Himalayan Tradition

I read Living with Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama..

Sankracharya established the ascetic order around 1200 years ago. Most if not all the asectic order tradition traces back to one of the 4 peethas (spiritual centres) set by Sankracharya in North South East and West.

The himlayan tradition Swami Rama recounts called Bharati and india once called as Bharat

Bha means Knowledge
Rati means lover

Bharati is one who is lover of Knowledge. Vedas also translating to Knowledge is the most ancient and sacred authoritative scripture in the tradition.

The Himlayan tradition is non dualistic based on the princeiples of Shankara and princeipally ascetic but has its own set of practices.

Mandukya Upanishad is considered as the most authoritative among Upanishads and knowledge of Sri Vidya is imparted stage by stage along with Prayoga shastra,which explains the practicality and discpline one has to follow in acquiring this knowldge.

Swami Rama explains however he cannot share Prayoga Shastra because it is told 'na Datavyam, na datavyam" meaning dont impart, dont impart , test the disciple to be fully prepared ,commited and self controlled.

The tradition also practices three types of initiation to its disciples

1. Mantra, Breadth awareness and meditation techniques.
2. Worship of Sri Vidhya or Bindu Bhedana (piercing the pearl of wisdom)
3. Shaktipat and awakening the kundalini.