Lighting The Flame of Compassion

Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute”, is the successor of Swami Rama of the Himalyas. Lecturing and teaching worldwide for more than a quarter of a century, he is a regular contributor to yoga International magazine and the author of twelve books, including the best-selling, at the Eleventh Hour: The Biography of Swami Rama of the Himalayas.

Pandit Tigunait holds two doctorates: one in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad in India and another in Oriental studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Family tradition gave Pandit Tigunait access to a vast range of spiritual wisdom preserved in both the written and oral traditions. Before meeting his master, Pandit Tigunait, as well as the languages of the Buddhist, Jaina, and Zorastrian traditions. In 1976, Swami Rama ordained Pandit Tigunait into the 5,000 years-old Lineage of the Himalayan masters.

The scriptures infuses our hearts with compassion and respect for ourselves and all living beings by proclaiming with unshakable conviction: the soul of all living beings is one and autonomous. Through sheer will it becomes many. When we internalize this knowledge and come to know ourselves as integral to the luminous consciousness that animates all life, we become both fearless and compassionate. We recognize that we are living in the embrace of that transcendental unity that creates and sustains the splendid diversity we see around us. We are no longer a threat to us.

When we do not know ourselves as integral to an inticrate web of relationships sustained by cooperation and compassion, we regard ourselves as separate individuals. As long as we remain locked in this circumscribed individuality, we will feel threatened by others. To fortify our individuality, we from groups and then are bewildered when we find ourselves surrounded by potential enemies. Seeking safety and security, we amass wealth and weapons to protect ourselves from these others. Instead of recognizing our planet for what it is a life-sustaining matrix imbued with divinity we treat it is a commodity, exhausting our natural resources in an attempt to insulate ourselves with material wealth.

The solution? Rise above trivial self-identify. Know who you are and rejoice in being what you are. Discover your sacred bond, first with those who are near and dear to you, and then with the larger world, both inside and outside yourself. The technique for accomplishing this is simple: honor the life force that animates everything in this world. When you recognize the sacred link that holds you in all-embracing net of mutuality, you will notice that your heart has begun pulsating with the experience of unity with all. You will no longer suffer from the sence of separation or involve yourself in the strife that aries from mistruts and fear.

Lightening the Flame of Compassion will help you discover the best within yourself and in the rest of humanity, for these verses flow from the heart of those who see no difference between the creator and his creation. Read them and contemplate on their meaning. When the light of these words shines in your own heart, the flame of compassion will be kindled within you and you will become a beacon to others.

“know who you are and rejoice in being what you are”.

Verses of profound passages from ancient texts-translated from the much beloved Katha Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita, and the Rig Veda-illuminate the nature of the inner self, pure consciousness, and the knowledge that ends suffering. These selected verses Infuses our hearts with compassion and respect for all beings.

“Lightning the flame of Compassion will help you discover the best within yourself and in the rest of humanity, for these verses flow the heart of those who see no difference between the creator… when the light of these words shines in your own heart, the flame of compassion will be kindled within you and you will become a beacon to others.” This inspiring collection was translated from Sanskrit by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D. Each passage is illustrated with an original watercolor. Lightening the Flame of Compassion is a book to treasure for its beauty as well as the wisdom of its message.

Lightening the flame of Compassion is a selection of some of the finest and most revered passages from the treasure house of Sanskrit scriptures, Touching on ecological themes, mystical states of mind, and the notion of a profound underlying order in the universe, this collection is a sampling of the wisdom of the spiritual heritage of humanity.

In Verses from the Katha Upanishad, Death himself imparts secret teachings to a young seeker boldly knocking at his door. The enduring wisdom of the Rig Veda, revealed to seers absorbed in the highest states of consciousness, extols us to honor the all pervading divine life force. The practical wisdom from the much-loved Bhagavad Gita illuminates the nature of the human condition; and from the Upanishads come simple, elegant prayers humbly asking for guidance and peace.

Translated from Sanskrit by noted spiritual teacher, yogi and Sanskrit scholar, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, these fresh and graceful renderings touch the heart as well as the mind. Each selection includes the original Sanskrit in Devangiri script, a transliteration of Sanskrit, and an original watercolors illustrate each selection and invite the reader to contemplate, and wisdom flowing through these passages from the hearts of those who embody the highest goal of life.