Aruns Yoga – Spiritual Knowledge, Astrology & Sacred Traditions

Introduction In the vast tapestry of the Shiva Sutras, vitarka ātmajñānam stands out as the precise faculty that separates true Self‑knowledge from fleeting mental chatter. While many Sanskrit terms describe various aspects of perception, this phrase points directly to the right discernment that recognises the Self beyond the layers of ego and illusion. What Is…

Understanding śuddhatattvasandhānād vā apaśuśaktiḥ In the Shiva sutras, the phrase śuddhatattvasandhānād vā apaśuśaktiḥ translates roughly to “by seeking the pure principle one gains the power of Shiva.” This short formula encapsulates a profound meditative method that links the discovery of the ultimate reality (the Pure Principle) with the activation of Shiva’s dynamic energy. The words…

Why the Heart Becomes the Mind’s Natural Seat In the Shiva sutras the phrase hṛdaye cittasaṃghaṭṭād points to a subtle yet powerful technique: placing the entire field of consciousness into the cardiac centre. When the mind settles there it no longer wanders among the periphery of thoughts, but becomes a clear mirror that reflects whatever…

Introduction In the vast tapestry of Shaiva philosophy, the phrase dṛśyaṃ śarīram stands out as a concise yet profound declaration. Translated loosely as “the perceptible is the body,” it invites seekers to view the manifest world not as a separate illusion but as an extension of the divine form. This article unpacks the sutra’s meaning,…

Icchā Śaktir Umā Kumārī: Understanding the Will as the Virgin Aspect of Shakti Within the vast tapestry of Shaiva philosophy, the term icchā śakti – the power of will – is often personified as Umā Kumārī, the virgin daughter of Shiva. This identification is not poetic whim; it reflects a precise metaphysical mapping that links…

Introduction In the vast tapestry of Indian philosophy, the phrase vismayo yogabhūmikāḥ – “the stages of yoga are a source of wonder” – captures both reverence and curiosity. When the Shiva Sutras speak of progressive consciousness, they implicitly map the classic eight‑limb path (ashtanga) while inviting the seeker to marvel at each transformation. Vismayo Yogabhūmikāḥ…

Introduction In the Shiva sutras, the phrase tritayabhoktā vīreśaḥ appears as a concise definition of the Supreme. It translates roughly as “the one who enjoys the three states and is the lord of heroes.” This statement packs profound insight about consciousness, the nature of the divine, and the path of the heroic seeker. What Are…

Understanding Aviveko Māyāsauṣuptam In the Shiva Sutras the phrase aviveko māyāsauṣuptam is rendered as “deep sleep is Māyā, the lack of discernment.” This statement is not a poetic flourish; it is a precise diagnostic of the mind‑state that hides the Self behind a curtain of illusion. The Nature of Deep Sleep Deep sleep (Sanskrit: sauṣupti)…

What svapno vikalpāḥ Means in the Shiva Sutras In the terse verses of the Shiva Sutra, the phrase svapno vikalpāḥ is translated as “the dream consists of mental constructions.” This statement is more than a poetic description; it points to the way our subconscious mind fabricates a vivid world while we are asleep. The mechanics…

Understanding jñānaṃ jāgrat In the Shiva Sutra tradition, the phrase jñānaṃ jāgrat translates to “knowledge is waking.” It points to the everyday, ordinary knowledge that operates when we are fully awake, as opposed to the subtle insights of dream or deep‑sleep states. The role of ordinary cognition Ordinary cognition is the mental faculty that interprets…