Shiva Lingam - Manifestation of Consciousness

We have seen earlier that the subtle energy is takes the form of a square and the gross energy takes the form of a circle with an in‐between state it takes the shape of a octagon.According to Pranava Veda, these three intermediary archetypical forms have separate qualities. Thus they are called the three Gunas. Guna means quality. They are Satvva (8×8 Square; Rajas (octagon); and, Tamas (circle). Sattva, according to Mayan is a steady restful, and peaceful state. Rajas is a dynamic state of form. Tamas contains massive or gross material qualities.

According to Pranava Veda each and every material substance, regardless of its outer shape, is ingrained with a three-segmented subtle design. These segments each have an individual design and are linked together to create a whole structure. These shapes are ingrained within all cosmic and worldly structures and all cosmic and worldly structures are ingrained in these cosmic structures. These three “gunas” or qualities signify qualities of the structures. This three-segmented subtle design is the subtle form of Pranava (AUM Light and AUM Sound). Mayan calls this three-fold cosmic subtle design “mun nilai.”

These forms are encoded within the structure of the Shiva Lingam. And, the real meaning of the Shiva Lingam is ascertained from what we have just mentioned. It is a visual form of the intermediary part of the manifestation process that is literally contained within each of us.

1. Sattvic represents the perfect state of balance. When it is subtle it is luminescent and in a perfect state of resonant non‐vibration. The energy levels were perfect so that the resultant vibration is nil and it is in absolute balance.
2. Tamasic state represents a state where the height of evolution is reached and hence it is farthest away from the core. The core is very subtle and the tamasic state is very gross and hence it is away from the core. Tamasic state then should be considered as the darkest state possible. Why? Because the core is luminescent and if the gross state is farthest from the core hence it should be dark. This is the meaning behind the most famous statement ‘Tamasoma Jyothir gamaya”… take me from darkness to light. It is not about just your mind but about the entire being aspiring to become a light and merge with primordial light. There is no evolution possible beyond the Tamasic state and it has to devolve to reach its core / subtle state.
3. Rajasic is a state where the pulsation has resulted in a rotational force and hence things are set into action. This represents the evolution process and hence associated with action.Then the natural next question is, if Shiva Lingam is associated with the entire spectrum of consciousness then we should see it associated the five elements and the light. Isn’t it?

There is a story in Indian Purana that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva discussed who is the most powerful among them. Lord Shiva challenged Brahma and Vishnu to reach his head and feet respectively. Brahma tried to find Shiva’s head and Vishnu tried to reach Shiva’s feet, both of them failed. Most of us would have heard the story but would not have understood the philosophical and scientific significance.

• Shiva in the form of Lingam stood there as a PILLAR OF LIGHT. This pillar of light is the Brahma Sutra / light of consciousness which spanned from the center of the galaxy (Hiranyagarba) to every being & non‐being in the Universe.
• Brahma could not find the head because; Brahma is always associated with intelligence in Indian texts. He gave the supreme wisdom ‐ the Vedas and stands for Intelligence. He could not reach Shiva’s head signifies that Intelligence will not take you to God. Intelligence as an energy is too gross and cannot reach the most subtle state of light.
• Vishnu represents earthly life – Rajasic in character – this is the tetrahedron & octagon state. He could not reach Lord Shiva’s feet signifying you cannot reach the core through actions.

Shiva in the form of Lingam is represented as one of the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space) in the temples.

So to summarize...

• Shiva Lingam represents the Pillar of Light and the entire spectrum of consciousness. From the most subtle to the most gross.
• It represents an semi-form Guna state (between un‐manifest and manifest) and hence it is formless with a form.
• While Lord Nataraja represented the rhythmic pulsation of this Brahma sutra, the cosmic dance / the dance of the evolution, Shiva Lingam represents the primordial light itself in all its
• state of consciousness.
• By this analogy, our body itself is a lingam with the visible body as the gross part at one end and the most subtle body which is invisible and is part of the primordial light at the other.

Reference

1. Fabric of The Universe: The Origins, Implications, and Applications of Vastu Science by Jessie J. Mercay
2. Time = Space by Raguram Gopalan, http://ragsgopalan.blogspot.com

Nataraja and String Theory - 2

We can see the Nataraja is drawn inside a 8x8 Manduka mandala, his left leg is raised suggesting a movement from left to right. Why should he suggest that he is moving from left to right?

His left hand holds Light / Fire and his right hand holds Drum / Damru / Sound. The process of Evolution which starts with the absolute time and Pranava is fantastically represented pictorially. It suggests that the evolution process starts with the rhythmic dance of the PARAMAANU in a 8x8 energy grid and this process evolves first as light and then as sound. This light and sound creates further forms and the entire universe.

It is very easy to answer as to why sound evolves from light? We all know that the light is at a higher frequency and velocity than sound. This is the same reason we see lightning first then hear the thunders. So let’s summarize the DANCE OF EVOLUTION of NATARAJA:

• From being un‐manifest the Pranava emerges. Or the Pranava evolves the un‐manifest to the manifest and starts the cycle of evolution.
• This leads to a pulsation which is called as the COSMIC DANCE / CELESTIAL DANCE / DANCE OF EVOLUTION.
• This pulsation is rhythmic and symmetric.
• The luminescent shaft of consciousness is called as Brahma Sutra or popularly called as String theory in the modern science.
• The process of creation evolves from the dance as light then sound evolves from light and then all the visual and aural forms in this universe.

If this is so then the process of dissolution should be that Nataraja’s right leg should be lifted suggesting a movement from right to left isn't? Look at the majestic picture suggesting the DANCE of EVOLUTION and the DANCE of DISSOLUTION as below...

 a) Dance of Evolution                            b) Dance of Dissolution

There is nothing more scientific in this world that is pictorially represented about the evolution of universe. You should read a book called “The Tao of Physics” by Frijat Capra where as physicist he explains how he experienced this and highlights the dance of the quantum particles in space corresponds to the dance of Nataraja.

Now this central shaft of Consciousness is called Brahma Sutra and according to our scriptures Paramaanu has this string, which means every being, matter, inanimate things in this universe including the tiniest of subatomic particles have this string / sutra. In the future parts we will see the Maths behind this sutra and the pulsation but let us look at what the modern science says about Superstring theory here. Also check out Nataraja at the CERN.

As a wise man said, “We are the most ignorant about their rich past and scientific traditions.” We have a very rich past that is most scientific and it is left codified in a form across thousands of temples in India. Let us just open your eyes and understand the scientific meaning around it. May that “Sutradhaari” dispel our ignorance and reveal to us the secrets of nature.

Reference

'Time = Space' by Raguram Gopalan, http://ragsgopalan.blogspot.com

Navratri - A Journey to the Source

The festival of Navratri is celebrated with prayers and gaiety in the beginning of the Ashwin (autumn) and the beginning of Chatira (spring). This period is a time for self-referral and getting back to the Source. During this time of transformation, nature sheds the old and gets rejuvenated; animals hibernate and life emerges back afresh in the spring.

According to Vedic sciences, matter reverts to its original form to recreate itself again and again. The creation is cyclical, not linear; everything is recycled by nature - a continuous process of rejuvenation. The human mind, however, lags behind in this routine cycle of creation. Navratri is a festival for one to take the mind back to its Source.

The Mother Divine is recognized not just as the brilliance of intellect (buddhi), but also the confusion (bhranti); she is not just abundance (lakshmi), she is also hunger (shudha) and thirst (trishna). Realizing this aspect of the Mother Divine in the entire creation, leads one to a deep state of Samadhi. This gives an answer to the age-old theological struggle of the Occident. Through wisdom, devotion and nishkama karma, one can attain advaita siddhi or perfection in the non-dual consciousness.

Kali is the most horrific manifestation of Nature. Nature symbolizes beauty, yet it has a horrific form. Acknowledging the duality brings a total acceptance in the mind and puts the mind at ease. Though Navratri is celebrated as the victory of good over evil, the actual fight is not between good and evil. From the Vedantic point of view, the victory is of the absolute reality over the apparent duality. In the words of Ashtavakra, it is the poor wave which tries to keep its identity separate from the ocean, but to no avail.

The three primordial gunas are considered as the feminine force of our magnificent universe. By worshiping the Mother Divine during Navratri, we harmonize the three gunas and elevate sattva in the atmosphere.

The inward journey nullifies our negative karmas. Navratri is a celebration of the spirit or prana which alone can destroy mahishasura (inertia), shumbha-nishumbha (pride and shame) and madhu-kaitabh (extreme forms of craving and aversion). They are completely opposites, yet complementary. Inertia, deeply ingrained negativities and obsessions (raktabeejasura), unreasonable logics (chanda-munda) and blurred vision (dhoomralochan) can be overcome only by raising the level of prana and shakti, the life-force energy.

The seeker gets back to the true Source through fasting, prayer, silence and meditation. Night is also called ratri because it brings rejuvenation. It gives relief at the three levels of our existence – physical, subtle and causal. While fasting detoxifies the body, silence purifies the speech and brings rest to the chattering mind, and meditation takes one deep into one's own being.

The nine days of Navratri are also an opportunity to rejoice in the three primordial qualities that make up the universe. Though our life is governed by the three gunas, we seldom recognize and reflect on them. The first three days of Navratri are attributed to tamo guna, the next three days to rajo guna and the last three days to sattva guna. Our consciousness sails through the tamo and rajo gunas and blossoms in the sattva guna of the last three days. Whenever sattva dominates in life, victory follows. The essence of this knowledge is honored by celebrating the tenth day as Vijaydashmi.

Though the microcosm is very well within the macrocosm, it’s perceived separateness is the cause of conflict. For a gyani (wise person), the entire creation becomes alive and he recognizes life in everything in the same way children see life in everything. The Mother Divine or the Pure Consciousness itself pervades all the forms and has all the names. Recognizing the one Divinity in every form and every name is the celebration of Navratri. Hence, special pujas honoring all aspects of life and nature are performed during the last three days.

Source: http://wisdomfromsrisriravishankar.blogspot.com/2010/10/navaratri-journey-to-source.html

Eight Equals Nine (Shiva Lingam) - Part 3

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By Dr. Jessie Mercay
posted by Ganesh

According to Pranava Veda, these three intermediary archetypical forms have separate qualities. Thus they are called the three Gunas. Guna means quality. They are Satwa (8x8 Square; Rajas (octagon); and, Tamas (circle). In modern times, these names and forms are thought to mean something other than what Mayan intended when he described them. As far as we know, Mayan was the first to describe them. In modern times, Tamas guna is said to describe something negative equated with lethargy. Mayan, however did not intend for that to be the meaning. Satwa, according to Mayan is a steady restful, and peaceful state. Rajas is a dynamic state of form. Tamas contains massive or gross material qualities.

According to Pranava Veda each and every material substance, regardless of its outer shape, is ingrained with a three-segmented subtle design. These segments each have an individual design and are linked together to create a whole structure.

These shapes are ingrained within all cosmic and worldly structures and all cosmic and worldly structures are ingrained in these cosmic structures. These three “gunas” or qualities signify qualities of the structures. This three-segmented subtle design is the subtle form of Pranava (2 OMS). Mayan calls this three fold cosmic subtle design “mun nilai.”

These forms are encoded within the structure of the Shiva Lingam. And, the real meaning of the Shiva Lingam is ascertained from what I have just mentioned. It is a visual form of the intermediary part of the manifestation process that is literally contained within each of us.

It is interesting to note at this moment that the waveforms that make up the octagonal and circular forms are transitional waveforms. They fail to have the stability of the square form. If these forms (octagonal and circular) are used in home building they will cause a mental and psychological agitation and fermenting that will then cause physical agitation. Thus, these two forms are rejected for homes while the peace-producing square is preferred. In addition, these forms should be avoided for meditation halls and other structures where peace and harmony are desired. Certain public buildings may be designed using
these forms.

Many people believe that Pranava refers to the sound AUM. In fact, pranava comes from the roots Pirazh + Nava = Pranava. This means to Turn/Flip or turn into nine in Tamil. Pranava means the transformation of 8 into 9 (8x8 grid to 9x9 grid). Brahmarishi Mayan says in the Pranava Veda that consciousness multiplies itself into 8 units or pulses(units of Time) of OM light and OM sound. One unit of TIME has 2 aspects, OM LIGHT and OM SOUND. OM LIGHT divides itself into 8 light atoms that become the raw material for all visual forms. OM SOUND divides itself into 8 sound atoms that become the raw material for all aural forms.

"Yettin pirazhve navamenavagi" ‐ Mamuni Mayan

It means the flipping or turning of 8 is 9 in Tamil. This combination of 8 units of Light and Sound form the 'Three Gunas’, which then form the five gross elements, or 'Pancha Bhutas'. The entire process unfolds a mathematical order that can be emulated for the uplifting of humanity.

Reference

Fabric of The Universe: The Origins, Implications, and Applications of Vastu Science By Jessie J. Mercay. Text and diagrams, with permission, from Dr. Jessie Mercay, Fabric of the Universe, aumscience.com/wordpress. For any questions please visit www.aumscience.com.

Primal Energy - Growth Dynamics

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By Dr. Jessie Mercay
posted by Ganesh

Earlier we saw briefly how energy becomes matter and the representation of primal energy. We will explore more on the growth dynamics of the primal energy.

Now, imagine that at some “point” in Space that flat unbounded Absolute Space begins to move within itself or pulse within itself. An autocatalytic activation (pulse or Time) begins from this highly concentrated square cosmic energy point (point theory). This point surges upwards and becomes a vertical shaft of pure energy called Moolasthan – referred to by the Sage Mayan as Cosmic Flame. The sage Mayan describes this as, “Naarpurat Thiyalnilai Kalaisudarey” (Four-sided creative flame).

At this early stage of manifestation there are five stages. First the throbbing Consciousness withdraws into itself. Moolam consolidates itself through withdrawal called Amizhdal or converging to a point.

This Moolam then gushes or explodes outward and emerges and spreads (Imizhdal) and consolidates its self (Kumizhdal). The movement of energy in self spin (kalavisai) propels and projects this energy (Unuzhdal) so that it comes out into form (Tamizhdal).

Interestingly enough, for the experience to merge into word‐form the inner being has to undergo or travel through these five levels states, namely Amizhdal (“converging to a point”…withdrawal), Imizhdal (‘emerging and spreading’), Kumizhdal (coming together an consolidating’), Unizhdal (projecting or delivering) and Tamizhdal (“coming out into form”).

Using the flat line, we will create a pulse or waveform in that line as a cross-section of the event as the energy gushes forward.

This Cosmic pillar, or Moolasthan, goes into a clockwise self-spin (spin theory), as it spins light particles (OM Light) or waveforms are emitted; through the movement or friction of these light particles sound (OM Sound) is emitted; this begins a process of emission of chaotic light and sound particles (chaos theory).

A more accurate visualization of this cosmic Form is this:

As described above, the Cosmic Flame rises upward as a result of a “gushing” forth of Consciousness. It is explained previously that at first there is an enormous withdrawal (Amizhdal) of Primal Energy – a withdrawal within itself. That withdrawal causes a concentration of energy that results in an explosion or gushing. This gushing forth has great momentum and power. As it gushes forward and subsequently spins it produces OM Light, which is its basic nature. In other words, the nature of this Zero Space (Soonayambarum) – Space of everything – is luminosity. Thus, as it gushes forth as an enormous pulse, light is emitted and sound (OM Sound often referred to as AUM) is emitted due to the gushing upward and spinning nature of this enormous Luminosity. This form springs forth from the Ekapada (indicated by the flat line), which is square in nature. Thus, even though this form is funnel-shaped as it rises, the tip is cuboidal – a six – faced cube which is replicated again and again as you will see. The enormity of this action might be equated to a big bang.

Most Vaastu forms demonstrate the pyramidal form in some way (as well as the cube as you will see). Please note that the pyramidal form is not complete within itself and it must be connected with other form when taken in totality replicate the full stable form of consciousness. As a preliminary example, the roof shown in the above Kerala temple picture is, in fact, a replication of this initial form shown above. This form is also seen around the world in ancient Vaastu forms.

The picture on the above is a more complicated intentional replication of this form at Gangaikondacholapuram temple, Tamil Nadu. This process is further explained tomorrow.

Reference

Fabric of The Universe: The Origins, Implications, and Applications of Vastu Science By Jessie J. Mercay. Text and diagrams, with permission, from Dr. Jessie Mercay, Fabric of the Universe, aumscience.com/wordpress. For any questions please visit www.aumscience.com.

Why to Visit Temples ? (Scientific Reason)

There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.

Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.

Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.

The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.