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.
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