THOUGHT OF THE DAY JULY & AUGUST 2021
BOOSTING OJAS IN US FOR
PHYSICAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL IMMUNITY
We are introduced to the word Ojas in the Gayatri Mantra
of MNU. Upanayana
ritual in Hinduism starts with the introduction and prayer of Gayatri Devi by the
following mantra:
O Gāyatrī, Thou art the essence of strength! Thou art
patience, or the subduing power! Thou art physical capacity! Thou art splendor!
Thou art the abode of gods and their name! Thou art the insentient universe!
Thou art the full span of life or the Lord of all! Thou art every living thing!
Thou art the life span of all! Thou art the vanquisher of all that is hostile
to us! Thou art the Truth denoted by the Prāṇava! I invoke Gāyatrī, (into my heart)! I invoke Sāvitrī!
I invoke Sarasvatī!
The Supreme Being as the Indweller and impeller of all Creation is known as
Savitri and hence the passage in praise of Him is called Savitri. The Vedas are
represented as a lake which gives the waters of life and hence Gāyatrī, as the
essence of the Vedas, is called Sarasvatī These two terms magnify Gāyatrī as
the object of worship. The epithet Sāvitrī is given because it represents
Savitar who illumines the creation; and Sarasvatī because in that aspect it
expresses the world in the shape of speech for eloquence.
Sadhyavandana Prayer thrice a day during the scripture mandated time in the
morning just before sunrise, in the day at noon, and in the evening just before
the sunset has a profound effect upon the physical, emotional and spiritual
life of individuals. The significance of the asana on a Dharba mat mentioned in
Gita, is for conserving energy generated through prayer and meditation. Seers
and sages who perform religious rituals regularly accumulate potent energy
within them that is reflected through a magnetic personality and the glow on
their face that is often referred as Ojas. This energy could be easily lost by
leakage into the ground. Understanding the purpose of an appropriate asana like
Padmasana, one can sit comfortably for meditation on this amazing mat feel
energized after meditation and also feel nothing is lost.
The practice of Sandhya Vandanam in itself is daily
performed without fail at a calm peaceful atmosphere or in knee-deep waters.
This enables the practitioners to control their emotions and temperament.
Sun being a Star, passes its rays all the time, whether day or
night. Without its power, none on the earth can exist. Vedic
scriptures teach using these powers for the good of humanity.
Solar energy can be used not just to produce electricity for
batteries etc., but also to recharge one’s own body mechanism. As the
body too produces electricity and magnetic phases, it is no wonder that sages
in Vedic age sought after fittest way to live, healthier and longer with their
scientific religious practices.
We all know that we possess electricity that flows through us.
This is what is represented in the ECG, i.e. Electrocardiogram. Since this
electricity is a part of our body, it is referred to as
bioelectricity. This electricity passes through ten sets of lines
corresponding to ten fingers and toes. There are a set of
actions associated with Sandhyavandanam along with the recitation of the Veda
mantras. Above all, our body has a self-healing property that can cure by
itself most of the diseases. Moreover, if the bio-electricity in the body is
flowing rightly, the body remains fit and healthy. This flow of bioelectricity
within our body causes the emission of electrons that are responsible for the
aura (Ojas) that is produced as an outcome of this. This bioelectricity has to
be regulated through an electromagnetic environment, which is written in detail
in Vastu Shastra. An advanced version of such healing is also known as Pranic healing
which was developed by Choa Kok Sui. Any disease first enters our bio-plasma
body and then enters the physical body. The rectification happens at the
source, which is the bio-plasma body, through induction of bio-energy at
specific known points called chakras; remedies include use of energized water.
Meditation has a great influence on the bio-plasma body as the brain cells are
also known to produce electric waves of different frequencies. One more ancient
therapy system called acupressure recognizes our endpoints such as fingertips
as control boards for manipulation and regulation of
bio-electricity.
During the noon prayer or Maadhyaanika Sandhyaavandanam, it
is also necessary to perform Soorya Namaskaaram (yoga posture for worshiping
the Star Sun). There is a systematic way to view the Sun with finger
window arrangement for an aperture (Yama paasa mudra) and to absorb
the rays (solar energy) into the body while chanting the mantra “Pasyema
saradassatam…. jyokchasooryam drise”. It is widely believed that this
Surya Namaskaram cleanses the eye lenses. This practice prevented ancient
people from early blindness. (Looking at the Sun directly may blind your sight
and damage your eye lenses, so please learn it from a person who knows it
well). While doing this too, they had to chant a prayer dedicated to the Lord
and Star Sun, and this vibration, combined with viewing the Sun in a methodical
way, increases one’s physical strength.
In recent times scientists have experimented using water bypassing
sound vibration through it. This has resulted in the production of air bubbles
emitting blue light with high temperatures inside the water. These experiments
indicate the capacity of sound waves to energize water. When the rhythmic sound
waves of the Vedas, enter the water that is stored in metals (copper) that are
good conductors of electricity, the water is energized on the spot. An event
called Udakashanti is an event that does exactly the same thing. A miniature of
this is experienced in the daily Sandhyavandanam that has a great effect on us
since it is performed on a regular basis. Vedic rituals like Pranayama, Achamanam are extremely important small
parts of Sandhyavandanam that regulate the bio-electricity in us. The time that
we do makes the process seamless changing us internally faster.
But what is this Ojas, essence of strength in us?
Ojas (OH-JUS)
is one of the three subtle forces in our body. Think of ojas as
the container that holds your abundant energy. It is the ultimate energy
reserve of the body and mind. It is the purest essence of Kapha, and
physically, it is related to reproductive, hormonal, and cerebrospinal fluids. In Ayurveda, ojas is our radiance, our vigor. It influences
everything from our immunity, digestion, physical strength, and
the health of our skin to
our spiritual inclination, sleep, and mood.
Ojas is the refined substance
produced after digestion, once all seven dhatus—the tissues
responsible for the functioning of the systems and organs of the body—are fed
and nourished. The classical Ayurveda calls for your body to benefit from the
gifts of that carrot. Since it takes almost a month for the system to
create ojas from the food you ingest, it is critical to
nourish our ojas supply.
INCREASE YOUR LEVEL OF OJAS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL
IMMUNITY
“The Coronavirus Pandemic shows a breakdown in our collective
immunity at both physical and psychological levels, what relates to Ojas in
Yoga and Ayurveda. Below we examine the role of
Ojas as our primary energy in sustaining immunity and holding a deeper Prana,
along with related factors of Yoga and Ayurveda. This is not to substitute for
taking necessary medicines to curb the coronavirus and mainstream medical
recommendations.
Note we are not proclaiming some doomsday here, but looking at the
long-term side-effects of our current rapidly developing technological
civilization. The ability of viruses to spread is increased by the
interconnectedness and vulnerability that links the world by way of travel and
communication. What happens in one part of the world quickly affects the world
as a whole and cannot be ignored. We must start thinking and acting with a
planetary vision.
Ojas, Our Primary Energy in Life
The main force behind our immune system is called Ojas in
Ayurveda, which refers to the essence of all our bodily tissues and the
ultimate resort of both our nutrition and our genetic inborn strength. Ojas sustains
and holds a deeper Prana within us. Ojas can be increased by proper food and
herbs as well as by natural living on all levels, aligned with a yogic and
Ayurvedic lifestyle.
Special Ojas-increasing herbs in Ayurveda include ashwagandha,
shatavari, bala, amalaki, haritaki, brahmi, manduka parni, tulsi and even
common turmeric and ginger. Ayurveda has these herbs available not just as
powders or pills, but as made into powerful medical oils (tailams), ghee
(ghritams), gugguls, ferments like asavas and arishtas, and herbal jellies and
confections like prash (Chyavan Prash) and lehyams (Ashwagandha Lehyam). This
pharmaceutical wealth remains a great resource for all to access. Ayurvedic oil
massage and steam therapies (snehana and swedana) also work dramatically to
increase our immunity. Many special Ayurvedic oils use Ojas-increasing herbs
like Balashwagandha. So do Ayurvedic ghees like Brahmi ghee! These Ayurvedic
products can be ordered on line at various Ayurvedic herbal suppliers.
Dietary factors to increase Ojas are similar to a Vata-reducing
diet and include nutritive food items, nuts and seeds, root vegetables, whole
grains like rice and oats, beans and dals, dairy products, and oils like
sesame, olive and ghee. Food should be freshly cooked. Processed, frozen and
most restaurant food should be avoided. Simple Ayurvedic kitcheree with rice
and mung beans is a good primary staple food. Of course, the
individual’s dietary needs and inclinations must be carefully considered. Such
herbal and dietary factors are the subject of an entire article in its own
right, and are best done along with consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner. Weak
immunity often involves high Vata Dosha that also must be carefully considered.
Yoga Practices for Immunity and Prana
Yoga practices also help in increasing immunity, Ojas and Prana,
as well as creating a positive physical and psychological environment. The
performance of Agnihotra and Vedic havans (fire offerings) purifies the house
or the dwelling. Can be done morning and evening. Puja is similarly very
protecting, especially the use of incense to clear the air, along with the
lighting of ghee or oil lamps. These are key practices of Karma Yoga in Hindu
thought.
Pranayama is very important for strengthening Prana and
immunity, particularly done first thing in the morning and before sleep at
night. But it should be slow and deep, not simply rapid and forceful. Alternate
nostril breathing or nadi shodhana is very good. Pratyahara,
including withdrawal from excessive media and electrical stimulation, is
helpful as well, including aroma therapy and being in nature. Proper exercise
and Asana is essential, but of a gentle sattvic nature, not excessive exertion
(though it is best to avoid larger group classes during the virus
threat).
There are many protective mantras that one can do, particularly as
part of Bhakti Yoga, whether to Devi (Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Parvati), Shiva,
Rama, Krishna, Hanuman, Skanda or Ganesha, or to the guru, the five elements of
Nature, our own inner Self and the Supreme Brahman or Cosmic Reality, whether
it is Om namah Shivaya! Om namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya! or whatever arouses one’s
devotion. Guidance by the guru or authentic tradition is always helpful for
specific practices.
Psychological Immunity
We see a disturbing breakdown in the psychological immunity of
people individually and collectively. Psychological immunity is indicated by
our ability to withstand emotional difficulties, opposition and conflict,
stress and uncertainty in our lives, including social and political unrest,
which few people seem to have today. This is another aspect of Ojas but at the
level of the mind.
Strong psychological immunity is indicated by detachment,
self-discipline, focus of mind and the capacity for introspection, as developed
by concentration, mantra and meditation in Yoga. Yoga, mantra and meditation
also increase our psychological immunity and help us be less psychologically
vulnerable to our current increasingly divided, stressful and disrupted
environment. Ayurvedic herbs for the mind increase our immunity like brahmi,
manduka parni, jatamamsi, shankha pushpi, ashwagandha and haritaki.
Our current media-based culture tends to weaken our psychological
immunity, making us so outward and reactive in our views that we lose the
ability to contact the peace of our own inner Being and Divine Self, being
imbalanced by every problem in the world around us. This breakdown of
psychological immunity is perhaps as dangerous as the breakdown of physical
immunity and both go together—and both depend upon our connection with nature
and a healthy biosphere and with our own deeper Divine essence.
Outer difficulties push us back on our inner strength. We have
been relying too much on external factors for our well-being, happiness or
protection, including drugs that weaken our immunity and make our environment
toxic. We must recognize that our ultimate strength lies within our own
consciousness for which this current human life is but one episode in a greater
cosmic existence that we are always part of. We must come together for the sake
of all humanity, all nature and the universal life, which are always there to
support us!"
--Vamadeva (Dr. David Frawley)
A complete
control over one’s own mind is a virtue that we often hanker for. Patañjali (200
B. C.) the great master of Yoga, had dealt with this topic from two
standpoints.
1.
In the
negative aspect, one should try constantly to avoid or overcome the various
obstacles that disturb our mental balance or concentration.
2.
In the
positive aspect, repeated efforts should be made to tackle the mind directly
and control it and increase our level
If you create sufficient Ojas around you, your
passage in this existence will be well lubricated. You will see life happens
effortlessly for you. Ojoci sahoci balamaci bhrajoci--invoking the
grace of the Supreme in the shape of Gayatri we develop strength, patience,
subduing power and physical capacity and retrieve our true divine
nature that had been temporarily eclipsed by the life of the world.
Objective of The Annual Congregational Gayatri Mantra Meditation
on Gayatri Japa Day after Upakarma is to inspire us to create sufficient Ojas
around us by daily meditation!
--August 23, 2021
IMPORTANCE OF VEDIC MAANASA WORSHIP AND ITS FOLLOWING IN BHAKTI
MARGA ON UPAKARMA DAY
Manasa or inward worship is one of the choice-means and also
preferred means for Liberation that has developed into Manasa Puja in Bhakti
Marga. Today is Maanasaa (Inner) Worship Day. MNU says “vidvaamsah maanase ramante” --wise people consider inner worship is the
means of liberation and engage in Kamokarshheet and Manyurakarshheet worship (Japa)/Yajna). Instead of fighting
with Anger (Manyu) and Passion (Kama) as enemies (devils) Vedas deify them and mandate us to worship them! Yajnasya maayayaa sarvaan yajamahe--yajnena
dvishaah mitraah bhavanti says
MNU-- we remove Manyu
(anger) and Kama (passion) by the power of deeds of worship that
turns enemies to friends (a magical technique). Hence kamokarsheet manyurakarsheet Japa-yajna today that is meant for all! Here Maya means Power instead the usual translation Illusion,
and that is why Ramakrishna resorted to Kali worship as Mahamaya worship!
Chanakya used sarasa (cajoling) as a clever
technique to win over enemies. Will this technique work with Taliban meaning
student to save Afghanistan by Pundit Modi who has so much stakes in
Afghanistan that I described in my earlier E mail, time alone will tell!
Earlier US tried to cajole both Al-Qaida and Taliban but failed being poor
teachers in Dharma techniques!
“There will be no peace in the world until we
have peace within ourselves. Through regular practice of
meditation, every individual can reinvigorate the powers of their divine Self,
the Kundalini Shakti, located at the sacrum bone at the bottom of the spine,
above the Mooladhara Chakra. When the Kundalini Shakti rises, it enlightens the
seven chakras, centers of energy, and finally blossoms at the Sahasrara located
at the top of the head and connects us with Supreme Consciousness, giving us a
state of complete joy.’’ says Mataji Nirmala Devi of Sahaja Yoga founder and
promoter.
More than 600 sahaja yogis from various countries were in India
for the celebration at Nirmal Dham, Delhi and Chindwara, Madhya Pradesh. Some
musical events that included music and also self-realization were planned in
Delhi and Mumbai during March 19-24. We will talk about benefits of
music, sloka and mantra chanting soon.
Inner Peace began a few years ago. The idea behind it was to
establish a day in schools dedicated to World Peace, where students could
experience inner peace for themselves, through meditation. Meditate to
Regenerate was set up to spread the message of peace in some of the most
troubled areas around the world: refugee camps, occupied territories and places
devastated by war. According to Inner Peace Association
(www.innerpeaceday.org), The World Day for Inner Peace has seen success and
appreciation in nearly 51 countries, involving more than 32,00,000
students.
Every year the countries involved as well as the participating
schools have increased in numbers; so much so that the event has marked the
start of permanent meditation courses in many of the schools that took part.
This widespread diffusion, and the enthusiastic reaction of school heads and
students, attracted the attention of the international media. March 21 was
declared the World Day of Inner Peace by the national news shows in several
European countries (primarily Italy and Romania). In India too some State
Governments have given pe ers
to resolve their mental, social, economic, health and spiritual dilemmas; to
overcome disease and reduce stress levels, achievement of higher concentration,
greater focus and experience of complete joy and peace in their everyday
affairs.
We should all strive to establish inner peace
that will bring everlasting and evergreen peace in a sadly conflict-ridden
society.
Please go through the following mantras of Mahanarayana Upanishad:
mānasamiti vidvāɱsastasmādvidvāɱsa eva mānase ramante||
Some wise people consider that inward worship is
the means of liberation. Therefore wise people delight only in inward
worship.
The term mānasa is interpreted by Sāyana as inward
worship or contemplation upon the Supreme and His divine excellences. There is
a general division of the subject matter of the Vedas into karma, upāsanā and
jñāna. Upāsanā means a conscious mental effort which sustains
an unbroken current of thought centering on a deity, some divine quality or an
object of adoration as prescribed in the scripture and instructed by the
preceptor. Such Upāsanās are found in the Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas and Upaniṣads.
According to the ancient teachers, Upāsanā may be performed as
part of the sacrificial performance in co-ordination with it, or as an
alternative of Yajña-karma.The Upaniṣadic philosophy has stemmed out of those Upāsanās that were
prescribed as a substitute for the performance of karma.
Speaking from the view-point of religious evolution we may say
that (a) singleness of purpose, (b) subjugation
of lower passions and (c) devotion to duty - are cultivated by
the religious seeker through the meticulous performance of overt sacrificial
acts continuously for a long time. When a stage of maturity is reached through
this devotion to action, the worshipper delights in meditation co-ordinated
with action, technically called jñāna-karma-samuchchaya.
We find references in the Vedas to a still higher stage when karma
is substituted by upāsanā, in which case all external religious acts are
suppressed by the inner urge of the contemplative mind. A person who has grown
into this state of spiritual maturity is called an Ātmayājin, in
the Brāhmaṇas
and the Āraṇyakas. A person who has reached this stage can really
find pleasure only in inward worship.
Mānasa in a limited sense may mean mental rejection of pleasure
which one feels in attractive external objects.
mānasaṁ vai prājāpatyaṁ pavitraṁ mānasena manasā sadhu paśyati ṛṣayaḥ prajā asṛjanta mānase sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitaṁ tasmānmānasaṁ paramaṁ vadanti
Inward worship or mental concentration is indeed the means of
attaining to the state of Prajāpati and so that is holy. Those who possess a
mind endowed with the power of inward concentration see and realize what is
good. Through mental concentration, seers like Viśvāmitra created subjects by
mere wish. All depends upon this power of the mind. Therefore, they say that
the power of inward concentration is the supreme means of liberation.
Bhaṭṭabhāskara takes the word mānasa here as tapas in
the form of vairāgya engendered in the mind of a person. This belongs to
Prajāpati and in the absence of it distractions divert the mind from the goal.
Sāyana takes mānasa in the sense of inward concentration and
worship, as before.
śraddhayā
medhā medhayā manīṣā manīṣayā mano manasā śāntiḥ śāntyā cittaṁ cittena smṛtiḥ smṛtyā smāraɱ smāreṇa vijñānaṁ vijñānenātmānaṁ vedayati
By faith in scriptural truths mental power comes.
By mental power sense-control is made possible. By sense-control reflection is
engendered. From reflection calmness of mind results. Conclusive experience of
Truth follows calmness. By conclusive experience of Truth remembrance of it is
engendered. Remembrance produces continuous remembrance. From continuous
remembrance results unbroken direct realization of Truth. By such realization a
person knows the Ātman.
Sānti means exclusion of all thoughts from the mind
other than what is at the focus of attention, or firmly fixing the mind on the
object of concentration.
These Vedic thoughts have inspired Bhakti Marga followers in
developing Manasa Puja in Hindu
Worship Tradition to meet their specific need. Here is an
interesting story to illustrate how Lord Siva helped a manasa
puja farmer to overcome his scheduled death, “mrityor moksheeya”
response of “Trayambakam yajamahe”:
There is no doubt that good actions produce good results. Not only that, even
good thoughts are capable of bringing about good results. Moreover, this story
also makes us understand the reason why Hindu sages have developed manasa puja
or mental worship. In Kali Yuga, the best form of worship and prayer of
Bhagavan is in mind.
It was a small town. In that town lived a famous astrologer. One
evening, a poor farmer visited the astrologer with his horoscope. After
perusing the farmer’s horoscope, the astrologer was reluctant to disclose his
findings because that farmer was destined to die at eight o’clock that night.
Unwilling to tell anything directly to the farmer, the astrologer avoided the
farmer and said: ‘Sir, today I have an important work. I had forgotten about
that amidst many tasks. Please leave your horoscope with me and meet me
tomorrow morning.’ Believing the astrologer’s words to be true, the farmer took
leave saying that he would return the next day.
After the farmer left, the astrologer told his wife: ‘The person
who visited me just now is destined to die tonight. Instead of telling that to
him, I have sent him away asking him to visit me tomorrow. How can he meet me
tomorrow when he will die tonight?’
Leaving the astrologer’s house, the farmer set on foot towards his
village nearby. On the way, it started to get dark. Since it was rainy season,
there was a small drizzle. Soon, there was thunder and a heavy downpour. At
that time, the farmer was going through a forest-path. He looked around him for
a place to protect him from the rain and saw a dilapidated Shiva temple. The
farmer ran to the temple and took shelter inside a hall in front of the temple.
Standing there, the farmer felt bad about the dismal state of the temple and
thought: ‘Alas! The sanctum and the hall of this temple have been neglected and
have become dilapidated. In many places, the roots of banyan and trees have
grown. Had I got sufficient wealth, I would first renovate this temple.’
The farmer continued thinking. He imagined having renovated that
Shiva temple. He mentally constructed the gopurams, the main gopuram, inner
prakarams or inner compounds, and halls. He imagined that a procession of Vedic
brahmins were bringing the metal spire to be installed on the gopuram on the
day of the temple consecration. Standing in the dilapidated hall, the farmer
imagined the elaborate performance of the temple consecration and he saluted
the image of Shiva, who had been mentally installed in the temple.
Immersed in such thoughts, the farmer happened to again look at
the hall in which he was standing. There, just above his head, from a crack of
the dilapidated hall, a black cobra had come out because of the thundering
clouds and had raised its hood and was about to strike the farmer. As soon as
the farmer saw the cobra, he ran out of the hall. At the same instant, the
dilapidated hall that had been further damaged by the rain collapsed and
crumbled to the ground. It was eight o’clock. The rain subsided.
The farmer returned to his home. He visited the astrologer the
next day. The astrologer was surprised. Thinking that he was mistaken in his
astrological calculations, he started minutely examining his astrology books.
He found that his calculations were correct. The astrology books said that if
one had to escape such a destiny, one had to acquire the merit of building a
Shiva temple and consecrating it. The astrologer felt sad that the poor farmer
could never construct and consecrate a Shiva temple. He explained to the farmer
what the astrology books had to say. The farmer recounted what had happened the
previous night. Then, the astrologer instructed the farmer what he had to do
henceforth. The moral of this story is that even imagining doing the works of
God can remove many obstacles.
Dhyana is a key term in the Yoga Sutras, combining with the three
factors of the inner Yoga of Dharana (Manasa), Dhyana and #Samadhi, Concentration, Meditation and
Unity Consciousness, which go together under the common term of #Samyama. While meditation
techniques can aid in the state of Dhyana, true meditation is beyond all
techniques and linked to our inner nature as the Self or Seer of all.
I believe Aagamas prescribed annual event of community meditation
on Gayatri after Upakarma guided by Veda mantra on Gayatri--ojoci
sahoci, balamaci brhajoci....
Please go through the Importance of Mouna Vrata in Hinduism based
on Ramana Philosophy
--August 22, 2021
World
Sanskrit Day on Yajur Upakarma Day
There
was a time when Sanskrit was the most spoken language in India and now only 1%
of Indians use the Sanskrit language in slokas and pooja etc. You might not
even know that the Sanskrit language is the 02nd official language of
Uttarakhand. Not only this, ancient texts, Vedas and Puranas, etc. were
composed in the Sanskrit language itself.
The
language that used to be called the mother of all languages, today that
language is counted among the least spoken languages. While many languages were
born from this language and with the help of this, we started learning another
language. Today, the importance of the same language means nothing to us.
Sanskrit Day is celebrated at the national and
global levels. The main premise behind celebrating it is that people understand
the importance of this language and our new generation should be introduced to
this language of India. The Sanskrit language is considered the first language
in India and it is not just a language, but a culture that needs to be
cherished. Therefore, it is very important to remind every Indian once a year
that the language of his own country is being left behind somewhere.
The
people of Sanskrit are also considered less because they have not given it a
place like the English language in India. Many people understand that today
without English, it will not work or Sanskrit is an old language. He feels that
while speaking it, no one will think of him as educated as he would think in
English. Therefore, the importance of World Sanskrit day (Sanskrit Diwas /
National Sanskrit Day) is very much in today’s time. So that Sanskrit can
regain its lost identity. There are about 12 Sanskrit Universities in India and
its needs its due consideration by Hindu University of America (HUA). I am not
sure whether they are celebrating this day and propagating the messge to Hindu
Americans about its importance in promoting Vedic Culture! It also needs due
attention by Baala Vihaar Sunday Schools and Vedic Heritage Classes popular in
USA!
Sanskrit
Day was celebrated for the first time in the year 1969 after the Union ministry
of education issued notifications to state and central governments. World Sanskrit Day is celebrated on Shravana
Poornima every year, on Upakarma Day and
this year it falls on August 22.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter
on Sunday to mark the occasion of World Sanskrit Day. Sanskrit is an ancient
Indian language and belongs to the Indo-European group of languages. Sanskrit
is often referred to as the language of the gods and is made of the words sáṃ,
meaning together, good, well, perfected, and kṛta,
meaning made, formed and work. When used together connotes something that is
well-formed or perfected.
एषा भाषा प्राचीना चेदपि आधुनिकी,
यस्यां गहनं तत्त्वज्ञानम् अस्ति तरुणं काव्यम् अपि अस्ति,
या सरलतया अभ्यासयोग्या परं श्रेष्ठदर्शनयुक्ता च,
तां संस्कृतभाषाम् अधिकाधिकं जनाः पठेयुः।
सर्वेभ्यः संस्कृतदिवसस्य शुभाशयाः।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August
22, 2021
Read on to find out more about World
Sanskrit Day:
1.
World Sanskrit Day was celebrated for the first time in the year 1969 after the
Union ministry of education issued notifications to state and central
governments.
2. The
day is marked by seminars, lectures and meets all over the country. The
Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy and Sanskrit University have jointly organized a
week-long celebration starting Sunday, in which various Sanskrit scholars,
poets, critics and senior officers of the state government will take part and
deliver lectures on different topics.
3. The
central and various state governments have been celebrating Sanskrit Day with
renewed vigor to help revitalize the language.
4. The New Education Policy (NEP) laid an
ambitious path for “mainstreaming” the language. Sanskrit was to be offered in
schools, including as one of the language options in the three-language formula,
as well as in higher education. This was a point which Jammu and Kashmir
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reiterated on August 20 while laying the
foundation stone for the new building of Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, at
Basohli, Kathua district.
5. NEP
also stated that Sanskrit universities will be turned into multi-disciplinary
institutions of higher learning.
“Sanskrit is the world's most profound, precise and cosmic
language, unfolding all the secrets of the universe and immutable Consciousness
together, starting from the primal sound/Pranava OM.
Sanskrit is not part of any family of
languages, though many languages derive from it or are connected to it.
Sanskrit is not a product of the human mind or of any social activity. Arises
from the Self beyond the mind, Paramatman, not recognizing which we cannot
understand it.
Sanskrit is the
language of Mantra, transcends ordinary speech or even poetry to the very
origins of cosmic creation. Arose through the Rishi cognition in Samadhi of
universal truth embedded in transcendent sound and light vibration.
Vedic Sanskrit,
particularly Rigveda, has more depth and multidimensionality than the classical
Sanskrit defined by Panini, but requires a special Rishi vision to comprehend.
Is the language of the Sahasrara, the thousand petal lotus of the head?
If we could approach
nature and our own inner awareness from an understanding of the essence of
Sanskrit, all the secrets of the universe would be revealed to us. Through the
level of Para Vak, the supreme sound, we can merge into Sacchidananda,
Being-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute.
जयतु संस्कृतम्, जयतु भारतम्।“ Jayatu Saamskritam Jayatu Bharatam
--David Frawley
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2015/09/is-sanskrit-language-of-tndian-or-hindu.html
-
Celebration of specific
festivals and rituals by Hindu Americans in multi-traditional temples.
I had the pleasure in forwarding the
thrilling programs of VHPA to all global readers that no doubt calls for
gratitude from the local community who should extend co-operation in your
mission. As pioneer of HCCT, Baal Vihar School and Temple's father
and ICSSS, Dr. Vedavyas is an important participant like you. I have
the pleasure in forwarding exchange of views between him and me on the subject
that may interest you. I would also like to know that if August is the
Hindu Heritage Month, why celebrate it in October? I wish I had the
stamina, strength, resources and organizational support to take active part in
your mission running 91+, but my moral support is always there!
--NRS
I have a request from you. Would like you to compile your
prescription of rituals prescribed in our scriptures and puranas worthwhile
performing now, and likely to give psychological relief allaying fears in a way
benefitting them and others without coming out as sheer superstition.
Ways to worship gods/godesses for
improved concentration for young students
Ways to allay fears and uncertainties
associated with dark, being left out and fear of missing out
Ways to reassure longevity
in love relationships
Ways to overcome fear of illness and
death
Ways to handle fear of safety when
seperated from loved ones
Ways to find forgiveness
after specific sinful behaviors
Ways to protect us from indulgent
urges/addictions
It will be nice if some of them are
connected to Samskaras, and could use a priest/temple
--Dr. Vedavyas
I AM BASAICALLY THINKING OF THESE
CELEBRATIONS FOR HINDU AMERICAN INTEGRATED GROUP ON WHICH CHILDREN ARE TO BE
EDUCATED. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
1.
WINTER SOLSTICE
DAY-ASTRONOMICAL--UTTARAYANA PUNYAKALA DAY --MAY BE POSTCELEBRATED ON
DEC4EMBER 25
2.
MAKARA SANKRANTI--FOOD
GLORIFICATION DAY -- NEW YEAR CELEBRATION OBSERVATION DAY
3.
4.
EARTH DAY--APRIL
22--CELEBRATING MOTHER EARTH
5.
DOCTORS DAY-- MARCH 30--HONORING HEALTHCARE DEITIES &
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
6.
MOTHERS DAY--SECOND SUNDAY OF
MAY--HONORING ALL GODDESSES AND MOTHERS
6.
FATHERS DAY--THIRD SUNDAY OF
JUNE--HONORING ALL FATHERS & RAMA SIVA KRISHNA
7.
NAVARATRI DEDICATED TO DURGA
LAKSHMI SARASVATI
8.
GURUPURNIMA-DEDICATED TO ALL
ACHARYAS, GURUS & TEACHERS AND SKANDA/DATTATREYA
9.
RAMA NAVAMI-HONORING
RAMAYANA--HISATORIC AVATAR
10. KRISHNA JAYANTI--HISTORIC AVATAR
11. DIVALI--FIVE DAY CELEBRATION
12. UPAKARMA/GAYATRI JAYANTI/ HINDU AMERICAN PRAYER DAY
13. SUMMER SOLSTICE & YOGA DAY--JUNE 21 DEDICATD TO
KURMA/NARASIMHA/PARASURAMA/KRISHNA / BUDDHA/ HAYAGRIVA/ ADIYOGI
14. JULY 4--VIVEKANANDA JAYANTHI/ ALL RELIGIONS
INDEPENDENCE DAY/ HONORING GITA
15. LABOR DAY/SHRAMIK DAY/ VISWAKARMA DAY
16. KARTIK PURNIMA DAY
17. THANKSGAIVING DAY--FOOD CHARITY DAY--
ANNAPURNESWARI-HUNGER-FREEDOM DAY
18. MAHALAYA AMAVASYA--ALL SOULS DAY
19. HOLI-MITRATA DIWAS--UNIVERSAL FRIENDSHIP- SPRING CELEBRATION
--NRS
I will keep this list- we have to develop informational
brochures for the temple based on your compilation.
--Dr. Vedavyas
--August 21, 2021
Comments:
I only wish that I will have even 20%
of energy, memory and wisdom when I reach 90 years. I hold you in high
esteem and greatly admire.
--Sant
Gupta of HMEC
GAYATRI JAPA DAY-- NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR HINDU
AMERICANS
[Annual
Assembly of South Indian Brahmins for Chanting and Meditating on Gayatri Devi on Gayatri Japa
Day after Upakarma Ritual on August 23]
Please recall our
President’s Proclamation for National Prayer’s Day on Thursday (Guruvara)
May 6, probably inspired by World Gayatri Japa Day for humanity for spiritual
progress. Our Agamas were inspired by Gayatri Mantra prescribed
in Vedas for meditation and mandated Gayatri Japa day for Dvija males for
seeking radiance, patience, strength, intellectual brilliance,
praying to Gayatri Devi including her other forms as Savitri and Sarasvati. Perhaps
USA is the only country in the world that mandates a National Prayer’s Day,
though India often points its finger at it as a materialistic country looking
at migrant Hindu Americans who do not strictly follow sectarian religious
practices of India. Here all American Hindus chant Gayatri Mantra and practice
Yoga.
Gayatri Japam Day (August 22) is a very glorious and holy day for Hindus
in the South. It is observed just after Shravana Purnima (full moon day in the
Hindu month of Shravana) as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This date corresponds to the months of July-August in the
Gregorian calendar. It is misunderstood as though it is important to
only those that observe Upakarma,
On
the auspicious day of Gayatri Japam, also known as ‘Gayatri Japa Sankalpam’,
the Yajurveda Brahmins chant the Gayatri mantra with
utmost devotion and dedication. In the Southern states of India, this ritual
forms a part of the Avani Avittam and Upakarma
rituals. Thanks
to the dogged persistence of the traditionalists in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this
annual group chanting and meditation continues even today.
The following Mantra is
usually employed for the invocation of Gāyatrī Devi on this auspicious day with
the traditional Sankalpa. Worship implies a relation between the worshipper and
the object of worship, and also a felt need and a suitable attitude in the
worshipper which he naturally and genuinely adopts.
The apparent limitations
and imperfections, as well as the consciousness of sin and impurity incidental
to his inherited nature, engender in the mind of the worshipper the need for
invoking the grace of the Supreme in the shape of Gāyatrī to retrieve his own
true divine nature which had been temporality eclipsed by the life of the
world. Please recall here the expiation Kamokarsheet
Manyurakarsheet Mantra Japa on Upakarma Day as a
prerequisite!
Gravitational
flow of water takes place only to a low ground. Similarly only a person who is
humble, penitent and eager for purity and freedom can receive the divine glory
in its unsullied splendor. Such
an aspiring soul looks to the Divine for all its needs and exclaims “Thou art
my strength, Thou art my power, Thou art my glory, and Thou art my all”.
So here Gāyatrī conceived
as non-different from Brahman is eulogized as the various excellences and
attributes listed above. Gāyatrī is also known as Sāvitrī and Sarasvatī. The
Supreme Being as the Indweller and impeller of all Creation is known as Savitri
and hence the passage in praise of Him is called Savitri. The Vedas are
represented as a lake which gives the waters of life and hence Gāyatrī, as the
essence of the Vedas, is called Sarasvatī. These two terms magnify Gāyatrī as
the object of worship. Traditionally Gāyatrī is the name given to That
Deity in the forenoon, Sāvitrī in the midday and Sarasvatī in the evening.
Gāyatrī is explained as that which protects the person who chants it from the
various sins. The epithet Sāvitrī is given because it represents Savitri, who
illumines the creation; and Sarasvatī because in that aspect it expresses the
world in the shape of speech. These three are also represented as Brahma,
Rudra and Viṣṇu as well as red, white and
black. Whatever may be the details of worship, the Supreme is worshipped
through the Gāyatrī.
The principal part of
this devotion consists in the meditation of Gāyatrī in the orb of the sun,
visualized in one's own heart as non-different from Paramātman. The ritualistic
details are secondary.
The Mahābhārata states
that during the Kurukṣettra
war, Yudhisṭhīra and other leaders did the twilight meditation at the
appropriate time without retiring from the battle field for the performance of
detailed rituals. So, the present restricted practice makes no sense.
Being
the essence of all mantras, Gāyatrī embodies in it mystically all the meters,
all the Ṛṣis, all the gods as well as
their splendor. So by the invocation of Gāyatrī all
these are invoked within oneself. No mantra is fit for employment in religious
acts unless the meter, the deity and the seer are also remembered. So Gāyatrī,
Viśvāmitra and Savitri are next mentioned.
Then the formula of
Gāyatrī is personified for meditation —Agṇi,
the first of Gods, is the mouth, Brahma the first-born is the head, Viṣṇu is the heart and Rudra is
the śikhā or
flame causing the final dissolution (or what is placed at the top of
all).
The
earth is the Yoni, i.e. the source, and the winds, the breath. Fairness in hue
is indicative of the highest purity. The knowledge of family is necessary to
assess the greatness of an individual and it is explained that Gāyatrī is of
the same Gotra as Brahman.
The
form of Gāyatrī mantra is then described:
It
has 3 feet of 8 syllables each, 6 sheaths or auxiliaries to the Vedas which
protect the Vedas represented by Gāyatrī like a sheath, 5 heads consisting of 4
Vedas and Itihāsa and Purāṇa
known as fifth Veda.
The
following prayer details about Gāyatrī are recited before starting observing
Gayati Japa ritual on this annual sacred and significant day.
Ojo'si saho'si balamasi
bhrājo'si devānāṁ dhāmanāmāsi viśvamasiviśvāyuaḥ sarvamasi
sarvāyurabhibhūroṁ gāyatrīmāvāhayāmi
sāvitrīmāvāhayāmi sarasvatīmāvāhayāmi chandarhīnāvāhayāmi śriyamāvāhayāmi
gāyatriyā gāyatrī chando Viśvāmitra ṛṣiḥ
savitā devatāgnirmukhaṁ brahmā śiro viṣṇuhṛdayaɱ rudraḥ śikhāpṛthivī yoniḥ prāṇāpānavyānodānasmānā saprāṇā śvetavarṇā
sāṁkhyāyanasagotrā gāyatrī caturviṁśatyakṣarā tripadā ṣṭkukṣiḥ pañcaśīrṣopanayane viniyogaḥ ||
O
Gāyatrī, Thou art the essence of strength! Thou art patience, or the subduing
power! Thou art physical capacity! Thou art splendor! Thou art the abode of
gods and their name! Thou art the insentient universe! Thou art the full span
of life or the Lord of all! Thou art every living thing! Thou art the life span
of all! Thou art the vanquisher of all that is hostile to us! Thou art the
Truth denoted by the Prāṇava!
I
invoke Gāyatrī, (into my heart)! I invoke Sāvitrī! I invoke Sarasvatī! I invoke
the metres, the Ṛṣis
(and the gods)! I invoke the splendor (of all the gods) of Gāyatrī, the metre is Gāyatrī, the Ṛṣi is Viśvāmitra and the Deity is
Sāvitrī.
Fire
represents the mouth; the four-faced Brahma, the head; Viṣṇu, the heart, Rudra, the crown-
hair, Earth, the source; the m-breath, the out- breath, the diffused breath,
the up-breath and the middle breath, the breath. Gāyatrī is fair in hue and is of
the same family as Paramātman attained by the Sānkhyas—the illumined
sages. The deity Gāyatrī (explained further as a formula) has twenty-four
syllables, comprised in three feet, six sheaths or cavities and five
heads.
Gayatri Mantra for
Japa 108 or 1008 times
auṁ bhūḥ | auṁ bhuvaḥ | oɱsuvaḥ | auṁ mahaḥ |auṁ janaḥ | auṁ tapaḥ | oɱ satyam |auṁ tatsaviturvareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya dhīmahi |hiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt
|omāpo jyotī raso'mṛtaṁ brahma bhūrbhuvaḥ suvarom
Om
Earth Om Sky! Om Heaven! Om Middle Region!! Om Place of Birth! Om Mansion of
the Blessed! Om Abode of Truth. Om may we meditate on the Adorable Light of
that Divine Generator who quickens our understandings! Om He is water, light,
flavor, ambrosia and also the three worlds! He who is denoted by Prāṇava is all these!
May
we draw the attention of VHP in this august month of August that is doing a
noble service of uniting all by arranging joint celebration and prayer on
chosen festival days with the spirit of sanghachadvam samvadavam as our Rishis
did.
For
thousands of years, we have celebrated festivals Pongal, Maka Sankranti, Rakshabandhan,
Navaratri, Holi and Baisakhi
of cultural and spiritual significance are just a few festivals we look forward
to each year. We commemorate Janmastami, Ram Navami, Mahavir
Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti and Guru Nanakdev Jayanti with special reverence.
"Now, we are adding another festival to the
Hindu calendar. Hindu Heritage Month. We
hope Hindus around the world will celebrate this special month. During
the Hindu Heritage Month, Hindus and the Hindu organizations around the world
will express to the world the contributions Hindus have made to the humanity in
all aspects of life, from art to science and medicine and from technology to
entrepreneurship and of course, spirituality. It will be the month
where Hindus will express how "Seva
Paramo Dharma," Service to the society is the supreme form of
dharna. It will be a month where Hindus will tell the world about
our history and how world will be a better place when the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,"
Entire Universe is One Family flourishes and "Surve Bhavantu
Sukhinaha," May Everyone be Content and Happy reigns." plans VHP in August. This spirit echoed in the
celebration of Onam festival for long in Kerala. Today
is Onam. Wish you all happy Onam!
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/08/onam-festival-of-kerala-i-discourse-by-n.html
--August 21, 2021
WORLD SENIOR CITIZENS’ DAY ON HINDU HERITAGE MONTH OF AUGUST
August has called the attention of VHPA to celebrate August as Hindu
Heritage Month. I have brought to your attention importance of this
august month of August which interacts with Sravana, a month to listen and
react.
Every year on 21 August, World Senior Citizens’ Day is
observed annually to recognize the contribution of elders towards society and
its people. The day is dedicated to increase awareness about issues like elder abuse
and age deterioration that affect elderly people. On this special day, every
problem concerning the senior citizens is discussed, their
experiences are shared and solutions are offered. The occasion also allows
the youth to appreciate them for their services, accomplishments, and
dedication towards family and country.
With ICSSS and HCCT being very active, noted for their Sharing and Caring
Selfless Services at their advanced age in Nashville, calls for SRE Day in
American Hindu Temples to raise our voices to the Supreme
praying for His good offices to grace them with long Healthy and Happy life to continue to guide the
youth to become useful citizens in turn to continue their mission!
Do you have an elderly person
in your life that you love and appreciate? National Senior Citizens Day, August
21, is the day to let them know how much you care and it’s an opportunity to
recognize their accomplishments. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan
proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior
citizens and their quality of life.
Today, seniors are still active in their communities as well as
continuing to have a strong presence in the workforce. For all they do
and have achieved for the good of their communities, senior citizens deserve
our thanks! National Senior Citizens Day recognizes seniors who have spent
their lives contributing to society and have impacted everyone’s lives for the
better. Improved healthcare has changed demographics and increased productivity
of older citizens, allowing them to be more active than ever before. With more
opportunities available as well, many senior citizens now begin second careers
and are an example for younger generations. The country’s foundation and stable
sectors are the result of the hard work of our senior citizens and they deserve
all our gratitude.
Let us pay our gratitude to HCCT, ICSSS of Nashville and
Pitamahas, Bhishma, Mahatma Gandhi, Frontier Gandhi
and others. I am not sure whether ICSSS has any special plans
for today or fighting shy? They need not while Regan was the Author!
President Ronald Reagan took
the initiative to honor seniors in 1988 when he signed Proclamation 5847 and
marked August 21 as the day seniors will be celebrated. “Throughout our
history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and
our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to
reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our
land,” Reagan proclaimed. “For all they have achieved throughout life and for
all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a
heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making
sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older —
places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the
encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to
lead lives of independence and dignity.”
His words have withstood the
test of time and are now, over 30 years later, more important than ever as
older people are leading more productive lives. Reagan himself set an example
for everyone — he was 69 years old when one of the world’s most powerful titles
of president of the U.S. was given to him on January 20, 1981. Reagan lived
till the ripe old age of 93, and not only was he the oldest person to be
elected president, he was also the oldest when his term ended at 77 years and
349 days.
According to the U.S. Census
Bureau, approximately 78 million people aged 65 and older will reside in
America by 2035. This figure will surpass the number of the population under
the age of 18 for the first time in the nation’s history.
We are lucky to have such
thoughtful, experienced and motivating generation with us who is always
there for us to guide us…. Wishing you a very Happy World Senior Citizen
Day!
--August 21, 2021
Comments:
Best wishes to you on World Senior
Citizens' Day! We remember with respect your wonderful contribution to the
spiritual knowledge base of our society. You have worked tirelessly for decades
to create a voluminous output. We hope the younger generation will study your
blogs and get enlightened! Wishing you many more years in good health and
happiness.
--A.
S. Narayana
PAIN IS INEVITABLE SUFFERING IS
OPTIONAL--THE STORY OF THE TWO ARROWS
Anxiety disorders are among the
most prevalent and most functionally impairing psychiatric problems experienced
by the population, more so during pandemics like Corona Virus. Both
pharmacological and psychological evidence-based treatments exist for a number
of specific disorders, but may fail to fully relieve symptoms, pointing to the
need for additional treatment. Buddhist
insight meditation provides how a forceful form of mindfulness combined with
high-speed mental noting can result in the construction of meditative
experiences to accord with expectations to reach levels of awakening.
Buddha explained this very nicely in
the SallathaSutta. He compares
the physical pain to the first arrow and the mental pain to a second arrow. The
physical pain we all have to endure. However the mental pain we create due to
our own ignorance and it is optional.
According
to the Sallatha Sutta:
"When touched with a feeling of
pain, the uninstructed run-of-the-mill person sorrows,
grieves, & laments, beats his breast, becomes distraught. So he feels
two pains, physical & mental. Just as if they
were to shoot a man with an arrow and, right afterward, were to shoot him with
another one, so that he would feel the pains of two arrows; in the same
way, when touched with a feeling of pain, the uninstructed run-of-the-mill
person sorrows, grieves, & laments, beats his breast, becomes distraught.
So he feels two pains, physical & mental..."
"Now, the well-instructed
disciple of the noble Gurus,
when touched with a feeling of pain, does not sorrow, grieve, or lament, does
not beat his breast or become distraught. (This we have discussed a lot based on the mental agitation of Arjuna
and timely advice by Krishna). So he feels one pain: physical, but not
mental. Just as if they were to shoot a man with an arrow and, right
afterward, did not shoot him with another one, so that he would feel the pain
of only one arrow. In the same way, when touched with a feeling of pain,
the well-instructed disciple of the noble ones does not sorrow, grieve, or
lament, does not beat his breast or become distraught. He feels one
pain: physical, but not mental..."
The physical pain is received by the
mind in a series of sensory inputs from the neuronal pathways to the brain. The
brain receives this as a pain sensation. The mind recognizes this thorough a
series of mental changes consciousness, contact, feeling, perception and
thoughts. We dislike the unpleasant feeling of this pain and we create a series
of thoughts of aversion and clinging to
them and creating our own mental suffering. Seeing this as it happens and
letting go of it is the work of insight. This calls for Maanasa and Meditation.
Buddha says an ordinary
uninformed (ignorant) person feels feelings of pleasure, feelings of pain, and
neutral (ambiguous) feelings. One well-informed (enlightened)
of the Four Noble Truths also feels feelings of pleasure, feelings of pain, and
neutral feelings. When, through the six-sense base, an uninformed person
experiences a feeling of pain they are sorrowful, they grieve, they become
distraught and irate. The uninformed feels two pains: the physical pain of the
experience and the mental pain caused by the reaction arising from clinging. This would be like being hit with an arrow and
then, by request, being hit again by another arrow. The first arrow is simply the
stress and unhappiness that occurs in the phenomenal world. The second arrow is
the stress and unhappiness caused by ignorance giving rise to clinging,
craving, desire, and aversion.
In other words, wanting the people and experiences of life to be different than
what occurs compounds the initial pain of an experience.
The uninformed is joined to
birth, aging, sickness, death, and joined with sorrows, grief, pain, and despair.
Through reaction to the experience, the uninformed joins with and furthers
their confusion and suffering. The enlightened person, when stress arises, has
no resistance. With no resistance, no resistance-obsession is formed. They feel
one pain – physical – but not mental. Just as if they were shot with an arrow
but not another, they would feel only one pain – the physical pain. With no delight (reaction) in sensual pleasure,
no pleasure obsession occurs. The enlightened person understands what is actually
present and understands its origination, its allure, its drawbacks, and its
passing away. They do not become sorrowful, regretful, or distraught. They
remain disjoined from pleasure and pain. “The well-instructed person,
understanding stress (Dukkha), does not generate a mental
reaction to pain, pleasure, or neither-pleasure-nor-pain. This is the
distinction between those uninformed and those well-informed of the Four Noble
Truths.
Buddha teaches the meaning of
understanding Dukkha and awakening to Four Noble Truths:
·
Understanding stress and unhappiness
·
Abandoning the cause of stress and unhappiness
·
Experiencing the cessation of stress and unhappiness
·
Developing the Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of stress
and unhappiness.
This
also relates to Right Meditation and remaining mindful of the arising and
passing away of the breath-in-the-body. Obsession with what is stressful causes
one to become stuck in a feedback loop only focused on the arising of
the stressful experience. Maanasa meditation is the unique meditation
method taught for the sole purpose of developing the concentration necessary to
remain mindful of the arising and passing away of the breath-in-the-body. From
this well-concentrated foundation, one can then clearly notice the arising, the allure, the
drawbacks, and the passing away of ordinary phenomena. They avoid becoming
obsessed with and stuck to only the arising of ordinary phenomena.
This is what is being focused on the forthcoming Vedanta
based Rituals--Upakarma based on Kamokarsheet Manyurakarsheet Japa
continued with Gayatri
Japa combining Om with atman--Om
ityaatmaanam yunjeeta.
Bogged down
by the grief of Bhisama’s fall, and his decision to wait for Uttarayana,
enlightened Arjuna came up with a plan of two kinds of shots, one to create a saratalpa (bed of arrows) and the other to pierce the earth
for refreshing water to quench the thirst of Bhishma. Bogged down by Corona pandemic our
informed-persons worked hard and came up with Two Wisdom Arrows Corona prime
vaccine and booster vaccine.
Recall the various
wisdom thoughts of the Ancients on Two
Arrows and remember this Vedanta principle, when something threatens to
cause you pain, the thing itself was no misfortune at all for it is based on our
Karma DNA; to endure it and prevail is great good fortune. Physical pain is inevitable
but the mental pain is optional. Between stimulus and response there is
a gap. In that gap you get to choose your response. The stimulus may cause
pain, but you can choose to respond in a way that doesn’t add suffering on top
of the pain. “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” We cannot control what happens. We can
control our response to what happens. It need not be adding wrong fuel to the
fire; add medicinal fagots and enjoy smoke therapy!
Please
do not miss the unique opportunity to hear about Wisdom of Two Arrows from HH.
Chidananda following his directions! W
Webinar-206 THE WISDOM OF THE TWO
ARROWS by H.H. Swami Chidananda
Gist of the Presentation:
Tragic things happen in everyone’s life. Sad incidents like
failure of an important project, meeting with an accident, somebody letting us
down badly or the death of a near and dear one can be compared with an arrow
hitting our arm. It obviously pains a lot when an arrow pierces our flesh. Does
anybody, in such a situation, invite or welcome a second arrow to arrive and
hit at the same spot as before?
This
webinar will go into the wisdom of preventing such a second arrow, which is no
other than our own mind’s avoidable reactions to a tragedy that befalls us.
Even as it looks most stupid to invite the second arrow, most people in this
world welcome it with open arms as they make the grave mistake of getting into
unnecessary mental agitations and letting their suffering increase several
times by the resulting negative thinking.
In
this context go through an interesting Western Thought based on Buddha’s
Teachings on Two Arrows: The Wisdom of
"It's Not My Fault"
--August
20, 2021
Comments:
All your articles are
very interesting; in this one 'the story of the two arrows', you have given
interesting pointers and examples to understand where actually we make mistakes
and get hit by two arrows where second one is avoidable.
--Brni. Vibha Chaitanya
Please this video from 32:00 onwards for just a few minutes; I
have spoken about you and your daily Emails to HRF members.
Did A R Ganti Email
you?
--Swami Chidananda oF FOWAI
Forum
Indeed each one
of your mail contains important information
--A.N. Koil Saptagireeshan
JAINISM IN INDIA
Please
find below an interesting article based on Pew Research of a Westerner that may
equally attract your attention as it did Sant Guptavaji of HMEC who is no
stranger to you. In this context I would like to draw your kind attention to my
discourse that did not receive your due attention and went to archives.
Probably Santji was not on my mailing list in 2012? However, it caught the attention of one of
the very knowledgeable, religious and well informed Jain member from local
community who sent these comments on two occasions;
It
is not uncommon, Hindus are more attracted to Western writings and opinion and
often over-look good information conveyed with lot of inputs and
references! I feel this important
message brings some more information to
that I have covered, as well as
Western Thoughts about Jains From India.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/04/historic-buddha-is-avatar-of-vishnu-why.html
Comments on my Discourse:
·
Thank
you very much for your excellent article on Jainism which will dispel some
of the misconceptions about Jainism of many of your readers. Hopefully
this makes aware of every one to be more open minded to the
faith of every religion
·
Thank
you for your beautiful explanation of how Jainism and Hinduism are interrelated
and have many things in common because of their common believes in many
aspect.
·
However
there are some misconception about some aspects of Jainism. Only in the last half a century,
because of some of extreme archeological work up many archeologist including
famous Foreign archeologist, lot of new information about the origin and
historical aspect of Jainism has been updated and is accepted by the so called
historians and philosophers including our demised ex-president of India
Dr. Radha Krishnan. Even in Vedas also has clearly mentioned about
Jainism. Unfortunately the wording Jainism was not in existence till Sri
Mahaveera became the 24 th Thirthankara. Before him there were 23
Thirthankaras. The present teachings of Mahveera is actually more structured.
The previous Thirthankaras has in common practicing and preaching the same
principle with a different way. It is very difficult for me to
explain and discuss all this in few lines. Hope fully one of these days when I
get chance to meet you in person, would like share with you more about
Jainism. Thank you for your interest in Jainism which is actually a way of
life.
Jai
Jinendra.
--Dr.
Brahm Pa
Six facts about Jainism in India
Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions, originating in
India at least 2,500 years ago. The spiritual goal of Jainism is to become
liberated from the endless cycle of rebirth and to achieve an all-knowing state
called moksha. This can be achieved by living a nonviolent life, or ahimsa,
with as little negative impact on other life forms as possible.
The traditions of Jainism were largely carried forward by a
succession of 24 Tirthankaras, or teachers, most notably Vardhamana Mahavira,
the last of the Tirthankaras and likely a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. Both
Mahavira and Buddha emphasized the importance of self-discipline, meditation and ascetic life as the key to salvation.
Their teachings often stood in contrast to those of Vedic priests of the time
who emphasized ritual practices and their own role as intermediaries between
humanity and the gods.
Today, a sliver of India’s population (0.4%) identifies as Jain,
making it the smallest of the country’s six major religious groups after
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism. Indians overall know very
little about this ancient religion and its practices, according to a June 2021
Pew Research Center report based on a survey of nearly 30,000 Indians. Here are
six facts about Jains in India, from the report.
How we did
this
Jains are concentrated in India’s West, largely in Maharashtra.
Despite Jainism’s historic origins in India’s Eastern region, few Jains remain
in the East. The changes in the regional concentration of Jains are believed to
have started around 300 B.C.E. when Jains began migrating to the West, possibly
in search of more favorable kingdoms. Today, 4% of the population of Mumbai –
the capital of Maharashtra and the commercial and business center of India –
identifies as Jain.
Jains are more highly educated and wealthier than Indians overall,
and few identify as lower caste. Roughly a third (34%) of Jain adults have at
least a college degree, compared with 9% of the general public, according to
India’s 2011 census. Moreover, the vast majority of Jains fall into India’s top
wealth quintiles, according to India’s National Family and Health Survey.
Wealth and education in India are inextricably linked with caste.
Jains are the only religious group in India where a majority say they are
members of a higher General Category caste. Most Indians (68%) are members of
lower castes (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backwards Classes),
compared with 20% of Jains who identify with these communities.
Almost all Jains are vegetarian, in line with guidance to pursue
ahimsa (not harming other life). Roughly nine-in-ten Indian Jains (92%)
identify as vegetarian, and two-thirds of Jains (67%) go further by abstaining
from root vegetables such as garlic and onion. Eating root vegetables is seen
as a form of violence in Jain teachings because consuming the root of a plant
destroys the plant in its entirety. These dietary practices extend outside the
home; more than eight-in-ten Jain vegetarians also say they would not eat food
in the home of a friend or neighbor who was non-vegetarian (84%) or in a
restaurant that served non-vegetarian food (91%).
Jains feel they have a lot in common with Indian Hindus. Despite
theological differences between Jain and Hindu teachings – for instance,
Hinduism teaches that the universe was created, but Jainism does not – the two
religions share many similarities in their teachings and practices. For
example, both religions teach about karma, and roughly three-quarters of both
Jains (75%) and Hindus (77%) say they believe in karma. (Karma is often
understood as the idea that humans will eventually reap the benefits of their
good deeds and pay the price for their bad deeds, often in their next life,
though survey respondents were not offered a definition.)
Moreover, when asked whether Jains and Hindus in India have a lot
in common or are very different, about two-thirds of Jains (66%) say that the
two communities have a lot in common.
However, that feeling is not fully reciprocated. Just 19% of
Hindus see a lot of commonality with Jains. One reason for this mismatch may be
that Jains tend to know more about Hindus – who make up 81% of the Indian
population – than vice versa. Three-in-ten Jains say they know “a great deal”
about the Hindu religion and its practices, while just 3% of Hindus say they
know a lot about Jainism.
Like many Indians, Jains tend to prefer living separately from
other religious and caste groups. While nearly all Jains (92%) say they would
be willing to accept a Hindu neighbor, significantly fewer say they would be
willing to accept a Muslim (38%), Christian (46%), Sikh (55%) or Buddhist (58%)
in the area where they live. Moreover, large majorities of Indian Jains say it
is important to stop both women (82%) and men (81%) from marrying into other
religious groups. And despite making up a small share of the national
population, nearly three-quarters of Jains say that all or most of their close
friends are also Jain (72%).
These attitudes are not uncommon in India – majorities of Hindus
also oppose religious intermarriage – and may in part be tied to Jains’
particular demographic makeup. For example, while a majority of Jains identify
as members of the higher General Category castes, Buddhists in India
overwhelmingly identify as Dalits, or members of the lower Scheduled Castes. In
fact, Jains are much more likely than other Indians to say that they would not
accept a member of a Scheduled Caste as a
neighbor (41% vs. 21% nationally). Moreover, large majorities of Jains
say it is important to stop both women (79%) and men (74%) in their community from
marrying into other castes.
Dietary preferences may also play a role in Jain attitudes about
other groups; unlike Jains, most Muslims and Christians in India, for example,
say they are not vegetarian.
Politically, Jains lean toward the country’s ruling Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP). Seven-in-ten Jains say they feel closest to the BJP, while
just 8% say they feel closest to the Indian National Congress (INC), the main
opposition party. In fact, Jains are more likely than other religious
communities in India, including Hindus, to feel political affinity with the
BJP: Fewer than half of Hindus (44%) say they feel closest to the BJP, a party
that some say promotes a Hindu nationalist agenda.
Jains’ political preference for the BJP may in part be tied to
their views on religion and national identity, which in some ways reflect Hindu
nationalist sentiments more akin to their Hindu compatriots than other minority
communities in India. A significant share of Jains (44%) say being Hindu is
very important to truly being Indian, as do a majority of Hindus (64%). Among
other religious groups, far fewer people share this view, including just 21% of
Sikhs. A slim majority of Jains (54%) also tie authentic Indian identity with
speaking the Hindi language, one of the dozens of languages spoken in India.
Among Hindus, these sentiments are closely associated with support for the BJP.
Topics Beliefs & Practices Other Religions
SHARE THIS LINK:
Kelsey Jo
Starr is a research analyst focusing on religion at Pew Research: HTTPS://WWW.PEWRESEARCH.ORG/FACT-TANK/2021/08/17/6-FACTS-ABOUT-JAINISM-IN-INDIA
--August 18, 2021
--A.S. Narayana
Gita Vision of August, Path to
Pure Heart that Amazes Us with Divine Eight
FOWAI
FORUM Flame of who am I
is busy on line with Zoom Lectures on Bhagavad Gita going through chapter 3 on
YouTube. Discover the path to purity of heart at the webinar on BHAGAVAD GITA CHAPTER
8 by JAYA ROW that started on the eve of Diamond Jubilee of
India Independence Day. Vedanta Vision reveals to us
that when we rise above our negative thoughts, we can enjoy a smooth
journey in life. The GPS to that journey lies in Chapter 8, that
Krishna revealed who will remind us of his descent year after year on Ashtami Day in
the eighth month of the year August on Earth that he protects
with his Eight Dikpalakas (sentinels) to protect us and show
direction.
There is a beautiful image of a
deity with eight hands (Ashtabhuja) in Mexico. The art style is
discernibly Indian as in no other religion of the world deities of this type
were worshipped. It may be mentioned that the ruling dynasty of Mexico at the
time of the conquest by Spaniards was ‘Aztec’
or Ashtak (Eight). The evidence in the form of such images leaves little
doubt about the presence of Indian culture amongst the ancient Mexicans. The
stela pertains to the period of more than eight centuries before Columbus
set foot on the soil of the so-called New World.
Ashtabhuja Devi Temple, as the name suggests, is
dedicated to the goddess Ashtbhuja, who was the daughter of Yashoda, the foster
mother of Lord Krishna.
Ashtabujakaram
or Ashtabuja Perumal Temple located in Kanchipuram in the South
Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Please
recall Ashtabhujangashtakam I sent to you sometime
back.
The Perumal in this sthalam is Sri Aadhikesava Perumal and he is
seen with 8 hands. He holds Chakaram, Sword, a Flower and an Arrow on the 4
right hands and Sangu, Bow, Kedayam (which is used to protect while fighting
using a sword) and Gadha (Which can be found along with Hanuman and Bhima).
The Sthalapuranam of this
temple is also associated with that of Saraswathi and Lord Brahman. After all
the demons were killed by Sriman Narayanan, who were sent by Saraswathi to
destroy the yagam done by Brahma devan, she finally sent a ferocious Sarbham
(snake). Sriman Narayanan to kill the dangerous snake, took the form of
Ashtabhuja Perumal
holding 8 different weapons to kill
the snake. And using all those 8 weapons, he killed the snake sent by
Saraswathi. The snake is found on the Vaayu end of the yaaga sala as
"Sarabeswaran" in this temple. This Perumal gave His prathyaksham
(seva) for Gajendran, the elephant. The Weapons like sword, bow, Gadha
etc., found in the hands of the perumal is said to be against the evil
and helps for good things. All the eight things (or) Aayudham
(weapons) found on the hands of the Perumal is called as "Divya
Aayudha Aazhwargal.
Hindu Reflections in the past has come up with the
following nine discourses on Bhagavad Gita, that are posted on the blog for
your Vedanta Vision and propagation. This small contribution will wound up with
“VEDANTA VISION PROGRAMS OF BHAGAVAD GITA BY JAYA ROW” soon.
Smt. Jaya Row is one of the
best speakers on the Bhagavad Gita. She excels in presenting the Gita in a
simple manner which makes for easy understanding and application of its
message. It is therefore no surprise that Jayaji is one of the most sought-after
orators, having been invited to prestigious institutions such as the World
Economic Forum, Davos, World Bank Washington DC, Young Presidents’ Organization
worldwide etc.
1. Eternal Dharma in 18 Chapters of Geetaa (August
2011)
2. Wisdom of Vedanta in
Geetaa Forty (Aug 2011)
3. Shataslokee
Geetaa (Aug 2011)
4. Geetaa unmistakably bears
the influence of Upanishads, especially Katha (August 2014)
5. Geetaa’s Teachings and
Advice for Salvation (August 2014)
6. Geetaa is Yogopanishad—It is
not a Novel of War and Peace, Nor a Religious Book, Nor a Biography
(Dec 2014)
7. Gita Naarpadu of Ramana
Maharshi & Gita Chalisa of International Gita Society (Aug 2020)
8. Relevance of the Bhagavad Gita for modern psychotherapy:
Gita---A Panacea for COVID 19 (February 2021)
9. Vedanta Vision of Gita-messages Reviewed by Modern
Urban Monks and Philosophers (March 1, 2021)
Please enrich yourselves with
these contributions by Urban Monks and Hindu Reflections to open, enrich and
propagate Vedanta Vision.
--August 16, 2021
Upakarma
Ceremony-National Expiation Day for Hindu Americans
[Upakarma Expiation Ceremony--A
South Indian Origin Brahmins’ Day ; Annual Prayaschitta Ceremony and
Starting Day for Vedic Studies]
Aavani Avittam is one of the
most famous South Indian festivals celebrated in the southern states of India
such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa and Maharashtra. Also known as Upakarma or
Yagnopaveetha Dhaarana, Avani Avittam Festival is followed mainly by the
Brahmin male community who have undergone Upanayana ceremony. It falls during
the Tamil month of Aadi (July/August) day of the Hindu calendar. In North
India, Aavani Avittam (August 22) is celebrated as Rakshabhandan Festival (Raksha Bhandan) and a Rakhi is tied round the wrist of
brothers by the sisters. This day is said to be the day when Lord Vishnu took his incarnation
as Lord Hayagriva who protected the Vedas.
He is also called as the God of wisdom and knowledge. I do not know
why reciting Yajur Veda on Aavani Avittam day is mandated to
only to South Indian Brahmins on this sacred day? I do not
know why this partial treatment as well as general neglect of celebration of
Hayagriva Jayanti that is also ignored by North American
Panchangam?
In the modern world, we know
that professions, like those of a doctor, lawyer, or chartered accountant, have
to meet at least three important criteria.
- First, one gets into the profession, only
after a long and intense period of study and apprenticeship. It is about
knowledge and skill, theory and practice, both, and, therefore one has to
be initiated into it and trained by someone already in the
profession.
- Second, profession is about practice. You
become a lawyer so that you can practice it in your chambers and in the
courts of law.
- Third, a professional has to constantly
update and enhance his or her professional skills: you do not want a
doctor to just practice what he or did study when they qualified, but, use
contemporary diagnosis and therapy. Equally, they have to contribute to
professional development, chiefly, by taking apprentices and training
future professionals. The three essentials of a profession are, thus,
intense initial learning and apprenticeship, sustained practice and
continued professional development.
Our tradition provided a
similar structure to Vedic professionals. First, they spent several years, 15
or 20 years, as a sishya to a guru, doing Veda Adhyayanam, learning Veda from
their acharyas. Thereafter, every year, part of the year, they only practiced
what they had already learnt, Veda Paarayanam, and learn other sastras.
Thirdly, for the balance part of the year, they taught and trained future
professionals and also learn more of Veda for themselves. Upakarma is the day
every year when they started the annual phase of learning and teaching. About
six months later, Poornima day in the Tamil month of Thai, they did a
visarjanam, or suspended teaching and learning of Vedas. And, come the day of
Upakarma, they started once again the annual cycle with Veda Aarambham. For
about six months of the year they did Veda Adhyayanam, and for the rest of the
year, they did Veda Paaraayanam. Upakarma ritual consists of a number of
ceremonies that are explained in my detailed discourse:
The Upakarma samskara marked
the beginning of the cycle of Vedic studies of an individual each year. The
word Upakarma literally means ‘opening, starting or beginning’1. While
commenting on shloka 1.142 of the Yajnavalkya Smriti, the commentator
Mitakshara explains Upakarma as follows:
अधीयन्त इत्यध्याया वेदाः तेषामुपाकर्म उपक्रमम्
Adheeyanta ityadhyaayaa vedaah tesham upaakrma upakramamam
|
“By adhyayana the study of
the Vedas is what is meant; the beginning of the same is termed Upakarma” It
marked the commencement of the annual session of Vedic studies is
Upakarma.
The most common dates on which
the Upakarma is performed is the day of Shravana nakshatra in the month of
Shravana, the day of full moon in the month of Shravana or the day of the Hasta
nakshatra in the month of Shravana. The words of Yajnavalkya serve as the basis
for this.
Adhyaayaanaam upaakarma
sraavanyaam sravanena vaa| Hastenausahadhibhaave vaa panchamyaam
sraavanasya tu || YS-1.42
“One should commence the study
of the Vedas in the month of Shravana, on the day of the Shravana nakshatra; or
on the day of the Hasta nakshatra; or when medicinal herbs have grown well; or
on the fifth day (of the month)”
Utsarjana Samskara
The Utsarjana samskara is
complimentary to the Upakarma. The word ‘utsarga’ means cessation. It signifies
the completion of the Vedic studies, for the year. The existence of this
ceremony indicates that there used to be an official window during the year
when studies of Vedic scriptures used to be undertaken.
The Smritis agree that the
months when the Utsarjana samskara is to be performed is either the Pausha or
the Magha. Yajnavalkya Smriti further directs that the day on which the Rohini
nakshatra rules is the most appropriate one for this ceremony.
Paushamaasasya rohinyaam
ashtakaayamathaapi vaa | jalaante chandasaam
kuryadutsargam vidhivad bahih || YS-1.143 ||
“In the month of Pausha, when
the Rohini nakshatra exists, or on the days of the Ashtaka3, one should consecrate
the Vedic studies at the outskirts of the city near water”
Like the Upakarma, the
Utsarjana also imposes an anadhyayana (no-study) period of three days following
the samskara. Over time, the practice of performing Upakarma and Utsarjana separately
has reduced. Based on the injunctions in the Gobhila Smriti and the
Smryartha-sara, the two samskaras are performed together now. The Utsarjana
ceremony, of course, precedes the Upakarma.
“It was during this time of the
year that Adiyogi turned South (not for
South Indians alone!), and became a Dakshinamurti – he began to transmit the
fundamentals of the yogic science to his first seven disciples, who are now
celebrated as the Saptarishis. It was not on a whim that he decided to turn
South. He turned South because the sun turned South. The southern run of the
sun became significant because this was the first phase of the teaching. This
became the sadhana pada where he taught the Saptarishis what
they should do. The Northern run or Uttarayan is referred to as the samadhi pada or kaivalya
pada. It is a time for realization.” says Jaggi Vasudev of ISHA.
It is good to start sadhana
pada on Upakarma day and this time is important because now you can do
the right things. “The sadhana pada is always more
important because in the process of making anything happen, the most important
thing is to do what is in our hands right. What is not in our hands, we only
have to wait. Sadhana is something which is in our hands – we can do something
about it. It may be a lesser dimension than the other but it doesn’t matter, it
is in our hands. It becomes important because we can make it happen.
Watering and putting manure to
a plant is important. Flowers will come as a consequence of that. It is not our
doing. This is just like that. These six months are the sadhana pada and this
time is important because now you can do the right things. If you do the right
things, when the time to harvest comes, the right kind of harvest will come”
says Jaggi Vasudev of ISHA.
The Upakarma and Utsarjana
samskaras help provide a format and structure to the study of the Vedas. They
also serve as an occasion to offer respects to the Devatas, Pitrus and Rishis
only due to whose blessings Vedic knowledge has survived and continues to be
passed on from generation to generation. These days, the two Samskaras, Upakarma
and Utsarga are mostly symbolic in nature, due to the steep decline in
the practice and study of Vedas. Thanks to the dogged persistence of the
Southern traditionalists, this symbolism has ensured that these two Samskaras
are still alive. In the yogic culture, the time
between Guru Purnima and Mahashivaratri is viewed as the most supportive for
one’s spiritual growth. Therefore, use the symbolism as a
catalyst to trigger a revival in Vedic studies, to resurge our
traditional knowledge and custom focusing on spiritual growth.
Let us remind ourselves: all we
have done on the Upakarma day is Veda Aarambam! It needs to be followed by an
intense period of Veda Paaraayanam and Veda Adhyayanam!
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2013/08/sraavan-poornima-ceremonies.html
--August
15, 2021
DIAMOND JUBILEE
CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA
On this memorable day, I recall
my entry to college for higher studies in 1947 and also my distant grand-uncle
becoming First Governor General of Independent India taking over from Lord
Mount Batten, while recalling the horrors partition on August 14, 1947 a legacy
left behind by departing Britishers!
On 15th
August, on India's Independence Day, the *tricolor*, national flag
is "hoisted", whereas on the 26th January, that is, on the Republic
Day it is unfurled. It signifies that as a flag of an already free country, it cannot
stay hung at a lower height, but is held high above. This is a small but very
significant aspect of how our tricolor is honored with the country's history.
Let us remember its glory today and realize our true duty as a person of Indian
origin; it's not of narrow nationalism, but inclusion and unity in diversity
caring and sharing including the miseries of August 14, 75 years ago.
“Partition's
pains can never be forgotten. Millions of our sisters and brothers were
displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence. In
memory of the struggles and sacrifices of our people, 14th August will be
observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day," tweeted PM Modi.
On this day let us share our
thought of Independence Day with fellow Americans of Bahrain, Congo and South
Korea origin besides Indian Americans. We all enjoy more than anything else
Religious Freedom and Guru’s Guidance.
1971: Bahrain proclaimed independence from the United Kingdom.
1960: The Republic of the Congo gained independence from France.
1948: Syngman Rhee announced the establishment of the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
Today is Sri Aurobindo’s 149th
Birthday. It is under divine sanction that it coincides with India’s
Independence. There is some divine scheme at its base.
To Americans of Indian Origin
born in USA Independence day has a different meaning and celebrated more as
July 4, a Day of All-round Independence, remembering several notable
events than a political Declaration of Independence!
The Fourth of July—also known
as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States
since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the
18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of
independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration
of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day,
July 4th has been celebrated but not actual as the birth of
American Independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more
casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2021 is on Sunday,
July 4, 2021; the federal holiday was observed on Monday, July 5, 2021, as per
convenience.
It is a fact
of American history that three Founding Father Presidents—John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe—died on July 4, the Independence Day anniversary. 4th July is a memorable day, as on this day in
the year 1902, Swami Vivekananda, thinker, youth leader and a great prophet of
modern India attained Maha Samadhi at about 9:00 pm while he was in meditation.
The flame of his life-lamp, which brightened the spiritual world, suddenly blew
out in the deep darkness of night.
On Independence Day Indian
Americans honor the dissent that is part of
our patriotic history. Rather than be angry at the other side of the political
spectrum recalling the horror of August 14 in India, understand
that different perspectives coming together is what American political system
was built on. That's why we have more than one political party. To keep the
democracy, to keep people questioning the leaders to make sure they are doing
things "for the people" and to share in debates so that we can come
together for solutions that work for the people.
And while debates are a good
thing when both sides can truly listen, they can be a hindrance when either
side is only there to defend their point of view. Part of the problem in
today's America is that debates tend to be all about defense, which only
ingrains their own beliefs more. Listening to each other, empathizing with each
other, and working together to come up with solutions should be more of a
focus.
We currently have a lot of
issues and propaganda that plays into building a hatred for those who disagree.
We currently have a threat of losing our democracy when laws that are voted by
the majority are blocked by the political party and political leaders in
charge (net neutrality among others).
So how do we celebrate the day
that exemplifies the freedom of democracy in the U.S. today with so many issues
facing our country is the topmost thought occupying the mind of emerging Indian
American generation.
75th Independence Day: Top
quotes from PM Modi's address to nation. Here are some top quotes from PM Modi's speech:
(1.) “India indebted to all its
freedom fighters”: PM Modi said that today, as the
country celebrates its 75th Independence Day, it is remembering every
personality who played a part in the freedom movement, and is indebted to
them.
(2.) “We never lost our ambitions of being a free nation”: Remarking that India didn't forget the curse of slavery and desire
for freedom for centuries, PM Modi said that despite wins and losses, the
country never lost its ambition of being a free nation.
(3.) “Our Olympic athletes have
inspired future generations”: He also lauded India's Olympic
contingent which, which bagged record seven medals in the recently concluded
Tokyo Games. The athletes, he said, have not only won hearts of all Indians,
but have also inspired the coming generations.
of the past century, the Prime
Minister remarked that while we celebrate our independence, we can't forget
pains of partition. Modi says August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
(4.) “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,
Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”: PM Modi made an addition to his
popular slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas.” The latest
entrant to this group is “Sabka Prayas.”
(5.)
“Manufacturers are ambassadors of Make in India”: He explained to manufacturers that products sent by them abroad
are not just products, but India's reputation is associated with them
(including export of Indian Americans by will or circumstances). Hence, he
said, each product manufactured by them, is an ambassador of Make in
India.
(6.)
“This is can do generation”: PM Modi further said that he is
no fortune teller, but believes in hard work, as well as youngsters, daughters,
farmers and professionals of the country (wherever they are). The current
generation, he said, is “can do generation.”
On this memorable day let me
bring to your limelight an Article by Diksha Basu “Exploring how Indian Americans helped shape US”
A new exhibition at the
National Museum of Natural History in Washington celebrates Indian-American
culture, history and experiences, as Diksha Basu reports.
When you enter Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation, you are greeted by loud Hindi film music and a vinyl record
from Mughal-E-Azam, one of the most iconic Bollywood films. But, as the title
suggests, this exhibition is not just about Indian cinema though attracts focus
on Indian Americans!
The curators from the
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center say it about the "history and
contemporary experiences of Indian Americans as they have grown to be one of
the more diverse and well-recognized communities in the United States". With
a population of 2.8 million, Indian Americans are the third largest group among
Asian Americans. They are also among the wealthiest communities in the US, with
a median annual household income of $88,000 (£52,900) compared with the
national median of $49,800 (£29,900), according to one study. And more than
70% of Indian American immigrants over 18 years of age speak English very well,
compared with 53% of all Asian American immigrants.
The facts are interesting
enough but they feel arbitrary and the entire exhibition, unfortunately, points
more to what has been omitted than what has been included. For instance, in an
effort to be interactive, there is a podium where you can stand and be a
contestant in a mock spelling bee because, we are informed, 73% of National Spelling Bee
winners since 1999 have been Indian Americans. Next to the podium is a life-size
cut-out of Nina
Davuluri, the Indian-American woman who
was crowned Miss America 2014. Both may represent key cultural contributions,
but it is unclear why they are given such prominence.
Indian Americans are no longer
a small, easily defined minority that can be captured and explained in a few
brightly colored rooms in a museum. This exhibition is certainly aesthetically
pleasing, but it barely scratches the surface of the growing Indian-American
experience and its role in the US.
Here we need the intervention
of India Association that glorifies the Diamond Jubilee of ailing Indian
Independence.
Our forefathers bought our freedom with their hard work and sacrifice.
Now we must work hard to create a better nation for generations that
follow. May you enjoy this freedom of
speech, freedom of thoughts and freedom of choice for the rest of your
life! Happy Independence Day to you!
--August 15, 2021
IS NAGARAJA MORE IMPORTANT THAN GARUDACHAR WHEN JANARDHAN &
NARAYANA ARE THERE?
On Sukla Paksha Sravana Panchami why did we think of Nag-Panchami
first and Garud-Panchami next? For a Hindu
American, like me, the day aims to change the negative perception surrounding
snakes and promote the love for all living beings — even the ones we fear
first, and then admire and venerate the sturdy spiritual
Eagle, probably guided by Hindu Philosophy and American Culture! In sectarian
Hindu thinking in India Nag Pnchami is popular among Saivites and Vaishnavites,
while no Saivite worships Garuda. They rather think Peacock and Snake of
Murugan or Mouse and Snake of Ganesha!
The eagle was
a representation of the sun god Huitzilopochtli, who was very important, as the
Mexicas referred to themselves as the "People of the Sun".
... Based on this, Father Diego Durán reinterpreted the legend so that
the eagle represents all that is good and right, while the
snake represents evil and sin. When we rise above rise above over negative
thoughts we can enjoy smooth journey of life. That is what Lord
Krishna will come to teach us on Gokulashtami Day on August 30 to “Discover the
Path to Purity”. If you are keen start visiting Webinar of Vedanta Vision of
Jaya Row, who starts her lecture on Chapter 8 of Bhagavad Gita today that
contains the message!
The Founding
Fathers made an appropriate choice when they selected the bald eagle as the
emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great
bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America.
Garuda Panchami is dedicated to
Garuda, the vehicle or Vahana of God Vishnu. It is observed on the fifth day of
the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in Shravan month and is of great
importance to many Hindu communities. Garuda Panchami 2021 date was August 13.
The puja and vrat associated with Garuda Panchami observed by women for the
welfare and good health of their children. Naga Panchami is also observed on
the day.
Legend has it that the day remembers
Garuda’s love and devotion for his mother Vinita. Thus the day
celebrates mother–son relationship. In some regions, married women observe
it for a happy married life.
Garuda Panchami Puja is mainly
observed by certain Hindu communities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka,
Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Garuda, the eagle, is the
vehicle of Lord Vishnu occupies an important position of Dwarapalaka and
subsidiary deity in most Vishnu temples, as well as garudasthamba, flag-post.
Garuda Panchami is a special
day of paying reverence to the Garuda, the sacred Vahana or vehicle of Devata
Maha Vishnu. The relevance and sacred power of the Garuda in Hindu dharma is
understood through the Garudopanishad and Garuda Purana, dedicated to Garuda.
Garuda, the cosmic eagle, is
the vehicle or vahana of Vishnu, who protects and preserves the universe.
Eagles represent vision, direct seeing and wisdom and are honored in many
spiritual and native traditions throughout the world for the higher knowledge
that they bring, writes Sadhvi of American Vedic Institute.
In the Vedas, the eagle or
falcon, shyena or suparna, is the bird of the Sun, later called Garutman, who
helps lead the chariot of the Sun. He takes the immortality giving Soma plant
from the Earth to give us immortality in the highest heaven. Puranic Garuda
continues this Vedic symbolism. Vishnu is also Surya-Narayana, the cosmic
person in the Sun.
With his power of seeing,
Garuda also protects the Divine forces. His relative Jatayu, in the Ramayana,
usually portrayed as a vulture tries to stop Ravana from abducting Sita.
The hostility between eagles
and snakes is well known, but they also have much in common.
Both hold special sacred powers
and deeper wisdom, the eagle that of knowledge and the serpent that of Prana or
power. In Mesoamerican traditions like the Aztec we find the image of the
feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl, in which the energies of the serpent and the
eagle are united, taking us back to the inner state of unity.
The serpent represents the
primal powers of the root chakra, while the eagle represents the seeing powers
of the Third Eye. While Vishnu’s vehicle is an eagle, he also has his serpent
as Ananta, the cosmic serpent on which he rests between cosmic creations.
To awaken the seeing and
protective powers of Garuda within us is a great aid in our sadhana and grants
the highest jnana.
Garuda Panchami is observed
especially by Mother and Sons to share the same spirit of love, affection and
devotion between each other. Garuda Bhagawan is propitiated by women who wish
to give birth to bold, brave and sharp-minded children like the Garuda. Newly
wed couples perform this pooja for a happy married life.
Garuda Purana is a conversation
between Garuda Bhagawan and Lord Maha Vishnu regarding the origin of the
universe and creation. All the mystical truths about existence which he
obtained from Maha Vishnu and given to Humanity. The presence of the Garuda at
our temples enhances and paves the way for devotees to receive the grace of
Maha Vishnu, the ‘All seeing Eye’ of divinity.
The Eagle empowers the skies
with its grace and is revered throughout the ages by ancient Vedic and Shaman
traditions. These Native tribes who are so deeply connected to the Earth and
the Elements understand the true divine influence these creatures’ possess.
They are powerful, legendary spirit birds that symbolize a deep
mysticism.
Garuda, in Hindu mythology, the bird (a kite or an eagle) and the vahana (mount) of the god Vishnu. In the Rigveda the sun is compared to a bird in its flight across the sky,
and an eagle carries the ambrosial soma plant from heaven to earth. The mythological account of Garuda’s birth in the Mahabharata identifies him as the
younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of the sun god, Surya. Garuda’s mother, Vinata, mother of the birds, was tricked into
becoming the slave of her sister and co-wife, Kadru, mother of the nagas (serpents). The lasting enmity between the birds,
particularly Garuda, and the serpents is attributed to this. The nagas
agreed to release Vinata if Garuda could obtain for them a drink of the elixir
of immortality, the amrita, or soma. Garuda performed that feat,
thus giving the snakes the ability to slough off their old skins, and, on his
way back from the heavens, he met Vishnu and agreed to serve him as his vehicle
and also as his emblem.
Garuda is described in one text
as emerald in color, with the beak of a kite, roundish eyes, golden wings, and
four arms and with a breast, knees, and legs like those of a kite. He is also
depicted anthropomorphically, with wings and hawk-like features. Two of his
hands are folded in adoration (anjali mudra), and the other two
carry an umbrella and the pot of amrita. Sometimes Vishnu rides on
his shoulders. Images of Garuda are used by devotees of Vishnu to designate
their affiliations; such images appear on coins of the Gupta period.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/07/garuda-panchami-and-naagapanchami-i.html
Garuda Gayatri Mantra:
ॐतत्पुरुषायविद्महेसुवर्णपक्षायधीमहि तन्नो गरुडः प्रचोदयात् |
oṃ tatpuruṣāya vidmahe suvarṇapakṣāya dhīmahi tanno garuḍaḥ prachodayāt |
--August
14, 20
Comments:
Although
before marriage following the Tanjavur way of life I wasn't aware of Garuda
Panchami celebration. Married into North Arcot sampradaya we perform
Garuda Panchami nonmbu - sisters tie charadu praying for the well-being of
their brothers, and women go prayer at the pambu
puththu offering milk to Naga devatas. Both sides have
to be worshipped and important for Balavihaar as well--Apartna Arcot
OJASA,
MANASA AND YOGA IN PRACTICAL LIFE AND TO GO BEYOND MIND TO REALIZE THE
UNKNOWN
Let
us think of the coming events in August Varalakshmi Vrata, Upakarma, Gayatri
Jayanti ending with Krishna Jayanthi. These progressive festivals are
divine plan for progressive spiritual advancement for Body, Mind and
Spirit. What kind of wealth do we seek from the boon giver Lakshmi?
We appeal to her in her trinity form as Gayatri, Savitri and Sarasvati by
cajoling her as Ojoci, Sahoci, Balamci, Bhrajoci etc,
seeking spiritual strength (essence of strength) , patience, physical,
strength and brilliance. In order to achieve that, we purify ourselves
with Kamokarsheet Manyurakarsheet Japa (to get rid of all
passions) pleading pardon from all past sins on Upakarma day on August 22,
turning inwards and get deeply involved in meditation on Gayatri Japa on August
23 and seeking further guidance from Yoga master on August 30 who descends year
after year on Gokulashtami Day. It mainly involves Manasa turning
to inward worship, developing Ojasa, essence of strength from the good Lord and
learn further what we un-know about Him, as we are stuck with
Puranas, about which we will discuss soon! We can never know the Unknown but
only realize we are with the unknown! August festivals and rituals give the
initial education needed to go to higher levels.
We
always live with the Knowns but fail to know the Unknown that calls for
Manasa (inward concentration) and Meditation or acquiring Ojas (Prowess
and strength) needed.
"India
is the birthplace of #pranayama #hatayoga & meditation. Other countries use
it to better their athletes' performances. But not India. It would produce
super sportsmen and women and India would get the place it deserves in world
sports" writes Francois Gautier, commenting on 47th position of India in
Olympic performance. Shockingly, I have not come across any Hindu American who
has taken seriously this participation following their tribe in India, but for
the Talented Seven Indians in Tokyo Olympics 2020 and the brave girls in hockey
though missed the target. That means all Hindu Americans need focus on Manasa,
Ojasa and Yoga that they are not focused on in their mad race to become rich
and famous!
While
we are all excited about the first ever gold medal in field event of Javelin
throws by Neeraj Chopra in Tokyo Olympics 2020, we should not
forget Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajaria who epitomizes an invincible
spirit. The now 40-year-old track athlete has always perceived
the glass half full, bringing home one laurel after the other despite
unimaginable challenges. Jhajharia is the only Indian to have ever won two gold
medals at any Olympic or Paralympic games
– one at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and another at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
He has held a world record (62.15m in javelin throw) and is the first
para-athlete to be given the prestigious Padma Shri. In 2004, he was also
awarded the Arjuna Award for his contribution to the field of sports in the
country. What made these athletes bring unique laurels to the ailing nation
that is lost to Vedic Culture? May be good Lord has also blessed him as he is
handy-capped! It is inward concentration (Manasa), The
prowess (Ojas) required for outshine (Bhrajasa) disciplined by Yogic
science, that somehow Deepak Kamari lost in archery, as well the rifle shooter
the sport in which Hindus are pioneers.
In
this context let us go through an interesting article by David
Frawley--“Knowing the Unknown and Unknowing the Known” that calls for our Education
focused on the “Appropriate Education that connects us with the Whole Life”
about which We discussed recently. Surprisingly, Francois Gautier is also
focused on the need of such an education, even in activity
like Olympic Participation to succeed. Anyhow, it was nice to see that we
recognize the impact of the whole education in human effort and contributions
to recognize the hidden talents and push the limits of their gifts with inward
focus, concentration and meditation. Please recall how Hanuman was unaware of
his hidden talents (Ashtha siddhis),
till Jambhvan the Wise, revoked them.
Our
minds are complex and contain chambers, physical and spiritual that hold
information to draw from that will influence our decisions and actions. Many
areas of thinking remain hidden below the surface of our daily thoughts and
routine lives. We had seen this influencing even some past US Olympic
celebrities like Simone Biles. We also came across the timely Wisdom
Thoughts of Webinar ---205: “The Wisdom of the two Rooms of the Brain-Physical
and Spiritual”.
Knowing the Unknown and Unknowing the
Known by David Frawley
What
is the known? It is name, form and number, which are the main determinative
factors or coordinates of the mind. The known is the mind and is held as
memory down to a subconscious level.
Yet
the known is not static. It continues to evolve as more information and ideas
occur in the mind. The known is the conditioned mind and its developments. We
can expand the field of the known, but we will not get beyond the inherent
conceptual limitations of the mind. What is knowable to the mind remains name,
form or number to various degrees. This can lead to technological expertise in
the external world but remains in ignorance of the higher truth that is boundless.
The
known as the conditioned mind consists of karmic patterns or Samskaras that
repeat themselves automatically and compulsively. As long as our awareness is
held in the field of the known we are trapped in karma and the mind’s reactions
whether mental, emotional or sensory. We are not Self-aware in the present but
act out of patterns set forth in the past that may be useful at an outer level,
yet miss the limitlessness that surrounds us on every side and dimension. The
mind remains a prisoner of its knowledge unless we learn how to question the
mind itself.
The
Great Unknown and Self-evident Mystery
What
then is the unknown, not as something the mind has yet to know but what the
mind can never know? The great unknown is pure Seeing and Being in the
present, not as a moment of time but as the presence of pure consciousness
beyond the mind. The unknown is direct awareness that cannot be circumscribed
by name, form and number. The unknown has no conceptual content, and can only be
directly experienced, not defined in the field of the mind. It puts the mind to
rest.
We
can call the unknown a “Self-evident Mystery” as the mind only has a
superficial or practical value but can never reveal the eternal truth of
existence. When we dwell in the great unknown of Being-Consciousness-Bliss or
Brahman, the mind is put aside like an instrument to be used as needed but
otherwise of no value of its own. We are content with our own Self-knowing that
the mind cannot reach.
Dwelling
in the unknown cleanses the mind of the known, freeing us from the burden of
memory and conditioned responses. This is the secret power of deep meditation
to heal the mind. It takes us beyond the known mind to the unknown presence of
consciousness that is pure light. This light of consciousness like a mirror
reflects the cosmic reality without any need of thought. It holds everything in
a limitless space. It does not regard the mind’s knowledge as anything more
than shadows.
Transcending the
Known
Dare
to go beyond the known, which is your own mind, to the great unknown that is
the cosmic reality at the core of your inner being. Only then will you know the
truth of who you are and what this blissful universe really consists of. You
need no theology for this, nor any science, philosophy or psychology. It is the
self-evident light of awareness underlying the world of nature, connecting us
with the universal, infinite and eternal at every point in time and
space.
The
known is ignorance or avidya, which is a partial and separated
knowledge of name, known and number limited by the mind. The unknown is true
knowledge or Atma-vidya, gnosis or Jnana in which we know our
Self and true nature that is all-pervasive like space.
There
is ultimately nothing to know, no one who could know it, and no reason for
anything to be known. The purity of the Great Unknown is that it is
self-sufficient, content and overflowing with creativity. The entire universe
is its manifestation. To know that we do not know and cannot know through the
mind is the highest knowledge. This is the Samadhi that all Yoga practice
directs us towards.
Instead
of trying to measure the waves, which is the action of the mind, let us be the
Ocean! We can overflow into the bliss of the unknown at any moment, forgetting
the limitations and sorrow of the known. All this requires is to see and to be
without any identification with body and mind. The distant horizon is but you
looking at yourself from your own deeper cosmic reality. The supreme and most
rewarding venture is going beyond the mind to your true Self that is pure
light.
--August 14, 2021
Comments:
It reveals what we need to do to be peaceful and realize the
ocean in us. Thank you I just read the full article. Extremely well
written. Simply superb. Thank you very much Sir for all your efforts in
enlightening us --Nasahville Nagaraja
You are right sir. Some of the leading
sportspersons...Tennis Number one Novak Djokovic has attributed his success to
practice of yoga, having vegan eating habits and following Hindu way of life.
In 2019 US Open, when the entire stadium of 22,000 people
including commentators were loudly cheering a veteran grandslam winner, Serena
Williams, Gainst a young teenager Bianca, who won in straight sets. When asked
how she could maintain her poise in such a hostile ambience, Bianca said her
meditation helped. We could see her putting her towel covering her head during
intervals. In fact even after missing a shot, she would compose herself for a
second or two in the court itself.
As you say meditation has such salutary effects. With
Independence Day good wishes to all,
‑-August 14, 2021
Naga
Panchami: Revealing the Secret of the Nagas
World Snake Day, held every year on July 16,
aims to increase awareness regarding the over 3,500 snake species that exist
across the world. A friend who is a traitor is known as a
‘snake.’ The day aims to change the negative perception surrounding snakes and
promote the love for all living beings — even the ones
we fear, probably guided by Hindu philosophy and culture!
The image of
serpents wrapped around a staff probably symbolizing healing Kundalini power)
is a familiar one in the medical field, decorating pharmaceutical packaging and
hospitals alike. The Rod of Asclepius, the
Ancient Greek God of healing is a prominent symbol of Medicine. One staff, with
two snakes entwined around it. Please also recall Serpent commemorative pillar of Ahom
(aha=om, Aha means serpent) King Swargadeu Suhungmmong in Assam state museum about which I talked
about that could have influenced medical circles to come with symbol! Naga
associated with Vishnu, Lakshmana, Balarama, Siva, Subhramanya and Ganesha
receives its share of worship and many Hindus are named after Naga (Nagaraja) mostly and also with various
forms of Naga like Sesha, Ananta, Anantanag
(like Harihara), Nagaratna etc.
Serpent (Sanskrit: “Naga”) a mythical semi-divine beings, half human and half cobra like
mermaids. They are a strong, handsome species who can assume either wholly
human or wholly serpentine form and are potentially dangerous but
often beneficial to humans and are not related to present day Nagas. Aztecs in Mexico are of Naga
Race described in Mahabharata that I described in detail. Nagas and Nagis are known for their
strength, supernatural wisdom, and good looks. When Nagis take human
form, they can marry mortal men, and some Indian dynasties claim
descent from them. So, Naga Puja has special significance on the day of Naga
Panchami that is celebrated on August 13,
today. It is believed that the one who worships snakes on this day gets
rid of the fear of serpents. In this context
let us see what David Frawley thinks about the unique festival.
“We live in a universe full
of electro-magnetic, subtle energy and pranic currents embedded in our own
bodies and in the very fabric of space. These cosmic forces are symbolized as serpents
(nagas) in yogic thought. Mastering them is the key to the unfoldment of higher
awareness. We must honor all forms of Nagas, from
ordinary snakes to Kundalini.
Nagas are not simply snakes but represent all the transformative
electrical forces of the cosmos from the material level to that of pure
consciousness. Unfortunately, today we have forgotten how to read the symbolism
of nature, such as rishis and yogis can, and see only a literal serpent worship
in the traditional honoring of the Nagas.
As modern
physics notes, the entire universe and all of space consists of various
wormholes through which subtle currents are relentlessly flowing. These
currents are all Nagas, snakes or serpents in a metaphorical sense, powers
arising out of a hole or moving through a channel. They are all forms of
lightning or dynamic energy strikes that have their enlivening power and their
danger or poison. We must recognize that we live, breathe, speak and think in
and through the serpent forces of the greater cosmos.
The human
body is composed of numerous channels from the digestive tract to the
respiratory and circulatory systems, to the brain, from gross to subtle levels,
through which the Prana or vital force flows at various vibratory frequencies
as our main stimulating lightning energy that keeps us alive and awake. All
these channels within and around us are connected in the vast fabric of life
and awareness, of which we ourselves are but a focus, a point or a transmission
center.
Some of
these serpent forces are hidden and support us in the background like the
electro-magnetic energies that sustain the Earth through the force of gravity,
or like Vishnu’s serpent Ananta who
holds the power of the entire universe in a state of pure potential. This
hidden contracted or concentrated state of forces is like that of a coiled
serpent. Other forces are manifesting like a moving snake and swirl around us
creating colorful force fields in a magical phenomenal display.
One of
the most important of these serpent powers is the Kundalini Shakti,
the electrical force of higher Prana, mantra and awareness. Normally it is
latent or coiled in the earth chakra at the base of the spine, with our life
energy resting upon its sleeping state. In Yoga Sadhana, the Kundalini awakens
and spreads its electrical currents throughout our body and mind extending to
the entire
universe, propelling us into the infinite.
Honoring the Higher
Serpent Forces on Nag Panchami
Nagas as powerful forces contain profound wisdom, which is the
highest transformational energy of awareness. There are such Nagas in the Earth
or earth currents holding the Earth wisdom and power, creating various sacred
sites and nature’s points of power. There are Nagas in the atmosphere or life
currents from which all weather patterns arise through the thunder and
lightning, clearing the air and renewing all life. There are Nagas in the sky
extending from solar, lunar and planetary currents to those of the stars and
galaxies – subtle winds and energies of light in an overflowing tapestry
reaching beyond time and space.
On Nag
Panchami we honor all forms of Nagas from ordinary snakes to Kundalini, to Lord
Shiva who is Nageshvara or Ahipati, the Lord of the Serpents, who holds all the electrical forces in existence, both Manifest
and Un-manifest. The transcendent awareness of Shiva alone in its unshakeable
stillness, calm and centeredness can master all the cataclysmic energies of the
universe, which dance around him like powerful serpents under his control, yet
can never touch him.
Today in
our information technology era, which is another kind of Naga, serpent or
electrical force, we need to contact the higher wisdom Nagas and not become
victims of mere artificial currents and commercial powers. It is important that
our minds and hearts are vibrating not just with electrical energies from the
media, music, our computers, or our instruments of communication and travel on
any level.
We must
allow the electrical force of the entire universe, its secret currents of pure
consciousness and bliss to flow within us like a dance of perpetual lightning.
This is the real inner worship of the Nagas. We do this when we recognize our
true nature, our inner being, the presence of Shiva, who rules over the vast
and intricate ever-changing cosmos from a point of pure unity within the
spiritual hear”.
--August 13, 2021
Aztecs in Mexico are Naga (Sarpa) Race in Mahabharata
Please recall my recent E mails “Ancient Mayan & Hindu
Civilizations” and “Why Shravan Month is
dedicated to Shiva and Snakes?”. Do you know who Aztecs are? Please go through “Aztecs in Mexico are Sarpa race
in Mahabharata” in the attached article. Going through my E-mails one of the learned participants remarked:
”Very interesting reading of similarity between Maya civilization
and Ancient Hindu civilization. Thanks for sharing”. Now know our connections
with Aztecs. Thus, we see the link between American Continent Ancient
Civilization and Vedic Civilization.
The legendary origin
of the Aztec people has them migrating from a homeland called Aztlan
to what would become modern-day Mexico. While it is not clear where Aztlan was,
a number of scholars believe that the Mexica—as the Aztec referred to
themselves—migrated south to central Mexico in the 13th century. The Mexica
founding of Tenochtitlan was under direction from their patron god
Huitzilopochtli, according to legend. The legend recounts that Huitzilopochtli
told them to found their settlement in the place where a giant eagle eating a
snake was perched on a cactus.
Nagas are a
hill people who are estimated to number about 2. 5 million (1.8
million in Nagaland, 0.6 million in Manipur and 0.1 million in Arunachal
states) and living in the remote and mountainous country between the Indian
state of Assam and Burma. But Naga, (Sanskrit: “serpent”) in Hinduism, Buddhism, and
Jainism, are a member of a class of mythical semi-divine beings, half human and
half cobra. They are a strong, handsome species who can assume either wholly
human or wholly serpentine form and are potentially dangerous but
often beneficial to humans and are not related to present day Nagas.
The origins of
World Snake Day are unknown, but it was created to celebrate these
misunderstood animals and the vital role they play in ecosystems around the
world. Today we wanted to recognize World Snake Day by providing more
information about them from around the web and share other ways they can be
appreciated. May be this day is inspired by ancient Hindu Tradition of Snake
Worship!
Snakes or
Nagas have always occupied a significant position in Hindu mythology and
religious rites. The cobra is taken to be the symbol of the Nagas. Nag
Panchami is the Hindu festival celebrated in India to worship
the snakes. It is celebrated in Nepal and most parts of India, especially by
married ladies. The village of Shirale in Maharashtra is famous for its unique
traditions observed during the festival. Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth date of the bright half of the
Sawan month. As per the Hindu beliefs, snakes are considered as the deity since
ancient times. So, Naga Puja has special significance on the day
of Naga Panchami that was celebrated on August 13. It is
believed that the one who worships snakes on this day gets rid of the fear of
serpents.
We are all familiar with the
Naga race of India who have no links with Snakes. But do you know who are
Aztecs of Mexico Aztecs in Mexico are civilization of Nahuatl-speaking groups living in
central Mexico and much of their mythology is similar to that of other
Mesoamerican cultures. Their race is mentioned as Sarpas (or Nagas) in
Mahabharata, who were saved by a sage named Astika during a slaughter done on their race.
There are Nahuas people in
South America who worship snakes. Nahua appears to be a corrupt form of
Nahusha. Nahusha was a king from Kuru dynasty in India. Aztecs also worshipped
the turquoise-colored god Xiuhtecuhtli, as the 1st Lord of Creation and the god of Fire, Day and Heat.
There is a beautiful image of a deity with eight hands
(Ashtabhuja) in Mexico. The art style is discernibly Indian as in no other
religion of the world deities of this type were worshipped. It may be mentioned
that the ruling dynasty of Mexico at the time of the conquest by Spaniards was
‘Aztec’ or Ashtak (Eight). The evidence in the form of such images leaves
little doubt about the presence of Indian culture amongst the ancient Mexicans.
The stela pertains to the period of more than eight centuries before Columbus
set foot on the soil of the so-called New World.
--August
12, 2021
HOW DID INDIA
MISS THE CHANCE TO PIONEER OLYMPICS AS AYODHYA-ICS DEDICATED RAMA AND
SUGRIVA?
India, despite its space
program and burgeoning population of billionaires, is still a very poor nation
in terms of per capita income, and sport has never been a priority for the
government. The Indian Olympic Association admits the country has
not always done enough to support its athletes, but says there is more to
India's sorry performance than just a shortage of cash or organization.
Deepika Kumari ranked eighth in
the archery reminiscent of ancient Dhanurvidya taught in Gurukulas. World No. 1 Deepika failed to notch a single
perfect 10 from eight arrows while Olympic debutant Jadhav misfired a six in
the crucial fourth set after drilling in three perfect 10s at the Yumenoshima
Park. She lacked inward concentration when needed. That calls for focus by all Hindu Americans on Purification
getting rid of all negative thoughts and focus on the goal,
Inward concentration, meditation, prowess to win the medal, breath control
and Yoga guidance, to join the main stream that are of late
focused on Yoga science as booster.
No wonder the great admirer of
Hinduism Francois Gautier cautioned us with his timely advice: "India is
the birthplace of #pranayama #hatayoga & meditation. Other
countries use it to better their athletes' performances. But not India. It
would produce super sportsmen and women and India would get the place it
deserves in ports" commenting on 47th position of India in Olympic
performance with 1:2:4 medals.
I have not come across any
Hindu American who has taken seriously this global participation following
their clan in India, but for the Talented Seven Indians in Tokyo Olympics 2020
and the brave girls in hockey though missed the target.
So, I was also reminded of our
Puranas, looking at the achievement of the Talented Seven Awardees from India!
It is reasonable to assume Javelin sport is developed from the ancient
martial-art of spear-throwing in war-fare that was employed by Yudhishthira and
Sahadeva. Boxing and Wrestling again are training needed as martial
arts for dvanda-yuddha in which we have the celebrated heroes Vali, Sugriva,
Bheema, Krishna and others!
Shalya was killed by Yudhisthira in
spear war. After death of Karna, Shalya was made Chief Commander of
Kaurava army. Shalya had boon of shiva that, in war, whenever his opponent get
angry, his power will be decreased and shalya's power will be increased. So, a
calm person or person who doesn't get angry and be stable in war can kill
him. Yudhisthira was the only warrior in Pandava's army who
was capable to fight stable without getting angry. His name Yudhi-sthira
also indicates that. This temperament is needed in javelin throw inspired
by spear war. That goes well with Francois Gautier’s remarks on Indians’
Olympic Performance. Is it coincidental or natural that our Olympic
champions focused on svachaaturyate (svadharme) niratah-- engaged
in ancient martial arts of India that dates
back to Mahabharata times.
Rama was the most celebrated
archer and Sugriva was known for his Dvandayuddaha, Wrestling. Also
the word Ayodhics would have been more appropriate than Olympics. Ayodhaya
means "not to be fought" or, more
idiomatically in English, "invincible". So, Olympics is to compete to
excel.
In USA, The Institute of
Yoga Sports Science is supporting Olympic athletes through the YSS Olympic and
Paralympic Sponsorship Program. The ancient science of Yoga helped in all
these skills and excellence needed to compete in Olympics. It’s time
yoga became an Olympic sport.
What distinguishes the Olympic
champion from the ‘also-ran?’ The mind.” Practiced regularly, yoga can give you
the awareness and mindfulness you need to take both your training and your
performance to the next level.
The world over, hatha yoga is
seen as rigorous physical activity, so why not awarding the finest yogis?
According to late yoga guru BKS Iyengar “Out of the eight petals of yoga,
the only petal that is exhibitive is the yoga asanas whereas the other petals
are very individual and personal. As such there is nothing wrong with holding a
competition on the qualitative presentation of Yoga Asanas.
Please go through elaborate
compilation:
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2021/08/how-did-india-miss-chance-to-pioneer.html
Comments:
Great writing! Great idea to have
Ayodhya-ics, as a competition for showcasing sporting excellence!
--A.
S. Narayana
VARAMAHALKSAHMI
VRATAM OF SOUTH INDIANS
Varalakshmi Vrat also known as Varamahalaxmi Vratham this year is
on August 20, 2021. It is a festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. On this day,
a special Lakshmi pooja is performed to please the Goddess of wealth and
prosperity. It is believed that the Varalakshmi form of the goddess bestows
boons and fulfils all desires of her devotees. Hence this form of the goddess
is known as Vara + Lakshmi, i.e. Goddess Lakshmi who bestows boons.
This is a pooja that was pronounced by Lord Parameswara to be
performed by his consort Parvathi to seek prosperity and happiness for the
family. It is believed that Goddess Parvati observed the fast for her beloved
consort and the prosperity and happiness of her family, and since then it has
been a popular tradition for women across South India to observe the Varalaxmi
Vrat or Varalaxmi Vratam on the Shukla Paksha of Shravana month. In some cases,
women prayed for being blessed with children.
While men and women can perform the Vrata, it is generally the
women of the family, who observe the fast to seek blessings for the well-being
of her family members.
There are a couple of stories which depicts the significance
of Varalakshmi Vratham. One among them is the story of
“Shyamabala”.
The Queen Sura Chandrika and the King Bathrasiravas had
a daughter named Shyamabala. The daughter was married to the prince
of a neighboring kingdom.
Once Shyamabala was at her parent's kingdom when she observed that
her mother, Queen Sura Chandrika was driving out an old woman. The old woman
has asked her mother to observe a Varalakshmi vrat and perform
a Varalakshmi puja. The Queen asked her to leave and did not listen to her
as the old lady was a beggar.
However, the daughter Shyamabala acknowledged the old woman and
carefully listened to the significance of Varalakshmi Vrata.
After returning back to her own kingdom, Shyamabala observed
the Varalakshmi vrat and performed a Varalakshmi
puja as directed by the old woman. Since that day, the prince got
appreciation for his sound governance and the kingdom started glorifying and
prospering day by day.
However, on the other side, the parents of Shyamabala were facing
numerous issues. People were revolting against them. In a short span, they lost
all their wealth too. Hearing this, Shyamabala sent them pots of gold but
they also turned into ashes, the moment Queen Surachandrika set her eyes on
them.
After hearing this incident, Shyamabala recalled the incident when
her mother was driving away that old lady. She realized that the old lady was
none other than Goddess Lakshmi in disguise. On realizing this, Shyamabala
asked the Queen to observe a Varalakshmi vrat and perform
a Varalakshmi puja in the palace. The Queen performed the same
and was significantly able to once again attain the previous glory back.
Varalakshmi Puja is significantly popular in South India and this festival is
celebrated by men and women alike to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and
to usher in wealth and prosperity in their lives.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/07/varalakshmi-vrata.html
Siddhalakshmeer-Mokshlakshmeer-Jayalaksmee-Sarasvatee
| Sreelakshmee Varalakshmeescha prasannaa bhava sarvadaa
||
You manifest as Siddhalakshmi, Mokshlakshmi, Jaylakshmi,
Sarasvati, Sreelakshmi and Varalakshmi. Kindly be pleasant to
us always.
--August 11, 2021
Comments:
Thank you mama I did not know about the story of Shyamabala.
--Aparna Arcot
*************************************************************
The five commandments of Bhagavan
Sri Ramakrishna for Householders
The ‘Five Commandments’ of Sri
Ramakrishna for householders are:
1. Keep chanting the God’s
name, thinking of his glory.
2. Do Sadhusanga, Satsang,
being with holy people; visit places where there are holy thoughts.
3. Go to a solitary place once
in a while and meditate. Protect and nurture your godly feelings and
thoughts.
4. Constantly deliberate and
discriminate about right and wrong, true and untrue, real and unreal, right and
wrong, ‘Nitya’ and ‘Anitya’, ‘Sat’ and ‘Asat’. God alone is true, ‘Nitya’,
permanent, real, ‘Sat’, Right.
5. Discharge your duties as a
householder with full responsibility but always keep in mind that none of this
belongs to you.
If we can follow these ‘Five
Commandments’ there is no doubt that we can realize God in this life itself.
Time is running out every moment, so we must start immediately and continue
practicing these commandments all the time. May Lord Sri Ramakrishna help and
bless us.
A discourse on the subject
by Swami Gokulanandaji Maharaj, Secretary Sri Ramakrishna Mission,
Delhi.
The topic of my talk today is
the ‘Five commandments of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa’ for householders. While
you have all heard of ‘The Ten Commandments’ of The Bible, it is really interesting
to note that it is probably the first time that we are talking of these ‘Five
Commandments’ of Sri Ramakrishna. I shall read out the relevant portions from
the fifth Chapter of the first volume of ‘Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna’ (in
English) or Vachanamrita (in Hindi) or ‘Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita’ (in
Bengali).
In this chapter, Master
Mahashay (in short ‘M’) the author of Kathamrita raises four questions before
Sri Ramakrishna.
It is in the reply to the first
two questions, that we find these ‘Five Commandments’.
The first question is ‘How to
keep the mind on God’. Our mind is so fickle that it is very difficult to keep
it concentrated on God. It keeps wandering to worldly things, in extroversion
rather than intro-spection. God resides in us, as Bhagavan Sri Krishna tells
Arjuna in Gita – “Isvarah Sarvabhutanam, hrddeserjuna tisthati” –
but we do not look inwards towards this God residing within; we are all the
time engrossed in our family, friends, and worldly pleasures. God resides in
us, but alas! We do not reside in Him. So the mind keeps wandering, and ‘M’
wants to know from Sri Ramakrishna how to keep the mind focused on God. In
reply to this first question, Thakur gives the first four commandments.
The First commandment
‘Keep on chanting the name of
God all the time and talk of his Glory.’ In the words of Sri Ramakrishna in
Bengali – ‘Ishwarer naam guna gaan sarbada korte hoy.’ So we must all the time
keep remembering God’s name, his greatness and glory, to help us concentrate on
him.
The Second Commandment
‘Do Satsanga, Sadhusanga’. Go
to Godly people, spend time with them, listen to their discourses, and spend
time at places where people are engrossed in God?s name, in Kirtan etc.
The Third Commandment
‘Spend time in solitude, and
think of him’. We are all the while caught up in worldly thoughts, being
surrounded completely by this materialistic world. It is therefore necessary
once in a while to get away from all this and spend some time in solitariness,
thinking about God, thinking about the purpose of life, thinking about what one
is doing, and what one should do. It is the time when one is totally with
oneself, without any distractions so that the mind can focus on the God within.
Thakur further elaborates this by saying that when the plant is tender, It
needs to be protected from cattle etc. by putting a fence around it. Likewise,
we have to protect our nascent inclination towards God, by getting away from
the things that distract us. Thakur is not saying that all must renounce the world
and go to mountains or forests. No! you are householders and you must discharge
your duties towards your family, society etc. as a father, mother, husband,
wife, son or daughter and so on. What Thakur says is that it is important to
spend some time amidst your all activities solitariness, to think about God, to
meditate, to chant his name, do Japam. Thakur says that mediate on Him in your
heart, in a corner, in a forest.
The Fourth Commandment
Continuously discriminate
between Right and Wrong, Nitya and Anitya’. God alone is true, God alone is
permanent. Everything else is untrue, impermanent. Whatever we see around is
all untrue; all this is going to perish sooner or later. Nothing of this is
going to accompany us when the eternal call comes. All this will remain behind.
It is only the God’s name and our good deeds, that will go with us. You never
know when the eternal call comes. So start on your journey towards God today
itself, right away. Do not put it off for tomorrow. Who knows whether you or me
would be there in the next moment or not.
One of our devotees did a
recording of my discourse on ‘Chhandogya- Upanishad’ on the 12th Dec. 2001 and
promised to give me a transcript so that other devotees would benefit from it.
She wrote it down too, but could not give it to me herself, as she died in a
tragic car accident on the 24th Dec. 2001. This is an example of the
uncertainties of life, as I was explaining earlier. So, do not wait for
tomorrow, start rightaway on the path of God. While discriminating (Vichar),
between the true and untrue, Nitya and Anitya, Sat and Asat, gradually detach
yourself from the untrue, ‘Anitya’, ‘Asat’ and move towards ‘Nitya’, ‘Sat’, the
truth, the God.
The Fifth Commandment
The Fifth Commandment of Thakur
comes in response to the second question of ‘M’ – ‘How to spend our time in the
household, in this world’. ‘M’ being a householder himself asks this question,
that many house-holders keep asking. Do we have to leave everything, renounce
the world and go to forests to realize God? Is it possible to realize God while
remaining within our households? The apparent presumption is that only Monks
have access to God. I am telling you that nothing could be farther from truth.
And I am saying it with conviction because I have had the good fortune to come
across at least two householders who realized God in this life, who were full
of Brahmananda.
There was a mother, an elderly
lady, in Digboi (Assam), whom I used to visit often, because I loved to do so.
Imagine an old lady, afflicted by paralysis, confined to her bed, reduced to a
skeleton that she was. But every time I asked her “Mother, how are you?” Her
face would get lit up with a divine glow and she would reply with a smiling
face – “I am fine Maharaj, as Thakur has kept me. How are you Maharaj?” There
was not an iota of self-pity or of any nagging or complaint towards God for her
sorry physical state. She had surrendered completely to God and was therefore
in that ever-blissful state, residing in Thakur.
The other person I came across
was when I once want to Cossipore Bungalow, even before I joined the
Ramakrishna Order. A person was singing some devotional song which enchanted
me. As I like songs very much, I approached him later and struck a friendship
with him. I came to know that he was Sri Pramathanath Ganguli, who had composed
about two hundred devotional songs, on the inspiration of Sri Ramakrishna as he
used to say. Thereafter, I invited him several times to my place and enjoyed
his singing. Towards the end of his life, he was ‘inspired’ to compose a song
which prays to God that “O the Divine, when the call from the other world will
come, I do not know whether I would be able to take your name. Even if I
forget, you please do not desert me. Please be with me and take me with you”.
After he composed this song, he was so enamored with it that Pramatha Babu
would on his own sing this song at the end of each of his recitals. And every
time he sang this, tears would stream down his eyes and one would get a feeling
as though Pramatha Babu was actually seeing God in front of him and singing out
for Him from his heart. When he died in a hospital, he asked the nurse to prop
him up on the bed saying that Sri Ramakrishna had come to take him, and he
didn't want to receive Him lying down. So he sat up and breathed his last
chanting – ‘Ramakrishna, Ramakrishna —–‘. I even wonder how many of us would
die such a glorious death.
Therefore, I speak with full
conviction that householders have as much claim over God realization as the monks
who have renounced the world. In fact merely becoming a monk does not entitle
one to a claim to Godliness, unless one practices spiritual disciplines. A
householder can realise God if he or she is fully convinced of the utterly
unreal character of the world. Thakur says – ‘Discharge all your duties but
keep your mind on God. Consider all family members--father, mother, spouse,
children as your own, but remember in your heart of hearts that it is only God,
who is your own, and none else’. I am reminded of a song that was a very
favorite of Thakur- “O my mind, in this world no one is your own, so do not
forget to remember Dakshina Kali by getting entangled into this Mayajal, this
illusion of your world”. We are under the illusion that my beloved loves me so
much but the moment one is dead, no one wants to spend time with the dead body,
they want to dispose it off as soon as possible. So long as one is a big
officer everyone salutes him. But the moment he dies, all that is reduced to
ashes and everyone starts saluting the next person who occupies that chair.
Today I am Secretary, Delhi Center – all of you come to my discourses, pay me
your respects. As soon as I die, someone else will occupy this position, and
all of you would start paying your obeisance to him. Gokulananda would become
just a handful of ash and some distant memory.
Therefore, all of us must learn
to detach ourselves from these worldly strings, affections, bondages. These
become a block between us and self-realization, realization of God. As Thakur
says, discharge your duties like the housemaid. She moves around with the
master’s son in her lap, saying ‘My son, my darling! etc.’ but she knows in her
heart of hearts that they are none of hers. The moment she is off the job, all
this is forgotten and there are no strings that bind her to this house. We have
to discharge our duties, with full responsibility, but always keeping in mind
that God alone is true, God alone is permanent, God alone is ours, and all the
other things are untrue, unreal, impermanent and not belonging to us.
Please enjoy the lively discussion by Ramakrishna
Vedanta Study Group on August 11 at Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville
--August 10, 2021
Farewell to Tokyo Olympics 2020
As we close this day Olympics 2020 let us pray to the Supreme
expressing our thanks:
Thanks to Thee we ended in
sacred seven
Lord, you watched over our
athletes during Olympics!
Gave them courage and
confidence, to do their best;
Filled them with a spirit of
fair play:
Made them gracious in winning;
Made them brave and proud in
their attempts.
Gave them the joy of Your
Kingdom,
Where everyone’s gifts are
honored and celebrated.
Keep them safe and strong under
your protective care.
We ask this chanting raising
our voice
To Vidhartara, who creates and
sustains
All creation and watches their actions!
Om Sahanaavavatu sahanau bhunaktu
sahaveeryam karavaavahai
tejasvinaavadheetamastu
maa vidvishaavahai
Om Shanthih Shanti Shantih
--August 8, 2021
Comments:
I did not know you have poetic flairs! Nice to see you recognize
human effort and contributions to pushing
the limits of our gifts.
--Dr. Vedavyas
Lovely Thanksgiving to God Almighty for
taking good care of our athletes and their safe return home!
--A.S. Narayana
THE SUPREME SPIRIT SPIRITUALLY
STIMULATES US WITH SCINTILLATING SACRED SEVEN
In our desire
to make our life auspicious, we give meaning to numbers and objects, like
mountains, and surround ourselves with objects, numbers and concepts, whose
meanings make us feel comfortable, happy and safe. Seven is associated with
good luck and charm. Psychologists believe that it has something to do with the
fact that we can remember seven numbers easily and our attention span shifts,
after speaking of seven words. Therefore, since ancient times, seven has been
considered a sacred number. "The
seven walls surround Vaikuntha, with seven gates, just like a building may be
located there, but you have to pass through seven gates and courtyards, with
walls surrounding, to reach there. Gardens, houses, everything is there between
the walls" Now comes Tokyo Olympics in
which He has blessed India with seven medals proportionately 1:2: 4! What will
make in the future India the world leader, He can only tell!
Seven Indian Winners at Tokyo Olympics
Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra
on Saturday not only won gold for the country, but also helped it surpass the
previous best haul of six medals achieved in the 2012 London Games. With his
gold today in men's javelin throw, India's medal tally has gone up to 7 —
highest so far in any Olympics. India now have one gold, two silver and four
bronze medals. The 23-year-old javelin thrower created history with his
gold as he became the first to win a medal in athletics since the country
started taking part in the Games in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. Among the athletes who have
bagged medals in this season for India are Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Ravi
Kumar Dahiya, Lovlina Borgohain, PV Sindhu, Bajrang Punia and Men's Hockey
Team.
With 126 athletes across 18
sports disciplines, India had sent its biggest-ever contingent to Tokyo
Olympics. Indian athletes participated in 69 cumulative events across, highest
ever for the country.
For India, first medal came in
weightlifting, in which Mirabai Chanu won Silver. On the 7th day of the
quadrennial event, Lovlina Borgohain secured the second medal for the country
in boxing. She won Bronze. Ace shutter PV Sindhu, too, won Bronze by defeating
Bing Jiao of China.
Taj Mahal among Seven Wonders
of the World!--Seven Wonders of the Modern
World. 1. Chichen Itza (Mexico); 2.Christ the Redeemer
(Brazil); 3.The Colosseum (Italy); 4. Great Wall of China (China); 5. Machu
Picchu (Peru); 6. Petra
(Jordan); and 7. Taj Mahal (India).
Of the original Seven Wonders of the World, only one — the Great
Pyramids of Giza — still exists. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse
of Alexandria, the Temple of Artemis, the Colossus of Rhodes, The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus have all faded to dust and memory. These,
instead, are seven new wonders for our time. They are the Acropolis of our day,
the Stonehenge of now. Which also means they can be seen firsthand. And so,
they should. Because the real magic of wonder is not in the thing itself, but
in the fact that the more you look for wonder in the world the more the wonder
of the world becomes a part of you.
Wonder is nourishment for the
soul. We are the only animal on earth, as far as we know, that can be moved to
tears by a sunset, that marvels at the stars at night, that feels awe, and
humility, at the achievements of our past. Wonder defines us as human beings.
Socrates said: 'Wisdom begins in wonder.' Studies show that the awe induces
deeper levels of cognitive processing; it boosts empathy and helps us connect
with the world around us in meaningful ways. Art and Science are borne
from it. Wonder is more than just a good feeling; it is a seed from which our
greatest treasures grow. Explore, dream and feed your spirit
well.
SACRED SEVEN IN HINDUISM
Once Vishnu and Laxmi had a
quarrel. Laxmi left Vaikuntha in a huff, and came down to earth. Vishnu
followed her and tried coaxing her to return, but she refused. So, Vishnu
decided to remain on earth, until he could convince her to return. He looked
for a home on earth that reminded him of Vaikuntha, and found seven hills on a
mountain range that reminded him of the seven hoods of the great serpent,
Adishesha, on whose coils he rested in the ocean of milk. He made his home
there. Today he stands there, as Tirupati, atop the seven hills of
Tirumala.
This idea of a city located in
seven hills is found not just among Hindus, but around the world. Rome, for
example, is said to be built on seven hills by Remus and Romulus, twin brothers
who were raised in the wild by a she-wolf. The city of Mecca is said to be
built amid seven hills. Jerusalem is associated with seven hills. It is
interesting that in the Bible, in the Book of Revelations, there is a line that
says that the Whore of Babylon stands on seven hills. Scholars believe it
refers to Rome, which was then persecuting its Christian followers.
Hills have long been considered
a sacred space because they appear closer to the gods and hence in many
traditions, from Buddhism to Jainism, from Islam to Christianity, mountains and
hills play an important role. Moses gets the Commandments atop Mount Sinai,
Shiva sits atop Mount Kailash, the Girnar temple in Gujarat is associated with
many Jain Tirthankaras, atop Mount Meru live the 33 devas of the Buddhist
pantheon and, atop Mount Olympus, live the Olympians, gods of Greek mythology.
In the natural world, we see
the seven colors of the rainbow. Musicians have organized seven notes in music
and this is, therefore, considered the sacred number of gods. The week
originated in Babylon. The idea of six working days followed by a day of rest
has been adopted by Abrahamic religions around the world. Across mythologies,
we have the idea of seven wise sages. In Hinduism, we have the seven sages,
Sapta-rishi, and the seven mothers, Sapta-matrikas, Sapta chakras within human
body, sapta prakaras, sapta sindhus (rivers), seven upper worlds, seven lower
worlds and so on. In European fairy tales, we hear of seven dwarfs who help
Snow White. Seven, thus, becomes a recurrent number.
Please go through what Vedas
say about Sacred Seven:
sapta prāṇā prabhavanti tasmāt
saptārciṣaḥ samidhaḥ sapta jihvāḥ sapta ime lokā yeṣu caranti prāṇā guhāśayānnihitāḥ sapta sapta (Mahanarayana Upanishad)
From Him originate the seven
prāṇas, the seven flames, their fuel, the seven tongues and the seven
worlds in which the life-breaths move. (Further other things that are)
sevenfold also come forth from Him, who dwells in the secret place of the heart
and are set (in their respective places).
Commentators interpret the
verse as giving an account of God’s creation of the senses, the seven planets,
the seven sacrificial fires, their seven flames, and the seven Worlds together
with other sevenfold entities.
According to Śrī Śankara and
Sāyana, the seven prāṇas are two eyes, two ears,
two nostrils and mouth, the seven flames are the enlightenments
produced by their activity, the external objects which stimulate their
actions are their fuel, the seven tongues are Kālī
etc.
ataḥ samudrā girayaśca sarve'smātsyandante sindhavaḥ sarva
From Him arise all the seas and
mountains. From Him flow rivers of all kinds and from Him all herbs and
essences come forth; united with the essence of the herbs the individual Soul
seated in the subtle body dwells in creatures.
Supreme who is the only source
of the Universe amazes us with sacred seven!
--August 8, 2021
FOWAI WEBINAR 205-- THE WISDOM OF THE TWO ROOMS OF THE BRAIN--PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL
Our minds are
complex and contain chambers, physical and spiritual that hold information to
draw from that will influence our decisions and actions. Many areas of thinking
remain hidden below the surface of our daily thoughts and routine lives.
Brahmave sathya srushtiye mithyeyannuvode
Sambandhavillavenaa visheyayugake Namma kanmansugale namage sate paeluvode
nemmuvudaarano?– Mankuthimma
Philosophers say that the creator alone is true, and
creation is illusion. Are they not related to each other? If our own eyes,
ears, and mind tell us falsehood and justify that it is the truth, whom are we
to believe? So, while one chamber of our
mind is engaged in outside world in our daily activities, our other chamber of
mind should be engaged on what happens after life and how to join our source!
They need unified thinking to live in peace now and beyond! We should be
connected both with the creator and his creation that he gave us.
Goldsmith brings a picture of an ideal village
Preacher:
.His ready smile a parent's warmth expressed,
Their welfare pleased him and their cares
distressed;
To them his heart, his love, his griefs were
given,
But all his serious thoughts had rest in
Heaven.
As some tall cliff, that lifts its awful form,
Swells from the vale and midway leaves the storm,
Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on its head.
This is how the ancient science of yoga tries to
engage both the chambers of our mind, guided by urban monks, focused on Body,
Mind and Spirit in that order and their harmonious growth. This is the philosophy of our urban monks
that are focused on-- while actively involved in alleviating our sufferings,
equally busy in Mukti, Liberation for themselves, though may delay the process
but sure to achieve!
Let us listen to the wisdom thoughts of our
Down-to-Earth Guru HH. Swami Chidananda, and learn how to be equally poised on
both the chambers of the mind!
CONSCIOUSNESS
AND THE BRAIN
The human brain, for all of its
complexity, is not itself conscious. Most of its functions are unconscious or
subconscious. The brain is but a physical instrument of a deeper consciousness
that transcends the material world altogether, the Atman or transcendent Self
of Yoga and Vedanta.
Research into the human brain has
revealed the extraordinary workings of this organ, how it regulates our mental
expression and bodily functions throughout our lives. The brain is like a world
of its own filled with intricate circuits, currents and interchanges. Yet the
brain is not the light of consciousness but only a means of its physical
manifestation.
The light of the Self is first
reflected through the mind, which has a subtler level of reality than the
brain. The light of the mind is then reflected by the brain and outwardly
through our physical senses. This means the brain only holds a secondary
reflection of consciousness. While the brain dies at death, our inner Self does
not, and can move on to a new incarnation.
We can compare the brain to our
computer, which also functions as an instrument to extend our awareness, but is
not itself aware. The brain’s responses are largely conditioned and autonomic,
with our ego but the surface of brain activity itself ruled by hidden forces it
does not understand.
Our bodily functions, sense and motor
organs, outer mind and emotions are regulated by and expressed through the
brain. We can alter these by changing brain chemistry. Damage to the brain
impairs them in fundamental manner. The brain as a physical instrument has its
physical structure and DNA that govern it. Its functions are rooted in
protecting the body and the social self. It has no inherent awareness of
anything beyond our material world, as it is itself a material construct.
Only in our Inner Self abides the
natural awareness of the eternal, infinite and immortal. The brain is our outer
computer but not our inner essence. We must certainly respect how the brain
works and carefully protect its health and wellbeing. Research into the brain
should remain a key part of all medical advancement.
But our true Consciousness is beyond
body and mind, and any form of instrumentality, including the brain. It is the
Self of all. Yoga and Vedanta teach us how to realize it, with the help of a
Guru, which requires calming and concentrating the mind and brain, no longer
regarding them as our real identity.
So
let us explore the brain this Webinar teaches us, but not be limited by it. Let
us learn to bring a deep peace to the brain, and look within to our true nature
as unitary Consciousness behind all being and all worlds!
--August
6, 2021
HINDU
REFLECTIONS ON APPROPRIATE EDUCATION THAT CONNECTS US WITH THE WHOLE LIFE
TRUE
EDUCATION CONNECTS US WITH THE WHOLE LIFE
Educating
the whole person beyond core academics that is gaining momentum has its origin
in The Gurukula System of Vedic Culture of India.
“There
are two types of education: education for a living and education for life. When
we study in college, striving to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, this is
education for a living. On the other hand, education for life requires an
understanding of the essential principles of spirituality or Yoga. The real
goal of education is not to create people who can understand only the language
of machines. The main purpose of education should be to impart a culture of the
heart – a culture based on enduring values. Living in spirituality through Yoga
practice is like the one who knows how to swim, for him, frolicking in the ocean
waves is a delightful experience, but one who is unable to swim will quickly
drown. We could develop an attitude to accept anything that comes to us
happily.”--Maa Amritaamyi Devi
How
can one open the door of Truth? Sri Ramakrishna told the secret to his disciples:
"The
key to this room has to be turned the reverse way." Worldly means are of
no avail to one who wants to attain the knowledge of God. Knowledge is of two
kinds: ''lower" or secular and "higher" or spiritual. Secular
knowledge pertains to the world; all book learning and even scriptural
knowledge fall into this category. Higher or spiritual knowledge opens the door
of Truth. When a person attains this knowledge through spiritual pursuits, he
or she transcends the realm of ignorance, or Maya, and become free
forever.
In
this context, please go through the advices of Maa Amrutamayi Devi and Vamadeva
Shastri David Frawley, an Eastern Vedic Approach and the
Modern Western Holistic Approach.
EASTERN
VEDIC GURUKULA APPROACH
THE
YOGA OF EDUCATION BY DAVID FRAWLEY
Education
should be a Yoga, otherwise it is not training our Inner Being and higher
intelligence but only addressing our outer personality and the external world
with their transient and shifting desires.
Every
aspect of education in traditional India was regarded as a form of Yoga, and
some are preserved today. This extended to art, music, dance, architecture,
mathematics, astronomy, literature, poetry, drama, medicine, exercise and
martial arts, psychology, logic and philosophy.
What
made these into paths of Yoga? They were all based upon cultivating the power
of awareness, attention, original thought and inward creativity, uniting us
with the whole of life rather than just creating a formula or routine. Followed
yogic disciplines, dharma values and meditation in the learning process. Aimed
at original insight, not just conditioned reactions.
This
Yoga of education must be revived today if we are to master our technology,
bring peace to the world and connect to the greater Self-aware universe. It is
not just what we learn but how we learn, so that our learning process is
endless and ever expanding even beyond death.
If
we merely take in information, learn how to operate equipment, or use the media
without a deeper Self-awareness, we will remain caught in
outer shadows and reflections, in which our internal
well-springs of consciousness and light cannot manifest.
Let
your learning whatever your age be a path of Yoga! To do this see whatever you
are studying as a path of Self-knowledge and Self-realization without
boundaries, not merely something on the outside.
FROM
INTERNET TO INNER-NET OF MAA AMRUTAMAYI DEVI
“We
live in the age of the Internet. Wherever we go on the planet, we need to have
the Internet. But, along with a connection to the Internet, we also need to
rediscover our ‘Inner-net’ connection. Spirituality teaches us how to
manage both our internal and external worlds.
Humanity
is at a crossroads. At present, mankind lives solely depending on science and
technology. However, in light of our current situation, we should at least try
to incorporate spiritual thinking, as well.
Spirituality
is also a science — it is a valid branch of knowledge that cannot be ignored.
The scientific community is researching the physical world in an attempt to
discover the secrets of the universe. In reality, spiritual scriptures recount
the experiences of those who performed intense inner inquiry in order to unfold
the same secrets. When we try to view spirituality through mathematics, physics
and logic alone, we may fail to grasp its subtleties. We need to approach it
with the faith of a child, and with the wonder that shines in a child’s mind
and eyes. Renowned scientists of the past viewed the universe and its
subtleties with awe and wonderment. Their research had the inquisitiveness and
faith of an innocent child. In fact, many past and present eminent scientists
acknowledged spirituality towards the end of their lives. But, by then it was
too late--Amma Amritamayi Devi”
WESTERN
HOLISTIC EDUCATION
The
holistic education concept—the philosophy of educating the whole person, beyond
core academics— based on Ancient Hindu Thoughts, is gaining steam in
learning circles as schools struggle to improve student outcomes. Many
organizations are realizing that students need more than just a strong
foundation in a core curriculum, they also need to be supported by a community
and to develop a compassionate understanding of the world around them. Perhaps,
the combined studies of American school education taught by academic teachers
and Hindu Sunday School Education taught by Gurus in Baal Vihaar and Vedic
Heritage Classes may meet the needs of real Holistic Education that may be
called Education Yoga that combines spiritual and temporal (secular) education.
Yoga means unite.--maintenance, emotional and spiritual needs to lead a
wholesome life.
Holistic
education is a comprehensive approach to teaching where educators seek to
address the emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs of students in an
integrated learning format. Emphasis is placed on positive school environments
and providing whole-child supports (services that support academic and
nonacademic needs, also known as wrap-around supports) to students.
Students
are taught to reflect on their actions and how they impact the global and local
community, as well as how to learn from the community around them. Teachers
often engage students in projects that apply critical-thinking skills toward
solving real-world problems.
Holistic
education is a relatively new movement developed in the 1980s to counteract the
existing US learning structure that was perceived as mechanistic, according to
Education Corner. However, the theory of educating based on a person’s entire
experience has roots in ancient Vedic concepts of instruction, including those
of Greek and native indigenous cultures, and has increased in prevalence over
the past century. Several different approaches based on whole-person education
gained steam in the 20th century, including Maria Montessori’s self-motivated
growth philosophy and Rudolf Steiner and Emil Molt’s Waldorf experiential
learning technique.
The
goal of holistic education is to cultivate a developing child’s physical,
emotional, moral, psychological, and spiritual attributes. Serving the whole
child means providing opportunities that are personalized to a child’s skills
and feelings. Lessons are conducted in a safe, supportive environment that
allows students to utilize their individual strengths. Teachers must be prepared
to nurture students with varying educational levels and learning capabilities.
While holistic education is guided by one overarching philosophy, teachers may
employ a number of methods and strategies to create a holistic learning
culture. Yoga Darshan employs ETM (Education Through Music) for teaching both
secular and spiritual aspects of Yoga. Please recall the recent HUA
Webinar of Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran who shared his insights on ‘Yog
Darshan' - his new musical creation explores the history of Yoga through music
and literary works spanning the length and breadth of India.
TEACHING
STRATEGIES
Strong
Student-Teacher Relationships: When teachers are able to
form strong bonds with students, performance and engagement is positively
impacted. At-risk students have a higher chance of success when they feel safe
and nurtured. Teachers can foster strong relationships by responding to
students’ strengths and needs and by acting in a culturally sensitive manner.
Allowing students to help develop classroom rules and take on leadership roles
helps encourage trust and communication among students and enhances their
motivation to succeed.
Encouraging
Self-Confidence: Students need to believe that they belong
at school and have the ability to succeed. Teachers can help build
self-confidence by providing multiple opportunities for students to digest
structured information and communicate their understanding in a variety of
ways. Teachers must recognize students’ unique strengths and treat all students
equally. Student motivation can be enhanced by making sure that lessons are
relevant to students’ lives and focus on realistic issues.
Incorporating
Emotional Reflection: As a teacher, it’s not always easy to look
beyond academic performance to nurture the mental and emotional well-being of a
child. To encourage emotional reflection in daily routines, teachers might
provide moments for students to reflect, contemplate, or meditate. Lessons to
teach empathy could focus on effective listening and observation techniques or
literature that presents varying perspectives on social issues.
Benefits
of Holistic Education
Holistic
education is based on a learning philosophy that brings a number of benefits to
students, teachers, schools, and communities. Students are empowered to improve
their educational outcomes and gain the life skills necessary to take on a
successful professional career.
Improved
Academic Achievement: Holistic education can improve the academic
achievements of all children, regardless of background and circumstances, by
catering to individual learning styles and providing a supportive learning
environment. Children’s brain capacities are increased when they feel
physically and emotionally safe and connected to others, according to the
Learning Policy Institute.
Enhanced
Mental and Emotional Well-Being: In a supportive
environment, where social and emotional learning is emphasized along with
academics, students have a better chance of emerging with self-awareness,
confidence, and a sense of social responsibility.
Increased
Problem-Solving Ability: Students who are tasked with solving
real-world problems that exist in their communities emerge with strong
critical-thinking skills. These hands-on projects give students skills that
will apply to their adult careers, such as how to gather, analyze, and report
data and how to collaborate with others.
Reduced
Impact of Inequities: By emphasizing integrated learning
concepts, the whole-child approach to education has been shown to reduce the
psychological impact of issues such as violence, abuse, or poverty on academic
achievement, according to the Learning Policy Institute.
In
recent times, Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori movement, felt that
people underwent a spiritual development that best occurred within a nurturing
environment. The origins of holistic education can be traced to ancient
concepts of instruction that emphasized the whole person rather than an
individual segment of the person’s experience. As only two examples, earlier
our ancient sages in Gurukula and later ancient Greek philosophers conceived of
the world as a single whole. Holistic education is rooted in experiential learning and centers education on
the relationships that people create with each other, including teacher student
relationship. MNU says the powerful Gayatri mantra is employed
for initiation into Vedic studentship-upanayane viniyogah that we
will discuss soon in detail. Also, the most popular mantra “sahanavavatu”
says: ”May He protect us both together; may He nourish us both together; may we
work conjointly with great energy; may our study be vigorous and effective; may
we not mutually dispute or hate any; Let there be peace in me, in my
environment and in the forces that act on me”. Students started education with
these objectives as initiated by their Gurus. True to its name, holistic
education places an emphasis like the Veda mantra on the whole growth of a
learner instead of emphasizing only specific parts of the human experience. 20th century
therefore saw several approaches to holistic education, and current holistic
education is their outcome.
Swami
Vivekananda Thoughts on Education
It
is one of the evils of. . . civilization that we are after intellectual
education alone and take no care of the heart. It only makes man ten times more
selfish, and that will be our destruction. . .Intellect can never become
inspired; only the heart when it is enlightened, becomes inspired.
An
intellectual, heartless man can never become an inspired man . . . Intellect
has been cultured, with the result that hundreds of sciences have been
discovered, and their effect has been that the few have made slaves of the many
– that is all the good that has been done.
Artificial
wants have been created; and every poor man, whether he has money or not,
desires to have those wants satisfied; and when he cannot, he struggles, and
dies in the struggle. This is the result. The way to solve the problem of
misery is not through the intellect but through the heart. If all this vast
amount of effort had been spent in making men purer, gentler, more forbearing,
this world would have a thousand-fold more happiness than it has today.
Sāṅkhya
and Yoga Darśanas are just two of the countless fascinating parts of indigenous
Bhāratīya education system, which was destroyed by colonizers. We must put an
effort to decolonize our minds to regain the lost glory, without depending on
mainstream educational institutes and the governments, as they seem to have the
vested interest to keep Hindus colonized. Therefore, we need to promote the
knowledge of true Bhāratīya history, that is narrated by insiders; the true
practitioners of Dhārmic traditions.-HUA
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2011/09/hindu-education-system-through-ages.html
--August 7, 2020
Vedic Way of Achieving Everlasting Harmony &
Peace
Harmony
on Relationship aren’t static; they are only dynamic and they can’t thrive on
their own. They require constant investment and energy of ours guided by Vedic
wisdom and practice of Raja Yoga in our life. Vedic wisdom promulgates ways to
nurture and strengthen our most important relationships.
The world today is
awfully torn and troubled with conflicts and tensions all around. It is because of economic disparities,
appalling poverty, hunger, disease, recession in economy, violence by
terrorists, religious fanaticism, greed for possessiveness and many other evils
in the society in various ways. We are
sitting on a dynamite and the prevailing circumstances are threatening the very
existence of all the human beings. We
have plenty of wealth, yet our minds and hearts feel the emptiness. To sum up
we can say that there are two main problems: Hunger and Anger. The only solution is the Vedic way of life.
Albert Einstein approached Sigmund
Freud to provide a psychoanalytic model for understanding the dynamics of war
and peace, who both struggled to find solutions to man’s preoccupation with
wars and man’s engagement in repeated wars throughout the history of mankind.
Today we can certainly say that the technology of war fuels the economy and is
supported by billions of dollars while the technology of peace is in primitive
state. The attaining and maintaining world peace are yet to be discovered by
the global thinkers, political scientists, economists, and sociologists of the
modern world. Some of the same principles
Einstein and Freud came upon as possibly providing the solutions for this
problem of War and Peace are to be found in the Ancient Indian Concepts. These
concepts include “Dharmasahishnuta” and
“Sanskritization” found in
Veda mantra and builds the thesis that these concepts are generic and
globally acceptable as well as applicable that also reflects in Baha’i
philosophy ”men should live in Unity, concord, and
agreement, and should love one another” who no doubt was influenced by
Upanishads like Kabir.
The Vedic philosophy recognizes the profound truth that all human
beings are divine and therefore equal. All human beings are capable of becoming
compassionate like the “Infinite Compassion” inherent in the Brahman.
Naturally, therefore, this philosophy sees “Ahimmsa” or “Non-violence” as the
essential attitude for the human being to remain in harmony with the Universe.
This philosophy gave to our world the greatest proponents of Ahimsa or
Non-violence like Gautama the Buddha in the sixth century before Christ and
many other “Teerthankaras” or the gurus of the Jains before that. In the last
century, it also gave us Mahatma Gandhi, and probably by extension, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
If there were any
significant unifying thoughts giving a spiritual dignity to human beings just
simply as plain human beings, without insisting on imposing any religion on the
human being, it was the Vedic Philosophy that gave such dignity to the humans.
The greatest beauty
of the Vedic Texts and Scriptures is that they belong to the whole humanity
without any distinction of caste, creed, color and country. This Divine Knowledge is universal, as has
been proclaimed in Yajurveda 11.5 and 26.2 “Listen ye, all the children of for
the good and the welfare of all; the
immortal Divine”-- this is the most auspicious Vedic Wisdom.
This compilation
includes rare collection of several
Veda mantras on harmony,
happiness and peace presented by Dr. Pramod Pathak to 20thArya
Samaj Sammelan. Houston, TX.
We are in fact
living a life of double standards. What
we preach we do not practice. The
untruth, lawlessness, selfishness, luxurious life, denial of the Supreme Divine
power, violence and use of destructive arms to attain more and more economic
and political power; have (has) become (the) order of the day. The fact is we are not serious about the
problem of achieving everlasting peace.
Atharvaveda 12.11
wonderfully emanates the solution to sustain peace on Earth. It says, “The forces that can cement and
bring a perpetual solution are the truth, the irrevocable law, vow for the
service of the mankind, living an austere life, faith in the Divine power and
selflessness to the extent of sacrificing our interests for the welfare of
others. We will have to live according
to the fundamental guidelines as exhorted in the Vedic philosophy and peace in
the world will surely prevail.
There are
innumerable verses in the Vedas that speak of social concord and International
understanding, co-existence of nations, peace and unity, happiness and
fraternity. I have cited some. But the
peace prayer we chant every day is in our worship is common for all of us:
Om
dyou shanti, antricksham shanti; prithvi shanti; Aapa shanti; aushadhaya
shanti; vanaspathaya shanti; brahama shanti sarvam shanti; shantireva shanti;
shanti sama shantiredhi - Yajur Veda 36.17
May the sky be
peaceful; May the atmosphere be peaceful; May the Earth be peaceful; May waters
be peaceful; May the medicinal herbs be peaceful; May all plants be peaceful;
May all the devas be peaceful; May the creator of the Universe be peaceful; May
all be peaceful. Can there be any other wonderful and amazing prayer and lofty
thought than these Vedic verses propagate?
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2021/08/vedic-way-of-achieving-everlasting.html
[Released on the eve of Harmony in
Relationships--In Person Class - 8/7/21 at Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville
conducted by Sri Priya, Meditation Center Co-ordinator of Brahmakumaris, St.
Louis, Author of “Harmony in Relationship” and others.]
--August 6, 2021
Harmony in Relationships-In
Person Class of HUA
Time and again all over the world attempts are made to find out
ways and means for attaining and maintaining World peace for which there is
still no light at the end of the tunnel. In this context let
us welcome yet another attempt in arranging this lecture this
week-end by an expert in the field Sri Priya, by Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville,
TN, USA.
Albert Einstein approached
Sigmund Freud to provide a psychoanalytic model for understanding the Dynamics of War and Peace. These
deep thinkers struggled to find solutions to man’s preoccupation with wars
and man’s engagement in repeated wars throughout the history of mankind. Today
we can certainly say that the technology of war fuels the economy and is
supported by billions of dollars. In contrast, the technology of peace is in
its primitive state. The principles to be recognized as essential for attaining and maintaining world
peace are yet to be discovered by the global thinkers,
political scientists, economists, and sociologists of the modern world. The
actual technology of peace is yet to be conceptualized. It is the thesis of the
attached article that some of the same principles Einstein and Freud came upon
as possibly providing the
solutions for this problem of War and Peace are to be found in the Ancient
Indian Concepts. These
concepts include “Dharmasahishnuta” and “Sanskritization.” The
article begins with the basic concepts illustrated by the Vedantic Mahavakyas
and builds the thesis that these concepts are generic and globally acceptable
as well as applicable. The major religions of today, except perhaps Buddhism,
do not seem to be equipped to face the challenge for attaining world peace
except to convert the entire global population to espouse their own faith. The
practice of aggressive proselytization of some major religions present a
potential threat to world peace. This article was presented at the interfaith
conference convened by the Baha’i group on the Oklahoma State University campus
by Vinekar. He has made an attempt in his speech “Hindu Tattva for World peace and Harmony”
to identify some common principles that would lead to a confluence of Baha’i
and Ancient Hindu schools of thought.
--August
4, 2021
WHAT INSPIRED
PRESIDENT BIDEN PROCLAIM NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR ALL IN MAY 2021 ON
THURSDAY?
Spiritual leaders like Dr. Phil Goldberg, author
of American, influenced by the missionary work of Swami Vivekananda and
Paramahmsa Yogananda feel that this American Continent is slowly and steadily
becoming a Land of Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality, that includes
Hastinapura, near Buenos Aires, about which I wrote! President
Biden who chose vice president Kamala Harris of Indian Origin for the first
time for 2021 is also of Indian Origin. Probably his thoughts are Divine
inspired that
made him come out with his Proclamation of National Prayer Day on the
First Thursday of May in USA, only nation in the
World, in this year, inspired by the Rigveda mantra that
runs as follows:
samāno mantraḥ samitih
samānī samānaṃ manaḥ sahacittameṣām samānaṃ mantram abhimantraye vaḥsamānena vo haviṣā juhomi || Rigveda.
May our purpose be the same; may we
all be of one mind. In order for such unity to form I offer a common prayer.
This unity mentioned in Rigveda to raise our voices to the
Supreme to guide us to conquer the never ending pandemic probably prompted the
President. It is also significant that he thought of May and Thursday. “After April
storm May blooms with its flowers” is a popular belief in the Western World!
That for all our miseries in the early part of the year, May will bring hope,
confidence and happiness if we direct our thoughts to the heaven. Also such a
thought needs Guru’s guidance as signified by Thursday, named after Brihaspati,
Divine Guru, not forgetting the following period of Guru-focus culminating in
Guru Purnima.
The National Day of Prayer belongs to all
Americans. It is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens
from all backgrounds. The National
Day of Prayer is an
annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by
the United
States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and
meditation".
A Proclamation for National Day
of Prayer on May 6,
2021
“Throughout our history, Americans of many religions and belief
systems have turned to prayer
for strength, hope, and guidance.
Prayer has nourished countless souls and powered moral movements — including
essential fights against racial injustice, child labor, and infringement on the
rights of disabled Americans. Prayer is also a daily practice for many,
whether it is to ask for help or strength, or to give thanks over blessings
bestowed.
The First Amendment to our Constitution protects the rights of
free speech and religious liberty, including the right of all Americans to
pray. These freedoms have helped us to create and sustain a Nation of remarkable
religious vitality and diversity across the generations.
Today, we remember and celebrate the role that the healing balm of
prayer can play in our lives and in the life of our Nation. As we
continue to confront the crises and challenges of our time — from a deadly
pandemic, to the loss of lives and livelihoods in its wake, to a reckoning on
racial justice, to the existential threat of climate change — Americans of
faith can call upon the power of prayer to provide hope and uplift us for the
work ahead. As the late Congressman John Lewis once said, “Nothing can
stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our
society. Why? Because human
beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.
On this National Day of Prayer, we unite with purpose and resolve,
and recommit ourselves to the core freedoms that helped define and guide our
Nation from its earliest days. We celebrate our incredible good
fortune that, as Americans, we can exercise our convictions freely — no matter
our faith or beliefs. Let us find in our prayers, however they are
delivered, the determination to overcome adversity, rise above our differences,
and come together as one Nation to meet this moment in history.
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the
President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a
“National Day of Prayer.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 6, 2021, as a
National Day of Prayer. I invite the citizens of our Nation to give
thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many
freedoms and blessings, and I join
all people of faith in prayers for spiritual guidance, mercy, and protection.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
forty-fifth.”
--JOSEPH
R. BIDEN JR.
Does this not echo the voice of our Vedic Rishis directed to all
Humanity? This theme continues this month on 22 ands 23 when we will all be celebrating Upakarma and Gayatri Japa, misunderstood
and restricted to Hindu male Brahmins more so of South Indian
origin? Vedas prescribed Gayatri mantra as “upanayane viniyogah” for
initiating Sadhana period (activity-teaching and learning period) after Summer solstice when serious
spiritual studies should start for all, irrespective of their caste, creed or
sex after serious meditation on Gayatri Japa day, seeking from Gayatri Devi,
radiance, patience, brilliance and strength (ojas, sahas,
tejas, bala and braajha) about which I will write soon.
--August 2, 2021
Comments:
Thank you for
enlightening us on the National Prayer Day. That is a wonderful concept. Power
of prayer is far beyond and transcends science and technology.
--A.S. Narayana
ANCIENT MAYAN & HINDU
CIVILIZATIONS
The possibility of Mayan people with Old World civilizations and
particularly with ancient India is not acceptable to many historians. However,
there are those who hold a different view. Eminent scholar-writers like
Mackenzie, Hewitt, Tod, Pococke and Mrs. Nuttal have collected plenty of data
to show that ancient American civilizations were influenced by Old World
civilizations. We have to remember that the post-Columbus history of America
for 300 years was the story of ruthless destruction and fanatics like Bishop
Diego da Landa burnt a huge bonfire of valuable documents and nothing but the
three codices of ‘Chilam Balam’ could survive the holocaust.
There are two specific archaeological discoveries pertaining to
761 ADS, about which most Mexican historians are silent, that attract our
attention as possible links of Maya civilization to ancient India. The first
one is a wall panel (Panel No. 3 of Temple 0-13, at Piedras Negras, Guatemala;
reproduced as Plate 69, page 343 of ‘The Ancient Maya’ by S.G. Morley)
belonging to the Later Classic Stage of Mexican history, associated with the
peaking of Maya architecture and sculpture. Mexican historians have not given
any interpretation of this panel. It appears that the scene depicted in the
panel relates to the great Indian epic ‘Ramayana’. It shows a king sitting on
the throne and one maid-servant with two children standing on the right side of
the throne. A guard stands behind the three. On the other side of the king,
three important personages are standing whereas the vassal chiefs and important
feudatories are sitting in front of the throne. The king on the throne is
believed to be Suryavanshi Ram with his three illustrious brothers standing by
his side. The two little children are his two sons with a maid and a guard
behind them. Amongst the three persons on the right, two are engaged in a
discussion whereas the third one, apparently Lakshman, is standing with a bold,
brave and confident demeanor which was characteristic of him. The above panel
is a beautiful piece of sculpture and an evidence of great Mayan heritage,
their artistic taste and superior creative ability and, above all, an
archaeological evidence to prove India’s link with Mexico in the 8th century at
least.
The artistic design and postures of the figures carved can be
compared to those found at Ajanta and Ellora Caves in India. This
interpretation, however, remains only a plausible one till the hieroglyphics
and frescoes surrounding the wall panel are deciphered.
Another archaeological discovery at the same place i.e. Piedras
Negras, Guatemala, is a stone stela (No. 12, Plate No. 18, page 61 of ‘The
Ancient Maya’ by S.G. Morley). A mythological scene has been carved in this
stela, depicting the architectural and artistic maturity of the Maya people of
the Classic Stage (594 – 889 AD).
There is a beautiful image of a deity with eight hands
(Ashtabhuja). The art style is discernibly Indian as in no other religion of
the world deities of this type were worshipped. It may be mentioned that the
ruling dynasty of Mexico at the time of the conquest by Spaniards was ‘Aztec’
or Ashtak (Eight). The evidence in the form of such images leaves little doubt
about the presence of Indian culture amongst the ancient Mexicans. The stela
pertains to the period of more than eight centuries before Columbus set foot on
the soil of the so-called New World.
The place where these pieces have been discovered – Piedras Negras – appears to be a
distorted form of ‘Priyadarsh Nagraj’
in Sanskrit, as has been the case with so many words distorted by European
pronunciation.
These stone sculptures are adornments of a Mayan temple and depict
some popular mythology prevalent amongst the people of the time. Both human
sacrifice and idolatry were much in practice amongst Maya people. Morley has
given a detailed and vivid account of Maya culture and society in his book ‘The
Ancient Maya’, profusely quoting Bishop Diego de Landa.
Bishop Landa states that Maya people “…had a very great number of
idols and
temples which were magnificent in their own fashion and besides the community
temples, the lords, priests and leading men also had oratories and idols in
their houses where they made their prayers and offerings in private”. Not only
of gods but idols of even animals and insects were prepared by Maya people, who
believed in immortality of soul and afterlife. This definitely smacks of an
Indian connection.
More serious efforts to connect the ancient American civilizations
with those of ancient India have to be made. The Trans-Pacific contacts of the
people of south-east Asia with the people of ancient America have been
established beyond doubt. It is also a well-proven fact of history that Indians
of ancient times were great sea-farers. In pre-Mahabharata era as well as in
the subsequent period, the kings of southern India possessed large fleets used
for trade with the Arabian and European countries where Indian merchandise was
much in demand. India’s links with south-east Asia and other far-off islands of
the Pacific Ocean are an established fact of history. The conquest of Malaya by
Rajendra Chola, the story of Buddhagupta the Great Sailor (Mahanavik), the
religious expeditions of Indians to preach the gospel of Buddhism in the
distant lands of Cambodia, Annam, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Japan, Korea,
Mongolia and China are proofs of the impact of Indian culture A remarkable
feature of the Indian culture has been that colonial domination was never
identified with economic exploitation. The Buddhist Jatakas (folk tales)
narrate many stories relating to maritime adventures and daring sea journeys
which establish that such activities were an essential part of Indian life at
that time.
--August
1, 2021
Comments:
Very
interesting reading of similarity between Maya civilization and Ancient Hindu
civilization. Thanks for sharing.
AN Sapthagireesan
GO VEGETARIAN GO VEGAN GO SPIRITUAL
One of the spiritual reasons to
be vegetarian is to boost one's meditation. In meditation, if
we wish to experience ourselves as soul, a vegetarian diet
speeds our progress. To enter realms of light and love, we need to develop
ethical virtues. We need to have the purity of heart by which we can experience
the Creator. Veganism is to go beyond from Vegetarianism that our Rishis
practiced. Gita recommends Sattva diet. Have Vegans now found true meaning of
Sattva Diet?
The cows don’t have to produce milk. The pigs sleep late. And the term “out to pasture” has an entirely
different meaning.
Hof Butenland, an ex-dairy farm turned animal retirement home in Germany, offers sanctuary to cattle, pigs, a few horses,
chickens, geese and rescue dogs. All animals on the farm coexist as equals with
Hof Butenland’s human residents and workers.
The farm is provoking questions about how humans eat. In a country
better known for juicy bratwurst and schnitzel, veganism is on the rise as
Germans eat considerably less meat.
Research has suggested that going vegan can
help overweight people reduce body fat and shed pounds — even if they eat the
same number of calories as meat-eaters. In one study, participants on a vegan diet
lost a significant amount of weight compared to those who stuck with their non-vegan eating
habits
As for Gandhi, he eventually abandoned his
illicit relationship with meat, and went back to vegetarianism. But his
experiments with nutrition didn’t end there. He also ditched salt, then went
back to it, and attempted veganism – though after a bout of dysentery
practically reduced him to a living skeleton, he decided that milk products were
necessary, in order for a person to be healIt’s perfectly possible to get
everything you need from a totally plant-based diet, no matter your age or
energy requirements.
Vegan diets can support excellent health. Not only is it possible
to thrive as a vegan, but there is also mounting evidence to show that a
balanced plant-based diet can result in a whole host of health benefits. Going
vegan is a great opportunity to review your diet and make more room for
health-promoting plant foods like wholegrains, nuts, fruits and vegetables,
including beans, peas and lentils. Research from the Global Burden of Disease Study and the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that optimizing your intake of these foods may help
to increase the likelihood of you living a long and healthy life.
Eating a vegan diet means that you avoid consuming saturated fat
from meat, dairy and eggs. Research from the Nutrients journal shows that healthy characteristics of real-life vegan diets
include low saturated fat content and high amounts of fruit, vegetables and
fiber, which suggests that switching to this type of diet has the potential to
help people find a better balance.
Vegans benefit from avoiding processed and red meat, which The World Health Organization categorizes as an agent that probably causes cancer. Vegan
diets have been linked to lower rates of type 2 diabetes and there is clinical
evidence that they can help with the management of this type of diabetes as
well as weight management.
Guidelines about heart-healthy living encourage consumption of
wholegrains, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables, including beans, lentils and
peas. Balanced vegan diets contain plenty of these nutritious plant foods, and
in fact, UK research has linked this way of eating to lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure and body mass index, which are all risk factors for heart disease.
VEGANISM PROMOTES SPIRITUALITY
“On a personal level, I experienced a Spiritual Awakening after I
made the choice to go vegan.
Veganism and spirituality are intertwined in many ways.
While many people choose to go vegan after they experience a Spiritual
Awakening, for me it was the opposite. I experienced a Spiritual
Awakening after going vegan. My whole outlook on life changed when I made the
decision to be vegan. I became much more aware and conscientious as a
person. While I was always a nature and animal lover, I was not living in
alignment with my truest values. By making the decision to stop eating
meat and all animal products, I began making connections to everything in my life
and to my place in the universe.
My compassion and empathy for others grew exponentially. I
felt an immediate responsibility in doing my part to protect and be a voice for
the innocent farm animals and this beautiful planet we call home. I felt
the interconnectedness of all of us on this planet and the universe. As
time has gone on, I have felt an incredible lightness of being that was never
there before….because I’m now living in alignment with what I truly
believe. That animals are not ours to eat or use in any way….they are to
be loved and cherished like all sentient beings should. I know this in
the core of my being.
Living vegan and eating plant based has been so healing for me on
every level. I feel great knowing that I’m putting high vibration plant
food into my body. The term ‘we are what we eat’ could not be more
true. Eating plant food that’s alive affects our energetic beings on a
physical, emotional and spiritual level. It literally raises our
vibration, as opposed to when we eat the dead flesh of an animal (that did not
want to die). On the other side of the coin, eating animals that suffered
and died in a violent, traumatic way literally becomes part of us and
negatively affects our spirits.
This is why many people who have gone through a Spiritual
Awakening choose to no longer eat animals. It does not align with their values
or energy any longer. This is why many make the conscious choice to
choose a compassionate, plant based way of eating – one that benefits the
animals, Mother Earth and their own health!
A ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ sometimes precedes a Spiritual
Awakening
Sometimes, we go through what’s called a “Dark Night of the Soul”
(a spiritual or existential crisis) before we experience a Spiritual
Awakening. People sometimes undergo difficult transitions before they
awaken to a deeper awareness and perception of life and their place in the
world.
During this time, people can feel lost, sad or hopeless.
They may feel alone and despair over the state of the world. They may
lose faith and interest in the things they used to love doing. They may
even feel like they don’t belong in this world. It is similar to
depression but it is more philosophical and other-based in nature. It is
essentially a shedding of the ego so that Soul can come forth. When this
process is over, life opens up again.
For those that are highly sensitive to the suffering of others, it
is possible that they have gone through, or are currently going through a Dark
Night of the Soul. I would bet that most ethical vegans have gone through
a Dark Night of the Soul.
Do Spiritual Awakenings happen all of a sudden?
Spiritual awakenings can happen at any moment or time in our
lives. They can occur out of the blue or be triggered by a major life change
such as an illness, divorce, death of a loved one or another major
change. Or they can be a more gradual process.
There are many signs that show up when we undergo a spiritual
awakening, ranging from emotional to spiritual to physical. Everyone
has his own story to tell as to the signs that led him to Spiritual
Awakening.
Sending love and blessings to all those who are currently
awakening, have already awakened, or who are about to awaken. Stay strong
and have faith…. there is so much beauty in this world and endless inspiration
to be found.
“The dark night of the soul comes just before revelation. When
everything is lost, and all seems darkness, then comes the new life and all
that is needed.”~ Joseph Campbell” --Jennifer Brennan, A Convert to Veganism from Meat Lover.
As I was recouping in the hospital bed after 4-bye pass surgery in
2002, I was brooding over my past and was thinking why I was saved at 72, and
what was His intention? Then I recalled the advice of Jagadguru
Chandrasekharendra Saraswati whom I providentially met at Indore along with two
other Jagadgurus, who advised me to go spiritual after retirement at least, and
serve the community. Then I started Hindu Reflections in 2002, awakened and
motivated by Temple Fathers of Nashville! I often get inspired by
the messages from spiritual Gurus Swami Chidananda, Jaya Row, Vamadeva Sastri
and others in communicating with you. We are all
interconnected. Our thoughts and beliefs influence reality. We are
all fragments of one great Whole – that is, Spirit.
Running 91+, and being a vegetarian, I wonder what additional
benefits I would have had turning a Vegan? I lead above average healthy life,
still show no signs of aging compared to fellow beings, mentally
active and spiritually focused though had some serious bumps in my long journey
of life. Growing from rags to riches, I might have missed some guidelines
about heart-healthy living that calls for consumption of wholegrains, nuts,
seeds, fruit and vegetables, including beans, lentils and peas. Balanced vegan
diets contain plenty of these nutritious plant foods. I spent most of my
boyhood and adult life with the philosophy “eat to live” and not “live to eat”.
Of course I was not born with silver spoon in my mouth but
wooden ladle and had no choice diet or its knowledge!
"Religions are based on creeds which are spiritual experience
brought down to a level where they become easier to grasp, but it is at the
cost of their integral purity and truth. The time of religions is over. We have
entered the age of universal (Veganism?) spirituality, of spiritual experience
in its initial purity."--words of THE MOTHER.
--July 31, 2021
HINDU CONFUSIONISM IN DAILY
RELIGIOUS LIFE OF HINDU AMERICANS
Know your Pundit and decide when your holy month Sravana starts
according to your Nativity and not based on astronomy, The month is made
holy for you; See our dilemma and misfortune how we are religiously
confused as to the most sacred month? Being drawn from top 10% of intellectuals
drawn from India and some who have never seen India, we are still labelled with
Nativity and are advised to observe this vrata as per the dictates of the
temple, though multi traditional and brain washed with sanghacchadvam
samvadavamm vasudhaiva kutumbakam etc., which again depends on the
Nativity of temple fathers who built the temple and the majority that can
dictate! What an unfortunate situation where sastras are
dictated according to situation? Who is to bell the cat to unite us
and guide us? We had high hopes on HMEC, HTS, VHPS, HUA and Ashrams in USA to
come up with one Hindu American Panchangam but not dictated by Hindu confused,
wrong and varied Panchangams from India! Such a confusion existed in
Christianity too, in spite of all its calendar correction as per time,
that we never cared for, but Pope decided 25 December shall be the Birthday of
Christ and is followed by Christians all over the world! I wonder why HUA that
is so deeply involved in research is blind to this vital issue of our daily
religious life!
Please go through:
2021 Mangala Gauri Vrat Dates
for Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar:
25 July (Sunday) First day of
Shravana Month
27 July (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
03 August (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
10 August (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
17 August (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
22 August (Sunday) Last day of Shravana Month
2021 Mangala Gauri Vrat Dates
for Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu:
09 August (Monday) First day of
Shravana Month
10 August (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
17 August (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
24 August (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
31 August (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
07 September (Tuesday) Mangala Gauri Vrat
07 September (Tuesday) Last day of Shravana Month
About Mangala Gauri Vrat: Shravana Masa is regarded as a sacred month to seek blessing of Lord Shiva
and Goddess Gauri by observing Vrats. Shravana Somvar Vrat and Mangala Gauri
Vrat are observed in Shravana month. Devotees take Sankalp either to observe
fast in Shravana month or to initiate sixteen weeks Vrat starting from Shravana
month.
Mangala Gauri Vrat is usually observed by married women on each
Tuesday in Shravana month. Newly wed women, observe this vrat to get marital
bliss. In North India, Shravana month is also called as Sawan month.
In Andhra Pradesh, Mangala Gauri Vrat is also known as Sri Mangala
Gowri Vratham.
There is a difference of fifteen days in the starting time of
Shravan month depending on the lunar calendar followed in the region and Siva
arrives late in this region. In the Purnimant calendar followed by North
Indians, Shravan month begins fifteen days before the Amavasyant
calendar.
Lunar Calendar is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat, Amavasyant. Purnimant Calendar is followed
in Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and
Bihar. Hence half of the Sawan Somwar dates differ in both calendars.
The Hindu calendar is based on
lunar months corresponding to the phases of the moon. In one year, there are
twelve months of 29.5 days, accounting for a total of 354 days. The shortfall
means that the date of each festival moves back 11 days each year. To rectify
this, an extra leap month is added about once every three years. The Hindu
calendar is therefore luni-solar, with a precise month and an
approximate year.
The year – starting with Makara Sankranti, the sun’s entrance into
Capricorn – is divided into two halves and six seasons. There are various ways
of reckoning the New Year; most common is the day after the new moon in the
month of Chaitra or, in Gujarat, the day after the Diwali new moon. Various
eras are used for numbering the years; the most common are the Vikrami Era,
beginning with the coronation of King Vikram-aditya in 57 BCE and the Shaka
Era, counting from 78 CE. In rituals the priest often announces the dates
according to Kali Yuga. For these three systems, the year 2000 corresponds to
2057, 1922, and 5102 respectively, though the last figure is subject to some
debate.
The Hindu year, with months and the corresponding festivals is
somewhat approximate, as the exact dates change yearly relative to the
Gregorian calendar – with a month between the earliest and latest possible
dates. A few festivals are determined by the sun alone, and their Gregorian
dates are the same (or within one day) each year.
The Month
Within each month, there are two “fortnights,” each consisting of
15 “lunar days.” Although the solar and lunar days technically begin at
different times, each solar day is ascribed one particular lunar day numbered
from one to fifteen, either of the bright fortnight (waxing moon) or the dark
fortnight (waning moon). Months average out to 29.5 days, so occasionally
a day will be dropped. For example, in one month, the fourth day of
the waxing moon may be followed by the sixth.
There are two main calendars. In North India, the month generally
begins with the full moon, in South India with the new moon. Festival days will
still fall on the same day, or very closely, but the name of the month may be
different. For example, Krishna’s Birthday falls on the eighth day of
the dark moon; in the North this is in the month of Bhadra; in the South in
Shravana.
Government of India tried to
solve the confusion, in the beginning, after Independence, by appointing a
Committee of Experts, but unfortunately wrongly dictated by astrologers and
blindly led by ignorant pundits who go by tradition, these recommendations are
lying in National Archives. I wonder why as Hindu Americans, with world
astronomers and planetarium software experts among us, we should be like Hindus
in India living in sectarianism and Nativity and observe all festivals and
rituals on wrong dates and time disrespecting sastras (tasmat sastram
pramanamte karyaakarya vyavasthithou)? Who will correct the situation and
bring unity of worship among all Hindu Americans on which we are harping all
the time? We don’t have to somehow carry on the tradition and teach our
children too! We hear about correctness and
appropriateness of each Hindu calendar based on origin of Nativity (Tamil,
Andhra, Gujarati, Bengali, North, South etc.) wherever we
are settled and raised temples
for worship, but not about sanghacchadvam samvadadvam of Vedic culture.
July 31, 2021
2021 has been groundbreaking for women in USA
2021
has been groundbreaking for women, with historic firsts in politics, sports,
and entertainment in USA. Sunisa Lee is the latest to join the Roll call of
Honor
·
Kamala Harris became the first
African-American and first woman to serve as California’s attorney general in
2010. Six years later, she became the first Indian-American woman to be elected
to the United States Senate. In August of 2020, she became the first Black
woman and first Asian-American woman Vice President.
·
Olympian Lee Kiefer
became the first-ever American fencer to win gold in individual foil.
·
Amanda
Gorman also made history as the youngest known inaugural poet stole the show at
Biden and Harris' inauguration with her poem, "The Hill We Climb."
·
Sarah
McBride was sworn in as the first openly transgender state senator.
·
Avril
Haines became the first woman to serve as director of national intelligence. At Super Bowl
LV in February, Sarah Thomas was the NFL'S first-ever female referee to
officiate a Super Bowl.
·
Chloé Zhao became the first
Asian woman to win a Golden Globe for best director.
·
In
March, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman and first African to lead the
World Trade Organization since it was founded
in 1995.
·
Taylor
Swift became the first woman in Grammys history to win album of the year three
times.
·
Beyoncé
picked up her 28th award at the 2021 Grammys, giving her more Grammy wins than
any woman in history.
·
Youn
Yuh-Jung broke records when she won acting awards for her role in
"Minari" at the SAG Awards and the Oscars in April.
·
Viola
Davis became the most-nominated Black actress in Oscars history and the only
Black woman to be nominated twice for best actress, with a total of four nominations.
·
Jamika Wilson and Mia Neal became the first Black
women to win the Oscar for best makeup and hairstyling for their work on
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
·
In May, Simone Biles became the only woman to
ever attempt — and complete — a Yurchenko double pike vault in competition at
the US Classic.
·
At
38 years old, Carli Lloyd became the oldest player to score for the United
States women's national team when they defeated Jamaica 4-0 in June.
·
In
July, Mj Rodriguez made history as the first trans person nominated for a major
acting Emmy.
·
At
82 years old, Wally Funk became the oldest person to fly to space when she
joined Jeff
·
Gitanjali
Rao, a 15-year-old Indian American
scientist and inventor was named TIME magazine’s first-ever ‘Kid of the Year’
for creating a water contamination tool in response to the water crisis in
Flint, MI.
·
Deb Haaland of
New Mexico became the first of two Native American women elected to Congress,
and became the country's first Native American Cabinet secretary.
·
Christina Koch,
an engineer and NASA astronaut, landed safely on Earth in February after spending
328 days on a single mission in space, setting a new record for women
astronauts, along with performing the first all-woman spacewalk.
Suni Lee, 1st Hmong American
Olympic gymnast, brings pride to community with win in Olympics 2020.
The
talented 18-year-old gymnast just may have become the most famous Hmong
American person in the country after her historic win at the Tokyo Olympics.
Lee
hails from St. Paul, Minnesota; the metro area of the Twin Cities that has the
largest concentration of Hmong people in the country. Her parents, John Lee and
Yeev Thoj, were children when their refugee families settled there.
The
reason why many Hmong people found their way to the state was partly because
the State Department gave resettlement contracts to volunteer agencies
including the Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Service and Church World
Service.
"As
such, they placed people where they have churches and were willing to sponsor a
family," Lee Pao Xiong, director of the Center for Hmong Studies at
Concordia University in St. Paul, told MPR News. "After the initial Hmong
families settled here, they encouraged their relatives and friends to move here
as well, so that they could support each other. So, a great deal of secondary
migration took place after the initial resettlement."
The
Hmong (in English, the "h" is silent and is pronounced as
"mong") people are an ethnic group who live mostly in Southern China,
Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and the United States.
Originally
a minority in China, the Hmong community were largely recruited to
fight on behalf of the U.S. in what is now known as the "Secret War"
in Laos during the 1960s.
When
Laos fell to the Communist Pathet Lao in 1975 and U.S. troops pulled out, many
Hmong became refugees, fleeing for Thailand and various refugee camps before
eventually making it stateside.
“Hmong
people did not come to the U.S. seeking the American dream that other
immigrants talk about. My parents came
here because they were fleeing war and genocide. As a matter of fact, Hmong
folks have been fleeing continuous genocides throughout centuries of our
history” told NBC, Annie Moua, a college student who grew up in Minnesota.
As
of 1999, Minnesota has the second largest US Hmong population by state. As
of 2001, the largest Hmong population in the United States by the city is
located in St. Paul.
Pom
Siab Hmoob (Gazing into the Heart of the Hmong) Theatre, which
is reportedly the world's first Hmong theater group, was formed in 1990. It is
based in the Twin Cities. It is now known as the Center for Hmong
Arts and Talent (CHAT).
The
film Gran
Torino by Clint
Eastwood, though set and filmed in Detroit, Michigan, stars five
Minnesotan Hmong (Hmongesotan) Americans, and the original story was based on a
neighborhood in Saint Paul. It was the first mainstream US film to feature
Hmong Americans.
Sunisa
"Suni" Lee wowed audiences Thursday with her incredible all-around
performance, snatching the gold medal for Team USA.
"I
was telling myself nothing more, nothing less, just do the same thing that I
always do, telling myself to breathe because my heart was beating so
fast," she told Hoda Kotb after her win. "I was so
nervous, I just tell myself to go out there and give it my all because at this
point there is no turning back."
The
18-year-old is the first Hmong American
gymnast to qualify for the Olympics and the first to win. She is also the first Asian American woman to win gold
in the all-around.
The Hmong American community was especially
excited about her historic win, with many community members sharing their pride
on social media.
---July 30, 2021
****************************************************************************************
Spirituality and Devotion in
the Era of Smartphone
During critical situations like the
pandemic our scientist-background urban monks have successfully
employed Webinars and Zooms to make their timely messages useful and
effective. The knowledge we need already exists in Vedas,
Upanishads, Gita etc., but through IT they have optimized it and made it
appropriate, when direct face-to-face communication got restricted. We still
need guru’s guidance here as internet has many fake information as the one
stunt news we received: “Olympics 2021 starts with Surya Namaskar in the land
of Rising Sun.” I also often receive YouTube and Link-messages from some of my
participants with or without scrutiny, who spend all their time on internet but
not on inner-net to go through the messages I send. Some of them I find
educative too to focus on!
Today many of us blame too our spiritual failure on technology
especially the smartphone. Orthodoxy feels technology like Smartphone
is a hindrance to spiritual life. Restlessness of the mind, falling for
desires, subscribing to cheap passion and lust, inability to control the mind
is blamed on technology, mobile, social media, TV and everything that is
modern. We conveniently put the blame of our spiritual failures on the advances
in technology. We regret how private and public have been taken over by mobiles
and zoom. We put all the blame on technology as if before the arrival of it, we
were spiritually mature and all were on the verge of self-realization.
This is nothing new and confined to modern IT. We often met with
false Gurus who misguided us for long and political Gurus coming with Kimayana
saying Ramayana is false Aryan text misguiding Dravidians creating an
Aryan-Dravidian myth!
In this context please go through Prabuddha Bharata November 2015 Issue Editorial write-up on the
topic:
We constantly harp on about how technology has broken families,
increased depression, created social barriers, and also taken away human
communication.
The scriptures of the major world religions talk over and again
about the restlessness of the mind and how it is extremely difficult to rein
it. Most of these scriptures date back some thousands of years. There was not
so much technology then in human lives as today. Yet, the mind was no less a
problem. However, back then, there was no easy target to be blamed like
technology! Examples that are proverbial would be of help here. A lamp could be
used for committing forgery or for studying holy texts. Nonetheless the lamp is
not to blame. A knife may be used for cutting fruits or for cutting someone’s
throat. Here again, the knife is not the culprit.
Similar would be the line of thought for technology. It is
technology that is bringing wonderful and seminal changes to the quality of our
lives.
You are able to read these very words because of technology. The
dissemination of knowledge, both secular and spiritual, has taken a completely
different dimension thanks to technology. The amount of material on the
Internet on spirituality in the form of texts, audio, video, and even
interactive websites is breathtaking. All this has been presented in a form
that is both interesting and accessible. (So goes my blog
too of few thousands of pages on all aspect of Hinduism and
connectivity under 14 heads, all at your finger touch and choice!)
Gone are the days when one needed to scour through libraries to
get some nuggets of spiritual wisdom buried in some ancient texts. Today, you
can download those texts sitting in the comfort of your house and they are
searchable, which makes it very easy for you to get the knowledge you want.
This is true with spiritual counsel too.
You can contact authentic gurus irrespective of distance and get
valuable guidance from them for your spiritual life (as I am benefited and in
turn you). Even gurus of the past come alive to us through their old videos
available on the Internet. There are numerous discussion groups on the
Internet, where spiritual aspirants or students of scriptures come together and
discuss various things. Even places of worship come to your mobile screen,
where you can see the image of your cherished deity and pray, and what is more,
you can send your offerings and also receive consecrated food, just
with your smartphone (as you find during present pandemic times (Fortunately our temples have relaxed the rule-- No photography and
recording of these are allowed).
With all this help to spiritual life brought about by technology,
is it not overly unjustified to blame it for all evils of the mind and for all
our shortcomings in spiritual practice? Spirituality is not deterred or
inhibited by technology. Though it may surprise many, the truth is that
technology holds a great potential to be a great help in our spiritual life.
One of the foremost qualities required of a spiritual aspirant by all faith
traditions is dispassion.
This translates into going more and more towards ‘How little can I
do with?’ from ‘How much more can I possess?’ Technology helps us to do
precisely that. For instance, a great range of equipment can be bundled into
your smartphone. From listening to music, reading books, using the Internet, taking
photographs, using a virtual personal assistant, and much more — the smartphone
is all you need.
Technology is a great power to unclutter our lives. All your
possessions are converged to one possession, say a smartphone. Now, if you
decide that you have to give up your possessions, just give up your smartphone.
Though it may sound bordering on the ridiculous, it is true nonetheless.
Technology also frees up much of our erstwhile work time. Tasks that took hours
just a decade ago are now seamlessly accomplished in minutes. That is good news
for a spiritual aspirant. Now one has all those extra hours to contemplate,
meditate, repeat a mantra, or perform worship. Assignments and responsibilities
that once used to bog our minds and distract it from our spiritual practices
can be efficiently delegated to technology.
The intellect is always superior to the mind and has the power to
discipline the mind and the senses. Technology is a manifestation of the power
of human intellect and it is only logical that technology be used to train the
mind.
To effectively use technology it is necessary that we think
logically, that we adopt a method of dealing with mundane matters by dividing
them into discrete, divisible, and identifiable actions or parts. Then it
becomes very easy to make technology do these routine tasks. Thus technology
also helps us to focus on the essentials by getting rid of the nonessentials
even while doing our daily chores.
Technology is the product of the workings of the human brain. For
a devotee, it could be another facet of God’s splendor to be marveled at. God
did not just create the universe but also created the human mind that has
evolved technology into the shape it is in today. Every aspect of this universe
has its good and bad features. So does technology. The key is to focus on the
good aspects and exploit them to advantage in our spiritual life.
So there is no gain-saying that technology has its allure that
distracts us. But so does every sense object. The solution is to harness
technology for our well-being and help in spiritual life. The litmus
test is whether our mind gets dependent on technology, whether it becomes
restless when there is no access to technology. If it does, then we are
overdoing it.
The same technology that helps one find one’s way around using
maps, leads to an accident if one uses it while crossing the road or driving a
car. While there are millions of people who have no access to technology, there
are many others who are using technology to explore new sources of livelihood,
who are tapping new means of education.
While there are people who are being drowned in the plethora of
mostly unnecessary information on social networking websites, there are others
using technology to connect with more people and resources! Technology could
aid us all in our spiritual growth. Let us adopt the path of synthesis
and benefit from technological innovations for all those
temporary things we have to do before we realize the eternal Brahman.
Please go through an interesting religious column in New York
Times by Elizabeth Dias:
Now, after the coronavirus pandemic pushed spiritual teams to discover new methods like
ZOOM, Webinar to function, Fb goals to
change into the digital dwelling for the spiritual communities and desires
temples, church buildings, mosques, synagogues and others to embed their
spiritual life into its platform, from internet hosting worship companies and
socializing extra casually to soliciting cash. It is growing new merchandise,
together with audio and prayer sharing, geared toward religion teams.
Digital spiritual life isn’t changing in-person group anytime
quickly, and even supporters acknowledge the boundaries of a solely on-line
expertise. However many non-secular teams see a brand new alternative to
spiritually affect much more folks on Fb, the world’s largest and arguably most
influential social media firm. This would enable everybody to place
their face in one other e-book.
“Our hope is that someday, folks will host spiritual
companies in digital actuality areas as nicely or use augmented actuality as an
academic software to show their youngsters the story of their
religion,” says the reporter.
--July 29, 2021
Comments:
Excellent reading
--Santosh Venkatraman
Shravan Month of Shiva and Snakes – Why Shravan Month is
dedicated to Shiva and Snakes?
Sawan or Shravana is the fifth month of the solar Hindu calendar.
Various Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, Teej, and Raksha Bandhan are
celebrated in the Sawan month. However, as per ancient Hindu scriptures, the
month of Sawan relates to the worship of Lord Shiva and Parvati, one of the
principal deities in the Hindu religion. All Tuesdays are observed as Mangala
Gowri Vrata. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva with a whole heart
in this month bestows happiness, success and prosperity to the people.
Shravan Month (July – August) in Hindu calendars is dedicated to
Shiva as Nagabhushana. Shravan month is also dedicated to
Snakes. Even his son Subhramanya is worshiped as a snake. His blessed
son Ganesha uses cobra for his belt around the waist and Yajnopavita.
Shiva saved the earth and living beings by drinking Halahala
poison in the Shravan month. Halahala poison appeared during the Churning of
Ocean or Samudra Manthan, using Cobra as the rope.
Snakes or Nagas have always occupied a significant
position in Hindu mythology and religious rites. The cobra is taken to be the
symbol of the Nagas. Nag Panchami is the Hindu festival
celebrated in India to worship the snakes. It is celebrated in Nepal and most
parts of India, especially by married ladies. The village of Shirale in
Maharashtra is famous for its unique traditions observed during the festival.
The origins of World Snake Day are unknown, but
it was created to celebrate these misunderstood animals and the vital role they
play in ecosystems around the world. Today we wanted to recognize World Snake
Day by providing more information about them from around the web and share
other ways they can be appreciated. May be this day is inspired by ancient
Hindu Tradition of Snake Worship!
As per the Hindu beliefs, snakes are considered as the deity since
ancient times. So, Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth
date of the bright half of the Sawan month. As per astrology, Lord of the fifth
Hindu date is snake. On this day, snakes are worshiped
prominently. As per the tradition, Naag Panchami is
also celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Panchami or Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami in
many regions. Due to the difference in cultures and traditions from region to
region, this festival is also celebrated during Krishna Paksha at some places.
As per the Hindu beliefs, snakes are considered as the deity since ancient
times. So, Naga Puja has special significance on the day of Naga
Panchami. It is believed that the one who worships snakes on this day
gets rid of the fear of serpents.
We can see non-poisonous snakes hanging from
trees in many parks of USA. Some of them are very beneficial for environment
balance. A snake can strongly wrap their entire body around the tree and climb
up. Some snake species spend their entire life up in a tree, while others spend
time in trees while they are young to stay away from predators but will spend
the majority of their adult time down on the ground. The reason is most likely
very simple: they want to make sure that they will stay out of reach of their
natural predators and that they will manage to find and catch prey that for
lots of snake species is often found up there among tree
branches. But to a Religious Hindu, this is a reminder of
Puranas and a call for worship of Nature. Our thoughts also go
to Vedas that say: “aatmavat sarva bhooteshu”, the
same Divine Self abides in all Beings!
In certain parts of Southern India, the serpent
deities are associated with fertility and tree worship. Women, desiring
offspring, worship snake stones having the images of a snake goddess carrying
two offspring in her arms. The stones are installed under either a Pipal or a
neem tree after keeping them submerged under water for six months and
worshipped with flowers and vermilion. In Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna
says: Vriksahna aswattoham-- among trees I am Aswattha. Saguna
Brahhana as Narayana is always seen relaxing on seven hooded serpent. Hence
this tradition of worshiping Nature in the form of tree and
snakes together. Lord Jaganntha in Puri is also worshiped as Daru (tree)
Brahman and so also in Thiruppullani.
People believe that bathing and feeding snakes with milk along
with worshiping them makes the devotee the recipient of unending divine
blessings. This festival is also special for snake charmers because they
receive money and milk for snakes. Also, there is a ritual of drawing snake on
the door of the home. It is believed to be keeping the home safe with the grace
of snakes.
Healthcare is full of antiquity, not surprising for a venture as
old as humanity itself. Humans have always got sick and always turned to wise
men and women and the divine to help them. The Rod of Asclepius, the
Ancient Greek God of healing is a prominent symbol of Medicine. One staff, with
two snakes entwined around it. Asclepius (Vejovis to the Romans) on the other
hand was the son of Apollo the Sun God. Just like Hermes Asclepius was also
linked to snakes.
The Ancient Greeks weren’t the first or last civilization to link
snakes to divinity. People have a habit of venerating and fearing in equal
measure. Snakes, with their stillness, mysterious venom and supposed powers of
self-renewal through shedding their skin are always going to inspire
wonder.
In 1902 the US Army Medical Corp adopted the caduceus as their
symbol. The Americans Public Health Service and US Marine Hospital
would also take Hermes’s symbol as their own.
It has been observed that the caduceus is particularly
inappropriate for use as a medical symbol due to its long associations with the
Greek god Hermes,
who was patron of commerce and traders as well as thieves, liars, and
gamblers. Hermes as spokesman for the gods, is believed to
have brought peace on earth. Over a century, it is a current logo since 2005. In
North America, there are calls to clarify the symbol and to move to a uniform
use of the rod of Asclepius.
Hindu American Views
Hindu Immigrants in America are not replacing America but realize
it is the America of “Sangachhadvam”--Coming Together. They blend with
current inhabitants, keeping most of their earlier identities and adopting
parts of their new identities. They see some of their values in their new
findings, including healthcare and give them a boost as is happening in viewing
education as Yoga that I talked about. Rising inter-marriage rates are one
visible proof of this integration. According to recent Pew research, about 30%
of Hindu American newlyweds are married to someone of different race. This
has been happening for more than a century and is still
happening. Our Vice President is a product of such an integration,
sharing with many similar others of Indian Origin in the present
Administration.
Hindu Americans focused on their past and present draw inspiration
from yoga master whose views are as follows: “Perhaps Hermes was the precursor,
as some myths say that Hermes delivered Asclepius, who after birth, became an
apprentice in the art of medicine. Modern medical institutions have
adopted both the staff of Hermes and the Rod of Asclepius for their logos, but
there is a strong debate on the usage of former, for Hermes also carries the
reputation of protecting gamblers and thieves.
But we shouldn’t shy away from use of the caduceus. Its
symbolism is much similar to other formulas. For
instance, the two braided snakes resemble that of the double helical structure
that makes up DNA. It also corresponds with the structural energies
of Kundalini yoga. In Kundalini, there is a powerful Shakti force that
lays dormant at the base of the spine, awaiting activation through awareness,
practice and meditation.
This Kundalini force is depicted as a serpent, reposing in a
coiled base three times around the spine. When activated, this force
travels through three channels, or nadis; the sushumna, the ida, & the
pingala. These nadis are identical to the parts of the caduceus.
The sushumna, like the staff, is vertical and straight, traveling in parallel
motion with the spine. The ida and pingala channels twist together like
that of the two snakes, intersecting at a handful of point, or chakra
centers.
The sushumna is the stabilizing and grounding core, connecting the
base with the crown. Each of the chakras are situated along the column of
the sushumna. Kundalini moves upward through this pathway. The Ida
and Pingala nadis work together in polarity and duality, just like Yin and
Yang. Ida, the left channel, represents feminine and lunar energy as is
connected to emotions. Pingala on the other hand is associated with
masculine and solar energy as well as mental and physical endeavors.
Kundalini energy has the potential to activate when both of these nadis are in
balance with each other.
Only depicted with the right-sided snake, the Rod of Asclepius is
somewhat lacking. Medical advancement definitely focuses around the
physical realms, but the healing process cannot be complete without emotional
attributes. Is it a coincidence then that the pairing of these two snakes
of the caduceus are extremely similar to the channels of Kundalini, a power
that has great potential to not only heal, but raise the awareness of our
consciousness?”
It is further supported by Puranas. In Bhagavata Purana “Sesha”
the serpent is referred as Sankarshana representing Tamasic power of Narayana
that modern medical science identifies as dark venomous poison with immense
medical values. We also hear of Lord Siva storing snake poison on his neck, who
as a doctor (Vaidyanatha) knows its potential medical values unlike Lord Agni
who destroyed all snakes during Khandava dahana except Takshaka.
“The source of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
class of medicines, the Jararaca pit viper snake (Bothrops jararaca),
arguably has saved more human lives than any other animal in the history of
mankind. Snake venoms served as templates for some of the top medicines used in
high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack,” explains Takacs. We will talk about it in
detail before Nag Panchami celebrations next month.
Although Hindu Americans are familiar with the expectation that
throughout history great cultures have made great sculpture, India's eloquent
witness to this precept and its greatest achievements in the realm of sculpture
remain relatively unfamiliar and inaccessible to the American public. Here is a
rare collection of Assam State Museum, Serpent Commemorative Pillar:
Serpent commemorative pillar of Ahom king Swargadeu
Suhungmmong
[Ahom king Swargadeu Suhungmmong (1498-1539 AD); Stone
Measurement – 2mt X 30 cm; Collection of the Assam State Museum, Guwahati]
In Indian art, the mythological serpent race that took form as
cobra often be found in Hindu iconography, they are described as the powerful,
splendid, wonderful and proud semi divine race that can assume their physical
form either as human, partial human – serpent or the whole serpent. This
serpent pillar is a bravura structure. The pillar has a square base and a
hexagonal shaft tapering towards the top-- A snake body entwined around the
shaft and canopying at the top in bold relief like in Sanskrit Kundalini
means coiled serpent. The pillar bears an inscription in Tai script or
Ahom Script. It records a declaration made during the region of Ahom king Swargadeu
Suhungmmong (1498 - 1539 AD). The summary of the declaration states
that the Misamis, an ethnic group comprising mainly three tribes Idu Mishmi
Digaru tribe and Miju Mishmi, as describes they are to dwell on the hills near
the Digbon River with their families, children, attendants and followers. They
will give four baskets full of poison and other things as a tribute to the
Ahoms in return. Further, it records that whoever later became the
ruler shall not break the agreement and the engraved pillar.
The declaration of Ahom King clearly establishes medicinal value
of snake venom poison.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/07/garuda-panchami-and-naagapanchami-i.html
--July 26, 2021
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP
ON JULY 30
As a
globe trotter I have earned friends all over the globe, you are one of them
whom I always cherish! You have been my FRIEND, Philosopher and Guide for
more than a decade and we both realize how important it is to be friends, "The glory of friendship is not the
outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is
the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else
believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship." Ralph
Waldo Emerson
International Day of Friendship was designated by the United
Nations General Assembly (U.N.). On July 30, we step back and get thankful
for these relationships worldwide, as they promote and encourage peace,
happiness, and unity. The U.N. encourages governments, community groups, and
other organizations to coordinate activities and events that celebrate the
friendships that we keep close to us. Many events focus on reconciliation,
bridging understanding and consensus, and finding comfort in those friendships
that feel like home.
Friends who are like family, good friends, and even enemies are
cherished on International Day of Friendship on July 30.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF
FRIENDSHIP
The concept of Friendship originates in the Veda mantra “sam no
mitrah sam varunah” salutation to Dvanda Mitra-Varuna, Dawn-Dusk,
that inspired Gayatri Mantra of 3-Sandhya Meets’ prayers of a day. Mitra, in the
pantheon of Vedic Hinduism, one of the gods in the category of Twelve Adityas, twelve
sovereign principles of the universe. He represents friendship, integrity, harmony, and all else that is important in the successful
maintenance of order in human existence. He is usually paired with the
god Varuna, the guardian
of the cosmic order, whose powers he complements as guardian of the human
order. As spirit of the day, he is sometimes depicted with solar
characteristics. His Iranian counterpart is Mithra, who
eventually came to be worshipped as the god of one of the great mystery
religions, Mithraism. Kalyāṇa-mittatā is a Buddhist concept of "admirable
friendship" both monastic and householder relationships. One involved in such a relationship is known
as a "good friend", "virtuous friend", "noble
friend" or "admirable friend" (kalyāṇa-mitta, -mitra). Contemporary self-described
“Buddhist” groups conceive of the term as designating “spiritual friendship
(among peers),” a usage distinct from and implicitly critical of the
term's traditional signification.
In the Pali Canon's Upaddha Sutta (SN 45.2), there is a conversation between Buddha and his disciple Ananda in which Ananda enthusiastically declares, 'This is half of the holy life, lord: admirable
friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie.' The Buddha
replies:
“Don't say that, Ananda. Don't say that. Admirable friendship,
admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the
holy life. When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, &
comrades, he can be expected to develop & pursue the Noble Eightfold Path.”
The Buddha elaborates that, through such friendships, one
develops each of the path factors through seclusion, dispassion and cessation.
Further, the Buddha states that through spiritual friendship with the
Buddha himself followers have gained release from suffering.
In the Rigveda, Mitra appears primarily in the dvandva compound Mitra-Varuna,
a sign of intimacy. In the late Vedic texts and the Brahmanas, Mitra is increasingly associated with the light of dawn and the
morning sun (while Varuna becomes associated with the evening, and ultimately
the night). In the post-Vedic texts – in which Mitra practically disappears–
Mitra evolved into the patron divinity of friendship, and because he is
"friend", abhors all violence, even when sacred. In the Atharvaveda, Mitra is associated with
sunrise, and accordingly, Mitra is worshipped in the sunrise prayers of the
Hindus. The morning upasthaana prayer, recited to the risen
sun after contemplation on the sacred Gayatri mantra, is a collection of Vedic
verses addressing Mitra. Mitra is co-worshipped in the Mitrotsavam Hindu festival of the Sun
god Surya, whose orderly traversal of
the sky is ensured by Mitra (e.g. RV 1.35) and Mitra-Varuna
(e.g. RV 8.25.8).
We live in a tough world. Between miscommunications, mistreatment,
lack of trust, discrimination, and cultural discord, prioritizing peace
seemingly has less of a presence in the global society. There really is no
reason for the world not to exist in some harmonious form. We have the United
Nations to thank for helping to remind us all that there is some good in this
world. We were first introduced to International Day of Friendship in 2011; this
special day goes beyond connecting people and builds bridges among cultures,
countries, and even ideologies.
Friendship and connections are synonymous with bonding, and
building those common bonds goes beyond sharing a trait, characteristic, or favorite
pastime with another person or group, but also includes promoting a global
commitment and understanding of diversity and inclusion. Even in our
differences, we can find common ground. Physical appearances, differences of
opinions, political views, tastes, music, and more are not reasons to separate
people. Relationships are bigger than that, and the UN works to promote
kindness and togetherness every July.
Celebrating friendships through things as simple as a brief note,
a coffee hang-out, going to a concert, or taking a trip to the mall are all
ways to find commonalities. Again, we have more in common than we all
realize. And any idea that minimizes the amount of hatred and disdain
spread throughout the world is the kind we want to be shared. We’d like to
think that something we all have in common.
Before the U.N. made its designation, the very first World
Friendship Day was proposed in 1958 by the World Friendship Crusade, which is
an international civil organization that campaigns to foster peaceful culture
through friendship.
We have seen hundreds of people who are friends of kings, rich
people, Maharajas, administrators and others. But we are not familiar with an
ordinary person like Kuchela having friendship with Lord Sri Krishna, who is
supposed to have flourished in Dwapara Yuga. Thus, friendship transcends the
boundaries of rich and poor, Gods and human beings and the like. The best
example is the friendship between Kuchela and Sri Krishna. In fact, Kuchela’s
original name was Sudama who was his bosom friend.
Kuchela spent fine time with Krishna and his family on Akshaya
Triteeya Day with a hand-full of puffed rice, all that he had, and
with sadness took leave off Krishna and returned to his original agrahara.
Never thinking of his poverty, Kuchela was thinking of the time he spent with
Krishna, particularly his embrace and other courtesies shown to him. But he was
sorry that Krishna did not give him any wealth, lands and other properties. But
he consoled himself saying that Krishna should have done it deliberately so
that Kuchela would not immerse himself in the pleasures of this world and
forget the other more important world. With these thoughts he returned to his
house and he was pleasantly surprised that a miracle had taken place. Krishna
had ordered Viswakarma, the divine architect to rebuild Kuchela’s house into a
luxurious one. He could not recognize his original house. Just for the sake of
hand-full of puffed rice, Krishna had given him unimaginable property and felt
that God only can give this and we are all beggars to receive it.
In spite of all these wealth, Kuchela did not indulge in worldly
pleasures but immersed in the thought of Lord Krishna. Thus Kuchela set an
example to all other human beings. Ultimately the grace of God is the final
gift to every human being and we should aspire for it and it alone. Krishna
taught this moral to all human beings through the example of his bosom friend
Kuchela. Kuchela is thus blessed. These Buddy-friendships developed to Spiritual
Friendship too!
Farewell Message of Lord Krishna
Krishna’s cousin Uddhava was more a friend and admirer than
relative. Lord Krishna on the eve of His
departure from the arena of this world, after finishing the difficult task of establishing
righteousness (Dharma), gave His last parting discourse to His cousin brother
Uddhava who was also His dearest devotee and friend. At the end of a long
sermon comprising more than one thousand verses Uddhava said: O Lord, I think
the pursuit of yoga as You narrated to Arjuna (another buddy), and now to me,
is very difficult, indeed, for most people; because it entails control of the
unruly senses. Please tell me a short, simple, and easy way to God-realization.
Lord Krishna upon Uddhava’s request gave the essentials of Self-realization (BP
11.06-29) for the modern age as follows:
(1) Do your duty, to the best of your abilities, for Me without
any selfish motive, and remember Me at all times – before starting a work, at
the completion of a task, and while inactive. (2) Practice to look upon all
creatures as Myself in thought, word, and deed; and mentally bow down to them.
(3) Awaken your dormant Kundalini power and perceive through the activities of
mind, senses, breathing, and emotions that the power of God is within you at
all times, and is constantly doing all the work using you as a mere
instrument.
The Supreme Lord Krishna said: The one who wants to know Me, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, should only understand that I existed before
creation, I exist in the creation, as well as after complete dissolution. Any
other existence is nothing but My illusory energy (Maya). I exist within the
creation and at the same time outside the creation. I am the all-pervading
Supreme Lord who exists everywhere, in everything, and at all times.
“Don’t walk in
front of me… I may not follow; Don’t walk behind me… I may
not lead; Walk beside me… just be my friend”― Albert Camus
July 25, 2021
LEARN TO LIVE WITH ANIMALS AND ADMIRE ECO-BALANCE
OF INTELLIGENCE CREATION
We humans seem to have a “propensity to fill
every square on the calendar with rituals, venerations, commemorations,
observances, recognitions, or declarations of a National Day of
Something,” writes Oliver Whang for Nat Geo. Pick any random holiday calendar online, and you’re
bound to find World Day of X Animal or International Day of Y Animal
coming up soon.
Bats have come to limelight
during the present pandemic. Since the original SARS-CoV
outbreak in 2002, coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV have been
discovered in bats from countries all
over the world. Scientists in China studying
Chinese horseshoe bats in 2013, identified several SARS-like CoVs that use
the same
ACE2 receptor to bind to cells as the
current SARS-CoV-2. These viruses were similar enough to SARS-CoV that they
were termed SARS-like coronaviruses. New viruses have been added to this group
since then. So there is a significant diversity of coronaviruses
circulating in bats, which may increase the probability that one of
these viruses has the potential to become a zoonotic infection –
in other words, can jump to humans from Bats.
Bats are excellent hosts for
viruses in general and coronaviruses as a group
have been particularly successful at infecting and diversifying within bats.
The highly social nature of many bat species leads to the constant exchange of
viral pathogens between bats – and this may act to drive viral diversification
within a population.
With so many potentially
dangerous viruses circulating among them, why do the bats themselves
not die off from these constant infections? Clearly, bats can maintain a
balance between control of a viral infection and the excessive inflammatory
response that can kill other hosts. Perhaps the answer lies in their unique
feature among mammals – flight.
The physiological requirements
of flight have affected the bat immune system. Flight causes bats to have
elevated metabolic functions and raises their core body temperature about 38°C.
This means that bats are often in a state that, for humans, would be considered
a fever. Researchers in the
UK have suggested that this may be a
mechanism to help bats survive viral infections.
Viral infections can harm the
host, in part, by causing an out-of-control inflammation response called a
“cytokine storm”, which can be a fatal complication in several respiratory
diseases, including COVID-19. If bats adaptation to flight also allows them to
tolerate high body temperatures better, it means they can tolerate at
least some potential damaging effects of the inflammation response better than
other mammals.
In addition to traits that
allow bats to tolerate a high body temperature, bats may also have other
adaptations that mark their immune system as unusual or unique among
mammals.
WHY THEN SCIENTISTS ARE WORRIED
ABOUT WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME?
Why are America’s Bats Dying? Scientists are currently working to determine if fungal
infection is the sole cause of WNS-associated bat deaths (mortality). Since the
winter of 2006- 2007, at least one million insect-eating bats from at least
nine states have died from White Nose Syndrome (WNS). This disease,
named for the white fungus often seen on the muzzles, ears, and wings of
infected bats, poses a threat to cave hibernating bats of the United States and
potentially all temperate regions of the world.
The Benefits of Bats
Bat Fairy Tales, horror stories
and rumors have given these amazing mammals a bad rap. In reality, bats are
very important, not only to the environment, but to humans and the many
products we use. Principal Pollinators Pollination is the process of moving
pollen grains from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part (the
pistil). Bats love to drink the sweet nectar inside flowers. As they drink and
move from flower to flower, they pick up a dusting of pollen and distribute it
to other flowers. Bats are very important animals in ecosystems all
over the world. Tropical bats are essential to the rain forest, where they
pollinate flowers and disperse seeds for countless trees and shrubs.
Agricultural plants, such as bananas, mangoes, cashews, dates, avocadoes,
peaches, cloves, and figs (to name a few) rely on bats for pollination. Bats
also help distribute the seeds of these important plants, so they can reproduce
and create more fruit for us humans to eat and enjoy. Without pollinating and
seed-dispersing bats, many ecosystems would gradually die. Plants would fail to
provide food and cover for wildlife species near the base of the food chain. If
these plants die, wildlife will die, causing entire ecosystems to deteriorate.
In the East African savannah, the great baobab tree is critical to the survival
of so many species it is often called the “African Tree of Life.” The baobab
depends almost exclusively on bats for pollination. Without bats,
baobabs would die, causing a collapse of one of our planet’s most amazing and
important ecosystems.
Ingesting Insects
Because bats eat so many
insects, they lessen the need for use of chemical pesticides in agriculture.
Remembering these fun facts, the next time you are being pestered by
mosquitoes, will help you appreciate these little mammals. Human Helpers
Scientists have been studying vampire bat saliva. It contains an anticoagulant
(prevents blood clots from forming), which may soon be used to treat human heart
patients. Because bats eat large amounts of mosquitoes, they help control
viruses spread by the insects. Diseases such as West Nile virus would be much
more plentiful without bats. Bats can help control the populations of beetles,
moths, and leafhoppers. Many insects can hear bats up to 100 feet away and will
avoid those areas occupied by bats. Some people build bat boxes and
post them on their houses or sheds. If bats occupy the boxes, insects
are sure to be less plentiful around those places! Bats also produce guano (their
manure) which is rich in nitrogen; this natural by-product is used to fertilize
lawns and gardens.
Although we have known for a
long time that bats are a potential source of novel viruses, research into bat
immunity remains at the cutting edge of science, and new research is emerging
all the time. It is likely that further discoveries will be made and that each
new piece of data will enhance our understanding of bats, viruses
and provide insights into our own immune systems.
Whether we’re celebrating our cute and fluffy (and sometimes
hairless) dogs, cats, reptiles, and hedgehogs that we spoil at home or the
raccoons, squirrels, bisons and insects that we admire from afar, all animals in Intelligence Creation deserve
their own special moment.
Did you know that Americans celebrated World Snakes
Day on Dakshinayana Punyakala observance day on July 16 probably
for its contribution to medical science, while they may laugh at Snake worship
on Nag Panchami day on August 13? We will discuss about it during Nag Panchami
in detail
--July 24, 2021
DOCTRINE OF MAYA & ITS PERCEPTION
BY ACHARYAS
Vedas say “aham Brahmasmi”
and “devo ekah” -- from first letter ‘aa’ to last letter ‘ha’(‘aa’
to ‘ha’ and ‘period’=a-ha-m) it is all Brahman alone and God-head is
one. Later Nasadiyasukta said: This Brahman got bored and
split itself into two as Purusha and Prakriti and then to many. Then
Purushasukta said: ‘sahasraseersha purushahah
saharaksahah sahasarapaat’-- it became manifold creation. So
one school of thought said Purusha is manifest Brahman and Prakriti is his
illusion or Maya as a result of his hidden energy or
Power. So, one school of thought indulged in Archana Moorthi
worship, visible form for worship, brought out the concept of Ardhanareesvara,
Sakti (energy) as equal partner or sahadharminee. Another
group said, Purusha is potential energy and Prakriti is kinetic energy that
came out of potential energy, though illusory most powerful and presented to us
as Sakti form in energetic form for our worship. It also said Potential energy
is waste unless realized as Kinetic and expressed that as Siva without Sakti is
Sava(corpse). Yet another school said Purusha is Refuge and Prakriti is Refugee
and showed Lakshmi at the feet of Narayana or in his chest as subservient, with
its Saranagati concept, telling all Prakriti is subservient to Purusha coming
out of him and merging back in him in its repeated cyclic operation. Thus, Maya
becomes real but of lower nature. All these Vedic thoughts brought
forth different Doctrines of Maya as Illusory and Non-Illusory. With
this background let us understand the Doctrines of Maya from various
philosophers.
Maya can be compared to clouds
which cover the sun: the sun remains in the sky but a dense cloud cover
prevents us from seeing it. When the clouds disperse, we become aware that the
sun has been there all the time. Our clouds—Maya appearing as egotism,
selfishness, hatred, greed, lust, anger, ambition—are pushed away when we
meditate upon our real nature, when we engage in unselfish action, and when we
consistently act and think in ways that manifest our true nature: that is,
through truthfulness, purity, contentment, self-restraint, and forbearance.
This mental purification drives away the clouds of Maya and allows our divine
nature to shine forth.
Sankaracharya had
given the illusion of snake in rope to illustrate his point. A man sees a rope
in dark and mistakes it to be snake because of his Avidya or
Ignorance. Only by inspecting a little closer that he realizes his
mistake that it is not snake, but rope. Snake is superimposed on the rope and
is only an illusion, and not reality. The world is similarly an illusion and
Maya has created this illusion by concealing the true reality of the world
which is none other than Brahman.
Ramanuja did
not accept the existence of avidya, because if Brahman were
omnipresent and non-dual then it would be impossible for an opposing force such
as avidya to exist. Moreover, if the world and everything in
it was truly an illusion, as Shankara contended, then all religious scriptures
must also logically be illusionary, which contradicts Shankara's assertion that
the Vedic scriptures resonate with truth (Vedokhilam dharma moolam). For
these and other reasons, Ramanuja rejected Shankara's doctrines of maya (illusion)
and avidya (ignorance).
Vivekananda rejects this
conception of world as delusion, and maintains that it has no absolute
existence, which only Brahman has. The world exists only in relation to our
minds and, “It has, therefore no real existence; it has no unchangeable,
immovable, infinite existence. Nor can it be called non-existence, seeing that
it exists, and we have to work in and through it. It is a mixture of existence
and non-existence.”
“Whereas
the concept of an imposed illusion leaves us with a lot of contradictions, the
concept of the One Existence being able to manifest itself and sustain multiple
standpoints and statuses of consciousness, preserves the essence of One, Absolute,
All-Knowing, All-Powerful Timeless Existence”--says Aurobindo.
Sri Ramakrishna says “The
universe is created by the Mahamaya of God. Mahamaya contains both Vidyamaya,
the illusion of knowledge and Avidyamaya, the illusion of ignorance. Through
the help of Vidyamaya one cultivates such virtues as the taste for the holy
company, knowledge, devotion, meditation, love, and renunciation. It includes
discrimination and dispassion (Viveka and Vairagya) - i.e. God is real and the
world illusory.
All Schools of Thought agree
Un-manifest Brahman (Nirguna Brahman) presents Itself in Manifest Form (Saguna
Brahman) to make us at-ease for worship and appeal as a child approaching its
parents. This is Purusha (God-Head Father) and Prakriti or Maya or Nature as
Mother. Traditional Advaita School says, Maya is illusory and therefore go with
single parenthood of Father. Sakti school says go with more desirable Mother
alone as single parenthood. Neo Ramakrishna-Advaita says you need both with
their care and share responsibilities living together where mother is easily
approachable in an ideal family. Lastly, Visshishtadvaita says, you
live in a family where full responsibility falls on Father, as the Head of the
Family whom the Mother approaches constantly for advice and
help while taking care of the child. Gita says, to-day we have both-parent
cared families as well as single-parent cared families whose requirements vary
and are different. Hence, you need all that pleases modern Hindu Society and
Culture. The Vedic Society of Vasudheka Kutumbakam got disturbed by Modern
Religious cultures that has penetrated the Modern Hindu Society at home as well
as in migrant countries and so we see all these Doctrines of Maya are
vehemently spread by Urban Monks to their followers that directly
influences our complex Temple Tradition Worships! Gita enables all philosophers
to draw their strength from its quotes. Gita it is thus a wonderful composition
composed by Vedavysa, catering to the needs of all to support their honest
devotional pursuit!
Please go through the following
Mantra in MNU:
ye te sahasramayu pāśā mṛtyo martyāya hantave |
tān yajñasya māyayā sarvān- avayajāmahe ||
O Death, those thousand and ten
thousand snares which thou hast laid for slaying man, all of them we remove by
the power of our deeds of worship!
Śiva, the auspicious God,
is described as the greatest yogi, for, he has overcome the army of Death.
Therefore He, the Auspicious Lord, is called Antakāntaka. For the devotees
of God, the way to escape from the meshes of Death, said above, lies in the
power of worshipping Him—the performance of prescribed duties to God properly
and in the right spirit. This is perhaps what is implied by the phrase yajñasya māyayā or
by the power of worship, where maaya means
power. Sun, as Saguna Brahman is worshiped in Sandhyvandana as Teja
-Ojo Balam--verily Energy & Splendor.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2021/07/doctrine-of-maya-its-perception-by.html
July 24, 2021
How Do You Nurture and Strengthen Harmony in Relationships
Extraordinary relationships are
loving relationships, and loving relationships require loving people. Who
you are, your character, and your level of awareness and personal development
are the forces that determine the quality of your relationships, as well as the
quality of people that you attract into your life!
These involve specific
virtues—the building blocks of character—to transform you into a stronger, more
compassionate, and caring person who creates meaningful relationships in all
areas of your life.
In order to attract aware,
loving, trusting people into your life, be it a friendship or a romantic
relationship, you must be loving, aware, and trusting. Simple, right? Show
others you embody these qualities by demonstrating your own radical
integrity—this is a prerequisite for any deeply loving relationship that
lasts. Integrity is an extension of your love. It means you love and
care for others enough that you will do whatever it takes to not only do no
harm, but also to do what is in the highest good for everyone
involved.
The whole purpose of a
relationship is to deepen and enrich gratitude for your
experience of life; in order to do that, you need to practice genuine
relationships you have, in order to allow
them to enrich your life. Gratitude is a form of love. Gratitude fosters
bonding; gratitude makes everything enough. It makes the people in
your life ‘good enough’ to you, imperfections and all, eliminating any sense of
‘less than’ or ‘more than’ that keeps you separated and offering anything less
than unconditional love.
When your intent is pure, free
of all ulterior motives, dishonesty, or manipulation, and your intent is backed
by the force of unconditional love, you embody innocence and unleash
the true power of authentic love in your relationships. The expression of your
purity and honesty opens a space for the people you are in
relationship with to trust you enough to go deeper and expand into a space of
trusting vulnerability.
Learn to rest in and live from
your heart, with love for all people and with a majority of your behaviors
being love-motivated, rather than fear-motivated. With love-motivated
behaviors, the intent is always pure and the desire to serve is
sincere. That heartfelt sincerity will be apparent to the people who
matter most in your life, and they’ll thank you for it. The true magnet for
astonishing, loving relationships is being centered in your heart. You will
attract love wherever you go.
If the quality of your
relationships and everything in your life results from who you have
become, it only makes sense that the stronger and more aware you
become, the better your life will be. The quality of your relationships in
many ways directly reflects your level of mental, emotional, and spiritual
development.
Focus your life on growth, on being all that you can be in every aspect of your being—on
the development of specific character virtues, on your own physical well-being and inner healing, and on your self-actualization.
You will become happier, healthier and more loving as a result, which will have
the same effect on all of your relationships.
One of the cornerstones of any
serious spiritual path is the expansion of love and the ability to develop and
experience truly meaningful relationships. You will find that as the quality of
your relationships grow, your experience of life will also be enhanced. Relationships
magnify the human experience, and the more harmonious and loving a
relationship, the more it magnifies and enhances the experiences of beauty,
freedom and love that we all seek for all of our lives.
[This I have learnt and
experienced over a decade chatting with and serving my global participants.
Even in my official life, I had made lot of friends all over the
globe and some intimate too! If you have friends in adversity stand by them!
Arjuna thus stood by Krishna! even Karna by Duryodhana]
--Extracted from Forrest Leichtberg, Conscious Lifestyle Magazine
Any Education should be a Yoga, otherwise it is not training our
Inner Being and higher intelligence but only addressing our outer personality
and the external world with their transient and shifting desires.
Every aspect of education in traditional India was regarded as a
form of Yoga, and some are preserved today. This extended to art, music, dance,
architecture, mathematics, astronomy, literature, poetry, drama, medicine,
exercise and martial arts, psychology, logic, philosophy and in fact, all
aspects our lives. We need even friendly food, air and environment!
What made these into paths of Yoga? They were all based upon
cultivating the power of awareness, attention, original thought and inward
creativity, uniting us with the whole of life rather than just creating a
formula or routine. I believe Smt. Priya will show us simple ways to nurture
and strengthen our most important relationships to be everlasting, employing Raja
Yoga Techniques, EQ & SQ Management.
May be Yogins like Brahma Kumaris may direct us to Yoga Sadhana
Techniques for Harmony in Relationships! The word “Sadhana” in Sanskrit means “methodical
discipline to attain desired knowledge or goal”. Sadhana is built on the
idea of daily spiritual practice—a committed prayer, a routine that you do for
yourself to nurture your mind and body. Please recall the popular lyrics, so dear to Mahatma Gandhi;
“Shanthi nilava vendum , ulagile, Athma shakthi onga vendum” Peace should
prevail in this world; The strength of the soul should increase (by
yogasadhana)!This is so true for Harmony in Relationships!
Join the “Harmony in Relationships” In-person Class by Sri Priya at Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville, on
Saturday, August 7, 2021, 1:00 -2:00 pm.
Scope of the Class by Priya:
Relationships
aren’t static, they are dynamic and they can’t thrive on their own. They
require a constant investment of time and energy of ours. Join the class to
explore ways to nurture and strengthen our most important relationships.
--July 23, 2021
Join Gurupoornima Celebration
on July 24, 2021 at 9.30 am IST at FOWAI Forum
Siva/Vishnu are said to be the first teachers. Veda Vyasa is said to be the
first human teacher, who is an incarnation of Vishnu himself. This is the
reason his birth day is celebrated in remembrance of Gurus (Vyasa Purnima is
called Guru Purnima). Every Guru-Sishya tradition claims its origin in
the eternal. In every tradition the lineage of teachers is given a salutation.
H. H. Swami Chidananda has kindly extended an invitation to us to join FOWAI
Forum in celebrating Guru Purnima Day and pay our obeisance to all Gurus.
The usual Dhyana sloka for the Advaitins runs as follows:
"sadasiva samarambham sankaracarya madhyamam \ asmad acarya paryantam vande guru paramparam"
Recently he drew our attention to celebrate Chinmaya Jayanti, the
greatest Guru of modern times. Inspired by him , I came up with a
discourse on this greatest Guru of modern times, that seems to be most popular
among global readers. So, his picture below calls for slightmodificfation
in the above sloka:
"sadasiva samarambham
sankaracarya madhyamam chinmayananda paryantam vande
guru paramparam"
Usually, first guru in any lineage sets the goals and broadly
gives paths to achieve those. (Lakshya Nirdesa) The subsequent ones define
paths that suit the times, in a way that they lead to the goals set by the
first teacher and are not in conflict with the philosophy of the tradition
(Marga Nirdesa). Guru, the adhyatma vidya teacher, is accorded
highest respect, and is equated to God. The famous verse goes thus:
"gururbrahma gururvishnuH gurudevo maheswaraH guru sakshat
parabrahma tasmai sri gurave namaH"
Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshvara, in fact guru is Parabrahman himself,
the Brahman, the Absolute. Salutations to
such guru.
Guru is treated with such high respect, because it is believed
that he imparts that knowledge which cannot otherwise be gained through merely
reading books. In spiritual disciplines this applies more, and here is how the
importance of such a teacher is explained:
"dhyana mulam gurormurtiH puja mulam guroH padam mantra mulam gurorvakyam moksha mulam guroH kripa"
Guru's murti/idol/body is the object of meditation, his feet the objects
of worship, his words the objects of
chanting. All this is because in his grace lies the source of liberation.
There are many Guru-Sishya paramparas in Sanatana Dharma, which have come down
uninterrupted over millennia. Various schools of spiritual
philosophy such as Advaita, Vishishthadvaita and Dvaita, have come down as Guru-Sishya paramparas. All the religions in
Bharatiya Civilization, whether the Vedic ones such as Vishnava and Saiva, and also outgrowths
like Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism have come down as Guru-Sishya paramparas. Besides,
various variants of the religions developed in the same framework of
Guru-Sishya Parampara, often named after the Guru; The different schools of
practices like Tantra, Smarta are Guru-Sishya paramparas.
Sanyasa too contains Guru-Sishya paramparas.
The learning of various sastras and vidyas, religious or secular,
such as administration and engineering, has many diverse schools that are
Guru-Sishya paramparas. Secular teachers are glorified on Teachers’ Day at
National and International Levels wth and spreading its wings in modern times.
Hindu Americans, have installed deities of all Dharma based
religions in their multi-traditional temples and come together to celebrate
Guru Purnima Day. They do realize:
The birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa
Sage Veda Vyasa was the son of Satyavati and Sage Parashar. He was
born on the Purnima Tithi, Ashadha. Apart from documenting the
Mahabharata, Maharishi Veda Vyasa also played a pivotal role in it. Furthermore,
he classified the Vedas into four different texts - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama
Veda and Atharva Veda. His disciples Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu,
carried forward his legacy. And to honors his contributions, devotees perform
Vyasa Puja on his birth anniversary.
Lord Shiva -The Adiyogi and the Saptarishis
As per the Yogic culture, Lord Shiva is the first Guru or Yogi,
who imparted the knowledge of Yoga to the Saptarishis (the seven sages). He
appeared as a Yogi in the Himalayas and bestowed the seven sages with Yogic
learnings. Therefore, he is hailed as Adiyogi.
Gautam Buddha's first sermon
On Ashadha Purnima, Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism,
delivered his first sermon at Saranath after attaining enlightenment. Hence, on
this day, Buddhists celebrate Guru Purnima to honor the teachings of Gautam
Buddha.
Mahavira and Indrabhuti Gautam
After attaining Kaivalya, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira
made Ganadhara Indrabhuti Gautam (Gautam Swami) his first disciple.
Therefore, it is a day of great significance for the Jain community.
GURU Tradition of Sikhs
Sikhs honor the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and the Guru Granth
Sahib, the Sikh holy book as the eleventh perpetual guru of the Sikhs
Above all Hindus pray to Lord Krishna: Devaki paramanandam krishnam vande jagadgurum-- Who is the immense joy of Devaki (Krishna’s Mother), O Krishna I
bow to you, the guru of the world. Lord Krishna is the greatest among all teachers and healers,
who delivered GITA to us in the enchanting lyrical form whose
doctrine is beyond Religions and National boundaries. The
aim of the Gita is to lead one to tranquility, happiness and
equanimity. Therefore, Hindu American Dhyanasloka focused on vasudhaiva
kutumbakm runs as follows:
Rukmineenatha samarambham
Sankaracaaryaadi madhyamam adhhunika acharya paryantam vande guru paramparam ||
On this auspicious Guru Purnima day President Kalyan Viswanathan
of HUA will share an update on the university's journey so far imparting
knowledge on Hindu Dharma, and his vision for its future as the Guru Vidya
Peetha of the community. In this webinar, you will hear about
the potential and possibility that the university represents, for the global
Hindu community, as well as for humanity in general to live in peace but not
pieces.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86949085615?pwd=QnVDTkJCZGxhbVlUdVkveTlzMjVaZz09
Meeting ID: 869 4908 5615
Passcode: 351791 Sent from Swami Chidananda’s iPhone
--July 22, 2021
Why Hindus Celebrate Guru Purnima Different from Teachers’
Day?
In recent times, ‘Teachers
Day’ is celebrated worldwide. In India 5th September is celebrated as
the ‘Teacher’s day. USA celebrates this day on second Tuesday in May and UN in
October. However, ‘Guru Purnima’ is altogether different! It is not only a day to send ‘Happy’-prefixed
what’s-app messages but it is a festival that showcases one of the greatest
Indian traditions.
‘Guru’, in many ways, differs from
the term ‘Teacher’. ‘Guru’ has a bigger inbuilt volume. A person having the degree
of B.Ed. or the like and who is employed at some school, college, institution
or private classes can be called as a ‘Teacher’. But there needs something more
to be called as ‘Guru’. Like geometrical theorems, we can say that ‘Every Guru is a teacher but Every teacher is not necessarily a
Guru!’
It is very well said that a
teacher leads us by hand but a Guru leads us by example. A teacher reaches our mind,
but a guru touches our spirit! A teacher sharpens our mind, but a Guru opens our mind. A teacher
instructs us, while a Guru constructs us! A teacher explains the world and its nature to us, a
Guru explains ourselves and our nature to us. A teacher clothes us and prepares
us for the outer journey while a Guru strips us naked and prepares us for
the inner journey. A teacher answers our questions, a Guru questions our answers! A
teacher gives us things we don’t have and require, but a Guru take-away things
we have and don’t require! A teacher takes the responsibility of our growth
while a Guru makes us responsible for our own growth!
‘Guru Purnima’ is also called
as ‘Vyas Purnima’ as this day is believed to be the birth day of Bhagawan
Vyasa. Not only Hindus but also Jains and Buddhists also celebrate Guru
Purnima. According to Jain tradition, it was on this day that Mahavira, the
24th Tirthankara, made Indrabhuti Gautam, his first disciple. In our tradition,
mother is regarded as the first Guru. In fact, there is no specific criterion
for whom to be called as ‘Guru’.
India has a very long tradition
of Guru-Shishya. Although this tradition is hardly followed in today’s academic
education system, we still see a great degree of its prevalence in the field of
arts, particularly in Indian classical music and dances. True Guru is never
self-proclaimed but ‘Guru’ is an honor bestowed to him by his disciples. ‘Guru’
is a position at such a high altitude which very few can attain. Guru Purnima,
indeed being a day to celebrate and express good wishes, is more a day to make
contemplation on what ‘Guruism’ means, realizing its expanse and becoming the disciple of
that eternal principle!
--News Bharati New Delhi, July 16, 2019:
This year, the auspicious day
of Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 24th, 2021. “Go from Good to Great this Guru
Purnima. We all have the ability to be great. A mentor helps us tap
into our potential. Find the Perfect Mentor this Guru Purnima! Guru
Purnima is an occasion to offer gratitude to all those who have helped us
become who we are.” says Jaya Row. Find the inspiration you're
looking for at the Guru Purnima lecture on 3 PATHWAYS TO PERSONAL MASTERY by
her.
The following shloka from the
ancient Vedic Scriptures elucidates the supreme place a teacher or Guru is
given:
Gururbrahmā Gururviṣhṇu Gururdēvōh Mahēśhvaraḥ...I; Guru Sākṣhāta Paraṁ Brahmah Tasmai Shrī Guravē Namaḥ...II
Oh teacher, you are akin to the
Gods. You are Lord Vishnu and you are Lord Shiva – the God of the Gods. Oh
teacher, you are the Supreme Being, and you are Lord Brahma for me. Thus, oh
revered teacher, I bow in front of you. (many people in the North worship
Dakshinamurthy on this day too)
In the word Guru - Gu means
darkness, ignorance and Ru implies elimination or removal. So,
Guru is literally the one who removes the darkness of ignorance from our lives,
makes us knowledgeable and brings positivity in our life and mind.
History & Significance of Guru Purnima
It is said that the Guru Vyasa wrote
all the 4 Vedas that were recited by the Lord Brahma and every person in this
world is in debt for the work that saint Vyasa did. He also wrote several
Puranas. And from those times, a day was dedicated towards the Gurus and this
day is called ‘Guru Purnima’. The word “Purnima” is used because on this day,
there is a full moon. It has a deep significance in the past and in today’s
world also. As this day is dedicated towards the Gurus, people irrespective of
caste etc., offer their prayers to their gurus thanking them for the knowledge
they have provided to the learner.
According to Hindu Vedic
evidence, Guru Purnima is celebrated on the birth of Vedavyasa. Vedavyasa is
referred as one of the greatest Gurus in Indian Philosophy. He symbolizes the Guru-Shishya
(teacher-student) tradition. It is also believed that he completed the Brahma
Sutras on the day of Guru Purnima.
The Guru-Shishya
(Teacher-Student) relationship is one of the highlights of the Indian culture.
In olden days, children were made to wear a sacred thread (Poonal or Yagnopavith or Janeu) and were
sent to an Aashram/ Pathshala, where they were taught different subjects. It
was assumed that a guru would help them find the right direction in life.
Parents are the first teachers
in our life, and thus the Indian culture also considers parents as the Gurus.
In the traditional Guru-disciple culture, when a child finished his education
and left the Ashram, he/ she offered something valuable, as a token of
gratitude to his/ her Guru, and only then started a new life in the real
world.
Many ardent students of the Indian classical
music pay tribute to their music 'gurus' on this day and reiterate the
guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition) which has been native to
Indian culture since ages.
That is why in Hindu Tradition, every Guru Purnima, people give
their teachers some gifts, as per their will and capacity, and seek their
blessings. Hindu Americans consider their Sunday School, Baal Vihaar, Vedic
Heritage Class etc., teachers as Gurus.
Words for a Guru by the revered
Saint Kabir -
Guru gōbinda dō'u khaḍē kākē lāgūm̐ pāya...
...balihārī guru āpanē gōbinda diyō
batāya.
If my Guru and God
were standing together, to whom should I bow down to first? Well, in that case,
I would choose to bow down to my Guru first, for he is the one who has helped
me see and identify God. It is impossible to find God without the help of a
learned teacher.
Another very famous
Doha/couplet for teachers by Saint Kabir -
Kabīrā tē nara andha hai guru
kō kahatē aura..
..hari rūṭhē guru ṭhaura hai guru rūṭhē nahī ṭhaura II
He who cannot understand his
teacher is blind. If the Lord is displeased with you, your teacher can save you
from His anger and punishment. But, when a teacher is angry/ disappointed in
you, who will save you?
What Should You Do On This Day?
- Meet the person who you
consider to be your Guru.
- Shri Aadi Shankaracharya
is considered the Jagatguru (everyone's teacher) as per
the Vedic scriptures. You may worship Him on this day.
- Guru's Guru – Guru Dattatreya – should also be worshipped. You may also recite Dutt
Baavani.
- In Vedic Astrology,
Jupiter (Brihaspati) is called as the Guru – the teacher or the signifier
of higher education and ideals – you may worship Lord Jupiter on this day.
- Celebrate Guru
Purnima with your valuable guide, teacher, or mentor of Religious and
Spiritual life.
Lakshmeenaatha
samaarambhaam pauraaneeka guravah madhyamaam | Aadhunika guravah
paryantaam vande guruparamparaam ||
Starting
with the Lord of All Kinds of Wealth, with Puranic Gurus in the middle and
Urban Monks in the end, I salute the entire Guru Traditions!
Did
people celebrate Guru Purnima Day in Dwapara Yuga? To them, every
day was Guru Purnima Day and not Guru Amavasya Day! If it were to be celebrated,
Arjuna would have gladly celebrated and would have said, “Dronacharya is my Teacher and Krishna is my
Guru!”
One
of the lesser-known facts about the former DMK suprema Karunanidhi was that he
was actually named after a Muslim mystic Guru who lived in Thiruvarur. Born
Muhammad Ibrahim, he was known by his spiritual name, Guru Sri Karunaiyananda Jnana
Bhupathi (1887-1939). He had written some classic prose texts on Vedanta,
emphasizing Advaita. He should have been considered an important milestone in
the modern spiritual and cultural history of Tamil Nadu. But despite even DMK
being in power for quite a long time, he had been largely ignored. This,
despite the fact that the former chief minister had himself acknowledged being
named after this Muslim born saint. Does the present DMK GOVT care for
Guru Purnima Day?
We celebrate three Acharyas’
Birthdays as Jayanthis but not that of Vedavyasa that is either Guru
Purnima or Vyass Purnima. Ravi Sivachaya author of American Panchanga says
JAYANTHI is a day of glorification only and when a tithi is attached to a
name it is definite Birth Day. Though Sankara’s Birth Day is
disputable Ramanuja’s and Madhva’s Birthday are historically established. But
Madhva Navami and Buddha Purnima are not based on the birthdays. Vyasa’s
birthday along with Mahabharata War date and Krishna’s Birth date are confirmed
based on software planetarium studies. All these create a confusion in our mind
whether we are performing rituals and religious events as per
Sastra-injunctions to be effective (tasmat sastram pramanam
te.....)? However, the birthday of Krishna, the author of Gita
is celebrated as Gokulashtami and Sri Jayanthi. Do you know, in
competition, religious pundits celebrate Ganesha Jayanthi on all 12 months
on Chaturthi Days?
Such a confusion prevailed in
Christianity too, for e.g., Christmas, but all Christians go by the authority
of Pope’s declaration, but no such authority exists in Hinduism and hence
attracts criticism as confused and pagan religion! Why can’t we celebrate all
of them as Jayanthis with no Tithi appended to the name? As Hindu Americans can
we go by American Panchanga so meticulously calculated though often guide by
confused astrologers and not Vedic Astrology!
As I walk with my mentor Guru,
I walk in the light of existence, away from the darkness of ignorance.
I leave behind all the problems of my life and move towards the peak
experiences of life. Wish you Happy Guru Purnima sharing these thoughts with you!
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/06/guru-poornima-celebration.html
--July
18, 2021
GITA TIPS ON DEEP RELAXATION --WEBINAR 204
FOWAI Forum (India) and STEP (USA), invite you to join the WEBINAR-204, Tips on Deep Relaxation --Brahmavidyā in Chapter 13 of Geetā by
Pujya Swāmi Chidānandaji on Sunday, July 18, 2021
Gist of Presentation:
“See the indestructible
amidst all destruction,” says1 Shri Krishna in the direct
context of Self-knowledge (ātma-jnāna), which applies to our
daily life in numerous ways. When we lose money, friends, position or
reputation, we can receive solace from such verses. They awaken us into the
vision of a deeper truth, a greater wealth that never leaves us. “This Light of
all lights is within everybody’s heart,” says2 the great
Geetāchārya, which again assures us of our innate divinity. We can deeply relax
when we contemplate upon the truth of these utterances, which of course can be
better appreciated upon regular Vedānta study.
This webinar examines several verses of chapter 13 of Geetā that
bless us with inner peace and equipoise in the face of adversity.
1. vinashyatsu avinashyantam yah pashyati sa pashyati 13.28
2. jyotishām-api tad-jyotih ..hridi sarvasya vishthitam 13.18
HINDU
REFLECTIONS ON WEBINAR 204
Yesterday I
drew your attention to the message of Sadhvi Bhagavati on National
Simplicity Day:
“On National Simplicity Day, what can be more divinely simple
than ecstasy in the monsoon rains? We think we need more and more in life to be
happier and happier, to feel fuller and fuller. The truth is it's not the
possessions, the titles, and the material wealth that makes us feel deep joy,
peace, meaning or contentment in life. It is our deep connection to the Divine,
our ability to find the joy in and of each moment. Even if it's just the
heavenly joy of the rain on the Earth.... “.
I was then getting ready with my customary week-end E-mail titled “Inner
peace and Happiness” recalling a quote “The pursuit of inner peace
is more important than the search for happiness or success.” – Chris
Shea. I, in the meantime, received this e-mail
Webinar-204 Tips on Deep Relaxation by Pujya Swāmi Chidānandaji’.
I was amazed to see how these topics are all interconnected and leads to the
light at the end of the dark tunnel while we are focused on material and fame
that is all illusory
which Sankara says is Maya,
that Ramakrishna Vedanta says --Maya is not Illusion but Power. Vedas asks us to be engaged in power (Maya)
of worship: yajnasya maayayaa
sarvaanavayajaamahe--we remove all (the snares of death-mrityupasa) by the power of our deeds of worship (MNU).
We are still not out of woods of the dangers of the demonic Pandemonium
with its new delta version which is more contagious than the previous one. We
all fall back on Gita as the panacea for the crisis guided by the wisdom of Dr.
Kulakarni of UK who walks around Corona virus affected patients with
stethoscope in the neck and Gita in his hand. Swami Chidananda also draws our to wisdom thoughts
contained in chapter 13 of Gita that deals with Jnana Yoga and Sanyasa Yoga.
In the Webinar
204, HH Swami Chidananda draws our attention to Shri Krishna’s message in a way
urging us to develop an attitude where we shift our focus from the perishable
to the imperishable. The Ishvara aspect in us is the
same as the Ishvara aspect in everyone else
(aatmavat sarvabhooteshu). Shri
Krishna says that one who develops such a vision, one who sees the imperishable
in the perishable, he truly sees, not anyone else, and enjoys Inner peace and Happiness--Relaxing serene
alike in peace and danger.
Children enjoy playing with masks.
The more distorted and grotesque the mask, the greater the thrill. The secret of
their amusement is the fact that they know the masks are different from them.
They are immune to the aberrations of the masks, unlike grown-ups like us!
We are an amalgam of matter and
Spirit. Body, mind and intellect are all matter. That which breathes life into
the inert matter is Spirit. The Spirit is the real we. Body, mind and intellect make the mask. The word ‘personality’ comes from the Latin ‘persona’ which means mask.
Ignorant of our real nature we
wrongly attribute the distortions and limitations of the body, mind and
intellect to ourselves and suffer. Being matter, body, mind and intellect are
susceptible to the influences of the world. But we are the Spirit. Nothing in
the world has the power to affect us. We command the world. Yet today we are
victimized by the world and are weak, powerless. Totally at the mercy of the
environment.
The Gita exhorts us to awaken to our
own glory. The mask of body, mind and intellect is provided only for us to
enjoy the playground of the world. Instead today it has become the source of
stress and distress, anguish and agony.
One who understands the
difference between matter and Spirit is empowered, happy and unaffected by the
fluctuations in the world. Krishna epitomizes this state. With the mask he was
endearing, charming, charismatic. Everyone adored him. Even the Gopis, exasperated by his mischief,
forgot their anger when they saw his captivating smile. Divested of the mask He
was awesome, worshipful. Like when He showed the Universal Form to Arjuna in
chapter 11 (viswaroopa darsana)
Yoga of Knowledge, Chapter 13, on which Swamiji will throw light on
relaxing, serene alike in peace and
danger, says: “All we have to do is understand the distinction between the
mask and the real we. Then the distortions inherent in the body, mind and
intellect will only entertain us. We
will not agonize over them. Our interface with the world will be
perfect, evoking accolades and laurels. By ourselves we will be a repository of
grace, happiness and power”.
The two slokas of Gita
that swamiji draws our attention are as follows:
Jyotishaamapi tajjyotistamsaha paramuchyate |
jnyaanam jnyeyam jnyaanagamyam hridi sarvasya vishthitam || 17 ||
That is the light even among all the lights, and
it has been spoken of as beyond darkness. It is knowledge, that which is to be
known, and the goal of knowledge. It especially resides in the hearts of all.
samam sarveshu bhooteshu tishthantam
parameshvaram |
vinashyatsvavinashyantam yaha pashyati sa pashyati || 27 ||
He who sees the supreme lord established equally
in all beings, as the imperishable within the perishable, he sees (correctly).
Shri Krishna
says that the eternal essence is the “light among all the lights”. The word
“light” in the Vedas refers to awareness, to knowledge. Which means that
ultimately, it is the eternal essence that provides the power of awareness, the
power to know, to all beings. Without the eternal essence, we would have no
awareness, no sentience.
Imagine a
classroom of students that are taking an examination. The student on the last
bench can see all of the students in front of him. The student seated in the
second to last row can see other students, but not the last row student. Also,
the student in the front row cannot see the student in the last row. The
awareness provided by the eternal essence is like the student in the last row.
The next student is the intellect, followed by the mind and the senses. In
other word, the eternal essence gives awareness to the intellect, which gives
it to the mind, and then to the senses. But the mind, intellect and senses
cannot immediately contact the eternal essence.
When a nation
is fighting for its independence from an invader, freedom fighters always urge
the citizens to emphasize that which is common among them and de-emphasize that
which is different. In India, freedom fighters had to urge its citizens to
overcome their differences of region and religion, and emphasize the idea of a
united Indian nation. Unless the citizens stopped identifying themselves with a
certain region/religion and started identifying themselves as Indians, there
was no chance of India gaining independence.
Similarly, all
of us tend to focus on each-others physical appearances, words, ideas,
thoughts, all of which are fundamentally perishable and transient. Shri Krishna
urges us to develop an attitude where we shift our focus from the perishable to
the imperishable.
Now, just like
the word “light” refers to knowledge, the word “darkness” refers to ignorance.
By saying that the eternal essence is beyond ignorance, Shri Krishna points out
the uniqueness of the awareness aspect of the eternal essence. If we light a
lamp in a dark room, it dispels the darkness. We cannot have darkness and light
coexist. However, the eternal essence is present in individuals who are
ignorance of it, as well as those few rare individuals who have realized it.
This unique ability of the eternal essence to illumine ignorance is why Shri
Krishna calls it “beyond darkness”.
I hope this
background information will help in following the WEBINAR of limited time that
will be easy for consumption and practical to lead a deeply relaxed life in
peace as well as danger like the pandemonium.
--July 17, 2021
National Simplicity Day, July 12, 2021
Even as many Americans celebrate the apparent waning of the
Pandemic that
we celebrated yesterday, the thrum of concern over the so-called
Delta variant growth grows steadily louder that is more contagious variant.
These variants further
separate two Americas--vaccinate and unvaccinated.
We are constantly flooded with National Days of celebrations, many
that are celebrated at International level. Soon every day in the year may
become a National Day, demanding our celebration and veneration, as our
problems are endless! Naturally, that makes us indifferent to these celebrations
including my sermons on these. I therefore ignored this important National Day
of Simplicity, but was awakened to its vital importance looking at Sadhvi
Bhagavati, who is always serene alike in peace and danger, dancing in the rain
and enjoying the day in solitude and also sending her powerful message.
Just like every year, here is yet another moment to reflect on a
back-to-basics approach to living. The moment of reflection is due on National
Simplicity Day on July 12, which is celebrated worldwide in the honor
of the birth anniversary of Henry David Thoreau who swore by the principles of
simple living during his life time. Thoreau lived a simple life in a natural
environment away from the complications of hectic life.
Henry David Thoreau, a man of simple living and high
thinking, was born on this day in 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts, USA. He
was an American author, an environmentalist, philosopher, naturalist, poet,
historian, surveyor and a transcendentalist who has been known for his
masterpiece ‘Walden’, which is an outcome of his famous two years stay at
Walden Pond in 1845.
The book is a reflection of his stay in isolation in the woods
away from the hustle and bustle of life which went on to prove the author’s
experiment that human beings can stay alone in the wilderness without the need
for technologies and trappings of modern life.
NATIONAL SIMPLICITY DAY: HISTORY &
SIGNIFICANCE
This day came into existence out of the need to declutter our life
from stress and make it simpler and meaningful. The day emphasizes the need to
free ourselves from the clutches of technology and devote more time to
ourselves so that we could connect with ourselves in a much better way.
In his book, ‘Walden’, Thoreau says, “Simplicity, simplicity,
simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a
thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on
your thumb nail.”
In another quote, the author of Walden said: “As you simplify your
life, the laws of the universe will be simpler".
On Henry David Thoreau’s Day, we would only recommend life in his
words: Don’t complicate your life with unnecessary stress. Live simple,
satisfied, happy and for a purpose. Winnow out the important things in life you
need to focus on and get rid yourself of the rest. Lastly, resist yourself from
impulsive and unnecessary buying!
In the complicated world that we inhabit today where mobile
phones, laptops and other modern-day gadgets mean that we very rarely
experience true peace and quiet to gather our thoughts, what better excuse to
leave the technology at home and experience the feeling of truly being in
the moment. No wonder this day has attracted Sadhvi Bhagavati who is no
stranger to you. We celebrated National Pandemonium Day on July 14, 2021 on
which I spoke a lot. Somehow, I missed this more important day. Based on the
philosophy of this day July 14 would have brought more meaning to my life and
also celebrate that day-- You’re dealing with challenges and
difficulties over which you have no control. Take a break from everything and
get lots of rest on Pandemonium Day romancing with Nature.
It is surprising, I too went out for a walk in
the morning on July 12, when everything seemed to be silent, not moving but
within our perspective; and soon few drizzles drenched me too and bringing the
same feeling as Sadhvi Bhagavati, while I had no idea of the day or its
importance!
“Happy National Simplicity Day -
DANCING IN THE RAIN!
On National Simplicity Day,
what can be more divinely simple than ecstasy in the monsoon rains? We think we
need more and more in life to be happier and happier, to feel fuller and
fuller. The truth is it's not the possessions, the titles, and the material
wealth that makes us feel deep joy, peace, meaning or contentment in life. It
is our deep connection to the Divine, our ability to find the joy in and of
each moment. Even if it's just the heavenly joy of the rain on the
Earth....
#nationalsimplicityday#simplicity #simplelife#monsoon#singing-in-the-rain#rain-on-me
On this National Simplicity Day, take a break from hectic daily
life and relax to enjoy little things in life. Read about Henry David Thoreau,
his books, essays, and philosophy. Some of the tips for simplifying life.
--Sadhvi Bhagavati”
On the occasion of Simplicity Day, I
wish you a simple and happy life. Simple food and living are what make this
life a beautiful one. Keep things simple and you will always have lesser stress
to deal with.
The question is not what you look at, but how you look and whether
you see--Henry
David Thoreau
“Simplicity
is the essence of happiness”--Cedric
Bledsoe
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and
realize they were the big things”--Robert Brault
Lead a simple spiritual life but not complex and confused
Religious Life, practicing da-da-da, (dama-dayaa-daana),
Constrain, Compassion and Charity!
--July 15, 2021
National
Pandemonium Day on July 14
My attention was drawn this morning to a shocking news
reflecting the pandemonium that prevails in India. That reminded me, “USA is a Land of
Pandemonium” and that is USA the only country that celebrates the unofficial National Pandemonium Day on July 14 every year.
“U.S. COVID-19 CASES DOUBLE OVER 3 WEEKS The COVID-19
curve in the U.S. is rising again after months of decline, driven by the
fast-spreading delta variant, lagging
vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings like what India did on
Festive days., thinking God will take care of our foolishness. As parts of the country run up against deep
vaccine resistance, all but two states — Maine and South Dakota — reported that
case numbers have gone up over the past two weeks”
All of our lives contain a bit of
chaos, and it’s this confusion and disorder that can really make most people
feel like they can’t keep it together. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the
case at all. People can learn how to take control of the unpredictability of
life and turn it into something positive. And one of the first steps to doing
that is acknowledging the chaos. Once that’s done, they can then celebrate Pandemonium Day on the 14th of
July every year. This is a holiday on which people can pull themselves out
of the ruts they have allowed themselves to fall into, take control of the
whirlwind, and do something special. It’s a day where the normal rules don’t
apply and people can rid themselves of the expectations they burden themselves
with the rest of the year.
Unfortunately, I do not know when
they started it or why it was started. Most likely, whoever started this
holiday did so to pull themselves out of a rut they were in, put away their
responsibilities and just enjoy a “me” day. Had I knew about this status of USA
too, I would not have migrated to USA! I believe we are in a pandemonium as for
Religion and Spirituality is concerned with rapidly growing SBNR and Awesome
without Allah movements!
However, just because we don’t know
who started this holiday doesn’t mean that we don’t know the origins of the
word pandemonium. Pandemonium is a word that was first used in John Milton’s
epic poem Paradise Lost. The word is a combination of two words-the Greek word
“pan” which means “all” and the Latin word “daemonium”
which means “demon.” Therefore the word actually means “all demons” and was the
name for the capital of Hell where demons lived. Nowadays, the word means
something that is chaotic, unpredictable, and disorganized.
Do you want some interesting facts
about chaos, disorder, and pandemonium? Fortunately, you’ve come to the right
place because we’ve discovered a virtual treasure trove of facts on these
subjects. Factoids that we now intend to share with everyone below.
·
Pandemonium is the name of four
spinning roller coasters in the U.S
·
The four Pandemonium Roller Coasters
are at Six Flags over Texas, Six Flags St. Louis, Six Flags New England, and
Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
·
According to mythology, chaos is the
origin of everything in the universe.
·
Santánico Pandemonium was the vampire
queen in the movie From Dusk Till Dawn.
I
don’t know what you feel about, but the responses to the news and events of the
past weeks and today, at least from what I’ve been reading, seems to border on
pandemonium. Yes, this virus is serious and we must take precautions, but as
Hindu Americans, we can take comfort in knowing that even in uncertain times,
God is still in control- anyatha saranam
nasti, anatha rakshakah, devo rakshatu no. As we seek to be lights in a
dark world, let us be wise and careful in the days ahead, responding not in
fear, but in faith turning inwards. Many
around us are looking for hope in the midst of their fears (and the enemy
loves to prey on fear, chaos, and
despair). Let us honor the One Whose Name we bear, the One who loves us
more than life itself. Our God is a God of order, not chaos; He is a God of
hope, not despair. May we represent Him well! Krishno rakshatu no jagatrayah guruh! Even the Holy Bible says: “The
Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the
stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 ESV) and
the Islam raises its voice: Allah ho Akbar and surrender to him understanding “Islam” means submission. The problem is many
do not learn Urdu like we do not learn Sanskrit!
God
has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in turning to your Inner-net in your
own life. Discover how you can find peace with God.
You’re dealing with challenges and difficulties over which
you have no control. Take a break from everything and get lots of rest on
Pandemonium Day.
--July
14, 2021
"Yog Darshan - The Story
of Yoga” by HUA
In this Webinar, HUA Faculty Member, and Cincinnati based composer
Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran will share his insights on the making of ‘Yog Darshan'
- his new musical creation that explores the history of Yoga through music and
literary works spanning the length and breadth of India.
Please watch this 27 minute long music video which presents slokas and verses written over 3 millennia,
orchestrated in about 20 ragas, featuring young distinguished singers and
visuals representing the cultural diversity of India. This work shines the
spotlight on the nature of yoga ingrained in the very DNA of India in myriad
ways from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Ahmedabad to Assam
Please recall my introduction
of the Organization ETM while describing holistic music and mantra therapy. Now
go through the exposition of Yoga Darshan--Story of Yoga through Music. From
time immemorial Yoga classes started with chanting of OM with Vedic prescribed
intonation, the origin of art of music. Though not an expert, I believe,
introduction of Yoga Darshan -Yoga through Music in our Baal
Vihaar and Vedic Heritage Classes Syllabus at young age should
bring enormous benefit to quality of human life of BMS Complex!
Since 1991, ETM has harnessed
the power of music to enhance the academic performance and general development
of its students. ETM work provides these children with the
skills to become better learners and the confidence to live in an increasingly
challenging world.
Findings indicate that students
in schools that receive ETM perform better academically than students in
schools with similar demographics that do not receive ETM. Students’
participation in ETM music class and school concerts contributes to creativity
as well as to social and emotional capacities. The program encourages
motivation for school in general. • ETM supports students’ social and emotional
development. • ETM positively impacts students’ academic achievement: 84% of
ETM students reported that music class improved their focus; 76% of middle
school students said that music class increased their desire to go to school;
upwards of 96% of classroom teachers believed ETM has enhanced students’ math,
literacy, and critical thinking skills. • The ETM program promotes stronger
relationships between schools and parents and supported community engagement;
64% of ETM parents reported that they have been more involved in the school
community since their children started ETM. • Partner school leadership highly
rated the overall program: 97% of principals and 98% of classroom teachers
evaluated the ETM program positively. Additional information is available at
ETMonline.org/impact. Similar studies on Yoga Darshan may show even better
results on body and mind development!
I have been receiving lyrics on
thought of the day from my talented participants that I have occasionally
forwarded to you. That too is a technique like YOGA Darshan described above.
--July
13, 2021
Comments:
Thank you for
the note Nadipuram Ji! I will keep this in mind and I do agree!
--Ankur Patel of HUA
ON CONVERGENCE OF SPIRITUALITY
AND RELIGION
On the surface, Anatta and Atman are the literal opposites.
However, the two are inextricably woven and one cannot be comprehended without
the full context of the other. Although the creation of the two concepts is
chronologically separated by centuries, they are deeply connected, with one
creating the need, and conjured to alleviate its unintended consequences, for
the other. Atman, “the Self, Soul, and Indwelling spirit,” is a central concept
in Hindu philosophy (Bhaskarananda 202). Anatta, literally translated as
"non-Soul", is the absence of a Soul and is relevant in Buddhist
teachings (Fronsdal). This simplistic contrast between Atman and Anatta
deserves careful delineation rather than simply treating them as antonyms
because of the very different contexts in which the two were introduced. After
exploring these two keystone concepts of Hinduism and Buddhism, I find that the
two ultimately serve the common purpose of leading a practitioner onto a
similar spiritual path of selflessness.
The Hindu teaching regarding Atman, both in the early scriptures
as well as in subsequent literature to this day, has been consistent in
characterizing Atman as the quality of the self that is unmanifested. Atman is
distinct from the physical, mental or intellectual qualities of human beings in
the form of their body, mind or thought (Radhakrishnan). Once these outer
layers of appearance, imagination, and emotion are removed from the Self, the
Soul or Atman remains. Due to every individual having an Atman within, devoid
of the external differences, it is the universal equalizer to obviate hate or
hierarchy or any reason for any entity in the universe to not love the other
and co-exist in harmony. At its essence, Atman has been explained as the inner
God, the true Self that is one with Brahman, the universal God, and therefore
every being in the universe is essentially a manifestation of the Brahman via
the Atman, which resides within the Self (Radhakrishnan). This elegant
exposition of Atman continues to form the basis of the core philosophy of
Hinduism, Vasudeva Kutumbakam, which means the whole universe
is a family and therefore guides the practicing Hindu on the path of selfless
love for the universe as a means towards true happiness (“Vasudeva
Kutumbakam”).
Chronologically, Atman predates Anatta by hundreds of years,
allowing the concept to have already evolved over the centuries before the
Buddha. It was first documented in the Rigveda and was expounded upon in the
other Vedas and the Upanishads (Deussen 91). By the time the Buddha was
reaching enlightenment and trying to make sense of the world around him, even
though the philosophical concepts of the Vedas and Upanishads might have been
cogent and intrinsically sound, he did not see their direct benefit to society.
The suffering, hatred, sorrow, and violence that the Buddha observed in the
world is what motivated him to pursue his spiritual journey in the first place.
He questioned and critiqued all of society’s philosophical concepts that were
available yet inadequate to improve people's lives. He had to design a
philosophy that provided solutions to the problems he saw rather than merely
follow what was accepted as pure and accurate in elite Hindu
scholarship.
A Buddhist's journey is to acknowledge suffering, understand its
cause, and transcend it by knowing that it can end. He did not believe that
focusing on Atman would help one to achieve Nirvana, but rather needed a
construct to define one’s journey away from the Self. According to Mrs. Rhys
Davids, a late British writer and Buddhist text interpreter, the concept of
Anatta is an example of the Buddha deliberately de-emphasizing or apparently
negating the core tenet of Atman which focuses on the Self, while the Buddha's
teachings implore us to not do so because attachment to the Self is a cause of
suffering (Davids as qtd. in Radhakrishnan 384). There is evidence of the Buddha
discussing Atman in his early discourses and struggling to find a way to make
it a usable and practical tool for the journey that he believed in towards
attaining Nirvana. He feared both extremes of the use of Atman: one was the
nihilist outcome of people not caring about their lives because the body, mind,
and intellect did not ultimately matter; the other was the danger of eternalize
in which people would indulge in superficial pleasures all their lives because
the Soul was immortal anyway (Radhakrishnan 386). Rather, the Buddha wanted to
impart the transcendental doctrine while still reminding people of the misery
of attachment to life and rebirth. Since true happiness comes from detachment,
he had to carefully balance the use of Atman in his discourse and eventually
relinquished its use without rejecting it (Radhakrishnan 386). Ultimately,
Anatta was derived from Atman over time. And because Atman was not able to
directly control the physical, emotional or intellectual faculties, nor was it
easy to appreciate as a metaphysical construct, Buddhism gradually discarded
Atman as unworthy and hence focused on Anatta.
Yet it is telling that the Buddha never repudiated or rejected the
concept of Atman. In fact, as explained in the Buddhist Vacchagotta Sutta, he
was asked about it twice directly, and he did not answer the questions either
in the affirmative or the negative; he was merely silent (Vacchagotta Sutra as
qtd. in and transl. by Radhakrishnan 386). While the Buddha agreed with the
concept of Atman for his time, with the unintended consequences of people’s
actions to feed their self-ego, he deemed the concept limited, inadequate, and
perhaps a detriment to his teachings. He needed a construct that could free the
human from his self and set him on a path to Nirvana. He considered it so
important to remove one’s attachment from one’s Self that he included the
literal opposite of the Soul, the true Self, Anatta or “an-Atman” in his
discourse (Radhakrishnan 389). Even in doing so, he leveraged both concepts to
further support his teachings. They were both preached by the Buddha himself
depending on the doctrine of choice, as described in Nagarjuna’s interpretation
of the Prajnaparamita Sutra: “He taught the existence of Atman when he wanted
to impart to his hearers the conventional doctrine; he taught the doctrine of
an-Atman when he wanted to impart to them the transcendental doctrine”
(Nagarjuna transl. from Prajnaparamita Sutra, qtd. in
Radhakrishnan 389). The irony of this choice is palpable: both Atman and Anatta
aim to achieve the same objective, which is to help an individual move away
from superficial worldly attachments and aim instead to attain the universal
truth of detached harmony. Atman and Anatta both lead to salvation or Nirvana
through a journey of renouncing worldly pleasures and experiencing the universe
with detached appreciation.
The scholars of Hinduism have discussed and debated Atman and its
centrality in the religion’s philosophy, especially its oneness with Brahman,
thus creating a seamless continuum from an individual to the ultimate God. This
elegance helps string together much of the worldly religious guidance that
shaped the early Indian or Hindu way of life and guides practicing Hindus even
today. On the other hand, Buddhist scholars have taken the Buddha’s disinterest
in Atman and dwelled on Anatta as a way to focus on the actionable tenets of
Buddhism, with the ultimate goal being Nirvana. The state of Nirvana is not
much different than the ultimate Hindu spiritual objective of life. Despite the
differences in approach of the two conjoined concepts in Hinduism and Buddhism,
the religious paths of guidance from Atman and Anatta both lead to a similar
spiritual objective. This interconnectedness reflects the nuanced character of Buddhism
as a religion. Out of its many responses to and departures from Hinduism,
Anatta stands out as one that may appear as a challenge to Hinduism. After
digging deeper, however, it is discovered to be the other side of the same
coin, thus revealing the value in studying this concept through the lens of
Hinduism. Ultimately, one may say that neither Buddhism nor Hinduism conform
with the western guidelines of being a religion—rather, they are
ways of leading one’s life and spiritual institutions that define the purpose
and objective of that life. As we can see after exploring only a few threads
that are woven into the thick fabrics of each religion, there are a countless
number of paths that lead one to this Holy Grail.
The Aim of Gita doctrine is to lead one to tranquility, happiness
and equanimity. No rituals are prescribed. The Gita says that the world needs
different religions, cults and deities to meet the vastly different needs of
individuals. Its doctrine is beyond religions and National boundaries.
--July 12, 2021
**************************************************************
HINDU AMERICAN APPROACH TO GREAT SPIRITUAL
TRADITIONS IN MAJOR RELIGIONS
When we look at all the major world religions, we see that they
are more similar than dissimilar in how understand the spiritual quest, the
path of discipleship and holiness. When we look at Christianity, Judaism,
Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Native religions, we can draw out these
major points of convergence:
• First, in all of them the aim of the spiritual quest is the
same, union with God and union with everyone and everything else. There are
different disciplines, different understandings of God, and different
understandings of life, but all the great spiritual traditions are ultimately
seeking the same thing, union with the divine and, through that, peace with one
another and with physical creation.
• Second, in all the great spiritual traditions the path to union
is understood as coming through compassion. In every great spiritual tradition,
what religion ultimately strives to achieve is to form a heart that is properly
shaped in compassion and wisdom. Then, and only then, are worship, dogma, and
justice done correctly.
• Third, in every great spiritual tradition, the route to
compassion and union with God is paradoxical, requiring that somehow, we have
to lose ourselves to find ourselves, die to come to life, and give so as to
receive. In every major spiritual tradition, we are taught that we cannot come
to joy, delight, and happiness by actively pursuing these. These are always a
byproduct of something else, namely, of trying to create joy, delight, and
happiness for someone else. Every great spiritual tradition would be at ease
with the Prayer of St. Francis: Affirming that in giving we receive, in
consoling others we are consoled, and in trying to understand others we are
understood.
• Fourth, every great spiritual tradition is clear that spiritual
progress requires hard discipline and some painful renunciations that the road-more-travelled
won’t get you home. The gate to heaven is always the narrow one, the one that
requires discipline and renunciation. Indeed the word “discipleship” comes from
the word “discipline”. When Hinduism and Buddhism speak of different kinds of “yoga”
they are simply referring to various forms of discipline (from which we take
our reduced sense of the word “yoga”).
• Fifth, every great spiritual tradition tells us that the
spiritual quest is a life-long journey with no short-cuts, no quick paths, no
hidden secrets, and no appeal to privilege that can short-circuit the
discipline and renunciation required. They also tell us that there are no
exempt areas within the spiritual life and that there are no moral or
psychological areas that we can ignore or write-off as unimportant. No great
spiritual tradition lets us chose between personal integrity and social
justice, personal holiness or political action. Every one of them tells us that
both are non-negotiable.
• Sixth, in every great spiritual tradition consolation and
desolation, religious fervor and dark nights of the soul, both have an
important role within the spiritual journey. Both provide a necessary, if very
different, kind of nurturing. All traditions caution us not to identify
progress only with consolation and fervor, just as all of them caution us not
to make suffering, desolation, and dark nights an end in themselves.
• Seventh and perhaps surprisingly, all the great spiritual
traditions downplay the importance of extraordinary phenomena within the
spiritual journey. Visions, altered states of consciousness, mystical trances,
ecstasies, miracles, and appearances by persons or forces from the other world,
whether benign or malevolent, soothing or frightening, are all downplayed in
every major tradition. These can be real and they can mark our lives, but they
are not indicative of real growth and progress which, in all great traditions,
take place within the ordinary bread-and-butter of life. In every major
spiritual tradition, the essential things that God wants us to know are public,
available to all, and written down. All traditions make the distinction between
public revelation (which is binding for everyone) and private revelations
(which can be meaningful but which are not binding for everyone and are not the
salient revelation even inside of the life of the person to whom they are
given.)
• Eighth, all great spiritual traditions affirm that, while we are
on the spiritual path, we will meet great temptations and powerful demons and
that these need to be recognized and taken seriously. All of them caution
against naiveté, especially naiveté regarding certain innate tendencies within
our own make-up and within the dynamics of every crowd.
• Finally, all the major spiritual traditions agree that the
spiritual journey will always partly be mystery. Just as the God we meet on
this journey is ultimately ineffable, so too is the experience. In the end we
will never find adequate words and concepts either to understand or to describe
what we experience on the journey. Hence all traditions caution strongly
against ever thinking that our grasp of things is adequate, even remotely
so.
All the great religious traditions agree: The road is narrow and
hard and there are no short-cuts.
Three key phrases, Religion, Science and
Spirituality have been part of the social discussion and discourse during
modern times. In Western world, there have been conflicts between Religion and
Science. These conflicts are well known. These conflicts arise because of
conflict between ‘Faith’ and ‘Reason’. The methodology of science is based on
reason in contrast to methodology of Religion that is based on Faith. During
recent years another concept viz. Spirituality based on Upanishads, thanks to
urban monks has been gaining currency. Spirituality as distinct from
Religion has its roots in the idea of Consciousness (Brahman,
Universal Consciousness). In contrast to Faith, it has experiential dimension
that can be subjected to ‘scientific testing’. We see the light at
the end of the tunnel that being the possibility of future convergence between
Science and Spirituality, if not faith-based religions.
"I regard Consciousness as fundamental. I
regard matter as derivative from Consciousness. We cannot get behind
Consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as
existing, postulates Consciousness"--Max Planck
It
is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light– Aristotle
We have to know the darkness before we can appreciate the light-ghandhakareshviva
deepadarsanam. Hindus search Brahman in darkness
--July 11, 2021
WHY OUR SUNDAY SCHOOLS INCLUDE
SLOKA RECITING, MANTRA MEDITATING & MUSIC SINGING IN THEIR SYLLABUS
Benefits of mantra chanting and
sloka classes for children is akin to benefits of Music
Education. Hindus start music Classes for children at young
age. One who recites Mantras and slokas with intonations attains
highest merit purifying his body and mind and is a great spiritual discipline.
An early bird catches the prey, so you can realize the
benefits children accrue at young age by sloka, mantra and music classes. This
is often dismissed as part of Hindu Culture and routine and
many do not bother about it too!
The benefits of music education are immense and highly beneficial
to students. Music positively impacts a child’s academic performance, assists
in developing social skills, and provides an outlet for creativity that is
crucial to a child’s development. Music education catapults a child’s learning
to new heights, and because of this, it should always be considered a pivotal
part of a child’s educational process.
Music
has a benefit beyond the classroom; it makes a positive impact that ripples
throughout the rest of their lives. For two partner school students—sisters
Sarah and Naomi, this was especially true. At a time when their family was
experiencing hardship, Sarah and Naomi joined the orchestra at their
school and began to overcome the challenges they were facing.
Music Education and Its Impact on Student Learning
Music education improves and develops language skills in children.
Music stimulates the brain, and with its varied sounds and lyrics, students are
exposed to a large amount of vocabulary in a short amount of time. Music also
provides exposure to other languages, which creates a foundation for the
student’s ability to understand and communicate in a different language.
Music is a vehicle for excellent memory skills. Have you ever
listened to a song for the first time in a long time and still remember the
lyrics? Even individuals who are not musicians experience this
phenomenon. Through catchy melodies and a variety of sounds, music has a
way of “sticking” with us and is a powerful tool for learning when used
appropriately — just think of singing the ‘A, B, Cs’ or ‘The State
Capitols’ song.
On the flip side, students also increase their mental capabilities
in multiple ways when participating in music education. As stated before, music
fosters memorization skills. In addition to song lyrics, students must memorize
all aspects of music when preparing for a performance. Students must recall
rhythms, pitches, dynamics, and several other elements all at once. Students
can then transfer those memory skills to the academic classroom and employ
those skills in their studies.
Social Benefits of Music Education
The mental benefits of music education are extremely advantageous
to students in schools; however, the social benefits are just as wonderful! Music
education requires
teamwork and collaboration. While playing instruments together, students develop listening
skills. They must listen to others to better gage volume levels, the implementation
of dynamics, and so much more. Teamwork and collaboration is also required when
completing simple musical tasks such as rhythmic and melodic notation. Students
quickly learn to value the opinions and ideas of others and how to efficiently
combine those thoughts to complete the task at hand.
In addition to teamwork, music education creates long lasting
friendships and relationships. Students involved in band or choir bond over
their love and enjoyment of music. They share exciting moments together through
music, help develop one another’s abilities, and become a support system for
each other. This special bond also increases student engagement in
school.
Music education allows students an opportunity to experience
different cultures. In early music education, the use of songs and games from
other countries is extremely prevalent. Students learn how other children play
and compare that knowledge to their own lives. In addition, students develop an
understanding of other cultures, which leads to a beautiful acceptance of
others. Students realize that recognizing differences is good, and it creates a
greater respect for others.
Other Benefits of Music Education
Music education promotes improved coordination, specifically
hand-eye coordination. Musicians must multitask! They must do multiple things
all at once, all of which improves coordination and further develops the brain.
Student musicians must read music, interpret it, and physically initiate the
music through the playing of their instrument. These steps are repeated
continuously throughout any performance of a piece of music, and even the
youngest of learners slowly develop their coordination skills through continued
music practice.
Music education fosters greater work ethic and discipline in children.
Students of music learn from an early age that hard work, determination, and a
positive mindset are all you need to succeed, but with those characteristics,
continual practice is required. Students learn that improving musical skills
does not come easy, as it requires hours of study and practice. Through this,
students gain a greater concept of work ethic and learn to discipline
themselves to reach goals. Work ethic and discipline are huge factors of music
education, and it is important to note that those life skills will positively impact a student when entering the work
force, completing tasks, etc.
Because music education is an outlet for creativity, it can be a
source of stress relief. Unfortunately, there are many stressors
present for children at school and at home (pressure to pass the test, make the
grade, make the team, exceed expectations, and so on). Music education allows
students a chance to excel with fewer limits and greater possibilities. It
also gives students something to look forward to during the school day (not those
students do not look forward to math, science, etc.); thus, directly impacting
student engagement in school. Music simply provides a different means of
student expression, and there are fewer barriers to what students can do and
explore. Students who are involved in music education generally have an overall
increase in engagement and enjoyment in school.
The final benefit of music education may be one of the most
important benefits. Music transcends the limits of language. Music has no
language barrier. It is something that brings people together regardless of
ethnicity or background. Music also transcends academic barriers as well. All
learners can be successful in music. Sometimes, students who are not very inept
academically soar in the arts! Students who cannot remember basic math skills
can remember and employ the use of various rhythmic patterns effortlessly.
Music literally becomes their best subject, and they shine in it! Through
this, a student’s sense of self and his/her confidence is dramatically boosted.
All children desire to be good at something and develop a sense of achievement
for a job well done, and music education produces an outlet that is perfect for
that.
In this context, please note how these skill developments helps
our critical situation as the great natural and holistic healers.
Music therapy is the use of music to address
the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of a group or individual.
It employs a variety of activities, such as listening to melodies, playing an
instrument, drumming, writing songs, and guided imagery. Music therapy is appropriate for people of all ages, whether they are virtuosos or tone deaf, struggling with
illnesses or totally healthy.
Music therapy touches all aspects of the mind,
body, brain and behavior. Music can provide a distraction for the mind, it can
slow the rhythms of the body, and it can alter our mood, which in turn can
influence behavior.
Trained and certified music
therapists do work in a variety of healthcare and educational settings. They
often work with people suffering from emotional health issues such as grief,
anxiety, and depression. They also help people address rehabilitative needs
after a stroke, a traumatic head injury, or with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s
or Alzheimer’s disease.
Music therapy sessions are designed with a number of factors in mind, including
the clients’ physical health, communication abilities, cognitive skills,
emotional well-being, and interests. After weighing these factors along with
the treatment goals, the therapist decides to employ either the creative
or receptive process. (Note that you do not need to have musical abilities
to benefit from either process. The music therapist will ensure that the
activities address the needs and abilities of the client!)
In the creative process, the music therapist works with the client
to actively create or produce the music. This may include composing a song,
engaging in music or song improvisation, or drumming. In the receptive
process, the therapist offers music listening experiences, such as using
music to facilitate a client or group’s relaxation. Clients or groups may then
discuss thoughts, feelings, or ideas elicited by that music.
“In all walks of life,
particularly in the realm of art, the human spirit yearns for perfection."
Rukmini Vijayakumar, with her brilliant background promotes Advaita Vedanta
through her performing arts--Holistic Fine Arts Therapy to master Advaita
Vedanta--Highway to Heaven. An accomplished artist with spiritual background
can take us to great spiritual heights while mind is mesmerized by histrionic
talents to surrender. Thyagaraja’s Carnatic Music
and Kabir's Doha make us revel in Bhakti Marga and so children are
trained in Fine Arts at very young age.
In this context our Spiritual Gurus claim Mantras are more
effective for their holistic therapy values that are examined by
scientific investigations and confirmed. We have discussed this at length
before.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2021/02/psychic-health-care-of-humans-and.html
--July 11, 2021
HINDUISM
IN USA & A CONVERGENCE OF THE WORLDS
Please refer to my recent
E-mails on HUA activities and others. Please go through attached
excellent articles that
reviews some of the greatest political minds America ever produced likes
James Adams, Carl Sagan Emerson, Thoreau and a galaxy of American celebrities
and Urban Monks that are attracted to Hinduism and have contributed
significantly in promoting to live in Peace but not Pieces. For the present
light on this hot topic. I have laid my bricks too for more than a
decade, drawing considerable help from the personal acquaintance and author
Prof. Lakshmikantam of the book “ History of The Human Past” and “Hinduism from
Ancient Times” by Hinduism Today of Hawaii.
Hinduism came to the United
States first in the American imagination and only second with emissaries and
immigrants from India. The initial features of Hinduism that captivated North
American audiences were those that were lauded for their compatibility with
Protestant Christianity and those that were derided for their incompatibility
with the same. The Hinduism that flourished in the North American context drew
heavily from the neo-Vedantic theology of monism, which was propagated by Hindu
reform movements in the 19th century. This monism drew on simplified Upaniṣadic teachings of the similitude of Ātman (the essence of self) and Brahman (the
essence of the universe) and from this claimed that the same divinity comprises
all of existence. Many of the early Hindu emissaries to the United States drew
on ideological confluences between Christian and Hindu universalism. They
diminished the importance of temple and domestic rituals, sacrifice, personal
devotion to the multiplicity of Hindu deities, and priestly class and caste
hierarchies among their North American audiences.
In the 20th century, increasing populations of Indian Hindus immigrated to the United
States and began to challenge this narrative. These Hindus were not gurus or
yogis who were interested in developing followings among white audiences.
They were families concerned about maintaining their cultural and
religious traditions. They also came from diverse regions of India,
and they brought their sectarian and regional practices and devotions with
them. After the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act, Indian Hindus worked
diligently to create community networks by establishing temples and religious
organizations. These religious spaces provided the infrastructure to maintain
and further ethnic identities as well. In most cases, Hindu temples and
organizations continue to be internally focused on providing resources to
communities of Indian Hindus, such as language and scripture instruction,
social support networks, ethnic food, and pan-Indian and regional festivals and
events. While most temples are open to non-Indian Hindus, traditional
Hinduism is not a proselytizing religion, and few non-Indians convert to
Hinduism formally. ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
temples are the only Hindu temples in the United States that sometimes have
proportionate numbers of Indians and non-Indians worshipping together.
Outside traditional forms of
home altars, temple worship, and festivals, there are many ways in
which Hinduism has influenced American culture. The guru
movements that flourished in the countercultural spiritual
experimentation of the long decade of the 1960s continue to draw followers
today. In fact, the guru field in the United States has diversified
significantly, and many gurus have established successful ashram communities
across the nation. Some gurus became mired in scandal in the 1970s and 1980s,
but still they have survived and in some cases thrived. The New Age
movement of the 1990s also brought rekindled interest in Hinduism, often
recoded as Indian spirituality, and this has sponsored a new wave of gurus
and their teachings and the rampant expansion of postural yoga practice in the
United States.
My attachment include: A critical review of Hinduism in
USA, Second
President John Adams’ View of Hinduism (1735–1826);
Biden’s assertion of he being a person of Indian origin.
Indian-Americans are "taking over the country", US
President Joe Biden said, referring to the large number of
"incredible" professionals from the community holding key positions
in his administration. Joe Biden, who was sworn in as the 46th president of the
United States on January 20, has created history by appointing at least 55
Indian-Americans to key positions in his administration. This does not include
Vice President Harris, which is an elected position, and Neera Tanden, senior advisor
to President Joe Biden.
“Hindu Dharma has irrevocably
altered the way Americans understand and practice the spiritual dimension of
life. Hindu Dharma has influenced certain Christian and Jewish leaders, leading
to significant shifts in religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices says Phil
Goldberg, Author of American Veda. Thanks to affluent and intellectual Hindu
Americans, US is turning to be a Nation of Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality
with its fast growing “SBNR” , “Awesome without Allah”, “Ghar Vapasi”,
“Neo-Buddhism”, “Neo-Advaita Vedanta” etc.
Read the book ‘Hinduism in
America A Convergence of Worlds’ by Jeffrey D Long: one of Hindu
immigrants to America who want to preserve their traditions and pass them on to
their children in a new and foreign land, and one of American spiritual seekers
who find that the traditions of India fulfil their most deeply held
aspirations. Learn about the theoretical approaches to Hinduism in America, the
question of orientalism and 'the invention of Hinduism'. Read about: how
concepts like karma, rebirth, meditation and yoga have infiltrated and
influenced the American consciousness:
·Hindu temples in the United
States and Canada
·How Hinduism has influenced vegetarianism/vegan philosophy, and
· The emergence of an increasingly assertive socially and politically active
American Hinduism.
Hinduism in America by Amanda
Lucia is an excellent critical review with lot of references that deals
with: Imaginaries of Hinduism (1790–1893); Hindu Emissaries (1893–1965);
Post-1965 Hindu Communities-Temples; Organizations; Gurus and their followers
(1965 to present); yoga and Meditation; Review of Indian Literature &
History.
“What is the core Hindu teaching of Oneness?
Classical chemistry says that
the world is made up of the elements of the periodic table like oxygen, carbon,
iron and so on. These elements come about from different combinations of
protons, electrons and neutrons. Going further, according to quantum mechanics,
these atomic particles are also made up of energy and ultimately everything is
a wave function. This is what the Upanishads say as well, that everything is a
manifestation of consciousness or energy. While recognizing the underlying
oneness, it is also essential to recognize diversity. The door, the table and
the chair are all made of wood but the door cannot be used as a table and the
chair has a different function than the door. From one level, everything is the
same and from another, everything is different. Though they appear entirely
contradictory, both are true.
How should this teaching translate to how we treat all people, all
living things, and the planet?
Our environment is the first
sheath of our existence. The quality of air and water around us has a direct
impact on our health and the quality of our life. When we see our ecosystem as
an extension of our self, we cannot but take care of it. The ancient cultures
of the world honored Nature in all its forms. We share this planet with all the
creatures living on it. They have as much right on it as we do. The ancients
honored and worshipped trees, mountains, animals and had a sustainable
relationship with the environment and the elements. Unfortunately, in recent
decades, we have lost that sensitivity resulting in large scale pollution
globally. We need to sensitize people about this and rekindle the deep respect
people had for Nature.
What quotes from sacred texts best express this teaching of our
divine connectedness?
There are many scriptures that
elaborate on how the Self or consciousness is the source and basis of all that
is. Niralambopanishad says, ‘Sarvam khalvidam brahma neha nanasti kinchana’
|9| Meaning, all that exists is Brahman or the Self and there is
nothing else apart from it.
What parable best expresses this teaching of our divine
connectedness?
Lord Krishna beautifully
describes the relationship between the consciousness and the world in the
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 7, Verse 7: मत्त: परतरं नान्यत्किञ्चिदस्ति धनञ्जय | मयि सर्वमिदं प्रोतं सूत्रे मणिगणा इव || There is nothing beyond Me. Everything rests in Me, like
the beads strung on a thread. Though there appear to be different creatures
living independently, there is one life force that runs through them”--Sri
Sri Ravi Shankar
No doubt Baal Vihaar Sunday
School in Nashville and similar institutions are doing an excellent job
in conducting Discover India Camps, the Mother Land of Hinduism that gave refuge to many in the past
but also sent her sons and daughters all over the globe to spread the message
of Dharma and human values. But it is even more vital to educate our children in USA, about Origin and Growth of Hinduism in USA and keep
our records straight for future generations. USA is a Land of Immigrants who seek Material prosperity,
Religious Freedom and Spiritual Progress. Hindu Americans have achieved this
with their global participants faster than others due
to their background, and urge to share it with others and benefit
them. I hope the attached articles would help them in their mission
to lead the country spiritually, though I am a silent observer in my ninety’s
and not an activist.
"I regard
consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness.
We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything
that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness"--Max Plank converging the Worlds of Science and
Spirituality.
--July 10, 2021
THOUGHT OF THE DAY--MAY/JUNE
2021
May 1 is celebrated in many countries as a traditional springtime
festival or as an International Day honoring worker. Neither USA nor Hindu
Americans are focused on this day. But I spiritually woke up on May 1 and came
out with a series of E-mails far exceeding any other time inspired by the
proverb April rains bring May flowers. “My Thoughts of the Day for May and
June”, during mid spring leading to summer, should be not only exciting
but enlightening with lot of wisdom thoughts flowing from Webinars and Zooms from H. H.
Chidananda of AUPA, Jaya Row of Vedant Vision and wisdom, thoughts of HUA that
has awakened with full strength and vigor educating modern Hindu American Youth
and preparing him for the future to lead this Land that is slowly and
steadily becoming a and of Yoga, Music , Mantra, and Spirituality with holistic
therapy we so badly need, in this present world constantly pestered by
pandemonium, supplemented by programs by Sri Ganesha Temple of Nashville
and philanthropic community service of ICCSS.
I started quite earnest sending message on National Teachers Day of May 4 as
Vedas mandate pay obeisance to Mother, Father and Teacher (guru). Neither
having mother nor father I started paying my obeisance to all my mentor gurus,
since I had no luck to have one in my global trotting. Even in my real life I
had guardian-angles as parents in my boyhood days. Of course, this period is
packed with Jayantis of Gurus, Divine Mothers and Divine Fathers and
Yoga Gurus as Avatars, Lakshminarasimha leading the rest as Role Model
Guardian-Divne Parent for Bhakta Prahlada (tvameva maataa pitaa tvameva).
I would particularly draw your kind attention to the following
three groups of E-mails as many of you are still in the state of delusion due
to recovery period of COVID-19, though my E-mails have caught up some high
intellectuals that have paid glowing tributes impressed by certain
specific E-mails. These are posted under specific E-mails. Please go through
them, if you so desire, as I do not wish to blow my own trumpet, Trump being
not there to direct me. Don’t I have the delusion being one among you or
do I have that kind of knowledge and wisdom as a novice to the field of
spirituality with no Guru Guiding? I believe I am guided by Adiguru and as he
dictates, I start typing sitting before the two-dimensional board with no 3-D
Vision learning quantum physics and living with digital world caught in the
Web, in the absence of a learned Guru to guide me:
1)Vaisakha Sukhla Paksha amazing jayantis gathered around Akshaya
Tritteeya
Vaisakha Sukla Triteeya:
Akshaya triteeya; Parsurama
Vaisakha Sukla Panchami:
Sankara Jayanti; Surdas Jayanti
Vaisakha Sukla Saptami:
Ganga Jayanti
Vaisakhasukla Astami:
Bagalmatidevi Jayanti
Vaisakha Sukla Navami
Sita Jayanti; Matangi Jayanti
Vaisakha Sukla Dasami:
Kanyaka Paramesvari Jayanti
Vaisakha Sukla Chaturdasi:
Narasimha Jayanti;Chinnamasta Jayanti
Vaisakha Pournima: Kurma
Jayanti; Buddha Jayanti; Periyazhvar Jayanti; Subhramanya Jayanti
2) National, International, and World Days: Mothers’ Day;
Fathers’ Day; Teachers’ Day; Brothers’ day; World Press Freedom day;
International Nurses’ day; World Environmental Day; WORLD Refugee Day; World
Food-safety Day; International Yoga Day; World Music Day; Summer solstice day;
Mid-Summer Day
3) May 31, Memorial Day;
Juneteenth Second Independence Day.
I had no intention to add more discourses to my over-subscribed
blog with 465 topics under 14 categories that had brought many valuable
comments and glowing tributes. However, inspired by Spiritual Gurus on my
mailing list and HUA, I was forced add 4 topics of vital importance: Thinking
of Ramayana as Sitayana on Sitanavami Day; World Religions Inclined Towards
Sanatana Dharma Need Dynamic Leadership; Body-Mind-Intellect Complex and Yoga
for Their Harmonious Healthy Functioning; and, Fire and Flame as Divines
& Metaphors in Scriptures, whose introductory E-mails will be worth a
revisit.
This compilation of E mails concludes with an E-mail on Juneteenth
Holiday Declaration that includes two shocking mass massacre reporting of
Blacks in recent times in USA and Canada by NGM.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2021/06/thought-of-day-may-june-2021.html
--July 9, 2021
ADVAITA IN
ARTS< MUSIC & DANCE
“In all walks of life,
particularly in the realm of art, the human spirit yearns for perfection."
Rukmini Vijayakumar, an epitome of this perspective, has raised the bar for
performing artists worldwide. To mention a few, she is an accomplished
Bharata-Natyam Dancer. Rukku is also an exponent of Western Classical
Ballet and graduated from Boston Conservatory. Rukku practices Hatha Yoga,
as per the B.K.S. Iyengar School. What sets Rukmini apart, is not only her
dedication to delve deep but also her breadth of knowledge. Swami
Dayananda Saraswati was her mentor and she takes keen interest in
Ramakrishna Vedanta. With her brilliant background she promotes
Advaita Vedanta through her performing arts--Holistic Fine Arts Therapy to
master Advaita Vedanta--Highway to Heaven.
Vedanta reveals the underlying harmony of all religions
and philosophies, all arts and sciences, and points out that they are
different approaches to one and the same Reality and self-realization. It
proclaims the potential divinity of all men and women, which is to be
manifested through appropriate spiritual Disciplines, in their chosen line of
study. An accomplished artist with spiritual background can take us
to great spiritual heights while mind is mesmerized by histrionic talents to
surrender. If Thyagaraja’s lyrics or Kabir's Doha can make us
revel in Bhakti Marga, why not dance or music to Advaita Philosophy of single
mindedness and self-realization? Please listen to Rukmini Vijayakumar and
convince yourself.
In this context, please go through:
Advaita in
Arts, Music & Dance Advaita in Performance by Ms Rukmini Vijayakumar
We are grateful to BALA for suitably extracting and forwarding the link for our
benefit
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2Oghf_W44
--July 5, 2021
Comments;
Enjoyed the clip. I always believed in stages of spiritual growth
and self-awareness, and dimensions of spiritual experience, and degrees of
dissolution of the Self.
--Vedavyas
JAGANNATHA PHILOSOPHY OF QUARANTINE,
COVID QUARANTINE 15 & FRESHMAN 15
The practice of quarantine, as we know
it, began during the 14th century in an effort to protect coastal cities from
plague epidemics. Ships arriving in Venice from infected ports were required to
sit at anchor for 40 days before landing. This practice, called quarantine, was
derived from the Italian words quaranta giorni which mean 40
days.
People who have been exposed to the new
coronavirus and who are at risk for coming down with COVID-19 might
practice self-quarantine. Health experts recommend that self-quarantine
lasts 14 days. Two weeks provides enough time for them to know whether or not
they will become ill and be contagious to other people.
Odisha invokes Lord Jagannath’s quarantine example to popularize
COVID-19 restrictions
"The state government emphasizes that if one tests positive
for COVID-19, the person must remain in quarantine for at least 14 days. Even
the master of the universe quarantines himself when he falls sick," Bagchi
said
The Odisha government has tried to invoke the Odia religious
tradition by highlighting how Lord Jagannath quarantines himself in
"Anasar Ghar" (isolation room) before the annual Rath Yatra.
To convince people to stay indoors and
follow quarantine norms for containing the transmissibility of COVID-19,
the Odisha government has tried to invoke the Odia religious tradition by
highlighting how Lord Jagannath quarantines himself in “Anasar Ghar” (isolation
room) before the annual Rath Yatra.
Home quarantine may be the new norm
during the COVID19 pandemic across the
globe but the practice has been in vogue in Lord Jagannath Temple here since
time immemorial.
“The example of Lord Jagannaths
quarantine is well accepted by the people and keeps them inside the house. The
state government has also coined a slogan saying ‘Ghare Rukantu Sustha Ruhantu’ (stay home Stay healthy),” Odisha
governments chief COVID-19 spokesperson Subrato Bagchi said.
He encouraged people to go for
isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, saying “Anasar” (quarantine) was an intrinsic part of the Odia culture and
tradition.
Quarantine means restricting the
movement of the afflicted so that the infection does not spread to others.
According to mythology, Lord Jagannath,
and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra developed a fever after
they were given a bath with sacred water contained in 108 pitchers on Snan Purnima day.
Thereafter, the three deities of the
12th-century shrine were taken to ‘Anasar Ghar’ where they underwent treatment
and recovered after 14 days.
This practice is observed for 14 days
before the annual Rath Yatra every year.
“The state government emphasizes that
if one tests positive for COVID-19, the person must remain in quarantine for at
least 14 days. Even the master of the universe (Lord Jagannaths name jagat
means universe & nath means master) quarantines himself when he falls
sick,” Bagchi said.
Bhaskar Mishra, a researcher in Shree
Jagannath culture, said the sibling deities also take Ayurvedic medicines to
recover from the illness. Therefore, the people who suffer from any disease
should be administered medicine for speedy recovery instead of leaving it at
the mercy of God.
“There is no such record since when the
practice of Lords quarantine, called ‘Anasar’ ritual, is being practiced in the
temple. But it has been going on for ages, giving a message to the human race
to take the illness seriously,” Mitra said.
Incidentally, the Lords ‘Chaka Bije
Niti’, a ritual marking an improvement in the condition of the sibling deities,
is being held in the Temple on Sunday on the occasion of Dasami Tithi.
In this ritual, the deities are placed
on three wheels along with Lord Sudarshan and Madhab, said Sarat Mohanty, a
servitor-cum researcher in the Jagannath culture and tradition. As per the
rituals, the deities are offered “Chakata” and “Pana Bhoga” (ORS like prasad to
overcome dehydration).
Mohanty says that during the Lords stay
in Anasar (quarantine), some rituals are performed by some selected servitors in
the closed room.
A special oil called phuluri tel is applied to the deities
and for the complete recovery of the deities, “Raj Baidyas” (royal doctors)
prepare a special herbal medicine.
This medicine will be offered to the
Lords on “Ekadasi Tithi” on Monday. After this ritual, the deities are believed
to be completely cured, Mohanty said.
Pratihari Sevaka, a special servitor in
the temple, Surya Narayan Gochhikar, said that the ailing deities are offered
only fruits and water, mixed with cheese and “Dasamula” (herbal) medicines
while Daitapati Sevayats perform secret rituals to cure them.
He
said that the deities completely recover from illness after a two-week-long
herbal treatment following which they are ready for the annual Rath Yatra,
which falls on July 12 this year.
Odisha people take inspiration from the Lord and
his siblings and cooperate with the government to ensure that they stop
the spread of the deadly coronavirus and uproot it completely. If the Lord can
remain confined for fourteen days, they too can. And in their case, it is
isolation for three weeks, i.e. 21 days. This is the only way they can stop
this deadly disease from claiming more lives. So stay home, stay safe, save the
country and save humanity.
Guided by
this philosophy let us focus our thoughts Quarantine 15 that is Freshman 15
“Quarantine
15” is the new “Freshman 15” — which referred to students starting in college
who end up with unwanted, extra pounds. Similarly, Quarantine 15 alludes to
coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic with an extra 15 pounds. While Quarantine
15 is the brunt of jokes on social media and conversations with friends and
family, weight gain is no laughing matter.
Weight
is a sensitive topic. There are many factors that influence weight management
beyond the physical, including psychological and environmental components.
Therefore, joking about Quarantine 15 can have a serious psychological impact
on those people struggling with their weight and body image.
Why
is it happening?
Weight
gain during the pandemic can happen due to many reasons, including changes in
routine and using food to cope with emotions like stress.
Pandemic-related
changes have affected many areas of our lives. Our day-to-day routines have
changed, including our usual eating and exercising schedules. These changes
combined with the uncertainty of the times can bring increased stress and
anxiety. Being at home, in closer proximity to food and unlimited access to the
kitchen, can result in a recipe for emotional eating. Interestingly, stress can
affect people’s appetite differently; some people may feel more hunger while
others feel decreased hunger.
When
dealing with so many changes, some people find comfort in eating. After all,
there is research to support that highly palatable foods (foods high in sugar
and fat) can activate the brain’s reward system, which may lead to overeating.
Comfort eating may temporarily help us feel good while not dealing with the
underlying emotional cause such as stress. It’s not that you can’t ever eat a
food for comfort reasons, or bake your favorite dessert. But it is important to
pay attention to any emotional eating and new daily habits that have developed
during quarantine that may add to additional weight gain.
What
can we do about it?
Here
are solutions to help prevent or address the Quarantine 15:
- Focus on health, not weight.
This may sound puzzling at first, but focusing on the number on the scale
will not get you anywhere. Instead, focus on healthy habits and set
achievable goals that can influence your weight positively.
- Avoid weight-related jokes.
Talking and joking about weight can add unnecessary stress. Instead, focus
conversations on healthy habits like a new recipe you tried or an online
exercise class you checked out.
- Practice mindful eating.
Be present and distraction-free in every eating moment. Before eating, ask
yourself if you are hungry. If you are, think about what you feel like
eating, how much you feel like eating, and so on. If you are not hungry,
explore your feelings and think about non-food related actions you can
take to help you manage those feelings.
- Make a new routine for your ‘new normal’.
Sticking to a healthy, balanced meal and snack plan can help manage blood
sugar levels and prevent crashes, which could then lead to poor food
choices. Plan to have three meals per day and a snack if needed. Time that
used to be spent commuting to work can now be reinvested into preparing
meals at home.
- Get moving.
Exercise is often seen only for burning calories, which masks the many
positive health benefits exercise has on our bodies. Exercise is one of
the best remedies for managing stress as well as improving sleep quality
and improving mood. If medically cleared for exercise, aim for a daily
dose of 30 minutes, five days a week of any exercise or activity you
enjoy. It can be as simple as walking.
- Create a healthy food environment at
home. Your surroundings matter, especially what you keep
in your kitchen pantry, refrigerator and counter-tops. Keep your healthy
foods visible and easy to reach, while keeping other foods out-of-sight.
If your work-from-home setup is in the kitchen, consider moving it to
another area of your home.
- Aim to have a positive relationship with
food. Acknowledge the vital role of food as it provides
fuel and nourishment to every cell of our bodies. Consciously practice
balance and flexibility in your eating. Honor your hunger and fullness
cues when eating. Learn about a healthy eating pattern that is ideal for
your lifestyle to keep your body (including immune system) healthy during
quarantine.
- Learn from the experts –
Baptist Health offers free virtual health education webinars on many
topics including nutrition and emotional wellbeing. Join us by checking
out events.baptisthealth.net and
enter ‘virtual’ in the keyword search box.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2012/06/jagannaatha-of-puri-andn-rathab-yatra.html
**************************************************************
SAMFSN Military Support Network for Hindu Soldiers in
the US Armed Forces
I received the
following message from Sant Guptaji of HMEC today, July 4:
“SAMFSN and the
volunteers are doing an exceptional task in promoting our Dharmic values and
traditions to the Hindus serving in the Armed forces and the DOD. Congratulations and a ton of our gratitude.
Via BCC, I am copying this message to a number of caring members
of our community for the following purpose:
- Make
them aware of the work that SAMFSN has been doing in fact for over a dozen
years - truly commendable.
- Spread
the message so that our community at large feel good and get
motivated to volunteer their time and support the
organization financially - Help expand the services
- Recruit volunteers
to help out with the service and identify folks who can offer classes on
Hinduism on-line or in person. - Help counter the negative and
distorted views among non-Hindus and even some born Hindus.
Have a wonderful 4th of July. We as the new immigrants and
US citizens owe to this great nation to celebrate its special days”
Many of you may not know about SAMFSN and its
noble mission. But you may still remember my e-Mail informing the appointment
of a Hindu chaplain in the Armed Forces of USA for the first time in 2021
The Naval Academy prepares young men and women to
become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. SAMFSN is a military support network for Hindu soldiers in the US Armed
Forces committed to serve South Asians in the
Forces. For them and a further 4,000 or so more
working for various branches of the military as civilians, on overseas duty,
there is now a support organization they can fall back on to connect with each
other, stave off the feeling of home sickness while deployed overseas.
The South Asian Military
Families Support Network (SAMFSN) (http://www.samfsn.org/), co-founded by Raj Rajendran – who works for the Department of
Homeland Security, and previously for the Navy as well – and his wife, Capt.
Pratima Dharm, co-founder who has the distinction of being the first
ever Hindu chaplain in the history of the US Military, gives succor to
these men and women in uniform, who are mostly from India.
Chaplain Dharm — who has two
Masters Degrees, in psychology and theology — first earned her commission into
the Army in 2006, joining the Clinical Pastoral Education Program two years
later. She became a Hindu chaplain to serve on active duty in May of 2011 that
I reported.
“The groundwork [for SAMFSN]
has been happening for about three years now,” said Dharm, in an interview to
the Bazaar. “First by establishing the [Hindu] chaplaincy in the military, and
then by celebrating various festivals, educating the military about the South
Asian culture, not just religion, because [there are] so many religions that
co-exist in South Asia. So the last two years have really been about educating
the military [and] to open their eyes to a better understanding of [South
Asian] culture, traditions, and religion.
Rajendran says that Hindu
soldiers in the US Army face problems of isolation when they’re stationed
abroad in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. “SAMFSN is now there to help them
[and their families],” he said. He adds that much more needs to be done,
including having more Hindu chaplains in the US services.
“For 1,000 active [Hindu]
service members and 4,000 [Hindu] civilians, there is only one chaplain, so
there is still a large misrepresentation and a lack of support for those who
are practicing Hinduism [working in the Dept. of Defense],” said Rajendran.
“Our {SAMFSN’s] main focus has
been on celebrating the Indian festivals,” said Dharm. “Typically we try to
celebrate around five every year – we can’t do them all because there’s just
too many, every fifteen days there’s some kind of festival – but the big ones
like Diwali and Holi, we do try to celebrate and spread awareness [of
Hinduism],” she said.
Another primary mode of not
just awareness, but actual support of South Asian-American troops, is through
care packages. “We do at least one or two a month, and these get sent to
[soldiers] in places like Korea, Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, wherever they may
be,” said Dharm. “The Hindu community, Sikh community, Jain community, [and]
all of the [other] South Asian communities contribute to these care packages.
They usually consist of things that would really be of interest to a soldier
while they’re away from home, so typically things like [ready-made] food items,
magazines, music CDs, religious books, things of that nature.”
In terms of their goals for the
future, SAMFSN’s list includes projects such as: ‘Build South Asian List,’
which would create a comprehensive list of all US military members who are of
South Asian descent, an ‘Adopt-A-Soldier campaign,’ a ‘Religious Lay Leader
Support’ chain that would provide online support for military personnel abroad,
a meditation workshop, as well as the fundamental goal of building an
‘integrated team of SAMFSN advisers, committee [members], [and]
volunteers.’
“There are a lot of South
Asians joining the army now,” said Rajendran. “We’re looking for
support from the south Asian-American community.” Let us extend our
Cooperation. All this is made possible because of the Religious Freedom we
enjoy celebrating July 4, focused on Statue of Liberty of open arms
of a Mother and fresh breeze we enjoy on the Vivekananda Rock with the Guru
enlightening us at Kanyakumari.
--July 4, 2021
JULY 4 DESERVES TO BE SPECIAL
RELIGIOUS EVENT DAY FOR WORSHIP BEING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
Please recall my last week’s E
mail “Why Hindu American Temples are kept open for SRE on July 4,
while not on August 15” & “Paying our Homage to SWAMI Vivekananda on July
4’’. Encouraged by the high appreciative comments received as “Beautiful”,
“Very Informative” and “May God bless you for such presentation”, from a
Spiritual Guru and Learned Professor, I have
attempted to convert them to a coherent and meaningful discourse though they
had missed your attention bogged down by the pandemonium and worries about your
relatives in India for relaxed reading. We too are worried about the delta
variant of COVID 19 lifting its head!
American History is very
complicated and the definition of Independence is complicated.
To Hindu Americans, July 4
becomes Pitru’s Honoring Day of ancestors, praying for the souls of all those
that lost their lives or lived fighting for all kinds of Freedom to improve
quality of life, including Jefferson and Adams who also died on this day. This
is also the day for paying their obeisance to Swami Vivekananda, also died on
July 4, who is the father of Neo-Vedanta to the World, bringing together the
Indian Spiritual Strength and Western Material Strength, all deserving worship
at the altar of our choice deity. Thanks to the tireless service of these urban
monks, USA is turning to be a Land of Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality with
the rapidly increasing religious freedom movements like SBNR and ‘Awesome
without Allah’.
More than 12,000 American
Indians served during World War I, and after the war, the American flag began
to be given a prominent position at American Indian gatherings by them,
especially those held on the 4th of July. This symbol of patriotism and
national unity is carried into powwow and rodeo arenas today.
Noticing the Religious Freedom
in the Declaration of Independence, some Indian Tribes see in the 4th of July
and the commemoration of American Independence a chance to continue their own
important ceremonies, who were for a long time victimized by the Union Policy of Cultural and
Religious Suppression!
More than 230 years ago, the
Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom,
which was authored and championed by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson famously
expounded that “all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain,
their opinions in matters of Religion, and that the same shall in no wise
diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.” This statute served
as the catalyst for the First Amendment, which enshrined in law our conviction
to prevent government interference
in religion. More than 200 years later, thanks to the power
of that Amendment, America is one
of the most religiously diverse nations in the world. In contrast,
there is too much interference of government in religious worship in Temples in
India (HRE Board). This was a long struggle. This year realizing the massacre
in the name of race and beliefs in the last century and Black lives Matter
struggle, Juneteenth has been made A National Holiday in the spirit
of sanghacchadvam and “e pluribus unum”.
When the Pilgrim Fathers first
crossed the Atlantic Ocean more than 400 years ago in pursuit of religious
freedom, their dedication to this first freedom shaped the character and
purpose of our Nation. Faith inspires hope. Deeply embedded in the
heart and soul of our Nation, this transcendent truth has compelled men and
women of uncompromising conscience to give glory to God by worshiping both
openly and privately, lifting up themselves and others in prayer. On
Religious Freedom Day like July 4, we pledge to always protect and cherish this
fundamental human right.
Swami Vivekananda in his
lectures in England and America, where he attracted a mass
following, presented India as the most ancient and privileged
fountain of spirituality. At the same time, he exhorted Hindus to embrace
Western science and materialism in order to shed their backwardness and
constitute themselves into a manly nation.
Swami Vivekananda who in his speech to the World Forum of
Religions in Chicago boldly declared “Vedanta is the Religion of the
Future’” and convinced the august assembly receiving glowing
tributes gave up his ghost on this very day. Thanks to his continued
effort followed by his followers like Paramahamsa Yogananda, USA is slowly and steadily
becoming a Land of Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality, guiding the frustrated
and confused mass of SBNR, “Awesome without Allah” large factions and guiding
the Nation to live in peace but not pieces. Celebration of his death
anniversary is as important as his Birth Day in January, for the soul never
dies and Jayanti Day in Hindu American concept is the Glory Celebration Day of
Icons held in respect.
Across
religious and cultural divisions, prophetic voices - inspired and grounded in
spiritual traditions - have historically roused and sustained profound
movements for social justice. And, as much as spirituality can be a Balm
(healing cream) and a pacifier, it can also be the fuel and
the language that bridges the divisive ground between us. As we seek
greater depth in practice and as we form new kinds of community, we are
individually and collectively called to reimagine spirituality and
citizenship.
Vivekananda
drawing inspiration from Upanishads said all Religions like rivers lose their
names and forms on entering the vast ocean with open arms. They all
retain the essence of Spirituality and Human Values in the bosom of the ocean.
That amounts to, while politicians speak of religious freedom of different
religions Vivekananda talks of freedom for religions themselves from obligated
rites and rituals developed over time and purely guided by human values that is
Dharma and Spirituality on whose foundation Religions were built.
Please go through the detailed compilation posted on the
BLOG;
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2021/07/hindu-reflections-on-july-4-as.html
President Biden has
invited 1,000 military personnel and essential workers to an Independence Day
bash on the South Lawn of the White House. But public health experts fear the
gathering will send the wrong message as wide swaths of
the population remain vulnerable.
Fly the Freedom Banner across the Sky
Fly the freedom
banner across the sky/
For the world to see
from near and far/
Fly the freedom
banner across the sky/
Freedom is for all
creed race and color/
Born on earth in
pursuit of peace liberty and joy/
Paint the world in
colors of Red white and blue/
Let the spirit of
freedom of mankind soar high/
Proving all
over the essence of humanity is true/
Rise above all the
hate jealousy to show love/
To live together as
one for all and all for one/
Believing in God who
is telling us from above/
To be loving caring
and sharing beyond none/
Blessed we are to be
born on earth as humans/
Heralding God’s
doctrine of love all over earth/
To live side by side
under Moon stars and Suns/
As the glowing spark
of divinity in every breath
--Asha & Dr. Ram Prasad
“Jananee Janma Ashraya Bhoomeemscha Pranaadapi Gareeyaci”
This
land is your land, this land is my land
From
California to the New York islands.
From the redwood forests to the gulf stream's waters,
This land was made for you and me
--American folk singer Woody Guthrie in 1940
The Statue of Liberty stands at the entrance of New
York's harbor that I entered in December 1981. Surely Swami Vivekananda also saw Our Lady Liberty
as he departed from New York for Europe in August 1895 on the SS Touraine. Swamiji was inspired to go to America after
meditating on a rock at the southern tip of India. He spent five years of his
short life travelling throughout the West. At one point he exclaimed, 'I have a
message to the West as Buddha had a message to the East.' It seems to me that
America's Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and the Swami Vivekananda
Rock Memorial depicts that great messenger of spiritual freedom. Both are
inextricably linked. Each is an expression of tremendous sacrifice and serves as
a symbol of hope.
India and USA, as vibrant democracies
share Values of Freedom and Liberty! “Independence is to spread love and
destroy hatred; to prosper and grow; to be responsible. Let us value this
beautiful gift and work for the development of USA. It’s a
stupendous day of self-awareness, patriotism, kindness, and love. Have a
beautiful Fourth of July.!
--July
4, 2021
FIRE AND FLAME AS DIVINES & METAPHORS IN SCRIPTURES
Please recall my E-mail on the
subject sent recently that I have now developed to a detailed discourse guided
by the wisdom thoughts of H.H. Swami Chidananda of FOWAI Forum.
Flame is a stream of hot, burning gas from something on
fire: Fire (material that is in) the state of burning that
produces flames that send out beneficial heat and light, and might also produce
harmful smoke if not regulated.
Scriptures across religions believe that God manifests as Fire and
Flame on occasions. Whether it was Lord Shiva who turned into a column of fire
and asked Vishnu and Brahma to find the head and tail to determine who was the
more powerful of the two or the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses or
Jehovah’s (God of the Israelites) descent upon Mount Sinai in fire or the
second coming of Christ in blazing fire these incidents only reinforce the point.
Again, it was a pillar of fire that led the way and guided the people of Israel
out of Egypt and through the Sinai deserts.
Agni is the most popular god of
the Rigveda as is evident from the number of hymns addressed to him in the
scripture. The Vedas not only equate the Self with
fire, they also equate the heart, which is the seat of the Self, with fire.
The Self is said to exist like a flame (pilot light) the
size of a thumb in the heart.
Fire is called Vaiśvānara because
He is favorable to all men by helping their cooking and worship. It is
explained that fire is called Lālīla, because oblations
offered to the sacrificial fire are licked up by flickering flames glorified
as saptarchih (seven sacred fires) and sapta
jihvaah (seven Flames) in Vedas.
Tapas imply an activity of mind or body which demands keen
concentration of thought or an effort requiring unusual and continuous
physical strain and heat burning of all negative tendencies and invoking the
inner flame.
The Gist of Webinar presentation
of the topic by H.H. Swami Chidananda: Fire is jnāna (wisdom); fire (as a steady flame)
is a yogi’s mind; fire is (any field of) work that necessarily has the smoke of
some shortcomings; fire is the higher path (uttarāyana ) by which a
soul travels after death; fire is many more things if we go by the numerous
illustrations that Shri Krishna uses in the Geetā to convey a spectrum of
philosophical teachings. This webinar will take a sweeping glance at the
multi-splendored comparisons with fire in the great work. He draws our
particular attention to 1) Every work has shortcomings as fire has
smoke around it in 18.48; 2) Selfish
desire covers wisdom just as smoke covers fire. 3.38; and 3) The
Mind of a Yogi is like the steady flame in a windless spot. 6.19. Let
us try to understand the wisdom contained in these slokas.
“To burn a fire in the dream and see people being guided by the light of such a
fire implies that the person who had enkindled the fire will,
through knowledge and wisdom, become a guiding
light for the people”--An Islamic spiritual thought.
“Help us to transmit this
holy Flame to all people of Goodwill, so that
the Flame of Love extinguishes the Fire of Hatred everywhere
on earth and that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, be the King and the center of all
hearts in the Sacrament of His Love on the Throne of our altars.”-A Lutheran Prayer.
“Deepam jyothi para-brahma
Deepam jyothi paraayane | Deepena harate paapam Sandhyaa deepam saraswati
||
I prostrate to the Flame
(Jyoti) of dawn/dusk Lamp (Fire) whose light is Supreme Knowledge which removes
the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved” -a Hindu Prayer.
The Vaishvaanara fire converts
all types of food into energy for the body. So, we see that production, distribution
and ultimate consumption of energy that happens in us, and happens in any other
living being, is nothing but Ishvara. Ishvara is the producer, distributor and
consumer. Remembering this topic is a great way to reduce our ego and see our
oneness with the world. Many people in India, in fact, chant the Gita sloka “Brahmarpanam” before
their meals.
On July 4, we look forward to 7/4 radiant Flame (Wisdom) of
Vivekananda to guide us beyond religious and national boundaries while avoiding
9/11 hell-Fire of Al-quid-a of hatred and devastation. Let us see
the Light of Fire at the end of the tunnel to live in peace but not in pieces,
and not Smoke of Fire at the end of the smoking-gun causing
self-destruction and devastation.
Please go through the detailed
compilation posted on the Blog; http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2021/06/fire-and-flame-as-metaphors-in.html
--July 3, 2021
Scientists Identify 29 Planets Where Aliens Could Observe Earth
World UFO Day History and
Significance: World UFO Day falls on July 2 every year and is celebrated
world over to develop an awareness among people about the Unidentified Flying
Objects (UFO). UFOs are the objects which are believed to be linked to the
alien world inhabiting other parts of the universe. While there is little
conclusive evidence to substantiate the presence of aliens living in other
parts of the universe, the day gives an opportunity to all UFO enthusiasts to
let their exploration and imagination run wild and share their ideas and
findings with others. Owing to a large number of people in all parts of the
world believing in UFOs or deeply interested in exploring the theme, the World
UFO Day organization in the year 2001 chose July 2 as World UFO Day and since
then the day is enthusiastically celebrated every year. This
year has assumed great importance and I take the pleasure in releasing this
exciting E-mail on this day.
Vedas say the Creator is watching all the time our action and deeds from above from
his abode. Now scientists identify 29 planets that could be eves dropping on
habitats of earth. Astronomers estimate 29 habitable planets are positioned to
see Earth transit and intercept human broadcasts. Here is the Veda mantra from
MNU:
vidhartāraɱ havāmahe vasoḥ kuvidvanāti naḥ savitāraṁ nṛcakṣasam ||
We invoke the creator of the universe who sustains the creation in
many ways and who witnesses the thoughts and deeds of men from above. May He
grant us plenty of excellent wealth!
For centuries, Earthlings have gazed at the heavens and wondered
about life among the stars. But as humans hunted for little green men, the
extraterrestrials might have been watching us back.
In his recent Webinar Swami Chidananda of FOWAI says: "Fire
is the higher path (uttarāyan) by which a soul travels after death"
to other planets.
In new research, astronomers have drawn up a shortlist of nearby
star systems where any inquisitive inhabitants on orbiting planets would be
well placed to spot life on Earth.
The scientists identified 1,715-star systems in our cosmic
neighborhood where alien observers could have discovered Earth in the past
5,000 years by watching it “transit” across the face of the sun.
Among those in the right position to observe an Earth transit,
46-star systems are close enough for their planets to intercept a clear signal
of human existence – the radio and TV broadcasts which started about 100 years
ago.
The researchers estimate that 29 potentially habitable planets are
well positioned to witness an Earth transit, and eavesdrop on human radio and
television transmissions, allowing any observers to infer perhaps a modicum of
intelligence. Whether the broadcasts would compel an advanced civilization to
make contact is a moot point.
“One way we find planets is if they block out part of the light
from their host star,” said Lisa Kaltenegger, professor of astronomy and
director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University in New York. “We
asked, ‘Who would we be the aliens for if somebody else was looking?’ There is
this tiny sliver in the sky where other star systems have a cosmic front seat
to find Earth as a transiting planet.”
Earthly astronomers have detected thousands of planets beyond the
solar system. About 70% are spotted when alien worlds pass in front of their
host stars and block some of the light that reaches scientists’ telescopes.
Future observatories, such as Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope due to
launch this year, will look for signs of life on “exoplanets” by analyzing the
composition of their atmospheres.
To work out which nearby star systems are well placed to observe
an Earth transit, Kaltenegger and Dr. Jackie Flaherty, an astrophysicist at the
American Museum of Natural History, turned to the European Space Agency’s Gaia
catalogue of star positions and motions. From this they identified 2,034-star
systems within 100 parsecs (326 light years) that could spot an Earth transit
any time from 5,000 years ago to 5,000 years in the future.
One star known as Ross 128, a red dwarf in the Virgo
constellation, is about 11 light years away – close enough to receive Earth
broadcasts – and has a planet nearly twice the size of Earth. Any suitably
equipped life on the planet could have spotted an Earth transit for more than
2,000 years, but lost the vantage point 900 years ago. If there is intelligent
life on any of the two known planets orbiting Teegarden’s star, 12.5 light
years away, it will be in a prime position to watch Earth transits in 29 years’
time.
At 45 light years away, another star called Trappist-1 is also
close enough to eavesdrop on human broadcasts. The star hosts at least seven
planets, four of them in the temperate, habitable zone, but they will not be in
position to witness an Earth transit for another 1,642 years, the scientists
write in Nature.
The findings come as the US government prepares to publish a hotly
anticipated report on unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The report from the
Pentagon’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, which was set up to gain
insights into the nature and origins of unknown aircraft, is not expected to
reveal evidence of alien antics, or rule it out.
Prof Beth Biller at Edinburgh University’s Institute for
Astronomy, who was not involved in the Nature study, said the work could change
how scientists' approach Seti, the search for extraterrestrial life. “What was
striking to me was how few of the stars within 100 parsecs could have viewed a
transiting Earth,” she said.
“The transit method requires a very precise alignment between the
transiting planet, its star, and the sun for a given planet to be detectable,
so this result is not surprising. Now I am curious about what fraction of the
stars in the Gaia catalogue of nearby stars have the right vantage point to
detect the Earth via other exoplanet detection methods, such as the radial
velocity method or direct imaging!”--Ian Sample, Science editor, The
Guardian
A long-awaited UFO report from
the military has finally confirmed that navy pilots and other personnel
have been seeing mysterious flying objects for decades. In fact, more than 140
reported sightings are highlighted in the document.
MNU concludes with this secret news indicating the existence of
many Lokas (planets):
“Sanyasin, a liberated soul, terminating in death
overcome by old age—and who dies during the period of the sun’s movement to the
north, Uttarayana, attains to the over-lordship of gods like Indra
in Indraloka and then reaches identity or companionship with
the Sun(Aditya who is Brahman), Supreme Lord in his abode
(Paramapada). On the other hand, he who dies
during the period when the sun moves to the south,
Dakshinayana, gets only the greatness of the manes in Pitruloka and
then attains the identity or companionship with the moon in Chandraloka, waits
for uttarayana and continuing his journey, reaches Paramapada the greatest
planet that is Vaikuntha or Sivaloka.
Others return from Pitruloka after enjoying their meritorious
Karma and return back with Sanchita Karma to Earth Planet”. May be
33 Vedic deities have 33 planets of their own too?
Vedas thus mention several higher Lokas (planets) to which soul
may travel depending on its Karma load. This does not mean Vedas already
mentioned all these 29 planets now discovered by Modern Science. But Vedanta
Vijnyana, Profound Enigmatic Science of Vedanta gave inspiration to
Modern Science to discover these Planets, with their mystery still
surrounding, for further discovery!
I have never seen a UFO or an alien as much as I would like to!
But as a spiritual thinker guided by Vedic Science and being a scientist,
I go with the space scientists to be optimistic. But what worries me is, we are
living on a planet where we can’t come together on subjects like color/race
living in peace, climate change or a pandemic. But what if we come with direct
contact with actual alien beings (like Narada, Hanuman, Vedavyasa etc., as
Puranas predict and Gurus believe), who have travelled light years to seek us
out, who have answers to every question we’ve ever asked? That would
unquestionably change the course of mankind for its inevitable travel through
the path of Dakshninayana or Uttarayana, about which H.H. Swami Chidananda talked
about recently!
Krishna is the Iswara taking delight in the World' coming from his planet --Aurobindo;
Krishyate iti Krishnah-one who attracts Jivatma to him, that is Paramatma.
“Karshati iti Krishna” – Krishna is the one who attracts with
his lure of flute--Guru Nanak says that “Nama is such a lure vehicle that
whosoever rides on it will be successful in crossing this ocean of Samsara। It is similar to our Nama
Dwaar about chanting the Maha Mantra. How do I continuously chant so I never
get off this ship until I get past this ocean?”
May we all reach brighter and
better planet lured by Krishna's flute and ultimately reach his abode of
perennial joy Paramapada, with his grace!
-July
2, 2021
WEBINAR
203 ON SRI VIDYAA
FOWAI FORUM (INDIA) AND STEP (USA) invite you to join
the WEBINAR-203 Sri Vidyā to be presented
by Smt. Rādhā Muralidharan, who has received the highest Deekshā inSri Vidyā paramparā, which iscalled PoornaDeekshā or mahā-pādukānta
Deekshā.
Gist
of the Presentation
Sri
Vidyā is Brahma or Dahara Vidyā. It is one of the Dasha
Mahā Vidyās. In Sanātana Dharma there is a mārga called shākta
dharma, in which one can call upon the sarva vyāpaka/all
pervading 'Eshwara Chaitanya Shakti' as Mother Divine and hailed as ‘Easvareem
sarvabhutanam’ and ‘Sarvabutanam maataa’
The
only qualification we need to call upon Her is to become childlike and stretch
our hands towards Her with all devotion and She, out of great compassion, bends
down and picks us up. If we are fortunate to get right guidance, this is the
safest and surest way to attain Ᾱtma
Vidyā. Hence Ᾱdi
Shankara Bhagawat-pāda, though an Advaita Vedāntin, has validated,
propagated and done pratishthā of Sri Vidyā in all his
Peethas across the country.
She
wishes to put aside all description of hers and just be a humble child of
Jagan-mātā.
You may please
recall, some years back we discussed on this topic now presented by the
scholar. Relevant extract from my past discourses are reproduced below to introduce
the subject. For more details, go through the full discourses whose links are
given below.
EXTRACTS FROM THE DISCOURSES
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 worshipping the Devi in Sreechakra one is
actually worshiping the highest ultimate force Parasakti in the Tantric
form. Parasakti is Parabrahman in Sakta concept. Sreechakra concept
evolved out of Wheel of Parabrahman glorified in Svetasvatara Upanishad.
SriLalita is also called Srividya (Auspicious Knowledge).
“Auspicious
Siva is capable of creating this world only when he unites with you, Oh
Parasakti! Without you Siva cannot even shake a bit and is
motionless. Therefore how a sinner is worthy of bowing to you or
worshipping you, who are worshiped by Brahma, Vishnu and Siva” so
praises Sankara the glory of Sri Lalita or Sri Vidya (Auspicious
Knowledge) in the opening verse of Soundarya Lahari a divine composition which
he edited and enlarged. Based on this Sakta followers made
Parasakti the formidable force and Supreme Being under whose
direction Brahma, Vishnu and Siva take care of Srishthi (creation), Sthiti
(Sustenance) and Laya (Dissolution).
Sivah saktaa
yukto yad bhavati saktah prabhavitam
Na chedevam
devo na khalukusalah spanditu-mapi |
Atastvaa-maaraadhyaam
hari-hara-virinchaadabhi-rapi
Pranantu stotum
vaa katha-makritapunyah prabhaavatim ||
Word Sakti in
Sanskrit language is feminine. Sakti of the Lord, Prakriti is described as five
rivers causing dispassion in the minds of the aspirants. Svetasvatara
recalls in the mantra 1-5: We remember Prakriti which is having five
streams of water, having the five causes that are at the face of streams,
having the five Vital forces (pranas) as the waves, having the five cognitive
organs that are the causes of knowledge, having the five Karmendriyas (motor
organs) as whirlpools, having the five great elements that are disagreeable as
the force, and having the fifty letters beginning with A (a as
in alone) as differences, and having the five states of periods, and also
Paramaatman who is the ruler over that Prakriti.
Pancha srotombu
panchayonyugravaktraam panchpraanormim
panchabudhyaadi-moolaam | panchaavartaam
panchaduhkhaughavegaam panchasadbhedaam pancha-parvaamdheemah || (Sv,up. 1, 5)
Vidyaa is an aspect Mother-goddess
(Sridevi). The Tantric form of worship mentions ten Mother-goddesses who are
identified with different sacred sound patterns and their symbolisms. They are
Kaali, Taaraa, Shodasahi, Bhuvanesvari, Bhairavi, Chinna Mastaa, Dhoomavati,
Maatangi, Kamalaa and Bagalamukhee. The first two of these are Mahaavidyaas.
The next five are Vidyaas, the last three are Siddha Vidyaas. The first group
of Vidyaas is meant for spiritually advanced devotees; the second group for
most of the devotees; and the third is for devotees’ intent on acquiring power
and influence.
The Third dealing with Shodashi is known as Srividya and is directed towards
Mother-goddess Sri Lalitaa. This is called Shodasi because of the 16 syllables
Mantra that is employed in worshipping her. Normally it is called Panchadasi
(15 syllables) Mantra but with the addition of 'Sree' it becomes Shodasi or 16
Syllables.
This Vidyaa is a peculiar arrangement of syllables or letters consisting
of vowels and consonants in three tiers which signifies thirty-six (in
Panchadasi) or thirty-seven principles in Shodasi pattern. This is the verbal
formation of the visual Srichakra. Mother-goddess signifies three powers that
confirm the presence—the power of Cognition (Jnaana Sakti); the power of Action
(Kriyaa Sakti); and the power of Intention (Icchaa Sakti). She symbolizes three
fields, three types and three parts. Hence she is called Tripuraa. The
geometric figure of triangle is symbolic of these.
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2014/10/sreechakra-of-sri-lalita-and.html
https://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2011/11/srividyaasri-lalitaa-and-baalaa.html
--July 2, 2021
WHY INDIAN AMERICANS SHOULD CELEBRATE
NATIONAL DOCTORS’ DAY OF INDIA ON JULY 1?
Every
year 1st July marks a very significant event called the National Doctors’
Day in India, in order to pay utmost
respect and recognize the contribution of the doctors to our lives while USA
Celebrates it on March 30 that I explained in detail. Today, it is that time of
the year, where Indians do pay tribute to their
doctors who have been battling against the coronavirus, and saving the
world at the risk of their own lives.
National
Doctors’ Day 2021: History
In 1991, the Government of India
defined a special day to recognize the contributions of BC Roy, an Indian
physician as well as a freedom fighter who played a chief role in founding
several medical institutions such as Jadavpur T.B. Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva
Sadan, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Victoria Institution (college),
Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital and the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan for women and
children.
However, there are many other
countries that celebrate doctors’ day but on different days, just like Nepal on
4th March, while Turkey on 14th March.
Hindu Americans in USA celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30 and Canada on
1st May. Nevertheless, being Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) there hearts are
always in India, where they have many relatives and friends, while Will is in
USA.
National Doctors’ Day 2021:
Significance
1st July is crucial FOR Indians
because it is the birth as well as the death anniversary of their renowned
physician, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He served as the Chief Minister of West
Bengal from 1948 until his death in 1962. The modern maker of Bengal was
honored with the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna on 4th February 1961.
National Doctors’ Day 2021
Theme ‘Save the Saviors
From working ceaselessly, wearing
those uncomfortable and suffocating PPE suits just to treat the patients of
Covid-19 and again normalize the condition of the world. It is really
unfortunate that a report by IMA showed that the country lost over 1,500
precious doctors to this cruel pandemic. However, the number can be even higher
since IMA only estimates its data through its 3.27 lakh members. In order to
dedicate and express condolences to the doctors who succumbed to COVID-19, the
theme this year is ‘Save The Saviours’. this fits into the Hindu Philosophy, ‘dharmo rakshati rakshitah’
PM Modi’s address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his
address to the nation on 27th June highlighted the importance of doctors who’re
bravely combating this gloomy situation. “A few days from now, on July 1, we
will celebrate National Doctors’ Day. This day is dedicated to the birth
anniversary of the great doctor and statesman of the country, Dr. BC Roy. We
are all grateful for the contribution of doctors during the Corona period. Our
doctors have served us without caring about their lives. Therefore, this time
National Doctors’ Day becomes even more special,” he said.
As
India suffers through a devastating surge in COVID-19 infections, the 4.2
million members of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. are stricken with panic,
pain and grief. Many are volunteering to help. Special correspondent Fred de
Sam Lazaro reports on the efforts of Indian American doctors to help mitigate
the crisis in India. It's part of our "Agents for change" series.
Many
of the 4.2 million members of the Indian diaspora here in the United States say
they are stricken with panic, pain and grief. Many are volunteering to help.
The
funeral pyres in makeshift crematoria now go 24/7 (round the clock), the final stop in a health care system that
has crashed, unable to provide the most basic care that could have prevented
most of these COVID deaths, hospital beds, equipment and, most critically,
oxygen.
One
irony in this tragedy is that this country is a major producer and exporter of
technical and medical experts, especially to the U.S. About 80,000 doctors of
Indian origin practice in the United States today, found everywhere from the
Mayo Clinic to the farthest reaches of rural America.
The
vast majority of them graduated from
medical schools in India before immigrating to the U.S., so their ties
to their homeland are recent, and they run deep. Many are doctors without
borders and run their free visiting clinics and charitable institutions in the
spirit of Hindu Seva Dharma in India. But they are a small squirrel service
group drawing their inspiration from Ramayana that I talked about.
“Indian Community Seniors Support Services” (ICSSS) in my own town
strives to provide services that contribute to the health and vitality of the
community and thus help Seniors like me age gracefully. They
plan to link seniors with the information about the different resources
available in our community and also create atmosphere for fellowship
and networking. The goal is to enhance emotional, social and health
issues and more importantly help and address loneliness and
isolation. Many of them are reputed doctors who had their medical degree
and early practice in India and came to USA that attracts talents from all
parts of the globe. Some of them ae philanthropists and temple fathers too.
‘To Be’ or ‘Not To Be’ a participant of this Vital Celebration and offering SRE
Worship at the altar of your choice deity is left to you!
We
as Hindu Americans offered our prayers on March 30, our National Doctors’ Day.
Kind hearted Dhanvantari heard our prayers and appeared with his Amrita Kalasa
of COVID 19 Vaccine that opened the flood gates of relief not only in USA but
also in other countries that sought the help of US Healthcare Providers. That
makes us possible to Celebrate Vivekananda Memorial Jayanti on
JULY 4, a great day of Religious Freedom and ‘Who am I’ Awareness that promotes
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Please
recall Nashville Seminar on this vital topic in January 2017!
In
this context, I recall that I forgot to report another significance of March
30, that is National ‘I am in Control’
Day. National I am in Control Day on March 30th reminds us of a day
when things were quite out of control.
With the President being rushed to surgery on a rainy afternoon, a
bullet lodged in his lung; a statement was made. “As of now, I am in control
here in the White House.” Those are the words of Secretary of State Alexander
Haig on March 30, 1981, after the assassination attempt on President Ronald
Reagan.
He was taken to task for those words by the media. Haig later
explained that he only meant that he was in charge until Vice President George
Bush could be sworn in. Bush was en route
at the time.
Sources believe that this was the beginning of National I am in
Control Day. This day has evolved and taken on a different context. It is a day
to get things under control in your life on a day to day basis. For Hindu
Americans, this could be, ‘Who I am’ I Awareness Day, on a day to day basis to
spread Dharma and Spirituality in Materialistic and Egoistic USA. That should
be easier than before for both President and Vice-President are persons of
Indian Origin though not boldly proclaim to be politically wise but the
background helps.
Let
us not forget “Masks are again! Delta variant spread prompts reconsideration
and precaution”. Let us not be egoistic like India that brought the present
disaster!
--July 1, 2021
PAYING OUR HOMAGE TO SWAMI
VIVEKANANDA ON JULY 4
Stoll of Times quotes John F Kennedy and says: “The Theology
of the Fourth of July” posits that the 4th of July to be a
Religious Holiday”. That pleases Hindu Americans to run to temple on
July 4.
Kennedy said: “The informing spirit of the American character has
always been a deep religious sense. Throughout the years, down to the present,
a devotion to fundamental religious principles has characterized American
thought and action. Our government was founded on the essential religious idea
of integrity of the individual. It was this religious sense which inspired the
authors of the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be
self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain inalienable rights.”
Stoll finds four distinct passages in the Declaration of
Independence that refer to God: “In addition to the ‘endowed by their Creator’
line mentioned by JFK in his July 4 speech, there is an opening salute to ‘the
laws of nature’s God,’ an appeal to “‘the Supreme Judge of the World,’ and a
closing a by Swami Vivekananda declaring “Vedanta is the Religion of the
Future’” who gave up his ghost on this very day..
In the 18th century, the British were both appalled and fascinated
by the excess of gods, sects and cults they found in India. It was similar to
the pagan chaos that a Christian from the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire
might have encountered in the west just before Constantine’s conversion to
Christianity. Like the powerful Christians in Rome, the British in India sought
and imposed uniformity. Hinduism was a 19th-century British
invention. Even the word Hindu itself is of non-Hindu origin. It
was first used by the ancient Persians to refer to the people living near the
River Indus (Sindhu in Sanskrit). It then became a convenient shorthand for the
rulers of India; it defined those who were not Muslims or Christians.
Swami Vivekananda in his lectures in England and America, where he
attracted a mass following, presented India as the most ancient
and privileged fount of spirituality. At the same time, he exhorted Hindus to
embrace Western science and materialism in order to shed their backwardness and
constitute themselves into a manly nation. That reminds of Einstein who
said: ”science without religion is
lame, religion without science is blind”.
Indian History of British India still taught in schools in India
that other countries repeat, presents a picture of Hindus as slaves
Muslims as tyrants of Muslims while British as their
emancipators, and occasionally hear
today more about the proselytizing vigor of
Christianity in the revised versions, than about true Indian
history. These ideas about the Muslim tyrants, Hindu slaves and British philanthropists
were originally set out in such influential books as James Mill's History
of British India, that now tell you more about the proselytizing vigor of
some Enlightened Scots and utilitarian than leaders like Vivekananda and
Chinmayananda, first president of Viswa Hindu Parishad.
Hindus in India generally are pessimists, believers in Karma and
fate philosophy and are lethargic. Those who are not, migrated to other
countries seeking greener pastures. Hindu protogonists in India
today, moving from the concept of Udaaracharitas, broadminded with Vedanta
Vision calling for ”the whole world is one family”, and while
considering Muslims who ruled the country for eight centuries as
tyrant monotheists, forget to realize that there was even
more religious plurality during that period. Sufism mingled with local faiths;
the currently popular devotional cults of Rama and Krishna, and the network of
ashrams and sects, expanded fast under the Moghul Empire. We have talked about
Sufi like Kabir, last month on his Jayanti Day. Medieval India furnishes more
evidence of sectarian violence between the worshipers of Shiva and Vishnu than
between Hindus and Muslims.
To National Hindus in India today, it is equally convenient to
blame the intrusion of Islam into India for Hinduism's fallen state, even for
the caste -system, and to describe Hindus as slaves of Muslim tyrants: a
terrible fate. Some even feel that the British had apparently rescued them in
order to prepare their path to a high stage of civilization.
Gandhi drew his political imagery from popular folklore; it made
him more effective as a leader of the Indian masses than the upper-caste Hindu
politicians who relied upon a textual, or elite Hinduism. But it was Swami
Vivekananda (1863-1902) who was mostly responsible for the modernization of
Hinduism.
Even the more secular and catholic visions of Gandhi and Nehru -
the former a devout Hindu, the latter an agnostic - accepted the premise of a
"Hinduism" that had decayed and had to be reformed. Certainly, most
Hindus themselves like in those days felt little need for precise
self-descriptions, except when faced with questions about religion on official
documents.
I still recall how I was forced to declare my religion,
that needed British shrewdness to call our various followings as “Hindu
Religion”, my nativity as to declare my state of origin (British
ruled states of India or indirectly controlled private state) and even my
sub-caste without which my SSLC certificate would not be issued. To British, if
you were not a Muslim or Christian you were a Hindu in those days. I too felt
in those days Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Arya Samajists etc., belonged to
different philosophies of Eternal Tradition or Sanatana Dharma., and I do
still. This rule about official documents of the British, who
needed the service and support of Intellectuals for their policy of Divide and
Rule, became a powerful tool for Brahmin hate, Caste
discrimination, Backward class (almost 60% among Non-Brahmins are
considered backward in some states in India even to-day) reservations, by the
Indian governments that ruled the country later, which still continues.
Recently, Jain Religion has acquired minority status. This is for the control
of higher education and governmental jobs, mostly. Here I draw your attention
to a Government Order that affected my life very much which resulted in my
migration to USA at their invitation. My applications to choose higher studies
was rejected for I was not able to fulfill Nativity, Caste/sub-caste, Medical
requirements under the noble laws of the country, but not due to want of
academic level achievements! In my first Government job, selected under
Scheduled caste quota, I was under constant threat, holding a temporary
post!
With regard to admission of students to the
Engineering and Medical Colleges of the State, the Province of Madras had
issued an order (known as the Communal G. O.) that seats should be filled in by
the selection committee strictly on the following basis, i.e., out of every 14
seats, 6 were to be allotted to Non-Brahmin (Hindus), 2 to Backward Hindus, 2
to Brahmins, 2 to Harijans. 1 to Anglo-Indians and Indian Christians and 1 to
Muslims.
Ultimately this G.O. was squashed but lifted its head as Backward
Class, Minority Religion and Scheduled Caste Reservation privileges that still
continues.
Affluent, upper-caste Indians, in India and abroad long for closer
military and economic ties between India and Western nations; globalization
helps them work faster towards Vivekananda’s desired alliance between an Indian
elite and the modern West towards his Mission of Vedanta as Religion
for the World Universal Oneness. As a global class, they are no less
ambitious than the one which in the Roman Empire embraced Christianity and made
it an effective tool of this-worldly power. Hinduism in their hands has never
looked more like the Christianity and Islam of popes and mullahs, and less like
the multiplicity of unselfconsciously tolerant faiths it still is for most
Indians. These historic developments suggest that Vivekananda may
yet emerge as more influential than Gandhi, Nehru or Tagore - the three great
Indian leaders, whose legacy of liberal humanism middle-class India seems to
have frittered away. Their quest for Western-style machismo, for economic and
military muscle, seems to be taking India towards times as intellectually and
spiritually oppressive as those the West experienced after its elites chose a
severe monotheism as their official ideology.
Vivekananda, died on July 4, 1902, near
Calcutta. He is remembered as Hindu spiritual leader and
reformer in India who attempted to combine Indian spirituality with Western material
progress, maintaining that the two supplemented and complemented one
another. So, all
are gathered on July 4, at the Vivekananda Rock Center of
Kanyakumari to pay their homage and gratitude for his
monumental contribution raising the Spiritual leadership image of India. Slowly
and steadily USA is marching to become a Land of Yoga, Meditation and
Spiritualty by this tradition started by Swami Vivekananda to see light at the
end of dark tunnel!
It is believed that Swami Vivekananda had prophesized that he
would not live for more than 40 years. On July 4 1902, he woke up early and
went to the chapel at Belur Math to meditate. He then taught Shukla-Yajur-Veda,
Sanskrit grammar and the philosophy of yoga to his students and went to his
room by 7 pm to meditate again. He specifically asked not to be disturbed and
died at 9:10 pm while meditating.
In India, Vivekananda is regarded as a patriotic saint, and his birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day
While enjoying others in celebrating this day as a social
political event, let us pay our tribute to Swami Vivekananda on July 4
and pay our homage at the altar of our chosen deity for the champion
of Hindu Dharma and its propagation globally, making it a SRE Day!
Only a life lived for others is a life
worthwhile. Life is not a solitary activity. We should live well
by living for others. For having a different vision, sometimes we need to
stand alone. Standing alone with no one is better than standing in a crowd with
everyone where the crowd goes to the wrong direction.
Swami Vivekananda was the person who
prescribed the education of ‘man-making and character-building’.
All of his morals are the sign of a healthy civilization. His thought of
education should be seriously re-examined today for a long-term progress of
society.
--July 1, 2021
Beautiful; informative.
--Swami Chidananda
WHY HINDU TEMPLES ARE KEPT OPEN
FOR SRE ON JULY 4, WHILE NOT ON AUGUST 15
JULY
4 IS MORE A RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY THAN AN ASSUMED & OBSERVED AMERICAN
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Independence Day of India was a bloody birthday gift on August 15,
1947 to newborn India and Pakistan as millions of people were
uprooted amid massacres and murder. My grand-uncle was the first and last
Governor General of Divided Independent India. Horror followed everywhere:
refugee camps everywhere and, eventually, war with Pakistan over Kashmir, an
enmity, potent as nuclear bombs, that lasts to this day. Five months after
independence, the idealism of the struggle for freedom was shattered when a
Hindu fanatic assassinated the movement's secular saint, Mohandas Gandhi. In an effort to end India’s religious strife,
Mahatma Gandhi resorted to hunger strike, fast unto death seeking Hindu
Muslim unity condition, leaned with more concession to Muslim minority
that were more brutal. A fanatic Hindu who objected to Gandhi’s
tolerance for the Muslims, fatally shot him on a Friday prayer meeting and he
gave up his ghost crying Hey Ram! Known as Mahatma, or
“the great soul,” during his lifetime. Gandhi’s persuasive methods of civil
disobedience influenced leaders of civil rights movements around the world,
especially Martin Luther King, Jr. in the United States. Entering my
college in this horrible year, I celebrated my 1948 Independence Day in the
college and in the evening rushed to the temple praying to the Supreme to save
the souls of millions that gave up their live and to bemoan for a country that
got into pieces instead of Peace, chanting the all-round Shanti mantra “viswe
santih sarve santih santireva santih”. To me, therefore, July 4 is
more a Religious Freedom Day and All Freedom Day, observing some similar
struggles in USA in the past and even today, than a mere Independence Day, a
fancied and arbitrarily fixed Independence Day in the spirit of “sanghacchadvam
samvadadvam samanamakootih“ with the hope of seeing
the ever-shining bright light at the end of dark tunnel, for which we are
still struggling.
There’s no doubt the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of
Independence in July 1776. Officially, the Continental Congress
declared its freedom from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. John Adams thought
July 2 would be marked as a national holiday for generations to
come. Congress approved the actual Declaration of Independence
document on July 4, and the approved version was signed in Philadelphia. Most
of the members of the Continental Congress signed a version of the Declaration
on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia. The late historian Pauline Maier
said in her 1997 book, Americans finally remembered the event on July 3, 1777,
and July 4 became the day that seemed to make sense for celebrating
independence. Its anniversary day weren’t widely celebrated until the
Federalists faded away from the political scene after 1812. In an 1826 letter –
the last he ever wrote -- Thomas Jefferson spoke of the importance of
Independence Day. Jefferson and Adams both passed away two days later, on the
Fourth of July.
To Hindu Americans, July 4 becomes Pitru’s Honoring Day of ancestors,
praying for the souls of all those that lost their lives or lived fighting for
all kinds of Freedom to improve quality of life, including Jefferson and Adams
who also died on this day. This is also the day for paying their obeisance to
Swami Vivekananda, also died on July 4, who is the father of Neo-Vedanta to the
World, bringing together the Indian Spiritual Strength and Western Material
Strength, all at the altar of their choice deity. Thanks to the tireless
service of their urban monks, USA is turning to be a Land of Yoga, Meditation
and Spirituality with the rapidly increasing religious freedom movements like
SBNR and Awesome without Allah.
Faith inspires hope. Deeply embedded in the heart and soul
of our Nation, this transcendent truth has compelled men and women of
uncompromising conscience to give glory to God by worshiping both openly and
privately, lifting up themselves and others in prayer. On Religious
Freedom Day like July 4, we pledge to always protect and cherish this fundamental
human right.
When the Pilgrim Fathers first crossed the Atlantic Ocean more
than 400 years ago in pursuit of religious freedom, their dedication to this
first freedom shaped the character and purpose of our Nation. Later, with
the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill
of Rights, their deep desire to practice their religion unfettered from
government intrusion was realized. Since then, the United States has
set an example for the world in permitting believers to live out their faith in
freedom. Did they get influenced by Gita in
shaping the religious freedom then and even today as the country turns
progressively to be a country of Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality?
Gita says that the world needs different religions, cults and
deities to meet the vastly different needs if individuals. Gita Doctrine is
beyond Religious and national Boundaries and should lead one to tranquility,
happiness and equanimity that mostly reflects in the recent Declarations of the
President of the United States.
“Over the past 4 years, my Administration has worked tirelessly to
honor the vision of our Founders and defend our proud history of religious
liberty. From day one, we have taken action to restore the foundational
link between faith and freedom and promote a culture of religious
liberty. My Administration has protected the rights of individual
religious believers, communities of faith, and faith-based organizations.
We have defended religious liberty domestically and around the world. For
example, I signed an Executive Order Promoting Free Speech and Religious
Liberty to ensure that faith-based organizations would not be forced to
compromise their religious beliefs as they serve their communities. This
includes defending the rights of religious orders to care for the infirm and
elderly without being fined out of existence for refusing to facilitate access
to services that violate their faith.
We have also protected healthcare providers’ rights not to be
forced to perform procedures that violate their most deeply-held convictions. Additionally, we have ended the misguided policies of
denying access to educational funding to historically black colleges and
universities because of their religious character and of denying loan forgiveness
to those who perform public services at religious organizations.
Throughout this difficult year, we have continued these efforts, cutting red
tape to ensure houses of worship and other faith-based organizations could
receive Paycheck Protection Program loans on the same grounds and with the same
parameters as any other entity. We have also aggressively defended faith
communities against overreach by State and local governments that have tried to
shut down communal worship. Together, we have honored the
sanctity of every life, protected the rights of Americans to follow their
conscience, and preserved the historical tradition of religious freedom in our
country.
While Americans enjoy the blessings of religious liberty, we must
never forget others around the world who are denied this unalienable
right. Sadly, millions of people across the globe are persecuted and
discriminated against for their faith. My Administration has held foreign
governments accountable for trampling — in many cases, egregiously so — on
religious liberty. In 2019, to shed light on this important issue, I
welcomed survivors of religious persecution from 16 countries in the Oval
Office, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and made history by standing
before the United Nations General Assembly and calling on all nations of the
world to stop persecuting people of faith. The United States will never
waver in these efforts to expand religious liberty around the world and calls
on all nations to respect the rights of its citizens to live according to their
beliefs and conscience.
On Religious Freedom Day, we honor the vision of our Founding
Fathers for a Nation made strong and righteous by a people free to exercise
their faith and follow their conscience. As Americans united in
unparalleled freedom, we recommit to safeguarding and preserving religious
freedom across our land and around the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16,
2021, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to commemorate
this day with events and activities that remind us of our shared heritage of
religious liberty and that teach us how to secure this blessing both at home
and around the world.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth”--DONALD
J. TRUMP
Religious freedom in America, often referred to as our “first
freedom,” was a driving force behind some of the earliest defining moments of
our American identity. The desire for religious freedom impelled the
Pilgrims to leave their homes in Europe and journey to a distant land, and it
is the reason so many others seeking to live out their faith or change their
faith have made America their home.
More than 230 years ago, the Virginia General Assembly passed the
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which was authored and championed by
Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson famously expounded that “all men shall be
free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of
Religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their
civil capacities.” This statute served as the catalyst for the First
Amendment, which enshrined in law our conviction to prevent government
interference in religion. More than 200 years later, thanks to the power
of that Amendment, America is one of the most religiously diverse
nations in the world.
In the light of the recent President’s declaration, we as Hindu
Americans should stand
against the persecution of anyone in the name of religion, and we must oppose
all cases where religious freedom is ignored or abused, so that all may
flourish in peace. We should not stop simply protesting, but turn spiritual
guided by Vedic wisdom and also guide others to lift themselves spiritually and
live-in peace but not pieces. This warrants to observe July 4 as a special
Religious Events Day more than Father’ s Day, Mother’s Day or Yoga Day.
Further this is the Day that Swami Vivekananda gave up his ghost too about
which I will talk about in my next E-mail. In Hindu concept Death Anniversary
is also celebrated as Jayanti for the soul never dies and such noble souls
always guide us!
“If we ever forget that we are ‘One Nation under God’, then
we will be one nation gone under.” – Ronald Reagan
The Virginia General Assembly enacted the Statute
for Religious Freedom, which paved the way for the First Amendment to the US
Constitution. This first freedom was enshrined in America’s founding documents
and today we reaffirm our commitment to protect this religious freedom. Happy
July 4 Independence Day!
--July 1, 2021
Comments:
God Bless You
--Prof. G.
Nagarajan
WHY INDIAN AMERICANS SHOULD CELEBRATE
NATIONAL DOCTORS’ DAY OF INDIA ON JULY 1?
Every
year 1st July marks a very significant event called the National Doctors’
Day in India, in order to pay utmost
respect and recognize the contribution of the doctors to our lives while USA
Celebrates it on March 30 that I explained in detail. Today, it is that time of
the year, where Indians do pay tribute to their doctors who have been battling
against the coronavirus, and saving the world at the risk of their own lives.
National
Doctors’ Day 2021: History
In 1991, the Government of India
defined a special day to recognize the contributions of BC Roy, an Indian
physician as well as a freedom fighter who played a chief role in founding
several medical institutions such as Jadavpur T.B. Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva
Sadan, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Victoria Institution (college),
Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital and the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan for women and
children.
However, there are many other
countries that celebrate doctors’ day but on different days, just like Nepal on
4th March, while Turkey on 14th March.
Hindu Americans in USA celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30 and Canada on
1st May. Nevertheless, being Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) there hearts are
always in India, where they have many relatives and friends, while Will is in
USA.
National Doctors’ Day 2021:
Significance
1st July is crucial FOR Indians
because it is the birth as well as the death anniversary of their renowned
physician, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He served as the Chief Minister of West
Bengal from 1948 until his death in 1962. The modern maker of Bengal was
honored with the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna on 4th February 1961.
National Doctors’ Day 2021
Theme ‘Save the Savior
From working ceaselessly, wearing
those uncomfortable and suffocating PPE suits just to treat the patients of
Covid-19 and again normalize the condition of the world. It is really
unfortunate that a report by IMA showed that the country lost over 1,500 precious
doctors to this cruel pandemic. However, the number can be even higher since
IMA only estimates its data through its 3.27 lakh members. In order to dedicate
and express condolences to the doctors who succumbed to COVID-19, the theme
this year is ‘Save The Saviours’. this fits into the Hindu Philosophy, ‘dharmo rakshati rakshitah’
PM Modi’s address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his
address to the nation on 27th June highlighted the importance of doctors who’re
bravely combating this gloomy situation. “A few days from now, on July 1, we
will celebrate National Doctors’ Day. This day is dedicated to the birth
anniversary of the great doctor and statesman of the country, Dr. BC Roy. We
are all grateful for the contribution of doctors during the Corona period. Our
doctors have served us without caring about their lives. Therefore, this time
National Doctors’ Day becomes even more special,” he said.
As
India suffers through a devastating surge in COVID-19 infections, the 4.2
million members of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. are stricken with panic,
pain and grief. Many are volunteering to help. Special correspondent Fred de
Sam Lazaro reports on the efforts of Indian American doctors to help mitigate
the crisis in India. It's part of our "Agents for c
hange"
series.
Many
of the 4.2 million members of the Indian diaspora here in the United States say
they are stricken with panic, pain and grief. Many are volunteering to help.
The
funeral pyres in makeshift crematoria now go 24/7 (round the clock), the final stop in a health care system that
has crashed, unable to provide the most basic care that could have prevented
most of these COVID deaths, hospital beds, equipment and, most critically,
oxygen.
One
irony in this tragedy is that this country is a major producer and exporter of
technical and medical experts, especially to the U.S. About 80,000 doctors of
Indian origin practice in the United States today, found everywhere from the
Mayo Clinic to the farthest reaches of rural America.
The
vast majority of them graduated from
medical schools in India before immigrating to the U.S., so their ties
to their homeland are recent, and they run deep. Many are doctors without
borders and run their free visiting clinics and charitable institutions in the
spirit of Hindu Seva Dharma in India. But they are a small squirrel service
group drawing their inspiration from Ramayana that I talked about.
“Indian Community Seniors Support Services” (ICSSS) in my own town
strives to provide services that contribute to the health and vitality of the
community and thus help Seniors like me age gracefully. They
plan to link seniors with the information about the different resources
available in our community and also create atmosphere for fellowship
and networking. The goal is to enhance emotional, social and health
issues and more importantly help and address loneliness and
isolation. Many of them are reputed doctors who had their medical degree
and early practice in India and came to USA that attracts talents from all
parts of the globe. Some of them ae philanthropists and temple fathers too.
‘To Be’ or ‘Not To Be’ a participant of this Vital Celebration and offering SRE
Worship at the altar of your choice deity is left to you!
We
as Hindu Americans offered our prayers on March 30, our National Doctors’ Day.
Kind hearted Dhanvantari heard our prayers and appeared with his Amrita Kalasa
of COVID 19 Vaccine that opened the flood gates of relief not only in USA but
also in other countries that sought the help of US Healthcare Providers. That
makes us possible to Celebrate Vivekananda Memorial Jayanti on
JULY 4, a great day of Religious Freedom and ‘Who am I’ Awareness that promotes
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Please
recall Nashville Seminar on this vital topic in January 2017!
In
this context, I recall that I forgot to report another significance of March
30, that is National ‘I am in Control’
Day. National I am in Control Day on March 30th reminds us of a day
when things were quite out of control.
With the President being rushed to surgery on a rainy afternoon, a
bullet lodged in his lung; a statement was made. “As of now, I am in control
here in the White House.” Those are the words of Secretary of State Alexander
Haig on March 30, 1981, after the assassination attempt on President Ronald
Reagan.
He was taken to task for those words by the media. Haig later
explained that he only meant that he was in charge until Vice President George
Bush could be sworn in. Bush was en route
at the time.
Sources believe that this was the beginning of National I am in
Control Day. This day has evolved and taken on a different context. It is a day
to get things under control in your life on a day to day basis. For Hindu
Americans, this could be, ‘Who I am’ I Awareness Day, on a day to day basis to
spread Dharma and Spirituality in Materialistic and Egoistic USA. That should
be easier than before for both President and Vice-President are persons of
Indian Origin though not boldly proclaim to be politically wise but the
background helps.
Let
us not forget “Masks are again! Delta variant spread prompts reconsideration
and precaution”. Let us not be egoistic like India that brought the present
disaster!
--July 1, 2021
--