Sunday, 15 June 2025

NON-DUALITY - Advaita Vedanta, As Realized By Indian Yogis


Raja Ravi Varma,
Public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons

Many ancient spiritual traditions teach that the experience of non-duality, or Advaita in Sanskrit, can be discovered through the regular practice of yoga and meditation. 

The word Advaita literally means “not two,” referring to a profound state of unity where there is no separation between the self and the world, or between the observer and the observed. 

In this non-dual awareness, we begin to see that everything is already one—there are no boundaries between “me” and “others,” between the mind and the universe.

This realization of unity consciousness is not just a mystical idea; it is a central pillar of Indian philosophy, especially in the tradition of Advaita Vedanta. Rooted in the teachings of the Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta emphasizes that our true nature is pure awareness—unchanging, infinite, and beyond duality. This same concept is echoed in certain Buddhist schools as well, such as Zen, Dzogchen, and Mahamudra, which also speak of a natural, undivided awareness.

Even in classical Yoga, particularly in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, we find practices designed to dissolve the illusion of separateness. Patanjali outlines a path—Ashtanga Yoga, or the Eight Limbs of Yoga—that helps the practitioner calm the mind, purify the senses, and attain deep inner stillness. This inner stillness opens the door to a direct experience of the non-dual state.

But can non-duality truly be realized through yoga and meditation? The answer is both simple and profound. Yes—yoga and meditation are powerful tools that help uncover the non-dual reality that is already present. The problem is not that unity is missing, but that our perception is clouded by restless thoughts, emotional attachments, and the deep-rooted belief that we are separate from others and from the world.

Through yogic practices, we begin to dissolve these mental barriers. Breath control (pranayama), postures (asanas), concentration (dharana), and meditation (dhyana) gradually quiet the mind and align the body with the rhythm of universal consciousness. Over time, the sense of being a separate ego softens, revealing the timeless awareness that underlies all experience.

Meditation, in particular, plays a key role in unveiling non-dual awareness. By sitting in stillness and observing the mind without judgment, we start to realize that thoughts come and go, but the silent awareness that watches them is constant. That awareness is not “mine” or “yours”—it simply is.

In conclusion, non-duality is not a distant spiritual goal, but a natural truth waiting to be recognized. Through regular yoga and meditation, we slowly peel away the layers of illusion and rediscover what the sages have long known—that we are already whole, already free, and already one with all that is.

1. Yoga as a Path to Inner Peace and Clarity


User:AlokprasadCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Modern art: Patanjali Statue In Patanjali Yog Peeth,
Haridwar
One of the oldest and most respected systems of yoga is found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Patanjali describes Ashtanga Yoga, which means “Eight-Limbed Yoga.” 

These eight steps help a person move from a noisy and confused mind to a quiet and peaceful one. 

The goal is to go beyond the ego (the false idea of being a separate “I”) and reach a state of pure awareness.

Let’s look at the eight limbs of yoga in a simple way:

  • Yama (moral rules): These are basic rules for good behaviour, like telling the truth, being kind, not stealing, and not hurting others. They help create peace in our actions.
  • Niyama (personal discipline): These are habits that keep us clean, humble, and focused. They include being content, studying sacred texts, and thinking of something higher than ourselves.
  • Asana (postures): These are physical poses that help keep the body strong and calm. A steady and comfortable body helps the mind relax.
  • Pranayama (breath control): Breathing deeply and slowly helps control the energy in the body. It also makes the mind quiet and focused.
  • Pratyahara (turning the senses inward): This means pulling the attention away from the outer world. Instead of being distracted by sights and sounds, we begin to notice the quiet within.
  • Dharana (concentration): Focusing the mind on one thing helps us stop the endless stream of thoughts.
  • Dhyana (meditation): This is deep, steady awareness without distraction. The mind becomes still.
  • Samadhi (absorption): This is the final stage where the sense of being a separate person disappears. The mind becomes completely still, and awareness shines by itself.

In the highest form of samadhi, called nirbija samadhi (seedless absorption), there is no thought, no ego, and no separation between “me” and “that.” There is only pure awareness. This is where the idea of non-duality becomes real. It is not a belief—it is a direct experience. You don’t just think that everything is one—you know it deeply. 

2. Meditation and the Disappearance of Division

While yoga prepares the body and mind, meditation is the tool that takes us even deeper. Through meditation, we begin to notice how the mind creates a false split between the observer and the thing being observed. We are usually caught in the idea that “I am here, and that is there.” But in meditation, this split slowly fades.

Two very powerful types of meditation used for this purpose are:

  • Self-inquiry (vichara) in Advaita Vedanta
  • Mindfulness (Vipassana) in Theravāda Buddhism

Self-inquiry, made popular by the great sage Ramana Maharshi, begins with the question, “Who am I?” When you look for the “I” that thinks, feels, and experiences, you cannot find a solid thing. You realize that the sense of “I” is just a bundle of thoughts and feelings. When those thoughts quiet down, what remains is pure awareness—silent, still, and peaceful. That awareness is not personal. It is not “mine.” It is the same awareness in all beings.


Sachinyadav99990CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mindfulness meditation, on the other hand, asks us to watch everything without judging. We sit quietly and observe our breath, body, feelings, and thoughts. Slowly, we begin to see that all of these things come and go. 

The body changes. Emotions rise and fall. Thoughts appear and disappear. But something is always there—the watcher, the awareness. 

That awareness is not touched by the changes. It does not come or go. It is always here.

In deep meditation:

  • The mind becomes silent like a still lake.
  • The idea of being a separate person becomes weaker.
  • There is a sense of space and peace that holds everything.
  • Awareness is seen to be timeless, ever-present, and not bound by body or name.

This leads to the realization that all experiences happen in one open space of consciousness. There is no “me” inside the head looking out. There is just seeing, hearing, feeling, and knowing—without anyone doing it. This is the heart of non-duality. 

3. The Meeting of Advaita Vedanta and Yoga

Some people think that Advaita Vedanta (the path of knowledge) and Yoga (the path of discipline) are different. In some ways, they are. Advaita teaches that there is nothing to do, nothing to gain. You are already the Self. Yoga, on the other hand, teaches that the mind must be cleaned and trained step by step.

But many great teachers say that these two paths can work together. They are not enemies. In fact, yoga can prepare the mind to understand the truth of Advaita. When the mind is full of fear, anger, and desire, it cannot see clearly. Yoga helps calm the mind. Then, when the teachings of non-duality are heard, they sink in more deeply.

Modern masters like Swami Sivananda, Ramana Maharshi, and Sri Aurobindo combined both paths. They taught that meditation, breath control, and ethical living help remove the layers of confusion that hide our true nature.

Here is an important point: Yoga and meditation do not “create” non-duality. Non-duality is always present. It is the truth of what we are. But it is hidden under habits, beliefs, and mental noise. Yoga and meditation help clear that noise so we can see clearly. They don’t bring something new; they help us uncover what was already there. 

4. Buddhist Ways of Realizing Oneness


Adbh266CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons

Budha Idol
Buddhism also has powerful teachings about non-duality, though the words and ideas can be a little different from Advaita Vedanta. In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism—especially in schools like Dzogchen, Mahamudra, and Zen—the aim is to see the true nature of the mind and the world.

Buddhist teachers say that everything we see and experience is empty. This does not mean nothing exists. It means things do not have a fixed or separate self. For example:

  • A flower is not just a flower. It depends on sunlight, water, air, and time.
  • A person is not just a person. They are made of thoughts, feelings, body, and history.
  • Even the “self” is not solid. It is a changing collection of ideas and habits.

This is the teaching of anatman, or “no fixed self.”

In deep meditation, Buddhist practitioners see that there is no solid boundary between the “self” and the world. There is just experience flowing—thoughts, sounds, feelings, and sights—without anyone controlling them. There is no inside and outside, no here and there. There is just what is. And this is also non-duality.

Buddhist non-duality also teaches that samsara (the world of pain and confusion) and nirvana (freedom and peace) are not two different places. When the mind is quiet and clear, even everyday life is seen as pure and complete.

So, both Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism, though different in language, lead to the same truth: there is no real separation between you and the world, between self and other. The separation is only an illusion created by thought. 

5. The Realization of What Already Is

The most important thing to understand is that non-duality is not something you have to create or achieve. You do not have to go to a special place or be a special person. You are already the Self. You are already that pure awareness. But most people do not notice this because the mind is always busy, comparing, fearing, wanting, and thinking.

Yoga and meditation are not about getting something new. They are about letting go of what is false. They help us:

  • Drop the idea that we are separate.
  • Drop the belief that we are just the body or just the mind.
  • Let go of fear, desire, and pride.
  • Sit quietly and watch.
  • Become still.
  • Rest in the truth of who we are.

And in that silence, in that stillness, the truth shines. The truth is simple: everything is one. There is no “me” and “you.” There is only being, awareness, and peace. 

Conclusion: One Without a Second

Yes, non-duality can be realized through yoga and meditation—not as a reward or a prize, but as the discovery of something that was always there. The practices of yoga and meditation help clean the mirror of the mind. When the mirror is clean, it reflects the truth: there is no division in reality. There is only one—unchanging, ever-present, and full of peace.

Whether you follow the path of Yoga, the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, or the meditations of Buddhism, the goal is the same. The goal is not to add anything, but to see clearly. In that clear seeing, the idea of separation fades. What remains is silence, joy, and deep understanding.

Non-duality is not far away. It is here. It is now. It is what you are.

Saturday, 14 June 2025

FAMOUS TEMPLES OF INDIA: Akshardham, New Delhi

India's Architectural Marvels: The Enduring Allure of the Taj Mahal and the Spiritual Splendour of Akshardham


Swaminarayan SansthaCC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons
India, a land of ancient history and diverse cultures, boasts a plethora of magnificent monuments that attract millions of visitors from across the globe. 

Among these, the Taj Mahal in Agra has long been the undisputed jewel in the crown of Indian tourism. For centuries, this ivory-white marble mausoleum has captivated the hearts and minds of first-time visitors to India, its ethereal beauty a symbol of eternal love. 

However, in the bustling metropolis of New Delhi, a modern marvel has emerged that now rivals the Taj Mahal in its ability to draw enormous crowds: the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. It is a testament to India's rich spiritual and cultural tapestry that a monument of faith, consecrated only in 2005, stands alongside a centuries-old tomb in its immense popularity. An estimated seventy per cent of all tourists who come to Delhi make it a point to visit this sprawling spiritual and cultural complex, a statistic that speaks volumes about its significance.

The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an embodiment of Mughal architectural genius and a poignant love story. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it was built as a final resting place for his most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The sheer grandeur and artistic vision of the Taj Mahal are breathtaking. Situated on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, the mausoleum is the centrepiece of a 42-acre complex that includes a mosque, a guest house, and formal gardens laid out in the charbagh style. The construction of this masterpiece took over two decades and required the skills of thousands of artisans, craftsmen, and labourers from across the Mughal Empire and beyond.

The architectural design of the Taj Mahal is a harmonious blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. The main structure is built entirely of white marble, which seems to change colour depending on the time of day, from a soft pinkish hue at dawn to a brilliant white under the midday sun and a pearlescent glow in the moonlight. The iconic central dome, soaring to a height of 240 feet, is surrounded by four smaller domes. Four slender minarets, each over 130 feet tall, frame the main tomb, their slight outward tilt a clever design element to protect the mausoleum in case of an earthquake. 

The exterior and interior of the Taj Mahal are adorned with intricate decorations, including delicate latticework, calligraphy of verses from the Quran, and exquisite inlay work using precious and semi-precious stones. This meticulous attention to detail creates an atmosphere of serene and unparalleled beauty, making the Taj Mahal a timeless symbol of love and a must-see for any visitor to India.

In contrast to the historical romance of the Taj Mahal, the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is a modern monument dedicated to devotion, spirituality, and Indian culture. Officially known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, it is a sprawling complex that showcases 10,000 years of India's glorious heritage. While the Taj Mahal is a monument to a beloved individual, Akshardham is a tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830), a revered yogi and ascetic whose life and teachings are at the heart of the Swaminarayan faith, a Vaishnava sect of Hinduism. The temple is a stunning example of traditional Indian temple architecture, built entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, with no structural use of steel or concrete.


Sujit kumarCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The inspiration and driving force behind this colossal project was Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). 

His vision was to create a place that would not only be a house of worship but also a centre for cultural and spiritual learning. The construction of Akshardham was a monumental undertaking, a labour of love that involved over 3,000 dedicated volunteers and 7,000 skilled artisans. Their collective effort, spanning five years, resulted in the creation of one of the most magnificent and intricately carved temples in modern history.

The central monument, the Akshardham Mandir, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It stands 141 feet high, 316 feet wide, and 356 feet long, and is adorned with 234 exquisitely carved pillars, nine domes, and over 20,000 murtis (sacred images) of sadhus, devotees, and acharyas. Every inch of the mandir, from its towering spires to its ornate ceilings, is covered in a breathtaking array of carvings depicting deities, celestial beings, musicians, dancers, and scenes from Hindu mythology. At the heart of the mandir sits an 11-foot-high, gold-plated murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, radiating an aura of peace and divinity.

Beyond the main temple, the Akshardham complex offers a plethora of attractions designed to immerse visitors in Indian culture and spirituality. The Hall of Values, or Sahajanand Darshan, features life-like robotic dioramas that depict key events from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life, conveying messages of peace, harmony, and humility. The Neelkanth Darshan is a giant-screen theatre that shows a film on the incredible seven-year pilgrimage that Bhagwan Swaminarayan undertook as a teenage yogi, Neelkanth Varni. The Sanskruti Vihar is a unique cultural boat ride that sails through 10,000 years of Indian history, showcasing the contributions of Vedic Indians to various fields like science, astronomy, and mathematics.

The complex is also home to the beautiful Garden of India, a lush green space with manicured lawns, fountains, and bronze sculptures of some of India's most eminent personalities, including freedom fighters, national figures, and exemplary women. The Yagnapurush Kund is the largest stepwell in the world and the site of a spectacular musical fountain show in the evenings, which combines water, light, and sound to narrate a story from the Upanishads.

While the Taj Mahal and Akshardham are vastly different in their origins and purpose, they share a common thread in their ability to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in all who visit them. The Taj Mahal is a timeless ode to love, its architectural perfection and serene beauty leaving an indelible mark on the soul. It is a place for quiet contemplation, for marveling at the genius of a bygone era, and for reflecting on the enduring power of human emotion. A visit to the Taj Mahal is a journey back in time, a chance to connect with a history that is both grand and deeply personal.

Akshardham, on the other hand, is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of Indian culture and spirituality. It is a place of learning and discovery, a testament to the enduring values and traditions of Hinduism. A visit to Akshardham is an immersive experience, a whirlwind tour through the annals of Indian history and thought. It is a monument that is alive with the energy of devotion, a place where ancient wisdom is presented in a modern and engaging manner.

The sheer number of visitors that both these monuments attract is a testament to their universal appeal. While the Taj Mahal's fame is built on centuries of admiration, Akshardham's popularity is a more recent phenomenon, a reflection of a resurgent interest in India's spiritual heritage. The claim that nearly seventy per cent of visitors to Delhi also visit Akshardham is a powerful indicator of its growing stature as a premier tourist destination.

In conclusion, both the Taj Mahal and Akshardham stand as proud sentinels of India's rich heritage, each unique in its own right, yet both equally captivating. The Taj Mahal, a symphony in white marble, will forever be the ultimate symbol of love's devotion. Akshardham, a modern masterpiece of faith and craftsmanship, offers a profound insight into the heart of Indian culture and spirituality. 

Together, they represent the incredible diversity and artistic wealth of India, a country that continues to enchant and inspire visitors with its timeless monuments and living traditions. Whether it is the poignant beauty of a Mughal emperor's tribute to his queen or the spiritual grandeur of a modern temple complex, both the Taj Mahal and Akshardham offer an unforgettable experience, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the architectural and cultural wonders of India.

FAMOUS TEMPLES OF INDIA : LOTUS TEMPLE IN NEW DELHI


Bijay chaurasiaCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Lotus Temple: A Symbol of Spiritual Enlightenment and Architectural Grandeur in Delhi

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi stands not only as a breathtaking piece of architecture but also as a powerful symbol of peace, purity, and spiritual awakening. 

Officially known as the Bahåʟí House of Worship, this iconic structure is shaped like a fully bloomed lotus flower, one of the most sacred symbols in Indian culture and many of the world’s great religions. Revered for its serene beauty and spiritual resonance, the Lotus Temple attracts millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most visited landmarks in India and a must-see destination for tourists in Delhi.

The Sacred Symbolism of the Lotus Flower in Indian Culture

The lotus flower has long held a place of deep reverence in Indian religion, art, and mythology. Rising pure and radiant from muddy waters, the lotus embodies the journey of the soul—the path from ignorance to wisdom, from darkness to light. In Hinduism, the lotus, or Padma, is associated with several major deities. 

Brahma, the creator, is said to have emerged from a lotus flower that sprang from the navel of Vishnu, the preserver. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and purity, is often depicted standing or sitting on a lotus in full bloom, a sign of her divine grace and spiritual power.

In Buddhism, the lotus represents the purity of the body, speech, and mind. It symbolizes the soul's ability to rise above worldly attachments and desires. The journey toward nirvana — spiritual enlightenment — is frequently likened to the gradual unfolding of a lotus petal. This timeless symbolism transcends individual religions, making the lotus a universal emblem of transformation, peace, and spiritual awakening.

The Lotus Temple: Architecture That Speaks to the Soul

This profound spiritual symbolism is beautifully embodied in the Lotus Temple, a marvel of modern architecture that captures the essence of the lotus in both form and meaning. The temple was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba and completed in 1986. Inspired by the lotus flower's natural grace, the building consists of 27 free-standing, marble-clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The number nine holds deep spiritual significance in the Bahåʟí Faith, symbolizing unity, wholeness, and completeness.

Unlike traditional religious structures adorned with idols or altars, the Lotus Temple is remarkable for its simplicity and openness. It welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to pray, meditate, or simply sit in silence. The central prayer hall, which can accommodate around 2,500 people, is completely devoid of any icons or religious imagery. This minimalist design emphasizes the core Bahåʟí principles of oneness of humanity, unity of religions, and universal peace.

Spiritual Experience and Universal Appeal

While the architectural brilliance of the Lotus Temple captures the eye, its true power lies in the emotional and spiritual response it evokes. Surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil reflecting pools, the temple offers a serene environment that invites introspection and peace. Whether one comes as a tourist, a spiritual seeker, or an architecture enthusiast, the Lotus Temple leaves a profound impact on every visitor.

Its lotus shape acts as more than a visual metaphor. It connects deeply with Indian culture and religious philosophy, making it a bridge between the traditional and the modern, the spiritual and the material. It is this unique combination of symbolism, design, and spiritual openness that has earned the Lotus Temple recognition as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and one of the top tourist attractions in Delhi.

A Universal Place of Worship in the Heart of Delhi

The Lotus Temple is not just a monument or a place of worship; it is a living expression of spiritual inclusivity and human unity. Open to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, the temple is a rare space where people can gather in peace and silence, away from the noise of daily life. It exemplifies the Bahåʟí belief in the oneness of all religions and the harmony of mankind, values that resonate strongly in a diverse and pluralistic society like India.

Visit the Lotus Temple: A Must-See Destination in Delhi

Located in South Delhi near Nehru Place, the Lotus Temple is easily accessible by public transport, including the Delhi Metro. It is open to visitors throughout the week, except on Mondays, and entry is free of charge. Whether you are drawn by its architectural beauty, its spiritual ambiance, or its symbolic significance, visiting the Lotus Temple is a soul-stirring experience that you won’t forget.

Trupalp26CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
These gleaming white petals, crafted from the pristine Penteli marble of Greece—the very same marble used for the ancient Parthenon—give the temple the appearance of a colossal, half-opened lotus flower. 

The structure seems to float serenely on nine shimmering pools of water that surround it, not only enhancing its beauty but also serving as a natural and sustainable cooling system for the vast prayer hall within.

Stepping inside the temple is an experience that transcends the visual and touches the soul. The central hall, capable of holding up to 2,500 people, is a vast, open space devoid of any idols, religious artifacts, or ceremonial altars. This intentional simplicity is a cornerstone of the Bahåʟí Faith, which espouses the principles of the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity. 

The temple is a house of worship for all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, caste, or creed. It is a place where a Christian can pray alongside a Hindu, a Muslim alongside a Buddhist, and an atheist can simply sit in quiet contemplation. The silence within the hall is profound, broken only by the gentle rustle of visitors or the occasional melodic chanting of prayers from various faiths, which are scheduled at regular intervals. 

This all-inclusive and welcoming atmosphere is what evokes such a pious and deeply personal response from visitors. It is a space that encourages introspection, a silent dialogue with one's inner self, and a connection to a higher power, however one may conceive it.

The architectural design not only inspires a sense of wonder but also creates an environment of profound peace. The way natural light filters through the petals and illuminates the interior creates a soft, ethereal glow, fostering a feeling of tranquillity and spiritual upliftment. The absence of any sermons or ritualistic ceremonies allows for a purely personal and contemplative experience. People from all walks of life, from seasoned spiritual seekers to curious tourists, find themselves moved by the serene and meditative ambience. 

Many describe a feeling of shedding their worldly worries at the entrance and being enveloped in an aura of peace and unity. It is this powerful, unspoken experience that draws millions of visitors to the Lotus Temple each year, making it one of the most visited buildings in the world.

The 'pious response' mentioned is not one of fervent religious dogma, but rather a quiet, internal awakening. It is the recognition of a shared humanity, a common quest for meaning and peace that unites all people. The Lotus Temple, in its majestic and silent grace, reminds us that the path to the divine can be as simple and as beautiful as a flower blooming in a muddy pond. 

It stands as a testament to the idea that beauty, in its purest form, can inspire the deepest and most sacred emotions within the human heart. It is more than just a temple; it is a symbol of hope, a sanctuary for the soul, and a beacon of unity in a diverse world. Its enduring legacy is not just etched in marble and concrete but also in the countless hearts it has touched and the profound sense of peace it continues to inspire.