Pose 1: Namaskarasana

Hands are joined together near the heart, feet together

Mantra: Om Mitraya Namah

'Mitra' means 'friend'

Chakra activation: Anahata

Anahata chakra is associated with love and compassion

Quality: Affection

Story: Life Wave is at peace.

This is the stage 'before conception'

Pose 2: Hastauttanasana

Hands are raised, feet together

Mantra: Om Ravaye Namah

'Ravi' means 'loud sound'

Chakra activation: Vishuddha

Vishuddha chakra is associated with communication and self-expression

Quality: Change

Story: Life Wave receives the creative impulse.

This is the stage of 'conception'

Pose 3: Hastapadasana

Hands are touching the floor, feet together

Mantra: Om Suryaya Namah

'Surya' means 'movement in sky'

Chakra activation: Muladhara

Muladhara chakra is associated with Identity and grounded-ness

Quality: Activity

Story: Life Wave descends into matter.

This is the stage of 'birth'

Pose 4: Ashwa Sanchalanasana

One leg moves to the back, the other stays in front;

The profile looks like a moving horse

Mantra: Om Bhanave Namah

'Bhanu' means 'light'

Chakra activation: Ajna

Ajna chakra is associated with knowledge and wisdom

Quality: Light

Story: Life Wave begins its movement in matter.

Knowledge is gained, Light is seen.

This is the stage of 'life'

Pose 5: Chaturanga Dandasana

The other leg is moved to the back, both legs are now together;

The body is supported on all four limbs; There is no movement

Mantra: Om Khagaya Namah

'Khaga' means 'sky'

Chakra activation: Vishuddha

Vishuddha chakra is associated with communication and self-expression

Quality: Sky

Story: Life Wave rests temporarily in the sky.

This is the stage of 'death'

Pose 6: Ashtangasana

The eight parts of the body touch the floor:

two legs, two knees, two hands, chest and chin;

The tail bone is lifted

Mantra: Om Pushne Namah

'Pushne' means to 'nourish'

Chakra activation: Svadhishtana

Svadhisthana chakra is associated with emotional fulfillment and creativity

Quality: Nourish

Story: Life Wave is nourished by contact with matter.

This is the stage of 'rebirth'

Pose 7: Bhujangasana

The upper body is elevated, the head is raised like a cobra

Mantra: Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namah

'Hiranyagarbha' means 'the golden egg of creation'

Chakra activation: Muladhara

Muladhara chakra is associated with Identity and grounded-ness

Quality: Contain

Story: The primitive kundalini force is contained at the base of the spine.

The kundalini serpent rises; Life Wave awakens.

This is the stage of 'awakening'

Pose 8: Adhomukhasvanasana

The tail bone is raised to the highest position above the ground,

The hands and feet touch the floor;

The profile looks like a stretching dog

Mantra: Om Marichaye Namah

'Marichi' means 'mirage' or 'illusion'

Chakra activation: Vishuddha

Vishuddha chakra is associated with communication and self-expression

Quality: Rays of light

Story: Life Wave has transcended the impulse for 'rebirth'.

Illusion is dispelled.

This is the stage of 'transcendence'

Pose 9: Ashwa Sanchalanasana

The leg that was sent back is now consciously pulled forward;

The profile looks like a moving horse

Mantra: Om Adityaya Namah

'Aditya' means 'God', son of Aditi

Chakra activation: Ajna

Ajna chakra is associated with knowledge and wisdom

Quality: God

Story: Life Wave remembers its origin.

Life Wave moves in 'matter' with wisdom, to perform service.

This is the stage of 'service'

Pose 10: Padahastasana

The other leg is also consciously pulled forward,

Both legs are together, hands are touching the floor;

There is no movement

Mantra: Om Savitre Namah

'Savitr' means 'time before sunrise'

Chakra activation: Muladhara

Muladhara chakra is associated with Identity and grounded-ness

Quality: Produce

Story: Life Wave is in the same position as when it started.

Experiences in matter produce knowledge and wisdom.

The quality of the Life Wave has been greatly enhanced.

This is the stage of 'final death'

Pose 11: Hastauttanasana

The hands are raised, feet together

Mantra: Om Arkaya Namah

'Ark' means 'worship-able'

Chakra activation: Vishuddha

Vishuddha chakra is associated with communication and self-expression

Quality: Worship

Story: Life Wave raises its hands in praise and worship.

This is the stage of 'ascension'

Pose 12: Namaskarasana

Hands are joined together near the heart, feet together

Mantra: Om Bhaskaraya Namah

'Bha' means 'light', 'kar' means 'to do'

Chakra activation: Anahata

Anahata chakra is associated with love and compassion

Quality: Lustre

Story: Life Wave worked in the light

Live Wave is full of love and compassion

Live Wave is shining with lustre

The work is done

Explanation

Surya Namaskar or the Sun Salutation is a series of twelve poses. This sequence of poses reminds us of the story of the journey of our soul.

Each 'Pose' is associated with a 'Mantra' and a 'Chakra'. Thus a connection is established between our external physical movements, our mind and our soul.

1

The first pose is called 'Namaskar Asana'.

ne --> not

me --> me

as --> be

kara --> letter or sound

asana --> pose

Namaskar is a pose where the hands are joined together near the heart. The head bows down, as if indicating that 'I am not' or that 'there is no ego'. The feet are together.

The associated mantra is 'Om Mitraya Namah'.

mitra --> friend, ally

The journey is begun in a peaceful backdrop. There is nothing yet, not even sound. There is readiness for an alliance.

The associated chakra is 'Anahata chakra'.

anahat --> new, not multiplied, unstruck

The chakra is associated with heart. It is associated with pure love, compassion and peace.

The quality being expressed is that of 'affection'.

If we consider that we are part of a life wave, a member of a conglomeration of souls who are about to begin a long journey in order to achieve the goal of 'evolution' or 'enrichment', then this is the first step before the 'beginning'. The life wave is at peace.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage 'before conception'.

2

The second pose is called 'Hasta Uttana Asana'.

hasta --> hand

uttara --> up, north

ana --> bring

asana --> pose

The hands are raised up above the head. The feet are together.

The hands touch the highest point above the head, as if to receive something.

The associated mantra is 'Om Ravaye Namah'.

ravi --> loud sound, roar

There is a loud sound. Something is beginning.

The associated chakra is 'Vishuddha chakra'.

vi --> various

shuddha --> pure

The chakra is associated with throat. It is associated with self-identification through the process of purification and self-expression.

The process of self-identification begins.

The quality being expressed is that of 'change'.

The life wave receives the creative impulse. The life wave prepares for a change, in order to 'begin' the process of self-identification which is achieved through purification. The process of 'involution' begins.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'conception'.

3

The third pose is called 'Hasta Pada Asana'.

hasta --> hand

pada --> foot

asana --> pose

The hands are touching the floor, as if reaching down for something. The feet are together.

The associated mantra is 'Om Suryaya Namah'.

surya --> movement in sky

There is movement.

The associated chakra is 'Mula Adhara chakra'.

mula --> root, base

adhara --> support

The chakra is associated with the base of the spine. It is associated with identity and grounded-ness.

The chakra is closely associated with physical manifestation and basic instincts of survival like fear and safety.

The 'kundalini shakti' lies coiled at the base of the spine, waiting to be aroused so that it may start its journey upward through the sushumna, which runs along the spinal column.

The quality being expressed is that of 'activity'.

The life wave descends into matter. If the life wave is considered to be the 'force' or 'Shiva', then matter may be considered to be the 'energy' or 'Shakti'. The life wave manifests physically in the world of matter.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'birth'.

4

The fourth pose is called 'Ashwa Sanchalana Asana'.

ashwa --> horse

sanchalana --> rhythmic walking, conduct

asana --> pose

One leg moves to the back while the other stays in the front. The hands are touching the floor. The head is looking straight ahead, slightly upward. The profile looks like a moving horse. One leg forward and the other leg backward indicates movement.

The associated mantra is 'Om Bhanave Namah'.

bhanu --> light

There is light.

The associated chakra is 'Ajna chakra'.

aa --> positive connotation, come

jna --> knowledge

The chakra is associated with the point in-between the eyebrows. It is associated with knowledge and wisdom.

The quality being expressed is that of 'light'.

The life wave begins its rhythmic movement back and forth, from the unseen world to the seen world, and back again through the cycle of birth and death. Light is required in order to see, it is not possible to see in the darkness. Light enables the life wave to see and experience. Gradually, knowledge is gained.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'life'.

5

The fifth pose is called 'Chatur Anga Danda Asana'.

chatur --> four

anga --> body parts

danda --> stick

asana --> pose

The other leg is moved to the back, both legs are now together. The trunk, the spinal cord, is lined up straight and resting on all four limbs. There is no movement.

The associated mantra is 'Om Khagaya Namah'.

khaga --> sky

The body is at rest, as if suspended in space.

The associated chakra is 'Vishuddha chakra'.

vi --> various

shuddha --> pure

The chakra is associated with throat. It is associated with self-identification through the process of purification and self-expression.

The process of purification continues.

The quality being expressed is that of 'sky' or 'space'.

The life wave rests temporarily. After gaining experience during the stage of life, the life wave rests and digests the learning.

The qualities which are deemed to be detrimental to the process of evolution are experienced with more severe intensity and a lesson is learnt.

The qualities which are deemed to be beneficial to the process of evolution are also experienced with more severe intensity and a characteristic trait is developed.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'death' of the physical manifestation.

6

The sixth pose is called 'Ashta Anga Asana'.

ashta --> eight

anga --> body parts

asana --> pose

The eight parts of the body touch the floor - two legs, two knees, two hands, chest and chin. The head is facing forward since the chin is touching the floor. The hands are next to the chest. The tail bone is lifted. The knees and toes are touching the floor. There is strategic contact with the floor, as if those parts are being rested and supported by the ground. The movement looks like a caterpillar or a snake moving forward, inch by inch.

The associated mantra is 'Om Pushne Namah'.

pushne --> nourish

There is nourishment.

The associated chakra is 'Sva Adhishtana chakra'.

sva --> self

adhishtana --> abode, power

The chakra is associated with the reproductive region. It is associated with emotional fulfillment and creativity. This chakra is the seat of self-power.

The quality being expressed is that of 'nourish'.

The life wave is nourished through the rhythmic movement between life and death. The various qualities and characteristics are assimilated through various experiences. The life wave 'produces' and 'reproduces' the chain of life through the actions or 'karma' performed during life. Thus, the life wave has the power to create its own destiny.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'rebirth'.

7

The seventh pose is called 'Bhu Janga Asana'.

bhu --> earth

janga --> thigh

bhujanga --> snake god

The upper body is elevated, the thighs and the body below pelvis touch the floor. The trunk and the head are raised. The profile looks like a snake with a raised hood, as if it was threatened. It is a moment of total awakeness and awareness.

The associated mantra is 'Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namah'.

hiranya --> golden

garbha --> womb

The Universe exists in the womb or the 'golden egg of Creation'.

The associated chakra is 'Mula Adhara chakra'.

mula --> root, base

adhara --> support

The chakra is associated with the base of the spine. It is associated with identity and grounded-ness. The old identity is shattered, a new identity is gained.

The 'kundalini shakti' which lies coiled at the base of the spine is aroused and starts its journey upward through the sushumna, which runs along the spinal column.

The quality being expressed is that of 'contain'.

The primitive kundalini force is contained at the base of the spine. The force lies dormant, like a coiled serpent. When the kundalini force is aroused or awakened, the force makes its way upward, like a rising serpent. The force is split into two streams and makes its way through the Ida and Pingala nadis, passing through the chakras in serpentine motion. If it can pass through all the chakras without any blockages, the two streams meet at the Ajna chakra.

The life wave 'awakens' to the presence of the unseen world. This symbolizes a second 'birth', providing the opportunity to develop a new, truer identity.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'awakening' into the unseen world.

8

The eighth pose is called 'Adho Mukha Svana Asana'.

adhomukha --> upside down

svana --> loud sound, noise

asana --> pose

The hands are in the front and the feet are at the the back, all limbs touching the floor. The tail bone is raised to the highest position above the ground. The body is in the inverted position, or upside down, as if making a U-turn to reverse the course.

The associated mantra is 'Om Marichaye Namah'.

marichi --> mirage, illusion; rays of light

The illusions are dispelled by internal effort.

The associated chakra is 'Vishuddha chakra'.

vi --> various

shuddha --> pure

The chakra is associated with throat. It is associated with self-identification through the process of purification and self-expression.

As the 'kundalini shakti' is aroused, it results in the shedding of everything that impedes its path upward. The process of self-expression begins.

The quality being expressed is that of 'rays of light'.

A mirage is an illusion, an optical phenomenon, most commonly observed on sunny days. It is caused by the refraction of light through a non-uniform medium. These conditions can arise when a surface is significantly hotter than the air above it, and the sky is reflected on the hot surface, like a road. The mind interprets the reflected sky to be a pool of liquid, creating the mirage (that is, it appears as if there is water on the road, whereas in fact, there is none). As we come nearer to the illusion, it is dispelled.

When the life wave began the process of 'involution', a loud sound was heard (at step 2). Now, a loud sound is heard again and the life wave begins the process of 'evolution'. The life wave turns upside down, it makes a 'U-turn'.

As more experience is gained, more light is seen, more heat is generated. When it gets very hot, a mirage may be created and we may see things that actually do not exist. Thus, we live in a world of illusions.

Illusions are dispelled as we get nearer to them. Upon awakening, the task of the life wave is to experience all phenomena and interpret them more carefully and closely, so as to dispel all illusions. Gradually, as the illusions are dispelled, the impulse to 'produce' and 'reproduce' the chain of life through actions or 'karma' is reduced. Thus the impulse for 'rebirth' is overcome. The cycle of birth and life may be ended.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'transcendence' of the life force from matter.

9

The ninth pose is called 'Ashwa Sanchalana Asana'.

ashwa --> horse

sanchalana --> rhythmic walking, conduct

asana --> pose

The leg that was sent back now moves forward while the other leg stays back. The hands are touching the floor. The head is looking straight ahead, slightly upward. The profile looks like a moving horse. One leg forward and the other leg backward indicates movement.

The associated mantra is 'Om Adityaya Namah'.

Aditi --> mother of 'God'

Aditya --> son of 'Aditi'

There is recognition of self-identity.

The associated chakra is 'Ajna chakra'.

aa --> positive connotation, come

jna --> knowledge

The chakra is associated with the point in-between the eyebrows. It is associated with knowledge and wisdom. The aroused 'kundalini shakti' has successfully navigated its path upward and the two halves meet at the ajna chakra and unite.

The quality being expressed is that of 'God'.

The life wave again starts moving in matter, from the seen world into the unseen world and back again. However, now there is a slight difference. Now the movement is accompanied by the knowledge of it's own identity. The life wave moves with wisdom, in order to perform service to the world. In the process, more wisdom is gained.

The movement from the unseen world to the seen world and back again is no longer subconscious. This can now be accomplished in waking awareness by choice.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'service' where we give back everything that was once taken.

10

The tenth pose is called 'Pada Hasta Asana'.

pada --> foot

hasta --> hand

asana --> pose

The other leg is also pulled forward. Both legs are together, hands are touching the floor. The movement has stopped.

The associated mantra is 'Om Savitre Namah'.

savitr --> time before sunrise

There is twilight, the time before sunrise.

The associated chakra is 'Mula Adhara chakra'.

mula --> root, base

adhara --> support

The chakra is associated with the base of the spine. It is associated with identity and grounded-ness. The temporary and false identities are dropped.

The quality being expressed is that of 'produce'.

The life wave is in the same position as when it started. Experiences in matter produce knowledge and wisdom. The quality of the life wave has been greatly enhanced.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'second death' or 'new birth'. The life force is not required to take birth into matter anymore.

11

The eleventh pose is called 'Hasta Uttana Asana'.

hasta --> hand

uttara --> up, north

ana --> bring

asana --> pose

The hands are raised up above the head. The feet are together. The hands touch the highest point above the head, as if praising something.

The associated mantra is 'Om Arkaya Namah'.

ark --> worship-able

There is praise and worship.

The associated chakra is 'Vishuddha chakra'.

vi --> various

shuddha --> pure

The chakra is associated with throat. It is associated with self-identification through the process of purification and self-expression.

The purification has been achieved.

The quality being expressed is that of 'worship'.

The life raises its hands in praise and worship.

If we compare this process to the physical manifestation of life, then this is the stage of 'ascension'. The life wave may move on to other realms.

12

The twelfth pose is called 'Namaskar Asana'.

ne --> not

me --> me

as --> be

kara --> letter or sound

asana --> pose

Namaskar is a pose where the hands are joined together near the heart. The head bows down, as if indicating that 'I am not' or that 'there is no ego'. The feet are together.

The associated mantra is 'Om Bhaskaraya Namah'.

bha --> light

as --> be

kar --> to do

There is light.

The associated chakra is 'Anahata chakra'.

anahat --> new, not multiplied, unstruck

The chakra is associated with heart. It is associated with pure love, compassion and peace.

The quality being expressed is that of 'lustre'.

The life wave has worked in the light. The life wave is full of love and compassion. The life wave is shining with lustre.

The work is done.

Explanation

The Green Tara mantra is a prayer to the Mother Goddess to help us cross the ocean of life quickly.

Explanation

The Mahamrityunjaya mantra is a great mantra which brings victory over death.

maha --> big

mrityu --> death

jaya --> victory

The mantra first appears in a composite hymn in the Rigveda. The last four verses, in which the Mahamrityunjaya mantra is found are late additions. These last four verses make references to Sakamedha, the last of the Chaturmasa rituals.

chatur --> four

masa --> months

Chaturmasa rituals begin on Shayani Ekadashi and end on Prabodhini Ekadashi. It is believed that the devas go to sleep on Shayani Ekadashi and wake up on Prabodhini Ekadashi.

shayan --> sleep

This ritual ends with an oblation to Rudra Triambaka or Shiva. It is chanted while smearing 'vibhuti' over various parts of the body.

vi --> various types

bhuta --> subtle elements (earth, water, fire, air, space)

vibhuti --> ash collected from the cremation of bodies (made up of the above five subtle elements) used in special rituals

The mantra shows the path to ultimate liberation.

Shiva’s right eye represents the Sun. His left eye represents the Moon. His third eye is located between the eyebrows and represents Fire. It is the eye of wisdom that never sleeps.

The Pingala nadi is located on the right side of the body and represents the Sun. The Ida nadi is located on the left side of the body and represents the Moon. The central nadi, Sushumna lines up along the spinal column.

The seven main energy force-centers or chakras lie within our subtle bodies, our human aura, along the Sushumna. At the base of the spine lies the Muladhara chakra, the Svadhisthana chakra at the reproductive region, the Manipura chakra at the navel, the Anahata chakra at the heart, the Vishuddhi chakra at the throat, the Ajna chakra at the middle of the eyebrows and the Sahasrara chakra at the top of the crown of the head. These energy-centers are the portal of entry into the seven subtle planes which constitute our seven subtle bodies - Physical, Ether, Astral, Lower Mental, Higher Mental, Buddhi and Atma.

The prana moves through the Pingala from dawn to dusk. The prana moves through the Ida from dusk to dawn. The prana transitions from Pingala to Ida and vice versa through the central nadi, Sushumna.

Note: This is the cyclic movement of the prana based on the movement of the Sun, the source of prana. There are many other cyclic periods for the movement of prana in the Ida and Pingala depending on the seasons, the movement of the moon, etc.

The energies in our subtle bodies and force-centers or chakras are purified in the course of many lifetimes through the experiences we gain. This purification process may be expedited by conscious awareness and certain practices performed under expert guidance. During these practices, the chakras are activated and purified by the control of prana.

The third eye or the Ajna chakra is activated when the Ida and Pingala nadis meet after their journey upwards in a spiral, without any obstruction in the chakras below, through the Sushumna.

When the prana moves unobstructed in the Sushumna nadi, all darkness and ignorance are annihilated. If the prana gets stuck in the Sushumna, mortal death ensues.

When the third eye is opened, all darkness and ignorance are annihilated. Mortal death ensues. Immortality is attained.

This process of purification of energies in our subtle body, our human aura, is a difficult and tricky one.

Shiva literally means ‘seven’ in Hebrew. Shiva has control over his seven energy force-centers and seven subtle bodies. Shiva is the ‘Adiyogi who has full control over the movement of his prana. Thus, Shiva is the great protector who guides us in our purification process so that we may be able to activate our Ajna chakra and open our third eye.

The petals in a flower bud are closed. As the petals open up gradually, the flower emits a sweet fragrance and the bees are attracted to the nectar, which nourishes them. In the process, the pollen is transferred to other flowers. Through cross-pollination, fertilization occurs and seeds are formed. The seeds give rise to another plant, which again bears flowers and produces seeds. This cyclic process ensures the continuity and multiplication of the species.

The force-centers or chakras in our subtle bodies are represented as lotuses. The petals of the lotus are closed. The petals gradually open up with the purification of the subtle bodies. As the subtle bodies are purified, the essence of the soul emits a sweet fragrance of love and is prepared to receive the wisdom from above. The wisdom nourishes the soul and at the same time, sets our consciousness on fire. The fire enables further purification, more petals open up, more fragrance is emitted, the capacity to receive more wisdom is increased, the soul is nourished even more and the fire burns brighter and brighter. This cyclic process ensures the increasing purification of the subtle bodies and chakras, allowing the smooth movement of the prana through the Ida and Pingala upwards in a spiral through the Sushumna, enabling the activation of the Ajna chakra and the opening of the third eye.

Gold metal is very malleable and ductile due to which the gold can be beat into very thin wires (less than 0.2 mm thick) or sheets (only 2 atoms in width) without breaking the bond between the gold atoms. Similarly, there are excessive bondages in the world which are very difficult to break even when beaten thin.

Also, gold is a precious metal which is very valuable. Therefore, a gold cage symbolically represents the bondages which take away our freedom, and yet we do not make much effort to escape from the cage due to the attraction to the valuable gold.

If we wish to break these bondages, we must pound upon them vigorously through active and persistent effort. Through conscious awareness, we must examine all our beliefs. We must ruthlessly get rid of everything that is not useful to the evolution of our soul. We must then rearrange our lives and make great effort to purify our subtle bodies by gaining knowledge and active introspection. As the petals of the love-center open up, we prepare our subtle bodies to receive wisdom from above and for our consciousness to be set on fire.

When the consciousness is set on fire, it brings about further purification of our subtle bodies by allowing us to become fearless, overcome greed and pride, manifest true unconditional love, and it enables us to express the higher wisdom by serving humanity unconditionally. As the chakras are gradually purified and the lotus petals open up, the obstructions along the upward spiral path of Ida and Pingala are removed. The Ajna chakra is activated. Darkness and ignorance are annihilated. Liberation ensues.

Explanation

The prayer is verse 9, from Chapter 18, Canto 5 (The Creative Impetus), Srimad Bhagvatam.

It is a wish for successful purification of the universe.

Sedimentation is a process by which the soil particles settle down at the bottom of the body of water. Thus the water gradually becomes clear and bright.

Similarly, contemplation is a process by which the impurities of the subtle bodies are removed. The contemplation is focused on the characteristics of things. This enables us to see the true nature of things. Thus the subtle bodies (including the mind and the emotional/astral bodies) gradually become clear and bright. This is the process of the purification of the subtle bodies.

In the purified state, mutual communication with Shiva may become possible through the Higher Mental plane or the Causal body. Shiva is the One who has conquered his seven bodies.

I pray today that the wisdom may descend down to the Lower Mental plane and Astral plane.

Here, let it be absorbed by the Intelligence, through one’s own ability or power.

Explanation

The prayer is a disciple's call for help from his Lord.

He calls for help so that he may be successful in achieving his goal.

'Man' is equipped with seven bodies, the Physical body, Ether body, Astral body, Mental body, Causal body, Buddhi and Atma.

'Man' passes through the cycle of birth and rebirth so that he may be able to master each of his bodies.

He gains control over his physical desires, emotions, and thoughts.

This results in Wisdom and Understanding.

Thus 'Man' reaches the pinnacle of creation, thus 'Man' becomes a 'Man'.

The Buddha is the guardian of 'Mankind'.

The Buddha is said to have taken the vow to guide 'Mankind' until all deserving candidates have achieved their goal.

This is Buddha's Will, His Strength, His Truth.

The disciple prays to the Lord that he may not establish himself firmly in his birth, that he may not be well satisfied in his birth, that he may not be well nourished in his birth, that he may not be attached to his birth, that he may not increase his desires in the fruits of perfection.

Why is that so?

The path chosen by the disciple is hard and long. On the way, he may achieve some perfections, as a result of which he may have access to certain fruits of perfection. He must not waste any time in pursuits of matter that do not concern his goal. He must keep walking, he must keep persevering. He cannot afford to be satisfied and stop his inner work. He cannot afford to be distracted by pursuits that do not lead to his goal. Therefore, he prays to the Lord so that He may ensure that the disciple does not get distracted.

The disciple prays to remain conscious in all his actions. The disciple prays that his consciousness is superior in all his actions.

The disciple calls out in pain to his Lord and to all the Ones who are 'Ready' or qualified, and Strong, to not leave him behind.

Finally, the disciple knows that if he keeps walking, keeps following his path, he will obtain the Strong birth that he desires, the birth where he will finally achieve his goal. He knows that this will take a long time, but he is confident that he will obtain it, with the Will of his Lord, in due time.

Explanation

The Navkaar Mantra is a prayer, a veneration.

The goal of the consciousness in this case is nirvana.

nir --> without

vana --> clothes

nirvana --> without clothes

The clothes referenced here are the principles which form a covering for the consciousness.

This is the world of form, the rupaloka.

Nirvana is a state where the consciousness is not attached to any principle.

That is the formless world, the arupaloka.

The seven principles are:

• Physical

• Ether

• Astral

• Mental

• Causal

• Buddhi

• Atma

During life, the consciousness is mainly engrossed in the physical/ether body.

The astral plane is the plane of feelings (vedana) and sensations.

I bow to the Ones who perform practice to overcome attachment to feelings.

Thus the astral plane may be transcended.

The mental plane is the plane of thoughts.

It is the plane of memory and intellect.

The memory of the sensation gives rise to thirst (tanha) to feel the same sensations again.

I bow to the Teachers who use their intellect to understand and to explain.

Thus the mental plane may be transcended, by right thinking, as taught by the Teachers.

The Causal plane is the plane of the Ego (vinnana).

The Ego clings (upadana), according to its inclinations.

In order to overcome clinging, it is necessary to have the right conduct.

It is necessary to behave in alignment with the Teaching of the Master.

I bow to the One who conducts his life in alignment with His Teachings.

The plane of Buddhi is the plane of wisdom, of understanding.

This is the plane where the seeds are formed, the habit (sankhara) seeds.

These lead to becoming (bhava).

When there is perfect Understanding, the habit (sankhara) seeds are destroyed.

I bow to the One who has perfect Understanding.

The plane of Atma is the plane of joyful consciousness.

When there is ignorance (avijja), it leads to birth (jati) and death (jaramarana).

When there is perfect understanding, the fetters are broken and the cycle of birth and death is broken.

I bow to the One who has destroyed the cycle of birth and death.

On it's path to attain the state of nirvana, the consciousness learns to transcend it's principles.

These five venerations all help to obtain the holy trance.

Among everything auspicious this path is said to be the most auspicious.

.......

Teyata Om Bekanze Bekanze

.......

An ascetic, Amen, if he transcends desire

.....................

te --> you

yati --> ascetic

teyata --> ascetic

Om --> Amen

bekanze --> if not hungry, has no desire

An ascetic tries to overcome hunger.

Desire is hunger which is felt in the astral body.

.......

Mahabekanze Radza Samut Gate Soha

.......

Makes great effort to transcend desire, then liberation is achieved!

.....................

maha --> big

mahabekanze --> makes great effort to transcend desires

radza --> splitting

samut --> desire

gati --> movement

so --> thus

ha --> I declare!

soha --> so be it

Explanation

An ascetic life includes many austere practices.

This, the ascetic achieves, by self-discipline.

Food provides energy for the physical body to function.

In the absence of food energy, the physical body dies.

Desire is a form of hunger which is felt in the astral body.

The satisfaction of a desire provides fuel to the astral body.

In the absence of desire, the astral body dies.

The root of desire is inclination.

An experience may be perceived as happiness or unhappiness.

This introduces an inclination for, or against, that experience.

Over many lifetimes, repeated actions for, or against, that experience form into habits.

The habits are stored as seeds in the causal body.

When there is movement, there is experience.

When there is experience, there is movement.

Since an inclination indicates a lack of balance, many births are needed to achieve that balance.

The balance is achieved by developing an equal and opposite inclination.

This is typically done through the agency of karma.

However, the consciousness may take up this task consciously to expedite the process.

By discovering our inclinations, by either not reinforcing those inclinations, or by consciously developing equal and opposite inclinations, the desire seed may be balanced.

Due to the absence of an inclination, there is equilibrium.

Due to equilibrium, there is no longer any need for movement.

The desire seed in the astral body is split.

The consciousness is liberated from it.

The ascetic does not kill his desires. That is not how he conquers or transcends desires.

He transcends desires by getting to the root of the desire.

He does not feel the desire at all.