Spirituality Yes. Sectarian Separatism No

 

Spirituality Yes. Sectarian Separatism No

Saints, Masters, Sant Satgurus and mystics are not ‘owned’ by any particular religions, are not the sectarian ‘property’ of anyone’s institution or organization. Rather, enlightened Masters come to offer Divine wisdom and spirituality for the benefit of all humanity. “Ik Ongkar. Sat Naam.” — There is one God. Truth is His Name.” (Guru Nanak) The Path is one and the Supreme Soul is one. As Maharshi Mehi says so well:

“In different times and different places saints appear and their followers name their religion according to the sage or saint who propounded that tradition. The appearance of differences can be attributed to time, place, and language. This gives rise to various labels for the common views held by all religions. Likewise, due to excessively zealous followers, these seeming differences are often amplified. When all sectarianism and the temporal and linguistic aspects are removed, the basic principles of all the saints are in accord and the voices of the saints are in harmony.”

Inter-Faith Prayer: Let me resolve to become truly human!

“Let me resolve to become truly human!

If I become truly human it will be pleasing to God.

Whether I am Buddhist, Jain, Muslim, Hindu or Christian,

We should embrace one another just as brothers and sisters.

We are like the different stars shining in the same sky.

How beautiful they look as they keep on twinkling.

We are all like the different flowers in the same garden.

How beautiful they look as they keep on blooming.

The one temple contains lights of various kinds.

How beautiful they look as they produce their various lights.

The Gita, Puran, Vedas, Guru Granth and Koran,

Are the scriptures of humankind, which we should read with love.”

— Kabir Bhajan Amritam, published by the Kabir Association of Canada

“Be not imprisoned in the jail of ’I’ and ‘me’. He who hath transcended self, he verily hath attained to the Highest. He hath become Perfect. Such a one knows no difference between the Hindu, the Muslim, the Sikh, the Christian, the Jew, the Buddhist or the Zoroastrian, for God is the Lord of all and in all shines the one picture Divine; we are worshippers of the same Lord. The One is within thee, outside thee, in me, in him and in every place. That One alone doeth speak in all.” (Kirpal Singh)

Support Spiritual Awakening Radio by Making a Donation -- Education For A More Peaceful Planet

Support Spiritual Awakening Radio by Making a Donation. Donate Button Here — GO TO: https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com




#EducationForAMorePeacefulPlanet #Vegan #InterFaith #Peace #SocialMedia #Radio #Podcasts #Spirituality #ComparativeReligion #Vegetarian #Green #Meditation #Ahimsa #SacredTexts

Spiritual Awakening Radio

Spiritual Awakening Radio

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

 

Freedom of the Airwaves: It's unhealthy in a democracy for the media, including radio, to be dominated by one or two religious voices, as if they are the only ones that exist and no other faith community or point-of-view matters. If the religion/spirituality section of a bookstore was like the radio airwaves are in most places, only one or two books would be found there. The shelves would be mostly bare, covered in dust. No longer being content with the empty silence, I began recording my own programs. 

 "There is only one time when it is essential to awaken. That time is now." (Buddha) 

 Mission Statement -- Education For A More Peaceful Planet: 'There's not just one religion -- there are thousands. After years of being concerned that too few voices, too few points of view were getting heard when it comes to spiritual paths and world religions -- that the radio airwaves were not reflecting the diversity that really exists -- I started producing my own programs, exploring the world of spirituality, comparative religion, meditation, mysticism, vegetarianism, the vegan diet, and books, bringing to the airwaves the gentle voices of Saints, the Wisdom of Masters or Mystics, world scriptures, sacred texts, the great spiritual traditions and classics of the East & the West.'

More About Spiritual Awakening Radio: https://about.me/SpiritualAwakeningRadio

Hear Spiritual Awakening Radio: PODcasts, and Streaming Audio

Hear Spiritual Awakening Radio: PODcasts, and Streaming Audio

Hear Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts: https://www.spiritualawakeningradio.com/current-show

…..Exploring the World of Spirituality, Comparative Religion, Inner Light and Sound Meditation, Vegetarian Vegan Diet, and Peace -- A Positive Vision For the Future

Gnostic Radio: Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts: Marvin Meyer

Gnostic Radio: Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

The Lost Gnostic Spirituality of the West Series, Parts 1, 2, and 3, with Marvin Meyer, Professor of Bible and Christian Studies and Director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Chapman University in California. Among his recent books are: The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, The Gospel of Thomas - The Hidden Sayings of Jesus, The Gospel of Judas, The Unknown Sayings of Jesus, The Gospels of Mary (Magdalene), Ancient Christian Magic - Coptic Texts of Ritual Power, and, The Gnostic Bible.

All for the love of wisdom and radio,

James

Spiritual Awakening Radio

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

Tagged: spiritual awakening radio, podcasts, james bean, comparative religion, spirituality, marvin meyer, nag hammadi library, gospel of judas, gnostic gospels, gnostic radio, lost books of the bible, mysticism, vegetarian, out of body, mysticism,

Spiritual Awakening Radio PODcasts: January 2011

Spiritual Awakening Radio PODcasts

  

Exploring the World of Spirituality, Comparative Religion, Mysticism, Meditation, Inner Light and Sound, the Path of the Masters, the Vegetarian Vegan diet for a Sustainable Planet, and Books

"O Soul (Surat)! Who are you and whence have you come? This world is a net spread by the mind. Why do you get entangled in it? You are a ray from the Purush (the Supreme Being) and an inhabitant of the purely Spiritual Region." (Shiv Dayal Singh)

"Consistent with the concept of flow, mystics say that only when the mind is stilled and attention is concentrated firmly at the Wisdom Eye, does the Audible Life Stream have the magnetic effect." (Alistair Conwell)

"Believed to be the most fundamental way that the God-power manifests itself to human consciousness, the Audible Life Stream is considered by mystics to be like a spiritual highway along which all souls will have to travel in order to reach the source of this power.....In a very real sense the Audible Life Stream is a cosmic symphony to which all things, seen and unseen, unknowingly dance. Underpinning all physical and spiritual levels of creation; this symphony is endlessly being performed at the very essence of our being, since we are a microcosm of the entire universe." (Alistair Conwell)

For Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts, 

GO TO:

 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqzXkcs_2TwAvbR6ev3goFSbDBj8FnRS8

 

https://spiritualawakeningradio.libsyn.com

 

  

https://linktr.ee/SpiritualAwakeningRadio

 

Upcoming Programs on Buddhist Inner Sound and Light Mysticism

1/18/2011 Buddhist Inner Sound Meditation Part 1: Michele Michael, recounting the life and spiritual quest of Edward Salim Michael (1921-2006), author of a spiritual classic in the Buddhist community called, "The Law of Attention - Nada Yoga and the Way of Inner Vigilance", about encountering the sacred inner Sound. 

"When meditating with this Nada [Inner Mystic Sound], it is essential that the aspirant always seek and follow the particular aspect of it that is most subtle and 'ultra' in pitch as well as in brilliance. Even when the Sound becomes very shrill and loud in moments of deep concentration, he [or she] must not be tempted to be satisfied with it merely because it is sharp and resonant. He should relentlessly attempt to rise further and further into ever more subtle spheres of its mysterious Invisible Kingdom." (Edward Salim Michael, "The Law of Attention - Nada Yoga and the Way of Inner Vigilance", Published by Inner Traditions books of Vermont)

1/25/2011 Buddhist Inner Sound Meditation Part 2: Readings from the Shurangama Sutra (on the Transcendental Hearing of Quan Yin, the Compassionate One), Edward Salim Michael, Ajahn Sumedho, Dzogchen Ponlop, and other sources.

"You can experience the sound of silence in the mind. You hear it as a kind of high frequency sound, a ringing sound."  -- Ajahn Sumedho

"When the aspirant has recognized this Nada [Inner Sound] and familiarized himself well enough with it, he will perceive that, contrary to the ever-changing inner and outer conditions that he was used to up to that moment, this mystical Sound has a strange unearthly continuity about it. In addition to the description of this Sound given in the previous chapter, it can also be compared to the soft whisper of the wind and the continuous hissing noise of the ocean waves, with a shrill "ultra" Sound on top of it, composed of all the harmonics in the Universe. On higher spheres, this sacred Nada will have a strange sort of silvery aspect to it, somewhat similar to the uninterrupted jingling Sound of very little pieces of glass, with other smaller, ever more subtle Sounds superimposed on it, until finally these finer Sounds seem to disappear into infinity." (Edward Salim Michael, "The Law of Attention - Nada Yoga and the Way of Inner Vigilance", Published by Inner Traditions)

All for the love of wisdom and radio,

James Bean

https://www.Twitter.com/WisdomRadio

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

https://www.Facebook.com/SpiritualAwakeningRadio

Mission Statement: 'There's not just one religion -- there are thousands! After years of being concerned that too few voices, too few points of view were getting heard when it comes to spiritual paths and world religions -- that the radio airwaves were not reflecting the diversity that really exists -- I started producing my own programs, exploring the world of spirituality, comparative religion, meditation, mysticism, websites, the vegetarian vegan diet, and books, bringing to the airwaves: the gentle voices of Saints, the Wisdom of Masters or Mystics, world scriptures, sacred texts, the great spiritual traditions and classics of the East & the West.' 

Interests: Exploring the World of Spirituality, Comparative Religion, Meditation, Websites, and Books, Including World Scriptures, Gnostic Texts, Spiritual Classics, Guidance by Living Teachers, and Other Books that Matter -- A Format of Essays and Interviews 

Spiritual Awakening Radio Update

Spiritual Awakening Radio Update

I know a thousand Rumis the world needs to hear, to be soothed by the Voice of the Soul that speaks through them all. Hafiz, Shams, Sarmad, Kabir, MiraBai, Rabia, Tukaram, Hazrat Sultan Bahu, Baba Farid, Nanak, Tulsi Sahib, Surdas, Dariya Sahib, Dharam Das, Namdev, Ravidas, Paltu - countless are lovers of the Beloved.

"The person, who is in tune with the universe, becomes like a radio receiver through which the Voice of the universe is transmitted." (Hazrat Khan)

With some radio stations out there, spirituality is the one-forbidden-topic. Celebrating free speech and research in the areas of comparative religion and spirituality: Spiritual Awakening Radio.

"Knowing ourselves and being willing to stand for who we are makes life authentic." (June Singer, A Gnostic Book of Hours)

Rumi: "Start a huge, foolish project, like Noah. It makes absolutely no difference what people think of you."

Rumi: "I want to sing like birds sing, not worrying who listens or what they think."

Have updated my radio archive page, with a long list of shows you can listen to anytime. Spiritual Awakening Radio explores the world of spirituality, comparative religion, Inner Light and Sound meditation, mysticism, sacred texts, peace, also ahimsa (non-violence in thought, word and deed). This includes promoting the vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as awareness about climate change.

https://spiritualawakeningradio.com/show-archive

"The divine currents, like the ethereal waves of a radio, are spread out in the atmosphere in all the directions of the compass, giving out delectable strains of music." (Kirpal Singh)

"This creative current, filling all space, may be likened to the electromagnetic waves of the radio." (Julian Johnson)

November On Spiritual Awakening Radio: Rumi and the Sufi Poet-Mystics, Parts One Through Five  

 

 

Standing in solidarity with our Sufi brothers and sisters, affirming their peace-loving, non-violent, enlightened, life-affirming, inclusive, and positive vision of the future....... There will be a radio series about the Sufis: Rumi, Rabia, Baba Farid, Sultan Bahu, Hafiz, Sarmad, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, Hazrat Inayat Khan, and others. A new 400-page translation has been published by HarperOne titled, "Rumi: The Big Red Book", by Coleman Barks, which I'm also looking forward to exploring.

Rumi: "Love comes and fills my skin, veins and bones, every particle. Only the letters of my name are left. You are the rest." ("Rumi: The Big Red Book", Coleman Barks)

 

Rumi: "The core of this wisdom is something like madness. Love and insanity are often mistaken for one another. As suffering deepens in your heart, you become a stranger to yourself a thousand times." (Rumi: The Big Red Book, Coleman Barks)

"We are not alive because we have a body but because we are a soul." (Maharishi Mehi)

Like Galileo discovering new worlds through the lens of his telescope, mystics have been trying to tell humanity for eons of something quite similar. The reason why the contemplative state of being is still hidden from most of us is that, unlike Galileo’s telescope, in order to look through this particular lens, the third eye or inner vision, we mustn’t focus on the outward sensory impressions, but go in the opposite direction: into inner space.

Rumi Says: "Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth."

All for the love of Wisdom and radio,

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio

Facebook Radio Page:

https://www.Facebook.com/SpiritualAwakeningRadio

Sundays, Tuesdays Streaming Online - Spiritual Awakening Radio via HealthyLife.net - Positive Talk Radio

Sundays, Tuesdays Streaming Online-Spiritual Awakening Radio via HealthyLife.net - Positive Talk Radio

Spiritual Awakening Radio on Sundays via http://www.HealthyLife.net  

NOON Eastern/11 AM Central/10 Mountain, 9 AM Pacific Time/5 PM UK Time

Spiritual Awakening Radio streams Tuesdays via http://www.HealthyLife.net 

3 PM Eastern/2 Central/1 Mountain, Noon Pacific Time/8 PM UK Time

At the website click the blue "Listen Live" button for the streaming audio.

All for the love of Wisdom and radio,

James

Inner Light and Sound Meditation in Jainism

Inner Light and Sound Meditation in Jainism, By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj, The Harmony of All Religions, from the Jainism Chapter

 

 

https://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami
https://www.Youtube.com/SantMatRadhasoami

YouTube Video: Talk in Hindi By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY-II8TTt5Q


Maharshi Mehi Paramahans: "The Jiva (individual Soul) is enveloped by three layers: darkness, Light and Sound. To remove these veils hiding the Soul, we should practice Drishti Yoga (Inner Light Meditation) and Surat Shabd Yoga (Inner Sound Meditation)."

Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj: "Practice Drishti Yoga (Yoga of Light) and Nada-nu-sadhna (Yoga of Sound). These will remove the layers of darkness, Light and Sound which conceal your Soul from the Supreme Soul (God). You will know who you are. And, when you know yourself, you will also know God."


Inner Light and Sound Meditation in Jainism,
By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj,
The Harmony of All Religions,
from the Jainism Chapter

Lord Mahavira’s Teachings on Atman and Meditation

Here are some references to atman and meditation as taught by Lord Mahavira: "Atman is Brahma (the Ultimate Reality). Brahmacharya (living in Brahma; restraint of the senses) is the state of being established in one’s soul. The practitioner who is freed from the body (who is detached from bodily desires) and established in the soul is the true brahmachari."

"Through meditation of the soul Param Samadhi (highest state of concentration; state of liberation) is attained."

"Absorbed in meditation the mendicant leaves behind all impurities. Therefore, meditation is the cure for all the impurities and afflictions of the soul.

"If your vision itself becomes the source of removing darkness, then why would a man need an outside source of light? [By the practice of meditation the divine light dawns and the practitioner’s divine vision opens up]. If the soul itself is an abode of infinite joy, why then would the sensual pleasures have any value for that practitioner?"

In the above quotes, Lord Mahavira describes the divine vision which removes the darkness of ignorance. His words find support in an ancient anecdote about Mragavati, a devout woman and devoted wife, who was endowed with the divine vision and was able to see clearly in the darkness.

The bright bindu point (infinitesimal point] emerges when the practitioner becomes established in the discipline of focusing on one point with the beams of both eyes. When the inner light is attained, a practitioner is established in the divine light, which is not conditioned by any outward source of light. This technique is known by different names in texts of the various saints and traditions.8 In this practice of light the practitioner sitting in meditation is able to observe the scenes from anywhere (clairvoyance).9 The outward darkness does not hinder the power and ability of seeing. Therefore, Mahavira has asked why the practitioner would need outward light once his vision has itself become the source (instrument) of removing darkness.

Once established in light, the practitioner hears various types of sweet inner melodious sounds. The saints have named this sound the Anahad (Un-struck, self producing divine sound).
Through the technique of Shabad Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound) the practitioner goes beyond these sounds and enters the eternal sound—Pranava dhvani OM (the cosmic sound of OM).
Through this the practitioner reaches God (paramatma—the Supreme Spirit) and reaches the point where the distinction between the devotee (practitioner) and God (object of worship) disappears. The soul which is united with the Supreme Soul, becomes the Supreme Soul. This state is known as moksha, nirvana, or mukti (Absolute Freedom).

A discussion on Shabad Yoga Jnanarnva is found in the text, composed by Shrishubhachandracharya: "This dhyana (intense concentration) moves from one sound to another, and from one yoga to another. Therefore, it is known as that which is endowed with focus and logic."

Lord Mahavira speaks of the experience of the Bindu—point—in meditation as the experience of sva (inner self). Dr. Hukumchand Bharill in his book, Tirthankara Mahavira and his Sarvodaya Tirtha10 has wonderfully depicted the inner depth of the meditation practice of Lord Mahavira. From these illustrations it is evident that Lord Mahavira practiced inner sound yoga or (Shabad Yoga)11.

In the Jain texts we find various references: "[In the deep state of meditation] Lord Mahavira experienced the divine sounds. The sound of OM was ceaselessly emanating, the inner form of atman manifested in its utmost grandeur, and the nectar was pouring."



Driśti Yoga (Preksha Dhyāna) - Yoga of Inner Light

Preksha, the Yoga of Vision or seeing is the subtle form of meditation. It is known by various names in the Jain tradition. The word preksha is derived from the Sanskrit root verb iksha, which means “seeing.” With the pra prefix it means “seeing by entering in depth” or “observe carefully.” In Jain literature, two words are used to describe the Yoga of Light meditation: preksha and vipashyana. However, the term vipashyana is also used in Buddhist meditation techniques. Therefore, in the present Jain context, we use the term preksha dhyāna to avoid any confusion with the Buddhist terminology.

In the Dashvaikalick Sutra it is said: "See the atman through the atman. Seeing is the essential element of this meditation and therefore it is named preksha dhyāna."

Acharya Tulsi explains: "The Center of “seeing” or inner focus is known as ajnachakra (the third eye). When the mind is focused on it, the divine light pervades every part of the being. The life of one who focuses on this center of life (in front of the nose between the two eye-brows) is ever filled with the smile and joy."

Acharya Mahapragya elaborates: "The goal of the Yoga of Vision is to know one’s self. As long as the soul is covered with afflictions and desires we are unable to know our self. Therefore, to remove this veil or covering it is necessary to concentrate the mind.

"The Yoga of Vision is the technique of looking at the soul. Whom shall we see? We shall see our Self and experience our own nature. We shall manifest the true form of our own nature. Seeing the true form of oneself is the Yoga of Vision.

"Collect your consciousness in the sushumna, the tenth gate (ajnachakra)."

According to Maha Manaswi Shri Jinendra Varni: "Meditation beyond physical forms is known as Shukla Dhyāna (light meditation). This meditation is beyond name and form. One sees only the inner light, and it is therefore called shukla. The yogi experiences the indescribable form of God in the form of light. Therefore, this meditation is known as the meditation of light—shukla dhyāna."

According to Shubhachandrachrya, "[In this way] The ascetic who has understood the technique of mantra meditation, must then meditate on a point in front of the nose and in the middle of both eyebrow, focused on the unmovable form."

Surat Śabada Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound)

In the Yoga of Sound (Surat Shabda Yoga), the gross material sound (anhad sound) manifests initially, and thereafter the essential inner divine sound (anahad), also know as OM or Pranava. It is the cosmic sound of the beginning.

There are several references to the essential cosmic sound in the context of Lord Mahavira’s teachings: "Taking hold of this essential anahat element (the sound of OM) or Shivanam, the ascetics have gone across [beyond] this world of delusion and pain."

In this way meditation upon the mantra and the essential sound are described. Also the technique of meditation on the OM sound is elaborated: "O Ascetic! Meditate on the cosmic sound of OM because it is like rain for extinguishing the fire of suffering. And it is also like a lamp which illuminates the subtle essence of the sacred teachings. It is the governance of good deeds." (Jnanarnva, sarga: 38)

Acharya Tulsi says: "From the infinitesimal point and the divine sound the subtlest waves (vibrations) reverberate."

In his book, The Method of Using Preksha Dhyāna, Acharya Mahapragya writes: "Close both ears with your hands and listen to the inner sounds."

The Jnanarnva (sarga 36) says: "The mendicant with purified mind should meditate on the sky with rainbow, lightning, and the sound of thunder, and full of clouds."

Swami Jnananada says in the Pandita Puja: "In the divine sound of God (Bhagawan) all the mysteries are revealed."

Shri Jinendravarni states: "What does one hear with these ears? It is a sweet sound . . . Closing my eyes, as if I were united with God, I was away from this world. Only my Peace incarnate and dispassionate Lord (Mahavira) and I existed [ego and worldly concerns had vanished in the state of complete tranquility]."

______

NOTES:

8 Drishti yoga is known by various names in different texts and traditions: Bindu-dhyāna, drishti yoga, Atama-dhyāna, Preksha-dhyāna, Vipashyana dhyāna, Jyoti dhyāna, Shunya-dhyna, Nasagra dhyana, Shambhavi Mudra, Vaishvanavi-Mudra, Adhar dhyana, Sushumna dhyana, etc...

9 It is also said in the Yogashikhopanishad, “Absorbing mind in Bindu behold the scenes of great distance.”

10 Literally, “Bridge-builder Mahavira and his All-uplifting Bridge”.

11 Jain Acharya Sushil Kuamarji Maharaj Ji practiced various steps of yoga including the yoga of Sound vibration.

Jainism and Surat Shabd Yoga - Inner Sound Meditation

Namo arahantanam Namo siddhanam Nomo ayariyanam. Namo uvajjhayanam Namo loe savvashunam. Obeisance to the Worthy souls. Obeisance to the Liberated souls. Obeisance to the Preceptors (Spiritual Guides). Obeisance to the Spiritual Teachers. Obeisance to all the Saints in the world. (Lord Mahavira, Saman Suttam, Jainist Scripture)

Jainisim and Surat Shabda Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound)
By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj
The Harmony of All Religions,
Excerpted from the chapter on Jainism


Sant Mat Mysticism Blog:
http://santmat.gaia.com/blog


In the Yoga of Sound (Surat Shabda Yoga), the gross material sound manifests initially, and thereafter the Essential Inner Divine Sound (Anahad), also know as OM or Pranava. It is the Cosmic Sound of the beginning.

There are several references to the essential Cosmic Sound in the context of Lord Mahavira’s teachings:

"Taking hold of this essential Anahat element (the Sound of OM) or Shivanam, the ascetics have gone across [beyond] this world of delusion and pain."

In this way meditation upon the mantra and the Essential Sound are described. Also the technique of meditation on the OM Sound is elaborated:

"O Ascetic! Meditate on the Cosmic Sound of OM because it is like rain for extinguishing the fire of suffering. And it is also like a lamp which illuminates the subtle essence of the sacred teachings. It is the governance of good deeds." (Jnanarnva, sarga: 38)

Acharya Tulsi says:

"From the infinitesimal point and the Divine Sound the subtlest waves (vibrations) reverberate."

In his book, The Method of Using Preksha Dhyāna, Acharya Mahapragya writes:

"Close both ears with your hands and listen to the Inner Sounds."

The Jnanarnva (sarga 36) says:

"The mendicant with purified mind should meditate on the sky with rainbow, lightning, and the sound of thunder, and full of clouds."

Swami Jnananada says in the Pandita Puja:

"In the Divine Sound of God (Bhagawan) all the mysteries are revealed."

Shri Jinendravarni states:

"What does one hear with these ears? It is a sweet Sound. . . Closing my eyes, as if I were united with God, I was away from this world. Only my Peace incarnate and dispassionate Lord (Mahavira) and I existed [ego and worldly concerns had vanished in the state of complete tranquility]."

Jainism: Treat all living beings as your own self

Jainism: Treat all living beings as your own self

Jainism: Treat all living beings as your own self

Some Sayings of Mahavira (from a Jainist publication)


SantMat_Mystic_(James)
http://profiles.yahoo.com/santmat_mystic

1. Dharma* is the essence of existence.

2. The differentia of Dharma is Ahimsa [non-violence in thought, word, and deed], and compassion ennobles it.

3. Respect for others -- absence of pride and ego -- is the root of Dharma.

4. The ten-fold Dharma (piety) is made of forgiveness, humility, honesty, greedlessness, truthfulness, self-control, curb on one's desires, renunciation, detachment and possessionlessness.

5. Right conduct consists in one's abstaining from hurting others, from speaking untruth, appropriating others' property, from wanton indulgence in sex and from unduly holding to possessions -- this, in short, is the five-fold 'good conduct'.
 
6. Mere reading holy books is of no avail unless knowledge derived from them is translated into practice and used in shaping one's conduct in life.
 
7. If pain is distasteful to you, know well that it is similarly distasteful to other living beings.
 
8. Treat all living beings as your own self.
_____
*Note:

"Dharma": "Dharma (Sanskrit) or Dhamma (Pali) is the underlying order in nature and human life and behaviour considered to be in accord with that order. Ethically, it means 'right way of living' or 'proper conduct,' especially in a religious sense. With respect to spirituality, dharma might be considered the Way of the Higher Truths. Dharma is a central concept in religions and philosophies originating in India. These religions and philosophies are called Dharmic religions. The principal ones are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, all of which emphasize Dharma (the correct understanding of Nature) in their teachings. In these traditions, beings that live in accordance with Dharma proceed more quickly toward Dharma Yukam, Moksha or Nirvana (personal liberation). Dharma also refers to the teachings and doctrines of the founders of these traditions, such as those of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira. In traditional Hindu society with its caste structure, Dharma constituted the religious and moral doctrine of the rights and duties of each individual."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma

jainism, Mahavira, dharma, ahimsa, comparative religion, ethics, spiritual principals,