On salvation
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: On salvation
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: On salvation
Year: 1992
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The discussion on consciousness serves as a foundation for understanding humanity's ultimate goal in life, which is to progress in its evolution towards achieving Universal consciousness. This quest for liberation, or Moksha, stems from the realization that individuals experience limitations and a lack of freedom due to the underdevelopment of their consciousness. The pursuit of liberation involves elevating one's life force, or divine essence, to attain a state of perfect freedom, power, and knowledge.
The Path of Yoga
A critical method for achieving this goal is through the various forms of spiritual practices known collectively as Yoga. Different branches of Yoga, including Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga, serve as psycho-physical methodologies that facilitate the journey from physical existence to spiritual awakening. Central to this practice is the concept of Kundalini, often referred to as the serpent power, which resides dormant at the base of the spine. The awakening of Kundalini is essential for spiritual ascendance through the chakras—each representing various levels of consciousness—culminating in the realization of Universal consciousness in the Sahasrara Padma, or the thousand-petalled lotus at the top of the human head.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while diverse paths exist within spiritual practice, they all fundamentally aim toward the attainment of Universal consciousness. The different approaches to achieving Moksha are not merely isolated paths but represent various expressions of the same truth within Sadhana Sastra. By deepening our understanding of these practices and the underlying principles of Yoga, individuals can merge their personal journeys with the larger quest for liberation, ultimately leading to a unified realization of the divine essence present within all.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main goal of human life according to the text?
The ultimate goal of human life is to complete the evolutionary process, elevating our consciousness towards the Universal consciousness, leading to liberation (Moksha) and perfect freedom.
What are the different types of Yoga mentioned?
The text mentions four broad divisions of Yoga: Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga, which are interconnected and form the basis of Tantra Sasthra.
What does Kundalini refer to in the context of Yoga?
Kundalini, or Serpent power, is the dormant divinity at the base of the spine that must be awakened and guided upwards through the Chakras to achieve liberation.
How do various methods of spiritual practice relate to each other?
Different methods of spiritual practice are seen as varied paths towards the same ultimate goal of attaining Universal consciousness, revealing their interconnected nature upon deep study.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “On salvation”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Yoga (Yogā):
Yoga refers to a holistic system of practices aimed at integrating the body, mind, and spirit. It is a process towards self-realization and realization of the Universal consciousness. Different types of Yoga, such as Hatha, Mantra, and Raja Yoga, serve various paths to achieve the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha).
2) Science (Scientific):
In the context of this discussion, 'Science' relates to the systematic exploration and understanding of the principles governing spiritual practices and consciousness. The text highlights that Yoga Science is an integrated approach that combines psycho-physical methodologies leading towards the universal truth of consciousness and liberation.
3) Sadhana (Sādhanā, Sādhana, Sadhāna):
Sadhana signifies a disciplined spiritual practice or pursuit that facilitates an individual's journey towards higher consciousness. Different methods of Sadhana are designed to cater to various dispositions and levels of understanding, reinforcing the idea that personal commitment and practice are crucial for attaining moksha.
4) Moksha (Mokṣa, Moksa, Mokṣā):
Moksha represents the ultimate goal of spiritual evolution, signifying liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and limitations. It is the attainment of perfect freedom, unbridled power, and unlimited knowledge, achieved through various methods of Yoga and spiritual practices in pursuit of the Divine consciousness.
5) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the dialogue and exploration of key spiritual concepts, such as consciousness and liberation. In this context, it invites readers to reflect on the nature of existence, human consciousness, and the various paths leading to spiritual realization, thereby deepening their understanding of these profound topics.
6) Kundalini (Kuṇḍalinī, Kundalinī, Kumdalini):
Kundalini is the latent divine energy, often visualized as a coiled serpent, located at the base of the spine (Mooladhara Chakra). It represents the potential for awakening higher consciousness. The process of raising Kundalini through various yogic practices facilitates the journey towards reaching the Sahasrara Padma and attaining moksha.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge, in this text, pertains to the understanding of spiritual truths and the nature of reality. It is through the pursuit of knowledge that individuals can awaken their consciousness and ultimately strive toward liberation. Attaining knowledge is a fundamental component in the practice of Sadhana and Yoga.
8) Evolution:
Evolution is described as the process through which human consciousness develops and ascends towards higher states. The text suggests that the evolution of consciousness is not complete in humans and emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices that facilitate the elevation of one's life force towards Universal consciousness.
9) Mantra (Māntra, Mamtra):
Mantra is a key element of Mantra Yoga, involving the use of sacred sounds or phrases that are believed to possess spiritual power. The practice of chanting mantras is said to aid in focus, meditation, and the alignment of individual consciousness with Universal consciousness, facilitating progress towards liberation.
10) Tantra (Tantrā, Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra represents an integrated spiritual framework encompassing various practices aimed at achieving higher states of consciousness. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of diverse paths within Yoga and Sadhana, unraveling the layers of spiritual wisdom and techniques essential for awakening Kundalini and reaching Mukthi.
11) Shastra (Śāstra):
Sastra denotes a body of knowledge or scriptures that provide guidance in spiritual practices. In this context, it refers to the teachings of Sadhana Sastra, which delineates various paths and methodologies for reaching universal consciousness, reinforcing the need for study and understanding in one’s spiritual journey.
12) Hatha (Haṭha):
Hatha Yoga is a physical discipline within the broader realm of Yoga. It emphasizes posture and breath control as foundational practices that prepare the body and mind for deeper meditative and spiritual experiences, ultimately aiding in the awakening of Kundalini and the pursuit of liberation.
13) Padma (Padmā, Pādma):
Padma, or lotus, symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening within the yogic tradition. The reference to Sahasrara Padma highlights the ultimate chakra at the crown of the head where consciousness merges with the Universal, denoting the achievement of moksha and the realization of one’s inherent divinity.
14) Guru:
Guru signifies a spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom and assists seekers on their journey toward enlightenment. The text emphasizes the importance of Guru Paramparas in transmitting knowledge and practices essential for the attainment of higher consciousness, thereby illustrating the role of guidance in Sadhana.
15) Raja (Rāja, Rājā):
Raja Yoga, often termed the 'royal path,' is a comprehensive system of self-discipline, including meditation and ethical precepts. It focuses on mastering the mind and establishing control over one's thoughts and actions as a means to achieve higher states of consciousness and ultimately attain liberation (Moksha).
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘On salvation’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Kundalini, Spiritual practice, Yoga science.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Guruparampara, Final liberation.