Eternal Dharma: How to Find Spiritual Evolution through Surrender and Embrace Your Life's True Purpose
272
Eternal Dharma: How to Find Spiritual Evolution through Surrender and Embrace Your Life's True Purpose
272eBook
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Overview
Vishnu Swami inspires you to take action and manifest your fullest spiritual potential in everything you do:
- Explore the subtle and physical domains to achieve a totally new relationship with reality.
- Learn the radical new system of effectiveness.
- Gain clarity on all spiritual and religious paths.
- Free yourself from pain and suffering to reach pure, transcendental love.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781632659613 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Red Wheel/Weiser |
| Publication date: | 01/23/2017 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 272 |
| File size: | 3 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Inherent Function: The Principle of Dharma
Welcome. I am Vishnu Swami, the one they call the Maverick Monk, and though we have not met in person, I look forward to assisting and guiding you on your spiritual journey throughout this book.
Life can sometimes be a tough and complicated mess; navigating through it is a challenge we all face. Luckily the great kings, thinkers, and enlightened beings of the past have left us with a treasure trove of wisdom that not only can help us make sense of life, but practically empowers us to live effectively, powerfully, and in passionate, blissful spiritual serenity.
This book has two goals. The first is to guide you in your spiritual evolution so that you can progress to the highest states of pure Passionate Enlightenment. The second is to guide you in Effective Action so that you can achieve all that you want in life, be it a flourishing business, a passionate relationship, or a vibrant physique.
You see, my friend, what differentiates me from most monks is that I don't believe that you have to negate the material to attain the spiritual. Through a lifetime of practice, study, and the best spiritual mentorship, I have found that both the spiritual and material domains are integrated and mutually supportive, and growth in one of these domains can profoundly help support the other.
As discussed in the Introduction, Part 1 of this book is like an appetizer, in which we will learn key foundational concepts that are fundamentally important for achieving our two goals of Effective Action and Passionate Enlightenment. Part 2 of this book is akin to the main course, in which we get more practical, and learn the Unprecedented Elemental Reality System. We will roll up our sleeves and tweak our life to perfection. Part 3 is like the dessert, in which we fully hone into the spiritual domain and explore it with a level of depth and perspective that is sure to boost any spiritual seeker into a new dimension of passionately inspired love and sweetness.
My friend, let's get started.
The Wisdom of the Ancients: Veda
For many thousands of years, sages and scholars have been contemplating the complexities and purpose of life. About 5,000 years ago, a body of texts was compiled, illuminating every facet of life. This body of wisdom is known as Veda. It was closely guarded and taught from Guru to disciple, and its secrets were kept hidden in special lineages in which only those most qualified and sincere were able to learn. With each generation, the Gurus would imbue this wisdom with their own experiences, spiritual realizations, and personal flavor, and this wisdom of Veda became sweeter, thicker, and more applicable.
Many of the great kings of the East studied the knowledge of Veda, and with it, they not only lived peaceful and purposeful lives that progressed to enlightenment, they also effectively created and managed legendary empires.
We are fortunate to have access to this vast and profound body of knowledge, which until now has been unavailable to most of the world. We have seen little bits of this knowledge surface in the Western world and it is beautiful to see that even fragments of this complete knowledge system has transformed the lives of so many. Yoga is a good example. It is only one small portion of the vast Vedic wisdom (about 5 percent), yet people can immediately feel its power and benefits. Just imagine how knowing and applying 100 percent of this complete wisdom system could help you.
Contemplation: Take a moment and imagine yourself having the superpower of knowing exactly how and what to do in any situation to create the results you wanted. Ask yourself what you would create with such power.
Veda = Knowledge
The word Veda means "knowledge," but when it's used, it generally refers to a vast body of literature that was written at least 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. This compilation of Vedic texts is several libraries large and the wisdom contained within them is considered by the residents of the East, such as India, Nepal, Bali, and Tibet, to be far older than 7,000 years. Linguistically when I write Veda or Vedas, I am referring to the knowledge within this vast library of books. When I say Vedic, it means "from the Vedas" or "of the Vedas" (for example, Vedic wisdom, Vedic practice, Vedic meditation, Vedic knowledge).
The Vedas were written as captivating hymns, poems, and prayers. Originally disciples would learn the Vedas from their guru teachers by memorizing the verses. When I was a young monk in the monastery we also memorized many of these sweet hymns (mantras) of the Vedas. To this day, reciting these verses brings me peace and solace.
An Eternal Principle
The concept of Veda goes way beyond that of mystical poetry and 5,000year-old wisdom. Veda is understood by the scholars and spiritual practitioners of the East to be the eternal knowledge that constantly pulsates through all of existence.
When someone is spiritually attuned they are able to tap into this eternal knowledge of Veda. This type of realized knowledge is what we aim for when trying to be fully effective and progress to passionate enlightenment.
Of course, being able to do this constantly and consistently is a sign of being extremely spiritually exalted. Yet still, through simply attempting to surrender spiritually (a concept we will explore shortly), you can connect with this eternal knowledge of Veda.
Enlightened beings are fully realized in Veda and connect with it all the time. They do not need to read books or memorize any verses; all the knowledge of the universe is accessible to them. All they need to do is to enter into meditation, and any information they need appears in their heart.
To make the spiritual process easier for those of us who are not fully enlightened, enlightened souls have tapped into this eternal pulsating wisdom and written it down in the form of the Vedic texts.
Some call this process of tuning into the eternal wisdom of Veda "channeling," some say it is an internal inspiration, and some go as far as saying its God telling them what to write. Almost every spiritual linage and almost every religion has some form of a Guru, profit, or teacher channeling divine knowledge and either speaking it as a lecture or documenting it as a book to assist us less-advanced souls. I believe that classic spiritual texts such as the Bible and Torah are all results of such enlightened channeling. Of course there are many phony "Gurus" and "prophets" who are either deluded or deceitful that say they do this.
The Vedas Teach Every Facet of Existence
The Vedas do not solely focus on only one part of life. They give detailed knowledge on pretty much every aspect of it. Actually, they don't just teach about every aspect of life, they teach about every facet of existence. Basically, everything in the universe is discussed in the Vedas. There are libraries full of Vedic texts for every subject imaginable. A few examples: wealth, music meditation, sex (yes, the Kama Sutra is part of Vedic knowledge), liberation, health, spirituality, war, politics, God, mysticism, architecture, relationships, love, mathematics, agriculture, astrology, astronomy, and so much more!
All the wisdom of the Vedas slowly but surely guides us toward enlightenment. They don't see enlightenment as just another facet of life, but the purpose, the end goal, and the highest perfection of life.
Though much more satisfying than any material attainment, such as making money or a passionate relationship, enlightenment is most easily attained when approached in the context of the rest of life. Therefore, the Vedas, which are ultimately a deep thesis and guide to enlightenment, empower us in all parts of our life.
In this training we will learn a simple but profound framework that is both derived from the Vedas yet still new. We will learn how reality works and how to be effective in it. I am starting this book with a bit of theory, but this book is a practical one: The Unprecedented Elemental Reality System provided herein will empower you to be effective in everything you do, and it will guide you in attaining the most beautiful and ever-sweet passionate enlightenment.
Contemplation: Take a moment and contemplate how doing better in the practical parts of your life, such as in business and relationships, could help your spiritual growth. Then contemplate how growing spiritually may also help your practical life.
Realized vs. Theoretical Knowledge
Realized knowledge is different from information or theory. Information is just data, whereas realized knowledge, which is often known as wisdom, is knowledge that, in a sense, becomes part of who you are. Realized knowledge is always accessible and there to help you in every moment and in every action, whereas theoretical knowledge may not be used practically. Realized knowledge is active; theoretical knowledge is passive. Knowledge is only realized knowledge when it is used or experienced.
For example, knowledge in a cookbook is theoretical. Just because someone reads a cookbook does not mean that they now know how to cook. The ability to actually cook without a cookbook is realized knowledge, whereas the data written in the cookbook is just theoretical information. As another example, think about a mango. One person may know the chemical composition of a mango but never tasted one. Their knowledge is theoretical. Another person may eat a mango and thus know how it tastes and feel the nourishment from it. This is realized knowledge.
I want you to be able to taste the sweet mango of enlightenment. Throughout this book I give you practices, exercises, and subjects to contemplate that will help you to assimilate what you are learning and integrate it into the core of your being so that it stays with you and helps you forever.
If I were to speak with another senior monk and tell them what this book was about, I would say, "I am teaching people how to find their Eternal Dharma and showing them what to do so that they can manifest it, while at the same time showing them how to use the ancient wisdom of Veda to be extraordinarily effective in their life."
The Principle of Dharma
Yay! We get to explore one of my favorite and also one of the most misunderstood principles of the East: the principle of dharma.
The principle of dharma is the foundation of 5,000-year-old Vedic wisdom of India of which this book is a representation. Knowing this principle and how to apply it in your life is one of the most powerful things that you can do. Knowing the principle of dharma is paramount if you want to understand pretty much anything, or be effective in getting anything that you want. I found this principle to be so important that I chose it as the main focus of my PhD thesis.
By the end of the next two chapters, you should have a clear understanding of what dharma is, as well as a clearer recognition of the profundity of Spiritual Surrender as your highest Eternal Dharma.
You may have heard the word dharma before. It is a word in the archaic Indian language of Sanskrit and it is gaining popularity in the Western world. However, the concept of dharma is still largely misunderstood. Most people in the East, where the word has been incorporated into the local languages, still don't understand the meaning of dharma. Some people translate dharma as duty, righteousness, religion, or morality. These translations are okay, but miss the power, depth, intrigue, and use of the word and concept. More accurate meanings of dharma would be inherent function, constitutional nature, sustaining truth, or proclivity. I actually don't believe that there is a single English word or phrase that can properly convey the intricacies of this fine principle.
A General Synopsis of Dharma
Everything in reality, every object in the universe, anything or anyone that exists, has an inherent function, a constitutional nature, a purpose, a truth and tendency that defines its very existence. This nature or inherent function is what makes the object or thing be what it is. It is not possible for anything to exist without having such a nature. It is possible for some things to be engaged against their nature, but their inherent, built-in nature still remains fixed and is always there. This built-in, inherent constitutional nature is called dharma. Throughout this book, I use the word dharma and the phrases inherent nature and inherent function interchangeably.
The dharma of any given thing is inseparable from that thing; it was, is, and always will be there. The dharma of the object was created at the same time the object was created and will exist as long as the object exists.
Let's look at a few examples to get a clearer understanding of this principle.
A pen has an inherent function, or dharma; it was created for a specific purpose and it has a defining function that makes it a pen. The nature, or function, of a pen is to be written with; that is its dharma. It was created for that, and if it was not created for the purpose of writing and did not have the functional ability to be written with, it would not be a pen: It would be something else.
In the same way, all things have a dharma. The function of a car is to transport; a house, to be lived in; a guitar, for music; a blanket, to keep you warm; food, to nourish; a phone, for communicating — you get the idea. Everything exists to do something.
Everyone and Everything Has a Dharma
It's easy for us to understand this notion of dharma when we look at manmade objects like pens, cars, books, houses, clothes, and so forth. But the true beauty of the concept begins to shine when we see that all things, both inanimate and living, have a dharma. This means that all persons, all objects, all organizations, all eight elements the universe is composed of (described Part 2), and all things in nature, such as plants and animals (basically everything in existence), have a dharma, an inherent constitutional nature.
Contemplation: Look at objects located near you and try to see what their dharma is. Example: pen = to be written with, mouse = to point and click on a computer screen, wall = to hold a ceiling and provide privacy.
Oftentimes when I explain this principle of dharma people ask me what their own dharma is. Though the quick answer to this question is Spiritual Surrender, the truth is, discovering your dharma is no light thing. Each person has an individual and unique personal dharma. Knowing your dharma, your true constitutional nature, is fundamentally important for any type of lasting joy or success in life. Knowing your dharma is the first progression in the evolution of your spiritual journey to enlightenment. The sad fact is that most people do not know their dharma. This means that they don't really know who they are and why they exist. Some people may have a vague idea, but a person who truly knows their dharma is a rare one. If, by the end of reading this book, knowing your dharma was the one and only thing you got from it, I would be happy and satisfied; I would consider my duty as a teacher accomplished. I would know that your life would be at peace, prosperity would flow fully, and you would be well on your way to full Passionate Enlightenment. I would need not have any more worries for you, my friend. Still, because, as human beings, we have an enormous capacity to learn and grow, I am filling this book with many more tools and principles; this principle of dharma is just the beginning.
Let's continue to look at the principle of dharma from several more perspectives, so you can get a deeper, more complete understanding of it.
Dharma as Inherent Nature
I think that perhaps the best definition of the word dharma is "inherent nature." Everything has a nature and the nature of any given thing is automatically there. Rarely would we ask where this inherent nature comes from; it's just there. It is built-in and automatic and takes no extra effort to exist. Using things in alignment with their inherent nature also takes little to no effort. Things want to be as they naturally are. Pain and problems come by inhibiting nature, but rarely is there a problem when we let things just be as they naturally are. There can be no problems caused by living your dharma or by letting others live theirs.
Attempting to Dominate Nature
Society often tries to restrict, dominate, and control nature; it often succeeds, but only temporarily. Such curving and curtailing of inherent nature can only be sustained for a short period of time — and that period is troublesome and often outright hurtful. One example of this is authoritarian governmental regimes, like dictatorships, that deny or try to reshape human nature. These regimes have a short life span. Eventually they crumble, as anything that tries to repress nature must. We cannot successfully dominate over nature and we cannot actually curtail it to act according to our will. All we can do is align ourselves with it and trust in perfectness.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Eternal Dharma"
by .
Copyright © 2017 Vishnu Swami.
Excerpted by permission of Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Welcome: A Spiritual Journey 11
Part 1 Foundational Knowledge
Chapter 1 Inherent Function: The Principle of Dharma 25
Chapter 2 Finding Your Dharma 41
Chapter 3 Spiritual Surrender and Integration 53
Part 2 The Unprecedented Elemental Reality System
Chapter 4 Introducing the Unprecedented Elemental Reality System 71
Chapter 5 Elemental Foundations 83
Chapter 6 Earth's Steadiness, Water's Flavor, and Fire's Passion 97
Chapter 7 The Power of Air-Prana-Chi 115
Chapter 8 The Serenity of Ether 127
Chapter 9 The Echoing Mind 137
Chapter 10 The Calculations of Intelligence 151
Chapter 11 The Hidden Power of Identity 165
Chapter 12 Creating and Using the Elements as a System 179
Part 3 The Dharma of the Divine
Chapter 13 The Constitutional Nature of the Soul: Dharma of the Soul 201
Chapter 14 The 3 Stages of Spiritual Evolution 215
Chapter 15 The 3 Stages of Enlightenment and the Divine 225
Chapter 16 A Loving Relationship With the Divine 237
Chapter 17 How to Grow Spiritual Love 249
Next Steps 261
Index 263