“Watch & Awaken Yourself”

All Jain Tirthankars were yogis and meditation was central to their search within. Bhagwaan Parsvanath, for instance, attained kevalgyaan (absolute knowledge, omniscience) through intense meditation 84 days after becoming a sraman ascetic. Guruji engaged in deep meditation at the Bhagwaan Parsvanath Jinalaya (temple in honor of a Tirthankar) and it continues to be a favorite spot for those visiting Siddhachalam for meditation. Other favorite meditation spots are Guruji’s Tapasya Sthal and Bhagwaan Adinath’s Tonk (at sunrise).

During summer, Siddhachalam generally has a monk-in-residence who, upon request, might initiate a seeker into meditation. Siddhachalam periodically holds camps for yoga and meditation. Please look out for news and if you are not getting Siddhachalam mails, stop by at the front desk on the second floor of Ahimsa Bhawan and register your contact information. When there, feel free to request a copy of the Song of the Soul and Guruji’s chanting – these might help you prepare for meditation.

Monthly Yoga Camps

Starting January 2014, Siddhachalam commenced holding monthly one-day yoga camps. Inspired by the Arhum Yoga camps Guruji held at Siddhachalam in the 80s and early 90s, the camps will initially focus on basic asanas taught by Guruji.

“Arhum Yoga: both words are complete,” wrote Guruji in a July 1988 camp booklet. “Arhum represents Right Knowledge, and more than union, Yoga means the state of total bliss – Samadhi. Bliss is our aim and Right Knowledge is the means to reach there. Arhum Yoga shows the way, the technique that can lead us to total bliss. Arhum Yoga is the mastery of the inner-self through watchfulness and direct perception.”

Arhum Yoga, as taught by Guruji, encompassed the eight steps of Yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahar, dharana, dhyana, and Samadhi), practice of sound vibrations by chanting mantras, understanding healing, science of colors and wholistic health, and practicing ahimsa and anekantvad. Our camps, however, will focus on basic Yoga lessons and progress further based on participation and availability of learned teachers.

During 2014, free basic yoga lessons were conducted by Dr. Sadana Mehta at Ahimsa Hall from 8:00 am through 1:00 pm on the following Sundays: January 12, February 23, March 9, April 20, May 11, June 1, July 13, August 17, September 14 and October 12.  A special camp with Acharya Roopchandraji MS was held on July 12-13, 2014.

There are no charges for participating in the camp on a non-residential basis; however, volunteerism and donations are appreciated.  Instructor is authorized to turn away those arriving after 8:00 a.m.

MEDITATION

Dhammo vatthu sahavo.  Dharma is the essential nature of a thing.

Meditation is the method by which one awakens to one’s essential nature.

The Dasvakalika Sutra begins with the following prescription:

Dhammo mangala-mukkittham, ahimsa samjamo tavo

Deva vi tam namamsanti, jassadhamme saya mano.

A realized being manifests non-violence, equanimity and endless tolerance.  Even the gods bow before one who is situated within.

Meditation opens doors to self-realization.

In our own experience, we have come across self-realized beings.  Acharya Sushil Kumarji was a master of meditation.  Siddhachalam was his venue of choice outside India for the practice of meditation.  It is Guruji’s legacy that Siddhachalam continues to be a magnet for those seeking to engage in meditation.  Many among them are eager to learn more and Siddhachalam is an ideal place to do so – yogis from world over say that it possesses vibrations found in the pristine ashrams of the Himalayas.

 

For more details, please check our Events page.