{"id":665,"date":"2020-11-07T07:16:37","date_gmt":"2020-11-07T07:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/?p=665"},"modified":"2020-11-07T07:16:37","modified_gmt":"2020-11-07T07:16:37","slug":"a-pilgrims-guide-to-arunachala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/a-pilgrims-guide-to-arunachala\/","title":{"rendered":"A Pilgrim’s Guide to Arunachala"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Opening Caps and 1 sentence” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left”]<\/p>\n

A<\/span>runachala is not a physical place \u2013 it is a state of mind.\u00a0 Only by the good merit of countless births will you be called to go there, and if now is your time treasure it.<\/h1>\n

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Since ancient times, the holy mountain called Arunachala, in the town of Tiruvanamalai, India, has been revered as one of the supreme places of pilgrimage on this planet.\u00a0 Next only to Mount Kailash<\/a> in Tibet, Arunachala has called old souls to take refuge near its base and go deep within to explore the frontiers of human consciousness and discover the true meaning of life.<\/p>\n

 
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Countless yogis and yogini\u2019s have heard the holy mountain whisper to them \u201ccome\u201d in the depths of their meditations and many amongst us have heeded this call.<\/h4>\n

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The Sacred Mountain of Fire<\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.23.4″ height=”7px” hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left”]In India, there is an old proverb that says:
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” column_structure=”1_4,3_4″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left” custom_css_main_element=”border-left: thick solid #aa8dba;||padding-left: 13px !important;||”]<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can wander through this ancient land hoping to find her saints & sages, or you can simply go to Arunachala<\/span> where they have taken refuge.\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left”]<\/p>\n

The light of Arunchala, the mountain of fire, attracts sages like the radiance of a flame attracts moths.\u00a0 It is an irresistible and unexplainable pull that draws one there to receive teachings from the awakened ones, and have their karma be extinguished.<\/p>\n

Over the centuries the collective vibrations of deep meditation, prayer, mantra chanting<\/a>,\u00a0 ceremony, visits from deities and other mystical phenomenon have accumulated to form a halo of pristine pure vibrations that emanate to about a distance of 7km from the core of the mountain.<\/p>\n

In the ancient scriptures, and the teachings of the awakened ones, it is said that a celestial realm exists inside the mountain \u2013 which is the home of many great siddhas, angelic beings and deities of the higher realms. The mountain is akin to a portal that links our world to the highest causal plane satya lokah – the realm of enlightened rishis and deities.<\/p>\n

An ancient temple<\/a>, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in His elemental form of fire, is situated at the base of the mountain.\u00a0 This fire temple brings balance to the elemental forces of nature, as well as the inner energy body (sukshma sharira<\/a>) of the pilgrims that come into proximity to the Shiva Lingam that is in the sanctum of the temple. Along with the 4 other elemental temples scattered across Tamil Nadu (earth, water, air, ether), this temple emanates powerful vibrations that support deep sadhana.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of ashrams are scattered near the base of the mountain and are a testament to the teachers that once taught the dharma in these sanctuaries. \u00a0At any given time thousands of sadhus, swamis, yogis, monks, nuns and many highly advanced householders live near the mountain practicing deep sadhana in order to realize the supreme truth of their own existence.<\/p>\n

Of particular interest, is the ashram of the silent sage of Arunachala Ramana Maharshi<\/a>, who lived at the base of the mountain from 1922 until 1950, when he left his body.\u00a0 In addition to the main ashram<\/a>, Ramana lived in 2 caves on the mountain prior to his main ashram\u2019s construction.\u00a0 He lived in Virupaksha cave for 17 years, and then at the Skanda Ashram (which has a cave in it\u2019s core) for 6 years.\u00a0 Both of these caves have been used for thousands of years before the Maharshi by other great sages. The vibrations in both these caves are incredibly powerful and help the mind settle into stillness with ease.<\/p>\n

There are also many other caves in the mountain which you can learn about here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” column_structure=”2_3,1_3″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subheading 2″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left”]<\/p>\n

Balancing the Inner and the Outer Vision<\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.23.4″ height=”7px” hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_text_align=”left” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left” border_style=”solid”]The physical spectacle that is Tiruvanamalai, is nothing more than the typical chaos of 1 Billion + people living in poverty, which can be seen nearly everywhere in India.<\/p>\n

When you first arrive prepare to be shocked at how such a holy place can appear so loud, smelly and polluted.\u00a0 Do not allow the outer appearance to fool you.\u00a0 Find suitable lodging, clean food and then begin your meditation.\u00a0 With your eyes closed and senses introverted you will begin to immediately notice the subtle ease at which you slip into the inner world.\u00a0 If you find restlessness in the first few days, do not worry, some disturbing vibrations within you are being shaken up and will quickly be released \u2013 it will not last long before you tune in to the mountain.\u00a0 Its vibrations are like a satellite dish transmitting waves \u2013 train your mind to tune into its frequency.<\/p>\n

Ignore the outer chaos.\u00a0 Keep most of your attention inward.\u00a0 Wake up early, bathe, meditate, visit the local holy people, eat lightly, walk around the mountain, visit its caves, read scriptures and meditate as much as possible.<\/p>\n

You are welcome to visit the dharma talks and satsangs of the local or foreign teachers, but try to avoid the new age scene that has emerged in recent years.\u00a0 Many foreigners are now coming to Arunachala giving teachings, bringing groups, and setting a new precedent.<\/p>\n

The majority of these foreign teachers largely have good intentions, say positive things, yet are not fully awake. You will need to learn how to filter your teachers like you do your water.\u00a0 The real teachings are heard in silence and the mountain itself is the real guru of Arunchala. \u00a0If you can tune into the mountain \u2013 no other teachings will be necessary.<\/p>\n

Spend most of your time in silence, solitude, reflecting on Ramana\u2019s teachings or with our sangha.<\/p>\n

If you are planning a pilgrimage to Arunachala for the first time, here are a few things that will help ease your way into sadhana \u2026
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” column_structure=”2_3,1_3″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subheading 2″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left”]<\/p>\n

Make the Area Around Ramana Ashram Your Base<\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.23.4″ height=”7px” hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_text_align=”left” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left” border_style=”solid”]We recommend that for your first visit to Arunachala you stay within walking distance of Ramana Ashram.\u00a0 The main advantage of this is that you will be able to:<\/p>\n