmitting the experience of living enlightenment.
A glimpse of Vedic culture
As the program evolves, we are slowly introduced to all the great elements of the ancient Vedic culture: the melodies of keertans, the graceful art form of kolams (floor art with rice flour) and the beautiful concept of the temple as the center of the community.
A dip in Vaidya Sarovar
A giant Shiva lingam, representing the ultimate consciousness, towers above us as we take a cool dip in the Vaidya Sarovar. The lingam is made of sacred herbs, and is said to radiate healing energy. In this place, a simple bath turns out to be a transforming experience!
Darshan
The Master touch!
Being around the Master and listening to his words is one way of receiving the spiritual experience. But receiving the direct touch of the Master is the ultimate connection! Darshan is an integral part of Inner Awakening. It is the opportunity to open up and receive the Master's boundless energy!
Arati at the temple
Arati is a beautiful celebration of sound and light that has been performed for thousands of years in Bharat. It is an offering to the Divine which captivates all our senses. Every day, we appreciate this elegant ceremony at the temple, lost in time as the music and bells mark the sway of lit lamps in the air.
Falling into restful sleep
At the end of the day, the same meditative state is carried into sleep as an unbroken experience of inner silence. Falling straight into deep sleep, we rest and recharge, waking up with enthusiasm to meet the Master again - for the first time!
Evening campfire
The magic of the program extends into late evenings, and the Master shares stories as the wood crackles in the campfire. In those quiet intimate moments with the Master, we even forget that the world exists…
Each of us comes in with rough edges, from different walks of life – and it is easier to see those edges in others than in yourself at first. Then, like a well-orchestrated symphony, with the growth we experience, everyone settles down. A different depth of harmony is experienced – interdependent yet individual. Here, intelligence and compassion lead to harmony. This harmony is different from the forced harmony of the corporate world, where there is an underlying current of fear and greed.
A learning center for enlightened living
Live and learn in the ambience of a contemporary Vedic ashram, where the simple delights of monastic living blend seamlessly with basic modern amenities and care. Above all, absorb the subtle energies of an intense spiritual field, where even everyday acts, like a quiet morning walk or a shared meal, are transformed into powerful spontaneous meditations.
The vast umbrella of the ancient sacred banyan encloses a space resonant with spiritual energies. Under this umbrella sits the majestic statue of Dakshinamurti, the first-ever guru, imparting the deepest spiritual truths to his disciples in silence.
Over the years, this sacred space has acquired a powerful reputation for healing, wish-fulfillment and awakening spiritual clarity, and draws visitors and seekers from around the world. The vibrations in this space are so distinct that even the casual visitor can feel its effects. In fact, many find that simply sitting here in silence is a deep meditation in itself.
Under the Banyan Tree
'After going to the banyan tree and sitting there, without any experience or knowing what to do, I just sat and closed my eyes and fell into such a deep state that I realized there is so much to meditation that I did not even know about.'
All the civilizations that have evolved on planet Earth have contributed something towards humanity. The most valuable contribution from the Vedic civilization was the science of living enlightenment – jeevan mukti.
On the ashram campus, the Vedic traditions come alive. Like the Vedic culture, the ashram too is a melting pot of people from diverse communities, religions and backgrounds, working towards the common goal of an enlightened global community.
In keeping with the life-affirmative Vedic tradition, equal emphasis is laid on creating material abundance, providing constant learning opportunities and nurturing inner growth.
The hub of a Vedic renaissance
A short walk from the sacred banyan is the Sri Anandeshwara Temple, which re-creates the enchanting scene where Lord Shiva delivers the Shiva Sutras (techniques for enlightenment) to his consort Devi.
True to the Vedic tradition, the temple resonates with the chanting of mantras at dawn and dusk, sending out ripples of positive energy that cleanse and energize the space around.
The mystical arati (ceremonial waving of lamps before the deities) symbolizes the silent transmission of spiritual illumination in the time-honored guru-disciple tradition of Vedic Bharat.
At the Vedic Temple
The concept of the temple is a unique gift to planet Earth from the Masters of the Vedic civilization. When it is consecrated by an enlightened being, the temple becomes a powerhouse of cosmic energy, and a space where spontaneous physical and mental healing can take place.
Rejuvenation for body and spirit
Another popular healing destination at the ashram is the 21-foot Shiva lingam (Ananda Lingam) made of the sacred navapashana (a healing herbal mixture) and 1008 rare medicinal herbs. Water fountains bathe the lingam and flow into the holy tank (Vaidya Sarovar) below.
Consecrated by the Master, the lingam symbolizes the integration of active and passive cosmic energies.
A dip in Vaidya Sarovar balances the vital energies in the body, rejuvenates the mind and brings about silent spiritual transformation.
The Raja Sabha or Royal Hall is the space of all the Inner Awakening sessions, including morning yoga and meditation. With a seating capacity of 1300, this hall is equipped with powerful acoustics and a modern projector system that bring to life Swamiji's vibrant talks, the lively interactive sessions and evening keertans (devotional music). Raja Sabha soon becomes the 'preferred living space' of Inner Awakening participants, who are so comfortable in its bubbling energy that they hardly visit their rooms, except to sleep!
Space of meditation
This charming lake hidden away in a corner of the ashram is home to lotuses, migratory birds and seekers of solitude. With the setting of a natural amphitheater, Manasarovar is best remembered as the scene of the indescribable Zen tea meditation sessions with the Master.
With oneself at Manasarovar
Naimisharanya: the place that never sleeps
Naimisharanya was the world's first-ever spiritual university, where spiritual instruction was freely imparted to seekers at any hour of day or night – the principle being that those who are responsible for awakening others cannot afford to sleep!
In the true spirit of Naimisharanya, the ashram campus is always alive, whether it is the Welcome Center, the first point of contact of visitors to the ashram, or the Mission Office, where the publications and web development teams work joyously to take Swamiji's message to the world, or the Nithya Anna Mandir (Food Temple), where food is served freely to all till the late hours of the night!
The legendary Laughing Temple, where Swamiji delivered his first talks to a group of intimate disciples, has today become the focus of awe and curiosity for those who visit the ashram. Today, with the number of ashramites swelling far beyond its capacity, Laughing Temple is no longer in use. But this tiny rustic temple with such an inviting name still echoes the laughter that must have filled its space during the early days with the Master!
At Laughing Temple
Dimensions of Inner Awakening
Whether we are aware of it or not, each one of us carries multiple dimensions inside us – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual… Inner Awakening helps us blossom and experience holistic growth in all our various dimensions. The program provides complete solutions and an opportunity for simultaneous all-round development – a quantum awakening! The knowledge and techniques delivered at Inner Awakening are drawn from the ancient Vedic tradition that is built upon 10,000 years of R&D by millions of inner world scientists (rishis). Yet so pragmatic and practical is the Vedic way of life that it is a living tradition practiced even today by millions worldwide.
The ashram restaurant prides itself on providing healthy vegetarian food that is both tasty and satvic (satvic food uses only those ingredients that hold positive energy and support spiritual practices). You can choose from a buffet meal that has elements of North Hindu, South Hindu and Continental cuisine.
Simple shared accommodation is available for participants with all basic amenities.
The Welcome Center takes care of all your requirements, but the volunteers will also be happy to help.
The internet center is open all day, so you can stay connected during your stay at the ashram.
Feel at home
'I never realized sharing was such fun! Sharing ideas, eating together, doing yoga and meditation together, having lively discussions in our dorm till midnight, and of course, walking the spiritual path together…'
Yoga: Uniting body, mind and spirit
The dimension of yoga is all about living with a healthy yogic body, an unclutched mind and a being that radiates pure energy. When these three happen continuously, we live in Nithya Yoga, the eternal uniting of body, mind and spirit.
Rooted in the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali, Nithya Yoga is a powerful alchemy of traditional wisdom and practical techniques. It is THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's gift to a world that is seriously seeking inner and outer balance in these turbulent times.
Nithya Yoga was born out of a deep understanding of the science of yoga and its relevance in our life today. Besides physical health and mental well-being, Nithya Yoga directly sculpts and prepares the body to experience the ultimate state of enlightenment.
When we understand our true potential and use the body and mind to their optimum, we are living the dimension of yoga.
Yoga is the dimension or path which integrates specific physical postures, breathing techniques and a disciplined lifestyle to enter into the Truth.
Gnana: Life Solutions
When we enter into any process, we naturally want to know why we are doing it! That is why Inner Awakening provides you with a strong intellectual base in the form of technical knowledge or intellectual understanding. It completely takes away your doubts. Technical knowledge addresses that dimension of us which is centered in logic, analysis and calculation. It gives solutions to life issues, provides clarity and peace, and answers key questions like how to live life, the purpose and goal of life, and the ultimate truth of man and God. Technical knowledge provides a strong foundation for trust or faith, and the courage to follow that faith. When your faith is based on intellectual clarity, it becomes so strong that nobody will be able to shake you.
Gnana is the dimension or path which approaches the Truth through intellectual understanding and mental clarity.
Dhyana: Meditation
When the intellectual clarity happens, you are ready to move into the process of meditation. What is meditation? Simply put, meditation is any technique which raises the frequency of your consciousness. The human body is designed to experience expanded consciousness. We are meant to live in jeevan mukti, experiencing and expressing all the possibilities of life. That is why, only a person who brings all the possibilities of life into living reality can experience real fulfillment. The beauty of meditation is that it transforms intellectual knowledge into personal experience.
At Inner Awakening, the meditation techniques you will practice are diverse, but their purpose is the same - to take you to the space of living enlightenment.
Dhyana is the dimension or path which seeks the Truth through the practice of meditation.
Bhakti: Devotion
Devotion is the touchstone that can open us directly to the Divine! The moment devotion touches us, we become divine. Devotion is the expression of sacred love.
Devotion effortlessly frees us from the clutches of our ego. It is the most charming path to superconsciousness! Connecting directly to the formless Divine energy is not easy for most of us. That is why our ancient masters created temples and installed deities, whose form might become a channel to touch the Divine. The unique architecture of temples which make them excellent receptors of energy, the sacred ambience and the presence of deities directly energized by enlightened masters, make temples the ideal space in which to fall into meditation.
The worship of deities prepares the mind to welcome the Divine in human form – a concept unique to Vedic Hindu culture.
For a mind already steeped in devotion to the form of a deity, it is only a single step to connect to the formless Divine.
Bhakti is the dimension or path where the Truth is experienced through unconditional surrender to the Divine.
Seva: Blissful service
Service is sharing with others that which is most precious to you! When you share suffering, it reduces. When you share bliss, it grows.
At Inner Awakening, you will have the chance to serve the global community, even as you learn and grow.
What seva will you be doing at Inner Awakening? By participating in Inner Awakening, you will be standing by Dhyanapeetam's commitment to create a conflict-free world, where food, health and education are no more a problem. Moreover, you will be helping preserve and revive the Vedic tradition - one of the most ancient spiritual traditions in the world. In ancient Bharat, research in inner science had royal patronage, which ensured that this essential work was sustained and encouraged to flourish. Today's secular political systems do not always support such research.
Each one of you, by coming to Inner Awakening, shares the responsibility of awakening the people to the Truth, raising global consciousness levels, preserving the sacred Vedic tradition for future generations and helping to create a better future for all.
Sevais the dimension or path where selfless service to others becomes the doorway to the Truth.
What is Inner Awakening all about?
Inner Awakening gives you a chance to experience and express as many components of jeevan mukti as possible! You will come to understand Inner Awakening best by the transformations you experience within. If you are experiencing abundant energy, powerful clarity, a fresh impetus to explore and enjoy life - that's your Inner Awakening. If you are feeling more relaxed, more blissful, more deeply connected with yourself and others - that's Inner Awakening for you. If you feel you've waited all your life to experience and express the truths you receive here - you know that Inner Awakening has really happened in you…