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RHTDM
KALKI is offline
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Here, in a footnote, James gives us a quote from “Vivekananda” by Raja Yoga, London, 1896:
“The mind itself has a higher state of existence, beyond reason, a superconscious state. And, when the mind gets to the higher state, then knowledge beyond reasoning comes.”
Before we start in on this next part of James’ book I think it is a good idea to define a few of the religious terms he uses:
Samadhi – [Hinduism and Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism and yogic schools] a state of meditative consciousness attained by the practice of dhyana. In Hindu yoga this is regarded as the final stage, at which union with the divine is reached (before or at death).a state of meditative consciousness attained by the practice of dhyana.
Dhyana [Hinduism] – meditation which is a deeper awareness of oneness which is inclusive of perception of body, mind, senses and surroundings, yet remaining unidentified with them and leads to Samadhi and self-knowledge. [Buddhism] – a series of cultivated states of mind which lead to perfect equanimity and awareness.
Vedanta – one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. The term Veda means “knowledge” and anta means “end” originally referred to in the Upanishads; a collection of foundational texts in Hinduism.
Sufism – according to its adherents, is the inner mystical dimension of Islam. Practitioners of Sufism, referred to as Sufis, belong to a congregation formed around a grand master referred to as a Mawla who maintains a direct lineage of teachers dating back to the Prophet Muhammad. Sufis strive for ishan (perfection of worship) as detailed in a hadith (Arabic for narrative – in this case a collection of reports claiming to quote what the Prophet Muhammad said verbatim on any matter). Sufis regard the Prophet Muhammad as the primary perfect man who exemplifies the morality of God and their leader and prime spiritual guide. Sufis consider themselves to be the true proponents of the pure, original form of Islam.
Nirvana – [Buddhism] freedom from the endless cycle of personal reincarnations. The final beatitude that transcends suffering, karma, and samsara [in Hinduism – the endless cycle of births, deaths, and rebirths] and is sought through the extinction of desire and individual consciousness.
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