Sadhguru says The infinite resides within; unlock it to embrace boundless possibilities. Life is not the accumulation of desires but the awakening of inner wisdom.
Article | Shree Siddhashram | December 18, 2024
Sadhguru: The desire to accumulate the elements of life is not life itself. This desire is merely an expression of craving (kama). The process through which one attains these elements is action (kriya). True knowledge (jnana) arises from the essence of experience. It is imperative to distinguish between what belongs to the external world and what emanates from the inner realm. Pure knowledge is derived from the inner world. Everything that exists in the external world—known or unknown—can be accessed through the depths of one’s inner self.
When the 72,000 nadis, or energy channels, open, the infinite repository of knowledge becomes visible to the seeker. Through the grace of the 64 Yoginis, this transcendental knowledge manifests. At the state of anandamaya kosha (the bliss sheath), the seeker perceives not only the 84 known universes but also glimpses of the higher states of existence that extend to 108 universes. The central connection point to these universes is Tripura Sundari, the divine embodiment of supreme consciousness. She is the central point (bindu), the ultimate para-bindu, holding the cosmos together.
Desire fuels action, but wisdom refines the soul.
The Inner Divine: The Purusha Within
The Avadhuta Parampara (the lineage of Avadhutas) teaches that the Purusha, the supreme consciousness, resides within the human body. This truth aligns with the philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya, who also proclaimed the ultimate expression of this Purusha as Purushottama, the Supreme Being. The highest realization of Purushottama is found within the body itself. As the intellect (dhi) evolves and consciousness ascends, the supreme manifestation of this Purusha unfolds.
As consciousness rises, the body experiences an increase in its inherent essence, known as rasa. This rasa is not external but intrinsic to the body, activated and amplified through practices guided by the Guru. The intensity of this essence fluctuates based on the level of consciousness. The more elevated the consciousness, the more potent the flow of rasa.
The infinite resides within; unlock it to embrace boundless possibilities.
The Guru: The Bridge to the Supreme
The supreme self (Paramatma) is the Sadguru, the eternal teacher. If the Guru resides within, why does one need an external Siddha Guru? The answer lies in the natural downward tendency of consciousness in its initial stages. A being cannot comprehend the existence of its own soul. Often, the mind or the body is mistaken as the self. Even when one intellectually understands the existence of the soul, it remains an abstract concept, beyond experiential grasp.
The Siddha Guru, who has traversed the path and realized the supreme self, becomes the external representation of this inner reality. The Guru guides the disciple to recognize and experience the supreme consciousness within. Meditation in the Guru’s form is, in essence, meditation on one’s own higher self. However, since the disciple is initially incapable of grasping this concept, the Guru’s physical form serves as a focal point for spiritual practice.
Elevating consciousness is the key to unlocking the supreme essence within.
The Role of Transformation in Sadhana
The self (Atma) and the supreme self (Paramatma) are one and the same. This supreme consciousness resides in every being. The Guru’s role is to help the disciple perceive this truth. Yet, not all disciples experience this realization equally. The depth of realization depends on the disciple’s willingness to transform. The unconditional grace of the Guru is always present, but alignment with this grace requires the disciple’s sincere effort to change.
When a disciple aligns with the Guru’s energy, the Guru transitions from being a master to a friend, enabling the disciple to experience profound transformation. The process of chanting (japa) a seed mantra given by the Guru is not merely mechanical repetition but a method for inner change. Without the desire to transform, the practice remains superficial.
The Guru is not external but the reflection of your highest self.
The Journey of Inner Evolution
Every disciple’s spiritual journey unfolds uniquely. The realization of divine truths, the intensity of rasa, and the emergence of nada (inner sound) vary according to individual progress. Self-study (swadhyaya) is crucial in this journey, integrating seamlessly with spiritual practice. Together, they foster the development of a disciple’s character, forming the foundation for deeper realizations.
The first step toward spiritual evolution is the desire to change oneself. Without this inner longing, even the most profound teachings of the Guru may fail to penetrate. True transformation occurs when the disciple embraces self-discipline, seeks alignment with the Guru’s wisdom, and remains open to the infinite possibilities within.
Conclusion
Life is not merely the accumulation of its elements or the fulfilment of desires. It is a process of inner awakening, a journey from external action to inner realization. Through the guidance of a Siddha Guru and the practice of dedicated sadhana, one can transcend the limitations of the mind and body to experience the infinite truth within. The Guru’s teachings serve as a bridge, connecting the seeker to the ultimate reality. In this sacred journey, transformation begins with the desire to evolve, leading the seeker to the realization of their divine essence.
