By Gurudevi Nirmalananda 

You may have heard that enlightenment is easy — “You don’t need any practices, just know who you are. Just know.” Personally, I needed help with that. I needed lots of help! I got the help so I know how it works. After enough preparation, this is what happens: you just know. 

The Shiva Sutras describes this path to enlightenment, called Shambhavopaya. The word names the process: the upaya (path) of cultivating the knowing-feeling (bhava) of being Shiva (Shambho). It is a feeling of downshifting, like leaning back into your multidimensionality, the ease of settling into your own Beingness.

I teach this process in every satsang and course. I lead you past the fragmentation of your mind to a deeper inner dimension. You feel whole. You shine with light. The trick is this: when the program ends, simply continue to experience your own Shivaness. Instead, you might go back to your mind, with its many concurrent agendas.

For those who get ensnared by their mind, another upaya is best – applying your mind to Consciousness. Since it is your mind that blocks your easing into Shiva-Self, you must work with your mind. This is Shaktopaya, the upaya (path) of working with Shakti (the energy of Consciousness-Itself). 

How do you do this? You fill your mind with the energy of Consciousness by repeating the mantra. The mantra given by an authorized teacher emanates the power of Consciousness. Each time you repeat it, it uplifts your mind and mood. You can liken it to clearing the clouds out of your mind so the sunlight of your own Beingness can shine through.

This is a familiar process if you’ve attended one of my satsangs or programs. I formally give the mantra, and explain both its meaning and how to use it. When you take it with you, your progress toward enlightenment continues. But if you climb out of your…