CONFRONTING CORONA VIRUS PANDAMONIUM HOPING RELIEF FROM QUARANTINE, PHILOSOPHY AND FAITH

CONFRONTING CORONA VIRUS PANDEMONIUM HOPING RELIEF FROM QUARANTINE, PHILOSOPHY AND FAITH

(Compilation from Various E-mails sent by Hindu Reflections by N.R. Srinivasan, April 2020)

Why Fear when Dhanvantari is Near?

In these times all our Religious, spiritual and philosophic thoughts are focused on historic war waged against a disease bogged down by insecurity and anxiety. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the doctors, nurses, researchers and service people are on the forefront of this battle. Most of us in self-isolation do not have it easy either. Staying put through this global pandemic and hustling through these tough times is taking a toll on our mental and our physical health.

In the Aranyakanda of the Ramayana, it is said Satyameva isvaro loke/Satye dharmam pratishtitam/Satya moolani sarvaani Satyaat naasti paramam  padam|

Truth is God. Dharma lies in the adherence of Truth. Everything in the world is based only on Truth. There is nothing superior or beyond Truth. That is the basis of Rama Rajyam (for all Ideal Governments).

 World today turns to Dharma and Religion to Solve Ethical Dilemmas Raised by the Virus. Commentators today are saying the Covid-19 issue is as much about philosophy and ethics as it is about medicine and economics.

Andy Frankel, a multicultural storyteller and the author of Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest and Hanuman’s Quest, says world over most people want to live a peaceful and principled and meaningful life. “But they are often confused. They don’t know how to do it. All over the world, ideals, morals and values are being diminished. We live in a time characterized by rampant greed, fear, exploitation of Nature and untruthfulness. Vedic literature offer a holistic solution: to live a simple, uncomplicated, peaceful life, based on the principles of Dharma.”
 

In his book published in 2013, Phil Goldberg said there is a ‘lingua spiritus’ where the world will see Vedantic precepts “expressed in the language of Physics, Neurobiology, Psychology, and Medicine”. Today, he says that the process is well underway. Gradually, what had always been seen as spiritual practices became medicalized! Doctors, psychotherapists, and even business consultants applied meditation, pranayama, asana, etc. to their disciplines and secularized both the language that describes the practices and the delivery systems.”

PHILOSOPHIC APPROACH

Current Corona Virus pandemonium has threatened humanity with lot of insecurity and anxiety. H.H. Swami Chidananda leads us through wisdom of Gitas to keep ourselves calm and handle the situation with practical wisdom. “The ideal that Geetā places before us is “to remain without agitation” in adversity.  The phrase² “being equal towards joy and sorrow” appears frequently in the scripture.  Carrying on without losing heart³, practicing patience and fortitude⁴, staying firm in our undertakings and resolves⁵, and exerting without dependence on success are among the many pointers that Shri Krishna’s masterpiece gives us, which inspire us to stay objective in times of crisis. Negative influences from outside then cannot cloud our judgment. This webinar will be a walk-through presentation of the Geetā with ‘facing adversity’ as the topic in mind. 

[1. duhkheshu anudvigna-manāh (2.56); 2.  sama-duhkha-sukhah (2.15, 12.13, 14.24 etc.); 3.  anirvinna-chetasā (6.23); 4.  dhriti-griheetayā (6.25); 5.  dridha-vratāh, dridha-nischayah (9.14, 12.14) “]” conveys through his E-mail. He has delivered a discourse on the subject on YouTube. For those of you who have missed the opportunity I detail below the essence of  his message from Gita to keep our composure at such critical trying times.

PRACTICAL APPROACH TO OVERCOME INSECURITY AND ANXIETY

 As the coronavirus continues to spread globally and the number of consequential deaths reported increases daily there is much fear and anxiety being experienced!  However, although it is proving to be extremely virulent in a very small percentage of cases, for most people who actually become infected, the illness will be experienced with only minor unpleasant effects.  So do not dwell on the endless flow of alarming outcomes that many are suggesting may occur.  Doing that weakens your own energy field which is then unable to provide for your immune system as effectively as it normally does.  Let go off fear and anxiety and allow Love to empower us during this period of uncertainty.

Besides hand washing and social distancing to help mitigate the spread of Corona virus we have to deal   with stress associated with this pandemic and loneliness in a healthy way.  

Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. We could reach out to your friends and family and talk and connect via phone or FaceTime or E-mail. Modern IT technology is at our fingertips to over-come loneliness. We could reach out to a neighbor who may be in the at-risk population and if we are heading out to the store, ask them if they need anything that you can pick up. This will not only help them, it will also help us. Simple acts like these can go a long way and can also make us feel better.

During stressful times going outside and taking a brisk walk can help us relax, boost our mood and help us in managing our stress levels. Eating a healthy diet helps– research has shown that what we eat and don’t   affects the way we think and feel.  We must put self-care as a priority and do our best to get enough sleep. Sleep has many benefits and during stressful times it can help aid in keeping your mind and body healthy

We must consume the news and advise that is bombarding us in moderation. While it is important to stay informed and up to date on the latest information about the Coronavirus, too much information adds to our stress levels. The repetitive nature of the news reports is not good for our mental health. Once we are informed switch off the news and keep your mind engaged on a subject that interest you or watch a TV show.  It is a golden opportunity to spiritually elevate yourself. Today all pilgrim centers in India, breaking the temple rules of photography and video, have come out with the religious programs and it is an unique opportunity to take your mind through these pilgrimages that had been physically impossible to accomplish. Listen to our spiritual Gurus   and musicians who are all over YouTube. Unfortunately I have no such skills in delivering my discourses and messages to make it interesting. 

Most importantly, know that being anxious in this time is a completely normal response to stress. Should the stress be too much for you to take, please seek professional help for yourself, if necessary! Nashville where I live is rendering fantastic service through ICCSS & IAF led by doctors!   We have faced other difficult times in the past and with proper care we will get through this too.

The aim of the Gita Doctrine is to lead one to tranquility, happiness and equanimity.  Gita says: Do your duty to the best of your ability without insecurity and anxiety and worrying about the results. Perceive that God is present equally in all beings and treat all beings equally. “Do not get bogged down by Insecurity and anxiety.  Don’t worry, be happy” may well be a modern advice by a Psychiatrists and Psychologists but the secret of achieving that  permanently lies in the Gita including the modern practical tips I talked about above. Let us go through in detail these verses in Gita that contribute to overcome insecurity and anxiety to lead a happy and contented life.

REMAIN WITHOUT AGITATION IN ADVERSITY--1

Duhkesshu anudvignamanaah sukheshu vigatasprihah | veetaraagabhayakrodhah sthitadheermuniruchyate || BG 2-56 ||

One whose mind is not agitated in sorrow, and remains indifferent in joy, and is free from attachment, fear and anger; that contemplative individual is known as a person of steady intellect  

[Even when there are reasons for grief like separation from beloved ones, his mind is not perturbed, i.e., he is not aggrieved. He has no longing to enjoy pleasures, i.e., even though the things which he likes are near him, he has no longing for them. He is free from desire and anger; desire is longing for objects not yet obtained; he is free from this. Fear is affliction produced from the knowledge of the factors which cause separation from the beloved or from meeting with that which is not desirable; he is free from this. Anger is a disturbed state of one’s own mind which produces affliction and which is aimed at another sentient being who is the cause of separation from the beloved or of confrontation with what is not desirable. He is free from this.]    

PRACTICE EQUANIMITY TOWARDS JOY AND SORROW--2

Yam hi na vyathayanty-ete purusham  purusharshaabha | sama-duhkha-sukham  dheeram so’mritatvaaya kalpate || 2-15 ||

O most virtuous one, a sober man who is equipoised in both pleasure and pain and remains undisturbed is certainly qualified for liberation.

That person endowed with courage, who considers pain as inevitable as pleasure, and who performs all acts suited to his station in life without attachment to the results and only as a means of attaining immortality that person only attains immortality.  Because of the immortality of the selves and the natural destructibility of the bodies, there is no cause for grief.   The wise grieve neither for the dead nor for the living.   Here the goal set is immortality that is also applicable to any other goal set like overcoming fear of death from    Corona virus.

adveshta sarvabhootaanaam maitraha karuna eva cha  | nirmamo nir-ahankaaraha samaduhkhasukhaha shamee || 12-13 ||

He who is without dislike towards all beings, who is friendly and compassionate, who is also without (the sense of) I-ness and egoism, who is the same in sorrow and joy, who is forgiving…

In the second chapter, Sri Krishna devoted several shlokas to describe the traits towards aspects of one who is established in the eternal essence. Here, he describes the traits of saints and accomplished devotees towards other people, which are easier for us to connect with, and become role models for others to become like us. An accomplished devotee essentially is convinced of two things: that everything in this world is not different than Ishvara, and that the devotee himself is also not different from Ishvara. When he has this outlook, he loses all sense of “I-ness” and “mine-ness”. He never believes that he exists outside of the existence of Ishvara. There is no sense of “I”-ness because only one “I” – Ishvara – exists. There is no sense of possession because everything belongs to Ishvara. It is somewhat similar to the outlook one has towards a large family. So when there is such a universal sense of oneness with everything, the devotee becomes extremely friendly towards everyone. There is no sense of dislike or hatred present in him towards those who oppose him. Instead, he instantly forgives everyone. He is compassionate towards those who are in need. When all sense of duality is gone, the mind does not get agitated in sorrowful situations, does it get excited in joyful situations.  It maintains a sense of equanimity. 

Samaduhkhasukhah swasthah samaloshtaashmakaanchanah; Tulyapriyaapriyo dheeras tulyanindaatma samstutih. || 14-24 ||

Be the same in pleasure and pain, like Bhagawan who dwells in the Self, to whom a clod of earth, stone and gold are alike, who is the same to the dear and the unfriendly, who is firm, and to whom censure and praise are as one.

[Night and day have no meaning to a post fixed in the ground. Even so pleasure and pain have no meaning to a sage who dwells in his own Self. He is above the pairs of opposites. In his eyes cow dung or gold, a jewel or a stone, are of equal value. He is free from the idea of giving and taking. His mind is not perturbed by anything pleasant or unpleasant. He is the same towards agreeable and disagreeable things. Praise and censure cannot affect him. He stands adamant. He abide in his Self.]

CARRY-ON  WITHOUT LOSING HEART--3

tam vidyaadyuhkhasaiyogaviyogam yogasanngitam |
sa nischayena yoktavyo yogo anirvinnachetasaa || 6- 23 ||

You should know the definition of yoga as that which severs connection with sorrow. You should engage in yoga with firm conviction and a non-despondent mind.

We   unnecessarily bind ourselves to sorrow and suffering. The problem does not lie with the world. It is our unintelligent identification with body, mind and intellect that results in pain. Our matter layers, body, mind and intellect, will get affected by the world. But we are not matter.  We are spirit. It is the investment of thought on body, mind, intellect that causes the problem.  When we identify with Atman or spirit there is zero affectation.

We must pursue Atman with firm conviction and an un-despondent mind. The spiritual path does not give immediate results. In fact, we only experience the pain of having given up worldly joys in the beginning. There is a tendency to get disillusioned and give up. Hence Krishna reiterates that one must be dogged and not get disappointed. For this the intellect must fix the goal of Realization and the mind must surrender to it.

Extricating oneself from worldly attachments one gets freed from the agitation, sorrow and suffering associated with life. The bliss of Enlightenment comes much later.

PRACTICE PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE- 4

śhanaiḥ śhanair uparamed buddhyā dhṛiti-gṛihītayā | ātma-sansthaṁ manaḥ kṛitvā na kiñchid api chintayet

Gradually, one should still the mind by means of the intelligence, focusing it on the self and nothing else.

Meditation is the art of focusing the mind on one thought without allowing it to meander into any other thought, under the supervision of the intellect. The intellect plays a key role right through the spiritual practices. Step by step we must hold the rambling mind with a resolute intellect.

The emphasis is on the gradual nature of the practice. Physical growth from birth to adulthood takes years. It takes time to develop fine emotions. Intellectual development takes at least 16 years of schooling. Spiritual advancement also takes a while. It cannot happen overnight. 

Let us keep the mind fixed on the Self.  Let us not think of anything else. The nature of the mind is fickle and restless. It is the intellect that keeps focus. When the mind is free from desire for worldly objects it remains still and obeys the command of the intellect. When the mind is afire with desire it is impossible to quieten the mind.

Consistent application is necessary for success in any field. More so in the spiritual path as worldly attractions are constantly tempting us. The individual consisting of body, mind, intellect and Spirit has thought of matter for countless lives! To disengage from it will take constant, relentless effort.

Meditation requires the dual process of removing the mind from the world and fixing it on God.  Determination of resolve that is in accordance with the scriptures is called dhṛiti. This determination comes with conviction of the intellect. Many people acquire academic knowledge of the scriptures about the nature of the self and the futility of worldly pursuits. But their daily life is at variance with their knowledge, and they are seen to indulge in sin, sex, and intoxication. This happens because their intellect is not convinced about that knowledge. The power of discrimination comes with the conviction of the intellect about the impermanence of the world and the eternality of one’s relationship with God. Thus utilizing the intellect, one must gradually cease sensual indulgence. This is called pratyāhāra, or control of the mind and senses from running toward the objects of the senses. Success in pratyāhāra will not come immediately. It will be achieved through gradual and repeated exercise.  

BE FIRM IN UNDERSTANDING AND RESOLUTION--5

satatam kirtayanto maam yatantas cha dridha-vratah | namasyantas cha maam bhaktya nityamuktaa upaasate || 9-14 ||

The Mahatma cannot be manufactured by rubber-stamping an ordinary man. Mahatma is always engaged in the glorification of the Lord. In other words, he is not an impersonation. He can live this life in devotional service, guided by an expert spiritual master, and in any position, either as a householder or a Sannyasi, or a Brahmachari; in any position and anywhere in the world, he can perform this devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus become actually Mahatma, a great soul.

Always praising, glorifying and worshipping the Supreme Lord by devotional hymns and sacred syllables are the ways of some Mahatmanas to the   Supreme Lord’s satisfaction, following strict rules of conduct and rigidly controlling their senses. Still other Mahatmanas always give propitiation to the Supreme Lord by bowing down and offering salutations with loving devotion. While other Mahatmanas worship the Supreme Lord by always being alert and conscious of His presence within himself as Paramatma the Supreme Soul and within all living entities also.

santushtaha satatam yogee yataatmaa dridhanishchayaha | mayyarpitam-anobuddhiryo madbhaktaha sa me priyaha || 12-14 ||

The yogi who is always contented, self-controlled, with firm conviction, who has dedicated his mind and intellect to me, he who is such a devotee of mine is dear to me.

Most of us derive contentment from people, objects and situations in the world, most notably after consuming a delicious meal. Contentment is a state where the mind does not want anything else from the world. But, this state is temporary because the contentment has been triggered by something that is temporary and finite, like food for example.  Gita says true devotee, derives contentment from Ishvara within himself, therefore he does not need to become a bhogi, one who runs after material objects for contentment. He is “satatam santushta”, ever contented.

Another quality of a perfected devotee is a firm conviction that only Ishvara exists, and that the world does not exist independently of Ishvara. Most of us assume that the world has an independent existence. We attach all sorts of values to it. Causing our intellect to generate innumerable goals and convictions around those values. The perfected devotee sees only Ishvara everywhere, and therefore is ever steadfast exists. 

This “dridha nishchaya” in his conviction that only Ishvara or firm conviction is demonstrated by the devotee’s submission of mind and intellect in Ishvara, and also, the control of the mind, body and senses. When the intellect is convinced that only Ishvara exists, and when the mind thinks only of Ishvara, the devotee does not need any other special yogic technique to control the organs of action and the sense organs. Selfish desires are the cause of the mind, body and senses deviating from prescribed actions. When there is only the desire for Ishvara, they can never deviate.  Gita says that the perfected devotee is a “satatam yataatmaa”, one who has complete self-control at all times.

Who is a true devotee and what is devotion? Spiritually inclined person must be tolerant towards not alone human beings, but all creatures in the world. To be devoted to the Supreme means to eliminate from the mind all forms of dislike or intolerance towards anyone or anything. In doing so alone does devotion become interactional and whole-some! The devotee should find out by introspection the constricting and anti-spiritual notes in his mind and intelligence. In the name of devotion itself, he should eliminate them. This inner examination including purging of wrong traits, is far superior.  

Devotional efforts do not stop when mind becomes free of resentment and hatred. Simultaneously, a definite note of friendliness should be fostered towards all. That alone will bring about real growth and expansion to the devotee. Everybody naturally grows love and concern for his family members, but not so for the others – a clear sense of division and partiality. This should be transcended and all-fold fraternity should be cultivated as much as possible. Devotional life means imbibing such wholehearted benevolence.

The loving devotee must also want to do something to help others.   The devotional seeker’s thoughts, words and deeds will have a definite move towards the welfare of others in general. That is the desired expansion of the devotional heart. Such expansion is characteristic of a true devotee.

Sukha-duhkhas are the twin mental creations of the world at any time in anyone. To be equal to them would be to win over the world, sublimating all its effects.

Gita defines life as matra-sparsah (2.14) – interaction between the senses and the world objects. Without the senses contacting their objects in the world, no experience or knowledge can transpire. And whenever such sense-object interaction takes place, it inevitably evokes sukha-duhkhas. While these interactions are external, sukha-duhkhas they generate are internal. These being inevitable, where is the question of avoiding either sukha or duhkha in life? So, Gita says “tan titikshasva – forbear them”.

So, to forbear sukha-duhkha, which interactions in the world are bound to bring about repeatedly, should be the basic quality of the spiritual seeker. But it is something to be gained by understanding the nature of life, world and the interactions between the two. In fact, all spiritual qualities have their genesis in right understanding. Gita also adds that one who is not tormented by sukha-duhkhas, by dint of the equal vision he cultivates towards them, becomes fit for winning immortality, liberation (2.15).

A devotee should be patient, kshami, is what Gita preaches. It implies tolerance, an enlightened reconciliation with whatever comes and proceeding forward with resolve and dedication. It is an inner spiritual enrichment, resulting from the right understanding of how life courses through the worldly vicissitudes. The vision has to be broad enough to incorporate all possibilities and eventualities in life and in the world.

Cheerfulness is another characteristic of true devotion. If the devotee is aspiring for the Supreme alone, it should make him look for nothing else as a gain or goal. Such a dedicated mind is naturally free of all desires and expectations, with the result that it will remain cheerful always. This kind of abiding inner contentment is a sure corollary of devotion.

RELIGIOUS APPROACH

Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn which was written by Tulsidas ages back. It is believed that Tulsidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa from his prison where he was kept for 40 days and he recited 40 verses of the chant. Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn which was written by Tulsidas ages back in his state of Insecurity and Anxiety 

It is said that chanting these 40 verses of Hanuman Chalisa everyday has some amazing benefits. Hanuman Deeksha Ritual  begins on Hanuman Jayanti Vijayotsavam (Chaitra Purnima) and continues till Hanuman Jayanti (Vaishkha Masam Shukla Dasami) in Andhra Pradesh.  It is the Mandala Deeksha of 40 +1 days. Some devotees also observe  ‘Ardha Mandala Deeksha’ (21 days) and ‘Ekadasha Deeksha’ (11 days).  In USA Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated   in April after Rama Navami.

It is believed that if we pray with devotion then Lord Hanuman will destroy all the obstacles that come our way and we will be able to live a healthy life ahead. A lot of people who suffer with body ailments attribute the same to the placement of Lord Saturn or Shani in their horoscope and chant Hanuman Chalisa every day. It is believed that Lord Shani is afraid of Lord Hanuman and reading Hanuman Chalisa everyday helps in reducing the suffering of people. Reading Hanuman Chalisa gives you a lot of strength and positive energy. It keeps us energetic and active. It also helps in keeping common health problems like headache, insominia and depression at bay.

Here Hinduism not alone. In USA it is the Worm Full Moon time venerated by Native Indians praying to Sun God. It is also the Lent 40 days fasting season like Hanuman Diksha. This fast ends on Easter Sunday that is April 12 in USA. Many Temples in USA also celebrate this day As Hanuman Jayanti week-end and some start 40 days Fasting Ritual as Lent Fasting.

It is also strange coincidence that Lent fasting for 40 days ends on Easter Sunday and hands over to Hindu Americans observing Hanuman Jayanti who can continue the fast for another 40+ days tapering to May 2020 praying also to the Supreme to save them from this Corona Pandemonium though Vedic astrology predicts it to extend till June 21 International Yoga day. Corona virus may start weaning after Summer Solstice or Dakshinayana Day.

In general, the number 40 represents a time (40 days) or period of a state of purification, or “decantation,” where there is a clear separation between substances, i.e., the lower vibration ones and the higher vibration ones.  In present day concern about Corona Virus, Quarantine, the practice of isolation to prevent the spread of epidemic disease, derives from a Venetian dialect of the Italian 'quaranta giorni' meaning 'forty days', the period that ships were required to be isolated before passengers and crew could go ashore during the Black Death. 40 seems to be a magic figure for rejuvenation and jubilation as the proverbs go--at forty you are smarty; passing rich with forty pound a year etc.

It is  worth recalling  here a quote that has occupied the minds of many religious Christians  in a million chanting campaign particularly Star Group in USA without further explanation. One Religious follower exclaims:induism is not alone

“What a coincidence!! How great is our God, US Government arranged lockdown from the 26 March 2020 and the Bible verse Isaiah 26:20 says ‘Go home, my people and lock your doors ! Hide yourself for a little while until the Lord’s anger has passed, isn’t that amazing? ’ And further to this....The Lord commanded a lockdown during pass-over in Egypt....when the Angel of death passed over…..the Israelites where protected by the blood of the lamb - Thursday the 16th of April is when pass-over ends...As you all know that's when our lockdown is lifted ....21 days is the 16th Gods timing's incredible Wow and we are all protected guys...so we might think it’s not hard to stay home....but ....it is from God.

I was asked to be part of a 1 million Lord's Prayer text to slow and stop the Coronavirus.   It took me 30 secs to do it! Father God in the mighty name of Jesus! I pray, speak and declare healing all over the land! We are standing and trusting in YOUR promises! By your stripes we are healed! Touch the minds and hearts of our leaders! I humbly ask that your will be done! I pray a special blessing over the ones that are reading this prayer and passing it on to others! I declare and decree Victory in Jesus! Amen! Glory God! Amen”

Another came up with the following Lyrics bringing to our notice human neglect and abuse of Nature

We fell asleep in one world, and woke up in another.
Suddenly Disney is out of magic,
Paris is no longer romantic,
New York doesn't stand up anymore,
The Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, and Mecca is empty.   (Neither Trump’s Mexican wall is a foerteress)

Hugs & kisses suddenly become weapons, and not visiting parents & friends becomes an act of love. ( but not  Hindu Namaste pointing to Heaven and Inner-net)

Suddenly you realize that power, beauty & money are worthless, and can't get you the oxygen you're fighting for.
The world continues its life and it is beautiful. It only puts humans in cages. I think it's sending us a message:
"You are not necessary. The air, earth, water and sky without you are fine. When you come back, remember that you are my guests. Not my masters. (Mother Nature knows when to nourish and when to punish!)

Hanuman flew to Lanka carrying Monkey Doctor Sushena Vaidya, the royal physician on his back. Hanuman then flew to the Gandhamadana Peak in Himalayas to find life-saving herb Sanjivini and not finding it carried the whole mountain  without wasting time and also restored it when done.  Three Kudos to them!

AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) represents more than 80,000 practicing physicians and 40,000 medical students. 1 in every 7 people in the USA is touched by the care of a physician of Indian origin at any given time. This is India's contribution to health in the United States. This is the army of Vanara Sena sent to USA (Team of Sushena, Hanuman and Yoga teachers ) from India with the spirit of Hanuman Chalisa and not a Al-Quid-as and Quran.

Corona virus pandemonium has given a unique opportunity for people of all religions, faiths and beliefs to come together through Inner-net and pray together to raise their voices to invoke the Creator of the Universe who sustains the creation in many ways and who witnesses the thoughts and deeds of all. Social distancing does not mean social isolation!   Only in Hinduism we have an exclusive Avatar of Vishnu as Dhanvantari who emerged out of milky ocean with pot of Amrita (elixir for sustaining life) and blood sucking Leech to leach out all poisons from our blood.  Dhanvantari inspired and Ayurveda based medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudo-therapy is a kind of complementary and integrative treatment method applied with blood-sucking leeches. One or more leeches are attached to the skin of problematic area and the purpose is to gain potential utilities of leech saliva that is secreted while the leeches are feeding.

Here are some choice verses and mantras for prayer and meditation.  It was thrilling to watch Hindu Temples in USA and Canada that conducted Vishajwara Nivarana Yajnas to save the world from Corona pandemonium attracted people from Abrahamic religion, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs who raised their voices to Supreme who is the Creator of the Universe, who sustains the creation in many ways and who witnesses the thoughts and deeds of all with the mantra “Traymbakam yajaamahe” (I worship the lord of Three  Regions--Heaven, Earth and Mid-region of Atmosphere). He has provided clean atmosphere for us that we are polluting. If such Yajnas are performed during these times as chain reaction everywhere with devotion the medicinal smokes from fagots arising from fire will  fumigate and disinfect the air providing clean air to the faithful! It thus takes care of performing priests and participants too! Imagine if that be individual Homas  at home  and on universal basis?

CORONA MEDITATION MANTRAS FOR SOUND HEALTH & TRANQUILITY

DHANVANTARI MANTRA 

"Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amruta Kalasa Hastaaya Sarva Bhaya Vinaasaaya  Sarva Roga Nivaaranaaya Thri Lokya Pathaye  Thri Lokya Nidhaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa  Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa  Sri Sri Sri Aoushadha Chakra Narayana Swaha"

1.   Meaning: We pray to the God, who is known as Sudarshana Vasudeva Dhanvanthari. He holds the Kalasha full of nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantri removes all fears and removes all diseases. He is the well -wisher and the preserver of the three worlds. Dhanvantari is like Lord Vishnu, empowered to heal the Jiva souls. We bow to the Lord of Ayurveda.

‘Om Shree Dhanvantre Namaha’

Meaning: ‘Oh Lord Shri Dhanvantari, I bow humbly to you with prayers’ is the meaning of the mantra.

‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita- Kalasha Hastaaya Sarva-amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha’

This mantra dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, which describes his form, hails his greatness, offers salutations to him and seeks his grace for destroying diseases.

Om tat purushaayavidmahae Amrithakalasahastaaya dheemahi Tanno Dhanvantri prachodayaat ||

This is the Gayatri mantra for Lord Dhanvantari, the recitation of which can earn for the devotees, the divine blessings of the Lord.

 Vaidyo Narayano  Harih--Mantra

"sharIre jharjharIbhoote vyaadhigraste kalevare | aushadham jaahnavItoyam vaidyo naaraayano harih ||"

 When the “sharIra” (body) is suffering and the body is beset with disease, medicine is like the sacred water of the Ganga and the doctor is Naaraayana alone.

"harih" - hari means someone who destroys that is Naaraayana is destroying  the disease. "shareera” comes from "sheeryate iti shareeram" - that means body that is bound to be destroyed.  Nature is the healer, whatever may be the best medicine like Ganges Water.

 Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath  Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat

Meaning: Lord Shiva is the three eyed god. Shiva is always perfumed. He fosters all the creatures of the Universe. Lord Shiva releases from death for the sake of immortality, as cucumber detaches its bondage of the vine. We worship Lord Shiva to liberate us from death

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra   is mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is calledsMrita-Sanjivani Mantra. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Veda.

HANUMAN CHALISA

Budhee-Heen Thanu Jannikay Sumirow Pavana Kumara  | Bala-Budhee Vidya Dehoo Mohee Harahu Kalesha Vikaara

Knowing my body to be devoid of intelligence, I remember Hanuman, the son of Vāyu. Give me strength, intelligence and knowledge and remove all ailments (kalesa) and impurities (bikāra).

 VEDA MANTRA

Asato Ma Sadgamaya । Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya | Mrtyorma Amrtam Gamaya। Om Shantih Shanth Shantihi ॥

   

Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light.  Lead me from death to immortality. Om Peace! Peace! Peace!.

[Based on Bhagavad Gita, Valmiki Ramayana, Holy Bible, Hanuman  Chalisa  of Tulsidas and Communications  from Swami Chidananda of Fowai Forum]

Yajna, Medicinal Smoke and PCE/Chi/Prana.

Rahul Raveendran Nair

Concept of PCE/Chi/Prana in health

According to Gabriel Cousens'  classic text “Spiritual Nutrition”, nutrients represent different density levels of energy, and sunlight, which can be absorbed by the eyes and skin, is the least dense form of cosmic energy. The “10-percent rule” in ecology  supports this point of view. According to this rule, when sunlight energy, the ultimate source of energy (100%) in nature, is absorbed by producers (autotrophs—first trophic level), only 10% of energy is gained by them (90% is lost), and when these autotrophs are consumed by primary consumers, only 10% is gained by them. Thus, as energy moves up the food chain, 90% of the energy is lost at each trophic level. Thus, the food that we eat contains a minute fraction of the solar energy absorbed at the first trophic level. This information is of immense value because the human body can be considered to be a mass of energy vibrating at different frequencies. Because our body is a form of energy, the food that we eat, the medicines that we take, and the water that we drink must be able to maintain a constant and continual energy flow within the human body and between it and its surroundings.

Though sunlight is the ultimate source of energy for human beings, PCE, which is life giving, exists. In the acupuncture system, it is known as Chi, and in the Indian Vedic system, it is termed as Prana. PCE/Chi/Prana was reported to be the un-precipitated form of cosmic energy and the primary, indispensable nutrient needed by us. Solar energy can enter our bodies via the skin and eyes, whereas PCE/Chi/Prana cannot. In fact, PCE/Chi/Prana was reported to enter the human body mainly through the seventh major energy center located at the top of the head (the crown, or Sahasrara, chakra) and through breathing. In this context, PCE/Chi/Prana must travel downward through all the remaining chakras to maintain a continual and constant energy flow. From chakras, PCE/Chi/Prana flows through meridians (acupuncture system) or nadis (Indian system). To exemplify further, chakras, meridians/nadis, and PCE/Chi/ Prana are analogous to electrical substations, power lines, and electricity, respectively. The intake of a high quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana is a prerequisite for removing the energy blocks in meridian lines/nadis and acupuncture points. Any imbalance in the alignment of the chakra system causes a resistance to the flow of PCE/Chi/Prana because such energy imbalances deprive the meridian lines/nadis and acupuncture points of energy. Therefore, though all of us receive PCE/Chi/Prana, the free down-ward flow of PCE determines the health of an individual as this flow is essential for supplying PCE/Chi/Prana to associated energy channels (meridians/nadis). Because nutrients represent different levels of precipitation of energy, for humans, the free flow of the un-precipitated form of cosmic energy, i.e., PCE/Chi/Prana, which is otherwise termed as the “primary nutrient”, is vital for healthy living.

As living beings, each of us needs to live in an environment that contains a high quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana so that the body can absorb it, thereby “balancing and aligning” the major energy centers in our bodies. However, the quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana varies from one geographical location to another.   For instance, in geo-path stress is greater than that in other unaffected areas. The geozpath stress zones are characterized by the continuous emission of energies (low-frequency electromagnetic waves) from the earth, which causes poor health-. This fact demands the development of appropriate strategies to increase the quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana in geographical locations where its level is very low, particularly, geo-path stress zones and highly polluted areas.

PCE/Chi/Prana in the field of human energy and health

Chakras are considered to be vital energy centers that play a pivotal role in balancing human health . Chakras are reported to be centers of highly concentrated energy along the spinal cord and to be associated with the seven major endocrine glands in the body . The spin of these chakras influences the functioning of various organs in the human body greatly, and generally, a clockwise spin is ascribed to balanced and aligned chakras. In Eastern philosophy, seven energy zones/layers (corresponding to the chakras) close to the human body have been described. Similarly, an energy field close to the human body, i.e., a human energy field (aura), having three zones/layers was reported in the last century. Aura or the human energy field was reportedly observed for the first time by Walter Kilner in 1911; when he observed a human body through glass screens stained with dicyanin dye,he could see a glowing mist of three layers around the human body : a 0.25-inch layer nearest to the skin, a 1-inch-wide layer streaming perpendicularly from the body (more vaporous), and a delicate, exterior luminous layer with a 6-inch width and indefinite contour. The intensities of these layers varied depending on the physical, mental, and emotional states of the person. Any distortions in this human energy field caused discomfort and disorders. Careful examination has revealed that the human aura is identical in characteristics to the seven energy layers contributed by the radiation emanating from the seven chakras. Each chakra absorbs a particular color in the visible spectrum (VIBGYOR) : red for the root chakra (bottom), orange for the sacral/spleen chakra, yellow for the solar plexus, green for the heart chakra, blue for the throat chakra, indigo for the brow chakra, and violet for the crown chakra (top).

In the visible spectrum, violet (red) has the shortest (longest) wavelength; therefore, it possesses the highest (lowest) frequency with highest (lowest) energy. A reasonable explanation for this phenomenon is that when sunlight hits the human aura, the visible spectrum of sunlight is divided into seven colors that then enter the body through the skin and eyes-. Thus, the rays separated are directed to each of the corresponding chakras to assign an energy level in descending order to maintain a constant and continual flow of PCE/Chi/Prana through the chakra system from a higher energy to a lower energy state. Similarly, PCE/Chi/Prana enters through the crown chakra (region of maximum energy) and flows through subsequent chakras to reach the root chakra (region of minimum energy). However, in geo-path stress zones or highly polluted locations, the aforementioned flow may not be optimized because in such regions, the quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana would be very low; thus, diseases may occur. In geo-path stress zones, the poor-health-creating energies emanating from the earth disrupt the “oscillatory equilibrium” of the human body due to the resonance effect, and the amount of PCE/Chi/Prana available in such areas is not sufficient to shift from a state of “oscillatory disequilibrium” to “oscillatory equilibrium”. Thus, in such regions, tools/strategies to increase the quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana are needed.

Effect of PCE/Chi/Prana on entropy and the human body

According to the second law of thermodynamics, the universe always tends toward increasing entropy, which denotes randomness or disorder. The entropy of the human cellular system must be very low in order to realize health, i.e., oscillatory equilibrium. Because cells and cellular components are known to vibrate at certain frequencies, any disruption would lead to potential regulatory issues. In the human body, biological macromolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates, are composed of large numbers of atoms in close proximity in a regular pattern. In such systems, single valence electrons form a common band. The products of DNA expression, i.e., proteins, are reported to be semiconductors that can transfer this band of free electrons from one site to another within the human body. This charge transfer is vital for the body to function properly. In this context, if the body's entropy is increased by any means, potential irregularities may occur in the vibrational dynamics of the cells and intracellular structures. This disruption will adversely affect the charge transfer necessary for the flow of biological information.

According to Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature given by the World Health Organization, 400 acupuncture points and 20 meridian lines connecting most of those points have been documented. Various scientific investigations have proven that most acupuncture points and meridians are areas of high electrical conductance on the surface of the human body.  Most acupuncture points have also been proven to host a 12-fold higher density of gap junctions (hexagonal protein complexes that facilitate cell-to-cell communication and have electrical conductivity). This grouping of gap junctions at the acupuncture points supports the aforementioned Szent-Gyorgyi's finding that complex protein structures transfer bands of free electrons from one site to another for effective cell-to-cell communication. This communication via gap junctions has also been reported to be vital for morphogenesis. An increase in entropy would certainly cause high levels of fluctuations in the passage of information from cell to cell. Recently, the metastatic cancer phenotype was found to be characterized by an increase in the entropy of the local information flux patterns. Another discovery was that measures of local entropy in integrated protein networks might be useful for identifying targets in cancer metastasis.

My proposal is that people who live in geo-path stress zones or highly polluted areas experience an increase in entropy because of an “oscillatory disequilibrium”  caused by the resonance effect. A thorough analysis of various Yajnas performed during ancient civilizations in India revealed that the ultimate aim of all fire ritual processes was to decrease the entropy of the human body by increasing the intake of PCE/Chi/Prana. This is supported by an interesting finding, based on an electrophotonic imaging technique, that a reduction in entropy is always associated with participation in Bhaishajya Mahyajna   due to an increase in the quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana during the performance of yajna . The intake of adequate quanta of PCE/Chi/Prana always minimizes the entropy.

Medicinal smoke and PCE/Chi/Prana: two major aspects of agnihotra yajna

Our brain cells communicate with one another by utilizing electric charges. This electrical activity in the brain is generally known as the brainwave pattern. The human brain exhibits different kinds of brain waves: delta waves (0.5–3 HZ), theta waves (3–8 HZ), slow alpha waves (8–12 HZ), fast alpha waves (12–15 HZ), beta waves (15–25 HZ), and gamma waves (38–42 HZ).   These waves represent the ladder of consciousness. In the brain of a spiritually-enlightened person, gamma waves will be abundant; however, if a person has no deep consciousness, the gamma waves will not be present. The gamma waves have the highest frequency (highest energy) among brain waves. My hypothesis is that incessant flow of PCE/Chi/Prana through the chakra system without any blockage generates sufficient wave activity, from alpha to gamma waves, in the brain to maintain good health.

The pyramid used for the Agnihotra yajna resembles the temple ponds in India, i.e., “Kalyani”. The purpose of constructing a Kalyani in ancient temples was to cleanse the human body and mind prior to darsan in temples in order to allow the person to receive the divine energy coming from the sanctum sanctorum. From this, my belief is that the shape of the pyramid used in Agnihotra (section of an inverted pyramid having a flat bottom) and that of the temple pond, Kalyani, allow PCE/Chi/Prana to be attracted and disseminated to the surroundings more effectively. A recent study found that the subjecting of matter into energy occurred during the performance of Agnihotra yajna in the form of transformations of specific ingredients from a solid state to either a vapor phase or a colloidal phase, and as a result, electromagnetic waves were generated. These electromagnetic waves, together with the chanting of specific Vedic hymns (unique sonic signals), have potential health benefits. The combustion of offerings in the Agnihotra pyramid is thought to increase the PCE/Chi/Prana in the surrounding atmosphere, and the intake of this increased quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana by breathing is thought to optimize the alignment of chakras and would certainly establish energy connections between the physical body and the electromagnetic body via the chakra system.

The increase in the quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana by employing the Agnihotra pyramid occurs only in the presence of the fire element. As for medicinal smoke, the routine practice of Agnihotra yajna maintains the threshold values of potential therapeutic compounds in the human body, which, in turn, enhances the immunity to a great extent. For instance, the Cocos nucifera and the Sesamum indicum used in the present study were reported to be potentially useful in scavenging free radicals, thus preventing the pathogenesis of disease. In addition, I postulate that the vibrations generated in the pyramid during the process of Agnihotra will be absorbed by the bone structure, which is the single major solid crystalline structure in the body, and will later be amplified and transduced as biological signals necessary for the proper functioning of the human body.

Moreover, the increased levels of antioxidants in the fumes reach the brain and then the nerves, thus alleviating psychological depression. Also, the distinct energy currents emerging from all Vedic fire rituals have been reported to possess curative actions for diseases, such as headaches, migraines, mental dullness, intellectual deficiencies, depression, insomnia, intemperance, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and varieties of manias.  It is commonly known that the therapeutic value of a Yajna is determined by the ingredients used. Therefore, logically, the efficacy of Agnihotra yajna can be increased drastically by incorporating suitable natural elements, and such a provision is given in an ancient Vedic text, Jaiminiya Brahmana 1:19.

In light of all the above facts, Agnihotra yajna can be considered as a complementary medicine that removes the energy blocks in the meridians/nadis. In conclusion, the ultimate purpose of practicing Agnihotra yajna is to realize “LIFE”, which means “letting incessant flow of energy” through our body–mind system as any blockage in this flow would cause disharmony and chaos in the system, thus leading to poor health.

[The seven Samiths (fagots from medicinal plants) are Aswattha, Udumbara, Paalaasa, Samee, Vikankata, Asanihitavriksha  and Pushkaraparna]