Jivatma/Taoist Practices/Shift of country of residence
Question
Dhananjay, hi
Hope you are well?
Dhananjay, I had a few doubts which I believe you will be able to help me with:
* Upon death, the jivatma is pulled out of the sthul sharir, and then it follows the atman to enter another body. does that mean that we carry over whatever is in the mind to the next birth? i.e. we have to deal with whatever's embeded in the mind from various past births?
* What are you thoughts on Taoist sexual practices. As far as ideology is concerned it is very similar to Brahamacharya i.e. conservation of life force [qi] and essence [jing], but they also believe that jing can be increased in a male from sexual contact with women [where men gain from getting jing from women] and they have various ways of controlling ejaculation as well. Retention of bodily fluids is fundamental to their practices, they believe the fluid that contains the maximum amount of jing is the semen hence the stress on its conservation.
From one of your past answers, I do remember you saying that even if you dont ejaculate, the desire to have sexual contact remains which is contrary to the objective of a brahamacharya. I'd appreciate your thoughts on the above, thanks.
* One of my friends is having to move his country of residence to go back home to be an aid to his ageing parents. He is just a bit weary of the fact that he has lived away from home for a while, has not worked in the environment back home, the ways, the way people think are different, expectations are different etc etc. Although he is going back, he has a slight hesitation in terms of getting a grip on the ground reality. Do you think you might be able to pour out some thoughts which might help his transition? He is also an aspiring yogi and was concerned about the change in place, change in energy level etc. Is there anything an aspiring yogi should keep in mind or watch out for to ensure vital life force is not lost due to change in environment.
As before Dhananjay, I appreciate your responses to all on this forum.
Regards, Manish
Answer
1. All the latent seeds of impressions (which are the result of past karma, which determine the mental condition and which determine this and next existences) are stored in the Kârana Sharira (causal body). The causal body is the only body which accompanies the Atman in its millions of births. The physical and astral bodies take form at birth and disintegrate at death. Hence these are not constant. All past desires of the mind from former births appear in this or next births and current desires of the mind are carried to the next birth (in seed form).
2. Taoist practices are similar to Vâma Marga (Left hand tantra). This path is dangerous and most often leads to a downfall. Most Taoists and left hand tantriks eventually forget the objective Kaivalya (self-realization) and get attached to Bhoga (sense pleasure). Hence Niskama Yogi-s (those wishing nothing but self-realization) stay clear from it.
3. Sexual activity for recreation involves deriving pleasure from the body and the senses which are Asath (unreal) and Anatma (non-atman). Hence one who practices non-ejaculatory relations and does not eventuallty take up absolute Brahmacharya can never rise beyond slavery to Avidya (ignorance) The cause behind embodification of the infinite Atman. For this reason, a non-ejaculatory relationship which is practiced by married, want-to-be Brahmachari-s before starting absolute Brahmacharya (to first overcome and become independent of the need to ejaculate in intercourse) has to eventually be put to an end and replaced with absolute Brahmacharya in thought, word and deed if self-realization is the objective.
4. If ones destiny includes relocation, none can prevent it. HE is the puppeteer and we are the puppets. Our duty is to follow HIS commands and be willful instruments in HIS hands. Such a one who constantly reminds himself of the falsity of the Ego and the reality of the Lord with the perspective I do nothing. HE works through me and I follow. I am always happy and content, contemplating on HIM. Let HIM do whatever HE wants with this mind and body. As long as one performs all actions keeping this in mind, nothing can become an impediment to Yoga & Brahmacharya. Nothing can disturb ones equilibrium and poise, whatever is the place of ones residence. All things eventually get harmonized and life sails smoothly.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)