A Journey into the Heart of Vedanta

A Journey into the Heart of Vedanta

by | Jan 5, 2025 | Amrita Virtual Academy, Sadhana, Scripture

In January, Amrita Virtual Academy will start the scriptural study series Knowledge of the Truth: An Introduction to Vedanta on the text Tattvabodha with classes led by Br. Sachinmayamrita Chaitanya. I’m excited for it, partly because I’ve been able to hear a few of his previous talks before on other topics, and partly because this is a text that provides a framework for all of Vedantic thought.

The first time I got to hear him talk was at the beginning of the Amrita Gita course. I had no idea how thirsty I was for information on the Indian scriptures until I heard this talk. I had wondered vaguely: “What is the relationship between the Upanishads and Vedanta?  Are the Upanishads part of the Vedas, or separate? Was the Bhagavad Gita written before or later than the Upanishads?  What do you study?  Where do you start?  How are they all related?”  When I heard his talk, I hung onto every word and relistened with my notebook in hand, a few days later. It was profound, precise, and so full of devotion I wept a couple of times.

I know his series on Tattvabodha will be at least as good as his previous lectures, and needed in ways I’m not even aware of yet. Every bit of extra understanding I receive is absorbed deeply into me in ways that are hard to explain.  I’ve seen more and more that I need to study the scriptures, to properly absorb the things Amma teaches us, as well as to properly absorb the things that happen to me in my life and how I respond to them. This understanding is intellectual and far beyond the intellect at the same time.  

In his talk, Br. Sachinmayamritaji mentioned that the Sanskrit word Upanishad is composed of three syllables: “upa“, to come near; “ni“, to have focus, dedication, sincerity; and “shad“, to sit.  Br. Sachinmayamritaji also mentioned that “shad” means to destroy, as in destruction of ignorance. It is yummy to imagine a group of dedicated students sitting by a sacred river or mountain with the teacher and this is in fact the surface meaning.  Part of the deeper meaning is to let go of assumptions, leaving the cup of the mind as empty as possible, to take in and be nourished by the wisdom of the guru.

Contemplating this lecture gave rise to other dimensions beyond the concept of  “upa”, or sitting down near the guru.  It has begun to mean to me that I’ve prepared my mind to receive Amma’s teachings. To come close is not to be next to Amma’s body, but to be close enough in my mind and heart to receive what she is giving.  Part of this preparation is to be versed at least a little bit in scriptures. Versing in them makes me alert to things Amma does and says.

For example, during a recent satsang the brahmacharini (nun) who was speaking, expressed that Amma had once teased her a little about her accent, saying that Amma had trouble understanding what she was saying.  The brahmacharini said it made her afraid that Amma might even ask her to leave the ashram over it. By the way she chanted Amma’s Dhyayamo Shlokah at the beginning of the talk, it appeared to me that she was very self-conscious and self-judging about her speaking and singing voice. Of course Amma would never banish someone from the ashram because of their accent! Somehow during the interaction, Amma caused her to spontaneously sing part of a bhajan, forgetting her self-consciousness completely.  It was beautiful, and seemed to me to heal the bramacharini’s lifelong fears, at least for a few moments in Amma’s divine presence.

There are too many scriptures discussing fear to even begin to describe here, but I’ll mention a couple. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verses 1–3 lists fearlessness as one of the virtues of people who have realized their divinity. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1. 4. 2) talks about how realizing the nature of our true self is a vital step in transcending fear.  Several Upanishads discuss fear as a consequence of the false belief in ourselves as separate from the unity, from God.  

Watching that interaction, I saw Amma take the brahmacharini’s deep fear and turn it on its head. Those moments of fearlessness surely caused the brahmacharini to experience life without fear for a few precious moments, allowing her to experience the truth underlying it.  For me, knowing a little about the scriptural take on fear, was part of what helped me see what it was Amma was doing, at least from my perspective. The other thing that helped me appreciate the interaction was my attitude toward Amma—of drawing close by having learned that there is a deeper meaning to everything she does and says.  

Without that knowledge, it could have looked like a self-conscious brahmacharini spoke, sang a little, had a quick conversation with Amma, and then it was time for bhajans. But because I knew a little, and also have come to understand that everything Amma does and says is a living scripture, I was able to clearly grasp more depth than I would have been able to otherwise. This is a tiny bit of the power of knowing a little about the scriptures, and therefore, some of what we could gain from participating in this Tattvabodha course.

Coming back to Br. Sachinmayamritaji’s satsang from the Amrita Gita course, there was a part of his talk that made me weep. He described how the guru is like a sculptor who sees the finished art in a block of wood or metal and then removes what is NOT the art. This is something many of us have heard before, but the way Br. Sachinmayamritaji put it was so full of devotion on top of his precision in language.  The guru sees us as divine, as the guru itself, and lovingly works to remove whatever in us is not a reflection of this. I have come to see that knowledge of the scriptures allows me to collaborate internally with the guru in this process. Knowledge of the scriptures allows me to see where I’m going and what is in the way.

“Knowledge of the scriptures allows me to see where I’m going
and what is in the way.”

But I cannot study the scriptures haphazardly and still be effective.  Hearing a great line here or there out of context isn’t as helpful or impactful as a structured study. The Tattvabodha provides an essential framework for all of Vedantic thought. It answers deep questions about who we are, those questions many of us have had since childhood. 

In Tattvabodha, the author discusses the creation, composition and characteristics of our mind, intellect, memory and ego. He talks about the three different types of bodies we possess during waking, dreams and sound sleep. Along the way, he shows that these things are not what we actually are, and how our reality is beyond all bodies and definitions.  

The series of talks from Br. Sachinmayamritaji will clarify the Tattvabodha and prepare the groundwork and a framework for receiving that.


Thanks to Kamala for sharing her inspiring experience with Amrita Virtual Academy.
We encourage you to try out the upcoming new course Knowledge of the Truth with Brahmachari Sachinmayamritya Chaitanya, starting on January 5, here. It is a self-paced course with weekly commentaries on the scripture as well as regular live sessions (with replay access) for doubt clearing.

Amrita Virtual Academy offers a range of scriptural classes, from Bhagavad Gita to Narada Bhakti Sutras. See more here.

As an Amrita Virtual Academy member, you have access to more than 80 different courses and retreats in different fields.

Discover more about the AVA Membership here.
Or sign-up here.

The Rhythm of the Mind

The Rhythm of the Mind

by | Oct 20, 2024 | Music, Sadhana

Introduction

In this second post about music, Leslie shares how her musical journey through Amrita Virtual Academy with the ganjira led her to start to learn how to play the kaimani*, the challenges she faced and ways she could overcome them.

* (handbells – kai means hand and mani bell in Malayalam). 

The Rhythm of the Mind

In my first blog, I shared my journey with the ganjira.  Let me now share with you how the ganjira led me to learn kaimani, about the challenges I faced while practicing and playing with others, and the wonderful ways I was shown to overcome those challenges.

During a silent retreat in Hawaii, despite being a beginner, I was blessed to play the ganjira during bhajans. While I was playing though, the singer sitting next to me gave me a thumbs up and then indicated that I should play softer, and then softer, and even softer until I was effectively muted!

So, following his guidance, I continued to play the ganjira very quietly, while still enjoying the amazing energy that is created when one is inside the music with a group of musicians. I felt like I was blessed to be allowed to experience a world in which I felt I didn’t actually belong.  

Kaimani teacher Lalita

The next day, it just so happened that I met Lalitha, who was also at the retreat.  She offered to show me a few simple beats to play for each of the bhajans scheduled for that night. I could not imagine how I was going to remember everything.  But when it came time, I somehow remembered all she had shown me! 

The kaimani player and I connected during this set, and while making eye contact, he mouthed the beats and rhythms for me to follow.

Then, the same person who had asked me to play quietly the previous night –  started asking me to play louder and louder! 

So the next night, I tried once again to play the ganjira.  If I didn’t know how to play properly, I flipped it over in my lap and tapped in rhythm along with the kaimani player.  That is when I realized that if I wanted to hear the music better I needed to also learn kaimani.  

I soon began taking kaimani lessons through Amrita Virtual Academy.  When I signed up, I was so surprised and encouraged to see that Lalitha was actually one of the teachers!

…by continuing to show up, and by practicing my instruments, I trust that I am doing what I can to become fit for the path...


My son’s old room has become my puja/music room where I practice.  But just like my sadhana, I often don’t feel like practicing my instruments when it is time.   

Every morning, when I ask myself to stay focused while chanting archana, I find my mind wandering.  It is the same with my music practice.  I can intellectually understand what I need to do, and set an intention, but there is always the mind creating a distraction.   I find that the same qualities of shradha (faith and loving awareness) and laksha bodham (intent on the Goal)that are needed for the path are needed for learning these instruments.  

Just as when I learn about the teachings of Vedanta, I can intellectually understand them, but I find it difficult to put them into practice in my life. I find myself challenged to move from a concept, an understanding  of the rhythms I want to play,  to an experience of actually being able to play them.  This requires repeated effort and grace.  In this, and other ways, these instruments become my teachers. 

To be honest, when I sit along with the musicians during bhajans, I’m not actually that comfortable.  If I listen to my mind telling me that I am an old western woman with no musical talent, I won’t be able to do anything. 

…by practicing, and holding a vision of letting a pure divine expression shine through, I keep going.  I am always glad I did afterwards.  I just let the discipline lead.  One day, maybe I will be clear enough to have the kind of one pointed focus that allows the Divine to shine through in a pure form…  

But, still, I just keep showing up, not caring so much about what I think and feel. And by practicing, and holding a vision of letting a pure divine expression shine through, I keep going.  I am always glad I did afterwards.  I just let the discipline lead.  I trust that I am doing what I can to become fit for the path.  

Amma says we are not kittens—we are lions.  We are not candles that need to be lit by the world—we are the self effulgent sun.  Why should I care what my mind says?  I should be willing to sometimes not shine, but still be able to offer whatever I can to Amma.  After all, she will not waste half a grain of rice; She will find a way to do something good with me.

One day, maybe I will be clear enough to have the kind of one pointed focus that allows the Divine to shine through in a pure form.  

For now, regardless of what my mind thinks, I just keep showing up.  It’s time to practice.  


Thanks to Leslie for sharing her inspiring experience with Amrita Virtual Academy. We encourage you to try out the Kaimani Course with Anu Chechi and Lalitha, here.

Amrita Virtual Academy offers a wide range of musical classes, from singing to learning different instruments. See more here.

As a Amrita Virtual Academy member you have access to more than 60 different courses in different fields. Discover more about the AVA Membership here, and join.

My Experience of the One-Day Mantra Japa Retreat with Swami Atmananda 

My Experience of the One-Day Mantra Japa Retreat with Swami Atmananda 

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Sadhana

One of the most popular retreats in Amrita Virtual Academy is the Mantra Japa retreat with Swami Atmananda Puri. Several students have given glowing reviews after participation. In this blogpost we will go deeper into one student’s experience.

“Receiving my Guru mantra from Amma was a blessed moment I will never forget”

I got my Guru mantra from Amma during a European tour almost 20 years ago. It was a blessed moment I will never forget, with Amma whispering in my ear, blessing me with a shower of flower petals, leaving me feeling high but also grounded. I sensed something important had happened, even if I did not understand what, nor the value of the mantra at that time. Amma says:

“When Amma gives you a mantra, She sows a seed of spirituality within you. She transmits a part of herself into your heart. But you have to nurture that seed by meditating, praying, and chanting your mantra regularly, without fail. You have to be totally committed.


“The natural way to get yogurt is by adding a spoonful of yogurt to warm milk. Having added the culture, you let it stand for some time, and thus, all the milk is transformed into yogurt.“In the same way, Amma has transmitted part of herself into you. Now you have to ‘let the milk stand’- you have to attain a state of inward stillness by constantly repeating your mantra and doing other spiritual practices. Your entire being will thus be transformed and you will then realize your divine nature.”

My intention was to practice mantra japa daily as Amma instructed. I knew intellectually what a big blessing it is to have received a mantra from someone like Amma, but it was not really clear to me how to chant it apart from knowing it should be internal and as continuous as possible. And if I am honest, I did fail in more hectic periods to sit down and do my round of at least 108 mantras a day, as Amma advises. In those periods, at least I repeated the mantra throughout the day as soon as I remembered it, but that meant that on some days I chanted more frequently and it almost flowed by itself, while on other, more busy or “emotionally busy” days, I almost didn’t remember it at all! However, whenever I did remember to chant, I always felt a sense of peace in the otherwise busy mind with all its different thoughts and feelings.  That is how I knew the mantra was a precious gift I needed to treasure more. 

When I read about the Amrita Virtual Academy retreat on mantra japa practice, I felt it might be Amma’s way of drawing me closer to the practice! I felt I needed guidance and inspiration to become regular with mantra chanting (japa), and tools to connect more deeply with it. I also had questions about the pace and the mental “volume”.
So I did the one-day retreat. It was perfect! First of all, living in the world, it was a welcome day of rest from the daily grind. It was an opportunity to go within in a focused and guided way, which had a lasting and positive effect on my mind. The schedule is not that strict so I could be flexible and still have some time to take care of other things. But still organized so I had the opportunity and framework to go deep within. I remember that day: it was winter, it was snowing outside and I felt that the stillness of Nature reflected the stillness of the retreat. 

“It (the mantra) was peacefully cleansing and put tensions to rest.”

The retreat exceeded my expectations. The waves of peace from taking that time to go within caressed my mind for days. Swami Atmananda is such a good teacher, his teaching style very clear, organized and down to earth. 

In the retreat, he taught several different japa techniques and meditations on the mantra. One really spoke to me so I have been practicing that off and on since. 

The best moments during the retreat were when I experienced the mantra being a wordless energy, full of divine light and subtle love, flowing through my body. Just like being in Amma’s presence. It was peacefully cleansing and put tensions to rest. A presence to rest within, a feeling of it being so intimate, almost being one with me. Or me being one with it. I am so happy I partook in the retreat.

 “I have grown to consider my mantra my best friend who never lets me down.”


Afterwards,  I have grown to consider my mantra my best friend who never lets me down. It makes me relax. I used to forget my mantra on rough days or not remember it until late. Now I often turn to the mantra as if turning to a friend when in distress, to feel more peace and clarity within. The problems might not get solved, but often my mind gets clearer and I can respond better to situations rather than react.  When I cannot, I still feel more peace within, which is the biggest win. I still might not be as disciplined with the meditations I learned in the retreat as I wish, but as Amma says:

“Don’t feel sad that you cannot be as disciplined as you would like to be. Do what you can. Don’t be sad about what you are not able to do. Don’t push yourself too hard. Don’t suppress or judge yourself. Give the body the food and sleep it needs. There is nothing wrong in that. But don’t overly pamper yourself either. There may be lapses in your discipline. We may fall down. But we shouldn’t allow it to make us feel frustrated.”

Today I at least make my round of chanting 108 mantras every morning as I enjoy it and see the benefits; it sets the tone for the day and makes the mantra come more easily to the mind throughout the day.

Thank you Swamiji Atmananda and the Amrita Virtual Academy Team for making this retreat available to us.  Though physically far away from Amritapuri, getting closer to the energy of the mantra brings me close to Amma. 

Amrita Virtual Academy offers several sadhana retreats, including three Bhakti, two Gita, and others addressing challenges on the path such as taming the unruly mind, working with fears, or finding our purpose.  There is also a new library of satsangs and guided practices. There are two Mantra Japa retreats, level 1 and level 2. The participant in the blog wrote about level 1. As a member you get access to all retreats, as well as over 60 other courses and workshops! Become a member now!