Kapilji’s Skull Chatter

Transformation of Rta to Dharma

Transformation of Rta to Dharma

The evolution from the concept of Rta to Dharma did coincide with the institutionalization of caste duties (varna dharma) in Indian society. Here are some thoughts regarding this transition:

Caste System Integration: As Dharma became a guiding principle for moral and ethical conduct, it became closely linked to the roles and responsibilities associated with the four main castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras). Each caste had specific duties and obligations that were viewed as essential for maintaining societal order.

Scriptural Foundation: Texts like the Manusmriti codified the relationship between Dharma and caste, providing detailed rules and guidelines for behavior based on one’s social class. This further solidified the association of Dharma with caste-specific duties, promoting a hierarchical social structure.

Moral Justification: The emphasis on fulfilling one’s Dharma as a means to attain spiritual merit and progress in life contributed to the justification of the caste system. Performing one’s duties according to caste norms was often seen as a way to maintain societal harmony and cosmic order.

Shift in Values: The move from the broader, more universal concept of Rta to the more localized and individualistic concept of Dharma reflected a change in values from a focus on cosmic order to one centered on human action and social responsibilities.

The shift from Rta to Dharma did indeed mark a significant change in societal ethics, leading to a framework where castes and their associated duties became central to understanding and practicing moral behavior in ancient Indian society. This association has had lasting implications in Indian culture and social structure.

Sri Kapilnath I.M.M.

Thoughts on Rta

Thoughts on Rta

If we consider the concept of Rta (ऋत) beyond the constraints and interpretations imposed by human societal structures and the notion of “free will,” it opens up a deeper discussion about the cosmic order and the role of various beings in maintaining and adjudicating that order.

Other Beings and Rta

Divine Beings: In Vedic literature, various deities are often depicted as guardians and enforcers of Rta. These deities—like Mitra and Varuṇa—embody the principles of truth, cosmic order, and natural law. They are seen as those who ensure that the universe operates according to Rta. Thus, within this framework, these divine beings do indeed adjudicate Rta.

Cosmic Forces: Beyond anthropomorphic deities, the concept of Rta might imply the influence of natural or cosmic forces as well. Elements of nature such as the sun, moon, earth, and celestial bodies are inescapably linked to Rta, influencing seasonal cycles, life rhythms, and the natural order. These forces function according to inherent laws, suggesting an acknowledgment of a natural intelligence or order beyond human comprehension.

Other Races or Entities: If we expand the discussion to incorporate the idea of other sentient beings or entities (whether mythological, spiritual, or even extraterrestrial), it is reasonable to assert that, in various philosophical and literary traditions, these beings might also interact with or affect Rta. These hypothetical races could have their own forms of understanding or enforcement of cosmic law, perhaps operating beyond human perspectives of morality, ethics, or reality.

Nature of Reality: In many esoteric traditions, including some interpretations of Vedic philosophy, the notion exists that there are layers of reality inhabited by various beings, each contributing to the maintenance and understanding of natural laws. Thus, adjudication of Rta might be a cooperative interaction among these layers rather than the sole purview of humanity or a singular divine authority.

From this broader perspective, it can be argued that the adjudication of Rta operates on a more complex level than human bureaucracies and systems, suggesting a symbiotic relationship among various beings—divine or otherwise—that together uphold the fabric of cosmic order. This view resonates with systems of belief that see the universe as interconnected and alive, with multiple intelligence’s participating in the unfolding of existence according to these universal laws.

Sri Kapilnath I.M.M.

Vira Sadhana

Vira Sadhana

In the lore of Tantrika there exists the Sanskrit word Vira. This word is intended to reflect the idea of a motivated spiritual hero.  One who exerts. The context in this case, comes from the idea of an individual aspirant accomplishing specific premeditated attainments and goals. In Tantrika, these goals include both the spiritual and mundane. 

In this context, Tantrika reveals that homo sapiens of any race or caste could both practice (exert) and succeed in many aspects of Tantrika. In other words, the personal accomplishment and success in sadhana (exertion) and the attainment of that intention.

While the process remains open to all people, there are few who conquer all the possibilities in one lifetime. If you are sufficiently talented, you will certainly attain, learn and experience new things of great value. This is an investment in your individual spiritual development and future.

Tantrika’s view remains in conflict with the idea that only specific “familial priestly bloodlines” could practice and succeed. Tantrika called foul on this narrative. The reasoning remains that all homo sapiens contain the spark and potential to access the frequencies, vibrations and energy of the Divine. In this case, it was the mission of the aspirant to move forward and both experience and reflect this divine potential in local space and therefore real life. This remains one requirement for tangible success in Tantrika. This is family lore.

Initiation remains a serious basis for our meme of both becoming and not becoming. The details however assert the requirement that you must personally succeed in application. Siddhi – a thing brought to a high level of accomplishment and relative success reflected in the human process. Individual goals among homo sapiens exhibit spectacular variations. Some goals are better than others. FYI.

In my opinion, we must consider the position of these two lineal narratives. One says, “no, you can not” and Tantrika says, “yes, you can.”  I don’t know your view, but I remain pro homo sapiens. Encourage and assist the best of any family, caste or gender to ascend the helix process through their own initiative.  While this potential remains our birthright, the standard is adjudicated by the values of perceived merit in the actions and attainments achieved by the individual. By their progress in this lifespan, we shall know them.

Sri Kapilnath I.M.M.

Sanskrit Language and Mantra

Sanskrit Language and Mantra

4 yogis sitting on ground around a cleft in the ground with small fire in center, ritual objects surround the dhuni.
Rudra Dhuni July 2006

The following is from a Facebook Group post on January 7, 2016

A few notes on the Sanskrit language and mantra. I don’t care or think about the mantras which any of you may or may not use. My opinion is, if someone wants to repeat a mantra, then repeat any mantra in any way that pleases you. Having stated my simple opinion, it could serve some purpose to look a bit more at the details and special circumstances. Fundamentally, the sound, thus pronunciation of the mantra, is the deity being worked with. If I pronounce a mantra one way and you are pronouncing it a different way, that is fine with me, but we are obviously doing different mantras because we are making different sounds. For individual work this is fine and I have nothing to say or comment about that.

This concept of individuality, do what you will, or perhaps just bad pronunciation is however completely unacceptable in group work. You must repeat the mantras in the same form and pronunciation as the Chakra Raja who is leading the event. If you don’t want to do that, then it is much better for everyone if you do not participate in chanting mantras with that group. In the case where you are willfully going your own way and loudly repeating a variant mantra, you are diluting the group dynamic and perhaps confusing others. If you are oblivious to what the leader is doing then you have no valid concept of what is important in that setting or going on in group work. This is what I call the “hillbilly syndrome” based on the overly simplified idea that any sound you may be bellowing must be the correct since you are “participating”. Please listen because this is not always the case.

A good example of the confounding can be found in the case of seed bijas. When we look in a Sanskrit dictionary, we can find that the correct pronunciation includes the “m” ending such as the example “Hreem”. Many do not know or understand that terminating these seeds with “m” is a modern invention which occurred and became the “correct” convention in one of the many redos when tidying up the Sanskrit language. Many of these bijas had already been pronounced for millennia as “Hreeng” for example. I pronounce these bijas with the older “ng” termination because they resonate better which was why that was used in the first place. This case is interesting because looking up the correct pronunciation will only tell the story of the reformed and modern approach.

Another example is my initiation name, Kapilnath. Most people pronounce this name in an English transliteration of cap-ill-not. Pronounced just like the English words indicate. Perplexity creeps in when no Sanskrit speaker would know what that pronunciation might signify or mean. This is because that Sanskrit word is not pronounced that way. It is much closer to cup-eel-not. While I spent a few years attempting to correct this, I eventually gave up trying to correct the hillbillys and inattentive. Mahendranath suggested years ago that Sanskrit be avoided in the INO because basically, only a handful of people know the language even a bit or can even be bothered to look up any Sanskrit word even if they are using them for some purpose. So, be advised to not use Sanskrit or if you do, take the time to check a pronunciation guide. Pronounce exactly as the Chakra Raja or group leader does in group work, especially in the case of Shabar (composite) mantras which are neither Sanskrit or any other language exactly, simply a collection of syllables and sound. Naths and intelligent people do well to take notice of details and avoid the low fly syndrome which lowers the standards to the level of a frat house toga party (all in good fun) which no Greek or advanced Natha would care to attend. Shorely shum mishtakes. No real need or purpose to proliferate and extend simple ignorance or sloppiness. End of clarification.

Thanks for your time.
Kapilnath