Religion vs Spirituality

the key problem with this question is that it is so difficult to answer without losing perspective, as there are so many definite answers. So many factual documents which state the ultimate truth. Yet all are very different in there outlook.

Religion tends to be viewed as dogmatic and rigid. Spirituality tends to lean towards the more ebby and flowy flowery thought patterns of the new age. What I hope to answer here is the difference or lack there of between religion and spirituality.

To be quite frank I have struggled to write for quite sometime. The truth be told it is because I have struggled with the reality of what has been revealed to me during my retreat. By revealed I do not mean someone or some person told me. But in fact I am talking about true meditative realisations (and as I have said countless times, all I want to write about is what I have truly experienced and not what is being regurgitated everywhere and elsewhere).

I will start with an example which will have flavours of other writers elsewhere, particularly the Eckhart Tolle followers et al. (I worried that by jumping to and Bypassing Tolle I would lose some people, as what I will write may in fact contradict what I have written in the past but I will explain why.

Straight to it.

If you look at something as mundane and everyday as a door. We see it everyday, we use it everyday. We have become so familiar with the door that it has gone beyond judgement. We no longer judge it to be a door we have imprinted it upon our mind that that is what it is (this is judgement 1).

Yet if we delete the word door and remove every supposition of what that door is, we may be lost for a means of communicating and understanding what the door is and what it is used for.

Well what is it, look at it and say what you see is a wood panel, with brass hinges a handle, a locking mechanism. (This is judgement 2)

since we are trying to remove judgement's by removing imprints and re-evaluating them, lets delete all the words that we used in judgement 2 as they are mundane judgement's of each of the components of the door. Stop judging.

What are we left with wood and springs and screws rivets and rust and paint (judgement 3)

look deeper!

We have elements of carbon and copper made up of atoms and protons and neutrons. Little balls of matter which buzz about in free space and come together creating a bond which appears to us as solid matter of the components, of the components, and the actual components, and the actual door. (judgement 4)

Take it further come on really look!

What we have is free space, in fact there is more free space in an atom than any other “object” and since all matter is made up of atoms, there is more free space in matter than anything else. There is more free space, in us than anything else.

when we view religion v spirituality. In the above example. I would like to clarify religion and view of the human being.

Religion views the body as the human. Who has a soul. But is the body all the same. All importance is placed upon the body, the identity of the individual and whether that complete being will be everlasting. As in judgement 1.

The first level of spirituality recognises the being as a collection of its parts it has organs and a mind and possibly an aura made up of energetic organs and chakras. As in judgement 2.

The second level of spirituality recognises that beyond the body that in fact we are eternal beings and we have a temporary human body which will die bout we our being never will. It is permanent and has an identity. As in judgement 3.

The third level of spirituality recognises the ebb and flow of atomic intelligence which sees the true transference of matter and spirit from one form to the next passing through our entire entity, and entity which is centered on your being but includes all things in the universe. People with this understanding tend to state things like “I am god” etc. this is judgement 4.

and the final level of understanding (so far who knows what the future holds) recognises the true nature of the intelligent free space and matter. That there is no true and everlasting identity. That the “identity” is universal as is the being. It is all things, and yet is nothing, it encompasses all time and yet has no time. Is complicated and yet so incredibly simple, it places absolute fear into those who are not ready to hear it (or places them in a state of denial) this is what I have found on my journey (and I now want you to ignore it, ignore the Tolle's of the world etc.)

because each judgement is absolutely correct is truly in keeping with the perspective of the viewer.

Religion is the first leg on the spiritual ladder and is well up the path of development, and is a necessary step on the path to truly understanding the self, and truly developing spiritually.

Religion and spirituality are just differing stages on the path, the dharma or the tao.

Enjoy it, each stage was truly blessed, and each experience, has been a true revelation.

Very short sharp and to the point. I can expand at a later stage as in this I was only intending to answer the religion vs spirituality question.

What is a True Healer

I was asked, in an email, recently, whether a true healer could be trained or whether they were born this way? I was immediately struck by this question as the answer to it, answers many questions that people tend to have about spiritual development, reincarnation and all things in between.

 

Every Individual has an Innate healer in themselves (within reason). By this I refer to our ability to recover from a cut or a cold. There are however deeper issues of dis-ease which the average person does not have the understanding or capacity to recover from themselves.

I Digress

The nature of this dis-ease is quite sensitive, and so I broach this subject in as caring and non-judgemental a fashion as possible. The nature of this dis-ease is mental/spiritual. It is not the extreme case such as schizophrenia, but the average everyday dis-ease of grief, hurt, sadness and suffering. These are mental dis-ease which every being on this planet suffers from, without exception.

 

This is probably a good time to interject on my article to beat the drum on behalf of those with diagnosed mental and psychological conditions. There is still very much a stigma attached to mental health, and sufferers can feel like they are treated like first world lepers. This is not fair, it is not compassionate and to be quite frank it is not honest. If you have ever felt emotional, or angry, or confused you should feel compassion for those which you stigmatise. As you have been out of mental balance, in fact I will hazard that you indeed go through a plethora of uncontrolled emotions every day. You don’t choose to be angry, it happens as a result of some unconscious process of the mind. You don’t choose to be frustrated, this is the unconscious process of the mind. You don’t choose to be sad this is the unconscious process of the mind. Guess what you have mental dis-ease!! (I am not passing some irrational diagnosis here, please bear with me)

 

A healer is the individual who steps forward to deal with the physical, emotional and spiritual manifestations of this mental imbalance.

 

Meditation Teacher

In the first and most effective type of healer, is a meditation teacher. A personally developed meditation teacher is not likely to be found in the local directory, as these are mostly people who have an interest and have trained in teaching this art. A teacher who is also a healer can be found in Buddhist temples, or word of mouth, or if you subscribe to my belief. This person will appear when it is time. In fact your first step may be in reading this blog. By studying and practising the techniques which I have shared you will open doorways to manifesting this life changing event, and meeting your teacher. Just trust.

 

Energetic Healer

The next sort of healer, is not necessarily the sort of healer who should be long term, but the sort of healer who you go to in an emergency. This is an energetic healer. This is the other sort of healing which I do. And for this sort of healing, you can learn the basic principles and skills but it is the practice and development which will give you the power.

 

There are lots and lots of organisations out there who will take your money and give you a certificate after providing you with rudimentary training. These are the type of healers who will have set up a practice and expect you to make a return visit, time and time again whilst parting you from your money. These fall into the bracket of reiki practitioners etc. I am not saying they are a scam, they are not, but they do have a habit forming nature.

 

A true and powerful energetic healer will provide almost immediate relief. They will not expect a follow up appointment and will never canvas you for one. The likelihood is that you will you will have such a profound experience that you will start to awaken immediately to the fact that there is more to this universe than you had previously ever imagined, and when you ask them to help you learn more they will direct you to the type of healer I described first, the meditation teacher.

 

The Path

In simple terms route to becoming a healer (a true healer) is the same for everyone. The actual route will be different for everyone, but the general steps will be the same.

 

Previous lives-

you will have learned of healing and done some spiritual development in the past, you will not have completed the path, but may have completed a smaller path, (for instance became a pagan healer, or herbalist or even a reiki type energetic healer). Although many believe these are paths in and of themselves they are mere earthly conduits to the ONE path, and by no means does mastery of any one of these skills confer mastery of the ONE path. (as some would have you believe)

This Life-

These skills once aquired will forever stay in your consciousness and will reappear at some stage in a future incarnation, as an unconscious and deep drive to become a healer (again), and you may learn the same skills as you had previously but find that you seem so much more natural at it than those around you, (this is because it is not your first time).

 

These skills and practices should not be laboured, but purely be a means to help you reawaken your true nature and help get you back on track to the One path, as becoming a true healer, lies ahead.

 

Meditation and Spiritual Development

Regardless of how many courses you attend and how much money you pay, no one will remove the mental dis-ease of suffering which every being experiences. This suffering is a block to true healer abilities and true spiritual development. Only meditation and other appropriate practices, studied daily for many years will provide you with the mental and energetic breakthrough that you require to be strong enough to actually truly heal someone at a deep down level.

 

This is it you are now on the ONE path. And only once you have had this breakthrough will you realise just how wrong those who profess mastership were. You will shock yourself at how strong your ability to draw out negative energy and provide healing energy, beyond that which the masses claim to be capable of with their reiki and such like.

 

Healing is a true universal gift, and it comes to everyone if you put in the work.

All other brand name techniques which I have learned in the past were carnival side shows to true healer ability. True Healer ability can not be conveyed in an attunement, it can not be bought for any price, but that of hard work, and devotion.

It is not a warm tingly feeling that relaxes you, it will feel as though you are being pulled clean from your body.

Green Tara Mantra

The Green Tara Mantra is commonly used to summon the energies of the Bhodisatva Tara. As I have explained previously she is one of 21 emanations each endowed with specific talents for healing and developing your being towards enlightened activities.  Tara is said to be so compassionate that by reliance on this Bhodisatva alone will help to rescue you from suffering and transfer you to an enlightened state. You can call on Green Tara by chanting the following Green Tara Mantra,

Green Tara Mantra == OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA

The Symbolism of Green Tara

In common Imagery Green Tara can be seen seated upon a lotus arising from the waters of a lake, just as Tara is said to have arisen from the compassionate tears of Avalokiteshvara. Her right hand can be seen in the mudra of supreme generosity indicating her ability to provide beings with whatever they desire. Her left hand at her heart is in the mudra of bestowing refuge: her thumb and ring finger are pressed together to symbolize the united practice of method and wisdom, and the three remaining fingers are raised to symbolize the Three Jewels of Refuge - Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. In each hand she holds the stem of a blue utpala flower. Each flower consists of three blossoms indicating that Tara, the embodiment of enlightened activities, is the Mother of the Buddhas of the past, present, and future.

Tara is dressed in the silken robes of royalty. She wears rainbow-colored stockings, a white half-blouse, and various jeweled ornaments. These symbolize her mastery of the perfections of generosity, morality, and so forth. The tiara fastened in her black hair is adorned with jewels, the central one is a red ruby symbolic of Amitabha, her spiritual father and the head of her Buddha family.

She is seated in a distinctive posture, her left leg withdrawn to symbolize her renunciation of worldly passion and her right leg extended to show that she is always ready to arise and come to the aid of those who need her help.

With a warm compassionate gaze she looks down upon each sentient being as a mother regards her only child. Her emerald-green color—related to the wind element and hence to movement—signifies her ability to act swiftly and without delay to bring benefits to sentient beings.

From the Teachings of Ven Lama Thubten Yeshe

Tara is known as the “Mother of all Buddhas.” This is because she is the wisdom of reality, and all Buddhas and bodhisattvas are born from this wisdom. This wisdom is also the fundamental cause of happiness, and our own spiritual growth comes from this wisdom. That is why Tara is called the Mother. And Mother Tara has much wisdom to manifest many aspects, sometimes peaceful, sometimes wrathful, in different colors—all to help sentient beings.

Green Tara Heart Exercise

Breathe deeply into your heart. Focus on the flower (lotus) that is imprinted within your heart. It is not necessarily a lotus in all of you. Each person has a different flower vibration, but underlying is the vibration of the lotus, or the potential for enlightenment. Don’t be alarmed if you see a daffodil or a tulip!

Now breathe into your heart and find your particular flower image. If you do not see it clearly, you might feel it or have a sense of it. It is important that you connect with the flower image, because it helps you love the parts of yourself that you have pushed away.

Breathe in three times, and take a moment to let the flower image come into your vision. Focus on your vision, the color, and even open your senses to draw in the fragrance. Carry the flower in your heart as a gift from the Divine Mother. It brings healing, particularly healing of the feminine aspect. (This is for those of you who are in the male-gender bodies as well.)

Allow the flower to receive the parts of self that have been hiding from the light of love. Bring those parts of yourself that are tired and in need of help to sit in the petals of the flower. Rest in this image for as long as needed.

If you wish to find out more about Tara's Sister being White Tara please read on.

Rob Lightbearer

heart chakra meditation

I have been asked many times if I could explain a good heart chakra meditation.  Nine times out of ten it is because there are emotional upsets which someone needs to relive themselves from.  One thing that is over looked when people think about the heart chakra, and heart chakra meditations, is the profound impact it can have on your entire being.  The heart is the bridge between the world, and you’re humanly ego traits and the universe and your spiritual traits.  By exercising the heart chakra in meditation you will increase your journey into spirituality as well as improve your quality of life.

Meditation of the Twin Hearts

Cleansing Exercise.

The best way to cleanse the etheric body is by doing simple physical exercises such as yoga or tai chi for about five to ten minutes. During whatever form of exercise you choose concentrate on your breathing, making sure to breathe deep into the lower abdomen.  As you progress visualise light greyish matter, or used-up energy, being expelled from the etheric body and see healthy clean energy taking its place. Exercise whether you realise it or not has the effect of spreading and dissipation energetic congestion which will help especially with the meditation of the two hearts.

Divine Invocation

This can take any form you wish, it can be a short prayer of protection or assistance or just a request to whichever form you follow.  The invocation will help maintain your energetic integrity while it is in an expanded state during the heart chakra meditation, when it is vulnerable to interactions with less healthy energetic imprints.  It also serves to focus the mind on the task in hand and help you in achieving your aim.

Activating the Heart Chakra.

Pressing or gently tapping the heart chakra at the centre of your chest with the intention of activating it.  Then concentrate on the heart chakra and feel your whole being fill with loving kindness.  Using this feeling bless the whole world with loving-kindness. When conducting this blessing visualise the world as a ball hovering to the front of your chest, and as you bless the world fill with pink light and see people interact with others in a kind manner. See people smile at each other and being filled with joy. See strangers hugging in the street, and enemies reconcile their differences.  You should personally feel joy, happiness, and peace filling your entire being. Do not at any time during this blessing focus on any particular people you may have in mind as this may overwhelm them and cause them harm. Keep it utterly anonymous.

Activating the Crown Chakra.

Once again, as with the heart chakra Press or gently tap the top of your head for a few seconds with the intention of activating the crown chakra. And as before then bless the planet earth with loving-kindness but this time from the crown chakra. Just as when activating the heart chakra feel the same positive energies and positive activities you observed. The key difference is this time visualise brilliant white light from your Crown chakra blessing the entire earth.

Blessing with both Crown and Heart Chakras.

Take the previous activities of blessing with either the heart chakra or the crown chakra and combine them this time blessing the earth simultaneously from both the Crown and Heart chakras with golden light. Again feel the same loving kindness you felt during the exercise with the heart chakra and the crown chakra.  See the same acts of kindness you observed with both the heart chakra and the crown chakra.  Most importantly maintain your breathing deep and low into the bottom of your gut. Blessing with both the crown chakra and the heart chakra will increase the power of this meditation exponentially and will have a great impact not only on your but on everyone on planet earth.  You may continue this meditation for as long as you feel comfortable.
Achieving Illumination.

You may not achieve what is described as illumination straight away but given practice it will come.  Illumination is achieved by a state of relaxation and stillness of mind and kindness of heart.  Illumination can only be described of a state of extreme stillness of mind, and you will automatically see white or gold light engulf your entire being.  Illumination is not full enlightenment but is a step in the right direction.  It is a state of expanded consciousness and expanded energy.  What you see is high level energy pouring in through your crown chakra and flooding and cleansing your aura.

There are many exercises which some say can help prepare you for this, but I do not personally prescribe them, as it is a fake experience which some enthusiasts may focus on rather than the intent of the meditation itself.  Illumination is blissful, and enjoyable and helps to accelerate the path but by achieving illumination through acts of kindness you will stabilize your development and make progress much much easier in the long run.

Releasing Excess Energy.

After meditation in order to prevent headaches and nausea and other unpleasant symptoms, you must release excess energy.  My personal preferred technique is to ground thoroughly gathering the energy in your head in a ball at the third eye and pushing it down through your body and into your abdomen.  Allow this energy to rest in the lower storage centre. Once you have rested then push any excess energy down through your legs and into the earth, thanking the earth for helping you. Repeat this process as many times as is necessary to ensure any congested feelings are gone.

Kundalini Shakti

Kundalini Is a subject which i have spoken around and through but never truly approached the issue directly until now.  what i would like to do is explain in depth what some of the exercises i have described so far, actually do both physically and spiritually. 

By way of introduction, here is a brief article by a Master Chrism, giving a brief oerview of this energy.

Kundalini is an evolutionary energy that is designed for humanity’s next step toward a luminous physical and spiritual expression. The Kundalini is in everyone. It is an untapped resource of divinity within us all that is waiting to be awakened and experienced. Never has the time been so right and crucial for a change of this magnitude to be explored and initiated.


Kundalini is a very powerful and transformative energy located at the base of the spine within the last three vertebrae of the tailbone or coccyx, extending to the perineum. Kundalini is a natural birthright to all people but must be sought and nurtured with a physical and spiritual practice.

Kundalini Shakti has been worshiped by millions and millions of people over thousand and thousands of years. Since the gift has been received there been those who have sought to retain it. This is an aspect of the awakening that needs to be discussed.

Doesn’t matter what religious belief system one partakes of as Kundalini is represented by all of them albeit with different names associated to the process.

To worship the inner divine, by whatever name it is referred to, is as a deep form of surrender. It is the way for the body and mind and emotions and psychology to be devoted to the living spiritual divine within us. This can become a compelled activity from the Kundalini to (you) the vessel of the Kundalini.

This compelling can become as an “ache” within the individual for a deeper commitment to the process and the response will often be given in forms of worship and devotion.

Do not be surprised at this if you become aware of being given to surrender in this way even though you are not the type of person to do this. And also do not resist these gifts of guidance. We are far more than what we know and that which is part of us and yet exalted beyond our present understandings will not give to us what isn’t appropriate.

Worship the inner divine when compelled to do so. Do not resist it even though it may be out of character for you. Worship and be devotional and feel the Kundalini respond within you.

The millions are and have been worshiping the Kundalini to have it come to them for the most part. For many of you Kundalini has already come. Let your devotion come through your gratitude.

This happens far more often than not within the process and so this recognition needs to be given.

Blessings all and may the observance and love of the inner divine be reflected by you back towards its source.

~chrism

Chrism is a native of California. He travels the country awakening the Kundalini in groups of people safely and with continued support throughout the many years of the Kundalini awakening experience. Kundalini as it expresses through Chrism is the teacher.

For further information: http://www.kundaliniawakeningseminars.com/

To read about Mudras follow Top Ten Mudras for Health, Weight Loss and Much More

Rob Lightbearer

Spring Retreat 2011

As inconvenient as it has been for my readers, and I apologise for that, I have been on retreat and solitude again for a number of weeks.  The build up beginning at the start of this year hence the lack of activity on the blog.  I once again apologise, however unlike many bloggers and spiritual individuals I genuinely believe in experiential development and living precisely what i speak about.

My retreat started with primarily getting to know and understand my surroundings.  being mindful in every moment, judging nothing and just being.  the majority of activity undertaken during this period was essential activity required by the human for in order to survive, i.e. preparing a source of healthy food and water.  Finding the perfect location in order to conduct my internal retreat in peace and true solitude where I would be warm and safe and perfectly alone. This activity can not be underestimated and provides not only physical value but indeed great spiritual activity, in fact the bhagavad gita highlights the spiritual essence of prescribed activities necessary to the maintenance and survival of the physical vehicle.

The Crux of this retreat was not only meditation and continuing the internal journey but also revisiting and rediscovering the spiritual texts, which I must be honest was hugely revelatory.  The most astounding thing I found, not only for for my understanding of this journey but also the realisation of how valuable the techniques I have published are.

I remember one enlightened master stating that when fully realised in the place of illumination it will appear that the sacred bhagavad gita has been written by you.  Now I have read this text cover to cover and own a copy, however have not returned to this text for many years.  Having studied it on retreat once more I realised just how similar the context of this blog is to that wonderful text.  One thing that I have disclosed which the gita has not is the techniques which I found useful in order to achieve that state of mind.  There are many sources on the web which may differ from my viewpoint.  In this instance I can wholeheartedly refer you to the bhagavad gita as some sort of confirmation that you are in the correct place to learn what you need to know in order to achieve your fullest spiritual potential.

I am (and have stated on many occasions) a great believer in timely synchronicity and that you are here because it is your time.  You are here because you are ready for the veil of illusion to be drawn back.  That which those who either don't know the truth, or wish to keep the truth a secret for purposes of the ego can be found here.

bless you all

Soul Merging by Blake Paysse

This series of video's were recommended to me by a reader a week or so ago. During that time i have been reviewing the material and deciding what I truly felt about this individual and his video's.  I don't mean that to sound judgemental however i always intended this blog to be a spiritual tool of experiential value and as such will always make sure that i believe in the substance of what i write about.

I find Blake to be a very nice individual who's values I feel are on alignment with my own. By that I mean, he is focused on spiritual growth through self empowerment.  He wishes you to grow not through his efforts but by your own development, and this is not true of the vast majority of individuals out there in the arena. He explains in easily understandable language what his objectives are and in my view holds no secrets back. 

His work is free of charge and although probably doing himself a dis-service by this is most definitely helping others through his work.

The video series I will publish here is a soul merging and healing process which will trigger a rapid healing of all levels of your being in order to bring about change from the physical through to the monad and beyond.  The reason why I say trigger a change rather than completely change the make up of your energetic body is that every individual is different, they each carry differing issues and hold blocks at many levels.  Some will not be physically ready to complete the change now, but this series I am certain will help lead you on that road.  For those who have been working hard on their personal development this system will boost your efforts and take you to the next level and beyond.

Chakra Merging

Meridians Merging

Aura Merging

Body Merging

Total Higher Self Merging

Bless you all

Meditation Video Series

I find this to be a great introduction to meditation and the spiritual and healthful journey, it speaks in a language that everyone can understand with no attempts to over intellectualise or confuse the viewer please enjoy.

There are many more detailed aspects of the energetic system and how it functions during the developmental process that are missing from these video's but the information to fill the blanks is across the various posts of The Healing Sphere.  If the notion takes you on the journey to find out more then have a browse and find out more.

It is well worth it.

Bless you all

White Tara Mantra - White Tara - The 21 Bodhisatvas

OM TARE TUTARE TURE MAMA AYURPUNYE JNANA PUTIN KURU SVAHA

This is a great write up about the Buddhist deity called White Tara.  The reason I have decided to publish this is not because I am telling everyone to take up this religion or indeed worship this deity but to highlight the strengths of this archetypal power or energy and in the esoteric fashion of the rest of this blog you can utilise this energy whether or not you are inclined to follow or believe in her.
white Tara mantra
By calling in this being using the White Tara Mantra, you are actually calling in a very specific energy allowing the qualities and virtues to heal any associated imbalances within your being and thus an extremely powerful tool to have at your disposal.
White Tara Mantra
White Tara

Tara's name translates roughly as One Who Saves. She is compassionate towards all living beings and has a heartfelt desire to prevent further suffering which has been described as stronger than a mother's love for her children. Tara is the Bodhisattva (one who has pledged to put the suffering of others before her own release from suffering) and encompasses the qualities of all Buddha's past, present, and future.

It is said that Avalokiteshvara, (the Lord of the World) was looking down from his realm and wept to see the suffering of all worldly beings.  He was frustrated at the fact that no matter how many beings were saved from suffering their seemed to be more and more who were still in pain. It is stated that from the tears he shed two Taras were born, from the left a peaceful being of white and from the left a fierce being of green.
White Tara Mantra
As these two beings encompassed all the qualities of the Buddha's, Avalokiteshvara was encouraged to never give up his near endless task. In the Tara Tantra it is stated that Tara is the female companion of Avalokiteshvara, "Mother of Buddhas of all three times," Intent on saving all beings from suffering. The special qualities of Tara are to overcome unharmonious conditions and destroy external threats and obstructions. She resides in the ultimate reality, and the true body of the Buddha's. Tara shakes the three worlds, dispels the effects of poison, eliminates conflicts and nightmares, cures diseases, and overcomes ghosts and demons.

Tara Specifically focus's on the eight dangers. 1) lions and pride; 2) wild elephants and delusions; 3) forest fires and hatred; 4) snakes and envy; 5) robbers and fanatical views; 6) prisons and avarice; 7) floods and lust; and 8) demons and doubts. It is said that by merely calling to her for help she will intercede.  Her left hand shows the gesture of granting refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddhism (the Buddha (Teacher), the Dharma (Teaching), and the sangha (Community)).
White Tara Mantra
Tara has been worshipped throughout the Buddhist world although some have differing names, In Tibet she is called Drolma, in China Kuan Yin or Kuan Shi Yin. In the Chinese tradition Avalokiteshvara and Tara are combined together and have become a female figure. In the Tibetan tradition and in the Sanskrit tradition in India Avalokiteshvara is seen as a male figure and Tara as a female figure [both being the embodiment of all Buddha's]. The Japanese tradition calls her Kannon, and is in fact the namesake of the popular company Canon.
White Tara Mantra
The second verse of The praise in twenty-one homages, a praise to Tara, you find, ‘Homage! Tara, swift, heroic! With regard like instant lightning!’ This refers to the speed in which calling upon her works "it is quick as lightening".
White Tara Mantra
There are different manifestations of Tara; some are green, some are white, some are yellow, some are red and they carry different aspects of the whole. one of the 21 manifestations of Tara is White Tara "the swift one", This does not mean that the others are not fast but merely other traits are focussed upon, such as Wrathful Tara, Powerful Tara, Peaceful Tara, etc.  These manifestations are all Tara but focusing on different qualities and a different effect on the individual practitioner.
White Tara Mantra
White Tara is an emanation of Tara who is connected with longevity. One calls on her for health, strength, and longevity.

Her white colour indicates purity, but also indicates that she is Truth complete and undifferentiated.

She wears the Bodhisattva ornaments.

She has seven eyes: the two usual eyes, plus an eye in the centre of her forehead and eyes in her hands and feet. These indicate that she sees all suffering and all cries for help, even in the human world, even in the worlds of pain, using both ordinary and psychic or extraordinary means of perception. She carries day lotuses.

White Tara is also known as Samaya Tara, meaning Vow Tara. This refers to Tara's vow to save all beings and also to our vow, which is a Bodhisattva vow like Tara's.

Whereas the Green Tara is a young girl and has a mischievous or playful nature, the White Tara is represented as a mature woman, full-breasted and wise.

Some practitioners comment that the energy of the two main Taras feels a little different. Green Tara is very immediate and quick. She primarily focus's on physical and material assistance, as well as spiritual assistance. She can feel very close.
White Tara Mantra
White Tara seems to help more with longer-term problems, of physical or mental health. She can seem more distant, harder to contact at first. Then it is as if she sends us healing energies and mystical power and understandings.
White Tara Mantra
In Imagery
Often in pictures of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Tibetan: Chenrezig), the two Taras in front of him - the White Tara to his right, and the Green to his left.
White Tara Mantra
Similarly, Padmasambhava (Tibetan: Guru Rinpoche) is depicted with two of his consorts. The Indian princess Mandarava, with whom he accomplished; the Rainbow Body practice, is identified with White Tara. The Tibetan princess Yeshes Tsogyal, his consort and a source of many important lineage teachings (for example the Kandro Nyin-thig), is identified with the Green Tara.
White Tara Mantra
White Tara Mantra
White Tara Mantra. long version is:
White Tara Mantra

OM TARE TUTARE TURE MAMA AYURPUNYE JNANA PUTIN KURU SVAHA.

White Tara Mantra
White Tara Mantra. short version is:
White Tara Mantra

om tare tuttare ture soha

White Tara Mantra
Which roughly translates as: Quickly with boldness, clearing away all fear, distress, and suffering of all beings, complete victory of truth over all negativity, in all accomplishments.
White Tara Mantra
Mantra Recitation and Visualization
From the red hri at Amitayus' heart, rays of red light shine out into the ten directions, hooking back the essence of long life from all samsaric and non-samsaric beings and from the four elements and also hooking back all the life previously stolen by black magic and so forth. All this is drawn into the nectar in the long life vase in Amitayus' lap. The nectar increases endlessly and overflows into my crown and completely fills my body
White Tara Mantra
At my heart, in the tigle on the white tam, sits my own guru (or anyone whose long life you want to pray for). Surrounding him on a moon disc, are all sentient beings: enemies, friends and strangers. Surrounding them, on the edge on the moon disc, are the letters of the mantra:
White Tara Mantra
om tare tuttare ture mama ayur punye jnyana
White Tara Mantra
pushtim kuru ye soha
White Tara Mantra
The nectar flowing through my body completely elminates from my guru (or for whomever you are doing this practice) all hindrances to his/her long life, (which are in fact my own karmic vision*). The nectar also purifies the hindrances to life and the black karmic vision of all sentient beings. At the same time, light from the letters of the mantra fills my own Tara body and the bodies of all the sentient beings at my heart, especially of those practicing virtue in the three worlds
White Tara Mantra
*This applies only to the appearance of sickness in regards to the guru.
White Tara Mantra
While doing this visualization, repeat the mantra
White Tara Mantra
21 times: om tare tuttare ture mama ayur punye jnyana pushtim kuru ye soha
White Tara Mantra
Then as often as you like: om tare tuttare ture soha
White Tara Mantra
Think strongly: the hindrances that cause my guru to appear sick or that prevent his holy wishes from being fulfilled are all purified. All sentient beings are purified, and all human beings who are accumulating virtue by just even taking refuge or by repeating om mani padme hum achieve long life.
White Tara Mantra
Upon seeing the signs of untimely death instantaneously, by clearly beholding the holy body of the Wish-Fulfilling Wheel Tara, may I intrepidly conquer the lord of death and swiftly attain the rank of an immortal master of knowledge.

If you wish to read about someone who is currently very advanced on the path read Palden Dorje

 

Rob Lightbearer

Palden Dorje ( Buddha Boy ) Dharma Sangha

Im not sure if you are aware or have heard of Palden Dorje.  He is quite a remarkable character who i have been watching for quite some time now and genuinely believe he has something very special to offer all beings.  He has devoted his life so far to the practices of love compassion and forgiveness as he knows them and is slowly nearing the start of his ministry.

Here is a brief overview of his teachings so far.

Palden Dorje's new name is Dharma Sangha.


His new committee and the name of the Dharma he teaches is called

Bodhi Sravan Dharma Sangha which means the Sangha of the Cosmic Law who heed the teachings of enlightenment.( This committee has now been legally registered in Nepal as a non-profit organization.) There are many levels of enlightenment, and he has been instructed by many Gurus (also called Buddhas) of many different religious traditions throughout the world through his meditation. The Gurus, both male and female, come to bless him, imparting what they have learned during their lives on this Earth. In 2011 he will share with us according to our capabilities what he has learned over these six years through texts, chanted prayer, meditation techniques and many explanatory thangkha. There are several requirements that are basic to obtaining this knowledge, that is open mindedness and avoiding discrimination towards any living being no matter what caste, religion, gender, race, or social standing; a sincere desire to serve the purposes of this Earth, and all its inhabitants, whether human, animal, or plant, that they may be happy and free; and a fervent wish to reach enlightenment for the sake of benefitting all sentient beings. This will take place in the Halkoriya Jungle and at the Terthup Dharma Hall now under construction at Dharma Sangha's first meditation site.

Dharma Sangha (October 8, 2010):

Homage to Guru Dharma!

Homage to Guru, and Maitri to all religions and communities!

For world peace and to benefit all sentient beings, I’m giving this message of peace to the world with new wisdom and a new method.

I , Dharma Sangha, will continue penance for nine months more. Afterwards, I will teach the wisdom and pure Dharma to those devotees who wander here in search of receiving that which is given to me by the Buddhas. Also I will continue to do meditation and penance.

The wisdom which is given to me by the Buddhas is Bodhi Shrawan Dharma, to which I have listened and understood from the Buddhas themselves, and also by following those paths of wisdom and I will be telling that wisdom according to devotees’ needs and capacity of understanding.

This Dharma is a path, full of the pure Wisdom of the Buddhas. Modern people believe that, Dharma is a principle and institution, and though they have reached the meaning of Dharma closely, they are in fact far from real Dharma.

I believe that those who practice the eight moralities, and understand the real Dharma will practice the pure Dharma.

Eight moralities or rules are:

1.Not to discriminate against human beings according to their cast, religion, gender or color etc.

2.Not to humiliate religions by comparing them as superior or inferior.

3.Not to accept discriminative doctrinal principles.

4.Not to think of nations as separate or treat countries as friends and enemies.

5.To avoid debates and arguments as to whether something is true or false as one view will likely be undervalued and another exaggerated.

6.Not to practice the 10 negative actions.

7.To practice three trainings- moral discipline, concentration and wisdom and the dedication of your life to social and national services.

8.To attain perfect enlightenment or dedicate yourself to get liberation for oneself or others.

I would like to tell the world to practice the eight moralities or rules. Practice all the moralities and spread the pure Dharma and peace in the world.

Besides this, I focus on keeping the spiritual Gurus and lay persons away from greed, fame, ignorance and attachment and always focus on attaining perfect happiness and peace for as long as life exists.

Finally, let’s make this world a Dharma world which is very suitable to live in not only for human beings, animals, living creatures, and plants, but also for Buddhas.

May All Beings Be Happy.

Dharma Sangha (November 22, 2008):

Great, great vehicle that means

I have taken refuge in Great Ampa dharma

I have taken refuge in all monks

I have taken refuge in the sangha

All sentient beings are impermanent

All present things are impermanent.

Transitory intellectual forms are rich only for appearance. From the creation of human to all sentient beings all are policy of birth, old age, death of the cycle of impermanent existence.

Nobody can stop this. The world knows the present form, past form, Arhat soul form, supreme being form, non being form. These three forms has already made the world unsteady. The true knowledge Maitriya knowledge has not been recognized by anybody. The soul Maitreya knowledge has its own guidance. But the policy of the world is not Supreme Being. It does not change it's philosophy in its essence. But all philosophy, the philosophy of religion is talking about the same thing. All human beings are unable regarding the religion and Bedha philosophy. Some kept doing some doing following the religion Beda and the whole life was repent. All religious text will find a different one while the same form philosophy. Those who get guidance will be submerged in practical selfish attitude but the glory between soul and super soul will never end. If the maitreya knowledge between the soul and super soul is recognized the wrong karma element of the world can be destroyed. But the world is submerged in its own selfish aim and nobody could keep the search of soul and the super soul in their heart. Today the world is in search of non violence and guidance in the form of kindness and maitreya.

That could not be found from anywhere but today the world is frightened, terrorized and restless by the name of materialism. If this war generation is changed again the world will if that is obtained by the same form philosophy dhyanmarga I have been following. I will bring to light thousands of Buddhist texts, Buddhist guidance through meditation. In today's world there is the maitreya idea between soul and the super soul that is going thin and slow. The weakness between human beings is getting respect less and devotion less because of kali yuga. Because of momentary happiness the maitri feeling between soul and the super soul has already been forgotten. All momentary addiction form philosophy and material form philosophy will leave religion philosophy one day. But the repentance of whole life will become blue sky form that comes after death.

If we have the knowledge of maitri between the soul and super soul because of one's spiritual power the subtle knowledge can be seen after death. I have gained the guidance of the whole life through hard meditation philosophy. The knowledge that is gained through dedication will be improved in practical knowledge. To liberate all sentient beings as well as to show the world the way to peace, all human beings, monks, knowledge and kempo dharma followers I will speak about maitreya knowledge form philosophy. Unless there is enlightened wisdom between all sentient beings, I have already dedicated my life for the helpless sentient beings.

This mahayan or maha Ampa dharma is not only for myself but it is for the liberation of all helpless beings. I have been meditating with lot of difficulty and I have become the Guru of all dharma or the first dharma of all which is srawan dharma. Second from among the dedication dharma Bodhisattwa which means I have become the Guru to liberate all helples beings. Hundreds of Jimphen Buddha means the Maitry Buddha. Hundred Jimphen Semkoi means all the sentient beings who have the feeling of Maitry. The second form philosophy Maha Ampa dharma or mahayan yanik.

While looking at the form philosophy of the whole world from meditation philosophy point of view the instance form will be improved and changed. While changing the whole sentient beings don't be unsatisfied evil. This is the form philosophy of the whole world which keeps changing. If properly guided, if helpless sentient beings are liberated, if proper guidance for liberation and siddhi is provided for the worldly knowledge the helpless sentient beings the worldly knowledge that liberates the helpless sentient beings this is the non soul maitry knowledge which liberates and gives miraculous power.

Riddi Siddhi

May all beings be happy.
Dharma Sangha (November 10, 2008):

I have taken refuge in the Great Great Vehicle that is Yampa Dharma

I have taken refuge in all Dharma, Sangha

I greet all Buddha lineages and take refuge. Keeping in mind, in accordance with the time of each society, public sentiment, the country and birth and stay, while meditating and practicing for the purpose of attaining peace for livelihood, I have dedicated my whole life, body and speech for suffering beings.

The day was auspicious and the boy was age six or seven. That boy was of silent thought and noble feeling. One day at the request of the god of sleep the boy saw in a vision a great person preaching. That great person was wearing a white robe, his complexion was white and light was coming out of his body and speech came out of him, “Look here human being why have you come? That boy had gone to visit that great man. Then he also promised the boy why have you come ? who are you ? such speech was being heard. In that situation the answer was given by the boy. He was a mediator in his past life and his age was eight or nine. Then one miraculous scene occurred. There was a village of the Tharu community at some distance from the village. One dead body was brought from that village for cremation at the bank of a river which is near the village. That boy was roaming with his friends near there. All of a sudden the boy's sight went towards the funeral pyre. That light was burning in yellow and green flame. Day by day that boy started to think that liberation will be achieved after death in the same manner. Insight of the previous meditation got developed and the bright light of the body which was on the funeral pyre and the knowledge of the meditation of past life reminded him day and night. Gradually, after the knowledge of meditation path the need of one solitary place was raised. In the beginning, starting from the seventh chakra while reaching at Brahma chakra. klesha and Mara were destroyed and invisible lights entered into the body. The knowledge of Maitri of Lok and Alok has been gained. The knowledge about the Lok and Alok can not be given to this Samsara (world) unless and until the god gives order to do so. For this Samsara, I am abiding Dharma while being a Bodhisattwa keeping away from undesired action (Akushala papa) keeping the Maitri Bhawana (noble thought) in mind one has to act good with karma, speech and mind while being away from sexual misconduct, anger, and greed. From the Dhyana marga (meditation path) again God gave the speech. This troubled world is suffering because it is not getting Karuna (Compassion) because of ignorance caused by greed, anger, aversion, envy and attachment. The human beings have taken the policy and tradition to destroy themselves as well as the god lineage. Let's make path of peace. Abide by nana ashana dharma by renouncing body, speech and mind for the sentient beings of the world which are in the form of consciousness is the first aim for world peace and liberation of sentient beings of the world being one pointed to concentration for the welfare of human beings Dharma. I will always provide pure guidance by taking seela, dharma and punya as daily routine

I have taken refuge in the liberator forever. I will change all conscious lost sentient beings into the path of liberation and mokchya by making them realize the thought of compassion by keeping in mind the world which is lingering in between the earth and the sky which has taken impermanent birth and wandering in the world

It is not that there has been no noble truth knowledge in the world for the welfare of sentient beings. In all noble beings policy, tradition, religion is being changed in a changed form. Wrong policy, tradition and religion has led all noble beings towards separation. That is why it is one form of human beings of the world to accept good policy. The parmatma element knowledge is the same. The world standing on one element. One element will destroy as well as save the world. If the whole world accepts one right religion I can light the light of peace. The whole world will be able to touch the thought of each other. The knowledge of Dharma will provide guidance for non-violence, charity and compassion and to liberate the sentient beings the human beings besides understanding this thought of friendship will be suffering because of desire and attachment created by ignorance. Human beings suffer because of worldly greed. They are restless and in agony from the burden of evil deed. What is the meaning of human beings’ suffering? There is a problem understanding what the suffering of human beings is. We don't want to experience the suffering. In this impermanent world there is nothing that has no suffering. From birth to death, being human there is suffering. By not being successful in forgetting or renouncing desire, suffering humans are in the suffering world throughout life. That's why in the world it is full of the law of injustice and untruth all struggling with the thought of desire.

Likewise, it is a difficult thing to take the path of human welfare. But human beings full of desire are suffering because of blind faith. By always thinking about them, I will be absorbed in meditation by taking the form of a Bodhisattwa for the liberation of all sentient beings suffering in the cycle of this world until all of them get enlightenment.

May all beings be happy.

Dharma Sangha (October 19, 2007):

Prayers of Kunchu Sum, the three divine beings.

Peace among all living creatures

and for the spiritual welfare of mankind, this is a message:

I salute all religious seekers.

I salute all monks.

And I salute all religious sangha.

Since I have received a command from the Bhagavan of the three jewels to liberate and uplift humankind and the creatures of the world, I have abided by the promise to free the transient world from the ocean of emotions, and to free the world from worldly ignorance; I have been contemplating single mindedly to free human kind and all living creatures. All sentient beings want to be liberated from worldly sorrows and pains. But by birth they are not equipped as humankind to seek after spirituality and get freed. They are also praying to Bhagavan. They are glad to be in this world. Humankind are creating traditions that will destroy the entire humanity and living creatures. In the name of religion; killings, violence, anger, jealousy and divisions are being promoted. There is only one atma (higher self); this has one form; the higher self of all humans is the same, only the tradition and customs are different. Always embrace the path of mercy, compassion, non-violence, peace; this is the message I want to convey to our society and to all the citizens of the world. A true Dharma, the true human Dharma, will always search for truth. The search for truth is the only beneficial way of humans. Despite the existence of thousands of paths; chaos, greed, attachment, anger, and jealousy have imprisoned our society and humankind. In this way the world is heading towards destruction. So it is high time that the citizens of the world take this into consideration. Humans should never forget their ultimate religious duty and their society. Refrain from killings, violence, greed, jealousy, attachments and evil character. Shed the tears of mercy and compassion; show to the world the way of liberation. After we die it is extremely difficult to return to a human life. People think that we don’t reincarnate after death. No, we receive a human life due to our virtuous work. We earn the fruits due to the merits of our work. Now the world is governed by three forms. The first form is greed; the second form is anger; the third form is attachment and jealousy that are ruling this world. May all the religious traditions change. All the religious people need to first find the Truth, and by cultivating mercy, compassion, non-violence, and peace in their hearts, they need to beautify the world with the way of liberation. I will continue to contemplate and meditate on the liberation of living beings by being focused in my path of wisdom until I find the ultimate form of enlightenment, the Samyak Sambodhi. Salute to the ultimate form of enlightenment and may all beings be happy.

Dharma Sangha (August 2, 2007):

Murder, violence, greed, anger and temptation have made the human world a desperate place. A terrible storm has descended upon the human world, and this is carrying the world towards destruction. There is only one way to save the world and that is through dharma. When one doesn't walk the righteous path of spiritual practice, this desperate world will surely be destroyed. Therefore, follow the path of spirituality and spread this message to your fellows. Never put obstacles, anger and disbelief in the way of my meditation's mission. I am only showing you the way; you must seek it on your own. What I will be, what I will do, the coming days will reveal. Human salvation, the salvation of all living beings, and peace in the world are my goal and my path. "Namo Buddha sangaya, Namo Buddha sangaya, namo sangaya." I am contemplating on the release of this chaotic world from the ocean of emotion, on our detachment from anger and temptation, without straying from the path for even a moment, I am renouncing my own attachment to my life and my home forever, I am working to save all living beings. But in this undisciplined world, my life's practice is reduced to mere entertainment.

The practice and devotion of many Buddhas is directed at the world's betterment and happiness. It is essential but very difficult to understand that practice and devotion. But though it is easy to lead this ignorant existence, human beings don't understand that one day we must leave this uncertain world and go with the Lord of Death. Our long attachments with friends and family will dissolve into nothingness. We have to leave behind the wealth and property we have accumulated. What's the use of my happiness, when those who have loved me from the beginning, my mother, father, brothers, relatives are all unhappy. Therefore, to rescue all sentient beings, I have to be Buddha-mind, and emerge from my underground cave to do vajra meditation. To do this I have to realize the right path and knowledge, so do not disturb my practice. My practice detaches me from my body, my soul and this existence. In this situation there will be 72 goddess Kalis. Different gods will be present, along with the sounds of thunder and of "tangur", and all the celestial gods and goddesses will be doing puja (worship). So until I have sent a message, do not come here, and please explain this to others. Spread spiritual knowledge and spiritual messages throughout the world. Spread the message of world peace to all. Seek a righteous path and wisdom will be yours.

Read the Traditional Chinese Medicine series

Rob Lightbearer

The High Energies of Winter 2010/2011 (Shape of Things to Come)

This is my first full day back after what has been a powerful and eventful Christmas and New Year.  The energies have been intense and it has shown on those around us, wired to the moon is an understatement.

The heightened energies began in the build up to the annual meteor shower (which living in Scotland I had an amazing view) and really reached their peak in the mid winter solstice which in 2010 was most definitely a once in a lifetime occurrence.  there are many false witness's claiming to have sat at 0500hrs GMT watching the eclipse of the moon and how spiritual it was for them, and how this moment predestined their spiritual leadership etc etc.  I was once again very privileged in living where i do as i saw the whole thing start to finish and the eclipse actually occurred at around 0745 GMT and ended around 0815 GMT (purely adding those details in order to assist in your decision making process when reading or listening to certain guru's and their not so truthful claims, i would never state that someone is misleading but merely provide the tools to help you make your own decision)

The spiritual energies of that eclipse were extremely cleansing, and I know I certainly felt the impact of it (which is unusual, as for the most part building your energetic body will protect you from these energetic swings)  The un-awakened appear to have many many issues raised to their conscious mind and were helpless to know what to do with these emotions.  This resulted in quite an emotional and in some cases violent time for some.  You may have witnessed this yourself or in those around you, I know I certainly felt a general atmosphere of oppression when I found myself in large groups. 

Some may ask why, if these energies are so cleansing do some people react so badly to them?  the simple answer is that those on a firm spiritual path have developed means of resolving suppressed emotional garbage and so these heightened times are not unusual to them and thus can deal with them in a mature and blessed fashion.  But those who have no knowledge of these things and have not yet dealt with their baggage will find and overwhelming surge of every suppressed hurt, pain and anger which must be released somehow.  The importance of all of the things i have spoken about previously is only highlighted in these people and their reactions,  If only they had known, if only they could have understood, maybe some suffering could have been avoided.

It is supposed that 2012 will bring a greater insurgence of energies than the previous solstice, I am not sure it will but i will leave you to decide on that one.  One thing is for certain that the steady progression of energy intensity will continue upwards.  Some preach that 2012 will herald an age of love and light, but surely as we have seen, heightened energies help those who know what to do with them, but bring up the worst emotions in those who still remain asleep.  I'm afraid that the profits of glory will be disappointed as manifest existence is an existence of free will and glory will only arise once every single sentient being has awakened and made the free will choice to develop.  To rise from the ashes of the third dimension.  Look at your own awakening and your own journey, how long has it taken you to bring you hear.  These changes will not happen any time soon, let alone overnight. 

In developing, be selfish as this is truly selfless.  In developing yourself you impact on those around you even if merely by preventing greater impact on the karmic pool, this indeed is a selfless act.

In developing, be selfless as this is truly selfish. As the desire to develop others develops you.

We are all one and as such there truly is no such thing as spiritual selfishness or selflessness, every step in development is a step for the greater good of all.  Even if all you can do is ride out the energetic swings without impinging on others, this is truly a great freedom.

Bless you all

Ayurveda Cosmic Beginning

TRIGUNA
Three primordial forces, or principles (GUNAS) namely Sattva, Rajas & Tamas, interweaving to create the five elements - space, air, fire, water and earth – birth the entire creation. The principle of stillness, tamas, replenishes the universe and its beings and is the main principle of support within the physical universe. The principle of self-organizing activity, rajas, gives motility and co-ordination to the universe and human life. The Principal of harmonic and cosmic intelligence, sattva, maintains universal and individual stasis and awareness. These

three cosmic principles, called gunas, operating through the five elements they have created, directly interface with human existence. On the physical plane, tamas works closely with the physical functions of the body, summarized as bodily humors called doshas, tissues and wastes. Tamas is said to exercise the greatest influence on the body’s water aspect, or Kapha dosha(humour)* human and gives the body its ability to cogitate and to endure long periods of gestation. Rajas influences the psychic plane of existence and works closely with the psychological functions of the body. On the physical level, rajas is said to exercise the most influence on the body’s air aspect, Vata Dosha (humour)*. It gives us our power to transform what is being perceived externally into thoughts, concepts, visions, and dreams.

Referred to as the universe’s cosmic intelligence, the third principle sattva, permeates each and every minute cell of our being. It functions through our existential states of awareness, although it also influences the physical organism to some extent. Within the physical body, sattva is said to exercise the most influence on its fire aspect, Pitta dosha (humour)*. Closely linked to the universal subtle fire, tejas, the sattva principle maintains the cosmic memory of the entire creation- the collective memory of every human- each individual’s memory accumulated from the beginning of time through each rebirth until the present time i.e– our personal wisdom.

*all the above mentioned doshas will be explained in detail in the coming post ( tridosh) The Panchamahabhutas

As mentioned earlier the three primordial forces ( sattva , rajas & tamas ) interweave to create the five elements( panchmahabhutas) which birth the entire creation. According to Ayurveda everything in life is composed of the Panchamahabhutas – Akash (Space), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire) and Prithvi (Earth). Omnipresent, they are mixed in an infinite variety of relative proportions such that each form of matter is distinctly unique. Constantly changing and interacting with each other, they create a situation of dynamic flux that keeps the world going.

This is a small example: Within a simple, single living cell for example the earth element predominates by giving structure to the cell. The water element is present in the cytoplasm or the liquid within the cell membrane. The fire element regulates the metabolic processes regulating the cell. While the air element predominates the gases therein. The space occupied by the cell denoting the last of the elements. In the case of a complex, multi-cellular organism as a human being for instance, akash (space) corresponds to spaces within the body (mouth, nostrils, abdomen etc.); vayu (air) denotes the movement (essentially muscular); agni (fire) controls the functioning of enzymes (intelligence, digestive system, metabolism); jal (water) is in all body fluids (as plasma, saliva, digestive juices); and prithvi (earth) manifests itself in the solid structure of the body (bones, teeth, flesh, hair et al).

The Panchmahabhutas therefore serve as the foundation of all diagnosis treatment modalities in Ayurveda and has served as a most valuable theory for physicians to detect and treat illness of the body and mind successfully. For example if a person has more of the fire element in the body he may suffer from more acid secretion (gastric/ digestive), which if causing harm in the form of hyperacidity etc., can be controlled by giving him food which contains more of jala (water) mahabhuta in it like sugarcane juice etc.

Table - 1

Language of the Doshas
The Physical, psychic and cosmic language of the body is created from the circadian rhythm of the universe set in motion some billions of years ago when the five great elements were born. Space, air, fire, water and earth, the first material for life, are the basis of the Vedic sciences. In Ayurveda human physiology and anatomy is rooted in bodily humors (doshas) tissues (dhatus) and wastes (malas). These three principles support all of life and are more than the physical substance of our anatomy.

Doshas are three in number called Tridoshas (tri meaning three and doshas being the basic physical energies/humors) . They are the primary and essential factors of the human body that govern our entire physical structure and function. Derived from the Panchmahabhutas (five elements), each dosha – which like the elements cannot be detected with our senses but their qualities can be. They are the combination of any two of the five bhutas (five elements) with the predominance of one. Called Vata, Pitta and Kapha in Sanskrit, these three are responsible for all the physiological and psychological processes within the body and mind – dynamic forces that determine growth and decay. Every physical characteristic, mental capacity and the emotional tendency of a human being can therefore be explained in terms of the tridoshas.

When existing in the body of all living organisms, the five elements congregate in a certain pattern and are known in Sanskrit as doshas, the literal meaning of which is, “that which is quick to go out of balance.” Doshas imply that the human system maintains a delicate balance, its dynamic elemental composition always being on the verge of disorder.

The doshas are a classic example of energy and matter in dynamic accord. All matter born from energy remains intricately woven within its core nature of energy. In a state of balance or equilibrium, doshas are considered an energy force in that we cannot visibly detect them as they move through and support bodily function.

For example most of the physical phenomena ascribed to the nervous system by modern physiology for example, can be identified with Vata. Just as the entire chemical process operating in the human body can be attributed to Pitta, including enzymes, hormones and the complete nutritional system. And the activities of the skeletal and the anabolic system, actually the entire physical volume of an organism, can be considered as Kapha. In a state of imbalance or disequilibrium the doshas become visible as excessive mucus, bile, flatus, and physical matter. When these early signs of disorder are ignored, imbalances can quickly become full-blown diseases.

In this unique system of explaining health, air and space—both ethereal elements – form one of the three doshas called Vata. Here air exercises its power of mobility only when space is available.

The elements fire and water form a second dosha called Pitta. Here the bodily water protects the heat of the body from burning through. An example of bodily fire is the acid in our stomachs, which, if leaked from the stomach, is capable of burning the organism with the force of a raging fire. Water is the buffering force that contains the body’s fires. The elements water and earth combine to form the third dosha called Kapha. Because of their mutual density, water gives earth its fluidity. Without water, earth would become stagnated and inert. Thus, the Kapha dosha enables a certain fluidity in the body without depriving it of its solid support. Thus the three doshas co-exist in all living organisms.

It is important to realize that these three are forces and not substances. Kapha is not mucus; it is the force that causes mucus to arise. Similarly pitta is not bile; but that which causes bile to be produced. And they are called doshas – literally meaning `faults’ or `out of whack’- as they indicate the fault lines along which the system can become imbalanced.

It is equally important to understand that the three doshas within any person keep changing constantly due to their doshic qualities (explained in the next chapter), the specific lifestyle and environment of the person, time and the season. Remember that these three are not separate energies but different aspects of the same energy, present together in an infinite variety of combination .The degree to which each dosha exists within a person determines the individual’s constitution, commonly referred to as body type (prakriti , which will be mentioned in the forthcoming pages).

Each dosha thus shares a quality with another (although there remain slight differences in the nature of shared quality). Also, each has an inherent ability to regulate and balance itself, which comes from the opposite qualities that arise from the doshas constituent (basic) elements.

When the doshas are in balance i.e. in a state of equilibrium, we remain healthy. As Charaka, the great ayurvedic sage, explained: "Vata, pitta and kapha maintain the integrity of the living human organism in their normal state and combine so as to make the man a complete being with his indriyas (sense organs) possessed of strength, good complexion and assured of longevity."

It is only when there is imbalance within these three doshas that disease is caused. And since it is the strongest dosha in the constitution that usually has the greatest tendency to increase, one is most susceptible to illnesses associated with an increase of the same.

THE THREE DOSHAS & THEIR BASIC QUALITIES

Table-2




 
Eash dosha also has a primary function in the body. Vata is the moving force, Pitta is the force of assimilation, and Kapha is the force of stability.

Vata, the most dominant of the doshas, governs bodily movement, the nervous system, and the life force. Without Vata’s mobility in the body, Pitta and Kapha would be rendered lame. Pitta governs enzymatic and hormonal activities, and is responsible for digestion, pigmentation, body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sight. Further, Pitta acts as a balancing force for Vata and Kapha.

Kapha governs the body’s structure and stability. It Imbricates joints, provides moisture to the skin, heals wounds, and regulates Vata and Pitta. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha pervade the entire body, but their primary domains are in the lower, middle, and upper body, respectively. Kapha rules the (UPPER) head, neck, thorax, chest, and upper portion of the stomach, fat tissues, and the joints. Pitta pervades the (MIDDLE) chest, umbilical area, stomach, small intestines, sweat and lymph glands, and the blood. Vata dominates the (LOWER) body, pelvic region, colon, bladder, urinary tract, thighs, legs, arms, bones, and nervous system.

Apart form its main site; each dosha has four secondary sites located in different areas of the body. Thus each dosha then has five sites considered to be its centres of operation, which include the various outreach systems because of which the entire body functions. The doshas interact continuously with the external elements to replenish their energy within the body. Each of the three doshas’ five sites has a specific responsibility towards the maintenance of the organism.

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Rob Lightbearer