Author Archives: vinaire

I am originally from India. I am settled in United States since 1969. I love mathematics, philosophy and clarity in thinking.

The Life Divine

October 18, 2025 – 9:58 AM

Here are a set of lectures that expound on this wonderful book: The Life Divine.
1. The Life Divine Book I
2. The Life Divine Book II

The Life Divine Chapter I & II (Dec 1996)

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx99EITuhSo Part-1 (12:58)
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZcAMOdz_xw Part-2 (13:23)
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG9nVQIjT6E Part-3 (13:05)
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmx2QqRbBig Part-4 (12:31)
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-unsli-QP0 Part-5 (14:33)
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzccXuRFFYw Part-6 (16:33)
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coY6N15V0vE Part-7 (14:18)
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DgPpzC8dKg Part-8 (12:31)
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbFwj1_p-tA Part-9 (13:45)
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMfnVxGWsvY Part-10 (24:52)
  11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3YaXDML2Nc Part-11 (10:31)

The Life Divine – Chapters 1 to 7 (April-May 2008)

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LOlJZYfK0g Part 1 (21:30)
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvwqI-Midek Part 2 (21:30)
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxWXHJp9DE4 Part 3 (18:29)
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqYr7zZmOqo Part 4 (21:30)
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZUcftGAC9g Part 5 (21:30)
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8kRAfUvtX8 Part 6 (18:41)
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70wRlbwNW-Y Part 7 (21:30)
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqP3YfUFP-s Part 8 (21:30)
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbyTemoZA0c Part 9 (7:33)
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_WQnUocf84 Part 10 (21:30)
  11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtS39kJKLg8 Part 11 (21:30)
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOYZ0drp-4M Part 12 (16:48)
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZbapNyR5fI Part 13 (29:41)
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh_iIcENeMg Part 14 (29:30)
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mploH7L3XIM Part 15-16 (21:30)
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xmI5sjuaP0 Part 17 (21:30)
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcHDrzc7sPw Part 18 (10:00)
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FbVju94Hh0 Part 19 (21:30)
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHWZTUzNkUw Part 20 (21:30)
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxinq7R_iOM Part 21 (17:28)
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHGqU05xVs0 Part 22 (21:30)
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKZnIeYdRZI Part 23 (21:30)
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Beq_oyssu5w Part 24 (18:09)
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDEjaO5Plhs Part 25 (21:30)
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ziDq6Ag7A Part 26 (21:30)
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmiLwdT8mZY Part 27 (2:48)
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdIQ-jxb82M Part 28 (21:30)
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG4H7ux7WBA Part 29 (21:30)
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT4JrihRdPQ Part 30 (18:04)
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o6ME_S8SgI Part 31 (29:40)
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tvagx9pGcA Part 32 (29:43)
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQS5kdjjEb0 Part 33 (blank)
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGj6hHVE29I Part 34 (21:30)
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPKYjjjJtJk Part 35 (21:30)
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp74y8eoM7w Part 36 (10:53)
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPW1anBKn1I Part 37 (21:30)
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDUEVv_-ICc Part 38 (21:30)
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLdgdUPC_OY Part 39 (17:16)
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWmaC1PCx9g Part 40 (21:30)
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLB6E9kgKFA (Part 41) (21:30)
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKMrubdFXYI (Part 42) (18:46)
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R74RRN3ArTQ (Part 43) (21:30)
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfiggu9DGwg (Part 44) (15:34)
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47QoDSHEZQE (Part 45) (36:46)
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8gqW8MKXk (Part 46) (50:38)

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Posted in Subject Clearing | Comments (3)

Gods in Rig Veda

October 14, 2025 – 1:32 PM

Reference: Subject: The Vedas

What is the meaning of gods in Vedas?

(Perplexity AI response)
The meaning of god in the Vedas is deeply nuanced and centers on the idea of a supreme, all-pervading reality expressed through various forms and forces of nature. The Vedic texts generally use the term “deva,” which means “the shining one,” symbolizing beings or principles of excellence and brilliance that animate the cosmos and govern natural phenomena. Interpreted on different levels—literal, symbolic, and esoteric—the devas represent both concrete deities and abstract principles such as faith, knowledge, and speech, as well as the elements of creation like fire, water, and air.

Vedic Concept of Divinity
The Vedas describe god as both with attributes (saguna) and without attributes (nirguna), emphasizing a reality that cannot be fully captured by form or name. The primordial God of the Vedas is formless and infinite, manifesting as countless deities who function as the basic principles of cosmic and human existence. God is characterized as the source of light, life, and truth—present within and around every being, not separate from creation but immanent and transcendent. Vedic hymns state, “God is one, but sages call him by different names,” affirming the unity behind the multiplicity of divine forms.

The Term Deva
Deva in Vedic literature is derived etymologically from roots meaning “to shine,” “to give,” and “to be radiant.” Devas are not just supernatural beings; they embody virtues, powers, and cosmic functions. The Vedas recognize 33 main devas, grouped equally in the heavens, atmosphere, and earth, symbolizing the infinite number of forces active in creation. Abstract qualities such as charity, knowledge, and speech can also be worshipped as devas, indicating the evolving and inclusive view of divinity in the Vedas.

Unity and Diversity
While multiple gods are worshipped, the underlying Vedic philosophy points to one ultimate reality (Brahman or Parabrahman), out of which all manifestations arise. The Rig Veda affirms: “Truth is one; the wise call it by various names,” encapsulating the Vedic perspective on divinity—unity expressed through infinite diversity.

In essence, the Vedas conceive god not merely as a personal being but as the ground of all existence, manifesting through myriad forms, names, and principles, and accessible to human experience both within and without.

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What is the root meaning of the word GOD?

(Perplexity AI response)
The root meaning of the word “God” in English traces back to Old English “god,” itself derived from the Proto-Germanic *gudą (or *guthan). Linguists propose two primary Indo-European roots: one is *ǵhu-tó-m, based on the verb *ǵheu(ə)-, which means “to call” or “to invoke,” and another links to the act of pouring libations or offerings. Thus, the earliest meaning of “god” implies “the one who is invoked,” “the one called upon,” or “the one sacrificed to,” which aligns with the ancient conception of divinity as a being called upon in prayer or ritual.

Etymological Lineage
• Old English: god
• Proto-Germanic: *gudą or *guthan
• Proto-Indo-European: *ǵhu-tó-m from *ǵheu(ə)- (“to call, invoke”), or related to the act of pouring libations
• Cognates: Found in Gothic (guþ), Old Norse (guð), German (Gott), Dutch (god), and Persian (khoda)

The word “god” was not present in the earliest Hebrew, Latin, or Greek scriptural manuscripts and emerged in European languages as a generic term for a deity after the spread of Christianity.

In summary, etymological evidence points to “God” originally meaning “one who is invoked or called upon,” reflecting early ritual practices of addressing the divine in prayer and sacrifice.

Comment on “invoke”
“Invoke” means to call for, petition, or bring about something, such as calling on a spirit, a law, or a tool. It can also refer to causing something to happen, implementing a rule, or using a specific function on a computer or in a program. The term has a variety of uses, from formal legal contexts to informal computer commands.

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GODS
In deep meditation, the Vedic rishis felt wonderful powers come over them. It gave them new insights never before seen or imagined. They postulated those powers and insights to be gods and deities. Later they invoked these powers in meditation.

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Agni in Rig Veda

October 14, 2025 – 10:42 AM

Reference: Subject: The Vedas

AGNI
Agni represents divine illumination. It is the excitement of discovery, and the key to all knowledge. Agni is the active power of looking and attaining insight through meditation. 

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Agni in Mandala 1, Sukta 1

(From Perplexity AI)
The main themes and symbols in Rig Veda Mandala 1, Sukta 1 center on the spiritual, psychological, and cosmic attributes of Agni, moving far beyond ritual fire and touching on the foundational ideas of Vedic thought.

Main Themes

  • Agni as Power of Will: Agni represents willpower and direction, the force that introduces all other powers within the human soul to aid spiritual evolution and fulfillment.
  • Collaboration of Divinity and Humanity: A recurring Vedic idea is that humans and devas (gods) are co-creators, collaborating in realizing higher truths and spiritual progress.
  • Spiritual Progress and Plenitude: Agni is seen not just as a bestower of material wealth, but as the conduit for “inner plentitude,” inspiring and guiding seekers toward heroism, knowledge, and the fullness of being.
  • Truth and Illumination: Agni is the “guardian of Truth”, symbolizing psychological illumination and the protection of divine order, rather than mere ritualistic functionality.
  • Fatherly Guidance: Agni is invoked as a father figure, approachable and benevolent, reflecting seeds of later Bhakti traditions of emotional devotion and surrender.

Key Symbols

  • Agni (Fire): Symbolizes both actual sacrificial fire and the internal spark of inspiration, consciousness, and transformation.
  • Hota, Ritvik, Purohita: Agni embodies multiple priestly roles—invoker, knower of truth, and foremost guide in the ritual—which are metaphorical for guidance of thought and aspiration.
  • Wealth (Ratna, Rayi): These terms represent not only material prosperity, but spiritual abundance, divine joy, and the richness of higher consciousness.
  • Day and Night: Serve as symbols for the alternation of ignorance and illumination within the aspirant, underpinning the path to enlightenment.

Symbolic Interpretation
The language and imagery of Sukta 1 suggest that rituals themselves are metaphors for internal spiritual practices: kindling Agni inside oneself means awakening the will, aspiration, and the power to access higher consciousness and truth.

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Evolution of Agni’ symbolism across Mandala 1

(From Perplexity AI)
Agni’s symbolism in Mandala 1 of the Rig Veda evolves from being the ritual fire and cosmic medium to embodying deeper spiritual, psychological, and metaphysical principles. Across the Mandala, Agni is described and invoked in several overlapping yet expanding roles that chart a journey from external ritual to inner realization and cosmic consciousness.

Early Hymns: Ritual and Spiritual Will

  • In Sukta 1, Agni represents the presiding priest (purohita) and the Hotar, bridging humans and gods—a channel for offerings and blessings.
  • He emerges as the psychological power of will—the force of aspiration and inspiration vital for spiritual progress, not merely a ritual symbol.
  • Agni is the guardian of Truth (ṛta), simultaneously instilling order and illumination within the seeker.

Expansion of Symbolism: Cosmic and Psychological

  • As the Mandala progresses, Agni’s symbolism deepens:
    • Agni is described as present in three realms: earthly fire, lightning in the atmosphere, and the sun in the heavens—a messenger uniting all worlds.
    • He is invoked as Jātaveda (“knower of all births and forms”), being the divine witness, carrier of wisdom, and guardian—connecting fire, knowledge, and divine order.
    • Agni as Kravyād (the funeral fire) symbolizes transition, creative/destructive power, and purification—marking existence, transformation, and rebirth.
    • Agni comes to represent consciousness, discernment, life force, and the mind’s swiftness—as well as the principle of tapas (spiritual heat/energy).

Internalization and Mystical Symbolism

  • Later in Mandala 1, Agni is less an external force and more an internal principle—the spiritual fire kindled by the gods within the soul, not by human hands.
  • There is frequent invocation of Agni as father, friend, and guide, with increasing emotional (Bhakti) resonance, encouraging surrender and inner union.
  • Agni’s iconography and mythology expand; he is depicted with both beneficent and destructive aspects, reborn daily, yet immortal—pervasive in all forms of existence.

Agni evolves from external sacrificial fire to internalized divine principle—the transformative force uniting the ritual, the cosmos, and the inner journey of the seeker towards illumination and truth.

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Subject Clearing: What is it?

October 7, 2025 – 8:40 AM

Reference: The Book of Subject Clearing

The future is changing very fast with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The best job opportunities are going to be in the area of mental health and education through self-learning. You will be well-positioned for future if you know SUBJECT CLEARING.

I asked Perplexity AI the following question,

“What is Subject Clearing for the purpose of self-learning?”

I got the following answer:

Subject clearing for self-learning refers to a systematic process for identifying, organizing, and resolving confusions or gaps in knowledge related to specific subjects in order to facilitate more effective independent study and intellectual growth. This process is particularly useful in self-directed education, where no formal teacher or curriculum guides the learner.

Steps in Subject Clearing

  • Listing Struggled Subjects: Create a comprehensive list of all subjects that have caused confusion or difficulty in the past, both academic (like mathematics or grammar) and life skills.
  • Arranging by Importance or Attention: Organize these subjects based on how important they are for one’s goals or where one’s attention is most frequently drawn.
  • Clarifying Titles and Purposes: For each subject, research and understand the root meaning and the basic purpose of studying it—this builds foundational clarity and readiness.
  • Identifying Core Concepts: Determine the most basic ideas or “postulates” underlying each subject (e.g., understanding that arithmetic is based on counting and measuring).
  • Clearing Key Terms: List key terms within each subject, arrange them logically, and clarify their meanings, especially focusing on etymology and definitions.
  • Repeat as Needed: Revisit, update, and refine the list as attention shifts or as confusion is resolved, allowing new subjects or interests to enter the process.

Why Subject Clearing Matters

Subject clearing makes self-learning more efficient by:

  • Helping resolve old confusions that may block progress in new learning endeavors.
  • Clarifying foundational knowledge, thus making advanced study smoother and less stressful.
  • Enabling more focused attention on self-chosen subjects of interest or professional relevance without distraction from unresolved gaps.

Relation to Self-Study More Broadly

Subject clearing is a preparatory technique in the broader process of self-directed learning, which also involves setting goals, choosing study materials, and systematically working through foundational to advanced concepts. It addresses the mental organization and readiness required to make self-study effective and sustainable.

In summary, subject clearing is the act of methodically identifying and remedying foundational gaps and confusions in one’s knowledge before or during self-driven study, leading to greater learning efficiency and intellectual clarity.

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Thought as Substance

October 4, 2025 – 7:19 PM

We find thought to be a substance when we look at it according to the following definition:

SUBSTANCE
Substance is that which is substantial enough to be sensed and perceived. We may divide the substance of this universe into three categories: (1) thought, (2) radiation, and (3) matter. Thought is extremely light and has least consistency. Radiation has a little more consistency. Matter has extremely high consistency. Consistency means “a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc.” We have increasing consistency from thought to radiation to matter. Matter and radiation are considered to be substances that are physical. Thought is considered to be a substance that is metaphysical, or spiritual.

When we look at thought as substance, we are looking at its significance, or meaning, for what it is. We then look at how this significance is being modulated by the mind, just like one looks at how one’s breath is being modulated by the body. It is like stepping back from being entangled and identified with the significance, and looking at all that significance from a distance. It is like examining the functioning of the mind itself.

Looking at the mind functioning is like looking at thought being processed. There are many dimensions to the mind. Reprocessing the existing data is one thing. Postulating new data is something very different. To do classical Yoga and Tantra we need to develop a sophisticated understanding of the mind. Yoga is what we do internally in the form of meditation. Tantra (technology of thought) is what we apply externally in the form of rituals. The external effort is to collect and arrange the relevant data. The internalization is to assimilate all that data.

Intellect is just one of the tools of the mind. We see it being used when two people are arguing. It is like a knife that helps you dissect things to know more about them. But we cannot know everything by just using the cutting intellect, because we are cutting everything to pieces and making it more and more complex. The other way to know something is to become one with it. Maybe I can know more about you by hugging you. There is no distance then. It seems that we need intellect to know more about the physical form; but it requires becoming one to know the spiritual form.

What is the significance of sound ‘Sh’ that makes the word “Shiva”?  There is a canvas on which existence is painted. Understanding that canvas is understanding ‘shiva.’ SHIVA MEANS THAT WHICH IS NOT. It is the Unknowable. The sound ‘sh’ represents the immensity of the empty canvas. We may assign it any meaning we want. Meaning exists only in the human mind. It has only psychological significance. It has substance. This is thought.

The efficiency of the functioning of a substantial system is just a question of perfection of its geometry, how well aligned all its parts are. Only what is geometrically perfect sustains itself. What is not geometrically perfect will fall apart. In other words, this oneness (continuity, consistency and harmony) of substance, both spiritual (thought), and physical (radiation and matter) is extremely important.

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