Tao Te Ching Chapter 28 Explained: The Deep Meaning of Yin & Yang
In chapter 28 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu explains how the interplay of the unified opposites of yin and yang function within our consciousness. Lao-tzu explains what our psychological disposition should be to be in perfect balance between yin and yang so that we can be in harmony with the Tao. Though, this chapter is not so easy to grasp. Chapter 28 is obscure to those not familiar with Taoist philosophy. But in this episode of The Sacred Word, I will unpack each line so that you can understand the kernel of truth dwelling within the heart of this magnificent chapter. NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
Will This Be Your Last Life? | End The Cycle Of Samsara
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about our commitment to ending the cycle of Samsara. Often people want to do good deeds in their present life so that their next life will be a prosperous. People do this because they are under the belief that they are accumulating good karma. But they are missing the point altogether and are driven by the fruits of the external world. This type of attitude is still geared towards materialism and essentially prolongs the cycle of suffering. Many people are often in this trap and they wonder why their suffering is not alleviated. To end the cycle of Samsara we have to make a committed to making this our last life in our present life. Rather than doing good deeds in our present life under the vague intuition that our next life will be prosperous, we need to be serious about ending this cycle of suffering we are all caught in. You need to ask yourself, Will this be your last life? Learn more. NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
Why Religious Conversion is a Problem in India and the Rest of the World
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about why religious conversion is a problem in the world, especially in countries such as India. For thousands of years, some religions have traveled the world in an attempt to convert people from other parts of the world to bolster their religion’s influence over the world. These religious conquests have often led to conflict and violence, not to mention the psychological damage it has had on other cultures not accustomed to foreign beliefs. Religious conversion itself is a subtle act of violence because it is an instrument used to interfere with other cultures. So why has religious conversion never been questioned openly? Why do some religions feel inadequate and so need to gain followers? Why are some religions under the illusion that their belief system is better than any other? All of this is due to a persistent psychological problem that is linked to survival and, hence, not very spiritual at all. Ultimately, this is a history of fanatical force over the natural way of the world. NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
The Law of Karma: Is it Governed by Morality or Nature?
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about why the law of karma is governed by nature rather than morality. There is a common misconception that the law of karma is based on the ethics and morality of a system of religion and culture, leading people into the illusion of good and bad karma according to their own belief systems. This is plain illogical and against the nature of karma. Karma is something entirely different from a subjective viewpoint of right and wrong. What is the nature of karma? NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
My Top 5 Books of 2019
My Top 5 Books of 2019 So it’s that time of the year people, my top five books of the year. In 2019 I reverted back to some of the classics in Eastern philosophy and many other books I had put on the back-burner for a few years. Nevertheless, I finally got around to reading some important books this year that I probably should have many years ago. But the wait was worth it. A few of the books I read this year are high on my list as the best books I’ve ever read. Below are my top five books for 2019. I feel that you will benefit a lot from my list this year. Also leave a comment below and tell me the books you’ve read this year, maybe there is a book you would like to recommend. Or maybe you read one of my books? Below is my top five: Nonduality: In Buddhism and BeyondBy David R. Loy David R. Loy has produced an epic tome of nonduality within the great Eastern spiritual traditions. Nonduality is the best book I’ve read in the last five years. It is scholarly, mind-blowing, and enlightening. Some may say that might be due to my focus on nonduality in my work. But I can say with confidence that even if I was new to the subject, this book would give me a thorough understanding on the subject and transform my life. But I am not saying that it is for a beginner, it is an important book for anyone no matter how familiar they are with Eastern philosophy and nonduality. The book itself is a gem and goes further than any other book before it. Loy explores the great nondual traditions, especially Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, and Taoism, as well as the dualistic schools of Samkhya and Yoga. He thoroughly analyzes these traditions so that the reader can better understand the differing philosophical views on the subject-object relation at the core of these Eastern schools. On top of this, Loy explores the nature of nonduality itself and why we are accustomed to thinking dualistically. He tackles this through delving into the nature of nondual perception, nondual action, and nondual thinking. He makes a great argument that our perception is naturally nondual, and after you understand how nondual perception, action, and thinking operate, then you may too. But this book goes above and beyond to explain nonduality as our natural function of mind. The cognitive error of seeing yourself as independent and separate from the world will begin to dissolve when you explore the nature of nonduality within the great Eastern traditions. This book is where you will begin your journey and also the destination you’ll arrive at, as is ironically the case with the nondual nature of life. Lord Siva’s Song: The Isvara GitaBy Andrew J. Nicholson The Isvara Gita is not only one of the most important texts for followers of Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta, but it is one of the important spiritual texts period. I have heard that it rivals the famous Bhagavad Gita. I was skeptical, but pleasantly surprised. Actually, I’d go so far to say that you could make an argument that it is even better than the Bhagavad Gita, considering its constant focus on the knowledge of Brahman without too much deviation. Some may say it is sacrilege to compare either text, especially since the Isvara Gita is a later text that shares many concepts and themes with the Bhagavad Gita. But the Isvara Gita expands on many philosophical ideas that were merely hinted at in the Bhagavad Gita (the concept of Maya being one example). Some of these more difficult philosophical ideas in the Bhagavad Gita are at the forefront in the Isvara Gita because the text teaches that renunciation accompanied by yoga is the highest way to Brahman (Shiva as the representation of the absolute Brahman). The Isvara Gita, then, is for Brahmin renouncers and those interested in metaphysics, while the Bhagavad Gita is for householders and worldly people (though we could argue that with sincere dedication both paths may end up at the same knowledge of Brahman). Andrew J. Nicholson explores this in far more depth in his introduction. Actually, his introduction is worth the price of the book alone. It is one of the most scholarly and insightfully wise contemplations on the differences between differing Hindu texts, spiritual practices such as yoga, and philosophical concepts. In my opinion, Nicholson is one of the foremost scholars on Hinduism in our modern world. I regard his scholarship as equal to great scholars of the past, such as Georg Feuerstein. On top of his introduction, his translation of the Isvara Gita brings out the essence of this great text like no other before him. His translation makes it a joy to read, but also makes it more clear for everyone to come near to an understanding of this great text, where one arrives at the real knowledge of Brahman. I have many favorite ancient texts, but the Isvara Gita is now in the upper echelon of great texts. So much so, that if anyone asked me which texts they should take on a long-term spiritual retreat, I’d say without hesitation the Isvara Gita. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy WorldBy Cal Newport I always enjoy reading Cal Newport’s work, and this book is no different. Just like Jaron Lanier, he has contributed to a growing number of titles that are revealing the pitfalls of the digital world and how it is negatively impacting the human mind. It was important for myself to read this book because of one of my future titles that goes deep into the damage digital technology and social media are having on our psychology, leading many to a form of insanity that is not recognized in the world. I learned a lot from Cal’s book and
Why We Shouldn’t Use the Word God
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will discuss whether God is an adequate word when referring to the irreducible essence of the universe. In the great Eastern traditions, there are many words that describe the true nature of the universe a lot better than the word God. This stems from the context in which God is thought of in some influential Western religions. But, from an Eastern perspective, this Western view of God is foreign. In the end, is God the right word or not? If not, then what words should we use? NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
I Meditated Every Day For 10 Years & This Is What Happened To Me
I have been meditating every day for over 10 years. Meditation has changed my life more than anything else. This commitment I made to myself over 10 years ago is the main reason I have done what I have in my life thus far. Grounding myself in that daily practice has strengthened my resolve in the work that I do. But there has been times when I’ve dragged myself out of bed kicking and screaming in trying to avoid my daily practice, but they are usually the most opportune moments to sit and dive deep. I have learned so much that it is hard to articulate. However, in this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will try to articulate my experience and share with you the changes that will happen to your mind and also the 18 ways that meditation will transform and improve not only your own life, but also the immediate world around you. NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
Buddhist Wisdom on the Origin of Human Suffering
The second Noble Truth in Buddhism is one of the most important teachings passed down from the Buddha to humanity. The historical Buddha went to great lengths to discover the origin of human suffering so that we can eventually be liberated in this life. But how can we understand the nature of the second Noble Truth? In this episode of The Sacred Word we will contemplate the significance of the second Noble Truth. I will explain how the origin of suffering is related to thoughts and how the illusion of an independent self is built in this process. NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
ENERGY VAMPIRES: Who Are They and How to Protect Yourself Against Them
In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will explain who are energy vampires and how to protect yourself against them. We’ve all encountered energy vampires in our life, where our energy reserves are depleted in their presence. I will define the characteristics and behaviors of an energy vampire so that you can identify them early in the process of a friendship/relationship. As a result, you will be able to skillfully edit them out of your life without having your spiritual progress hindered. NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
Shankara Explains How to See God
The Sacred Word is a new series about the great masters, sages, and texts of the East. I aim to give thorough explanations of some the deepest teachings expounded by the great masters, sages, and classical texts of the East. In this series you will find clarity on these deep teachings to benefit your own spiritual development. In episode one, we will explore Shankara’s teaching on how to see the true nondual nature of the Godhead (Brahman). Shankara’s view of reality is one of the deepest we can find from the great annals of spiritual and philosophical literature. He had an amazing ability to articulate the true meaning the Upanishads, and how the depth of Hindu knowledge boils down to how our ordinary perception of the world and ourselves is in fact an illusion. Shankara holds the the key for cleansing our misperception. NOTE: This site directs people to Amazon and is an Amazon Associate member. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The pages on this website may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.
