Meditations on Transcendence

Beyond the Modes: Journey to True Nectar The spiritual journey requires understanding the subtle layers of the self: ego, intention, feelings, thoughts, and actions. Krishna consciousness teaches that these layers, when purified, lead one beyond the material modes of nature (gunas) into the realm of true nectar—divine bliss. **Ego (Ahamkara):** In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, "The living entity in the material world carries his different conceptions of life from one body to another, as the air carries aromas" (Bhagavad Gita 15.8). This indicates the pervasive influence of the ego. The first step in spiritualizing the ego is to recognize that we are not the doers. Ahamkara, the false ego, is the identification with the body and mind. To transcend this, we must see ourselves as eternal servants of Krishna, dissolving the false ego into our true identity as souls. **Intention (Sankalpa):** Krishna advises, "Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I s

  The Ballad of Entangled Souls When thou art caught by modes, so dense, The truth, 'Satya,' lies but in past tense, Entangled deep in sensual taste, In myriad forms, thy soul misplaced. In body's prison, mind's cruel snare, Thou dost forget the Truth so rare, The knot of self, entwined so tight, Binds thee in dark, obscures the light. Yet lo, the Guru's hand so kind, Doth lift the veil from blinded mind, The knot removed by wisdom's touch, Thy soul doth find the truth, so much. Then starts the path of Navadha's grace, With heart anew, begins the chase, To seek the love, divine and pure, In bhakti's arms, thy soul secure. No time remains for worlds unknown, The great beyond, the unseen throne, For in this realm of love’s sweet song, Thy soul at peace, where it belongs. So walk thee now in bhakti’s way, In Guru’s light, find truth’s bright ray, Entangled no more, thy spirit free, In love’s embrace, eternity. Thus sings the tale of souls enticed, By modes