Hindu Reflections: INTRODUCING SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES POSTED ON HINDU REFLECTIONS

INTRODUCING SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES POSTED ON HINDU REFLECTIONS

(Consolidation of all E-mails sent to HR Participants by N.R. Srinivasan)

Spirituality in Hinduism is guided by Vedanta philosophy. The spectrum of Hindu religiousness is found within four major sects or denominations: Saivism, Saktism, Vaishnavism and Smartism. Among these four streams, there are certainly more similarities than differences. In Spiritual thinking and liberation all four believe in karma and reincarnation and in a Supreme Being who is of both forms, un-manifest and manifest. In manifest form he pervades who creates, sustains and destroys the universe only to create it again in unending cycles. They strongly declare the validity and importance of temple worship, in three worlds of existence and the myriad of devatas and divines residing in them. They concur that there is no intrinsic evil that the cosmos is created out of God and is permeated by Him. They each believe in Maya (though their definitions differ somewhat), and in the liberation of the soul from rebirth, called Mukti, as the goal of human existence. They believe in dharma and in ahimsa, non-injury, and in the need for a Sadguru to lead the soul toward Self Realization. They wear the sacred marks, tilaka, on their foreheads as sacred symbols, though each wears a distinct mark. Finally, they prefer cremation of the body upon death, believing that the soul will inhabit another body in the next life. While Hinduism has many sacred scriptures, all sects ascribe the highest authority to the Vedas and Agamas, though their Agamas differ somewhat.

Traditionally, Hinduism identifies three mārga (paths) of spiritual practice namely Jnaana the path of knowledge; Bhakti the path of devotion; and Karma, the path of selfless action. In the 19th century Swami Vivekananda, added Raja Marga in his neo synthesis of Vedanta the way of contemplation and meditation, as a fourth way, calling all of them "yoga”

Jñāna marga is a path often assisted by a guru (teacher) in one's spiritual practice. Bhakti marga is a path of faith and devotion to consecrated deity or deities; the spiritual practice often includes chanting, singing and music - such as Bhajans and Kirtna--in front of consecrated images or Murtis or a devotional symbol of the holy, Om or Swastikla. Karma marga is the path of one's work, where diligent practical work or vartta becomes in itself a spiritual practice, and work in daily life is perfected as a form of spiritual liberation and not for its material rewards. Rāja marga is the path of cultivating necessary virtues, self-discipline, Tapasya (meditation), contemplation and self-reflection sometimes with isolation and renunciation of the world, to a pinnacle state called Samaadhi.

There is a critical debate in Hindu Vedanta on relative merits of these theoretical spiritual practices. For example, Chhandogya Upanishad suggests that those who engage in ritualistic offerings to Devatas and Gurus will fail in their spiritual practice, while those who engage in tapas on Supreme Deva will succeed; Svetaasvataara Upanishad suggests that a successful spiritual practice requires a longing for truth, but warns of becoming 'false ascetic' who go through the mechanics of spiritual practice without meditating on the nature of Self and universal Truth. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna advises people about the right-way of practicing spirituality and worshipping the un-manifested Brahman. He also gives the assurance that in whatever form and manner people approach him in their own limited mental build-up, he will accordingly reciprocate. Yanti Devavrataa devaan pitrun yanti pitruvrataah | bhootani yaanti bhootejyaa yanti madyajinopi vaa ||9-25 || The worshipers of devatas go to devatas, the worshipers of manes reach the manes, and of the evil spirits (bhuta) go to the evil spirits. Those who worship Me alone, they surely come to ME.

In the practice of Hinduism, suggest modern era scholars such as Vivekananda, the choice between the paths is up to the individual and a person's proclivities. Other scholarssuggest that these Hindu spiritual practices are not mutually exclusive, but overlapping. These four paths of spirituality are also known as Chatur Marga in Hinduism practiced outside India, as in Hinduism practiced in Bali.

In Advaita Vedanta school, the spiritual practice emphasizes jñāna yoga in stages: samnyasa (cultivate virtues), sravana (hear, study), manana (reflect) and dhyana (nididhyasana, contemplate).

In Vishushtadvaita Philosophy Spiritual discipline begins with Karmayoga and disciplines one to perform all acts without desire for reward as well explained in Bhagavad Gita. This includes worship, penance, charity, pilgrimage etc. It purifies one’s thoughts and action and makes him fit for Jnanayoga. Only through Jnanayoga we can realize our true nature as distinct from matter and as a mode of Brahman. Self -realization leads to God–realization. This in turn leads to Bhakti and Prapatti both of which are the means to attain the vision of Isvara. Bhakti, according to Ramanuja is not mere devout meditation but a loving contemplation of God. It is continuous process of meditation till the final goal is achieved.

In Tantric school for example, the spiritual practice has been referred to as Saadhana. It involves initiation into the school, undergoing rituals, and achieving moksha liberation by experiencing union of cosmic polarities. The ISKCON School emphasizes bhakti yoga as spiritual practice.

In a series of discourses Hindu Reflections has attempted to walk you through Vedanta contained in Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita as well as teachings from traditional as well as modern Gurus. These long discourses have been introduced to HR Forum Participants through introductory E-mails. I have pleasure in presenting to you all these E- mails circulated in the past over seven years. You may pick and choose your discourse of specific interest from my classified list of discourses.

CONTENTS

1. VISHWAKSENA

2. THE WORD DHARMA—WHAT IT MEANS

3. GOD PARTICLE AND PRINCIPAL

4. HINDU MASS WORSHIP AND NEED FOR SPIRITUAL FOCUS

5. THEORIES ON EVOLUTION AND CREATION—SPIRITUAL AND SCIENTIFIC

6. DISCOURSES ON UPANISHADS

7. BHAGAVDGEETAA DISCOURSES

8. DISCOURSES ON MAHAANAARAAYANA UPANISHAD

9. TATTVA BODHA

10. KAIVALYA UPANISHAD

11. MASS WORSHIP IN HINDU TEMPLES AND THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL FOCUS

12. SPIRITUAL FOCUS ON INDIAN AND USA NATIONAL MOTTOES

13. GANAPATI ATHARVASEERSHA UPANISHAT

14. CHRISTIANITY ECHOES WISDOM THOUGHTS OF ETERNAL TRADITION

15. VEDIC MANTRAS SEEKING IMMORTALITY

16. VISUALIZING DIVINITY IN NUMMBERS

17. MAHAAVAAKYAS

18. DA, DA, DA FROM BRIHADAARANYAKA UPAISHAD

19. THE VEDIC HYMN THAT HYPNOTIZED WORK LD GATHERING—INAGURAL REXCORDING OF HMV

20. OBEISANCE TO BRAHMAN AT THE CONCLUSION OF WORSHIP

21. UPAASANA—MOORTI POOJA OR IMAGE WORSHIP

22. HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA FOR SALVATION IN KALIYUGA

23. YUGAADI—A GREAT DAY OF RELIFGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

24. EARTHDAY MANTRA—GANDHADWAARAAM…….KAREESHINEEM

25. HANUMAAN IS PARABRAHMAN

26. WHY DID CHAMAKAM END IN ODD NUMBER 33 AND EVEN NUMBER 48?

27. GAAYATREE MANTRAS FOR MEDITATION ON CHOSEN DEITIES

28. ONE CLICK TO YOUR CHOSEN DEITY—EASY WAY TO HEAVEN

29. NO TIME TO GO THROUGH SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES

30. PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE—LIVE YOUR LIFE BEFORE IT BECOMES LIFELESS

31. SANDHYAAVANDANA AND SHOEDASA UPACHAARA POOJA MANTRAS

32. SANDHYAAVANDANA—DAILY WORSHIP MEETS

33. LET US TURN INWARDS AND INQUIRE INTO OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES

34. PRAANAAYAAMA AND GAAYATREE JAPA MANTRAS

35. KRISHNA MANTRA

36. MAHAAVAAKYAS REVERBERATE IN MANEESHAPANCHAKAM

37. INVOCATION AND CONCLUSION WORSHIP MANTRAS FROM VEDAS AND UPANISHADS

38. REVELATION OF RAAMA AVATAR AS FULL MANIFESTATION

39. RAMA-KRISHNA MANTRA IS SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE FOR MEDITATION

40. GAYATREE MANTRA, THE MOST POWERFUL AMONG ALL RELIGIOUS HYMNS

41. LET US ELEVATE OUR THINKING!

42. LET US PASS ON OUR MEMOIRS AND RICHES WITH WISDOM TO OUR CHILDREN

43. HOLIDAY SPIRIT FOR SHARING GIFT OF INSPIRATION

44. POPE FRANCES’S PHENOMENONOF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY

45. POPE FRANCES’S VIEWS ON MONEY AND PROSELYTIZATION PLEASE HINDU

46. Aapo vaa idam sarva, verily it is all water, it is brahman

47. AGE OF SPIRITUALITY DAWNS

48. FOOD VARIETIES TO CELEBRATE AND FOOD ENTITY TO WORSHIP

49. WHY SOUTH INDIAN TEMLES’ OUTERMOST PRAKARAS AER PAINTED RED AND WHITE?

50. YOUR WORSHIP IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT MEDITATION ON BRAHMAN

51. THINKING OF TRANSCENDENTAL PI AND BRAHMMAN ON MARCH 14

52. THINKING OF TRANSCENDENTAL PI AND BRAHMAN ON MARCH 14

53. YOUR WORSHIP IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT NMEDITATION ON BRAHMAN

54. EXPOSITION OF VISHNU IN THE BACKGROUND OF PAANCHRAATRA THEOLOGY

55. HINDUS SEE OMNIPRESCENT BRAHMAN IN LIGHT AS WELL AS DARKNESS

56. CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU AND SHASHTHAASHTAKA

57. GEETA UNMISTAKABLY BEARS THE INFLUENCE OF UPANISHADS, ESPECIALLY KATHA

58. GEETA’S TEACHINGS AND ADVICE TO HUMANITY FOR LIBERATION

59. SANSKRIT LANGUAGE IS DIVINE, IS TAMIL TOO?

60. PARAASAKTI IS WORSHIPED AS SRICHAKRA AND PARABRAHMAN AS BRAHMACHAKRA

61. AHIMSAA PARAMO DHARMAH

62. INTRODUCING SRILALITAA SAHASRANAAMAM…..

63. CHIDAMBARA RAHAS YAM

64. WHY HINDUS RESORT TO ENIGMATIC 108 AND 1008 NAMES OF DEITY FOR WORSHIP?

65. NEED TO KNOW DEEPER MEANINGS OF MANTRAS IN WORSHIPS AND RITUALS

66. A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY—NARASIMHA JAYANTI

67. LAKSMEENRISIMHA KARAAVALMBA STOTRAM BY SANKARA

68. ENIGMATIC OM—WHY IT IS SACRED IN HINDU WORSHIPS AND RITUALS

69. KUNDALINEE POWER—POWER ENIGMATIC AND FORCEFUL IN THE VHUMAN BODY

70. SCIENCE, SPIRITUALITY AND VRELIGION—DO THEY CONFLATE OR CONFLICT?

71. STEADFAST WISDOM AND PATH OF DEVOTION LEAD TO LIBERATION

72. JUDICIOUS BLEND OF PRAVRITTI AND NIVRITTI LEADS TO PERENNIAL JOY

73. amritabindu upanishad

74. ancient vaivasvata yogasastra is available to us as bhagavad gita

75. Uncommon Understanting of the UNKNOWN AND HIS CONTROLLERS

76. Be A Yogi, Become a Yati and get blessed to be a Mumukshu (liberated self)—

77. UNDERSTANDING SANATANA DHARMA AS FOUNDATION FOR HINDU RELIGION

78. AITREYOPANISHAD FROM THE HUT OF THE SLUM

79. who am i—i am not the body, body is not for me

80. a critical study of the self anD the supreme

81. nirvAnashatkam—“via negative” approach to understand the Supreme

82. the supreme is anatha that ia bhuma, plentitude

83. Mandukya upanishad, cornerstone of Advaita Philosophy and pancharatra theology

84. SAMSARA (HUMAN ENTANGLEMENTS WITH LIFE0 AND MUKTI (LIBERATION) FROM IT

85. GEMS OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE FROM VEDAS & UPANISHADS

86. SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING OF DESIRE, LOVE AND PERENNIAL JOY IN VEDANTA

87. SCRIPTURAL QUOTES THAT HELP PERESONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

88. WHERE DOES JEEVAATMAN TRAVEL AFTER SO CALLED DEATH

89. PHENOMENON OF REBIRTH AND ITS KNOTTY PROBLEMS

90. THE PARABLE OF THE CHARIOT—YOKING THE SELF WITH THE SUPREME—ADHYATMA YOGA

91. THE LEGACY OF VEDIC YOGA IN SVETASVTARA UPANISHAD

92. WISDOM OF VEDAS PROMPTS THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL EDUCATION

93. SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION TO SUPER-MANHOOD

INTRODUCING E-MAILS OF SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES

1. VISHWAKSENA

South Indians who chant VSN regularly are quite familiar with the following sloka in the introductory portion of VSN which is not found in VSN of Mahabharata. In fact there is neither Phalasruti nor the introductory (Praarthana) portion in the text of Mahabharata:

"Yasya dviradavaktraadyaah paarishadyaah parassatam |

|vighnam nighnanti satatam Vishvaksenam tamaasraye ||

It is customary to offer prayers to Lord Viswaksena at the start of any worship or prayer by ardent followers of Vaishnava Sampradaya. Noticeably this sloka is not found in many versions or usually skipped over by followers of Saiva Sampradaya while chanting. As far as my knowledge goes there is no mention of Ganapati or Ganesha in VSN. Only Lord Skanda is glorified as Vishnu so also Siva, and both are glorified in Ramayana. There is also barely any reference to Ganesha in Ramayana though both Gandhari and Rama were ardent worshipers of Lord- Siva. Evidently Ganesha is a later addition to Hindu Pantheon after the Mahabharata period who has been projected as if from Vedas (Ganaanaam tva Ganpatigam) where the word Ganapati appears and pushed forward, pushing back Skanda to the background except in Tamil Nadu where he is popular as Murugan. Ganesha was popularized as a deity by farmers who wanted to save their sugar canes from elephants and also wanted help from rat menace. Soon Ganesha worship caught like wild fire and even one special Upanishad has been introduced elevating him to the status of Brahman. I have dealt with the subject in detail before. Vishwaksena Pooja is important in all VaisGOD PARTICLE AND PRINV CIPhnava temples as seen in Tirupati, Srirangam and Guruvayur temples during Brahmotsavam.

But who is this Vishwaksena who is invariably invoked at the beginning of all worships pleading for his grace for the success of worship and overcome obstacles by Vaishnavites like Ganesha by all followers of Siva? He seems to be a forerunner of Lord Ganesha and ancient too. Vishwaksena worshiped by Vaishnavites is the group leader (Ganapati) of several elephant headed commanders with two tusks as glorified in VSN, whereas the popular Ganapati worshiped by Saivites who are also in majority among Hindus is Ekadanta (single tusked) Ayonija (born out of the womb) of Paarvati. Please refer to my discourse on Vishwaksena posted on the Blog Hindu Reflections : <nrsrini.blogspot.com> as well as several discourses on Ganesha. It may not be out of place to mention here that Puranas describe often living beings as a combination of humans and animals, other than the Narasimha Avataara of Vishnu warranted by the situation. Kinnaras are horse headed musicians like Centaur celebrated in Puranas. Later they became Kimpurushas half man and half woman combination described in Mahabharata. Thailand adopted the same to half woman and half bird musicians. Hence Vishwaksena as the leader of two tusked elephant headed men-commanders does not appear strange.

(August 2012)

2. THE WORD DHARMA-WHAT IT MEANS

We come across the word DHARMA in all our scriptures with different meanings in different contexts. If you could pick one character trait absolutely essential for a “Hindu Way of Living” for a successful physical, mental and moral life I contend it is Dharma. Without Dharma you will always choose the path of less resistance and least rewarding though aimed to reap maximum benefits. It is human nature. We will, given the choice, do what is easiest and quick rewarding. Achieving your goal in life here and getting to the spiritual level for Evolution often requires a more difficult path. The core reason why a Hindu family is able to get along with each other through the good times and bad times is that many of us have our faith and confidence in our Dharma and spiritual motivation as Hindus. Taittareeya Upanishad in its convocation address to outgoing students says: “Satyam Vada, Dharmam chara”—speak the Truth and practice Dharma as its top commands. Vedas extol emphatically that there is no life without Dharma and there is no Dharma without sacrifice. It is therefore necessary to understand the concept of Dharma and act accordingly.

Dharmic oriented Indian National Leaders at the time of India’s Independence decided on the Congress Tricolor Flag as the National Flag but replaced the spinning wheel of simplicity by the spiritual Dharmachakra, the Wheel of Dharma of Buddhism. Their followers never understood the meaning of Dharma as applied to the nation, Raashtra Dharma and so the country is still suffering with lot of Adharma as seen in the recent wide spread revolt against corruption as evidenced by Anna Hazare’s Satyaagraha. Disciplined nations like Japan and Germany soon came back to normalcy after the War to lead a better life. This discipline is also one of the meanings of Dharma. A wise leader of England once said “England expects every man to do his duty”—here what he meant by duty was the dharma.

The word Dharma has attracted even Western culture and finds its place in all English dictionaries. It defines dharma as an individual’s duty fulfilled by observance of customs or law; the basic principles of cosmic or individual existence—divine law; conformity to one’s duty and nature. In Indian language dictionaries it has several meanings and used loosely and also translated so. These are: RIGHTEOUSNESS, DUTY, LAW, RIGHT, PROPERTY, BUSINESS, DAILY OBSERVATION OF RELIGIOUS RITES, VIRTUE, MERIT, FUNCTION, ATTRIBUTE, NATURE, QUALITY, ONUS, JUSTICE, RELIGION, CHARACTERISTICS, FAITH, SECT, HONESTY ETC.

It is heartening to all Hindu Americans to know that the First Chair of Hindu Studies is being established by the University ofSouthern California School of Religion to promote Dharma education through research scholarship, degree courses and endowed chairs.

To understand the true meaning of Dharma as used in Upanishads and in Hindu scriptures we have to go deep into them. An attempt has been therefore made to explain the concept Dharma as projected not only by Hinduism, but the religions carved out of Sanaatana Dharma like Jainism, Buddhism and Sikkhism. Please therefore go through the discourse as posted on the Blog Hindu Reflections: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> “Word Dharma—What it means?” Your comments are welcome.

“Dharmo rakshitu rakshitah”

(August 2012)

*3. GOD PARTICLE AND GOD PRINCIPAL

God's amazing creation becomes more and more impressive as we learn about it. We all know what is going on in the tiny planet of Sun called earth but we do not much about the millions of other stars like Sun and their satellites. Yet we feel we know everything or we will soon be revealing.

Upanishads talk about God Principle as the cause of creation and recently science is trying to say God Particle of Higg’s Boson is the one that gives mass to the particle which in turn will unfold the mystery of physics and the consequent cause of creation. It is strange Boson Particle is named God's Particle though Higg is known to be an atheist. Probably the other least known scientist associated with this research Satyan Bose may not be an atheist! Higg’s Boson or God's particle is the one that gives mass to the matter. Some particles like photon are seen mass-less and others are massive. With the help of a large Hadrian Collider in Switzerland the existence of God's Particle has been confirmed in July 2012, which was earlier based on mathematical postulations.

Upanishads say about the world "Yathaapoorvam akalpayat"-- World was created as before. But no one knows when that Poorvam (before is). It then describes all creation. The major religion of USA affirmatively says; "For by him all things were created; things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him for him" Thus it covers things known to man today and not known to man also. Hinduism says creation was his sport (Lila).

Thus we find Hinduism often in agreement with science on many points and also with other major religions. It is therefore necessary to know what is given in our Vedas and what scientific facts are known to us, where Vedas converge with science and where they diverge. A series of three discourses which will open your vision to these facts to frame your opinion on the controversial subject Theories of Evolution are: “Praana and Punarjanma”. “Early Vedic Thoughts on Creation” and “Can Hindu Scriptures and Modern Sciences agree on Theories of Evolution?” In this regard the topic below by Rama Lingam: "Did ancient India look Beyond the God Particle?" is worth going through:

Vedanta defines Truth as “That which exists in all periods of time, in the past, in the present, and future, without any change”. So the conclusion is that which is changeless alone can be eternal. Ram Lingam discusses the theory of GOD with a modernistic approach. I hope this reading will help you understand the complex intelligence of ancient Hindu civilization.

“Did Ancient India Look Beyond The God Particle?

Though scientific discoveries like the Higg’s Boson aka ‘God particle’ are an honest attempt to know the origin of universe, there have been other attempts and approaches to know the truth. If “India is like a historic father of the Higg’s Boson project” according to Paolo Giubellino the spokesperson of CERN, the search for the absolute truth had a wiser ancestor in ancient India. It is already known to scholars that the inquiry into truth has been a favorite subject for ‘Truth’-seekers in India for thousands of years. But ‘Truth’ according to them wasn’t about any particle of God in the realm of cause-and-effect, but a discovery. Where does the ancient Indian discovery trail take us?

Creation of the universe is still a mystery. Let’s hope that the newly discovered Higg’s Boson wrongly dubbed as the ‘God particle’ leads us in the right direction to know the full truth. However to say that only science has the monopoly on truth is quite myopic and disrespectful to other approaches. Science could have monopoly on facts but not on the ‘Truth’ despite much advancement.

The other approach…

On the other hand, the ancient Indians inquired into the ‘Ultimate Reality’ or ‘Truth’ using a totally different approach and didn’t spend $5 billion on a collider inside a 27 km tunnel like they did to discover Higg’s Boson. We know who Mr. Higgs is by now but not many know about the Indian scientist Satyendranath Bose whose last name is behind the name ‘Boson’. The truth-seeking communities of ancient India have a solid heritage of inquiry into the truth and have some fascinating discoveries to share. These esoteric truth-seeking communities continue to exist till today in India with an enlightened Guru as the Chief Scientist and the disciples as the researchers.

The mystical research disciples of India operate on a paradigm that is not easily understood to modern science, but yet very methodical in their analysis. Their main emphasis was on personal experience “within” rather than experiments “without”. Really speaking, the approaches, equipments and methods of mysticism are quite different to that of science and cannot be compared by any standard. Bar the quest perhaps, everything else is different. The approach of the mystic is rather metaphysical in nature than empirical because the observer is part of the experiment. In science the observer is excluded.

So where can we find the history of truth-seeking in India? The questions, method and discoveries of the ultimate truth are mainly found in the end part of the ancient Vedic literature i.e. in the Upanishads collectively called as ‘Vedanta’. In the archives of Vedanta, the quest for truth simply begins with a question much like in modern science. For instance in the very beginning of the Mundaka Upanishad of the Atharva Veda, the truth-seeker Shaunaka asks his teacher Angirasa to teach him ‘THAT knowing which everything becomes known’. There is a huge body of knowledge available in the Vedic literature just on this topic.

But even before the quest begins….

Even before the search begins, the Indian masters logically assert that we as individuals are just “part” of the universe. So naturally they ask “how can the part know the whole”. Even the definitions of the truth that is discovered are quite startling and enlightening. The quest for truth in fact begins with defining about “Truth”. The wisdom traditions of India, especially Vedanta defines Reality or Truth in the most rational way.

The mystics of the Upanishads called the true source of all creation as ‘Brahman’ which literally means ‘ever expanding’. (Brahman is not to be confused with Lord Brahma the creator or the ‘Brahmin’ Varna). The assertions of truth suggest that there cannot be any God sitting in some heaven creating a universe. In the Upanishads the sages declare that Brahman – the truth is infinite being, infinite Consciousness, and infinite Bliss. Finally the seers proclaim that only by becoming the whole can one know the whole as we find in the Mundaka Upanishad that “Brahmavid brahmaiva bhavati” which means “The knower of the Brahman becomes the Brahman”. So the knower of truth becomes truth. Hence the Guru is worshipped as God the Truth in the dharmic traditions. If anything, the Truth-Seekers in ancient India seemed to have gained an intimate personal experience of the ‘God principle’ rather than a ‘God particle’.

Science was not completely forsaken in India…

About the Indian legacy of truth seeking found in the dharmic religions, Osho a great Indian mystic writes

“India’s whole genius is invested in religion, just as the whole Western genius is invested in science.”

However ancient India was not short of any scientific discoveries, many of which modern science has borrowed but this is not well known. Books like the ‘Computing Science in Ancient India’ by T.R.N. Rao and S. Kak has documented the contribution of Indian science to the world. Look for ‘List of Indian inventions and discoveries’ in the Wikipedia and you will find many more inventions.

Somehow the culture of the truth-seeking Rishis accorded a very low priority to documenting the discoveries of their quest. Nor were they interested in getting them validated in scientific circles. However new ages books like the ‘The Tao of Physics’ by Fritjof Capra and ‘The Dancing Wu Li Masters’ by Gary Zukav are providing evidence on the parallels of Eastern mysticism and modern physics especially that of Quantum physics. These popular scientists maintain that the mystics have experienced the truth which seems to match with what physics is discovering. There are many other researchers like Deepak Chopra, Eliot Deutcsh, Dr. Amit Goswami etc who hold same or similar views.

Indians of the past may not have been interested in the God particle but were certainly invested to know the truth or the God principle beyond the sphere of cause-and-effect. What if today’s scientists discover that the DNA of all livings beings has the same God principle which is the secret to the mystery of creation? I guess one would have to say “Aham Brahmaasmi” meaning ‘I am Brahman (GOD)’ as said in the Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad from the Yajur Veda.”

4. HINDU MASS WORSHIP AND NEED FOR SPIRITUAL FOCUSHinsduism is

Even though Hinduism in general and Hindu Temple worship in particular is strongly criticized by the West multicultural churches are rare in USA and few religious groups count them. Churches of Christ and United Methodist are exceptions. There are are no multicultural churches in Assemblies of God. Among United Methodists 43 out of 33541 churches call them multi-ethnic. Among Churches of Christ it is 84 out of nearly 12500 congregations. Rural Hill Church in Nashville is unique in this regard though small. Here in a congregation of 600 people 40% of them are African-Americans, 40% Whites and 20% Hispanics. They have a simple form of common worship. Rural Hill is not the only multiracial church. There are in all 300 multiracial churches scattered over USA. It reinforces the idea that all Christians belong to one Church and they have to learn from each other. This concept is growing.

I believe Hindu Temple Complexes in USA and in migrant countries have been thought about with this concept to cater to all Sampradayas. In practice they are not, worship being conducted by priests with regimental training and teachings with no spiritual focus. So the Worship depends on the priests and the management but not mass oriented moving away from the original intent. While Christian American worshipers are trying to converge to have a common form of worship Hindu Americans are diverging away building more and more narrow parochial and Sampradaya oriented temples with lots of deities with no unifying focus on Sanatana Dharma and spiritual focus. A new class of Neo-Hindus are also slowly joining the main crowd resulting from inter-racial marriages mainly drawn from Hindu-Christian socializing, groups influenced by yoga and meditation as well as movements like Hare Krishna, Ramakrishna mission etc., whose number is swelling and whose needs and views are different. They also attend these Hindu worships, some casually for fun and some others in all seriousness because of spiritual hunger.

In this context it is worth examining the background and present trend in Hindu worship in Temples in major migrant countries like USA. Set of philanthropists started Hindu temples in migrant countries based on the agreed opinion of the founding fathers to give a name to the temple making one deity as presiding deity and naming the temple after that deity. Worship is also oriented on that deity based on the imported tradition and priests of India. This meets neither the spiritual need of the highly educated Hindu society in overseas countries nor the Neo- Hindus. These temples also focus on too many sectarian festivals and rituals trying to please as many groups as possible who influence the temple committees sometimes based on the donations and not necessarily the need of the society that is thriving on a foreign soil. In this they hurt the sentiments of some groups too. On the other hand some temples have tried to accommodate other religions that have moved out of Hinduism like Jains and Buddhistsand also some tribal practices and rich community. For example Hindu temple in Albany has consecrated Buddha, Mahaveer Vardhamana, Nagdevata, Swami Narayan and probably Saibaba yet call it Laksmi Narayana Temple. Vivekanada as well as Mirabai lamented once that in India kitchen has entered into the temple worship.This is also true in America if you see Ganesha being propitiated with Modaka, Hanuman with Vada and Jagannath with onion-garlic free satva food in the same Hindu complex shutting themselves of from the main crowd, to please a group of deities. Abhisheka, flower etc are also based to please a particular deity following the tradition from India moving away from the message of Geeta. These current practices may be appealing to the first generation of Hindus but will not appeal to the generation which may strike at the very root of Hinduism and in disgust may move out of Hinduism to adopt what may appeal as rationale to them being influenced by the reform that is going on to have simple form of common worship (world outreach program). It is therefore necessary for Hindu Americans to think of adopting uniform mass worship with spiritual focus rather on concentrating trivial many ritualistic details or too many of it to please the influential. It should be restricted to those appealing to all without reservation. Here we have the guidelines from Bahai Lotus Temple in Delhi as well as Vivekanada Rock Temple in Kanyakumari in India. This needs serious consideration at the level of Council of Hindu Temples of North America to provide the most needed guidelines. We also need to absorb some of the local significant holidays to fit into Hindu mode of religious worship if we wish to blend with local culture who conduct mass worship in churches on these special days.

American Christians are aware of the growing atheist tendencies among some and shift to spiritualism which may take them to other religious practices by many and so correction has started to have simple form of common worship with spiritual focus within while we Hindu Americans being highly educated and cultured are making it more and more complex, stressing more on mere rituals walking into the tradition borrowed from India , moving away from the Universal concept of Sanatana Dharma of which we are pioneers, which could one day become acceptable to followers of all faiths drawn to it out of their free will and not by compulsion as is seen today in the popularity of Yoga and Meditation, rather than vexed Hindu Americans walking away from them.

A review of the discourses “Prologue on Hindu Mass Worship in Temples” and "Mass worship of American Hindus in Temples and the Need for Spiritual Focus" posted on the Blog: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> will be beneficial here.

(January 2012)

5. THEORIES ON EVOLUTION AND CREATION--SPIRITUAL AND SCIENTIFIC

Creation Scientists and atheists say that science disproves the existence of God and His Hands on creation disagreeing with Intelligence design. Bible reveals the existence of historical Adam and Eve with the gradual development humans through evolution. Christian faith believes in bodily resurrection of Jesus. This faith is silent how God created the Universe. It only says that God created the world in six-- 24 hours days less than 10000 years ago. Hinduism does not say when the creation started. It only says "Yathaapoorvam akalpayat" meaning it (Brahman) created as before. But no one knows when this 'before' was! Some say parts of the Bible such as creation is metaphorical. Hinduism says Vedas are the ultimate authority.

Keathly, an old Earth creationist accepts that this Universe is billions of years old but also believes that God directly intervened at certain point in natural history. In terms of strict logic nothing takes one from natural selection to atheism, but as a practical matter Darwin makes atheism seem plausible. Hindu Puranas guestimate universe to be more than 350 trillion years and say Creation is of cyclic nature. Hinduism believes creation of humans started when Brahma who himself was the creation of Supreme Principle split himself to Svayambhu (Male) and Sataroopa (Female) components. There is a general acceptance among Hindus that the appearance of male and female components for the first time was the result of modern generation. Recent excavations of Khambata in Gujarat supports the view that lord Krishna probably is a historical figure and he lived on earth for 126 years after which the present cycle of creation started. Vedas also indicate that the five elements were created first and also postulates that Supreme spirit intervened at certain point to start creation of animates. But it baffles that its first creation of Seven Rishis were the most perfect animates while science says that perfection took a long time and was gradual.

Darwin's theory of Evolution fits excellently with the Puraana's projection of Dasavataras (Ten Incarnations) from Matsya to Kalki (Fish to modern human riding on a human horse). Hinduism does not take a negative view of sufferings and death in the present age and says that it is all in the process of spiritual evolution based on Karma Theory. Suffering and death have been there from the beginning of the world rather than rebellion against Supreme Principle. Hinduism further gives hope to find a permanent solution to death. No one knows when the world started, so also do not know when and how Karma got associated with the soul, but the fact that it got associated at some point is recognized. It is also true man has tried to find a short time remedy to relieve himself from sickness and pain as evidenced by Ayurveda which is considered as a part of Veda instead of blaming God or resigning to fate.

Public discussions of evolution often turn into a nasty debate between creationists on one side and atheists who believe science disproves the existence of God on the other. This does not come as surprise to Hinduism which has fought vehemently against atheist Charvaka philosophy in the ancient past during the Age of Darsanas.

Various thoughts from different sources have been collected in a series of discourses on Evolution and Creation. At what points Science and Intelligence creation are converging and at what points they two are diverging is left to individual's imagination. At present neither science nor Intelligence Creation have solved the mystery. It is feared that it may not be in the near future. All our knowledge today are based on our study of one little planet earth associated with one bright star Sun and there are several million such stars yet to be explored. Recently Rover Curiosity has landed on Mars to find out any microbial life being encouraged by the earlier finding as to the evidence of water in Mars and also Higg’s Boson God Particle has been evidenced.

Discourses "Can Hindu Scriptures and Sciences Agree On Theories of Evolution" ; "Early Vedic Thoughts on Brahman Creation";"Praana and Punarjanma--Life's Vital forces and Reincarnation" posted on the BLOG: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> deal with subject matters of Evolution and Creation in depth.

(February 2013

6. DISCOURSES ON UPANISHAD

Upanishad means annihilation of the ignorance. It leads the spiritual seeker nearer to the Absolute. The mantras of Upanishads are awakening and sacred thoughts of learned Gurus conveyed to the spiritual seeker. “He who is endowed with discriminating intellect and has his mind purified by various disciplines and who remains always pure attains r that goal from where he will not be t reborn. He will be blessed with eternal peace and happiness” says Katopanishad—Yastu vijnaanavaan bhavati samanskah sadaa suchih | sa tu tatpadmaapnoti yasmaad bhooyo na jaayate ||

There are around 200 Upanishads available in print today. Most of the Upanishads, outside the per-view of Sankaracharya on which his commentaries are available belong to a much later Vedic period and were written to promote specific followings and sects. The nomenclature Upanishad was conveniently added ti o them to gain respectability, acceptance and authority in the orthodox circles, temple authorities and among the followers. However these sectarian pseudo Upanishads have contributed quite a lot to the propagation of popular Hindu religion and ethics as also to the maintenance of the Sanatana Dharma spirit among the people.

Early thoughts of Upanishads contain the quintessence of Vedic religion and philosophy. The six systems of Hindu Philosophy derive their strength and inspiration from them. They are the basis of the Prasthaanatraya, the three fundamental scriptures, the other two being Brahmasootras and Bhagavdgeetaa.

An earnest study of the Upanishads, without preconceived notions and prejudices, is bound to inspire one to aspire for a peaceful contented spiritual life and liberation exposing one to the wisdom contained in Vedas. An attempt has been made to bring forth the intent, perception and value of Upanishads in a series of discourses to make that study easy. Please visit the Blog Hindu Reflections at <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for the following discourses: 1) Prologue on Study of Upanishads; 2) Upanishads and Their Basic Thoughts 3) Upanishad’s Perception—Life and After; 4) Ultimate Values of Upanishads 5) Mahaavaakyas (Great Maxims) from Vedas and Upanishads>

(August 2011)

7. BHAGAVADGEETAA DISCOURSES

Bhagavadgeetaa is introduced to us by Vedavyasa in the form of a conversation between the warrior prince Arjuna and his divine charioteer Lord Krishna who is his friend, philosopher and guide at the outset of Mahbharata War. Just before the beginning of the fight Arjuna refused to kill his own kith and kin among whom was his beloved Grand-father Bheeshma. Krishna’s incarnation in this world was for the annihilation of the wicked and protection of the righteous. Purpose of his incarnation woBhuld be defeated if the Mahabharata war is not brought to success by Arjuna on whom the entire burden lay because Krishna declined his active participation in the war. So Lord Krishna advised him in detail on a variety of subjects. At the end Arjuna relieved from his confusion and convinced, heeded to Lord Krishna’s advice and fought the war.

Geetaa is a story of skillful and successful counseling. It is appealing to the modern ideas of guidance and ounseling. Geetaa bears the strong influence of Upanishads, particularly, Katha and Svetavataara and also in its manner of presentation. It is at once philosophical in outlook and practical in intent. Upanishads often give the notion of Vedic command in imparting education to their disciples. Taittareeya Upanishad gives its commands to its outgoing graduates making it clear that those are not advices: “satyam vada; Dharmam chara....,. devataa-pitru-kaaryebhyaam na pramaditavyam, matru devo bhava, pitru devo bhava, aachaarya devo bhva; atithi devo bhava”—Speak the truth; practice Dharma; you should not be inadvertent about your duties to Gods and the manes; be one for whom the mother is a Goddess; father is a God; your teacher is a God; your guest is a god”. Krishna though a divine and a Guru does not seem well disposed towards the notion of Vedic command being a categorical imperative overriding reason; he leaves the decision in fighting to Arjuna alone. “I have spoken my mind, do as you please” he says in his concluding message to his disciple.

Geetaa has an answer to every problem man is faced with in his life. It gives pros and cons of every issue and leaves the final choice to the individual. Thus it is not a scripture of religious commands: “Though shalt not”. When other scriptures talk about permanent hell for sinners Bhagavadgeetaa proclaims salvation for all. All of us whether we believe in God or not are destined to attain salvation one day. Only time factor differ for the best and the worst among us. Geetaa exhorts the Vedic dictum; “Satyameva Jayate”—the Truth shall set you free.

Geetaa can be aptly described in the Vedic maxim (Mahaavaakya) —“Tat tvam asi”. The first six chapters of the divine gospel dwell on the Soul-Tvam. The next six chapters explain God Head—Tat. The last six chapters teach the union of the Soul and the Supreme Principle—aci. Geetaa leads one to tranquility and happiness with a doctrine that is beyond national and religious barriers described in a language that is unsurpassed beauty.

The five discourses on Geetaa include Shataslokee Geetaa for chanting by children and Geetaa Chaaleesaa for chanting by elders with understanding. For those who chant Satarudreeya and Hanuman Chaaleesa these should not be difficult for regular chanting. Please visit the Blog—Hindu Reflections for the five discourses on Geetaa; they are:

1) Eternal Dharma in 18 Chapters of Geetaa

2) Wisdom of Vedanta in Geetaa Forty

3) Wisdom of Geetaa’s Teaching and Bible’s Preaching

4) Sataslokee Geetaa

5) Divine Doctrines from Geetaa

(August 2011: August 2012)

8. DISCOURSES ON MAHAA NAARAAYANA UPANISHAD

Those of you who regret that you have not studied Vedas and Upanishads, I personally feel it is not too late. Fortunately all the wisdom contained in Vedas and Upanishads are available in a condensed form in MNU. If you know the Devanagari script or even familiar with Hindi script, with proper guidance you will be able to master this Upanishad. An initial reading and understanding of Tattvabodha another small booklet by Adisankara will be added advantage to know Brahman and Brahmopaasana (worship of Brahman). I read every day MNU and it hardly takes an hour in a day. This is too much smaller compared to Bhagavadgeetaa and contains only 150 Vedic Mantras. This is a bit longer than Vishnu Sahasranama.

In USA young scholars (12-16 yrs.) who do not speak any Indian language and who do not know the Devanagari script either, chant 108 slokas of Vishnu Sahasranam with no difficulty and with no accent problem. Why then it should not be possible to master this Upanishad by the highly educated intelligentsia? What is needed is motivation. As I mentioned in my discourse "Hindu Mass Worship in Temples and Need for Spiritual Focus", for Hindu American crowds who are interested in spiritual progress and who are interested in following the Aagama and TantricWorships conducted in Hindu Temples, this Upanishad will provide the basic Vedic mantras and also convey the purpose of such polytheistic approach in worship which needs to be diverted to monotheism. It discusses the various modes of worship and compares their merits. As Hindu Americans busy in our pursuits, we do not have the luxury like those who are in India who are constantly exposed to spiritual teachings and discourses by great souls. If we are determined it will not be difficult to start with these two basic scriptures and then read Bhagvadgeetah to enrich ourselves with Hindu Philosophy which is universal in its approach. It is Universal in approach for those who believe in reincarnation(punarjanma) and that the individual souls can be continuously elevated and are not eternally condemned or saved at one time. In fact all these three scriptures are Universal in approach and will be more appealing to children brought up here, for those who are married into Western culture and even for those of Western Culture to know about true Hinduism than routine ritualistic approach with no proper explanation.

Some Hindu temples in USA are already conducting Geetaa classes. If a separate class is started for an hour or two every week to learn the other two scriptures it will also help in understanding Geetaa better. At the same time MNU will immensely help in following Temple worship and common daily rituals at home for it contains many mantras that are in in use. An hour a week may save one more birth and life's struggle for the soul to reincarnate! If you take some time to read the attached introduction to MNU things will be self-evident. Someone has to take initiative to start these classes finding out the interest of the community. I am sure most of us interested in spiritual progress and Monotheistic approach living amidst multi-theistic cultures. Many may not like to have repeated births and everyone is interested in Eternal Bliss! Vivekananda vehemently declared to American crowd long back "Vedanta is the Religion of the Future". People living outside could also give a serious consideration if they have had no opportunity to learn Vedas in their boy-hood days and are serious about it.

I have even condensed MNU to include four topics as Posted in the BLOG. These are: Prologue on Mahaa Naaraayana Upanishad; Some Vedic mantras used in Hindu Worship and Rituals; Sooktas from MNU; Homa Mantras from MNU and Knowledge of Brahman and the Prayer Mantras. These are available in the Blog <nrsrini.blogspot.com> but they need to be studied under someone lerned and meaning elaborated further if we do not have the knowledge of Sanskrit.

(February 2012)

9. TATTVA BODHA

It may not be possible to get the vast knowledge of Vedas late in life but it is possible to acquire basic knowledge of Vedas and to study it regularly as mandated by sastras with understanding if we concentrate on Tattva Bodha, Aatma Bodha, Bhagavadgeetaa and Mahaa Naaraayan Upanishad (MNU). MNU contains all essential Vedic Mantras used in our daily worship and rituals besides explaining Brahman and his creation and means to attain him. These are not voluminous. Both Tattva Bodha and Aaatma Bodha by Sankaraachaarya are called Prakarana Granthas or explanatory texts which help in understanding Vedanta and Vedic texts. My focus had been on these texts in my spiritual discourses. I have tried to explain as much as possible the need for spiritual focus on our religious practices to achieve our aspired goal in life. Whatever we do we should do with understanding. It should not be blind faith as we always point at other religions as faith based and ours as Eternal Tradition, Sanatana Dharma.

You often come across some Vedantic terms in the spiritual discourses which sometimes make it difficult for you to comprehend the text. An attempt has been made to prepare a discourse to give simple explanation of Vedantic terms often referred in all spiritual discourses for your ready reference as given in the basic text Tattva Bodha which many of you may not have studied or may find it difficult to lay your hands on. Please visit the blog <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for a discourse on Vedanta Terms used in Tattva-Bodha.

(April 2012)

10. KAIVALYA UPANISHAD

Kaivalya Upanishad belongs to the Atharva -veda. To make the subject matter easily intelligible Upanishads adopt a unique style as a conversation between the teacher and his disciple. In this Upanishad Asvalaayana, the great teacher of Rigveda is the disciple and Lord Brahma, the Creator himself is the teacher which makes this as the most valuable amongst the minor Upanishads. Satarudriya is a prayer of hundred stanzas, very sacred and inspiring, invoking Rudra, i.e. Lord Siva, which forms part of Taittiriya Samhita of the Yajurveda. This was chanted by devotees with ardent faith and total dedication even during the vedic period, as is chanted today. The great commentator Narayana calls the Kaivalya Upanishad as Brahma Satarudriya i.e., the Satarudriya that glorifies “Brahman” as opposed to the Personal God, Lord Siva. Kaivalya in Samskrit means “mere”. Kaivalya is the noun form of “Kevala” therefore Kaivalya means “mereliness” meaning homogeneous “oneness”. Naturally, the result (Kaivalya) is the total awakening from all delusions and delusory sense of limitations. Please visit the Blog <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for a detailed discourse on this Upanishad and also for “Mantras from Kaivalya Upanishad.

(October 2011)

11. MASS WORSHIP IN HINDU TEMPLES AND THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL FOCUS

Even though Hinduism in general and Hindu worship in particular is strongly criticized by the West, multicultural churches are rare in USA and few religious groups count them. Churches of Christ and United Methodist are exceptions. “The one wears so many masks. In no other religion does the Supreme Being wears so many masks and invite worship in so many different forms as the Eternal Religion of Hinduism” says Joseph Campbell. There are no multicultural churches in Assemblies of God. Among United Methodists 43 out of 33541 churches call them multi-ethnic. Among Churches of Christ it is 84 out of nearly 12500 congregations. Rural Hill Church in Nashville is unique in this regard though small. Here in a congregation of 600 people 40% of them are African-Americans, 40% Whites and 20% Hispanics. They have a simple form of common worship. Rural Hill is not the only multiracial church. There are in all 300 multiracial churches scattered over USA. It reinforces the idea that all Christians belong to one Church and they have to learn from each other. This concept is growing.

In this context it is worth examining the background and present trend in Hindu worship in Temples in major migrant countries like USA. Set of philanthropists started Hindu temples in migrant countries based on the agreed opinion of the founding fathers to give a name to the temple making one deity as presiding deity and naming the temple after that deity. Worship is also oriented on that deity based on the imported tradition and priests of India. This meets neither the spiritual need of the highly educated Hindu society in overseas countries nor the Neo- Hindus. These temples also focus on too many sectarian festivals and rituals trying to please as many groups as possible who influence the temple committees sometimes based on the donations and not necessarily the need of the society that is thriving on a foreign soil. In this they hurt the sentiments of some groups too. On the other hand some temples have tried to accommodate other religions that have moved out of Hinduism like Jains and Buddhistsand also some tribal practices and rich community. For example Hindu temple in Albany has consecrated Buddha, Mahaveer Vardhamana, Nagdevata, Swami Narayan and probably Saibaba yet call it Laksmi Narayana Temple. Vivekanada as well as Mirabai lamented once that in India kitchen has entered into the temple worship.This is also true in America if you see Ganesha being propitiated with Modaka, Hanuman with Vada and Jagannath with onion-garlic free satva food in the same Hindu complex shutting themselves of from the main crowd, to please a group of deities. Abhisheka, flower etc are also based to please a particular deity imporitng the tradition from India moving away from the message of Geeta. These current practices may be appealing to the first generation of Hindus but will not appeal to the generation which may strike at the very root of Hinduism and in disgust may move out of Hinduism to adopt what may appeal as rationale to them being influenced by the reform that is going on to have simple form of common worship (world outreach program). It is therefore necessary for Hindu Americans to think of adopting uniform mass worship with spiritual focus rather on concentrating trivial many ritualistic details or too many of it to please the influential. It should be restricted to those appealing to all without reservation. Here we have the guidelines from Bahai Lotus Temple in Delhi as well as Vivekanada Rock Temple in Kanyakumari in India. This needs serious consideration at the level of Council of Hindu Temples of North America to provide the most needed guidelines. We also need to absorb some of the local significant holidays to fit into Hindu mode of religious worship if we wish to blend with local culture who conduct mass worship in churches on these special days.

Your kind attention is drawn to the detailed discourse posted on the Blog Hindu Reflections <nrsrini.blogspot.com> on “Mass Worship in Hindu Temples and the Need for Spiritual Focus” and Sanatana Dharma is for the World and not for Hindus Alone”

(January2012)

12. SPIRITUAL FOCUS ON INDIAN AND USA NATIONAL MOTTOES

In today's Catholic controversy on women's rights there is a general feeling among women that religious men seek control over women involving God's name and authority. This feeling looms large wherever issues focused on women are involved among faith based organized religions founded by men where God is perceived wrongly as only Man of Strength and Wisdom and not Woman. How can we define God? I am not sure whether there is anything called Religion in the world ever founded by a woman even though there are many women saints and reformers. One should therefore be careful in invoking the name of God or any particular Religion while running the Institution of Secular Democracy represented by different religions and races.

I am therefore amazed what inspired India to choose the National Motto as "Satyameva Jayate". Here Satyam refers to Brahman which is God head in the so called religions of the World to which Hinduism is also being pushed indirectly. Hinduism has not sprung from the concept of Religion and has come from Eternal Tradition called Dharma or Orderliness of the Universe. Sankara tried to give it a color of Religion and established his six Matas (Shanmata) concept in which there is a Male component, Female component, Man-animal component as swell as Nature component to Symbolize Supreme Principle. But none turned to evolve as religion of modern days as defined and understood today but merged with the Eternal Tradition, if not in practice but in thought.

The word Brahman is neuter in Sanskrit only in form, but not in meaning. It is neither male nor female. It is certainly not also an un-intelligent neuter entity like stone, though in Puranas it emerged out of a pillar in human-animal combination. Brahman is derived from the root (in Sanskrit) "Brih" to grow or grow great. It is undoubtedly "Vridh" in another form. If so the word in the Biblical saying "In the beginning there was the Word" is ultimately same as Vedic Brahman etymologically. "Word' means"tadekam" that ONE or the symbol "Om" which is the Supreme Principle referred repeatedly in Vedas long before the arrival of the Holy Bible.

USA would have been safer and non-controversial if it had stuck to the National Motto "E pluribus Unum" instead of later religious inspired motto "In God We Trust". Here the faith based group meant by God " Holy Father" only as in their concept there was no "Holy Mother" like "Devi" in Hinduism. So many believe any protest from religious protagonists is male oriented move. The Motto E pluribus Unum was not faith based though it means "One among Many". By strange coincidence it goes well with the Vedic saying "Eko Viprah bahudaa Vadanti" the One the wise call by many names. This is very pleasing to the Hindu-Americans, like they are pleased to hear the names of Brahma, Vishnu, Siva and Brahman for the four peaks of Grand Canyon.

The discourse on "In God We trust”, "Satyameva Jayate and “E pluribus Unum" is posted on the BLOG: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for your in-depth study.

(March 2012)

13. GANPATI-ATHARVASHEERSHA UPANISHAT

Ganapaty-atharvasheersha Upanishat is a short one in glorification of Lord Ganesha. It has replaced "Purusha" mentioned in Vedic Ganesha Gayatri Mantra by "Ekadanta" and also includes one of the famous Shanti Mantras of major Upanishads. It deviates from the usual Upanishads in including large content of Phalasrutis (benefit derived by its chanting and employing in puja and homas) as in slokas you normally find. It also mentions Homa to Ganesha with 1000 Modakas. There are in literature many upanishads available apart from the 108 Upanishads generally mentioned using the style of Vedic Upanishads and calling themselves as veda and Upanishad. Some of these though imitate the usual style of Upanishads looks like slokas and mantras with Phalasrutis promising heaven by mere chanting. They do not elaborate on Brahman, Nyasa (surrender) and Liberation as is usual with Vedic Upanishads. Nevertheless this contains Vedic shanti mantra and other Vedic mantras usually employed in Ganesha worship. Ganesha devotees could memorize Mantras 1 to 10 and Shanti Mantra for daily chanting during worship of Ganesha. These Mantras are also chanted in temples during Ganesha Pooja. The above Upanishat is also considered as one of the Mantrapushpas amongst many, as mentioned in the book of Mantrapushpa published by Ramkrishna Math.

Please visit BLOG: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> or subscribe to it to know more about Ganapaty-atharva-sheersha Upanishat.

(September 2012)

14. CHRISTIANITY ECHOES WISDOM THOUGHTS OF ETERNAL TRADITION

Hindu Purana Srimad Bhagavatam says, “Like a honey bee gathering trickles of honey from different flowers, the wise man accepts the essence of different scriptures and sees only them in all religions”. What intrigues one most is the striking similarity between Christianity and Hinduism in certain aspects when majority in both the religions think that they are poles apart. Various aspects from both the religions considered in this article show that there is only One Truth and One God whatever may be the interpretations of their zealot followers.

Religions have airtight divisions not because of their prophets but because of the fanatic work of the zealot followers. Neither Rishis, nor Buddha, nor Moses, nor Christ intended their revelations to go to chosen few, but the whole of humanity. Religions were never founded by prophets but were only named after them later. Sanatana Dharma was not based on any one founder, and so it is Sanatana—Eternal. When the prophets asked their followers to preach their word, they did not intend to destroy the existing schools of thought but to strengthen the existing beliefs and practices. Neither Buddha nor Christ who came later could have said something different from Lord Krishna since there is only One Truth and One God. That is why you find many similarities between Hinduism of more than 6000 years old and Christianity which is 2000 years old.

For a detailed discourse please visit the Blog Hind Reflections <nrsrini.blogspot.com> on the subject and also “Wisdom from Geetaa’s Teachings and Bible’s Preachings”

(August 2011)

15. VEDIC MANTRAS SEEKING IMMORTALITY

The Vedic and Upanishadic seers and poets alike pictured a state of affairs where the Light was hidden and Darkness prevailed, where Death swept across and Immortality was covered over and where the Unreal held the Real in captivity. The famous Upanishadic prayer illustrates the above: “--Asatoe maa sadgamaya tamsoe maa jyotirgamaya, mrityoermaa amritum gamaya”—Lead me from Unreal to the Real, from Darkness to Light and from Death to Immortality.

Our sages were plagued by the fear of death also realized death is inescapable but disease could be prevented and well cured. The outcome was elaborate research on Yoga and Ayurveda. However their spiritual endeavor was deathlessness or continuity of existence seeking Liberty.

Please visit the Blog Hindu Reflections at <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for detailed discourse on “Vedic Mantras Seeking Immortality”

((October 2011)

16. VISUALIZING DIVINITY IN NUMBERS

The ingenious method of expressing every possible number using a set of ten symbols (each symbol having a place value and an absolute value) emerged in India (Bharatvarsaha of Sanatana dharma was rechristened India by outsiders). The idea seems so simple now-a-days that its significance and profound importance is no longer appreciated. Its simplicity lies in the way it facilitated calculation and placed arithmetic foremost amongst useful inventors”—a French Mathematician so glorified our sages including Aryabhatta who completed the task by discovering zero “0” inspired by the word soonyam which is Poojyam as addition to the existing numbers “1 to 9 hidden in the words sata (sata Rudreeyam), sahasra (Vishnu sahasranaama) and Kotisoorya.

Hindu way of life is so knitted with the religion that spiritually motivated Hindus cannot think anything other than divine for things that fascinates our lives—the amazing numbers. As a Hindu I am bound to think these numbers are also of divine origin and divine directed for the benefit of mankind, for without these numbers no scientific advancement was ever possible including the latest computer science. The origin of 1 (Ekah) comes from Purusha (Saguna Brashman) glorified as “Tadekam” (that one). Then Prakriti or Sakti joined Saguna Brahman to start the work on creation and declared Supreme Principle as adviteeya who is unfathomable. Thus came number 2 (Dvau). Sanskrit grammar is the only grammar that talks about dual number (dvivachana). Then appeared Trigunas, as Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. We all know creation started when they got intermixed, manifested as Brahma, Vishnu and Siva for Creation, Preservation and Destruction. This should have been the origin of 3 (trayah). Then emerged the four Vedas (Chaturvedas) spreading their wisdom in all four directions (Chaturdisaah) through courtesy Chaturmukha Brahma. That should have brought the symbol of 4 (Chatvaarah)in the divine language. Then Panchabhoota elements were created the principle materials in all creations bringing the Symbol of 5. Then was the appearance of the six headed Supreme Intelligence (Shanmukha) necessary for human creativity giving scope of the first perfect number known to Mathematics today. That should have been the inspiration for 6 (shat). Also the descent of sixth incarnation of Parsurma, at once perfect intelligence in fully developed human form took place. Then Saptarishis appeared on the scene. That was for the symbol of 7 (Sapta), with the task of developing humanity. Then the divine guards on duty as Ashta Dikpalakas were created who contributed to the symbol 8 (Ashta). Gazing at the stars and planets our Wise sages recognized Navagrahas that shaped the destinies of human lives by their influence. That revealed symbol 9(nava). Sages then did not know where and how to proceed further.

They heard the unfathomable Nirguna Brahman as 0 for he was at once Soonya and Poorna who gave them rhytam orderliness and showed them how to multiply or increase or decrease to be revealed later. However Rishis did not know who that was, how large or how small. They addressed that as anoraneeyaan mahatoe maheeyaan--smaller than the smallest bigger than the biggest. As we all know 0 gave the place value in rhytm which again is the Vyahriti of Brahman the Absolute. Anything multiplied by 0 is 0 but the zero itself is not affected (meaning that gets absolved in zero) reminding the mantra “Poornamadah Poornamidam”-- IT is full everywhere and whatever way you look at IT.

Please visit the Blog Hindu Reflections; <nrsrini.blogspot .com> for “Significance of Even and Odd Numbers in Chamkam” and “Visualizing Divinity in Numbers.

(April 2013: February 2012: September 2012)

17. MAHAA VAAKYAS

The great maxims contained in four Upanishads of the four Vedas describe Brahman as: 1. “Praajnam Brahman”—Aitreya Upanishad of Rigveda, meaning “Intelligence or Consciousness is Brahman. 2. “Aham Brahmaasmi”—Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad of Yajurveda, meaning “I am Brahman’’ 3. “Tatvamaci”—Chandogya upanishad of Saamaveda, meaning “That thou art” 4. “Ayam aatma Brahman”—Mandookya Upanishad of Atharvaveda, meaning “This Self or Aatma is Brahman”. These four maxims are called as ‘Mahaa vaakyas’ or ‘great maxims or mottos’ which were direct revelations to the seers. Please visit the Blog Hindu Reflections for a discourse on “Mahaavaakyaas from Upanishads” (September 2013)

18. “DA, DA, DA” FROM BRIHADAARANYAKA UPANISHAD

When inertia overpowers our minds we are in a state of Tamoguna and we behave like a demon. When Activity predominates in our mind we are overpowered by Rajoguna and we behave like natural human beings. When serenity, purity and harmony prevail in our mind we are in a state of Satvaguna, we are almost divine. Truth is One but is expressed and interpreted differently in different stages of one's progress. The three deities of the Trinity, correspond to the three Gunas in the cosmic play of creation, preservation and destruction. Vishnu represents Sattva, the power of existence and preservation. Siva represents Tamasa, the power of annihilation. Brahma stands in between these two and represents Rajasa. He symbolizes the possibility of existence resulting from the union of opposites.

Human being represents the microcosmic state. In the state of Inertia or Tamas one must adopt compassion and non-violence and stay away from gross activities. In the state of Activity or Rajas one must share what he has with others and involve oneself in the acts of selfless service to humanity. In the state of serenity or Satva one must be vigilant and control one's outgoing tendencies through the practice of meditation or Japa. These three powerful messages are conveyed in a spiritual discussion contained in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad as Da, Da, Da that stands for Dayaa (compassion), Daana(charity) and Damaa (restraint, control of mind and senses). The heavenly voice of thunder says: “Be Self-controlled; Give liberally unnoticed; and Be compassionate to all beings.

For a detailed discourse on the subject go through the discourse, "Da, Da, Da” (the three C’s), the message from Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad published on the Blog Hindu Reflections: <nrsrini.blogspot.com>

(September 2012)

19. THE VEDIC HYMN THAT HYPNOTIZED WORLD GATHERING—INAUGURAL RECORDING OF HMV

Many of you might have observed that beginning Mantras of the four Vedas are invariably chanted during the 16-steps Pooja conducted at all Hindu Temples. As said before often any Hindu worship at any place culminates with a universal prayer and appeal to the Supreme Principle. Devotees knowingly or unknowingly are presumed to offer their prayers only to the Supreme Principle (Brahman) through the medium of their chosen deity (Ishta devata). But very few are aware of this influenced by Puranic stories and myths. During worship of any Ishtadevata at home or at temples Supreme Principle is invoked by a couple of Vedic mantras as explained in my discourse--"16-Steps Worship of the Deity at Vishnu Temples and at Home" posted ion the Blog in September 2011.

The first Mantra in all the four Vedas is a prayer addressed to the Supreme Principle. Thomas Alva Edison when he invented gramophone record, requested Max Muller to suggest a hymn for his inaugural recording which would bring success to his revolutionary business venture. Max Muller being a well-read Sanskrit Scholar who had studied Vedas rendered the first hymn from the earliest Rigveda--Agnimeele purohitam for the premier recording. Perhaps he was quite convinced at that time of the Vedic saying: Eko vipraha bahudaa vadanti (The One, the learned call by many names) though later he was influenced strongly by the Christian belief and its mission. During Rigvedic period whole world was one community and all worshiped Brahman alone as Agni, Varuna, Vaayu Prajaapati (Vyaahritis or attributes of Brahman) etc. Dharma was in practice in the Eternal Tradition as Sanatana Dharma. Later Dharma got restriced with certain of its aspects being glorified which gave raise to great religions like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism , Sikhism etc.

This inagural recording brought Edison all success and world reputation. But why did Max Muller, though a Christian thought of Rigveda? He had studied well both the Bible and Rigveda Samhita. Rigveda is the earliest Scripture revealed to the World. In this vast Universe it is this that brought out the concept of Universal Oneness for the first time. We also find in it Unity in diversity concept first revealed to the World. Agni (Fire God), Indra (Divine Ruler), Varuna (Water God), Rudra(Protector from miseries), Vishnu (The all-pervading) were repeatedly praised stressing that they are all one and the same but different aspects of the Supreme Being. He therefore felt any quote from his own faith will be superfluous as it would just echo Rigveda Mantras.: "Ekam sadvipra bahudaa vadanti agnim yamam maatarisvaanamaahuh"; Ekam santam bahudaa kalpayanti"--The one the Wise call by many names and think in many ways. He also knew The Holy Ghost or Spirit followed in his faith only signified non-manifest Brahman, Holy Father, Manifest Brahman and Holy Son, revelation of Brahman in human incarnation, communicated by the Lord in Bhagavadgeetaa and glorified in Puraanas long before the existence and influence of the Holy Bible on the lives of the people. He was therefore wiser to resort to the premier and lodestar Mantra "Agnimeele purohitam". Later his attention got diverted from the spiritual path and was strongly influenced by the political pressures to change some of his earlier thinking.

Please go through my discourse "The Vedic Hymn that Hypnotized the World Gathering-- Inaugural Recording for His Masters Voice on the Blog:

<nrsrini.blogspot.com>

(February 2013)

20. OBEISANCE TO BRAHMAN AT THE CONCLUSION OF WORSHIP

Hindu Americans come to the conclusion of 16-step elaborate Pooja of their Ishta devata (chosen deity) chanting many Vedic hymns at each step during elaborate worship in Temples and at homes. The actual doers of this worship are the devotees only and the priests are leading them through various steps. The concluding prayers Mantrapushpam, "Apama Puspam Veda" or "Om Jaya Jagadeesa Hare" which many sing in Hindu American Temples is directed to Supreme Principle as the Lord of the Universe who is Antaryamin (inner controller) who lives in the spiritual heart of all Beings as expressed in their prayers. Their worship had been to this Supreme Principle called Brahman through their Ishtadevata, who may be Ganesha, Durga, Siva or Vishnu. That makes it possible for all traditions of Hindus to participate actively in common worship and focus thoughts on Brahman whether they are followers of one or all these deities or not. They have in the process unknowingly paid their tributes to five Elements also, His marvelous Creations from which life started. During their prayers they prostrate on the ground (obeisance to Earth), receive Aarati (Fire), receive sacred water (Water), circum-ambulate (Air) and gaze at the Gopuram (Aakasa or Space) touching the skies with reverence and leave the temple with the words Om Namo Naraayananaaya or Om Namah Sivaaya. The word Om consists of three letters A, U and Am. One has to open his mouth to pronounce A (signifying Birth or Srishthti), U keeps the sound continuous (sustenance or Sthiti) and Am ends the sound (End of Life or Laya) signifying beginning, continuity and dissolution of the World or represents the Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara whom we worship in many forms. Therefore Om is a sacred symbol for Brahma that cannot be described even by many Sahasranamas or several rituals. Brahman is neither Female nor Male but both. Brahman has no name but is signified by symbol Om.

Therefore it would be fitting and proper to sit atleast for three minutes at the end in silence and meditate upon THAT OM (Brahman) with the following simple Vedic Mantra!

Om is that Brahman; Om is Vaayu (Air); Om is that Aaatman (self in all of us); Om is all; Om is that primeval cause that existed before creation. So, obeisance unto Om that Pranava!

Start the practice, explain to your kids and advise them to follow you to to keep the tradition moving with great significance!

Please go through my discourses: “Motivation behind Modality of Ceremonial Aaraadhana” and, “Hindu Mass Worship in Temples and the Need for Spiritual Focus” on the Blog: <nrsrini.blogspot.com>

(May 2012; January 2012)

21. UPAASANA-MOORTI POOJA OR IMAGE WORSHIP

There is a notion among many Institutionalized religions that Hindus are idolatrous. This is far from truth. Hindus often discard the images after worship and immerse them in either lakes or rivers as in Ganesh Puja or Durga Puja which are popular in India. The image which is a symbol acts like a link between Supreme Principle and the devotee. When through such adoration and worship devotee establishes mental communion with Supreme Principle worship ends, his thoughts focus on spiritual evolution and there is no more need for the image. So, the images are discarded after long rituals to bring home these thoughts. That is why temple visits are not mandatory in a Hindu Spiritual Life. Further not all images found outside the temple are considered sacred and fit for worship. Only images that undergo an elaborate consecration ceremony are considered fit for worship like only the church water is considered holy.

There is a reference to the concept of Idol worship in Rigveda as also temple to house the deity. Vedas also mention about several incarnations of Vishnu though Vedic period precedes Puranic period. Dasavataara has captured the imagination of Indian iconography used in worship in temples today in India and wherever Hindus are settled. Chamakam prayer abruptly ends in the odd number 33, probably indicative of 33 Vedic Gods mentioned in Rigveda for worship which later got multiplied to 33 crores. More and more deities are added to the pantheon today adding celebrated philosopher-saints.

Rigveda hymns glorify the shrines of Jagannath of Puri as well as the holy shrine of Venkatesa of Tirupati.

In Early Vedic Period people used fire as the symbol of Supreme Principle (Jaataveda). In Hindu concept God is present everywhere. So anything existing in the Universe can be chosen as His symbol. The early Sages chose fire, the dispeller of darkness, the symbol of purity and the giver of warmth and life as the symbol of that ONE Supreme Principle. It got extended to other elements too. Today images are made out of various materials such as clay, stone, wood, pure metal or alloys.

I have the privilege in presenting the views of Jagadguru Sankaracharya with my additional texts while delivering his message to Vedanta Class on this subject, contained in his discourses in Tamil adding further a concluding Epilogue. Image worship is intriguing only to many ignorant minds, who do not want to go deep into Upanishadic thoughts and Sanatana Dharma.

Please go through my discourse on Upaasana--Moorti pooja or Image Worship on the Blog: Hindu Reflections: <nrsrini.blogspot.com>

(March 2013)

22. HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA MANTRAS FOR SALVATION IN KALIYUGA

We use in our daily worship of the Supreme the idol as the symbol; t is known as Moorti or Pratimaa Upaasana. When we use a name in our meditation it is known as Prateeka Upaasana. PrateekaUpaasana is focused on a name, Gaayatree Mantra or Dhyaana sloka of one's chosen deity. These are repeated many times for getting purity of mind accompanied by meditation on the deity contemplated upon. Both the names of Rama and Krishna are effectively used by us for meditation. Here they are chanted as mantras focused on Supreme Being as inner controller of all living beings and not as mere names of historic persons celebrated in Puraanas. Our prayers are also directed not only for individual's spiritual progress but for the community as a whole as the verbs addressed in Sanskrit prayers are in plural. We should move away from the idea that we are meditating on the warrior King Rama or the cowherd and diplomat prince Krishna with his pranks, amours and counsels.

The attached discourse explains how these names are as effective as Vedic Mantras in our meditation or Upaasana with proper understanding. These naama-mantras appear in Kalisantarana Upanishad. Kulasekhara Azhwar and Chaitnya Mahaaprbhu have glorified these mantras, celebrated in the works Mukundamala and Sikshaashtka probably influenced by Kalisantarana Upanishad, Mahanarayan Upanishad and other scriptures. As already stated in my discourse on Moorti Upaasana both names of Krishna and Rama appear in Vedas and Upanishads that inspired the modern mode of Moorti Upaasana worship as a means to Brahmoepaasana (meditation on the Supreme Being).

ISKCON movement started recently by Prabhupada is strongly influenced by Gowdiyamath Missionary Movement of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's followers. This in turn has the strong influence from Kalisantarana Upanishad and Mukundamaala.

Sai devotees greet each other with the words Sairam to connect their faith with Hinduism? Why not Saikrishna? Does Sairam rhyme better pleasing to ring in the ears than Saikrishna? What could be the possible Motivation and spiritual significance? I once circulated spiritual significance of Namste. So, this also needs in-depth study to logically conclude its spiritual significance.

Ramanavmi is celebrated this year on April 20, 2013. It is customary to resort to non-stop reading (Akhandapath) of Ramayana and Bhagavata during the birthday celebrations of Rama and Krishna where these names are repeatedly brought to our mind, a dramatic way of Prateeka Upaasana. To know more about why we consider mere names of Rama and Krishna as mantras please go through the discourse "Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mantras for Salvation in Kaliyuga” and "Upaasana--Moorti Pooja or Image Worship" on the Blog: <nrsrini.blogspot.com>.

(March 2013; April 2013)

23. YUGADI A GREAT DAY OF RELIOGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

In 2013Chandramaana Yugaadi is celebrated on April 11th unlike the previous year 2012. In the Hindu calendar of 60-years cycle this year will be called Vijaya Samvatsara. We mention this name of the year in all our religious undertakings as in Sankalpa along with Nakhatra (star), name of the da, the fortnight (Sukla or Krishna paksha) and the month of performance. Vedas mention five kinds of Samvatsaras of 12 year duration called Samvatsara, Parivatsara, Iduvatsara, Idaavatsara and Idvatsara each of twelve years duration coming in cyclic order. Like Panchpraanas--Praana, Apaana Vyaana, Udaana and Samaana collectively called Pancha Praanas or Praanas, these five categories of years are also called just Samvatsara.

We find reference to Samvatsara in the Mantrapushpa we chant at the conclusion of 16-step Pooja as follows:

"Samvatsaroe vaa apaam-aayartanam |aayatanavaan bhavati | yassamvatsarasy-aayatanam veda| aayatanavaan bhavati| aapoevai samvatsarasy-aayaatanam aayatanavaan bhavati | ya evam veda||

Here Samvatsara signifies Supreme Being or Brhaman. This prayer is directed to Brahman through his attribute (Vyaahriti) Samvatsara or Year. Year is Time. Supreme Being is Time as Vedas proclaim--Kaalaaya namah, Kalavikaranaaya namah (Mahanarayana Upanishad)--Obeisance unto the Supreme who is the cause of Time. Obeisance unto him, who is causing the divisions of moment, Muhurta etc., of Time. It also says: Samvatsaroe asoevaaditya--Samvatasara is verily Aaaditya who is the overlord of all beings. In Bhagavadgeeta Lord Krishna says he is Time. He further says that he descends on earth time after time, "Sambhavaami yuge yuge".

All these make Yugadi a holy religious festival of great spiritual significance for Hindus more than a mere day for merriment. It is almost like worshiping deity of Samvatsara in the religious sense personifying time (Akaalapurusha or Kaala Nirajana). That is why religiously disposed and spiritually inclined Hindus do not fail to observe this day as a day of great religious significance, and start the day with holy bath and worship of the Lord as well as pay a visit to the temple of their chosen deity.

Please go through my short discourse "Samvatsara is Prayed as Brahman in Mantrapushpas" as attached and also visit the Blog for the discourse on "Hindu Calendar". For deeper meaning of Mantrapushpa please go through my discourse on the Blog <nrsrini.blogspot.com>; "Sixteen-steps of Worship of the Deity at Vishnu Temples and at Homes" published in August 2013 on the Blog: Hindu Reflections--<nrsrini.blogspot.com>

24. EARTHDAY MANTRA—GANDHADVAARAA………..KAREESHINEEM

Einstein said once "Religion without Science is lame and Science without religion is blind. We should therefore be open minded and pick up knowledge wherever possible. Our Vedas have a granary of wisdom in our prayer mantras which should be properly understood by all of us while engaging our mind in worship. I was happy to note the growing awareness after witnessing so many kids of Sunday school keen to learn difficult slokas and mantras with their meaning.

Please recall my recent discourse on Earth Day. In this connection I wanted to bring to your attention how important it is to understand the meanings of the mantras in our worship and also focus our thoughts on it in our daily life. It is particularly logical to Hindu Americans who are a group of highly educated intelligentsia in American Society who are not lagging behind in their dedicated service to the nation through their pursuits. We can find that wisdom in many acts of our worship but I would like to draw your attention on one mantra as discussed in my recent talk on Earth Day:

I would like to draw your kind attention giving one example as to how we are not focused in our prayer. You are familiar with the mantra "Gandhadvaraam". How many devotees realize that this is directed to Mother Earth and our much needed focus on Eco-friendliness. All our thoughts go to sweet smelling sandal paste and we bring more sandal paste for worship and happy it is used on the Lord. Here Vedic focus is on mother Earth who is known through her smell of Natural fertilizer and also on the custom of (mrittika saucham) smearing the body with mother earth, adoring on our head etc., which fact is never brought to the focus of a devotee or thought about by the devotee. You know the Eco problem today. Indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizers could destroy our planet though it comes out of Haber synthesis atmospheric nitrogen. Around sixty percent of synthetic fertilizer contributes to chemical pollution. We take advantage of mother nature and also pollute her by our excessive action. Runaway nitrogen in chemicals is suffocating wild-life in lakes and estuaries contaminating ground water and even causing warmer global climate. We no longer feel the smell of cow dung as described in the mantra but only smell chemicals from fields in our anxiety to raise crops quickly but inefficiently. Here a balance should be stuck between natural fertilizer and chemical. Use of compost fertilizers and use synthetic fertilizers when and where the plants actually need will keep the soil within its natural smell of Gandhadvaaram and Nityspushtaam kareeshineem, as glorified in the mantra. This is the basis of present awareness for organically grown products. You thus see how this mantra could be well used to educate our devotees in the right direction and with right translation instead of reducing to a ritual of quantities and show without much thinking. If we highly educated in USA cannot do who can do? We have lost Guru-disciple tradition in the modern education system and that does not mean we should stop learning from the Wisdom of Vedas and indulge in rituals without understanding them and all the more not understanding them.

(May 2013)

25. HANUMAAN IS PARABRAHMAN

Someone among you who participated in the non-stop chanting of Hanumaan chaaleesa on Hanumaan Jayanti Day should have been taken by surprise when the group leader starting chanting “Trayambakm yajaamahe”, a vedic mantra from Srirudram. It did appear to be divine inspirational and not intentional, and chanting it ten times was also inspirational. This Rigvedic mantra is an appeal to Parabrahman which Saivites effectively use in all the worship of Siva. Though I am brought with Srivaishnava tradition this did not appear strange but with my spiritual bent of mind appeared logical drawing support from Puraanas and Vedas. As most of the participants were followers of Siva, they could easily chant this mantra though the priests stood wondering! If you all recall my past discourses the logics behind this inspiration would be clear.

Srirudrm is directed to Brahman though apparently it looks directed to personal deity Siva. I have also given two different interpretation of these mantras one as it is generally understood as applicable to Siva the other to Paraasakti and Parabrahman if you recall my past discourse on the subject. My thinking is based on yet another group of mantras called Panchabrahma mantras found in Vedas. Saivites use it as Panchaanana mantra for the five faced Siva, Sadyojaata, Aghora, Vaamana, Easaana and Tatpurusha. With the same epithets and sectarian Vaishanava tradition Lord Narasimha is addressed with these five epithets. But in actual sectarian worship these mantras are never focused as Panchabrahma mantras and the devotees are not guided in that direction for spiritual advancement, but focused on mostly for short term gains and benefits.

Many of you would have had a cursory glance of my lengthy discourse on Hanuman. If you closely study I have projected Hanuman as a composite deity to all traditions for worship like Aiyappan of Kerala even from Puraanic point of view. Hanuman is said to be an incarnation of Siva born to Punjikasthala whom by a curse was born as a monkey. By another story he was a brother of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna. He is also Vayuputra as you know from Valmeeki Raamayana. His Guru was Soorya by Choice. Both Vaayu and Soorya are aggregates of Supreme Principle Brahman talked often in Rigveda and so he is Prabrahman himself as Jayadeva thinks about Lord Krishna. Hence Trayambaka mantra was appropriate for the occasion and most appealing to the multi-traditional crowd chanting Hanuman chaleesa. Only thing lacking was the understanding that there focus was on Brahman through Hanuman and this awareness to the crowd who were blindly chanting motivated by Bhakti. Here blending of Jnaana with Bhakti is needed to make the participation effective. Drawing a lesson from such a situation I often wonder why we cannot draw the attention of such a cosmopolitan crowd in which there were also some from western culture and inter-racial descendants as to our concept of Universal Oneness, One God and Spiritual goal. I also wonder why we cannot employ Purushsooktam for Ganesha Abhishekam, Rudram for Venkateswara Abhishekam and Sreesuktam for Paarvati Abhishekam though we go round about explaining we are not idolatrous, we direct all our worship to one God and yet show our sectarian approach in all worships? As Hindu Americans it is necessary to bring such concepts in all our worship and guided by the wisdom of Vedas.

I was impressed by the spiritual approach of a Trinidad Hindu Temple of Siva in Sacramento which attracted mostly Western crowd whereas in the traditional Ganesha Temple there were hardly any. (March 2012)

26. WHY DID CHAMAKAM END IN ODD NUMBER 33 AND EVEN NUMBER 48 ABRUPTLY?

May I draw your kind attention to two of my previous discourses: "What do odd and even numbers in Chamakam signify?" and "Visualizing Divinity in numbers". To the readers Vedas and Upanishads it is obvious our Sages had amazing knowledge of numbers and sound knowledge of Mathematics. Dr. Albert Einstein said: "we owe a lot to Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made". Though I could somewhat speculate with these odd and even numbers I was not able to explain in my previous discourse why these numbers abruptly ended in 33 in odd series and 48 in even series and why even series should start with four and that too in the multiples of four. I was motivated by an e-mail from Kumar Srivatsa of SIWS class of 1975 @yahoo group.com forwarded by one of my religious and spiritual guides in my mailing list. The topic was: Investigations and formulation of my theories-- Ancient India and Vedic Truths of Hindu Sanatana Dharma". The author was very innovative and authoritative. I concentrated on his arithmetic input with no proper spiritual explanation of Chamakam which might be still under his study. With my limited knowledge of understanding his arithmetical approach bringing forth orderliness and equally limited spiritual knowledge of the subject I pondered over the subject and came to a some-what logical conclusion as seen in my discourse.

On the dark but clear moonless night if we gaze at the wide expanse of the sky we see billions of star-clusters from millions of galaxies with their inscrutable silence. We live on a small-sized planet called earth which is almost comparable to a dot on the whole universe, which is again a planet of a medium sized star (Sun). We have limited knowledge of even the Milky-way among all galaxies about which we talk about often. We look at the Arundhati star during wedding ceremony and on Aridra Darsanam night with reverence. We look at Sun with reverence every-day in our daily prayers. Our knowledge is mostly confined to Mother Earth and rest remains on speculation or mystery. Knowing the limitations of the human beings and the short span of life on this earth, it is logical to assume Good Lord stopped at the odd number of 33 and even number of 48, without taxing us by extending it to infinity. Even in this short range we do not know his original intentions. Hence I have speculated on these limited numbers like many others.

Please enjoy my highly speculative explanation with my limited knowledge of mathematics and even less my spiritual knowledge the discourse; "Why did Chamakam end in odd number 33 and even number 48?" Who can expound Brahman except a liberal soul or Jeevanmukta? Till we find one I am safe!

(May 2013)

27. GAAYATREE MANTRAS FOR MEDITATION ON CHOSEN DEITIES

When we talk about Gaayatree Mantra our thoughts go to the lone Mantra glorified at many places in Vedas. This Mantra was composed by sage Viswamitra eulogizing Brahman (Savitar being his Vyaahriti or attribute) in the most popular Gaayatree meter (prosody or Cchandas) of 24 letters used in Vedas. This Mantra is employed in daily prayer of Sandhyaavandana and Praanaayaama, breath control in Yogasaastra meditation by all Hindus. There are a number of Gayatrees found in Mahaanaaraayana Upanishad and Worship guides. A Gaayatree mantra should have a Rishi as its author, a meter for its poetic composition and a deity through the medium of which to concentrate upon Supreme Principle.

Over a period Hindus have developed fresh belief regarding the divine incarnation of God even though they claim to be not a religion based on beliefs. All human beings evolve by leading a highly righteous and pious life. They get enlightened and become noble souls and finally release the people from worldly bondage (samsaara). They transform the society for a new world order. 19^th and 20^th century India saw several human beings declaring themselves to be either avatars or representatives of the Supreme Being or their devotees superimposing avatars on their preceptor or Guru: The main ones among them are: 1. Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950), TamilNadu; 2) Aurobindo Ghosh (1872-1950), Bengal; 3) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, West Bengal; 4) Krishnaprem Vairagi (Ronald Nixon Chltenham) (1898-1965) UK; 5. Satya Saibaba, Andhra Pradesh; 6) Ananadamayi Ma (1896-1983), West Bengal; 7. Ma Jnanananda 8) Osho Rajneesh (claimed himself to be incarnation of Buddha).

This concept started with Andal of Tamil Nadu; Swami Narayan of Gujarat; Sankara of Kaladi, Ramanuja of Tamil Nadu, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of Bengal, Madhva of Udupi, Raghavendra of Karnataka; Basaveswara of Karnataka; Ramakrishna Paramahamsa of Bengal, Saibaba of Shirdi and others to whom temples have been built and worship is being done employing established modes of Hindu ritualistic worship. Who knows where this list will end to complete the pantheon of Hindu Gods and Goddesses? In South Indian Temples you see images of row of saints 63 Naayanmars in Siva Temples and 12 Azhwars in Vaishnava Temples being consecrated and worshiped.

In some of these modern temples built for holy-men or saints it is a fashion to employ an improvised Gayatree Mantra whenever aagama type of worship is employed though not acceptable to orthodoxy. A religious worshiper is not happy if he does not meditate upon his chosen deity by a Gayatree Mantra, in the absence of which, Beejaaksharee mantra like Panchaksharee or Dhyaana sloka of the deity. With the growing number of deities added each time to Hindu pantheon of Gods numerous Gayatree mantras are springing up, modern priests acting as their Rishis though not found in Puraanas or Upanishads. I believe there is one for Shirdi Saibaba and soon there may be one for Satya Saibaba too as soon as a temple is built and an Aagama priest is ready conduct worship! The sanctity of Aagama saaastra as practiced and claimed by authorities is anybody's guess as there is no authority to question the same. Soon American Hindus may coin one with the help of their imported priests for Buddha, Mahaveer Jain and Swami Narayan as their images are consecrated in Hindu Temples.

Please find a detailed discourse on "Gayatree Mantras for Meditation on Chosen Deities" posted on the Blog; Hindu Reflections. I have been orthodox in my approach to confine to the Gaayatrees found in Mantrapushpas and Mahaa Narayana Upanishad published by Ramakrishna Math, Kolkata, restricting to those used by our Aaagama priests in USA.

(May 2011)

*28. ONE CLICK TO YOUR CHOSEN DEITY—EASY WAY TO HEAVEN

Rigveda, the Lodestar of all temporal, cultural, secular, religious, spiritual and scientific literature came out with the Revelation "Tadekam" that ONE and Universal ONENESS. Little later it revealed again that ONE is "Swaraproktah" meaning that ONE can be comprehended as OM. The sage of Purushasookta went to describe Tadekam further and after explaining one fourth said the rest three fourths is beyond our capacity to comprehend. Of course we did not have then latest generation computer: Supreme Lord was yet to reveal it--the next generation of His human computer ! The sage of Chamakam started explaining this knowledge in odd and even series and came up with the concluding figure of 33 in odd series of 1 and 48 in the even series of 4. That should have taken his life-time?

Our Iconography experts tried their skill exploring Vedas and Puraanas and brought out the Linga concept where only one third of the sphere of Linga with circular cross section can be seen and is available for worship and the rest is submerged in mystery. Vaishnavas stopped at the icon of Trivikrama's feet that covered whole earth and space with Paadapooja and said beyond this Vishnu can't be comprehended ; Saranaagati (Charan Spars) is enough for Salvation Ramanuja said. Devi worshipers stopped at a concentrated dot (Taantric worship) of a circle and said that this kinetic energy in the most concentrated dot ((bindu)and as it explodes and expands it is all Plenum, nothing but Plenum (Poornamadah poornamidam) and the same energy becoming potential energy for our benefit. Sankara then came out with his Advaita philosophy that "Self" within everybody is none other than Brahman--Ayam Aaatma Brahma.

Our computer experts focusing on Puraanas (Mythology may be a wrong word!) have tried to collect as much as possible Mantras and Slokas to cater to all traditions of religious practices in the language they prefer which is as vast as the sky and bewildering, and to make it available for us by audio too at one click. Yet they could cover few Gods only from the pantheon of 33 crores. They have not forgotten to add to the list the latest additions of saints elevated to Gods like Shirdi Saibaba, Sri Raghavendra with Pranava Om, beyond 33 crores. Even though Azhwars are worshiped in Srivaishnava Temples the epithet Om is not used on saints, which is exclusive to Brahman. Have they opened the Pandora's box or made pooja easy or salvation easy? I have attached the same provided by courtesy of one of our active participants. I am sure my ardent religious worshipers from various traditions would like them as handy and convenient to click and download the audio to serve as invisible Guru. I learnt at school from my professor "when you cannot convince confuse". Though confused mostly I am convinced by the wise advice of Lord Siva, that one need not chant the endless names of Vishnu or repeat several mantras and slokas and get lost but just chanting the name of Rama thrice (Sri Rama Rama Rameti) is enough to get salvation. Ramanuja said one time meditation on Narayana is enough. Saivites said Namsivaaya is more than adequate. Some wise Puraanik (mythology story-teller) said the word Rama contains both Narayana and Siva as beejaaksharas of Ra and Ma. Enjoy "Hindu Pooja Made Simple" at the click and in the voice language of your choice! I believe you all know how to get at it? I started worship with Patram, pushpam, phalam, toyam as Lord Krishna said in Bhagavadgeetaa but when he said bhaktya I was wondering what it could be? Now I know how complex it is to satisfy 33 crores of Gods with slokas and mantras which started growing in Kaliyuga by adding Saints like Saibaba, Swami Narayan, Raghavendra etc., with more to arrive soon looking at the male and female Swamijis visiting USA to grace the Temple-complexes with? Already there are Sahasranamas for Saibaba and Gayateree too!

I however take the simple course and end my meditation with the following. I am sure you understand their meaning as I have explained the same many times. If you need please let me know?

"Omantascharati bhootesu guhaayam viswamoortishu | tvam yajnastvam vishnustvam vashartkaarastva(ga)m rudrastvam brahmaa tvam prajaapatih || Om tad Brahma | Om tad Vaayuh | Om tadaatmaa | Om tat Satyam |Om tat sarvam | Om tat purornamah|| Viswaani deva savitar duritaani paraasuva | yad bhadram tanma aasuva ||

Vidhartaara(ga)m havaamahe vasoeh kuvidvaanaati nah | savitaaram nrichakshasam ||

Please click on the link given below and get the info "Hindu Pooja "in 9 Indian languages. It is a treasure house web site: http://yousigma.com/poojaslokas.html

*29. NO TIME TO GO THROUGH SPIRITUAL DISCOURSES

These are busymonths (graduation, academic year ending, tax filling etc., etc.) and many are on their holiday planning too. I am often amused when some of my readers say that they did not have time to go through my detailed discourse on the Blog but had just glanced through my e-mail. Some have never visited the Blog too as I infer. If you had a chance to go h through you may wonder how much of my private hours I have invested in thinking and typing with single touch? Some perhaps have even had no time to go through the e-mail as they come back with a question about which I had already sent a detailed e-mail. I am happy that nobody wants to opt out of my e-mail and are hoping to find some time for spiritual thoughts. To them I have two interesting links sent by courtesy by one of my participants who is also Hare Krishna follower. It is not my intention here to get you interested in any of these sectarian (cult may not be the right word) approaches of Bhaktimarga as I myself do not get involved in them. Each one has to plan on his own what is good for him and I do not recommend anything specific. Please find the link below:

""At times we say we do not have time to pray right? Check these links out.

http://www.dandavats.com/?p=4472

http://backtogodhead.in/battlefield-bhajans-by-santipura-natha-dasa/"

*30. PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE—LIVE YOUR LIFE BEFORE IT BECOMES LIFELESS

The following story may interest you to slow down to relax when you feel you are too busy in your pursuits; Life is not a "Tempest"; you can make it "As You Like It". Relax with your family and friends but not drinking as suggested. May be diverting your thoughts to serve the society!

A boat is docked in a tiny Mexican fishing village.

A tourist complimented the local fishermen on the quality of their fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
"Not very long." they answered in unison.

"Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?"
The fishermen explained that their small catches were sufficient to meet their needs and those of their families.

"But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"We sleep late, fish a little, play with our children, and take siestas with our wives. In the evenings, we go into the village to see our friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. We have a full life."

The tourist interrupted,
"I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."

"And after that?"
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City , Los Angeles , or even New York City ! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."

"How long would that take?"
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years." replied the tourist.

"And after that?"
"Afterwards? Well my friend, that's when it gets really interesting," answered the tourist laughing.

"When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the fishermen. -"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children,
catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."

"With all due respect sir, but that's exactly what we are doing now. So what's the point wasting twenty-five years?" asked the Mexicans.

And the moral of this story is:
Know where you're going in life, you may already be there! Many times in life, money is not everything.

“Live your life before life becomes lifeless”

31. SANDHYAAVANDANA AND SHOEDASA UPACHAARAPOOJAA MANTRAS--DAILY PRAYERS AND WORSHIPS BY HINDUS

Vedas say: "Jaayamaanoe vai braahmanah tribhir rinavaa jaayatay | brahmacharyena rishibhya| yajnena devebhyah| prjaayaa pitrubhyah |" The three debts every individual owes are; 1) debt to the divine; 2) debt to the sages or gurus and 3) debt to the ancestors. These mandates of Vedas are followed directly or indirectly one way or other by all humans with the exception of atheists. Atheists too believe in Father's day , Mother's day etc. Hindu Sastras have gone deep into this subject and there are well defined codes of practice as per saastric injunctions. Here Brahmana should be understood as the one who is engaged in Brahmoepaasana or the worship and meditation of the Supreme.

"Sandhyaaheenah suchir nityam anarhah sarvakarmasu"-- no religious task undertaken will serve its purpose without Sandhyaavandana (worship-meet)--daily prayers to focus your thoughts on the Divine is a saastric injunction in Hinduism. Further "Kesavaarchaa griheyasya na tishthati maheepate | tasyaannam naivabhoktavyam apakshyena samam hitat" -- No food is to be consumed in the house where prayers are not offered to the Supreme, thereby stressing the importance of daily worship of the Lord. "Dhanyam yasayam aayushyam swargyam satruvinaasanam | kula santaarakam cheti sraaddhamaahur maneeshinah" is a quote from Mahabharatha, Aanusaanika Parva: The oblations offered to the ancestors on anniversary days will bring wealth, fame, longevity, salvation etc., benefits and also destroys enemies and brings prosperity to the family. The spiritual approach also brings sweet memories of the past. I have dealt on these subjects in my lectures on Mahanaarayana Upanishad briefly while dealing with several Vedic Mantras contained therein and also while discussing various Hindu Samskaaraas.

The Upanayana sacrament has somehow survived among the dvijas (twice born) and that too among Brahmins claimed by birth even now. Unfortunately, neither an awareness of its significance nor a reverent faith in its performance is seen among many of them. This is because: elders too lack a basic knowledge about it, nor do they seem to entertain much love for it. Hence they are not competent enough to enlighten their inquiring children about it. Even among the priests, whose duty is to keep alive these religious traditions in the society, a basic knowledge about them as also austerity in personal life are fast disappearing and so they too are not delivering the goods. So is the case with many rituals. Many are followed as a matter of routine or out of fear or with casual outlook without understanding.

Due to various reasons—both external and internal--emotional integration seems to be fading away in the Hindu society more so with Hindu Americans. We should learn to ignore the difference among us due to caste, education, wealth, family pride and profession, and to learn to get integrated emotionally. An awareness of our spiritual heritage can help us greatly in this regard. Let it be remembered that the repetition of Gaayatree mantra with understanding will gradually result in greater concentration and will-power. Equipped with such an invigorated mind one can achieve better success in lesser time.

I have therefore taken lot of time to bring out a series of documents both on the subject of Sandhyaavandana (daily prayers) and daily worship of the Lord taking into consideration all the present day religious practices with a spiritual focus in way that it could be understood and suitably adopted by all Hindus. If you understand the deeper meanings of the various Vedic mantras contained in these rituals instead of mechanically following the guided priests it will be clear that they are intended for Brahmopasakas or those who seek Brahman and not aimed at particular community by birth. They are intended for your spiritual uplift. These documents will be released next month and will be posted on the Blog of Hindu Reflections. Please therefore give some time to go through them and adopt them suitably to meet your spiritual needs and obligations. Your comments and suggestions are welcome on these discourses.

(July 2013; August 2013)

32. SANDHYAAVANDANA (DAILY WORSHIP-MEETS)

Sandhyaa means meeting and Vandanam means worship. This is the meeting of the mind with the Sun. Sandhyaa Vandanams are morning, mid-day and evening prayers to be performed by the twice-born (Dwija) every day. In the evening we do not see the Sun and so the prayer is offered to the visible brightest element of Light (Agni and Varuna). Both Sun and Fire are brightest visible Light on sky and Earth but both of them draw their energy from the Invisible Light of all lights, Brahman. This worship-meet consists mainly aachamana (sipping of water for internal purification), Praanaayaama (breath control with meditation), maarjana (sprinkling oneself with water for self-purification), offering of simplest water oblation (life's source) to the Sun (arghya), Gaayatree Japa (meditation on Lord Savitar or Supreme Principle), and Upasthaana (reciting of mantras directed to the worship of the Sun in the morning and worship of Agni in the evening). Similar prayer offered in the midday to Sun is called Maadhyaahneeka. Sandhyaavandana has many benefits for lengthening life span, disease control, revitalizing nerve centers of human body and promoting peace of mind as confirmed by scientific studies. Looking at Sun with hand aperture will give clear eye-sight throughout one's life without any disease. When a body is touched with a particular finger with cold water it gives fresh energy. When you touch navel and crest of head with all ten fingers it imparts benefit to various nervous system and through it to the body and mind. Health benefits of Praanaayama are well established by Yogasaastra based on scientific studies. We are all aware of how human magnetism and the working of naadi chakras (nerve centers) function.

Various mantras employed during these prayers are found in Vedas, mainly in Taittareeya and Mahaa Naaraayana Upanishads. These mantras essentially focus on repentance for the past sins, self-purification externally as well as internally, meditation and devotion directed to Supreme Being (Brahman) through the medium of Sun God and Fire God who are the Aggregates (vyaahritis) of Brahman. Those who do not perform Sandhyaavandanam can regularly chant the Vedic mantras contained therein for atonement, regulating breath with Gaayatree mantra and Upaasana (Worship) with Upasthaana mantra. Some of these Mantras contained in Mahaa Naaraayana Upanishad for chanting can be found in the discourse: "Some Vedic Mantras used in Hindu Worships and Rituals on the Blog (February 2012) with meaning and explanations. Why only chant names of Vishnu and Vedic deities in Sandhyaavandana? See within for detailed expalanation.

Gayaatree can be derived in Sanskrit as follows: "Gaayantam traayate yasmaat Gaayatree iti abhideeyate"--whosoever sings Gaayatree is protected. Sings is not used here in the sense of singing. It means intoning or chanting the mantra with affection and devotion. 'Gaayatreem Chandasaam maataa"-- Gaayatree is the mother of all Vedic Mantras. This Mantra is called 'Trpadaa Gaayatree". It is three feet of eight syllable mantras.Thus Gaayatree is the essence of the three foot-hold Rigveda, Saamaveda and Yajurveda. Atharvaveda has its own Gaayatree.

We sin with our mind, speech and body. These sins must be washed away by performing rites with the same mind, speech and body. In Sandhyaavandana we mutter the mantras with our mouth and even as we respect the Gaayatree, we meditate on it with mind and in such rites as maarjana (sprinkling of water) we acquire purity of the body and mind. Sandhyaa-vandana is Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga and Jnaanayoga combined. It unites the paths of Karma, devotion and Knowledge. Mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited, that is what is meant by the word prachoedayaat in Gaayatree mantra. Let us all pray to the Lord that He will have mercy upon us so that the glow of the mantras is never extinguished in us and that it will keep burning brighter and brighter.

Please visit the blog-site Hindu Reflections: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for the three discourses: Praatah Sandhyaavandana--Morning Prayer; Madhyaahneekam--Mid-day Prayer and Saayam Sandhyaavandanam--Evening Prayer.

(July 2013)

Comments:

This is a very useful encyclopedia for all who want to follow our tenets. You have rendered yeomen service. Thank you very much.

--BRG Iyengar from Bengaluru

*33. LET US TURN INWARDS AND INQUIRE INTO OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES

While this Nation celebrated freedom and independence as the greatest nation on earth this month, as a Hindu American, the foremost thought that came to my mind was to remember and be thankful for the men and women who were led by the Supreme Principle to leave their home country that were denied freedom of worship, and come to this land to establish a new country to be able to worship God freely. This move was divine inspired and the settlers were bent on hard work for the growth of the society. Hence it became a successful story,

unlike Latin American migrants who were greed oriented. The early settlers in turn reformed themselves progressively, extended that freedom to all other latter migrants irrespective of their race and provided opportunity for others to continue with their culture. Their sincere prayers had not gone in vain for He has so richly blessed this country since its birth over 200 years as the richest intellectual broad minded Nation, giving everyone time and will to turn inwards and also help others to meet the ultimate goal in life having amply rewarded with material prosperity. Hindu Americans with their great spiritual background have a lot to contribute as the Nation is looking for spiritual enlightenment with its more charitable bent of mind compared to other nations. As the proverb goes charity begins at home!

While I was in Bangkok visiting a Buddhist temple, a Buddhist Monk kindled my inner thoughts with his thrilling story about the Golden Buddha I was meditating upon. I recently came across the same story written by an American Christian believer. More than forty years ago this Golden Buddha was discovered here in Bangkok. For years a huge, unattractive concrete Buddha sat in the down-town. Visitors, instead of paying reverence threw empty soda cans and other trash on it. Then one day pained by the disrespect and shabby treatment meted out to the unattractive concrete statue a priest decided to take the old statue to his temple of worship for which nobody had any objection as it was causing only traffic hazard. In the moving process it cracked. As the pieces crumbled the priest noticed something glittering underneath the concrete shell. He gathered some help from devotees and cleared all the shell away. They were astonished to find 8 feet high golden Buddha, the world's largest Buddha sculpted beautifully out of solid gold . No one knew how long this most precious sculpture was there in that concrete shell; it was left to the devoted priest to discover it.

A materialist would have dismissed this discovery as a safety act to guard the precious material from the greedy robbers on the road. But the devoted priest explained the intention of the noble sculptor and philanthropist was to bring forth the philosophy of Buddhism in his work of art. The outside concrete shell grown ugly over a period represented the perishable gross body while the inside contained the precious noble sculpted metal representing the subtle body and the Self (Aaatman). The sculptor had left this for others to discover and grasp the message contained therein.

Every one of us is like the moral contained in that statue. It is the inward focus that brought enlightenment to Siddharta to enlighten the world in turn as Buddha. Our real treasure is hidden inside, if only we stop and able to take inventory of it. It is therefore necessary for us to turn inwards and discover the invaluable Self within us and relieve ourselves from the cloud of illusion (Maaya). This is the message of all Upanishads. Let us not focus outward and start comparing with each other for that is all temporary and perishable as the concrete shell however strong it might have been thought at the time of covering the precious inside. This turning inwards calls for meditation guided by the spiritual wisdom of Vedas. Let us spare some time from our busy life to spend some time turning inwards and meditating on the Supreme Principle and also guiding others.

Krinvantoe Viswamaaryam--Let us ennoble the whole world. This Upanishadic philosophy is contained in every religion which of course has not been given serious thought including Hindus. This calls for turning inwards. Bible says: "Let us just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pride fully comparing ourselves with each other" The Spirituality is the relentless pursuit of Truth. It is the human nature. Always remain conscious of pursuing this human endeavor. Divinity is the nature of all souls. The manifestation of Divinity is the Culture. Pass it on to the next generation. This is the message of Vedanta.

34. PRAANAAYAAMA, GAAYATREE JAPA AND GAAYATRE--SIRAS MANTRAS

The Gayatree mantra for Japa (meditation) in antique is short unlike Praanaayaama mantra and reads as follows: "Om bhoorbhuvassuvah tat-saviturvarenyam bhargoe devasya dheemahi dhiyoe yoenah prachoedayaat” and forms part of the full Praanaayaama mantra. The syllable Om added at the Gaayatree head represents Parabrahman in the three aspects of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva responsible for the creation (A), protection (U) and dissolution (M) of the universe.

The customary Praanaayaama mantra runs as follows: Om Bhooh| Om Bhuvah | O(ga)m Suvah | Om Janah| Om Tapah | O(ga)m Satyam (1) | (Om) Tatsavitur-varenyam Bhargoe devasya dheemahi dheeyoe-yoenah prachoedayaat(2) | Om aapoe jyoteerasah amritam brahma bhoorbhuvassuvar Om|| (3) . The first part (1) says the seven worlds are having Brahman as inner-self. The second part (2) in italics is the famous Gayatree Mantra of 24 syllables. The third portion (3) in bold italics is called Gayatree-siras or Gayatree-head. During Praanaayaama the Pranava with seven Vyaahritis (as worlds) measure the inhaling (Preraka). Gaayaatree Mantra headed by Pranava limits the period of retention (Kumbhaka) and Gaayatree-siras given above with pranava spans the breathing out (Rechaka). The Praanaayaama which is performed during twilight devotions differs from the one advocated by Pataanjali for the practice of Yoga. In the former the retention period alone is measured by the formula given here. In the latter case breathing in, holding the breath within and breathing out are appropriately measured.

Mahaanaaraayana Upanishad prescribes two other short forms of Praanayaama mantras for meditation. These are A) Om bhoor-bhuvah-suvar-mahar-janas-tapah-satyam tad brahma tadaapa aapoe jyoetee rasoe amritam brahma bhoor-bhuvas-suvar-om. B) Om tad Brahma|Om tad Vaayuh| Om tad Aatmaa| Om tat Satyam| Om tat Sarvam | Om tat Puroernamah || The first one A differs from the Gaayatreesiras B only by the prefixing of the Pranava and Vyaahritis and by substituting savitar for tad Brahma.

Gaayatree Mantra is the most powerful hymn in the world. Dr. Howard Steingeril, an American scientist, collected Mantras, Hymns and invocations from all over the world and tested their strength in his Physiology Laboratory. Hindus' Gaayatree Mantra produced 110,000 sound waves/second. This was the highest and was found to be the most powerful hymn in the world. Through the combination of sound or sound waves of a particular frequency, this Mantra is claimed to be capable of developing specific spiritual potentialities. The Hamburg University initiated research into the efficacy of the Gaayatre Mantra both on the mental and physical plane of CREATION. The GAYATRI MANTRA is broadcasted daily for 15 minutes from 7 P.M. on-wards over Radio Paramaribo, Surinam, South America for the past two years, and in Amsterdam, Holland for the last six months as follows: "Om Bhoor Bhuvah Suvah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Pra-chodayaat!" Its meaning: God is dear to me like my own breath. He dispels my pains, and gives happiness. I meditate on the supremely adorable Light of the Divine Creator, that it may inspire my thought and understanding."

Gayatree Mantra is used by Dwijas who have undergone Upanayana Samskaara. Praanaayaama is used by all Hindus during worship and rituals as well as Yoga practice for breath control and meditation.

The detailed discourse is attached for your convenience of downloading for personal use. It is also published in Hindu Reflections.

(DECEMBER 2013)

*35. KRISHNA MANTRA

What is a Mantra? "* is its derivation in Sanskrit meaning that which purifies you by meditation or protects those who remember it always. In our prayers we speak to God asking for fulfillment of a desire. In meditation we get a feeling He is talking to us in our trance. We leave the choice to Him to grant us what is good for us (yad bhadram tanma aasuva) in meditation. A mantra again has a sage, a meter (Chandas) and a deity to focus upon. Based on Kalisantaranoepanishat Harekrishna--Krishna Consciousness Movement has adapted Krishna Mantra for their meditation. In a way followers of Jagannartha of Puri have also adopted Krishna Mantra for their meditation. Krishna is spiritually addressed as Mukunda."Muku" means liberation; "da" indicates one who gives. So Mukunda is the lord who grants to us, liberation from all sorrow, agitation, fear and agitation, who the people in Orissa call popularly as Jagannatha. Vedas hail Him as Krishna meaning one who delights the world as already explained in my previous e-mail. A four syllable meter Hare Krishna is in Ukta meter found in Atharvaveda. Hare Krishna people use popularly sixteen syllable mantra from Kalisantaranoepanishat; "Hare raama hare raama raama raama hare hare | Hare Krishna harekrishna krishna krishna hare hare || (Shoedasaaksharee Mantrah)

Tamils and Malayaalees are very familiar with Mukunda Maala, a garland of verses in praise of Sri Mukunda. a poem of divine love, in Sanskrit language, simple and sweet. I am not sure whether our devotees of Jagannatha know about this beautiful composition. It was a king in Kerala, who lived in the 8th century, namely Raja Kulasekara Azhvaar, a Vaishnava saint who composed this beautiful work. it is Kulasekhara who drew our attention to the Vedic term "Krishna" and called it a Mantra as revealed in the following hymn from Mukundamaala:

Satruc-chedaika-mantram sakalm-upanishad-vaakya-sampoojya-mantram |

Samsaaroettaara-mantram samupachita-tamah-sangha-niryaana mantram |

Sarvaisvaryaika mantram vyasana-bhujaga-sandashta-santraana-mantram |

Jihvae Srikrishna-mantram japa japa satatam janma saaphalya-mantram ||

[Oh tongue! Please chant again and again the mantra 'Sri Krishna' constantly for this mantra fulfills our very life. This mantra destroys all the enemies, it is adored by statements of all Upanishads; it takes us across the ocean of worldly existence; it is the mantra that destroys all the darkness (of confusion in our minds) accumulated over a long time; it gives us ruler-ship over everything and can protect us even when we might be bitten by the snake of some very bad addictions]

I hope our Jagannatha worshipers will add this sloka in their weekl

While you revel in your Krishanaashatami Celebrations with mouth-watering varieties of sweets and snacks as prasadams, while you enjoy the adventures of Lord Krishna try to elevate yourself spiritually with the mantra of Lord Krishna, wisely advised by a spiritual King. Follow the examples of the King of Orissa who starts the Rathaa Yatra by sweeping the floor himself first. King or beggar, learned or illiterate, you and I can approach God and make our life divine. It is loving and devoted heart that is needed. Do we have it is the search for this day!

36. MAHAAVAAKYAS REVERBERATE IN MANESSHAPANCHAKAM

Mahaavaakyas are the great sentences or wisdom thoughts of Jnana Yoga on which contemplation is done by spiritual seekers. Studying and contemplating on four of these great sentences from four Vedas Sankara established four monasteries Maths to spread his philosophy of Advaita. We often ask the question, "Who am I?" Contemplation on these Mahavaakyas has provided answer to this to great many souls like Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhva and others. Sankara during his visit to the holy city of Vaaranaasi standing before Lord Visweswara (universal Lord) confessed his three short comings and was also moved by an incidence of meeting a sweeper, an out-caste. Sankara at first was recoiled at the sight of a sweeper coming on his way to visit the temple after a holy dip in Ganges. This has drawn lot of criticism from atheists and critics of orthodoxy. This was a scene set up by the Lord to throw light on the question "Who am I'' to the entire world of blind faiths, beliefs and atheism. Lord Siva as the out-caste sweeper was the teacher and Sankaracharya was his disciple. Outcome of this incidence was the famous work of Sankaracharya called Maneesha Panchakam of 5 profound wisdom slokas of Vedanta that spear-headed his Advaita philosophy later. He categorically says it is not the caste or the social status or any other attributes of the person that determines the eligibility of a guru. Rather, it is the firm knowledge of the Self that determines the worthiness of the person which is focused in all Mahaavaakyas. Scholars say that the four verses explain the idea contained in the four famous Mahaavaakyas revealing the identity of Brahman, Supreme Principle and Jeeva, Self. Mahaavaakyas are short but their meaning is profound. Vedic scholars have spent their entire life explaining and commenting on these Mahaavaakyas. Sankara first commented on Vishnusahasranama and then ten Upanishads in his short life and left his voluminous wisdom thoughts as commentaries. He left his profound work of deep thoughts in Maneesha Panchakam capsules of five slokas for others to comment upon. Upanishads do not mention about Mahaavaakyas. It is Sankara who discovered them reflecting entire Advaita Vedanta while commenting on Ten Upanishads recognized as major. Other philosophers like Ramanuja and Madhva did not lag behind and gave their own interpretation of them bringing forth Visishtaadvaita Vedanta and Dvaita Vedanta.

Sankara offered obeisance to Lord Visweswara at the temple and prayed thus: “Oh Lord Viswanaatha! My first sin is that in spite of my knowing (and also teaching others) that God is beyond mind and speech, I have tried to describe you through the several hymns (stotras) composed by me. This betrays lack of conformity between my thoughts and my word. Next, having been convinced of the scriptural sayings that God pervades and permeates everything in the manifested universe, I have been preaching this truth to one and all. Nevertheless, I have come to Vaaranaasi to have your Darsan (viewing). This shows that my thoughts, words and deeds are at variance with one another. This is my second offence. Thirdly, I have a firm belief in the teaching of the scriptures that the one and the same Aatma (Self) is imminent in all beings and there is no difference between so-called Jeevatma (Individual Soul) and Paramaatma (Supreme Soul). While I have been proclaiming this Truth in all my discourses, I have now come here to stand before you as if we two are separate and different from each other. This is my third lapse. Hence I pray that I may be absolved of all these three sins, of which I am guilty". May be he could have changed his opinion after discussions with others like Ramanuja and Madhva had he been also born during their times? He was not averse to changes though a strong believer in Jnaanamaarga. He composed many hymns in later years which diverted thoughts on to Bhaktimaarga easy to focus and then move to Jnaanamarga as is popular today through his devotional songs, propagated by later philosophers. The problem is many do not find time for even Bhaktimarga in their life time. Sankara could become a Jeevanmukta (liberated soul) while living even during the short span of his amazing life! We may need several births to reach this stage. But a beginning needs to be made.

Please go through my discourse "Mahaavaakyas of Upanishads Reverberate in Maneesha Panchakam of Sankar” on the blog: <nrsrini.blogspot.com>

(September 2013)

37. INVOCATION AND CONCLUSION WORSHIP MANTRAS FROM UPANISHADS AND VEDAS

Upanishads, one mass of scriptures, are an integral part of Vedas that has inspired and sustained the Hindus over the millennial. Etymologically the word Upanishad suggests "sitting down near", that is at the feet of the teacher in an intimate session of spiritual instructions, as aspirants still do in India. The number of Upanishads in print today exceeds 200; Mundakopanishad gives a list of 108. Sankara, the earliest commentator has chosen only ten of them to expound and these are called Principal or Major Upanishads. They contour the quintessence of religion and philosophy of Vedas. An earnest study of the Upanishads without preconceived notions and prejudices is bound to inspire one to aspire for the life to merge with the Supreme Principle to realize Aham Aaatma Brahma, I am Brahman that is Self in me. That calls for proper understanding between the teacher and the taught which in turn calls for peaceful composure and understanding.

All Upanishads start with a peace invocation, a prayer to the cosmic power to ward off all obstacles on the path of study and this prayer is chanted together by the teacher and the taught. The invocation is rounded up with a thrice repeated Call for Peace (Shanti). This is to avert all obstacles. All obstacles can be classified under three heads with reference to the source from which they arise. Thus the sources of obstacles can be: a) Unseen B) seen and unknown; and c) subjective, within us in our own mind. It is a prayer of devotion to the recognized gods of the Vedic period, who are the representations of the Divine Cosmic Power. They are all as the Vedas declare different names and expressions of the entire Phenomena of Nature (Eko vipraah bahudaa vadanti--The ONE called by the learned by many names).

The discourse "Invocation and Conclusion Worship Mantras from Upanishads and Vedas" attached contains Peace Invocation Mantras from all the major Upanishads with their meanings and some popular Mantras from Vedas. These mantras are also often chanted during Shoedsa Upachaara Pooja (16-steps worship) of the Lord. The most popular ones are: "Sam noe mitrah sam varunah", "Bhadram karnebhih srinuyaama", "Poornamadah poornamidam" "Asatoe maa sad gamaya" and first mantras of four Vedas. These are offered as prayers as well as Mantrapushpas (flowers of Mantra) during worship. This discourse is also posted on the blog Hindu Reflections:<nrsrini.blogspot.com., for the spiritually inclined and religiously devoted.

Chanting of the Mantra "Sahanaa vavatu" during 16-step worship seems to be not appropriate. We mostly repeat mantras without understanding. Devotees do not conduct any Vedic studies but just repeat some mantras after the priest who conducts worship on behalf of devotees. He is neither Guru nor the devotees disciples engaged in any serious study. We respect Priest as a learned person following Hindu tradition. It is not like other Veda mantras repeated during prayer. The meaning contained within the text will make this obvious.

(April 2017)

38. REVELATION OF RAAMA AVATAR AS FULL MANIFESTATION

Today (Oxctober14, 2013) is Vijaya Dasmi the tenth of Dasara Celebration of the North, predominantly. Navaratri festival of dolls closed yesterday culminating in the worship of Saraswati for the last three days. Today is the day on which Rama completed his mission of his Avatar killing Ravana and redeeming Sita held in captivity with the help of his friends. It is the day that signifies victory over the evil and restoration of peace. It is therefore no wonder Rama Avatar is considered as Poorna Avatar. This is revealed for the first time In Ramayana itself by none other than Lord Brahma, the Creator. Read the narration in hisown words given in Ramayana as attached. The faithful also complete their Ramayan Path (holy reading) today culminating in Rama Pattaabhishekam (enthronement of Sri Rama). Rama, who was humble by nature never revealed himself as an avatar like Krishna who was dominating and adventurous and did it often with his Viswaroopa, Cosmic Form.

According to Naraayaneeyam, a condensed Bhaagavatam, Rama’s incarnation was to show men how “intense affection (Kaama) will lead to pangs of separation (as Rama suffered from his loss of Sita) and how extreme addiction to Dharma, the letter of the law, will push one to Adharma”. This is an echo of the Bhaagavata verse 5.19.5—6. Rama Bhaktas will not agree with this totally. Rama and Krishna were two major Incarnations, the former being glorified in Ramayana and the latter in Bhaagavata. Both have been equally important factors in the devotional life of India. Rama’s Incarnation depicts a model of manhood and human conduct which people are asked to follow, whereas Krishna is a Divine manifestation whose words are to be followed but not deeds. In some Vaishnava sects, Rama is therefore described as Maryaada-Purushoettama (Divinity who has restricted Himself by laws) and Krishna as Pushti Purushoettama (Divinity that bestows grace in ways that are not bound by laws and social norms).

If Rama and Krishna are both full avatars why not Rama considered out of avatar list and elevated to Jagadisa (Sat--Chit--Aanada) by Ramabhaktas as Jayadeva thought about Krishna, by way of Dasavatara stotraas or songs or Bhajans? Incarnation of Rama is as popular as Krishna in Hindu worship. Of course Rama was no match to Krishna as a diplomat and politician! Rama followed scriptures true to their letters. Krishna interpreted scriptures to his convenience. Narasimha, Vaamana and Varaaha avatars follow these two avatars in popular worship though they are not all that popular as Rama or Krishna.

The dominating importance of Krishna is so great that there are sects of Vaishnavism which hold that the Bhaagavata depicts Krishna as the deity and Mahaavishnu as an emanation of his. This idea rather difficult to substantiate is maintained on the strength of the Bhaagavata verse: “While all other manifestations mentioned before are only aspects of and parts of the Purusha, Krishna is Bhagavan Himself”. Though one may not agree with the above sectarian interpretation, it has to be granted that in Krishna all the Bhagas or divine qualities of the Bhagavan [Aiswarya (Lordliness, Veerya (Prowess), Yasas (Fame), Sri (Beauty–cum-auspiciousness), Jnaana (Wisdom) and Vairaagya (Renunciation) are fully represented and therefore he is unique among Incarnations. Krishna is mostly referred as Bhagavaan in Bhagavadgeetaa. Jayadeva belongs to this school of thought. May be Jayadeva got inspired by Brahma's speech above from Ramayana!

But, Sri Rama's dominating role as Vishnu cannot be better described than by the excellent panegyric address given by Brahma the creator himself in Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda Canto CXVII. In fact Rama is addressed as Krishna by Brahma for the first time as you could see from the narration attached. The word Krishna signifying Sat-Chit-Aaanada (Truth-Consciousness-Bliss) was revealed to us in Tretaayuga in Ramayana by Brahma and people waited eagerly for the descent of Krishna in Dwaapara Yuga. Therefore please remember in all these celebrations your focus should be on the Supreme Principle Brahman and not as the Prince of Ayodhya. You now know why the divine combination name Rama-Krishna is so popular with Hindus!

(October 2013)

39. RAMA-KRISHNA MANTRA EASY TO MEDITATE TO SEEK SALVATION

A mantra in Vedic concept has a Rishi or sage as its author, a meter called Chhandas for its sacred composition and a deity who is propitiated. For Rama-Krishna Shoedashaakra (16 syllablles) twin-mantra the Rishi is none other than Brahamaa, the Creator, Anushtup Chhandas is the meter, a popular meter of Rigveda and the deity is Rama who is also Krishna at the same time and both names representing the Truth-Consciousness and Bliss, or Sadchitaananda or Brahman as revealed in Kalisantarana Upanishad by Brahma to Sage Naarada. Being a Mantra from an Upanishad it is reasonable to assume that the names Raama and Krishna existed long before the descent of these two popular full avatars of Vishnu and as narrated in epics Ramayana and Bhaagavata. The discourse on the subject describes how these names are considered as Mantras like Om.

Raamaayan path, holy reading and listening (Pathanam and Sravanam) observed as an important mode of worship during Dussera Celebrations is a popular traditional ceremony all over India. If you have carefully observed Brahma for the first time revealed who Rama is in Ramayana Yuddha Kanda and the purpose of his avatar. You may go through my discourse on the blog: "Rama avatar is a full manifestation of Vishnu in Dasavataara". Rama never revealed himself as divine but lived amid his subjects as a noble king and human being, protector of Dharma and a devotee of Siva, Durga and Aaditya. It remained for Brahma to reveal his identity as Parabrahman or Supreme Principal. Brahma, also refers to him as Krishna meaning Sat-Chit--Aananda, Truth, Consciousness and Supreme Bliss. This was in Tretaayuga long before Krishna's descent. Krishna often declared he was Supreme Principal and revealed his cosmic form on many occasions.

The names of Vishnu as Rama and Krishna found In Vishnu Sahasranaama existed long before the avatars descended on earth as incarnations of Vishnu. Their reference in Vedas and epics and their deeper meaning are discussed in the attached discourse. The name Rama as well as Krishna signifies Brahman represented by the Pranava symbol Om. In Hindu tradition elders are always given respect and worshiped. Therefore Rama avatar and Balarama avatar comes before. This is very well depicted by Bharata worshiping the sandals of Rama for fourteen years and ruling the country in the name of two sandals eagerly waiting for Rama's return from the forest. The respect shown by Krishna to Balarama is no exaggeration. Rama's love for his brothers is unparalleled in the human history.

Opportunity is taken in this discourse to consider Rama and Krishna mantra together as Ramakrishna Mantra based on Kalisantaranopanishad, the guiding Upanishad for Jayadeva, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Gowdiya Math Missionary, Prabhupada and ISKCON movement. Traditionally and with logic Hindus name their kids often as Ramakrishna and not Krishnarama. The inspiring life of saint Ramakrishna Parmahamsa (ascetic of highest order) who is raised to the level of divinity and worshiped as a deity by some inspires every one of us and leads us towards the thought that all roads lead to the same Brahman, be it Ramakrishna or Krishnarama or mere He! Ram, the last words Mahatma Gandhi spoke before giving up his ghost, in our prayers earning for the liberation of soul. Bhaagavata describes how Ajameela just calling his son by his name Narayana accidentally before death got salvation in spite of his sin-loaded past. You may very well imagine what benefit the word Rama-Krishna will bring when used as a mantra for meditation!

(OCTOBER 2013)

40. GAYATREE MANTRA, THE MOST POWERFUL HYMN AMONG ALL RELIGIONS

I found the following information worth circulating and sharing your thoughts. I have spoken to you on the subject very deeply and elaborately. Christians say Church well water is always holy. A Hindi proverb says the water from the Conch is sacred (Jo sankh say girtaa hai ohee teerh hai). Western educated Hindus attach great importance to appreciations that come from the mouth of Western Scientists and Philosophers but not their criticisms even if it is genuine. I also circulated to you "The hymn that captivated the world,"Agnimeele purohitm". I did not get any response to these discourses of mine. I am sure this will take you back to those discourses to make a deeper study now that a Western Scientist has spoken. I am not sure whether I qualify as a Scientist or Philosopher though I am a little bit of both.

"Dr.Howard Steingeril, an American scientist collected Mantras (Hymns) and invocations from all over the world and tested their strength in his Physiology Laboratory…

Hindus' Gayatri Mantra produced 110,000 sound waves per second...This was the highest and was found to be the most powerful hymn in the world.

Through the combination of sound or sound waves of a particular frequency, this Mantra is claimed to be capable of developing specific spiritual potentialities. The Hamburg university initiated research into the efficacy of the Gaayatree Mantra both on the mental and physical plane of CREATION...

The GAAYATREE MANTRA is broadcasted daily for 15 minutes from 7 P.M. on-wards over Radio Paramaribo, Surinam, South America for the past two years, and in Amsterdam, Holland for the last six months.

Om Bhoor Bhuwah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Pra-chodayaat!

“God is dear to me like my own breath, He is the dispeller of my pains, and giver of happiness. I meditate on the supremely adorable Light of the Divine Creator, that it may inspire my thought and understanding."

Generally I try to find why such contradicting interpretations differing from well- known interpreters exist? I have given Hindu spiritual interpretations in the detailed text as well as in a discourse on MNU based on famous interpreters Sayana and Rangaramanuja. There are similar questions in our mind that comes on reading the translations of Western Vedic Scholars. Gaayatree Mantra because of its intimacy with Yoga has attracted very many Vedic scholars who have come up with their own interpretations like Purushasookta on Intelligent Creation. Here my focus is on the popularity of the Mantra rather than its meaning from Westerners. Probably due to its association with breathing exercise everyone tries his hands on it. We have to be appreciative of the interest created rather than critical about unconvincing explanations. They can't be wiser than Sayana or Ranga Ramanuja. Their focus is on scientific investigation. I wish the author had concentrated on the whole Praanaayama Mantra also!

What might have inspired Danish author is that of his finding the other meaning for the word BHARGA. The term Bharga is derived from the root brishaj in Sanskrit meaning to roast or to burn. It, therefore, implies not only radiant light but also the heat which destroys the root of ignorance and misery which bars one from the attainment of the Supreme. The author has interpreted this misery in the physical or material sense of relieving pain and giving happiness. Doctors know the effect of heat therapy in relieving pain. In Ayurveda Ushnam ushnena saamyati is a well-known approach in curing diseases. Therefore the author thinks the heat of the Sun more than the Light of the Sun. Ancient sages depended too much on plant life for herbal medicines and food. Therefore they meditated upon heat as well upon several aspects of nature as Vyaahritis of Brahman. Plant life depended on heat as well. I therefore thought to refrain from further confusing with more explanation on the meaning given by the Danish Broadcast Medium and kept quiet without commenting on it but only concentrated in saying that the research findings should not surprise Hindus because of the uniqueness of divine Sanskrit language used for chanting mantras which I have elaborated in the discourse.

(December 2013)

*41. LET US ELEVATE OUR THINKING!

In my recent e-mail I brought to your attention the reaction of a brilliant young man to my Bhajan discourse and his further reactions to my responsive replies. Unfortunately it went unnoticed by you all but for a lone response from a quick reader who always courteously acknowledges and responds. He was quick to understand the thoughts reflected therein and wanted me to take further steps for focusing thoughts on the subject and its implementation at appropriate levels. He is also a founding father of a temple and a philanthropist. I feel the reaction should come from reader's end and spontaneous to be effective to think about the future. Probably the time is not ripe enough or we do not find time in our busy life-styles. We can always find some time if there is a will and we want to! Earlier I had also brought to your attention reaction of a young boy, religiously disciplined and Sunday School regular attendee who expressed loudly to his parents watching the Abhishekam standing by their side with folded hands: "Dad! Why do they waste so much milk and curds on God and letting it to sewers? Why can't they send the same to starving children? His parents whisked him away telling him not to disturb worshipers? I watched the fun silently! I do not know how the doctor parents explained away the situation? Did they explain it at all, I do not know?

Why spirit of rebellion grips even children brought culturally and religiously. We always look forward for our life-style in them, particularly Hindu Americans drawn mostly from the higher strata in India. Those who are religious even here try to be godly parents and raise them in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord. In that process they go overboard. Significantly few who are not from that lot also want to join the main stream in raising their kids which is a healthy sign. Only good thing is these exceptional kids are constructive in their rebellion. We should not ignore their view and give it a thought. We have to think where are we going wrong?

Where does the problem lie? It is in us only. First we have to elevate our thinking. I learnt my most significant lessons when I was travelling during my busy official life and also when I was forced to by-heart poetry in English out of compulsion for my exams. The life of a village preacher in Deserted Village by Goldsmith impressed me. A good preacher is compared to a Mountain which has all troubled dark stormy clouds around its breast but its peak receives the Eternal Sunshine. Like the Mountain which lifts its awesome form and midway leaves the storm for eternal sunshine so does the preacher has his head elevated to wisdom of God. Do we have such preachers who are in communion with God? We have only opportunity and career oriented priests mostly. As I boarded the plane at one time the weather became dreadful. Rain was pouring down and nothing but dark grey clouds filled the sky. There was a safety demo, and shortly thereafter we began our ascent. I looked out of the window and noticed the sun beaming bright, the clouds were the purest white and the sky was radiant, crystal clear blue. It was during this moment I realized how important it is to rise above the ground level perspective to an aerial view. It was really amazing that when I was elevated my conditions changed.

While I was resting on the hospital bed after major heart surgery I began to think why I survived my surgery? After retirement I thought I had done enough. I had trained thousands of labor and showed them a living; I had trained hundreds of executives to take the industry to prosperity; I had helped few nations to industrially progress to prosperity like China, Russia and Latin America in my small capacity. I felt then I should not stop though I had wide appreciation from all quarters and s great personal satisfaction. The motivation was to elevate myself and the result is Hindu Reflections. I am glad it has influenced readers round the globe to rethink and spiritually elevate and guide their children too from the e-mails I receive periodically.

We have this same scope to elevate our thoughts, attitudes, and behavior daily. Our perception becomes our reality. We must ascend our thoughts, behaviors, values and expectations to experience a life of fulfillment. No matter what situation we are in, things begin to look different when we change our perspective. This is true even in our philanthropic dispositions to serve community better. If we are doing well we can do better. What has Vedanta to say about it this act of Elevating? I will concentrate on the subject some time later and share with you my thoughts.

42. Let us pass on our Memories and Riches with Wisdom to our Children

I often think why particularly selective groups of Hindus rush to worship with money for Dhanalakshmi Pooja and Kubera Pooja as a part of Deepavali Celebrations. I am reminded of the phrase "The rich wants to get richer easily". It is easier to make money if you start with money. So by motivation of the desire for quick wealth this worship is done with money to ask favor from these deities presiding over Wealth and Prosperity not knowing the spiritual meaning of wealth and prosperity and carry the blessed money as seed money to multiply. You should be familiar also with the phrase "Shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations" It is mostly the third generation among the traditional rich that rushes to the temple for quick multiplication of money in easy way hoping to please god with money. We also like to pass on more than what we received to our children and grandchildren and struggle in that process.

People with money tend to acquire expensive hobbies and lifestyles, which can be a huge drag on their finances. It is important to keep in mind that the first generation was motivated by need and desire for better life, while the third generation is born into a family enjoying a great lifestyle, so they are less motivated to create wealth by hard work. So, they gamble.

The above phrases teach us that all generations need to be connected to the family and its values. Family members must come together on a regular basis and be reminded of who they are, where they come from and how their contribution can benefit future generations. Better it would be to leave your auto-biography orfamily history behind. Unlock your DNA to reveal your genetic heritage. Using your DNA Geno 2.0 provides a remarkably comprehensive picture of your genetic ancestry going back to hundreds and even thousands of years. More than half a million people have participated in the Geographic Project since its launch in 2005, giving scientists an unprecedented look at the evolving story of human story. Please visit www.shopng.org/geographi for complete terms and conditions: #2001246 Geno 2.0.

No amount of prayer will help in these matters if the life style does not change particularly in the third generation. In whatever generation we are let us go to the Lord to worship with one leaf, one fruit, one flower or even little water with a devoted mind and leave the choice to him for he knows what is best for us and what we deserve. Let us turn part of earnings for acts of charity. He does not pay attention to the money you brought back after pooja or the gold jewelry but watching on your charitable act to adjust your balance sheet of Karma-phala. You all know the story of Kuchela. When he met his bosom friend Lord Krishna he refrained from asking him any favor which his wife had insisted him to ask. When he returned back empty handed happily remembering his close friendship with the Lord, he was astonished to find himself amidst immense wealth in a golden palace. He was wiser unlike his wife. Do not carry the coins after worship home as seed coins to make your coffer rich but put it in the donation box with additional contributions to swell to help the needy and your heart to enrich for He knows what you deserve by your acts and how to enrich your coffers! He knows then more you become rich more you will donate too; and so He makes you richer based on your act, disposition and not by your inspired momentary prayers!

Om viswani deva savitar duritaani paraasuva |yad bhadramm tanma aasuva || [Oh Resplendent Savitar, the cause of this universe, do destroy our sins; grant us that which is ultimately good. We do not know what is good for us].

(December 2013)

*43. HOLIDAY SEASON FOR SHARING GIFT OF INSPIRATION

What shall I share with you except the gift of inspiration I receive from Him during the Festival Season? Some of you might have watched NBC TODAY show with the hash tag "Inspired By". Who inspires you? , the show asked the audience. They made use of the show to encourage the social media as a means of allowing viewers to honor their own personal sources of inspiration. Am I joining them?

It is not uncommon to find ourselves rushing around trying to find a loved one or friend a very special gift--something fresh, amazing, grand, brand new; Some- times even something off the chain. Even so, we know that those gifts, by the next year, may be tucked away in the back of a drawer, lost forgotten. My suggestion is to ask our children and grandchildren to inspire someone else every day. No trip to the mall is required. Not even online ordering; Nothing strenuous or time consuming; Just share the free gift of information. May our children be inspired during holidays to cherish the memories of their grand-parents to collect the stories with a pen or pencil! May be we start writing our memories and cultural background to pass on our wisdom along with riches! It is refreshing to encounter someone and instantly recognize that they radiate enough light, passion and promote to brighten the people around if not the universe. May be your acts of charity during this festival season in caring and sharing inspire others too! This time, this holiday season, you can be that someone! Please join me to spread the Challenge. #Be the Inspiration. Let me start the process; here are few of my thoughts for the month. You will soon have an inspirational discourse on Christmas Tree and Lighting where cultures meet. Take some-time to go through while you enjoy your holiday and don't postpone to go through my instant inspirational discourse for the year end. Let this not join the gifts in the attic or my past discourses buried in the Blog! But I am happy my discourses are catching someone else's attention in some other part of the world if it had not caught the attention of locals!

When preparation meets with opportunity, destiny is born.

Look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion and up with gratitude.

Your character must be bright as well as clean, without a stain.

To understand something, you need knowledge; but to feel it, you need experience.

The way to success is to act but not to compete.

*44. POPE FRANCES’S PHENOMENON—RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY

Happy New Year to All of You! In what way can we make this a New Year for all? Here is the message for New Year gathered from Rome on the Circumcision day of Jesus Christ January 1, which could be celebrated as Spiritual New year all over the world and not necessarily Christian religion motivated:

"Spirituality and not secularism is the driving force of modern life; it is Frances’s spiritual intensity that sets him apart and that provides the best answer to the spiritual emptiness of our times. Any society built solely on market values and individual effort will steadily erode the bonds of solidarity, morality, and trust that flow from a commitment to the sacred and a belief in God. We should be both deeply rooted in an ancient religious tradition while also open to retrieving and transforming old symbols and beliefs. Pope Frances has caught the attention of Americans, and especially young Americans, who affirm modernity but are amenable to a more spiritual way of perceiving the world". I am sure this message is pleasing to all our children who have walked out of Vedic culture with their new-found emotional love wed-lock.

Please go through the detailed write up as presented in Huffington post below:

The Frances phenomenon and America’s yearning for values, Leadership and God

There is much vigorous discussion about what the election of Pope Francis will mean for the future of the Catholic Church. Speculation about such matters and all matters of Church doctrine and theology are best left to Catholic believers to address. But of interest to us all is the impact that the Pope has already had on our country, and what the response to him says about religion in American society.

This is a difficult time for America. Ours is a discouraged and disheartened country. Many of our citizens are experiencing what Martin Luther King called "the dark and desolate valleys of despair." Families are struggling and unemployment is high. America is uncertain about what course to take at home and abroad. And meanwhile, political leaders disappoint us at every turn. They are long on doublespeak, bombast, and the intricate art of self-preservation, but short on solutions and inspiration.

In the past, religion was an answer in times such as these; when life was hard, we found comfort and community in our churches and synagogues. But according to conventional wisdom, this time around Americans are looking in other places. Seemingly more secular, wary of dogmas and distrustful of institutions, 20% of Americans assert that they have no religious identity at all; these are the famous "nones." And among those ages 18 to 29, an astonishing 32% are "none".

America is a religious country. Never, since modern polling began, have Americans distanced themselves in such large numbers from formal religious identification. And commentators have seized upon this data to suggest that America is at a watershed. The preferences of the young, it is argued, foreshadow the coming collapse of organized religion as we have come to understand it. Tradition, religion and devotion are categories of the past; Americans are setting aside the great religious systems and hierarchies of our day and searching for answers elsewhere,

Enter Pope Francis, whose sky-high popularity upends all of these theories.

Not only does the Pope have an approval rating of almost 90% among American Catholics, but among all Americans, nearly 3 in 4 view him favorably. In the very early days of his papacy, the interest and excitement in his selection could be seen as a media-generated blip; but, 10 months later, there is clearly something more at work here. What could possibly account for the affection and regard in which this man -- the ultimate "establishment" religious figure, head of the largest religious bureaucracy in the world -- is held?

It is not, I suggest, primarily a matter of his political views. Those on the left have applauded what they see as a dramatic leftward turn in the Pope's statement; those on the right claim a change in political style rather than substance. While I like the political dimensions of his message, I don't exaggerate their significance. His political positions are not that different from what his predecessors have said, and in any case, Americans as a whole -- and Catholics too, I suspect -- do not see Francis primarily as a "political pope."

What they do see, I think, is the profound authenticity of his leadership. Hungry for role models and desperate for authority figures with credible values and a true moral center, Americans are drawn to Pope Francis because of their sense that he speaks from principle and actually lives the values that he teaches. And not only that; he also radiates compassion and humility, as well as respect for those in our human family with whom he differs. The result is that for Americans, he generates hope among the murk and morass of everyday life, keeping us facing, even in tough times, in the direction of humanity.

That the Pope has done this in such a brief time is a tribute to his leadership and his understanding of the human condition. That he has done so as the head of a massive religious bureaucracy that, until recently, was seen as scandal- and corruption-ridden, is nothing short of astonishing.

But there is more to it. Yes, Americans crave leadership, but there is no way to separate Pope Francis from the spiritual values that he embodies. The Pope is not just a leader; he is a religious leader who, precisely because of his religious vitality, has succeeded in touching human hearts. The Pope Francis phenomenon is a reminder, yet again, that spirituality and not secularity is the driving force of modern life; it is his spiritual intensity that sets him apart and that provides the best answer to the spiritual emptiness of our time.

It is simply impossible to understand the reactions of Americans to the Pope without recognizing the religious undercurrents that remain deeply embedded in American culture. Americans -- whatever their religious affiliation, or lack thereof -- sense his spiritual power. And that spiritual power is the key to comprehending his remarks on capitalism in Evangelii Gaudium: I read them not as a left-wing political platform, but as recognition that any society built solely on market values and individual effort will steadily erode the bonds of solidarity, morality, and trust that flow from a commitment to the sacred and a belief in God.

None of this should be taken to mean that we should embrace religious institutions and creeds as they are. Pope Francis, it seems to me, has caught the imagination of the American public by suggesting the opposite. I cannot say what his papacy will mean for the Catholic Church, but among the American people, he is seen as both deeply rooted in an ancient religious tradition while also open to retrieving and transforming old symbols and beliefs. And he has caught the attention of Americans, and especially young Americans, who affirm modernity but are amenable to a more spiritual way of perceiving the world.

Pope Francis is a man of incomparable gifts. All of us who do religious work in this country can learn from his example.

*45. POPE FRANCIS’S VIEWS ON MONEY AND PROSELYTIZTION PLEASES HINDUS

I believe some of you located in Tennessee might have gone through the write-up of a columnist titled "Words of Pope Francis are a breath of fresh air". To many Hindus who are worried about the Christian propaganda missionary and proselytization (conversion of Hindus to Christian faith) in India words of Pope Francis should be comforting coming from a World Authority on Christianity. Pope Francis has said: "Proselytization is solemn nonsense". By that he has attracted the admiration of many Hindus unlike his predecessors. Proselytization by Western Missionary often ends up with violence though it has a good side by way of providing food, clothes, medicine and free quality education. Many a poor from low caste illiterates convert because the caste system in India treats them badly. Besides the poor who are recipients of these benefits convert to Christianity out of gratitude. Before India's Independence such converts also enjoyed political benefits moving away from the machinations of higher castes. In spite of so much Governmental concession and privileges the scheduled castes enjoy today, these conversions are taking place among illiterates because of many social abuses in the Hindu Society or because low castes are allured by proselytization and the carrots before them. This does not happen between intellectual equals. Educated elites feel Proselytization among the poor and uneducated are due to exploitation and manipulation. At one time the educated among the scheduled castes could successfully divert them to Buddhism which is still an Eastern culture and akin to Hinduism unlike Christianity. There was no angst against this. Conversion to Sikhism is a routine affair. Buddhism does not offer those benefits as Western Christianity which has enormous financial resources. Very few are attracted to Islam now-a-days. Middle East's enormous riches have not helped in the process. They are therefore jealous and frustrated as their aggressive spread of religion has halted. They have been projecting more the negative side of Qu'ran. Hare Krishna Movement has a strong dampening effect against these conversions though they too employ often the technique of proselytization to attract everybody to their Theology within Hinduism.

Hitherto, Abrahamic faiths have always been insisting that theirs is the only true path of the divine and Hinduism is a pagan religion based on blind faiths and idol worship. Even though they started from the same source of beliefs as Jews and Muslims they now believe they are most refined and have successfully eliminated all pagan practices from their religion while Hinduism is still progressing more towards them. They are up against its caste system as human discrimination. Pope Francis has come out with his fresh pleasing interpretation moving away from the authoritative stand of his predecessors. Hinduism believes all paths of religion lead to the same One Source, some taking a longer route than theirs.

Buddha said root cause of misery in life is greed. Pope Francis has linked this to desire for money. "Money sickens our minds, poisons our thoughts, even poisons our faith, leading us down the path of jealousy, quarrels, suspicion and conflict. It also corrupts the mind of some people to see religion as a source of profit.'I am a Catholic, I go to Mass, everyone thinks well of me... But underneath I have my business. I worship money' say affluent and rich Catholics. Money begins by offering a sense of well-being. Then you feel important and vanity comes. And after vanity comes pride. When you worship money you worship a false idol" says the Pope. Hindus have even certain religious auspicious days earmarked for the worship of money and buying of jewelry! People travel as far as Bhadrinath to perform Kubera (Lord of Wealth) Pooja. Recently I wrote to you how our Kubera Puja and Lakshmi Puja should be performed on Dhan Teras and Deepavali religious days with a goal in mind to serve the society better as we grow richer by His grace. The words coming from the learned and sincere Pope is in strong support of the same.

We do hope the strong message from Pope will bring in real reform in the world's richest Catholic Church in Rome to direct its policies in Roman Catholic Churches world over which in turn will bring in chain reactions including our richest temples. This will also dampen proselytization which often perturbs majority Hindus in India who at the same time need lot of their own house cleaning. As educated elites Hindu Americans can quicken their own thinking at their end for promoting Universal Oneness of Sanatana Dharma in action for all round Peace. To them proselytization is not a problem being the educated elite. To them the deep concern is the inter-racial marriages and the growing atheism of their children. Their worry is how to bring the other partner and their children to the Hindu culture preventing from being attracted towards faith based religions or turning atheists all together. The solution lies in spreading the message of Universal Oneness, yoga and meditation while practicing it and not in ritualistic loaded Hindu worships which can be kept to a low key. Then they will be able to guide not only their generation but also make Sanatana Dharma attractive for others which got complicated in present day practice of Hinduism.

46. AAPO VAA IDAM SARVAM, VERILY IT IS ALL WATER, IT IS BRAHMAN

You had gone through my previous E-mails on the subject to get to know how water is considered Holy and used in all rituals by leading faiths of the world. Vedas being the oldest did they get the inspiration from Vedas to venerate water?

Physical and spiritual cleanliness and well-being... a striving to attain purity and avoid pollution is important to all Hindus. This widespread aspiration lends itself to a reverence for water as well as the integration of water into most Hindu rituals, as it is believed that water has spiritually cleansing powers. Water represents the "non-manifested substratum from which all manifestations derive and is considered by Hindus to be a purifier, life-giver, and destroyer of evil. Every spring, the Ganges River swells with water as snow melts in the Himalayas. The water brings life as trees and flowers bloom and crops grow. This cycle of life is seen as a metaphor for Hinduism. Milk and water are symbols of fertility, absence of which can cause barrenness, sterility leading to death.

Water is very important for all the rituals in Hinduism. Water is essential as a cleaning agent, cleaning the vessels used for the poojas (rituals), and for Abhishekas or bathing of Deities. Water offered to the Deity and the water collected after bathing the Deities are considered very sacred. This water is offered as “Theertha” or blessed offering to the devotees. Poorna Kumbha is an object symbolizing God and it is regularly used during different religious rites. The water in the jar is said to be divine essence. Varuna japa, mantras invoking the God Varuna are chanted to produce rains. Many of the poojas in Hinduism start with keeping a Kalasa which is a brass, silver or gold pot filled with water adorned with a coconut amid mango or other sacred leaves. Kalasa symbolizes the universe and becomes an integral part of the Mandalic-liturgy as it still forms an indispensable element of certain poojas in Hinduism. The pot is the first mandala into which the Deities descend and raise themselves.

Satapata Brahmana mentions twelve Aadityas as Vedic deities. These are Mitra (the friend), Varuna (one who encompasses and binds), Aryaman (the destroyer of foes), Daksha (the skilful), Bhaga (the giver), Amsa (the liberal) Tvastru (the shaper), Savitar (the vivifier), Poosan(the nourisher), Sakra (the mighty), Vivasvat (the resplendent) and Vishnu (the pervader). All the deities mentioned in samhitas of the Vedas—Mitra, Varuna, Indra and so on—are different names of the same Truth. So it is said in the Vedas: “Ekam sad vipraah bahudaa vadnti” (the One Truth the learned call by many names).

Varuna, the one who encompasses the whole world is one of the oldest Vedic deities. He is associated with clouds and water, rivers and ocean. He is sometimes clubbed with Mitra and praised as Mitraavaruna. In mythological literature Varuna is described as the presiding deity of the western quarter and as the lord of ocean, water and aquatic animals. In some of the temples he is depicted as riding on a crocodile. In two of his four arms he holds the serpent and noose. Sometimes he is pictured as riding in a chariot drawn by seven swans and holding lotus, the noose, the conch and a vessel of gem in the four hands. There is an umbrella over his head.

But why we have to worship Varuna, and not directly Supreme Being, one may ask. In other religions the one God is worshiped directly by all. Among us the highly enlightened Sanyaasins worship the Paramaatman directly. Others have to please and propitiate the various deities and obtain well-being through their blessings. It is to please the deities we perform a variety of sacrifices. Paramaatman is the Supreme king-emperor. We, human beings, are his subjects. Varuna, Agni, Vayu and such celestials are his officials. We have to obtain a number of benefits through them and so we perform sacrifices with a view to enhancing their power to do us good. We say “na mama’’ (not mine) when we offer any material in the sacred fire. This shows the universal spirit. Such an oblation is consumed by Agni and conveyed to the celestial like Varuna, who is thus invoked. It is thus they obtain their sustenance. Vedas contain directions and mantras about how to propitiate celestials. The present discourse contains mantras that propitiate water as Paramaatman from Vedas declaring Water is verily Brahman.

Please go through my detailed discourse "Aapo vaa idam Sarvam-- verily all this is water--it is Brahman" as attached which is also posted on the Blog: Hindu Reflections: <nrsrini.blogspot.com>

(JANUARY 2014)

*47. AGE OF SPIRITUALITY DAWNS

I recall an incidence when I was introduced, by my religiously devoted and philanthropically inclined participant to another Hindu American in YMCA, as a person spiritually inclined and engaged in sharing my thoughts with Hindu community in Nashville. This stranger curtly answered back saying “I am not religious; I don’t understand all that stuff and I don’t go to temple that much”. The conversation ended there and he left for his work out. I admire his sincerity and frankness in his answer though not his lack of etiquette and politeness. I am also not that deep in religion or religious biased. However he did not express what he was. I could only guess he was neither religious nor spiritual but a materialist blessed by the Good Lord to lead a happy life in America based on his past Karma. He did not say he was an atheist. Good Lord blesses all those who do not believe in him also for some time giving an opportunity to learn from other believers and correct the situation. He often even pampers. This we learn from Puranas. He also keeps account of our Karma balance sheet through his agencies.

To -day we often hear the new mantra from many Americans including American Hindus like me saying “I am spiritual but not really religious”. Mechanically chanting this mantra like what we do in our daily worship is not enough. It should reflect in every act of our life. Our thoughts should be spiritually inclined while immersed in religious rituals. May I draw your attention here to the book of Harvard theologian Harvey Cox, titled “The Future of Faith” focusing on the major religion Christianity! There is a thinking among large group among them to go the way we Hindus started while we are trying to go the way they started.

He identifies three basic eras in the history of Christianity: 1) AGE OF FAITH spanning from the time of Jesus until the rule of the Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. In this age church was more concerned with following teachings of Jesus than enforcing what to believe about Jesus—blind following. 2) Then comes AGE OF BELIEF. In this era church focused on orthodoxy and correct doctrine. 3) Now Christianity has entered into THE AGE OF THE SPIRITUALITY. It is the age of replacing formal religion, and actually experiencing the divine is much more important than maintaining correct beliefs, like our visiting temple, chanting mechanically slokas, repeating mantras after priests whether we understand them or not in our worship as well as sacraments like Upanayana and marriage.

Spirituality according to Cox means an attempt to voice the awe and wonder of creation and life and how that cannot just be limited to within the church walls; spirituality also means that we have to learn from both inter- and intra-religious dialogues, learning from other religions. You now understand why I often said it is an opportune time to spread the message of Sanatana Dhrma as Hindu Americans. Many people are failing to grow spiritually within the walls of our temples today even among Hindu Americans. Days of dictation from orthodoxy and discipline are fast vanishing. Young believers are looking for faith that is authentic, convincing, life-challenging and relative to their lives. Many have opted inter-racial marriages. Our religiously disciplined elders should take note of this to focus on the new wave of age of the spirit that is here now and will be there for times to come. Here we won’t be wrong for we started with it as I have explained in my recent discourse “Aapah vaa idam sarvam ; tad Brahma”--It is all verily water, it is Brahman.

It is worth citing here the current situation of Hinduism quoting Champakalakshmi, author of The Hindu Temple: Hinduism is a more recent nomenclature given to a conglomeration of heterogeneous tradition and plurality of beliefs and worship with a long history or development from the Vedic sacrificial religion through the worship of epic and Puranic heroes and personal deities, cults and sects, as well as philosophical systems. It is time for Hindu Americans to correct the situation and revert back to the position from where we started.

I thank the Tennessean columnist Clay Stauffer and the Spirit within me for this inspirational E-Mail.

48. FOOD VARIETIES TO CELEBRATE AND FOOD ENTITY TO WORSHIP

The Hindu calendar has at least 18 feast days. Dates vary according to the lunar calendar, including Holi, Ramanavamni, Dusshera, Pongal, Janmashtami, and Diwali. Food plays an important role in the celebration of birthdays and marriages and also in funeral rituals. Hindus believe providing food for the poor and needy and to the devout is good karma. Hindu Vishnu temples often distribute food to people at the end of religious ceremonies. Daanasoora Karna known for his charity had missed to do food charity in his life-time and had to pay for the consequences to come back and complete this act of charity during Mahalay Paksha.

Hindus have an elaborate menu for offering food to the manes and also the divines. This is very much tradition bound as witnessed in Shraddhas performed by Brahmins in the South. Mahalaya Paksha has its own menu for feeding the manes as well as feeding the poor. In water oblations it is customary to offer sesame seeds for manes and rice grains for divines. The Pinda (oblation of food balls offered to manes) also varies in composition from North to South based on their food habits. This has made Swami Vivekanada lament; “religion has entered the cooking pot in India”. Probably he was referring to Pongal festival of Tamils where food pot is worshiped and the religious festival is named after boiling over food called Pongal, meaning the food that boils over and overflows the pot. As a matter of fact in every religion food variety is closely linked to rituals. Christmas celebrates with variety of cookies and cakes. Easter is celebrated with eggs. During the Feast of Passover wine and bread are served symbolic of flesh and blood of Jesus who sacrificed his life for the sin of others. In Bakrid Muslims kill a goat or sheep and enjoy the meat as blessed from Allah.

Upanishads dwell at length on food and even suggest food should be meditated upon as Brahman because creation of all beings is based on food. Wisdom of Vedas say food is the cause for creation of all beings; it is the sustainer of all beings and it can be the cause for his destruction too. When the body dies the food also merges with nature to recreate itself. It is therefore worth examining spiritual aspects of food as revealed in Hindu scriptures. According to Hinduism, food is a gift from God and should be treated with great respect. Devout Hindus offer food to God before eating and are careful about what and how they eat. Food plays an important role in Hindu worship. According to the Vedic scriptures, all food should be offered as a sacrifice to God before it is eaten, and food offered to God (prasada) is considered to bestow religious merit, purifying body, mind and spirit.

Let us look at some mantras from Vedas on food. Taittareeya Upanishads says: "One should not abuse food; one should not discard food on the plate; one should earn so much food that will be adequate for the guests, visitors and one’s own people in the family. One should have regard for food. As it is incumbent on the individual not to refuse food to any one that comes to the individual’s house for food, the individual should earn adequate food by what so ever means it may be, even by unfair means . One should earn plenty of food by all means". These mantras echo the modern slogans, “Grow more food” and “Food for the Million” and “Food and Shelter for the Poor.

Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO's efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Their mandate is to improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations and contribute to global economic growth. Don’t you feel these goals of FAO very much echo Wisdom of Vedas that was directed to human society at the very beginning of the present civilization by way of mantras to meditate. Recently food themed movies are in the forefront which includes Food Prayer Love. It would have been better if this was Prayer Food love. It will be a wise thought to include the following Mantra in our temple worship. It will also be a good idea to display these along with Pranaahuti Mantras at the Dining table in Prasadam halls of temples and at home.

Annam na nindyaat --Don’t abuse food; annam na parichaksheeta—One should not discard food; annam bahu kurveeta—one should make food in plenty; na kanchana vastau pratyaachaksheeta—one should not refuse shelter to anyone who has comes for it; etad vratam—this is a vow enjoined on that individual. These are the mandated mantras to be contemplated as if on Supreme Principal says, Taittareeya Upanishad.

(FEBRUARY 2014)

49. WHY SOUTH INDIAN TEMPLES’ OUTERMOST PRAKARAS ARE PAINTED RED AND WHITE?

I have come out with the following practical, religious and spiritual explanation drawing further help from my valuable readers as there is no such information available in temple literature as to the motivation to paint these walls red and white. I had similar approach in explaining the odd and even numbers of Chamakam on my own as you all know. Hope someday our great Aacharyas will come out with better explanation on Chamakam and red stripes!

The reason why all South Indian temples are painted with red and white stripes could be to distinguish the temple in a crowded locality from normal dwellings so that temple surroundings are not abused if not for the fear of law but for the fear of God. We enter temple after taking bath with a clean external appearance if not internal with a view to offer prayers to the sacred deity. We thus enter with purity (represented by white stripe) to perform a sacred act (represented by red stripe) The temple has not only red and white stripes on the wall but also red and white lines are seen in the Kolam drawn on the floor at the entrance leaving just enough space to enter. The Kolam or Rangoli is considered sacred and nobody dare trample upon it. Hence these are not simple art pieces but carry divinity with them which needs explanation. Therefore these lines on the walls should have deeper meanings.

In Siva temples red represents Brahma, the Creator and white, Vishnu, the preserver.The deity inside stands for dissolution. In Vishnu temples the white stands for Siva and red stands for Brahman. Brahman is a must for there is no temple without a niche for Brahma on the northern wall of the sanctum inside any temple. Siva appears white outside reminding us of his abode Himalayas and as depicted in paintings and is dark inside representing his Tamoguna (darkness). Vishnu is always called blue skinned or dark skinned. He is dark outside but white inside representing Sattva Guna as the preserver. So all temple worships need the focus on Trinity which is Saguna Brahman to meditate upon the Absolute, Nirguna Brahman whatever may be the deity. if this is not kept in mind and focused upon mere ritualistic worship of the deity serves no purpose. Red and white stripes together with the deity inside reminds us of the presence of Trinity inside the temple whether it is a Siva or Vishnu temple.

The ingenuity of American Hindu complexes where Siva and Vishnu are found side by side for worship with Brahma on the Northern wall though intended for pleasing all traditions with a variety of Siva and Vishnu family members depicts the ideal concept of worshiping Trinity as Saguna Brahman to meditate upon the Absolute or Brahman. Why temple-complexes in America are named after a particular deity and focused on one deity more than others in daily worship? This is perhaps the choice of the founding fathers of the temple to name it so, though they have the concept of integrating all traditions in the mode of worship in mind. One temple in Livermore in CA calls its temple as Siva Vishnu temple giving equal weight-age to all deities. They have been inspired by the Siva Vishnu temple in T Nagar Chennai. It would have been more appropriate to have called this "Temple of Trinity" as Brahma is always there in all temples. That would have pleased our Rajasthan Hindu migrants who are the only ones who dared to build a temple to Braham at Pushkara against puranic sanctions. It is surprising that American temples do not have these red and white stripes on their outer walls, unintentional may be, or by divine intuition because they are essentially built to focus a on all deities as Saguna Brahman in the form of Trinity and to meditate on five elements as Nirguna Brahman which is also reflected in concluding prayers though not brought to the focus of the crowd. "Om Jagadeesa Hare" as Antaryamin reflects this aspect. Of late it has gone further installing deities of other faiths and beliefs making it possible to have the concept of Universal Oneness in Hindu worship (Buddha, Vardhamana, Saibaba etc) following the Vedic wisdom of “Eko Viprah Bahudaa vadanti” , the One, the Pundits call as many.

Temple towers rise high to touch as if the sky. Temples are also called Heaven on Earth--Bhoo Vaikuntha. The first act of a devotee is to pay his obeisance to element Earth and his final act is to sit at the Northern end , gaze at the Vimana (Cupola) and pay obeisance to Aakasa symbolically Heaven. So his aspiration is to reach heaven when he leaves this mother Earth. Also in his act of temple worship he pays his obeisance to the other three elements: Water or Aapah in the form of Teertha; Agni or Fire in the form of receiving the flame and touching the eyes (deepaarati) and Vaayu or Air which he feels while circum-ambulating sanctum sanctorum with joined palms (namaste posture). Thus in worship mode he pays respects to five elements which are are all Vyahritis of Brahman or representing Brahman whatever deity he might have focused on inside. Here the Earth is represented by red and heaven by white. Before entering the temple the devotee should be clear that the object of temple worship is to pay his obeisance to the five elements and meditate on them as Brahman alone through image worship.Siva is also worshiped as five elements Linga forms in five famous temples of South India and meditated upon as Brahma to substantiate this.

The divine thoughts before entering the temple on red and white stripe to begin with, pedestal Linga form, niche for Brahma a must in all temples, and the feeling of pervading Vishnu all-through the consecrated area in Siva temples clearly indicates that in reality devotee worships Trinity or Saguna Brahman only whom he worships with the mantra Sat-Chit-Anandaya (sacchidananda) Namah in Ashtottara(108 names of the Lord for special worship). Nagabhooshana(one has serpent as his jewel) and Seshasayee (one who is reclining on the serpent-bed) complement each other in Siva temple in association with Brahma. Vishnu Temples need no special explanation as these stripes are self-explanatory. Please go through the detailed discourse as above and also visit: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> often as I often update my blog postings.

(FEBRUARY 2014)

*50. SADHANA CHATUSHTAYA

Bhagavadgeeta in verses 13 to 20 of chapter 12 describes thirty-nine characteristics as hall marks of true devotee. All these take him only to the divine plane as these verses end with "sa may priyah" meaning Lord is friendly to him and not "sa may yujyah", he is one with me. In his Geeta Bhashya Madhva says, "muktraah praapya param Vishnum taddeham samsritaa api | taaratamyena tishthanti Gunair aanandapoorvakah". Even the most qualified soul can share only partial bliss of Brahman and cannot become similar to Brahman. That is the reason these verses from Bhaktiyoga end with "may priyah". The path of devotion is easier for many people say the learned Pundits of scriptures. It is easier said than done. Bhakti does not develop without knowledge which needs a combination of personal effort, faith and Grace of God. Tulsidas Ramayana talks about Navadhaa bhakti; Satsanga; Sravana; Seva, Sankeertana, Smarana, Samyama (discipline and control of six senses and detachment); Siyaramah sarvam (seeing God in everything); Santosha and Saralata. So it is all not that simple. Swami Krishnanada talks on the subject how to obtain divine grace and realize Self within us through Jnana. Whatever way we think it needs lot of Saadhana in each life of ours. Who knows how many lives we need? But somewhere in life we have to start the process.

The ways and means of making ourselves fit for the reception of divine grace and for the entry of universal forces into our own selves are traditionally known as sadhana chatushtaya, a fourfold discipline of one’s own self. Sadhana chatushtaya is the fourfold discipline of self-control. This consists of four disciplines--Viveka, Vairagya, Sampat and Mumukshatva. Viveka means correct understanding. Vairagya is the process of rational rejection; Samapat is the acquisition of six spiritual wealths-Sama, Dama, Uprati, Titiksha, Sraddha and Samaadhaana. Mumukshatva is the intense longing for spiritual acquisition. These are the four ways by which you can make yourself a suitable conducting medium for the ingress of forces which are universal in their nature, natural as well as divine. Enjoy the discourse by Swamiji Krishnanada kindly provided by one of my very knowledgeable philanthropist and spiritual thinker participant. I wish I had the depth of my friend to understand and explain things any further and the wisdom of Guruji to add more. So I just forward the text of Swamiji Krishnananda with reverence.

*51. IF TRUTH IS ONE WORSHIP TRADITION SHOULD ALSO BE ONE

Hindu Americans are drawn from different Hindu Traditions. They have built here temple complexes to satisfy the religious needs of all who do not have time to do their own traditional elaborate worship regularly at their homes. As Hindu Americans we are drawn from different Hindu Traditions. We have built here temple complexes to satisfy the religious needs of all who do not have time to have their own traditional worship at their homes.

It is interesting to note how the thinking is changing in the major Christian religion of the country to-day where many Hindus are living enjoying their religious freedom. Pope Francis in his recent speech says: “All religions are true and the truth is one and only kind. We all love and worship the same God. God lives in us and in our hearts. Hell as projected in Bible is a literary device. All souls will be united in love with God”. This very much reflects the wisdom of Vedas which emphatically says all can attain salvation, only time differs based on one’s past deeds. It does not speak of hell like later Puranas. Pope Francis even feels Holy Bible needs a revision as it is a man-made document. Upanishads and Bhagvadgeetaa are eternal and relevant for all times. They do not warrant any revision with changing times. American Hindu mass worships and rituals in temple complexes should be based on Single tradition, call it Smaarta or Hindu American, if not Universal Oneness of the ancient past.

This latest revelation by Pope Francis should inspire all Hindu Americans to make our worship at first most acceptable to all traditions with clear focus on Brahman and progressively make it more spiritually focused through our religious acts and prayers. This should not be difficult for us as we are accepting the same in principle, "the One the Pundits call as many". But in practice we more often than not indulge in sectarian appeal and want all traditions to appreciate and seriously get involved too. We feel bad when attendance is poor and blame many are not religious being affluent and cosmopolitan. To satisfy all traditions we should have universal approach in our worship and rituals. . By strange coincidence I was also thinking on similar lines for the past two weeks which will be clear from my recent discourse "Why South Indian Temples have white and Red stripes on the outer Prakara walls?" already circulated and two other discourses which will be released this month.

Hindus do not have to do any house cleaning like what Pope Francis is thinking about for the most conservative Catholics and also possibility of correcting the Holy Bible which is a human document. Sanatana Dharma is Eternal Tradition and Universal in appeal. Vedas and Upanishads are true for all times. Later, Puranas led us to several sectarian approaches with multitudes of deities including holy men raised to the status of divinity. We have to get back to the Vedic way of ancient past. It only calls for a change in our demonstration of religious practices and observances of rituals to make it more appealing to our children who are being raised in an alien land influenced by major religion which is Christianity and the Western culture. This will not in any way disrespect our Saastras but on the other hand will strengthen our spiritual approach and reflect the wisdom of Vedas. Christianity is now trying hard to make the religion universal in appeal with the changing society which is turning atheist or indifferent to God more and more.

Hindu Americans have started experimenting with this concept, calling their temple as Siva-vishnu Temple in Livermore in California but the worships remain sectarian with no proper explanation being dependent on sectarian Aagama trained priests. All other temples call them after the chosen deity of the founding fathers ignoring the public for whom the temples are intended. This does not draw the full participation by all and individuals have to resort to their home worship with only occasional and casual visits to temples. Even Livermore temple should have called its temple as Trinity Temple as Brahmaa is to receive the first worship before Vishnu and Siva to focus on the aspects of Srishthi (Creation), Sthiti (Maintenance) and Laya (Dissolution). My next two discourses concentrate on these focusing on one tradition and universal approach as directed by Adi Sankara.

52. THINKING OF TRANSCEDENTAL PI AND BRAHMAN ON MARCH 14……..

Yesterday was the Day 3.14, a day of infinite possibilities like the Pi the greek symbol used in our calculations of area and volume of circular and elliptical objects. Pi is the ratio between the circumference and diameter of a circle with a never ending accurate value of 3.1415926............

Pi is a transcendental number, a concept that transcends our ability to understand like Brahman that inspires lot of spiritual thoughts in us. The simple beauty of Pi inspired USA Congress to pass a resolution in 2009 to declare March 14 "Pi day"

What makes Pi=1415926… mystic is its decimal part which runs to infinity after the decimal point. This reminds me of the Vedic description of Transcendental Brahman, “anoeraneeyaan mahatoe maheeyaan”—Smaller than the smallest and larger than the largest. To the left side of the number 1 to start with the decimal portion converges to a point as the smallest. To the right side it goes to infinity. The decimal part imparts to it transcendental stature while the numerical part whole rational number reminds of saguna Brahman in his three aspects of Creation (Srishthi), Sustenance (Sthiti) and Dissolution (Laya).

(March 2014)

53. YOUR WORSHIP IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT MEDITATION ON BRAHMAN

Religiously devoted Hindus end up all worship and rituals with the word "Krishnarpanamanstu" thereby meaning for any commission or omission this act of worship or ritual is placed at the feet of the Lord Krishna, thus resting everything on the mercy of the Supreme Lord Krishna.

The Sun, the Moon and the Fire on which we meditate upon and Siva the auspicious who has Sun, Moon and Fire as his three eyes whom we worship in visible form are the Universal Effulgence only. This is the same light and fire that Moses saw in the burning bush, whom Moses could not see blindfolded because of the brightness many times greater than the Sun and from whom he received The Ten Commandments for the benefit of the world. This is the same Light that Buddha received on Enlightenment based on which his followers started a new religion. This is the Light and the Fire that Parsis with their Zarathustra following, worship. This is the Light that is revealed in Grantha sahib. This is the Light that outshines in Himalayan snow in Amarnath as Snow-white Linga. This is the Light that emerged as Lingodbhavamoorti of Trinity on Sivaratri Night. This is the all-pervading light in all of us. This is the effulgence Sayana, the commentator on Mahanarayana Upanishad says that is described in the mantra “om antascharati bhooteshu”which should be employed for the contemplative worship of the Supreme after Gaayatree Visarjana (farewell) connected with the twilight-devotion or Sandhyavandana, Nityakarma, daily prayer.

Every temple, be it Siva are Vishnu, must have a niche in the northern wall for Brahma, and the image must receive worship every day. In Siva temple we offer our worship to pedestal Linga. This Pedestal Linga has a base called Brahma Bhaaga, a middle portion or Yoni called Vishnu Bhaaga and the top portion called Linga part or Siva. Therefore in all Siva temples our worship in reality is directed to Trinity or Saguna Brahman. In Vishnu Temple Vishnu having assumed the color of dark blue is actually recognizing the presence of Siva being dark outside. However being the custodian of Sattvaguna his innate nature is white for Vishnu. So Vishnu images are a combination of Siva and Vishnu. With the presence of Brahma prevailing in all temples here also all our worships are directed to Trinity or Saguna Brahman.

In American Hindu Temples it is the general practice to conclude worship with the popular prayer in Bhajan form in Hindi to accommodate large gatherings of devotees drawn from the Hindi belt "Om Jaya Jagadeesa Hare", a poetic composition of Pandit Sharadha Ram Phalluri of Punjab which essentially conveys the message contained in the Veda Mantra “antascharati bhooteshu”.

Whether we worship Pedestal Linga, Jyoti Linga or Snow Linga in effect we are worshiping Saguna Brahman only and so also Vishnu who is always equated as Narayana. It is therefore appropriate and obligatory to contemplate on the Veda mantra “antascharati bhooteshu” which Saayana has suggested for all daylight worship in which the Sun and fire are addressed as Brahman as well as obey the Geetaa's command “Maamekam saranam vraja”, surrender to Me alone which “Me” is fully described in the mantra“antascahrati bhooteshu” and asks all of us to pay their obedience to the Supreme Principal.

Mantra Japa brings a change in our thinking process. It leads us to seek true happiness within our own self. It directs our attention towards our inner treasure, which is the ultimate source of peace and happiness. Chanting of a mantra is indeed a vehicle of spiritualillumination. It helps the person to regulate, harmonize and bring the entire thinking faculty into certain order. It enables the individual acquire an ability to grasp the mystic reality through a very simple and effortless act (saadhana). It is the special type of energy enclosed in a primordial sound. This is not attainable by the conclusive bhajan “Om Jaya jagadeesa Hare” though this prayer is directed to Supreme Principal. It will be interesting to go through the write up on Hindu Meditation from Allen Spence from Huff post quoting the thoughts of Swami Chinmayananda in which is also attached.

(March 2014)

54. EXPOSITION OF VISHNU IN THE BACKGROUND OF PANCHARATRA THEOLOGY

Vishnu is the Vedic god of importance whose three strides are celebrated in the Vedic hymns. He is called Trivikrama because he spreads over everything and enters into beings and objects and envelopes all. His ten incarnations and twenty-four worshipful forms are popular. His iconographical representation involves dark-blue complexion, one head, four arms, carrying in them them Chakra (discus), Sankha (conch), Mace (gada) and Lotus (padma). He wears a garland called Vanamaala and precious gem Kaustubha. His Vehicle is Garuda and he is often shown with his consorts Lakshmi and Bhoodevi. When he is solitary Lakshmi is represented by a mark on his chest called Srivatsa.

Bhaagavata tradition contributed significantly for the spread of Vishnu worship, who is the most popular god eulogized in Rigveda. In the later iconographical context Vishnu has been glorified with four aspects known as Vyoohas (emanations), the twenty-four forms called Chaturvimsati Moorti and Ten Incarnations known as Dasaavataara. InVyooha Ideology of Paancharaatra, Sriman Narayana is the primordial phenomenological structural aspect of Vaasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Pancharaatra theology has accomodated all ten incarnations of Vishnu within the four Vyoohas. These four Vyoohas (emanations) bring forth twelve other forms and later extended to twenty four forms.

Vishnu is worshiped in Avyakta-vyakta (Invisible-visible) Saalagraama form at homes mostly. Saalgramas are naturally occurring ammonite stone fossils from the Gandaki river-bed in Nepal unlike Lingas which are mostly man-made. In all probability Linga form of worship of Siva became popular later. Mohenjo-Daro as well as other early excavations show Siva icons in popular human form. Linga form of Rudra for meditation is glorified in Upanishads and Vedas. But Rudra here is Brahman.

Sankaracharya established six traditions with six modes of worship called SHANMATAS, clearing the vast confusion that prevailed in Hindu society then. These are--Siva, Ganapatya, Shanmukha, Vishnu, Devi and Soorya. In due course these six traditions became four. The followers of first of the three traditions are now known as Saivites. Followers of Vishnu are known as Vaishnavites. Followers of Devi are known as Saktas. Followers of Soorya are called Sooryavansis but their numbers are insignificant in Hindu Society.

It is interesting to note all the above four traditions chant the name of Vishnu only during Aachamanam (purification of lips and mouth) ritual which forms the essential part of all Hindu worships and the subsequent consecration of body parts. All those who have undergone Upanayana Samskaara chant the twelve names of Vishnu during Arghya pradhaana (water oblation), consecration of body parts and Japa or meditation during day light and twilight rituals called Sandhyavandana irrespective of their chosen deity for worship besides Aachamana. This shows the universal nature of Vishnu as Supreme Being and his popular among trinities in Hindu Society--Brahmaa, Vishnu and Siva.Sarvam Vishnumayam Jagat--whole world is pervaded by Lord Vishnu.

(April 2014)

55. HINDUS FIND OMNIPRESENT BRAHMANIN IN LIGHT AS WELL AS DARKNESS

Many of you would have read an interesting article In the Time magazine dated April 28, 2014 titled "Finding God in the Dark"

Beyond Enlightenment, acclaimed preacher Barbara Brown Taylor argues that strength, purpose and true faith are found in the dark. Darkness is treated as evil, a vast unknown and the ultimate enemy. But Barbara Brown Taylor believes it saves us all. A walk in the dark can lead us to wisdom, deliver us from fear and bring us closer to God, believes Barbara Taylor. Life starts in the dark for the seed in the ground or a baby in the womb; for Jesus in the tomb for his resurrection. She is encouraging believers as well as nonbelievers not to seek the light but to seek the darkness, something that 21st century Americans tend to resist.

Probably author Elizabeth Dias has not focused her attention on significant group of Hindu Americans and Buddhists who practice religion In America. As we all know spiritual seekers in the East often retire to loneliness and dark caves, shut themselves up and start meditating closing their eyes. Brahman is not seen even in the brightest of lights with the help of physical eyes by the ignorant mind, but can be seen even in the darkest surroundings that is Consciousness-Existence-Bliss and needs no physical eye.

The inner chamber of the temple is called Garbhagriha which literally means “womb chamber”. This chamber resembles a dark cave. Here the deity is located. A baby starts its life in the darkness of the womb. A seed starts sprouting in the darkness of the soil. Jesus started the process of resurrection or reincarnation in the darkness of the tomb. Krishna was born in the pitch darkness in the prison cell at midnight. Valmiki got wisdom when he was in darkness in the ant hill meditating for several thousand years. Garbhagriha does not have windows. Instead it has a wide front door which allows the devotees sitting watch the ritualistic worship focused on the deity.

When a devotee entering the temple gets the first vision of sanctum where the icon is kept in darkness with lone obscure light he gets into the state of dream. As he proceeds towards the sanctum and stands in front of the sanctum he sinks into the state of deep sleep. When he looks at the icon, the higher state of tranquility descends upon him. And when he is suffused with the vision of the icon, he gets into the state of tranquility and he no longer needs the help of the icon. His thoughts are one with the Supreme within himself and he turns inwards. All this happens in the darkness that prevails in the sanctum.

There is nothing more mysterious than Brahman in Hinduism and nothing else is sought after in pitch darkness. Trying to understand Brahman with a human mind is like trying to look at the eye itself with which one sees everything. In the Upanishads, Neti-Neti (Not this-not this) is the method by which Brahman is explained. In Hinduism we have two fold conception of God as Saguna Brahman or Isvara endowed with all the good qualities that we can think of, raised to the degree of infinity who can be approached with the concept of Light; we have other Nirguna Brahman, the unqualified Godhead which can be described in negative who can be sought after even in pitch darkness. Our ultimate goal is to merge with the Nirguna Brahman only and that happens in darkness.

(May 2014)

* 56. CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU AND SIKSHAASHTAKAM

On Sunday, July 6^th2014 Hindus celebrated Jagannath Ratha Yatra all over the globe inspired by the famous Ratha Yatra at Puri Jagannth popularly visited as pilgrimage center among Chardams. One cannot forget to recite Ashtapadee Geeta Govinda and Sikshaashtaka of Jayadeva and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu respectively on this day. It is customary to perform Odissa classical dance on this day set to Hindustani Music based on these lyrics. Please recall my discourses Jagannatha of Puri and Ratha Yatra (June 2012), Origin and Growth of Fine Arts of Hindus (October 2011) and Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mantra for Salvation in Kaliyuga.

Around 14^th and 15^th Century Hinduism was greatly threatened by the Muslim Rulers who converted Hindus to Islam on large scale by the power of Sword as well as exploitation of the poor and low castes. This is the reason for the large Muslim population to-day and the creation of new Nations Pakistan and Bangladesh leaving behind painful history of holy land of Bharat Khanda. India has the second largest Muslim population in the world, though a small fraction of its major religion Hinduism which is being constantly threatened and plagued. This large scale conversion was halted to some extent by nonviolence movement by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who reinforced a caste-free Vaishnavism following Ramanuja and Jaydeva, focussing on devotion to Vishnu as the simplest way to liberation. Unfortunately the Neo-Muslims could not be converted back to Hinduism as there is no such provision in Hinduism dictated by orthodoxy. Nobody can also be banned from practicing Sanatana Dharma and also worship of Jagaannath by all human races as Universal Lord, whatever may be their religious following for these belong to entire humanity though Pandas in Puri have their own views.

Viswambhara was born to Jagannatha Misra, a well-known Vedic scholar in Nawadveep, in Bengal. Mishra had lost eight of children earlier. Young Vishwambhar was intelligent and mastered the sacred texts. After his father’s death he began to teach students and became a reputed scholar and teacher. After marriage, he left for Gaya to perform religious ceremony, being the life-time aspiration of every religious Hindu where he met Pandit Iswar Puri who inducted him to the devotional school of Bhakti Marga. This brought about a change in his outlook. He gave up spiritual discourses (upanyasa) and introduced Sankeertan singing of God’s name in chorus. He had the realization of the Supreme in his form as Krishna and sang in ecstatic joy. Large numbers of devotees were drawn to him and group singing of God’s name became popular. He then left home at the age of 24 and opted for monastic order or Sanyaasa. He became Chaitanya and went to Puri, revealed his greatness and then traveled to Vrindavan, Varanasi and far South. Returning to Puri, he lived there for 18 years, of which the last 12 years were spent mostly in spiritual trances, extolling the glory of Lord Jagannath. He is reverentially called Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The Gaudiya Math was formed on 6 September 1920, about 30 months after Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati took sanyaasa, the renounced order of life. On 7 March 1918, the same day he took sanyaasa,he established the Sri Chaitanya Math in Mayapura, later recognized as the parent body of all the Gaudiya Math branches. Its purpose was to spread Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the philosophy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, through preaching and publishing.

57. GEETAA UNMISTAKABLY BEARS THE INFLUENCE OF UPANISHADS, ESPECIALLY KATHA

It is customary to start Geetaa chanting (paaraayana) earlier to Krishna Janmaashthami and conclude it on the day of Janma-ashthami celebrations. Religious Hindus believe that it is the easiest way to do Vedaparaayana because of the easy rendering of Gita verses in Sanskrit language. This chanting comes immediately after Upaakarma. Hindu scriptures hail Bhagavadgeetaa thus: “All Upanishads are (like) cows. Gopalanandana (Shrikrishna) is their cowherd. Intelligent Partha (Arjun) is the calf who enjoys the milk and splendid nectarine Geetaa is the milk of these Upanishadic cows. (Geeta is the precise summary of all Upanishads):Sarvopanishado gaavo dogdhaa Gopaalanandanah | Paartho vatsah sudheeh bhoktaa dugdham geetaamritam mahat ||

Dr. R.D. Ranade of Nagpur University in his book Bhagavdgeetaa as a Philosophy of God–realization, 1959 writes: “The doctrine of activism and non-attachment which we find in the Geetaa is borrowed from Isaavasya Upanishad, the Asvattha simile from Kathopanishad, the idea of Viswaroopa (cosmic form) as well as antinomy between ritualism and non-ritualism from Mundakopanishad, the concept of five virtues in the sixteenth chapter from Chandodgya Upanishad and the Yogic teachings from Svetasvataara Upanishad”. The Geetaa unmistakably bears the influence of Upanishads, especially from Kathaa Upanishad detailed in the present discourse and Svetaasvataara Upanishad. There is even a suggestion that the song of the celestial was originally a Yoga Upanishad which was later Vaishnavized.

Geeta, incorporated into the great epic Mahabharata, claims to be the quintessence of the Upanishads' teachings. It is more often than not described as an updated Upanishad. It is also written in the style of the Upanishads as a dialogue between the guru and the disciple, Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Geeta mainly contains the Upanishad's tradition but assimilates the Sankhya, Yoga and Buddhist teachings which in their turn are indebted to the Upanishads. It is a curious but effective link between the Vedic traditionalism and the later thought systems. Based on the Tantric foundation, Saankhya emerged as strong protagonist of the materialistic, naturalistic and pluralistic view-points, not excessively preoccupied with religious practices. Both Sankhya and Yoga had atheistic leniency to start with but both got accepted and sanctified by the Vedic tradition, because of their invaluable contributions to early Vedic thoughts on life.

Geeta contains Upanishad tradition, but assimilates the Saankhya, Yoga and Buddhist teachings which were in turn indebted to Upanishads. It is this synthetic character of the Geeta that has made it the most popular text and scriptural authority for Hindus. What makes it more appealing to the masses is its title, cleverly coined by its editor, (may be its author) Vedavyasa, as "The Song of the Celestial" or "The Song of the Lord" (Bhagavad Geeta), supposed to have been delivered by Lord Krishna (eighth incarnation of Vishnu) to Arjuna, his ardent disciple at the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

This exclusive discourse elaborates how Geetaa is close to Kathopanishad in its philosophical discussions. Geetaa's closeness to other Upanishads can be found in my various discourses by those interested. Please find attached a discourse on “Geetaa unmistakably bears the influence of Upanishads, especially Katha". Your comments are welcome.

(AUGUST 2014)

58. GEETA”S TEACHINGS AND ADVICE TO HUMANITY FOR LIBERATION

Bhagavadgeeta focuses on the attainment of freedom from the bondage of worldly life (samsara). It therefore elaborates on the nature of soul and its relationship to the Supreme Being. The happiness for individual soul remains in its release from all bondage and merger with its source. This calls for exhaustion of all Karmas bad and good to get to its true nature. The cycle of Karma can only end when every human being has grasped true perception of Jnaana (knowledge), Karma (action) and Bhakti (devotion) which are complimentary to one another as long as the world is corrupt and sinful. Bhaktiyoga and Jnaanayoga clearly work in tandem. Knowledge of Supreme acquired must crystallize in Devotion (Bhakti) that should reflect in each and every act (Kriya). Bhagavadgeetaa is often seen as over-emphasizing on each of these while dealing with each separately. With sectarian outlook their protagonists argue about and fail to notice Geeta's concluding advice that all such knowledge and actions should end in devotion. Jnaana (Knowledge) and Kriya (Action) are meaningless in the absence of devotion (Bhakti) and dedication. We find in the world even great liberated souls immersed in Bhakti and active in the world to guide us in this direction. Geetaa says that even Swarga is only a stepping stone to Moksha or liberation. Even noble souls invariably return to this earth after enjoying Swarga to take a final leap to liberation. Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhwa, Basaweswara, Chaitnya, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and others are examples for that.

Some people neglect or give up their duty in life for the sake of spiritual life while others find no time for spiritual practices. Bhagavdgeeta’s message is to sanctify the entire living process. This can be done only if every man does his duty which is nothing but service to God and service to humanity and see God in everything with a spiritual mind. How to get into a spiritual frame of mind? It is through personal discipline, austerity, penance, selfless service, meditation, worship, good conduct, yogic practices as well as company of the holy persons and places which are elaborated in its various chapters. One must give up lust, anger, greed etc., and establish mastery over the influencing senses by the purified intellect. The present discourse includes glossary of key verses from Bhagavadgeetaa for the convenience of common man to begin with his spiritual practice. The beginners should first read and understand meaning of these key verses before going deeper into the philosophic thoughts contained in Geetaa in its 700 verses.

Geetaa often indulges in drawing our attention to Maamekam (Me alone) as in Vedas Tadekam (That alone) asking us to concentrate on Paramaatman alone. Geetaa advocates Bhakti, or loving devotion to God, while cautioning of the folly of deifying and loving the wrong divinities. Worshiping them does not bring doom but it does not bring release either as is explained in Bhagavadgeetaa itself at one place. Caught in this false worship one continues to be a prisoner to the bondage of Karma. A distinction should be made between Deva and Devatas marketed by Puranas. Hindus social aspirations are, most of them, shaped by the modern market-driven world religious views of the West as well as Puraanas. However Bhagavadgeetaa comes to our rescue as a spiritual text and tells us there are more things under our heaven and earth necessary for our survival in a contemporary Western or Puraaanic perspective though Geetaa itself is a part of Puranic literature. It is a consolidated spiritual guide in our hands which saves us the trouble of wading through the wisdom contained in hundred and odd Upanishads.

(August 2014)

59. SANSKRIT LANGUSAGE IS DIVINE, IS TAMIL TOO?

We often here people say please put it in writing when they don't trust someone as to what they say. Anything put in writing becomes a permanent record. So alphabets in Sanskrit is called "Akshara" meaning which does not perish thereby meaning permanent. Vedas hail Brahman as akshara and so also Bhagavadgeetaa..

Sanskrit language has 48 letters, 15 vowels and 35 consonants. Later two mor lettrs have been added which are "Ksha" which is a conjunct consonant and guttural "La" like la in Aval in Tamil making it 50. Entire alphabets of Sanskrit are called varnamala. These fifty letters contain two sounds represented by anuswarah (.) or period and Visargah (:) and also contains transcendental Ardha chandra Bimbam or Half-moon-period as the one used in Paranava symbol or Om. That takes it to 51. By adding another three letters tra, Jnyaa and a lone vowel lr it is made to contain 54 letters which is half of 108. A garland of beads containing 54 is used while meditating to count the 108 names of the Lord.

Srichakra of Srilalita hails all the sanskrit letters as Matrikas representing divinity. The first vowel a represents Purusha an and last letter ha represents Prakriti. They are thus Siva and Sakti. The consonant depends on vowels for its pronunciations, Ik+a==Ka. The vowels are said to represent Sakti and consonants Siva. Siva has no existence without Sakti. These forty eight letters of Sanskrit are also known as Mandala representing entire Universe. The first vowel A in combination with the last consonant HA with Ardha Chandra Bimbam makes AHAM in Sanskrit which means Brahman. Svetasvatara Upanishad describes the Wheel of Brahma (Brahmachakra) containing 50 spokes spinning around this Universe in global form. It also says 50 spokes represent 50 letters. It is strongly believed Srichakra and Brahmachakra are one and the same. In Srividya all vowels are taken as one and together with 35 consonants are said to represent 36 Tattvas of existence described in Vedanta.

Sridevi is worshiped by a group of mere letters of 15 or 16 mantras and meditated upon called Beejaaksharas.

Hence Sanskrit Alphabets are divine and so the language. Tamils do not lag behind, They also say there language of 36 letters is also divine on similar basis.

Please go through the attached discourse on the subject.

http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2014/09/sanskrit-language-is-divine-is-tamil-too.html

60. PARAASAKTI IS WORSHIPED AS SREECHAKRA AND PARABRAHMAN AS BRAHMACHAKRA

The worship of Sri Lalita in Sreechakra is regarded as the most sacred form of Devi worship. Shiva along with Shakti is engaged in the eternal dissolution and recreation of the universe. Siva without Sakti is considered as Sava or eternal silence. The Bindu in the center of the Sreechakra is the symbolic representation of the cosmic spiritual union of Shiva and Shakti. Sreechakra also embodies countless number of deities and represents the whole of creation according to Sakta worshipers. By worshiping the Devi in Sreechakra one is actually worshiping the highest ultimate force Paraasakti in the Tantric form. Paraasakti is Parabrahman in Sakta concept. Sreechakra concept evolved out of Wheel of Parabrahman is glorified in Svetasvatara Upanishad. SriLalita is also called Srividya (Auspicious Knowledge).

Three dimensional representation of the Sri Chakra symbolizes Mount Meru. In two dimensional Sri Chakra, Bindu or Period in its center symbolizes the peak of a mountain. If we imagine that the mountain is built up in tiers, each tier is one of the circles of triangles or lotus petals, with the outermost square representing ground level. Now, if we imagine a vertical spine down the center of the mountain, then at each point the spine and a tier intersect, there is a chakra. The peak represents Meru Mountain, abode of Gods.

Sri Chakra is a sacred wheel and is a Yantra called Mahameru. It is formed by nine interlocking triangles that surround and radiate out from the central point called Bindu. It is the junction point between the physical universe and its un-manifest source. It represents the goddess in her form of Shri Lalita or Srividya called Tripura Sundari.

Together the nine triangles are interlaced in such a way as to form 43 smaller (forty-four sometimes counting Bindu central point as a triangle) triangles in a web symbolic of the entire cosmos or a womb symbolic of creation. This is surrounded by a lotus of eight petals, a lotus of sixteen petals, and an earth square resembling a temple with four doors. The various deities residing in the nine layers of the Sri Yantra are known asVimarsaa and the petals are known as Prakaasa.

Sri Chakra can be kept in a house as a sacred article, without any worship in the same way one would keep a picture of a Deity or Mother Mary. Some denominations of Christians worship Kanya Kumari, since they believe Kanya-Kumari to be the Virgin Mary. It could be worshiped once a year, periodically, or on special occasions like Navaratri or daily or whenever one likes--Sunday in conjunction with Pushya Star, one’s own Guru’s birthday, the day of one’s own birthday, Ashtami (the 8th day of the bright half of the moon), or the 14th day of the bright half of the lunar month. Friday in conjunction with full-moon day is very special.

I have pleasure in releasing this sacred discourse on this auspicious day of Vijayadasami of 2014. Please go through the detailed discourse as attached for your convenience which is posted on the blog Hindu Reflections; <nrsrini.bogspot.com> Your comments to enhance the contents of the discourse are welcome.

http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2014/10/sreechakra-of-sri-lalita-and.html

61. INTRODUCING SRILALTAA SAHASRANAAMAM

Devi in her aspect of Srilalita is more widely and popularly worshiped in South India as Tripurasundari. She is invoked in Srichakra Yantra, meditated upon by the Panchadasee-vidyaa which is considered most sacred for the Goddess and worshiped by reciting of Trisati or Srilalitaa Sahasranaamam (the thousand Names) after the Japa. While Japa (meditation) is focused on a single name as Moola mantra repeatedly, Naamaparayana is recitation of number of names usually 12, 28, 108, 300 or 1000. While the former is for concentration the latter is for articulation. Lalitaa Sahasranaama is really a prayer for articulation like Ramayan Path or Paaraayana.

The names in (Satanama) Ashtottara (108), Trisati (300) and Sahasranama (1000) are all independent but have a common spiritual purpose of focusing on Devi as Paraasakti, Supreme energy. Lalitasahasranama(LSN) itself says recitation of single name among thousand would suffice as Vishnu Sahasra Naama(VSN) says that recitation of the name Rama alone (Sri Rama Rameti) is enough to get the full benefit.

Lalitaa Sahasranaama in couplet form called stotra is good for recitation as paatha but not convenient as worship format for offering flower, leaf or vermilion (called archana or worshipful offer) for chanting each name individually as in temple or home worship. So when the names are used in worship, these names are taken out individually. These are called naamaavalis and not stotras. This process started with Vishnu-Sahasranaamaavali. For every Sahasranaamastotram or Ashtottara-sata-stotram for a particular deity we have today Sahasranaamaavali or Ashtottara Satanaamaavali or simply called Ashtottaram. Each name in Stotra which is in nominative case is converted to dative case with “Om” as prefix and “Namah” as suffix.

The names chanted in the Sahasranaama are descriptive of the various manifestations, glory and beauty of Mother Goddess. The thousand names show unity and continuity, the oneness of Supreme Principle with no second, pervading the universe and transcending it. This form has no gender or sex, attribute or character and is hailed as Nirguna and Nishkala. In other words it is Brahman alone. This is what the Om added to the name signifies.

It is customary to symbolically place the three details Devataa, Rishi and Chhandas on the parts of the body. This is done by touching the heart announcing the name of the deity, touching the head and announcing the name of the Seer or rishi and touching the tongue or mouth announcing the meter or Chhandas (prosody). This is to remind the Goddess is in one’s heart, the seer is the preceptor and so must be held on the top of the head (Gururbrahma—preceptor is Brahman) and to remind the meter has to be articulated. It is a common sight to observe lips of the devotee are moving while silent chanting or meditating even though no voice is heard.

Please understand the significance of Ashtottaras and recite the names to derive the full benefit of chanting and not as mere parrot chanting or repeating after the priest in temples or the guru or worship performer at home. For your convenience the discourse as posted on the Blog Hindu Reflections: <nrsrini.blogspot.com> is attached. Your comments to improve the text are welcome.

"Om Aim Hreem Sreem Om Lalitaambikaayai Namah"

(October 2014)

62. CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM (SECRET OF CHIDAMBARAM)

When Tamils are bogged down not understanding a thing they call it “Chidambra Rahasyam” that it is as mysterious as the secret that abounds the famous temple in Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Shiva in his cosmic form of Nataraja where he is also worshiped as one of the elements Space or Sky as Aakaasa Linga, of which we have talked about in the past. A casual visitor to this amazing temple usually finds the sanctum where he just finds empty space and mirror hanging to which worship is offered. But he often forgets the whole temple is surrounded with mystery which needs a deep study. For this you need to be conversant with the literary work of Thirumoolar, an ancient Tamil scholar and saint, called Thirumandiram or Sacred Mantra. After 8 years of R & D, Western scientists have proved that at Lord Nataraja's big toe is the Centre Point of World's Magnetic Equator. Thirumoolar has mentioned about this five thousand years ago based on his spiritual revelations! His treatise Thirumandiram is a wonderful literary composition which serves as a scientific guide which baffles all in the world.

A deep study of ancient literature reveals the following characteristics that Chidambaram temple embodies:

1) This temple is located at the Center Point of world's Magnetic Equator.

2) Of the "Pancha boothas" i.e. Temples for five Elements, Chidambaram denotes the Sky. Kalahasati Siva is worshiped as Wind (Vaayu Linga). In Kanchipuram he is worshiped as Earth (Prithvee Linga). All these 3 temples are located in a straight line at 79 degrees 41 minutes Longitude. This can be verified using Google. An amazing fact & astronomical miracle!

3) Chidambaram temple having 9 entrances denoting 9 entrances or Openings of the human body.

4) Temple roof is made of 21600 gold sheets which denote the 21600 breaths taken by a human being every day (15 x 60 x 24 = 21600)

5) These 21600 gold sheets are fixed on the Gopuram using 72000 gold nails which denote the total number of Nadis (Nerves) in the human body. These transfer energy to certain body parts that are invisible.

6) Thirumoolar states that man represents the shape of Shivalingam, which represents Chidambaram which represents Sadashivam which represents HIS dance!

7) "Ponnambalam" is placed slightly tilted towards the left. This represents our Heart. To reach this, we need to climb 5 steps called "Panchakshara padi" "Si, Va, Ya, Na, Mah " are the 5 Panchaaksharee mantras. (Namah Sivaaya)

There are 4 pillars holding the Kanakasabha representing the 4 Vedas.

8) Ponnambalam (golden sanctum) has 28 pillars denoting the 28 "Ahams "as well as the 28 methods to worship Lord Shiva. These 28 pillars support 64 Roof Beams which denote the 64 Arts. The cross beams represent the Blood Vessels running across the Human body.

9) 9 Kalasas on the Golden Roof represent the 9 types of Sakthi or Energies of Parasakti.

The 6 pillars at the Artha Mantapa represent the 6 types of Saastras.

The 18 pillars in the adjacant Mantapa represent 18 Puranas. Scriptures say it takes eighteen steps to reach the Lord. One has to climb eighteen steps in Sabari Malai or Puri Jagannath (padinettu padi)

10) The dance of Lord Nataraja is described as Cosmic Dance by Western Scientists.

Science is propounding now what has been stated in scriptures thousands of years ago!

Please do not miss to visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Siva worshiped as Nataraja and Aakasa Linga. It is also known for its architectural beauty and sculptures.

63. AHIMSAA PARAMO DHARMAH

There is no disagreement that non-violence (ahimsa) is supreme Dharma. Bhagavadgeeta mentions about non-violence while describing the virtues of Knowledge in XIII-8-12. Does the end justify means or does the means justify the ends is debatable even after reading Geetaa!

On October 4, 2014 Catholics celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and the "Blessing of the Animals" stemming from Francis' own love for all Earth creatures.

St. Francis is the one who preached to the birds; blessed fish that had been caught, releasing them back into the water; communicated with wolves, brokering an agreement between one famous ferocious wolf and the citizens of a town that were terrified of it and used real animals when he created the very first, live, Christmas nativity scene. As a result of these, Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Hinduism, Buddhism and followers of Catholicity of St Francis seem to believe in the moral of "Ahimsaa paramo Dharmah"--Non-violence is the most sacred Dharma. Vedas say "Aatmavat sarvabhooteshu"--Look upon all being as your own self. With this philosophical approach there should be no non-vegetarians among these, but in practice it is not so. Only Jainism seems to practice Non-violence in true spirit.

Non-violence is generally taken to mean not killing or destroying the body; but actually non-violence means not to put others into distress (Himsa=distress). People in general are trapped by ignorance in the material concept of life, and they perpetually suffer material pains. So, without elevating people to spiritual knowledge, one is practicing violence. One should try his best to distribute real knowledge to the people, so that they may become enlightened and leave this material entanglement as said by Srila Prabhupada. This is non-violence.

http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2015/02/one-who-follows-dharma-will-be.html

64. INTRODUCING SRILALTAA SAHASRANAAMAM

"Om Aim Hreem Sreem Om Lalitaambikaayai Namah"

(October 2014)

*65. CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM (SECRET OF CHIDAMBARAM)