What is it?
Bhava has several meanings but can be loosely translated as spiritual trance when referring to Sri Swamiji's meditation programs. However, Bhava is more than trance. It is the mood, devotional attitude, love and emotions a devotees may feel towards God and Guru which is then induced and expressed through Bhava.
This phenomenon around His Holiness, Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Maharaj is truly unbelievable. It must be seen and experienced.
When good bhajans are sung at Sri Swamiji's programs, the astral bodies of ancient maharishis, gods and goddesses who are around Sri Swamiji are often induced into the physical form of devotees and produce a spiritual trance. It is described as a blissful, peaceful and tranquil experience. Often devotees will sing, dance, pose in different mudras and meditate for long periods.
Sri Swamiji uses Bhava often as method to help an individual heal on different levels, purify their thoughts and deepen their meditation. It helps in physical, mental and spiritual progress.
Bhava has several meanings but can be loosely translated as spiritual trance when referring to Sri Swamiji's meditation programs. However, Bhava is more than trance. It is the mood, devotional attitude, love and emotions a devotees may feel towards God and Guru which is then induced and expressed through Bhava.
This phenomenon around His Holiness, Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Maharaj is truly unbelievable. It must be seen and experienced.
When good bhajans are sung at Sri Swamiji's programs, the astral bodies of ancient maharishis, gods and goddesses who are around Sri Swamiji are often induced into the physical form of devotees and produce a spiritual trance. It is described as a blissful, peaceful and tranquil experience. Often devotees will sing, dance, pose in different mudras and meditate for long periods.
Sri Swamiji uses Bhava often as method to help an individual heal on different levels, purify their thoughts and deepen their meditation. It helps in physical, mental and spiritual progress.
How and when did Sri Swamiji start using it?
After completing Tapas, Sri Swamiji was giving public darshan to a small group of people who came to the ashram and began questioning him on various spiritual matters. One of the topics was free will.
Having listened to the talk for some time, Sri Swamiji interjected, "Even this body that we regard as our own is not ours, so how can we be free to act according to our individual will and desire?" He then looked at a particular individual in the group who had been taking a leading part in the discussion and asked him pointedly, "Well, is this body yours?" Somewhat bewildered the man replied, "Why, yes, of course, if my body is not mine then who else owns it?" Swamiji smiled and said, "If that be the case, then let me see you control it and move it as you like."
With this words Swamiji, through His spiritual power, induced the state of bhava in all those sitting directly in front of him. After some time, vibhuti was applied in between the eyebrows the devotees regained their normal state of consciousness.
By this means Swamiji demonstrated to all those present that we are mere objects in the hands of the divine. This was the beginning of Swamiji's unique method of bringing people to the spiritual path by inducing bhava in them. It is a common occurrence during bhajans conducted by devotees of Swamiji.
After completing Tapas, Sri Swamiji was giving public darshan to a small group of people who came to the ashram and began questioning him on various spiritual matters. One of the topics was free will.
Having listened to the talk for some time, Sri Swamiji interjected, "Even this body that we regard as our own is not ours, so how can we be free to act according to our individual will and desire?" He then looked at a particular individual in the group who had been taking a leading part in the discussion and asked him pointedly, "Well, is this body yours?" Somewhat bewildered the man replied, "Why, yes, of course, if my body is not mine then who else owns it?" Swamiji smiled and said, "If that be the case, then let me see you control it and move it as you like."
With this words Swamiji, through His spiritual power, induced the state of bhava in all those sitting directly in front of him. After some time, vibhuti was applied in between the eyebrows the devotees regained their normal state of consciousness.
By this means Swamiji demonstrated to all those present that we are mere objects in the hands of the divine. This was the beginning of Swamiji's unique method of bringing people to the spiritual path by inducing bhava in them. It is a common occurrence during bhajans conducted by devotees of Swamiji.
Commonly asked Q & A
Q: Samadhi and bhava, are they the same or different?
"Samadhi is through tapas and bhava is the presence of somebody through the astral body. Bhava is the beginning for samadhi and tapas."
Q: Can Swamiji tell us some principles of trances and its practice?"
"Higher souls induce it. Trance helps in physical, mental and spiritual progress."
Q: How is determined who gets the trance?
"It is automatic. There is no control by Swamiji."
Q: Some people do not get bhava and some do. Why is that?
"If bhajans are sung properly, bhava will come."
Q: Is it possible for a guru to come and teach in trance?
"Yes. You have seen Swamiji give trances. One who gets these trances can control others' trances."
Q: Samadhi and bhava, are they the same or different?
"Samadhi is through tapas and bhava is the presence of somebody through the astral body. Bhava is the beginning for samadhi and tapas."
Q: Can Swamiji tell us some principles of trances and its practice?"
"Higher souls induce it. Trance helps in physical, mental and spiritual progress."
Q: How is determined who gets the trance?
"It is automatic. There is no control by Swamiji."
Q: Some people do not get bhava and some do. Why is that?
"If bhajans are sung properly, bhava will come."
Q: Is it possible for a guru to come and teach in trance?
"Yes. You have seen Swamiji give trances. One who gets these trances can control others' trances."