Dwelling In Yoga…

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By Dr. Jessie Mercay, PhD, PhDmst
posted by Ganesh

Most people think of yoga as being a Hindu system of exercises involving body postures that purify and strengthen the body, bring peace to the soul, and create connection with the Divine. While this is true, there are other forms of yoga aside from body postures. For example, there is the yoga of breath (pranayama), mantra yoga (meditation and/or chanting), yogic medicine (Siddha Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine), and the yoga of architecture (Vaastu Shastras and Sthapatya Veda). What all of these sciences have in common is the goal to create Union with the Divine while living in the material world. For some, yoga is a lifestyle that includes many of these components. When one takes this lifestyle seriously they become a yogi or yogini. Many cultures around the world have historically had members of their society who strived for spiritual perfection –union with the Divine – even if it wasn’t called yoga per se. These people sometimes lived as hermits in the forest and in caves while others were householders with families. They became shamans, medicine people, yogis, and yoginis, both within society and away from society.

Temple Cottage built by AUM S&T students

One thing many of these yogis had in common is that most of them recognized that there was a special place that they preferred to do their practice. Often that place was in a cave or temple. Those householders who were fortunate lived in homes that were specifically constructed to have a special feeling or frequency that supported their goal for Union. Ramana Maharishi, the great Indian sage, became awakened from meditation in a temple (Thiruvanamalli, India). The great sage Patanjali who wrote the Yoga Sutras had his awakening in the temple Rameswara, Tamilnadu, South India. He also spent long periods of time at the temple of Chidambaram in South India, as did Thirumular, the great exponent of the seminal spiritual text, Thirumaintiram. Nearly all of the famous 18 Siddhars (enlightened sages of whom Pantangali and Thirumular were numbered) gained their awakening at Vaastu Temples in Southern India. It is widely known that the sages of India made extensive pilgrimages to various temples to strengthen their spiritual life. Those temples were not just buildings to house deities. They were special forms constructed under strict guidelines of Vaastu Shastras and Agamas.

What most people don’t know is that it was not necessarily the deity of the temple that they sought to strengthen their spiritual life. Rather it was the building itself that held the frequency that uplifted their consciousness. “The image of God, rendered in accordance with Shastric measures, shines forth with vibrancy, of its own accord”. (P. 16 Makutagama Agamic Shastra). In other words, if a form is rendered (sculpture, deity, house, temple, dance, music) using proper Shastric rules and measure, it becomes a living vibrating form on its own.

Vaastu Temple Cottage in New Mexico built by Jessie Mercay and AUM S&T students in 2008.

As strange as it may seem, properly constructed temples (and other buildings including houses) designed and built using the specialized mathematics and building codes – from the ground up – designated by the Vaastu Shastras become sacred spaces that vibrate with specific energies, which resonate with individual Atman (jivatman) and elevate the individual to spiritual bliss – Union or Yoga. This has been a little known ancient secret – held in confidence by none other than the architects of these buildings. The knowledge of how to build a building that will vibrate in such a way as to elevate the very soul of a person has been kept secret for thousands of years.

In the Old Testament of the Bible, there is a story of the architect who built King Solomon’s temple – Hiram. Hiram was a Phoenician King. He was part of the ancient tradition of temple and house builders (Sthapati’s) who were sworn to keep silent about their specialty. His workers approached him and asked him to tell them the secret of building a building that vibrated with God essence. He refused and was subsequently killed for his refusal. This knowledge was so sacred and secret because it could be used for good or evil. That is, the architects could build a Godly building that uplifted humanity or they could build a building that would vibrate in such a way that it destroyed a community.

One of the first considerations for building this type of building is the building site. The ancients (Sthapatis or Architects) knew how to select a site that already contained specific qualities that would vibrate in a positive way. Highly evolved Yogis and Sages knew how to select these sites and did throughout the world. They were taught how to select a cave or natural setting that contained the energy that would support their growth in connection with the Divine. Some, like Buddha, instinctively knew how to select such a site.

In that same way, these special builders were taught how to select a site that would support spiritual growth if built space was constructed on that site using specific building codes from the Vaastu Shastras (textbooks). In southern India alone there are over 35,000 of these buildings in the form of specially constructed temples. What most people don’t know is that there are also thousands of homes in Southern India built using the same principles applied to temples. Those villages that were constructed using these special building codes also had a village temple that was a pure and unadulterated form (no interior walls etc), which vibrates with immense power.

People through the ages and especially in modern times have attempted to assess the qualities of these houses and temples in order to replicate them. The problem with that is that they only saw the general physical properties of the building (room placement). They failed to see or comprehend the non – physical properties and the specific physical properties that caused the vibration. Without that knowledge, the principles that they observed were misunderstood and misapplied causing random results and sometimes
damage. In fact, in modern times we have adulterated versions of this deep and profound science.

About twenty years ago, a traditional Indian architect who came from an unbroken lineage of more than two thousand years of architects and builders who knew these ancient secrets began to reveal this knowledge publicly in an effort to find students to reawaken this incredible science in its pure form. Very few of these architects (known as Sthapatis) live today as most families from the clan that preserved this knowledge were forced to seek other means of livelihood due to alien rule. This Sthapati is Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati of Chennai, India. He is the single most respected Sthapati in the world today. He is highly decorated as an artisan and builder. He is known far and wide for his expertise and artistry and is referred to as Vaastu Vyasa.

Dr. Sthapati brought this knowledge to the west through a small University he cofounded with Dr. Jessie Mercay called The American University of Mayonic Science and Technology http://www.aumscience.com. This University offers classes that reveal these ancient secrets to individuals who are willing and motivated to gain the knowledge needed to properly apply these sacred building codes.

Why was this seen as such an important thing to do? The science behind this knowledge and the Rishi who cognized it reveals that an individual can gain Union or enlightenment by dwelling in a building built using these special ancient codes. Saints and yogis have known this for thousands of years. When a person lives in one of these buildings they are literally dwelling in yoga for the entire time they are in the building.


The effects are cumulative and the person becomes fully integrated over time. A little known fact is that in India today and throughout history people go to buildings built with these codes for healing and rejuvenation. It is known as a special technique called temple sleep. While the large homes built using these special codes are too expensive for a poor person, the community temple is always available for rejuvenation. And, smaller homes may be built using these building codes.

This body of knowledge is called Mayonic Science and Technology (at the request of the former President of India). The yogic Rishi who cognized this science, Siddha Brahmarishi Mayan, called it the Luminous Path. He is mentioned throughout Vedic literature (Mahabarata, Bagavatam, and elsewhere) and is known as the cognizer of the first Veda – the Pranava Veda.

His fundamental achievement was to observe within his own nature, the process that Consciousness or the Divine undergoes in its transformation of energy (Itself) into matter – the material world. Mayan was able to use the elements of that process (which is mathematically based) to replicate that process and manifest specific frequencies or qualities of consciousness in various art forms. He applied this knowledge to music, dance, poetry, sculpture and architecture. He declared that architecture was the highest form because it had the greatest influence over an individual dwelling in specifically designed built space.

The science of this body of knowledge is found in the Pranava Veda and the Aintiram –both written by Mayan (he authored more than 32 texts). The technology that follows this science is found in various treatises on sculpture, dance, music, drawing and painting, poetry and grammar, and architecture (Vaastu Shastras and Agamas). This knowledge of living or meditating in vibrant buildings is missing from the understanding of what it takes to become an awakened yogi. The general frequencies or vibrations of today’s world and today’s houses are overwhelmingly abrasive to the growth of Union. In this science, Union is concerned with resonance with the Divine. One’s own Atman must become resonant with the Divine Cosmic Atman in order to experience enlightenment. It is almost impossible for that to happen fully today with all of the events happening in the world around us that produce numerous discordant frequencies. These special houses and temples (large and small) provide a barrier to the damaging environment. They offer a frequency that offsets environmental influences. In addition, if they are built properly, they elevate the inhabitant to spiritual bliss and wellbeing.

The mechanics of this are straightforward. A special mathematical order (mathematical formulas) and special building codes that mirror the principles of Consciousness manifesting itself as the material world are applied to building architecture. The building then becomes vibrant with specific qualities designated by the architect or consultant based upon specific mathematical formulas. The building vibrates or becomes alive with these qualities (among which is Spiritual Bliss). The vibration of the building then affects the vibration (at the level of jivatman) of the individual. Over time, the individual jivatman vibration raises to the level of the building that is considered a divine form. This is called resonance or Bhakti.

Simply stated, because the building was designed and built to vibrate with specific qualities of the Divine, the inhabitant then becomes in Union with the Divine. These building codes include factors such as site selection, slope of land, vibrancy of land based upon special tests and analysis, existing water bodies, placement of out building, trees and other vegetation, perimeter and elevation of the building, special roof slopes, numerous interior considerations such as room placement, flow of incoming and outgoing water, placement and flow of electricity, plumbing, placement of bathrooms, orientation of building on plot, primary and secondary door placement, and numerous other considerations.

The actual building must be accomplished under the supervision of a trained Vaastu consultant who has been certified by a Shilpi Guru (at present there is only one living Shilpi Guru – Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati) or his representative. The building process is very specific and must be done to 1/16th of an inch. While that may seem impossible, it is routinely done under proper supervision. A properly trained consultant knows how to make sure that happens.

An important point to bring up before closing is that in modern times, there are many people attempting to “rectify” existing homes using gadgets, yantras, and other such gimmicks. They have reduced the ancient knowledge found in the Vaastu Shastras to something akin to Feng Shui – a very different practice.

Some people even say that putting up special mirrors or burning special incense will do the trick. This science is much more than smoke and mirrors. It is only meant to be practiced in building from the ground up. No manner of device will correct the frequency of an already existing building. It is the orientation of the building and the mathematics of the main wall and elevation that create the frequency. And all of the above mentioned codes and assessments that contribute to and maintain the frequency. No gadget can alter that. The fact is that not one of these people has actually read the Vaastu Shastras directly nor have they studied at length with an authentic traditional Indian architect who comes from the ancient tradition. Currently there are only about thirteen certified authentic Vaastu consultants and architects in the western world.

A home can be built using these codes or a small (about 10×10) mathematically perfect temple cottage built with specific building codes taken into consideration for your back yard. Like the ancient yogis of the past we must find a way to individually or collectively obtain a living vibrant structure so that we too can dwell in yoga. Some communities in the US already have properly built structures. (Not all temples are properly built in the US). Here are some places where there are properly built structures (built by Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati) in the US: Hindu temple in Omaha, NE; Shiva Vishnu Temple in Washington, DC; Chicago Hindu Temple; Miami; St. Louis, and Hindu Temple on Kauai, HI.

You can find out more information about how to build such a structure for your self or your village by contacting aumcourses@aumscience.com You will need the help of a trained consultant who is recognized by a traditional Shilpi Guru. You can also purchase a book that describes these concepts more thoroughly by ordering Fabric of the Universe, by Dr. Jessie Mercay from jmercay@vastu2vaastu.com You will never be the same after living in, meditating or doing yoga in one of these forms. In fact, over time, you will be a complete yogi living in Union.

Shiva Lingam – Manifestation of Consciousness

absolute to brahmam

We have seen earlier that the subtle energy is takes the form of a square and the gross energy takes the form of a circle with an in‐between state it takes the shape of a octagon. According to Pranava Veda, these three intermediary archetypical forms have separate qualities. Thus they are called the three Gunas. Guna means quality. They are Satvva (8×8 Square; Rajas (octagon); and, Tamas (circle). Sattva, according to Mayan is a steady restful, and peaceful state. Rajas is a dynamic state of form. Tamas contains massive or gross material qualities.

Siva Lingam - Science and Religion

According to Pranava Veda each and every material substance, regardless of its outer shape, is ingrained with a three-segmented subtle design. These segments each have an individual design and are linked together to create a whole structure. These shapes are ingrained within all cosmic and worldly structures and all cosmic and worldly structures are ingrained in these cosmic structures. These three “gunas” or qualities signify qualities of the structures. This three-segmented subtle design is the subtle form of Pranava (AUM Light and AUM Sound). Mayan calls this three-fold cosmic subtle design “mun nilai.”

Siva Lingam

These forms are encoded within the structure of the Shiva Lingam. And, the real meaning of the Shiva Lingam is ascertained from what we have just mentioned. It is a visual form of the intermediary part of the manifestation process that is literally contained within each of us.

  1. Sattvic represents the perfect state of balance. When it is subtle it is luminescent and in a perfect state of resonant non‐vibration. The energy levels were perfect so that the resultant vibration is nil and it is in absolute balance.
  2. Tamasic state represents a state where the height of evolution is reached and hence it is farthest away from the core. The core is very subtle and the tamasic state is very gross and hence it is away from the core. Tamasic state then should be considered as the darkest state possible. Why? Because the core is luminescent and if the gross state is farthest from the core hence it should be dark. This is the meaning behind the most famous statement ‘Tamasoma Jyothir gamaya”… take me from darkness to light. It is not about just your mind but about the entire being aspiring to become a light and merge with primordial light. There is no evolution possible beyond the Tamasic state and it has to devolve to reach its core / subtle state.
  3. Rajasic is a state where the pulsation has resulted in a rotational force and hence things are set into action. This represents the evolution process and hence associated with action.Then the natural next question is, if Shiva Lingam is associated with the entire spectrum of consciousness then we should see it associated the five elements and the light. Isn’t it?

There is a story in Indian Purana that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva discussed who is the most powerful among them. Lord Shiva challenged Brahma and Vishnu to reach his head and feet respectively. Brahma tried to find Shiva’s head and Vishnu tried to reach Shiva’s feet, both of them failed. Most of us would have heard the story but would not have understood the philosophical and scientific significance.

Shiva Lingam

  • Shiva in the form of Lingam stood there as a PILLAR OF LIGHT. This pillar of light is the Brahma Sutra / light of consciousness which spanned from the center of the galaxy (Hiranyagarba) to every being & non‐being in the Universe.
  • Brahma could not find the head because; Brahma is always associated with intelligence in Indian texts. He gave the supreme wisdom ‐ the Vedas and stands for Intelligence. He could not reach Shiva’s head signifies that Intelligence will not take you to God. Intelligence as an energy is too gross and cannot reach the most subtle state of light.
  • Vishnu represents earthly life – Rajasic in character – this is the tetrahedron & octagon state. He could not reach Lord Shiva’s feet signifying you cannot reach the core through actions.

Shiva in the form of Lingam is represented as one of the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space) in the temples.

So to summarize…

  • Shiva Lingam represents the Pillar of Light and the entire spectrum of consciousness. From the most subtle to the most gross.
  • It represents an semi-form Guna state (between un‐manifest and manifest) and hence it is formless with a form.
  • While Lord Nataraja represented the rhythmic pulsation of this Brahma sutra, the cosmic dance / the dance of the evolution, Shiva Lingam represents the primordial light itself in all its
  • state of consciousness.
  • By this analogy, our body itself is a lingam with the visible body as the gross part at one end and the most subtle body which is invisible and is part of the primordial light at the other.

Reference

1. Fabric of The Universe: The Origins, Implications, and Applications of Vastu Science by Jessie J. Mercay
2. Time = Space by Raguram Gopalan, http://ragsgopalan.blogspot.com

Time, the creative element!

The vibration of the OM light is called Time or Kaalam. The vibration of the primal OM light is the dance of Lord Shiva and that of sound is Uma. Hence ‘Omkara’ Natana. Uma is ‘word’ (vaak) and Shiva is ‘meaning’ (artha). So, Mayan says that Kaalam is the creative element of all the objects of the universe and adds that the universe itself is the product of Time. “Time is the creative source of all objects. It is time that changes into form. It is time that blossoms into the universe and Kaalam thus does wonders” – Mayan. Therefore, Kaalam itself is designated as Kaala Brahman. Kaalam, in simple words is the speed or vibration of energy or light. The summum-bonum of these discussions is that vibration causes all phenomena.

This concept is extended to poetry, music and dance where Kaalam is redesignated as Taalam, maatra or kaalam, the ruling element of all forms of poetry, music and also dance. What would be unique and astonishing is that the same Taala measure is extended to create visual material forms (time-spaces) of which one is the building whether it is a temple or house. Sculptural representations are also born of this scientific theory of rhythm (Taala) and therefore they are divine and worship worthy.”

~ Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, Temple Architecture: The Living Tradition

Vaastu Temple – Part 2

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By Dr. Jessie Mercay
posted by Ganesh

The affect of these buildings built using principles from ancient texts called Vaastu Shastras and Agamas is so great that the eighteen enlightened Siddhas (18 Siddhars) of India are known to have become enlightened at various buildings such as these in South India. For example, the great seer Pantanjali, who wrote The Yoga Sutras, became enlightened at Rameswara Temple, and was also influenced by Chidambaram – both Vaastu temples in Tamil Nadu, India. Thirumular, the enlightened sage and author of Thirumaintiram, became enlightened at Chidambaram. The modern saint Maharishi Ramana spent days and nights for months at Thiruvanamallai temple prior to his enlightenment. And, in India, when a person is so ill that the doctors cannot treat them, they are sent to one of these buildings to stay until they get well – and they do for the most part. Vaastu Temple Cottage in New Mexico built by the author and AUM S&T students in 2008.

How is it that a building can create an identifiable change in the physiology and experience of an individual? We know that there are buildings that make us feel good and buildings that we can’t wait to get out of but how is it that these particular building have a repeatable and testable affect on people? There is an answer to these questions and that is what the Vastu and Vaastu Science is all about.

Vaastu Garage

This is a Vaastu house and garage built with precision by Dr. Jessie Mercay in New Mexico. It is a modified New Mexico Territorial style. Vaastu Architect Betsy Pierce (AUM S&T student at the time) drafted the plans under the supervision of the author. Most styles of architecture can be adapted to Vaastu. Vaastu homes range from very simple forms (above) to complex mansions.

Aztec Canyon Temple

Aztec Canyon Temple Cottage mentioned in this introduction. Wall material is made of an eco board called Comfort Board. It is a fireproof and breathable material made of magnesium oxide (Mgo) and hemp fibers. The inside walls and ceiling are also Comfort board with a pyramidal interior ceiling. This form in ones backyard will serve to bring pure Vaastu energy to ones home setting. The feeling is almost indescribably peaceful and fulfilling. Most traditional building materials may be used to enclose space for Vaastu Architecture. This is the fundamental form and size of the magnificent Temples of India. Every home would benefit from one of these – even smaller than this would be an amazing addition to any family home site.

Vaastu Temple - Traditional

This is a more traditional looking home Temple Cottage built (summer and fall 2011) by AUM S&T students, which was supervised by Dr. Jessie Mercay and built with former AUM S&T student, Certified Vaastu Builder, Ken Hoffman in Patagonia, AZ. (Sponsored by Jackie and Ed Fleeder). The vibrancy of all of these buildings is significant and rivals any other existing Vaastu buildings. These are also available for homeowners who have space on their plot.

Reference

Fabric of The Universe: The Origins, Implications, and Applications of Vastu Science By Jessie J. Mercay. Text and diagrams, with permission, from Dr. Jessie Mercay, Fabric of the Universe, aumscience.com/wordpress. For any questions please visit http://www.aumscience.com.

Vaastu Temple – Part 1

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By Dr. Jessie Mercay
posted by Ganesh

In a small and obscure red rock canyon in southern AZ called Aztec Canyon you can find a little metal roofed square building, which measures about 10’. x/32” by 10’. x/32 “ by 10’. x/32” in size, sitting amongst a forest of old black oak trees that are native to that land. (The mathematics are precise but not offered here because they are part of the ancient Vaastu Rahasya – secret of Vaastu – and can only be given by a Sthapati or his or her direct representative). The Temple Cottage, as it is called, was built-in the summer of 2010 by students from around the world who were studying an ancient building science called Mayonic Science and Technology, Sthapatya Veda or more popularly, Vaastu. Its’ construction was part of a 1-½ year program to become a certified Vaastu Consultants through the American University of Mayonic Science and Technology http://www.aumscience.com.

Vaastu Temple

People who visit this building notice that it is simple, elegant and precisely built to 1/16th of an inch or better. More than that, they notice that there is an inexplicable feel to it that immediately brings a sense of peace, happiness and what some have called spiritual bliss. No matter what your mood might be upon entering this special building, you will feel elevated and at peace. It is an unmistakable feeling that has been scientifically verified through research conducted in this and similar buildings using state of the art equipment that measures something called heart coherence. http://www.heartmath.com

Heart coherence (the relative stability of the heart beat with more or less variability) has been demonstrated to indicate the level of stress in an individual and the subsequent state of their body, brain, emotions and consciousness. High heart coherence (low .. 2 heart rate variability) indicates a peaceful, blissful, connected state and low coherence indicates a restless stressed state with all of the biochemistry associated with that state. There are indications that heart coherence may be a more profound indicator of higher states of consciousness then research in brain wave patterns. Put simply, scientists are finding that the brain is not the commander – the mind of the heart is in fact the one who runs the show.

When one expects to feel something often they do – real or not. Science helps eliminate the collusion that happens so often in this age of crystals, chanting, and tarot cards. We now know that buildings such as these have an authentic and unmistakable positive affect on people. In the research that was conducted (Mercay and Hoffman, January and July 2010), individuals were measured before and during exposure to such a building (including this one). The results were clear – the subjects demonstrated a significant increase in heart coherence while being in these buildings. Their heart coherence doubled in every case. Subjectively they noted an increase in happiness, wellbeing, peacefulness and that subtle illuminating experience called spiritual bliss.

I remember taking an unsuspecting electrician into one of these small buildings a few years ago when I was building such a house and Temple Cottage for a family in New Mexico. He knew nothing about what I was doing. When he entered the Temple Cottage he said, “Wow I almost feel dizzy – it feels really good in here.” His words faded off as he stood blissfully in the Temple of Space Science as Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati calls them. On the same site, the county building inspector who came to inspect the much larger house being built on the same property using the same ancient principles turned around one day and said, “I don’t know what it is about this house – it looks like any other house – but there is something special going on here.”

Reference

Fabric of The Universe: The Origins, Implications, and Applications of Vastu Science By Jessie J. Mercay. Text and diagrams, with permission, from Dr. Jessie Mercay, Fabric of the Universe, aumscience.com/wordpress. For any questions please visit http://www.aumscience.com.

Dr. Sthapati’s Birthday!

Remembering and respecting the great works of Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati on this day. We all are thankful for his great service to our humanity. Below is the tribute from his true and beloved student Dr.Jessie J Mercay.

Today is the birthday of my late teacher Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati. He was one of the most amazing people I have ever met. A true Brahmarishi. He was born on September 30, 1927 at Pilliaypatti, near Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India into an illustrious family of traditional architects, engineers and builders (Sthapati’s). His family lineage was thousands of years old and it is known that his ancestor built the Tanjore temple. An amazing structure. He himself built hundreds of traditional stone buildings including the 133 ft high statue that stands at the tip of India in the ocean.

His strict adherence to the pure principles of Vaastu Shastras was an inspiration. He propagated the deep science behind Vaastu (the science of transformation of matter into energy) and hence took it out of the realm of superstition. Once one understands the real science then one sees that it is not possible to make a regular house into a Vaastu house and that there are no yantras, mirrors, bells, colors, pictures, or any other objects that can correct the Vaastu energy of a non compliant house. Dr. Sthapati, affectionately called Ayya, was distraught at all of the fake Vaastu consultants around the world. He was also concerned with the many architects who claim to be building Vaastu or Sthapatya Veda houses but were not following the Shastric guidelines. When he appointed me to start a school and teach this knowledge, he passed that concern down to me. I feel his urge for the proper propagation of this knowledge even more today – on his birthday. It is an ever-present motivation but today I feel him urging me on more than ever. I hope that all of you can at least take a weekend class from me and learn the real background of this knowledge is far more than brick and mortar.

I will do what is called Tharpanam ritual today to honor him and to pray for his continued blessings and assistance from where his soul lives. I will also pray for his well-being. This is traditionally done for ancestors and I feel he is a relative so I will do it. He himself wrote a genealogy in which he place my name under his indicating that he holds me as his sister. I will make another post on Tharpanam so you may also do such a thing for your ancestors if you are interested. It is a sweet and simple ritual of love.

– By Dr. Jessie Mercay on http://aumscience.com/wordpress/