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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

What is Enlightenment? — Part 1

Discover how to center in your true self

Spirit already exists within, waiting for us to recognize It. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes the process toward the final goal of enlightenment. Discover the steps which lead to finding and living in your true self.

Raja Yoga

Are You Moving Toward Enlightenment?

When you clearly recognize you are not the heart/mind field but the seer beyond, your whole personal being eagerly seeks illumination. In this phase between clear distinction and the permanent centering in the true self, you are often in for a fight. Many thoughts, images and temptations may occur. You might even feel under attack. These new enemies and fears can be overcome by ceaselessly renewing the fight, persisting in distinguishing the heart/mind from the spiritual self.

  • Enlightenment is moving from ignorance of Spirit into spiritual awareness — and then living in that awareness
  • Patanjali describes what enlightenment is and how to find it
  • The body, mind and emotions are levels of consciousness, not the true self
  • When one distinguishes between the true self and the personality (ego, thoughts and feelings), one is close to enlightenment
  • To be enlightened is to be permanently centered in the seer, the soul, the spirit within
  • There is a phase between awakening to the true self and then permanently centering in it. During that phase, many thoughts and images of self-importance may become temptations to an excited ego, the false self

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A good place to practice the Mystic Breath is…
1. At the base of your spine
1. At the base of your spine
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2. Inside the spine – back of the heart
2. Inside the spine – back of the heart
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Read more about how you can increase your spiritual awareness by practicing the Mystic Breath.
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3. Navel chakra
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4. At the top of the head
4. At the top of the head
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