Articles

A symbol is a visual representation created by an artist, that helps us grasp the essence of the idea which lies behind it. Symbols can represent religious and cultural icons, or corporate and brand identities. Over a period of time, repeated exposure to a symbol and what it stands for, gets embedded in our minds and then, whenever we happen to see it, the whole idea of what it represents unfolds for us. The artist, in a few strokes, gives us a complete coded story that is contained in the symbol. Although visual symbols are a part of our daily life, we hardly ever stop to wonder how, why or where they came from and what is their underlying significance. Religious and cultural symbols are not just lines drawn at random, but are concepts visualized by Seers and Sages through their experience of deep meditation, tapas (austere penance) and surrender to the Source.

My Guru said that when God wanted to manifest Himself in every animate and inanimate thing, Creation happened. Master Charles Cannon of the Synchronicity Foundation, USA, explains it this way: “As one Source Consciousness fragments Itself in multi-dimensional experience from subtle to dense, holistic awareness is forfeited. The speed of relative oscillation decelerates and the polarities seem to be separate from each other. Thus the truth is being Source and the illusion is not being Source. …As One Source Consciousness densifies, illusion dominates truth.”

Shani (Saturn), as the dark god is popularly known, is the son of Surya, the sun god, and his wife Chhaya. When the Shani dasha (periods) or aspect is indicated in our astrological chart, we become apprehensive and fearful because he is a demanding god. In the scriptures, it is said that Shani renders justice – handing out appropriate rewards or punishments according to our deeds or misdeeds.

Shambala is a mystic mountain at a certain vibratory level where the great siddhas (yogic masters), reside. Here, alongside their on-going sadhana (spiritual practice), they also monitor the activities of our world. They are constantly watching and guiding genuine and worthy aspirants on the spiritual path.