DARSHAN

DARSHAN

Every Saturday and Sunday, Kriyananda Dham offers a Darshan or Satsang program. This program is exclusively available to individuals who have acquired membership in the ashram. We focus on the capacity to remain in Padmasana for extended periods of time and to engage in practices that promote the body’s health. Additionally, we endeavor to attain meditative states through the systematic practice of the 5th Kriya technique during this session. The purpose of the Darshan program is to establish a sitting capacity of 3-4 hours in a single asana and engage in meditation, which involves initially remaining in Kutasta for 3-4 hours and subsequently remaining in that state for the duration of the day.

TAPAS

In Yoga Sutras, Patanjali defines Kriya yoga as Tapaḥsvādhyāyeśvarapraṇidhānāni Kriyāyogaḥ Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara pranidhana comprise the foundational practices of Kriya Yoga. Kriya yoga refers to the disciplined practice of yoga through the application of specific practical techniques. In common parlance, Tapaḥ means austerity, Svādhyāya means study of scriptures, & Ishvara praṇidhāna means surrender to God. These words have different meanings in this context. Here the meaning of Tapas is acts of self-purification, Svadhyaya means self-observation, and Ishvara Pranidhana means cultivating self-awareness.All three of these activities form kriya yoga.The term “tapas” etymologically signifies to burn or combust, to generate heat, or to create energy. While the word is more commonly understood as “penance,” “asceticism,” or “austerity,” its true meaning is a path to enlightenment that reveals the shortcomings and the dross of human inner personality.In the Bhagavad Gita, it is stated that the fire of jnana consumes the entire stock of karma. This indicates that it consumes the karmas that have been accumulated (Sanchita), the karmas that are currently being created (Prarabdha), and the karmas that have already been sacrificed off or released.When the consciousness is not liberated from the imprints of past experiences, it is capable of generating additional imprints, physical forms, and rebirths. A seed that has been burned or roasted loses its ability to reproduce. This procedure constitutes tapas, a practice characterized by self-purification.

Tapas, therefore, denotes  spiritual practices that purify a profoundly afflicted mind, plagued by ignorance.
Tapas also refers to the preservation of heat and energy. Furthermore, physical heat is generated, as evidenced by pranayama practices. Similarly, the term “svadhyaya” requires an explanation. Etymologically, it signifies one’s own analysis or study; however, it is commonly employed in the context of studying scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, and similar texts. The meaning of Svadhyaya within this sutra does not align with the aforementioned assertion. This refers to trying to understand our own self from a number of different points of view. When we observe our nose or teeth in the mirror, it is referred to as adhyasa of our own face; that is, an in-depth examination. Likewise, Svadhyaya signifies an in-depth examination of the self, covering a thorough exploration of our personality’s structure, which includes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. In Kriyayoga, these various practices contribute to the realization of the self.
It is the process of observing, perceiving, and communing with one’s own consciousness.
Similarly, this principle applies to Ishvara pranidhana. Typically, this signifies submission to a divine entity or spiritual guru.
However, in this context, it refers to fully immersing the mind in the deepest awareness in accordance with the guidance of the Guru.
This requires fully immersing our consciousness or entirely integrating it within inner awareness. Ishvara represents the internal consciousness. There exists no personal entity separately situated elsewhere. It resides within us, and in Kriya yoga, there exist specific techniques through which the consciousness is entirely surrendered to the inner self.

SATSANG = DARSHAN

“Satsang” is a Sanskrit term that translates to “being with the truth” or “gathering together for the truth.” Truth is what is real and exists. An audience with a Satguru for spiritual guidance is known as a Satsang. Definition: What is the meaning of Satsang?The term “satsang” is derived from two Sanskrit roots: “sat,” which means “true,” and “sangha,” which means “community,” “company,” or “association.” The term “associating with good people” or simply “being in the company of truth” can be translated. It denotes the act of gathering with individuals who are spiritually inclined and share similar values. A satsang may also refer to a gathering of individuals who are participating in a spiritual dialogue. Satsang corresponds to the interior quality of sattva (purity or goodness), which is one of the three gunas (natural attributes) along with rajas (passion) and tamas (inactivity). Thoughtfulness, wisdom, contemplation, and a peaceful nature are the manifestations of sattva. A person who is sattvic is a natural satsangi, or “seeker of truth.” Traditionally, the term “satsang” was exclusively used to describe a gathering that was conducted in the presence of a genuine enlightened being, or satguru. In contemporary times, the term “satsang” has expanded to encompass any gathering that facilitates spiritual reflection, discussion, meditation, or instruction. For instance, kirtan involves chanting, while dharma lectures involve philosophical debate. In general, the following criteria must be satisfied by a satsang gathering: A collective objective among group members. Theme or context to evoke spiritual insight. A consensus on inclusivity and ground principles. Satsang in a group can  have a profound impact on the ego, as the emergence of compassionate thoughts is facilitated by the shared space of support and unity. It is believed that Satsang dissolves any sense of separation, thereby enhancing the awareness of the interconnectedness of all entities in the universe. It is believed that extraordinary awakenings can occur in the presence of individuals who are dedicated to enhancing one another’s potential. Satsang serves as an aid on the yogic path to moksha, which entails liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth and the end of suffering. It is beneficial to eliminate the mental obstacles, material attachments, and negative beliefs that obstruct this path. Consequently, satsang is instrumental in ensuring that individuals remain engaged in spiritually centered thoughts and that they remain focused on their spiritual journey.
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