Maha Shivaratri

 Hari Aum.

Aum Namah Shivaya.

Tonight is Maha Shivaratri (meaning the great night of Shiva; 'ratri' means night in Sanskrit) and I would like to wish all readers on this auspicious occasion. From a spiritual perspective, this is a night of great significance. There are some legends related to the festival of  Maha Shivaratri-- an important one is that this is said to be the celebration of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati (there is a whole story behind this and I might write about it one day!). However, the yogis regard this wedding to have a deeper spiritual significance, not only the union of our Divine Parents.

According to them, this 'wedding' symbolises the attainment of the great goal of human life, namely the spiritual state of Self Realisation or moksha/liberation. This involves the 'union' between the jivatma (individual soul/ the spiritual seeker, represented by Parvati) and the Paramatma (Supreme Being/God, represented by Shiva).

According to the path of Advaita Vedanta, the jiva is always one with (not different from) God ('Jiva Brahman na para' in Sanskrit) but forgets this due to the illusory power known as Maya. During Shivaratri, the devotee or yogi traditionally remains awake all night immersing him/herself in spiritual practices, attempting to realise this great truth. In Ashrams in India and in various places around the world, this practice still takes place. 

Staying awake at night in worship also has a symbolic meaning according to our Gurus. Sleep represents 'tamas'- the dull principle of inertia and ignorance, and so staying awake instead of sleeping represents our conquest of tamas and development of 'sattva' - the principle of goodness. (Note- sleep is of course vital and essential for good health according to both the yogis and modern science too, and in general, we must try and sleep as well as we can-- however, on certain special occasions like Shivaratri, wakefulness at night has a spiritual significance).

I was fortunate to be able to participate in the Shivaratri celebration at my Guru's ashram in Rishikesh in 2017-- I recall the main temple being lit brilliantly with many lamps and being  decorated with numerous beautiful flower garlands. Various pujas for Lord Shiva were conducted all night with recitation of sacred hymns and singing of devotional songs. It was a wonderful night and I hope to be able to participate again in the future. 

In the meantime, in the midst of home and work responsibilities, I conduct worship on a much smaller scale at my own home. Today, before putting my young daughter to sleep, we conducted a puja for Lord Shiva together. (My daughter is aged 5 so cannot concentrate on worship for longer periods-- so we did a mini-puja lasting around half an hour worshipping Shiva with Shakti and Gurudev Sivananda; we offered the traditional worship with milk, yoghurt, ghee and honey to the Shiva linga with lamps, incense, sandal paste and fruit with recitation of the panchakshara 108 times). 

We are at the start of the night where I live and so I hope to spend at least some more time doing a puja of my own for Shiva along with mantra recitation before heading off to sleep (unfortunately I am usually unable to stay awake all night these days as this triggers headaches and I cannot then function well the next day).

Before I conclude this post, I would like to share a link describing the teachings of my Guru, Sivananda, on the significance of Shivaratri- it is an excellent article and well worth a read:

https://www.dlshq.org/religions/shivaratri/

I am also sharing a lovely depiction (via Bharatanatyam dance) of the famous hymn known as the Shiva panchakshara stothram (composed by Adi Shankara in praise of Him):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29SgtDBlT_w

Om Namah Shivaya. May Lord Shiva bless us all. 

Om Sri Durgayai Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. It was on Maha Shivaratri three years ago that I had a completely unexplainable, very vivid and detailed dream of my twin soul. We walked together and expressed our reality in silence. 

(I cannot believe the timing of this was a coincidence. For one, it took place after not being in touch for some time. Also, when I discovered Pradnya, and told her about the timing, she informed me that other twin souls she knew, had also dreamt of their counterparts on the same night. So clearly this was a significant time for the broader group of people on a twin soul journey). 

This love is real (no matter what you say in the waking state, twin-- your Higher Self seems to speak otherwise, and I must believe that alone) and must have a purpose. Let Shiva Himself decide that purpose (and this may take any form which is ok as it will be in accordance with Divine will and therefore dharmic).

I pray today, three years (and so many extraordinary experiences) on from that Shivaratri, that He absolutely ensures that this love (that only He could have created) fulfils His purpose. I truly do (and I know He will not ignore me-- just as He did not ignore the original 'Aparna' (His own other half) after whom I am named). May the will of God be done in entirety with regard to this situation. 

Om Namah Shivaya

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

The Lakshmi-Narayana bank

 Hari Aum.

For those of us who are householders especially, one cannot avoid the tedious subject of finance. One has to have a job and a steady income to run a household. The yogis would say this is all very well, but it should be done with dharma as the foundation; the earning of wealth must never be at the expense of dharma but rather, based upon it. 

They say one should never sell the soul for money, because the soul is our essence, it is priceless (one Swami, who is one of my main spiritual mentors, told me many years ago at the beginning of my spiritual life, 'Remember Faustus, the mistake he made. Never be like him. Never sell your soul, never compromise on dharma'. 

She is of course absolutely right-- the imperishable cannot be sacrificed for the perishable). While pursuing worldly goals, running a household, providing for children and so on, one should keep dharma as the basis -- the spiritual goal should never be sacrificed for the material (as far as possible).

On the other hand, there is one bank where the yogis and Gurus encourage us to be very greedy about! That bank, they playfully call, the 'Lakshmi-Narayana' bank. This is the spiritual bank-account and the most important and vital bank account we have in life. All other accounts have their basis in this account alone; all good fortune in life stems from this account alone. 

Once at a satsang some months ago, the spiritual teacher told the listening audience, 'Your various bank accounts and investments may fail one day, you may lose money in these material banks. However, whatever spiritual practices such as japa, kirtan etc, you put into the Lakshmi-Narayana bank will never fail you! This can never be lost, it will remain with you forever. Unlike your material wealth which must be left behind when you leave the planet, your wealth in the Lakshmi-Narayana bank will follow you when you leave!". So both here and hereafter, spiritual wealth is the everlasting wealth, the imperishable wealth of the soul (and not the material).

How then are we to become 'mantra millionaires' as the Gurus advise?! It is all very well to aim to have a decent material income to be able to perform our duties as householders towards our families and society at large. But, while doing this, how are we to ensure that we create and invest great wealth in the Lakshmi-Narayana spiritual bank?

The answer, obviously, is a daily spiritual practice. Just as many people save some part of their income every month, it is vital to assess one's 'spiritual savings' on a regular basis.

Not a single day should pass without mantra japa according to Sivananda and the Gurus. As the sun rises and sets, a portion of our life goes away. We do not know how many more sunrises and sunsets we will see-- life is inherently unpredictable (particularly in the times we live in today).

At any time, we may be dispatched and sent away from here. Not a single coin or note of our material wealth will follow. But, every single mantra recitation, every single spiritual song that was sung, every act of karma yoga/service of God, will follow-- this is the emphatic declaration of all Gurus of all spiritual traditions.

In many countries, the financial year begins in April and various people draw up savings plans and make budgets and so on. They eagerly consider how to maximise their material wealth in the coming year. In the same manner, we spiritual aspirants should eagerly consider how we are going to maximise our spiritual wealth.

March-April is the time when the Vedic New Year begins (based upon the lunar calendar). This year, the Vedic New Year begins on March 30 (with the festival known as 'Ugadi', 'Gudi padwa' etc in various parts of India).

So, as we approach the end of this spiritual financial year, and prepare for the arrival of the next one, let us carefully consider what 'spiritual savings, investments and interest' we wish to generate in the coming year. Let us be extremely vigilant and diligent about our spiritual savings. (By the way, giving in charity of course counts as a spiritual saving even though it may be seen as a material expenditure!)

Let us chalk out a clear programme to maximise our spiritual growth, be careful about investing our time in spiritual pursuits and be intent upon amassing as much spiritual wealth as possible. 

The yogis say 'Direct all the impurities of the mind towards God. If you must be greedy, be greedy about spiritual wealth. If you must be angry, be angry if the mind does not turn Godward. If you have to be proud, be proud of the good qualities of the deity you worship. If you must have desire, direct this towards God. Whatever purity and impurity exists in the mind, turn it all Godwards, give it to God. In this way, you will find the mind transforms from impure to pure and you will receive the grace of God'.

So, as the Gurus advise, let us aim to be 'mantra millionaires' this year. It is not good to boast about sadhana, about the japa we do. But let us quietly, diligently and seriously, pursue the spiritual path in the coming spiritual financial year and make sure that we have a very healthy spiritual savings account at the end of it. 

Let our spiritual wealth increase substantially year on year as long as we remain in this Earthly realm. Our Lakshmi-Narayana bank account should always receive regular (preferably daily) deposits of mantra, kirtan, svadhyaya, karma yoga and so on.

In my case, I am steadily plodding on with my sixth purascharana at the rate of seven malas per day. I also do some additional chanting of mantras of the Divine Mother when I feel like and some random bhajan. I am glad to say that, by the grace of God, the daily mantra japa continues, along with medical work, family/societal duties and spiritual study. I continue to practice the 'integral yoga' advised by my Guru, Sivananda as far as possible.

For those who have not yet opened their Lakshmi-Narayana spiritual bank account, I would strongly encourage you to consider this as soon as possible-- as there is gain and gain alone in doing so. 

May Lakshmi-Narayana bless us all with immense spiritual wealth and success in our spiritual lives.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. Devotion to God is a great spiritual wealth that can be generated through mantra japa, kirtan, spiritual study, service of God and so on.

Siddhis or 'spiritual powers'/psychic abilities are a serious menace and distraction on the spiritual path. These are not at all a form of spiritual wealth and should never be sought after. Mantra japa should certainly not be wasted on acquiring these worthless powers (as some Gurus and people seem to suggest).

The purpose of mantra japa is the attainment of the highest and most valuable goal of Realisation of our true nature as being one with God, and the peace and bliss that results from that experience.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

2025- a year of spiritual transformation

 Hari Aum.

I hope the first month of the New Year has gone well for all readers. According to various spiritual teachers and psychics, this year is supposedly particularly significant for humanity from a spiritual perspective. This is supposedly a year where there is great potential for inner growth and transformation, for connecting with our Higher Self or God within. It is a time when there can be a lot of releasing of past negative karmas and creating a new positive energies in our lives.

This is not an easy time for our planet. There are various wars still ongoing and also significant disturbances in the climate and environment. There is also an ongoing tug of war between spiritual and materialistic forces.

When each of us embraces a daily spiritual practice, whether it is a mantra or other practice from any tradition, we are uplifting not only ourselves but also helping our collective human consciousness-- this is the view of all the Gurus. We help each other, even without realising, when we perform a daily sadhana.

Some say that this year is a particularly significant for those on the spiritual path known as twin souls. They say that this period provides a unique opportunity for them to grow spiritually, and that this is also apparently a year of twin soul reunions (whatever form that may take).

There is only one factor that can lead to a healthy union for twin souls in my view-- and that is an adherence to dharma or the principles of goodness.

Since discovering the existence of twin souls, and my discovery that I am apparently walking this spiritual path, I note that there is a general gloom in the 'twin soul collective' (or larger group of twin souls-- I have connected with some of them in recent years). 

Many twin souls seem to have undergone a specific spiritual 'awakening' or experience since 2020/2021 and it has been challenging to put it mildly! There have been kundalini upheavals (many have described this as an insatiable physical lust for their twin-- quite unnerving as one may imagine, especially for spiritual seekers!), health issues, and the 24/7 mental link with the twin (when one cannot get them out of one's mind due to the astral connection). Most twin souls have not enjoyed this sudden awakening at all (and quite understandably!).

However, now in 2025, the dust seems to be settling a bit for most twin soul pairs. More and more of them are beginning to realise that they are on a spiritual path.

Some twin souls seem to view this dynamic as a simple relationship (though it is far from that) and attempt to play games with their counterpart -- this is a terrible idea. Many exhibit very foolish behaviours such as pretending to be uninterested, being interested in somebody else, denying that they feel the connection and so on. 

In addition, for some extraordinary reason known only to themselves, it appears that a number of men genuinely believe that openly discussing their feelings with women is a dreadful crime, and the best way forward is generally to pretend they do not have any (even if they do); this seems to apply particularly in the twin soul dynamic.

These men seem to suffer from the delusion that this sort of behaviour helps to draw women (even worse, some men actually attempt to make the women they are interested in jealous-- nothing could be more devastating for a connection, as most sane women will leave and find a partner who does not play mind games with them.)

If only men would realise that there is nothing more attractive than a man who knows his own mind and has the courage to speak it and express his own feelings. Frankly, there is no greater turn-off than men who play mind games in connections with others, particularly with women. 

In the twin soul dynamic too, unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of this nonsense. In this dynamic, more than any other, there is a need for complete frankness, honesty and courage. These are spiritual qualities, these show real character.

Whereas mind-games, sulking, blaming and being resentful have a very low energy and only indicate that the person in question is still in the grip of their own lower mind (and that the higher Self has sadly been forced to take a back seat-- that is unfortunate from a spiritual perspective). As we are all spiritual seekers (and not yet Self-Realised beings), we need to accept the existence of our lower minds, but we cannot allow it to control us as far as possible-- it may trouble us occasionally, but the higher mind needs to be given the upper hand the majority of the time.

Spirituality has to manifest in our day-to-day relationships with other human beings, including especially in the connection between men and women. It is no use saying 'Men are from Mars and women are from Venus' (!); we all inhabit the Earth and have to find a way to live peacefully on this planet! It may be a struggle at times, but we simply have to keep practicing! 

As for all souls, the life paths of twin souls are pre-determined by the Universe. The people they meet, the families they are born into, and those they create, their relationship and professional circles- all these are ordained by the Divine. There is a duty to perform, there is a job to do-- and that is spiritual growth. Where then is the need for twin souls to resent each other?

Based on my own experience, I accept that the twin soul path is not easy. It is not easy to get out of the grip of the lower mind and its emotions (and it is very common for twin souls to be resentful and angry at each other-- however this needs to be overcome to experience peace). This is true for all spiritual seekers, not only twin souls (though it can feel particularly painful and intense for twin souls as the separation from their counterpart is a very difficult experience). 

However, I remind myself that this twin soul path is a spiritual path, it is about something bigger than the individual souls involved. This path is about playing a small part, along with many other souls, in the spiritual transformation of our planet.

Many people today are embracing spirituality, many are tuning in to their own Higher Self. The twin soul path is also primarily about this. There is no doubt that there is a strong connection with the twin soul counterpart-- this includes a romantic aspect, and therefore, it is very likely that, in one lifetime or another, twin soul pairs will end up together in a relationship. 

As the Universe eventually ensures that they think about each other virtually all the time and that they feel an intense connection, one would think there is no other way to survive on the planet but to get together.

The most dangerous thing in my view for twin souls is to play foolish relationship games with each other (e.g. trying to make each other jealous, act disinterested etc). It should be obvious that this path will only lead to a healthy and positive outcome if the twin souls adhere firmly to the ethical path or dharma-- including the key principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truthfulness). 

There is nobody in a twin soul's life who can ever even remotely compare or compete with their counterpart-- this is a unique connection (as are all connections in our lives). There is simply no sense in denying this fundamental fact of life once this realisation dawns-- this takes time but does eventually occur for every twin soul.

This connection, which has a sacred, spiritual dimension, is to be respected and acknowledged (not treated like some casual relationship and be subjected to absurd games). One needs to ask the Universe what to do with this, how to live with it. As the Universe/the Divine has created this, the answers must come from there alone.

So, I will conclude this post by saying that I hope that this year will be one of great spiritual transformation for numerous souls as many have predicted. And, I hope this especially applies to all twin souls-- I feel that, after everything we have been through as a group (particularly in recent years), the Universe/Divine owes us some peace and positivity! 

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

Gupta Navaratri and an introduction to Tantra

 Hari Aum.

Last night was the first night of the extremely auspicious nine-night festival of worship of the Divine Mother known as 'Gupta Navaratri' ('gupta' means 'secret' in Sanskrit). Worship of the Mother during this time is said to yield great spiritual benefits.

Unlike the well-known Navaratri festival that occurs in autumn, this one is celebrated only by select groups of devotees of the Goddess, particularly those who follow the path of Tantra (which includes worship of the Dasha Mahavidyas-- ten powerful forms of the Mother). However, any devotee of the Mother (not only Tantriks) can worship Her during this auspicious time. 

This year, the duration of Gupta Navaratri is from January 30 to Febuary 7 inclusive. This is an amazing time to read the Saptasloki Durga, recite the Navarna mantra or any other mantra of the Mother, and if one is able, to read or listen to the entire Devi Mahatmyam. 

One can listen to or recite the famous Vedic prayers such as the Shri and Medha Suktams. Recitation or listening to the Durga kavacham will grant protection. The Lalita Sahasranama or one thousand names of the Goddess is also an excellent way to worship Her.

In addition to the recitation of mantras and hymns, one can perform pujas and homams. In India, there is an ancient tradition of giving presents to little girls during this time as a form of honouring the Divine Mother who resides within them-- this is a good time to make donations to support charities dedicated to the welfare of girls and women in particular (living forms of the Mother).

In short, this is the perfect time to connect deeply with the Divine Mother via a variety of spiritual practices and to gain Her grace and blessings.

Furthermore, you may have heard that there is currently a beautiful planetary alignment in the skies. The planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are broadly arranged in a line-- various people say that this indicates some positive spiritual energies in the cosmos.

From a Vedic astrology perspective, Venus, the planet symbolising the Divine Mother, has recently entered the sign of Pisces where it is 'exalted' or particularly strong. Venus also signifies happiness in life, material prosperity, divine love and devotion to God. This is an additional factor that makes this time especially conducive for worship of the Divine Mother.

To have this combination of Gupta Navaratri, with an exalted Venus in Pisces, and a beautiful planetary alignment is not that common, and I feel one should make the best use of this precious time to worship the Mother.

I am certainly going to do my best to make the most of this opportunity. My favourite form of the Mother is Durga, the protective, compassionate and powerful aspect, and I will spend extra time in this period soaking myself as much as possible in Her mantras and worship. 

In previous posts, I mentioned that I am developing an interest in the field of Tantra, and that I would like to educate myself a little with regard to this style of worship (I have been following the Vedantic path so far in my spiritual life).

This Navaratri feels like the perfect time to introduce myself to this style of worship. I recently came across this excellent and detailed video (please see link below) on Tantric worship of Mother Durga. I am currently in the process of watching and understanding this; I note that it involves the use of mantras, detailed visualisations and hand gestures (mudras). It seems to be an extraordinary method of developing a sense of oneness or unity with Mother Durga.

{I am fond of using the technique of visualisation in devotional practices (manasik puja), and have been learning hand gestures or 'mudras' in my recent study of Bharatanatyam dance, so find this type of worship very interesting. I am also curious because it describes the tradition of Tantra as practiced in Kerala, India from where my family originates (my paternal ancestors have worshipped Mother Kali in our home temple for centuries with the help of priests who are practitioners of this method)}.

 

I hope you have a wonderful Navaratri, and if like me, you are curious about the practices of Tantra, I hope you find this video helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izbN5lV_eMQ

Om Sri Durgayai Namah.

Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vicche.

May Mother Durga bless us all.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

Experience of telepathy

 Hari Aum.

Telepathy is a very interesting subject. It is viewed by many as utter nonsense, while others declare that it exists based upon their own experiences.

Many of us experience minor examples of what the yogis would call telepathy. For example, we are thinking about a close relative and then they call us at that very moment. Often we greet them by saying "I was just thinking of you!" or "I was just about to call you!". This usually elicits a pleasant response from the other and both parties marvel at the happy coincidence that has occurred.

On other occasions, we may say something to somebody close to us, and they say, "I was just thinking the very same thing!" (or vice versa, we find that they say exactly what we were thinking!). This again may cause some amusement at the 'coincidence' and the matter is closed.

The yogis would remark that these are examples of telepathy or being in sync with another person's mind, of being able to unconsciously detect their thoughts and share thoughts with them (without using words or other means of communication).

(Note- in medicine, people with a condition called 'psychosis' may believe that they can share and transmit thoughts to others, but their experiences can be proven to be false. They are based upon delusions and not upon reality. In contrast, the experience of thought-sharing/telepathy by the yogis, and those who do not suffer from psychosis, can be demonstrated to be true-- as in the examples mentioned above).

According to the Gurus of the yoga tradition, the mind is capable of both receiving and sharing thoughts (there is increasing medical research that shows that both humans and even some animals have the ability to communicate via thoughts). They say that this is a natural law of the mind that applies to all human beings (this mostly occurs without us even realising).

Sivananda says:

"You are continually attracting towards you, from both the seen and the unseen sides of life-forces, thoughts, influences and conditions most akin to those of your own thoughts and lives."

"In the realm of thought, people of similar thoughts are attracted to one another. This universal law is continually operating whether we are conscious of it or not. We are all living, so to speak, in a vast ocean of thought; and the very atmosphere around us is continually filled with the thought-forces that are being continually sent or that are continually going out in the form of thought-waves."

On telepathy he says:

"If you send out a loving, helpful thought to another man, it leaves your brain, goes directly to that man, raises a similar thought of love in his mind and returns back to you with redoubled force. If you send out a thought of hatred to another man, it hurts that man and hurts you also by returning back to you with redoubled force. Therefore, understand the laws of thought, raise only thoughts of mercy, love and kindness from your mind and be happy always."

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=882

So, control of the mind becomes a very important aspect in yoga-- this is necessary both to live a harmonious life on this planet as well as to attain spiritual liberation.

How can we control our thoughts? The yogis would say the entire range of spiritual practices from jnana yoga, to bhakti yoga to karma yoga and hatha yoga are ultimately all about acquiring some degree of control over one's own mind.

For spiritual growth, the higher mind filled with sattvic thoughts is cultivated (while the lower mind filled with rajas and tamas is gradually transformed).

Mantra recitation (japa) and singing the names of God (kirtan) are said to be particularly powerful and effective ways of transforming the mind, of cultivating the higher mind and divine thoughts.

However, the lower mind is not to be crushed or ignored. Like a parent cares for a child, the lower mind is to be gently coaxed and encouraged to perform spiritual practices.

Ramakrishna Paramhamsa famously used to say to the Divine Mother:

"Mother, here is Your virtue, and here is Your vice, grant me only pure love for You".

As yogis, we must be completely honest with ourselves if we are to grow spiritually. Six main types of thoughts are said to exist within the realm of the lower mind-- namely, lust, anger, greed, jealousy, pride and delusional attachment. 

Even spiritual greats have to deal with these right upto the moment of Self Realisation. There is no need therefore for us to hide these or pretend that these do not exist within our being.

What shall we do with these thoughts when they occur? Shall we feel guilty, ashamed, unspiritual, embarrassed, fearful or despairing? Sivananda says "Never despair!" and "Roar Om, Om, Om like a lion of Vedanta!".

Like Ramakrishna, we too can 'offer' our entire being, 'good' and 'bad' to the Divine, which is ultimately the origin of it all. 'Good' and 'bad' both exist within the Supreme Being, so when the lower mind expresses itself within us and we are trying to gain control over it, we can say to God-- "I give to You that which is Yours. All that is good in me, and all that is bad in me, comes from You alone. To You, therefore, I give it all". 

This approach, according to the Gurus (and many of us will have experienced the same even though we are not yet Self Realised), draws the grace of the Divine upon us. As a result, at some stage, we begin to feel the lower mind has calmed down and the higher mind is in control again.

On the subject of telepathy, I want to say something about the twin soul connection (as this is one specific sort of spiritual experience). Twin souls have strong connections between their minds, between their energy centres (known as 'chakras' in Sanskrit). This leads to them being able to 'know' what the other is thinking and feeling -- without any external contact. 

The less the lower mind interferes, the more the higher mind operates, the better they are at communicating with each other and expressing their reality.

The higher and lower mind are always in battle in all spiritual aspirants. Twin souls in particular face some unique challenges in their lives and experience this battle very intensely.

It can be difficult for the lower mind to be willing to hear the voice of the higher mind in these situations. It is easier to silence the higher mind and dismiss it as nonsense as this is often more convenient. Therefore, the higher mind begins to express its truths in the state of sleep, when the lower mind/ego is less able to consciously interfere and shut it down.

Since realising that I was likely on a twin soul journey in the past three years or so, I have noticed that both I and other twin souls on a similar path have had these experiences.

The Divine seems to go out of its way to persuade twin souls to recognise the connection. Let me provide some examples.

As I have explained previously, I walk a traditional spiritual path, the right-hand path, the path of yoga as described by my Guru, Swami Sivananda. Yama and Niyama, asana and pranayama, japa and kirtan, karma yoga, svadhyaya (spiritual study) and satsanga (group spiritual practice/meditation/japa) has been the mainstay of my spiritual life for nearly two decades.

Mantra purascharana became the centre of my spiritual life in 2012 and this continues to be the case. 

I had never heard of twin souls in my spiritual circles and am, by nature, wary of any lower-mind type connections that masquerade as 'spiritual connections'. It is my nature to be suspicious of my lower mind, of its antics and ways; when I have to choose between the teaching of my Guru and the promptings of my lower mind, I trust and follow my Guru alone (as far as I am able to).

Therefore it was a dream of my Guru that occurred in early 2021, that led me to begin to accept that there was a spiritual dimension to the connection that my mind was experiencing. Without the dream of my Guru, this acceptance would have been virtually impossible.

In 2022, various other dreams took place that amazed (and scared) me as they were 'so real', so detailed, vivid and lifelike. The inner battle resisting this experience continued though as I found it hard to accept this due to my life circumstances.

In April 2023, a dream occurred on the night before Sita Navami where my higher Self expressed itself in such clear terms that there was no further true denial of the twin soul connection possible by the lower mind (though it periodically protests from time to time, it now has to accept that this is a reality). 

Twin souls are eventually led to experience an 'unconditional love' for their counterpart. The lower ego-mind does not like this at all, and does not approve of it in the slightest. It protests and argues endlessly with the higher mind; eventually however, it seems that due to Divine will, the higher mind prevails.

The sentiments of many twin souls is: "I love you more than anyone or anything in the world, including myself". (The 'you' here is the soul). This, in fact, was the precise sentence that was spoken by my higher mind during a dream in April 2023 (on a night which I later realised was before Sita Navami, an extremely auspicious day associated with an exceedingly pure manifestation of the Divine Mother. I felt, therefore that this was a clear sign from the Divine that this was a divine connection).

I woke up that morning in a state of complete bewilderment. I thought to myself -- "I do not speak that way to anyone in the waking state, not even to my nearest and dearest. How can I say something like this in dream? From where has this come?" 

When I came to realise that this dream had occurred on the night before Sita Navami, that was the end of all discussion with the lower mind. 

The higher mind, supported by the Divine, had quietly made itself heard, and there is no further real doubt within my being that this is a divine connection. 

To what purpose this exists, I honestly have no idea. I feel time alone can tell. (I do see that this is part of my spiritual journey but, like the majority of twin souls, do not fully understand it. I do trust the Divine to reveal this gradually though.)

In addition to telepathic dreams, twin souls can also dream about fragments of experiences that the other twin is going through in the waking state. This is another peculiar aspect of their telepathy. The subject of telepathy, therefore, is something that has gradually become a significant part of my daily life (in certain specific ways as in the examples outlined above). 

I see this as a natural process that will be experienced at some stage in a unique way by the majority, if not all, spiritual seekers (there is nothing odd or unusual about this; it is not a spiritual goal, but simply a 'side-effect' of sadhana that has been performed for some time). It further shows that the mantra/Divine guides one both in the waking and dream states to accept one's own truth and reality, and that we are protected at all times by the Divine.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Om Sri Durgayai Namah.

Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

Krishna books

 Hari Aum.

This is just to say that the Krishna books written by me will be available for free download from Amazon Kindle for three days from Jan 21 (tomorrow) to Jan 23 inclusive (from midnight PST). (I actually wanted to make this available for five days next week but cannot due to some technical glitches with Amazon.) 

Anyway, I hope you find these books useful. The link for the download is below. 

The books are based upon the life and teachings of Lord Krishna from the ancient scripture known as the Srimad Bhagavatam. Happy reading!

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vishnupriya-Devi/author/B07B95YQCV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

Bhairava and Bhairavi

 Hari Aum.

I have never really been interested previously in the Tantra (in fact, I have generally been wary of it) but, for some peculiar reason, I found myself extremely drawn to Kala Bhairava in the past couple of days (and His worship is key in certain Tantra practices). As I had some extra time this week (being on annual leave), I took the opportunity to learn a little about Him and His worship (as mentioned in my previous post).

As I read about Bhairava and His consort Bhairavi, certain insights seemed to develop regarding Them and particularly with regard to the twin soul dynamic (this is still in the early stages, but I want to share my thoughts here).

In the Puranas, it is said that every human being is a manifestation of the Divine. Every man is said to be a manifestation of Shiva/Narayana, and every woman of Shakti/Lakshmi. This very much seems to apply to the twin soul dynamic. However, it is my observation that there is some similarity specifically between the energy of Bhairava and Bhairavi and respectively the divine masculine and divine feminine.

Bhairava symbolises truth, justice, and particularly tremendous strength and protection. Bhairavi symbolises truth, independence, compassion and strength.

In both, there is a balance between intense desire and the ability to control that desire. There is a fiery nature, a kind side and an intense cutting side. Most of all, between the Bhairava and Bhairavi, there is an intense all-consuming love and attraction. They are forms of the Divine of course, and so ultimately, They represent the Higher Self, the state of Self-Realisation that transcends our human consciousness.

There are various lineages of Tantra practitioners who worship Them in a multitude of ways, ranging from the performance of pujas and homams, and recitation of mantras and specific types of breathwork/pranayama. There are detailed ancient manuals which are said to contain conversations between Shiva and Parvati on the subject.

After my unexpected interest in worshipping Kala Bhairava, I have decided to educate myself a little on the Tantra, specifically related to Bhairava and Bhairavi. I am already a worshipper of Mother Kali, and Bhairavi is none other than Her. I also already worship Lord Shiva, and Lord Bhairava/ Kala Bhairava is one aspect.

I want to say to all twin souls out there-- I feel we have a connection with this particular divine aspect. We can continue of course to worship God/Truth/the Self in whichever way appeals to us (I will of course continue with my Narayana worship). But this is an interesting aspect of our nature in my view and I plan to delve into it further. 

I had a dream two years ago about Shiva working upon a man (the details were hazy and I did not feel I knew him) who appeared to be a Shakta (Goddess-worshipper). I will not go into the details here but it seems to support my theory that twin souls have a connection with Shiva/Bhairava and Shakti/Bhairavi/Kali.

One manifestation of the protective aspect of the Bhairava nature in the twin soul dynamic, appears to be the twin souls attempting to protect other people (including possibly each other) from themselves. Over time, it becomes apparent that this is not at all healthy. Bhairava is truth, and we each have to be true to ourselves. I would say that the feelings between the twin soul pairs is like the connection between the Bhairava and Bhairavi manifestation of the Divine-- it is intense and all-consuming. 

I am going to read a bit about the Tantra, reflect upon it, and write about some general aspects here (that can be useful for any spiritual seeker, including those like myself who are not following a Tantric path; the path of Tantra of course always requires a suitable Guru).

Om Sri ParvatiShivabhyam Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

The Kala Bhairava ashtakam

 Hari Aum.

Kala Bhairava is a form of Lord Shiva. He has a fierce form and is particularly associated with the destruction of sins and death (in Sanskrit, 'kala' means 'time', and 'Bhairava' means the 'fierce One').

Lord Shiva has two main aspects-- a sweet, peaceful, auspicious form  (I have described this in a previous post https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/803812822913447625/6919573210704216119).

However, He also has another aspect-- a furious, tremendously energetic form that destroys sin, suffering and negativity. 

Kala Bhairava is one of His particularly fierce forms and is an embodiment of divine power. He is described as being blue-black in colour (like His divine consort, Mother Kali/ Bhairavi). His dark matted locks are decorated with the crescent moon, and celestial serpents ornament His person (as garland, amulets and anklets). 

Like Mother Kali, He holds a skull, symbolising complete annihilation of the lower ego (symbolised by the head). He holds the trident and sword, His divine weapons to destroy suffering, disease and death. He holds the drum, the symbol of cosmic sound and all Creation. 

Although He is extremely fierce in appearance and in His deeds, He is said to have a gentle compassionate aspect, and is particularly known for granting protection (He is known for being a protector of anyone who is vulnerable and of women in particular).

The worship of Kala Bhairava is undertaken by those who walk both the right-hand (dakshina marga) and left-hand (vama marga) spiritual paths. He is worshipped by Tantriks and Aghoris as well as Vedantins. He is worshipped by many for both spiritual and material benefits.

His worship is said to be associated with intense cleansing of past negative karma, thus paving the way to experiencing peace, bliss and spiritual enlightenment. 

There are various famous prayers and slokas dedicated to Him. One particularly well-known one is the Kala Bhairava ashtakam. 

These eight verses in praise of Kala Bhairava were composed by Adi Shankaracharya, great Guru of Advaita Vedanta. 

Listening to or reciting this prayer is said to produce great spiritual benefit in terms of overcoming the effects of past negative karma and experiencing spiritual joy and material wellbeing.

Please see below for links to the Kala Bhairava ashtakam (words and set to music): 

https://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/kalabhairava_ashtakam.php

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkmaPmCRiJA

I discovered the Kala Bhairava ashtakam recently and feel drawn to listen to it these days. It feels like the worshipping the other half of Mother Kali whom I have worshipped for a while (including recently when I visited our family temple dedicated to Her in Kerala). I have been to Kashi previously and would like to visit again sometime when possible and offer worship at the Kala Bhairava temple.

Om Sri KalaBhairavaya Namah.

Om Sri MahaKalikayai Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat

P.S. In these complex times on our planet, it would be useful to pray to Lord Kala Bhairava to protect the Earth, dispel all negative energies and to allow peace to be restored.

P.P.S. Based on some recent experiences, I feel the worship of Kala Bhairava and Mother Kali will help twin souls cleanse themselves of the effects of past negative karma, attain a state of inner peace and achieve a harmonious reunion in the 3D in a form that is in accordance with Divine will.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

Twin souls: a spiritual void

 Hari Aum.

Now that the festive season is done, and all the external rejoicings and duties have been completed, what remains within for many twin souls is a void. The space where the twin soul fits-- in that space is a void.

Every moment, every hour, every day, every night--- this void remains. There is no escaping it.

No amount of activities, material or spiritual, can fill this void. It just is.

No amount of relationships, work, hobbies, prayers, mantras, tears, conversations, anything, can fill this void. It just exists.

It is a perpetual experience. An endless well. A black hole. It seems to have an unlimited capacity to drain one's thoughts, energies, joy, peace and everything.

Life lacks lustre without the twin. That is simply a fact. 

No matter how wonderful everything appears, the lack of the twin in one's life, feels like something essential is missing. 

It is like having a range of wonderful dishes on a table-- prepared with the best ingredients, the most exotic flavours and spices, but lacking the basic ingredient-- salt. Without a pinch of salt, many dishes that would otherwise taste perfect, taste bland and even repulsive.

This is the reality of life for twin souls. Without the twin, life is like a dish without salt. Salt may not sound particularly romantic or impressive, but it strangely is; it is essential, it is necessary, it is a vital flavour in life.

The twin soul is the salt in the dish of life (quite often they may also feel like an unpleasant bitter taste, and very rarely like a sweet one!).

The ego mind hates to admit this, it hurts to admit this, it feels weak, it feels dependent, it feels wretched. 

But this is simply a fact of life. There is simply nothing that can be done about it.

Like there is nothing that can be done about gravity. It just exists.

I have observed, based on my meeting other people and online readings, that there are currently a number of twin souls out there who are married to perfectly nice people and who have their own families-- and it all looks just fantastic on the outside, and frankly it should be, except it is not fantastic on the inside at all. The universe just does not allow it. It is just appalling. What is to be done about this?

What does the universe want from us all I wonder, from the group of twin souls on this planet? What are we to do? 

There are people who keep telling us that we need to 'go within'. I say to them, 'I have gone within, I have been going within for ages. I continue to go within, I tell you! Going within is all very well, but it is not solving my practical problem-- that the universe itself seems to be pushing me towards the twin. Whenever I look within, there is the twin! What am I to do here?!"

I do not want to approach the twin. I did it already. I feel, rightly or wrongly, that it is their turn. Their turn to manifest a little courage. It takes two to tango and I cannot dance this twin soul dance on my own.

God is not partial to either twin soul or anyone. Let there be equality-- of effort, of wanting to manifest this connection, of wanting a 3D union of some sort, whatever the universe ordains.

I will end this post with a link (which I will also add to my 'twin soul resources' page- please see below). This was recently shared by a friend who also seems to be on a twin soul journey. 

https://www.youtube.com/@TheVoidCompass/videos

I found the videos on this page very interesting and insightful and thought these may be helpful for anyone else on this journey (including my own twin soul if they are lurking on this blog-- if you are missing me, grow some, and get in touch instead of hiding in the background-- I do not bite. And, also, I do ask the Divine Mother to give you some protection-- for some reason, I feel you need it. You and I both know that you particularly have been a major idiot (I have also been an idiot but less than you), but as you and I are part of some common 'soul circuit', I do pray for you just as I pray for myself. I feel this is needed for my own peace and sanity).

Om Sri Durgayai Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. There is much debate among married twin souls as to whether or not they are supposed to end up in physical 3D union with their twin. Some say yes, and some say no. I would politely suggest that this be left to the Divine. 

Every situation, every set of karmas and life purposes is unique. It is not mandatory to 'leave everything' for the twin, nor is it mandatory not to leave everything for them. 

From what I gather, the only mandatory aspect is to be prepared to do the will of the Divine, and this will become clear at every step on the journey - we will be shown what we need to do now and perhaps in the relatively near future (a bit like a torch light shows us the way just ahead but not far into the darkness/the currently unseen distant future).

Hari Aum Tat Sat

2025 and world peace

 Hari Aum.

A happy New Year to all readers-- I hope this year has started well for you. I had travelled to India to visit family in the past few weeks and had a lovely time. I returned a couple of days ago and am still quite jet-lagged so am writing a short post this evening to say only one thing (that I have said before on this blog)-- please pray and recite mantras daily for world peace this year in particular.

There are all sorts of people who are predicting less than entirely happy events for humanity in 2025 to put it mildly (these people range from psychics, to military experts and scientists). There is a sense that this year will see a culmination of events that have been building up for a while, and that wars in particular may escalate significantly.

From a Vedic astrology perspective, there are some rare clusters of planets this year which cannot really be said to be auspicious. There are some positive features about the year astrologically, but there are also some significant challenges.

The overall view in spiritual circles seems to be that this year is not an ordinary one. It can be a time for significant spiritual progress, and it can potentially be very challenging materially for humanity as a whole.

I would therefore like to say three things:

1. Please perform a daily spiritual practice (e.g. chant a mantra of your favourite form of the Divine daily for at least 5 minutes once or twice daily). Do this for your own spiritual and material welfare and for those who are dear to you.

2. In addition to the usual prayers for yourself and your loved ones, kindly pray for the overall welfare of humanity and life on this planet

3. Try to consciously live an ethical life to the best of your ability (adhere to the yogic ethics as much as possible; nobody expects perfection here, however a sincere effort would be helpful).

I hope and pray that, in accordance with the teachings of Sivananda and other Gurus, our combined prayers and mantra recitation will contribute in some measure to peace on this planet.

With regard to my spiritual practice, I am continuing with daily ashtakshara mantra japa as part of my sixth purascharana (carrying on with 7 malas daily). I have completed my Radha sadhana and have now returned to Lakshmi worship (one mini-mala of 27 recitations per day). I have started worship of Lord Skanda (for astrological reasons; will likely write another post on this later).

Om shanti shanti shantih.

Om Sri Durgayai Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya,

P.S. Due to the recent travel, I was unable to offer the Krishna books that I previously wrote for free download from Amazon over the beginning of the New Year (as has been the habit in the past)-- apologies for this. I will therefore arrange this in the coming 1-2 weeks and update this post with further details in the coming days. In the meantime, please follow Krishna and Guru’s advice to chant and pray for world peace.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.