I Am That: The Science of Hamsa from the Vijnana Bhairava

by Muktananda

In this commentary on verse 24 of the Vijnana Bhairava, a classic text of the nondual Shaivism of Kashmir, Swami Muktananda teaches about the power and practice of the hamsa mantra—the mantra that arises naturally and spontaneously with the breath. Swami Muktananda reveals the mystical secrets of this form of mantra repetition and explains how, through dedicated practice, one becomes established in the unwavering experience of inner divinity. The book includes an introduction by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, the spiritual head of the Siddha Yoga path.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

80 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Rod Hillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a short, concise, yet thorough explanation of the Hamsa mantra. Swami Muktananda was an enlightened master who's books reveal his human personality as well as provide instruction for the seeker. This one is recommended for beginners and adepts as its brevity is not as intimidating as longer texts, yet the depth of subject matter is richly explored. Our breath connects us to the universe, gives us life, and ultimately, is a continuous assertion of, and reminder to, as well as a call to our oneness with the Creator.

[Danny Druid · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many passages in this book that are just totally sublime. Definitely have to read more things by Swami Muktananda!

Most meditation books are for beginners. This is very good, because the beginners steps are the most complicated and the most important. Without them everything else fails. Fully digesting one good meditation book for beginners is more beneficial than having a libraries worth of complex Tantra books. The technique described in this book is the most profound technique I have ever heard of, and as such is perfect for people who have some experience in meditation. This is the best "Meditation-for-people-who-are-more-than-just-beginners" book I have ever come across. I think the technique in this book would be hard to use unless you already had some experience with meditation.

Definitely gotta put this one on the "to-read-again" list!

All in all, recommended to people who have some experience with meditation.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to meditation, but I am a constant reader of anything that will lead to further enlightenment and this book definitely added to my knowledge.

In this book Swami Muktānanda writes of Hamsa mantra and the "I Am That" mantra is why I started learning about meditation thanks to the teachings of Dr. Wayne Dyer, so finding this book on my last trip to Carmel definitely felt part of my dharma.

This book explains the basis of all meditation and if I understand the teachings of Swami Muktānanda the understanding of the Hamsa, So'ham is the mantra you need to reach the enlightenment of knowing THAT.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamsa is the natural mantra, linked to the life-force of every living being. It is literally the sound of our breathing. To understand Hamsa is to become aware of our unity with the cosmos.
Swami Muktananda explains the technique and philosophy of this simple and mysterious awareness. =from the Vijnana Bhairava

[Sahajavidya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shaivite upayas are said to offer the most direct path to the Self first. And if the aspirant doesn’t succeed, then alternative methods are offered.

The first dharana offered in the Vijnanabhairava is Hamsa.
Baba Muktananda expands on this beautifully in order to support the student in their sadhana.

[SAT CHIT ANANDA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! Very glad to have stumbled upon it (through The Splendor of Recognition {another fabulous book}). I definitely prefer this succinct but stimulating book to Nisargadatta Maharaj's 'I Am That'. I will do my best from here forward to live with Hamsa on the mind. 🙏

[Swami Arunachalananda Puri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Pravin · Rating 5 out of 5]

jai muktanand baba

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The natural mantra of life 🙏🏽💗 beautiful read.

[Leon Del canto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent entry level text to Meditation inside the broader philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. The text falls short to contextualise the Dharana (verse 24) in the Shaiva tradition of Abhinavagupta. The texts of Swami Lakshman Jee should be used for those interested in the philosophical context needed to understand this Dharana. Ultimately the Dharana, if practiced purposely, will revel the deepest meaning by itself and the practitioner will need to articulate it on his or her very own words as Muktananda did.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book outlining many spiritual principles to live by. Insight is given into the nature of God and our relationship with him. The book touches on the psychology of the mind and the nature of the spirit of man. The author displays a true understanding of the nature of God through an extensive knowledge of spiritual scriptures and his own personal wisdom. The nature of Hamsa, breathing and meditation is described, such that the universal nature of man as being part of a cosmic oneness. A must for the shelf of any reader of spiritual books.

http://www.returnoftheway.com/

[Andrea Cleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book I could read again and get something new out of each time.

[Juan Rivera]

Do you think the spiritual path is very difficult? The truth is that it is very simple if you are willing to learn from a true teacher and especially to listen to him.

They are really a few things ....

In Swami Muktananda's book, "I am that," he has in a few pages a great teaching: how to attain the highest state of consciousness according to the Hindu philosophy.

Well, the simple thing is to read it but the difficult thing is to practice it.

If you read it I recommend you to see the glossary of terms all the time, because if you do not know the Hindu philosophy, many words will be unknown to you.