Lesson 1
Amānitvam - Absence Of Conceit
AMĀNITVAM is a key quality in self-awareness and humility and addresses the issue of exaggerated self-respect, or conceit. While genuine self-respect is beneficial, problems arise when this respect becomes inflated, leading to demands for acknowledgment from others and resulting in mutual friction and internal turmoil. Today, we will identify and observe these tendencies within ourselves, learning to recognize and transcend this inflated sense of self, thus fostering a more balanced and peaceful mind through our meditation practice.
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Lesson 2
Adambhitvam - Absence Of Pretence
In this lesson, we will reflect on past situations where you felt the need to prove, pretend, or defend yourself. By revisiting these memories, where you might have unconsciously sought to prove your worth or competence, we will explore how such moments influenced your sense of self. This reflection will guide us toward a deeper understanding and acceptance of ourselves as we cultivate genuine self-love and inner peace.
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Lesson 3
Ahimsā - Absence Of Hurt
This principle extends beyond physical actions to include thoughts and words. We explore why it's important to avoid causing harm—whether to ourselves, others, or the environment—by recognizing that true liberation comes from freeing ourselves from harmful thoughts and actions. Cultivating Ahimsa involves being sensitive and respectful towards all forms of life and understanding our interconnectedness with the world around us.
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Lesson 4
Kṣāntiḥ - Total Acceptance
We’ll explore how expectations and mechanical reactions block our acceptance, leading to frustration and anger when things don’t go as planned. By identifying these barriers, we aim to practice acceptance through meditation, focusing on how to accommodate and accept both situations and individuals in our lives.
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Lesson 5
Ārjavam - Congruence
Today's lesson focuses on Ārjavām, ee will explore how consistency between our beliefs, expressions, and behaviours fosters trustworthiness, clarity, and personal integrity. When our internal values, spoken words, and actions are in sync, we present ourselves as authentic and reliable. Conversely, a lack of alignment leads to internal discord and personal fragmentation, hindering our ability to act as a unified, effective individual.
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Lesson 6
Ācāryopāsanam - Surrender
Today's lesson explores the concepts of surrender, service, and devotion. Surrender involves yielding to a higher power or principle, letting go of personal desires in favour of a spiritual path. Service is about performing selfless actions aimed at benefiting others or a greater cause without expecting personal gain. Devotion deepens one's spiritual connection through love and reverence
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Lesson 7
Śaucam - Purification
We will explore how factors such as selfishness, ego, self-condemnation, and jealousy contribute to mental impurity, and discuss ways to cultivate a cleaner, more harmonious mind. By understanding and addressing these internal challenges, we can achieve a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.
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Lesson 8
Sthairyam - Steadfastness
Today, we will explore Sthairyam, which means steadfastness and firmness. Derived from the root word "sthira," meaning "steady" or "firm," Sthairyam represents the quality of being stable and unwavering across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. We will examine how mental stability involves maintaining calm amidst challenges, emotional steadiness means not being easily swayed, physical firmness suggests resilience, and spiritual firmness refers to dedication in spiritual practices
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Lesson 9
Ātmavinigrahaḥ - Mastery Over The Mind
Today, we will explore "Ātma-vinigrahaḥ" we will examine various types of thinking, including impulsive, mechanical, and spontaneous thinking. Impulsive thinking is quick and reactive, mechanical thinking follows rigid routines, while spontaneous thinking aligns with higher values and reveals deep self-knowledge. Understanding these types of thinking helps us achieve true mastery over our mental processes and cultivate an enlightened perspective.
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Lesson 10
Vairāgyam - Detachment
We will examine how true dispassion involves recognizing the impermanence of sensory objects and pleasures, and understanding that our pursuit of them often stems from feelings of inadequacy and incompleteness. By employing observation, inquiry, and analysis, we can achieve a state of dispassion that allows us to see things objectively and release ourselves from the cycle of attachment and dissatisfaction.
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Lesson 11
Anahañkāraḥ - Absence Of Self Importance
In today’s lesson, we'll delve into "ANAHAÑKĀRAḤ," a Sanskrit term meaning "absence of ego" or "lack of self-importance." This principle highlights freedom from the individualized sense of 'I' or ego. We'll explore how the ego is constructed and how ego is shaped by past experiences and comprises both content (like possessions) and structure (such as the mind’s identification with those possessions). We’ll discuss how ego arises from ignorance and the illusion of ownership, and how true freedom from ego involves self-realization and continuous self-inquiry.
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Lesson 12
Annica - Impermanence
We'll examine how denial, fear of change, and intellectualization often block us from fully accepting and understanding these realities. Through this reflection, we aim to deepen our awareness of life's impermanence and cultivate a more profound acceptance of its transient nature.
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Lesson 13
Asaktiḥ - Absence Of Ownership
This value signifies a state where one is free from possessiveness over material possessions, relationships, achievements, or outcomes. Ownership is seen as notional, not factual. For example, although you may claim a piece of clothing as yours, you didn’t create it; similarly, your attitude toward a car might change solely based on a shift in legal ownership, despite no physical change in the car itself. By recognizing that ownership is purely notional and reducing false attachments, you move toward self-realization and liberation from suffering.
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Lesson 14
Anabhiṣvaṅgaḥ - Absence Of Obsession
The lesson underscores that true freedom involves caring with objectivity rather than possessiveness. By fostering detachment, we aim to overcome ego-driven desires and achieve inner freedom and contentment. Let’s dive deeper through meditation to embody this understanding.
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Lesson 15
Samacittatvam - Equanimity
This principle teaches us to maintain a balanced mind, accepting both favourable and unfavourable outcomes with equanimity. As Lord Krishna advises Arjuna, we are encouraged not to be swayed by cravings or aversions. Instead, we strive for a state of mind that remains steady and composed amidst all circumstances: success or failure, joy or sorrow, conducive or non-conducive situations. Let’s embrace this teaching and embody equanimity in our daily lives and practices.
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Lesson 16
Bhaktiḥ - Devotion
This lesson underscores the depth of Bhakti Yoga, where the devotee surrenders ego and merges their consciousness with the divine, seeking spiritual union and inner peace. It encourages cultivating a loving relationship with the divine as a transformative path towards spiritual realization.
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Lesson 17
Viviktadeśasevitvam - Preference For A Secluded Place
In today's bustling world filled with constant information and activity, the value of seeking solitude becomes increasingly important. It's not about isolating oneself physically, but rather cultivating a mind that finds peace and contentment in solitude. This mindset appreciates quiet and introspection, fostering a deep connection with oneself—a rare attitude in our "Escape Era" society, where many seek distractions or external stimuli to avoid confronting their true selves.
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Lesson 18
Anasamsadi - Absence Of Craving For Social Interaction
Today, we delve into "ARATIḤ JANASAMSADI," a Sanskrit phrase meaning "absence of craving for social interaction" or "lack of attachment to gatherings of people." This concept highlights independence, where inner contentment isn't reliant on external validation or social engagements. This state supports spiritual practices that prioritize meditation and inner contemplation, fostering inner peace and clarity. It's not about avoiding people but finding happiness in quietude, which nurtures a contemplative mind for profound self-inquiry.
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Lesson 19
Adhyātma - Understanding The Self
Today, we explore "ADHYĀTMA" a Sanskrit phrase meaning "understanding the ultimate validity of self-knowledge" or "recognizing the eternal nature of spiritual wisdom." It guides us towards self-realization, distinguishing our true essence from transient aspects of life.
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Lesson 20
Jñānārtha - Commitment To Self-Knowledge
Together, this concept emphasizes a sincere commitment to discovering the true essence of oneself through introspection, philosophical inquiry, and spiritual practices. Self-knowledge leads us on a transformative journey towards inner peace, wisdom, and liberation from suffering. Today's meditation invites us to inquire deeply into these truths.
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