Bhajans. Songs in praise of God. Bhajans in Shri Swamiji’s presence are sung in very lively tempos which allow him to induce varying levels of spiritual trance (bhava samadhi). See Swamiji’s words on bhajans.

Bhava samadhi (spiritual trance). Shri Swamiji uses his powers to give spiritual experiences for the development of devotees. Through his astral presence, devotees experience various levels of bliss, spiritual consciousness and healing. Although bhava is part of all traditions, Shivabalayogi’s generous use of these phenomena is unusual. See Bhava Samadhi page and Swamiji’s words on bhava.

Darshan. Darshan is the blessings communicated through being in the presence of a holy person or place. Merely by looking at the yogi and receiving the yogi’s glance, an immense spiritual energy is transferred which can profoundly transforms one’s consciousness.

Dhyana. Dhyana is the Sanskrit word for meditation, but it has a narrower meaning. Dhyana is when the concentration is focused on a single point. See Swamiji’s words on meditation.

God realization. Swamiji described God realization as the physical manifestation of God appearing to the person who is successful in tapas. However, we should keep in mind that Swamiji generally avoided any description of spiritual experiences. See Swamiji’s words on God.

Mahasamadhi. The great samadhi is the process by which a yogi discards the physical body.

Samadhi. Samadhi can be translated as God consciousness or enlightenment. It is an advanced state of spiritual consciousness in which there is no awareness of time or one’s physical body or ordinary surroundings. Shri Swamiji explains that samadhi cannot be described; it must be experienced. He assures us that if we apply ourselves and meditate an hour each day, he will ensure that we attain samadhi in this lifetime. See Swamiji’s words on samadhi. The word “samadhi” also refers to a place, especially a tomb, where the physical presence of a yogi is anchored.

Self realization. Swamiji regarded Self realization (atma sakshatkara) to be the same as God realization (bhagavat sakshatkara).

Shiva. In the ancient tradition (sanatana dharma) that is preserved in India and other cultures, God manifests in three aspects: the Creator (Brahma), the Sustainer (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva). Shiva is the destroyer of illusion and, as Shri Swamiji explains, is the same as God the Holy Spirit whose natures as fire and spiritual purifier also suggest the destroyer of illusion.

Tapas. Tapas means devoting oneself single mindedly to spiritual practice and it is often translated as spiritual austerity or penance. When Shri Swamiji uses the term tapas, he usually refers to meditation in samadhi for at least twelve hours every day. He explains that such tapas is necessary if one wishes to attain God realization. See Swamiji’s words on tapas.

Vibhuti. Vibhuti means ash. People come to Shivabalayogi with requests for all sorts of help, whether curing diseases or mental disorders, solving relationship problems, helping with work or other practical problems, or giving spiritual guidance and development. Swamiji typically blesses vibhuti which if used as directed will automatically bestow the requested help. The miracles he has worked through vibhuti are countless. See Swamiji’s words on initiation & vibhuti.