Friday, April 19, 2019

THOUGHTS OF THE DAY --FIRST QUARTER 2019


THOUGHTS OF THE DAY --FIRST QUARTER 2019


WHAT WE CALL HINDUISM TODAY WAS THE UNIVERSAL RELIGION IN THE PAST

Vedic society called their religion Maanava Dharma or the Religion of Man, meaning that it was not exclusive religion of the people who called themselves Aryans or well mannered, but was meant for the whole mankind guided by their philosophy “krinvanto viswamaaryam”—let us ennoble the whole world.  Another name given to that was Sanatana Dharma—The Eternal Religion, illustrating their belief that the religion was based on certain eternal truths, true for all times and all people living on earth.
“In the dim past what we call Hinduism today was prevalent all over the world. Archaeological studies reveal the existence of relics of our Vedic religion in many countries.  For instance, excavations have brought up the text of a treaty between Ramsey II   and Hittites dating back to the 14th century B.C.; the Vedic gods Mitra  and Varuna are mentioned as witnesses to the pact. There is a connection between the name of Rameses and Rama. About 75 % of the names of places in Madagascar have a Sanskrit origin” says Jagadguru Chandrasekharendra Saraswati in his Book of Dharma.

Evidence can be found in many countries of their Vedic connection dating back to 5000 years and even back to 8000 years according to recent archeological findings. With the dawn of civilization   itself, aspects of Vedic Dharma existed in these lands. It was only subsequently that the inhabitants of these regions came to have a religion of their own because their civilization itself is of recent origin learnt from migrant people of Pre-vedic and  Vedic   people from  Bharat.
Recently an ancient Siva temple in ruins has been discovered in the dense forests of USA. Pre-Vedic Religion of Bharat and later Vedic Religion of Indus alley Civilization had been the religion of the world from the beginning of times. Today it is again spreading in all countries of the world as world religion called Hinduism by Arabs. The ancient Indians settled in America are known to the world as Red Indians. Generations of present Kaliyuga migrated from Bharat traveling through frozen sea between 20000 to 30000 years settled in the continent of America and were called Red Indians say the expert historians. Settling there they worshiped Siva says a research publication Sadathala. Sivalingas are discovered in Italy, Ireland, West Asia, Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Africa etc. Migration has been going on to and from Bharat in the ancient past. Human existance is 70000 years old says recent archeological findings.
India’s leading genetic-research institute traces our geneticists to nearly all bloodlines back to two ancestral groups, one hailing from Africa, the other from Eurasia. These groups mingled, married and swapped genes.
Some historians try to explain the evidence pointing to the world-wide prevalence our Religion in the past to the exchange of cultural and religious ideas between India and other countries established through travels.  Having a clear picture of early civilization today it is reasonable to believe there was one common religion or Dharma throughout and that the signs and symbols that we find of this today are the creation of the original inhabitants of the lands concerned.
All the Archeological and historic information that I have discussed in this discourse confirms that there is no question of certain things being taken from Bharat and introduced into another country probably by the  people who practiced  Vedic Religion. In the beginning the Vedic Religion was prevalent all over the world. Later, over the centuries, it must have gone through a process of change and taken different forms. These forms came to be called the original religions of these various lands which in the subsequent period, historical times, came under Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity or Islam as the case may be.
Often we are questioned on these facts because of the wrong Indian History taught in schools and Hinduism itself has changed a lot moving away from the   Vedic Religion that proclaimed:
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/ devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.

“Hinduism is a more recent nomenclature given to a conglomeration of heterogeneous traditions and plurality of beliefs and worship with a long history of development from the Vedic (that which has originated from Vedas—the four ancient texts which contain the core of Hindu Philosophy and beliefs) sacrificial religion through the worship of epic and Puranic heroes and personal  deities, cults and sects, as well as philosophical  system rather than to a monolithic tradition or structure based on a single system of beliefs and worships or single text as scripture”  says Champaka Lakshmi in her book on The Hindu Temples.

Please go through the detailed compilation on the subject from various authentic sources.


--March 31, 2019

IF YOU WANT TO ENJOY PERENNIAL JOY SEEK VEDANTIN AND A PSYCHIATRIST FOR TEMPORARY PLEASURE
The psychological tradition in the West has had a combination of strengths and blind spots that asymmetrically reflect those of the non-dual Eastern traditions. Where the Eastern non-dual traditions have thrived, the Western psychological tradition has its blind spots.   The Western psychological tradition has cultivated a deep understanding of what makes for a healthy, integrated and thus authentic relative self. The blind spot of Western Psychology, however, is that it has never really understood the reality of the True Self – the Absolute Self or Ultimate Reality that is the Ground of Being. Instead, it has often seen all talk of there being an undivided, unified absolute self as unhealthy and potentially even psychotic regression.

Your true self, Vedanta and modern psychology
David Frawley
Vedic Vision | Resurgent Bharat

Modern psychology suffers from gaps, which the teachings of Vedanta address at a fundamental level.
We live in an age of psychoanalysis. Since Freud a century ago, we have been taught the importance of examining our personal psychology, emotions and memories for understanding ourselves and finding happiness in life. A variety of authorities in modern psychology today evaluate not just individuals but cultures, even religions by their proposed psychological understanding of the human mind. 
Yet, in spite of the proliferation of psychological treatment, we find more people taking pharmaceutical drugs and epidemics of depression occurring in the affluent Western world. Are we missing something about understanding ourselves - and can the ancient Vedic teachings provide us a deeper insight?
Modern psychology reflects a view of the self that is based upon the physical body and outer social interactions. It seeks happiness at a physical level in the material world. Its view of the mind is limited to the brain and our biological compulsions, starting with sexuality. When it asks us to develop ourselves it is a seeking of outer power and prestige, not inner awareness. Its idea of self reflects external factors only, not any consciousness that endures beyond death.
Here, let us remember the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. Our true Self, called Atman or Purusha, consists of the boundless light of consciousness. It has no birth or death, no pleasure or pain, no past or future. It has no qualities as defined by the five elements. Fire cannot burn it. Water cannot make it wet. It does not perish along with the body. It does not change along with the fluctuations of the mind. It is permanent, immutable and beyond sorrow. Abiding in it is ultimate peace, bliss and fulfillment. Yet, we find that modern psychology doesn't recognize such a higher Self, much less teach us how to connect to it.
Our inner identity cannot be reduced to a name, job, title or circumstance. No one and nothing can own, define, limit, or control the deeper reality within us. We are not simply a physical organism or a complex set of chemical reactions in the brain, but the inner consciousness through which these operate and which transcends their fluctuations. We contain the potentials and formations of all existence, extending beyond time and space to the infinite and eternal.

The importance of Vedanta
Vedantic philosophy contains a profound psychology of Self-realization, not merely a psychology of physical or social identity. Vedanta teaches that you are the entire universe. You are not limited to the body. You have many bodies in many incarnations in different worlds or lokas. Your nature is cosmic. 
Similarly, you need not seek happiness or fulfillment outside your true Self. On the contrary, your Inner-Self is full of light and your role in the world should be to bring light, compassion and wisdom to all. Everything you see in the world of nature represents some portion of your true Self, some aspect of your cosmic identity. All creatures are different expressions of your deeper Self that pervades the entire existence.
Only such a deeper vision of Self can bring us true happiness. Otherwise, we remain trapped in outer ego identities, in how we appear or what we do, rather than who we truly are. This means that the best practices for psychological well-being are mantra and meditation based upon an inner search for our true nature in consciousness. The mind easily falls into dependence, compulsion or addiction if we do not have an enduring connection with our inner being.
If you aspire to enduring mental peace and emotional well-being start by taking a course in Vedanta and learn how the human being and the universe, the Divine and our inner essence are one. Step out of the isolation of the ego and mere outer social definitions to your ultimate identity as the Self of all. Open your awareness to infinite space, not just to the outer forms.
Naturally, this greater Self-realization cannot be accomplished quickly and requires a lifelong sadhana, but if we sincerely pursue it we can progress every day in consciousness and deathless awareness, not merely in outer achievements and acquisitions.
The sages of India have preserved the legacy of Self-knowledge for all humanity, but it must be shared and practiced, and honored in our educational systems as well. Without knowing ourselves, all other knowledge is limited and cannot take us beyond sorrow. Let us not forget this simple eternal wisdom of Self-awareness that easily gets lost in all the information that we are deluged with every day.



 HINDU REFLECTIONS ON SENSES ELABORATED IN THE KENA UPANISHAD

FOWAI FORUM (INDIA) AND STEP (USA) Presents a Telecast by: Mr. Radhakrishna Chilukuri on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
Gist of the Presentation: The first verse of the Kenopanishad asks piercing questions about the force behind Mind, Prāna, Speech and in its last phrase, the Senses. These inspirational questions, just by themselves, serve as pointers that can lead to intense contemplation. We will briefly explore modern scientific perspectives that supplement traditional segregation into Five Senses. Besides characterizing the sensory organs and their stimuli, we will explore the process of perception itself. These descriptive discussions serve as ingredients, sāmagri, that can lead to contemplation on the one-ness between the seer and seen, per Advaita Vedānta.
Surprised by their limited time on earth and bogged down by the inevitable death our rishis raised their voices to the unknown Being that is responsible for all these Becoming--“mrityor maa amritam gamaya”--lead us from Death to Immortality. They wondered who this Being is responsible from all these Becoming. One among the m looking at himself and turning inwards “kena, by whom” all these Becoming resulted?  A  Rishi  of middle afes well known to us, Sankara said, “By whose mere presence does that desire arise which moves the universe’’ reflecting  his thoughts from Nasadeeya sukta.  Ekanth Easwaran quotes   a Sufi story about a seeker who calls on Allah day   in and day out and finally throws himself down and cries, “How long I have been calling and you do not answer!”  Then he hears a heavenly voice: “Who do you think has been making you call me?” The desperate guy failed to turn inwards and realize that The Being having crated this vast universe has also entered into him as antaryamin or Inner-Self.
The opening word of the Kena Upanishad starts with the word Kena meaning “by whom”,   the word that has become the title of this Upanishad also. What moves this Macrocosm Universe and the Microcosm world within us puzzles all of us. Our scientists have been  great visionaries exploring the world outside  and at present discovered the Internet that answers many questions and brings comforts to life momentarily, but our Vedantins are busy with our Inner-net inquiring what was all this before creation?   It was all Water alone says Mahanarayana Upanishad.  Ambhasya pare  bhuvanasya madhye nakasya prishthe  prajapatih charati garbhe antah” says  MNU.   The One who is responsible for creation who is present in the shoreless waters having entered the shining intelligence of creatures in seed form, acts in the fetus which grows into the living being that is born.  Our Vedantins being  spiritual scientists identified  him as Brahman,  learning from material scientists  the universe is ever  expanding , realized this as brih to grow that is synonym with vridh  to grow. Now the English “WORD” has its origin from vridh. So the Holy Bible begins saying that in the beginning there was “word” the word was with GOD and the word was GOD.   This word was OM. Vedas say “AUM ityatmaanam unjeeta’’ unite your Inner-Self with Om which the Christians misspelt as AMEN just as they misspelt  Hindu for Sindhu.

Visvataschakshuruta visvato mukho visvato hasta uta visvataspaat | sam baahubhyaam namati sam patatrair   dyaavaprithavee janayan deva ekah || says another Veda mantra. The self-luminous Reality is one without a second and is the creator of heaven and earth. Having created the Universe by Himself and out of Himself He became the possessor of the eyes hands and  feet (all sense organs),  of all creatures in every part of the universe. He controls all of them by Dharma and Adharma represented as his two hands and the constituent elements of this universe which have supplied the Souls (Jiva or Atman) with the material embodiment represented as patatra or legs (Karmendriyas). Uma the renowned female Vedic scholar in this Upanishad reveals the great Truth to Indra and others that the power behind every activity of nature and of man is the Power Brahman. To realize this Truth is to be immortal. The light of Brahman flashes in Lightning; The light of Brahaman flashes in our eyes; It flashes  in the little light we wave before the deity. It is the Power of Brahman that makes the Mind to think, desire, and will. Therefore use Power to act with your Karmendriyas and meditate with your Jnanendriyas on Brahman as explained  in mantra IV.4-6 of this Upanishad as advised by Uma whom Siva chose  later to be His better-half in Puranas.

But moving away from the customary deliverance of such discourses Himself why did Swami Chidananda left it to his disciple. May be his disciple is Guruguha like Subhramanya who even taught his father. But my own feeling is Swamiji wanted to send a powerful message to us, settled abroad who find hard to find a Guru,  in our focus on material pursuits.  In fact, self-redemption must come ultimately from ourselves by turning to our Innernet (atman) by Svadhyaya (self-study). The external props such as temples, Ishta devatas, Gurus etc.., are all encouragements and aids. These external helps must be intelligently used by each to his best advantage. With inner purity and perfections the spiritual aspirant acquires a wealth of purity and comes to be guided more and more by the pure intellect in us.  You know this from present day Siddhas like Ramana Maharshi and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who sought no gurus but solely depended on Inner-net and not Internet. That is why Swamiji earlier enlightened us on Satkarma, Satsanga and Svadhyaya and also  spoke on:   “Atmana vindate veeryam”  Om ityaatmnam unjeeta” “yad bhadram tanma asuva” --to enjoy perennial joy Sreyas and not momentary happiness and pleasure (preyas).  Do your duty, leave the choice to Him for He knows what is best for us based on our Karma acquired and earned.

When a person puts away naturally all the desires that enter his mind, and remains content in himself, then he is said to be a person of steadfast wisdom. One whose  mind is not agitated even when beset by sorrows, or whose mind is not excited  with longings in occasions of happiness, and one from whose heart desires, fears and anger have been removed, can rightly be called the Yogi of settled and steadfast wisdom. His wisdom is firmly established, who does not have excessive attachment to anything in the world, and who does not rejoice when something pleasant or good befalls him, nor hate when something unpleasant or bad come to his lot. When one withdraws from all sides his sense- faculties from their respective sense objects, even as a tortoise naturally and effortlessly draws in its limbs, his wisdom is firmly established.(2: 55-58)  This is the Psychiatry  and  Science of Yoga according to Ramanuja. Freeing himself from passion and dispassion, keeping the senses that are acting on the sense objects under firm control, and by following the dictates of the inner soul, he gains the love of God. (2.64).
Thus, in the words of the Bhagavad Gita that often dwells at length on Upanishadic Thoughts says a correct understanding of the true nature of the senses and their activities is the first step towards self-discipline and Self-realization. Without such awareness a seeker of truth cannot overcome the delusion of his mind and become free from the bondage to his physical and mental existence. By controlling his senses dutifully, he can become detached from the sense objects, and regain his freedom from the compulsion to act according to his desires.
When a person engages in such a spiritual effort, The Bhagavadgita says that with the elimination of desires, he achieves equanimity of the mind, inner peace, freedom from fear, lust, egoism, anger and such other ungodly qualities. Firmly established on the path of self-realization (6.24-29), he becomes stable like the ocean that remains undisturbed although waters enter into it from all directions through various rivers (2.70)
Please go through my discourse on Steadfastness that leads to Perennial Joy:  http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2016/01/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html
But don’t go alone by what I say  all the time  as I started searching Inner-net very late busy with my Internet but listen to the Vedic Scholar Radhakrisahna Chiluikuri enlighted by Swami Chidananda.  
-- March 30, 2019


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                                                                        GAYATRI MANTRAS FOR MEDITATION
Puraanas glorify that each of the letters of the celebrated Gaayatree hymn above consisting of twenty-four syllables/letters is represented by one of the twenty four forms of Vishnu. While performing the daily ritual of Sandhyaavandana It is customary to recite the names of these twenty-four forms and consecrate the twenty-four spots in the body. Gayantree-saara Sangraha identifies the twenty-four letters of the Gaayatree Mantra with deities presiding over the letters (Abhimaana Devata) and Names of Vishnu:

No.      Gaayatree letter     Rishi*        Abhimana Devata               Names of Vishnu

1.                     Ta              Vamadeva             Agni                                          Kesava
2.                     tsa            Atri                          Prajaapati                               Narayana
3.                     vi             Vasishta                   Soma                                       Maadhava
4.                     tur             Sukra                        Easaana                               Govinda
5.                     va           Kanva                        Savitar                                    Vishnu
6.                     re            Parasara                   Brihaspati                              Madhusoodana
7.                     ni            Visvamitra                Paitru-deva                             Trivikrama
8.                     yam        Kapila                         Bhaga                                    Vaamana
9.                     bha         Saunaka                    Aaryama                                  Sreedhara
10.                   rgoe       Yajnyavalka                 Saavitri                                  Hrisheekesa
11.                   dey         Bharadvaja               Tvashtr                                    Padmanaabha
12.                   va           Jamadagni                Pooshan                                   Daamodara
13.                   sya          Gautama                  Indra                                        Sankarshana
14.                   dhee       Mudgala                   Agni                                         Vaasudeva
15.                   ma          Vedavyasa                Vaayu                                      Pradyumna
16.                   hi           Lomasa                     Mitra-varuna                           Aniruddha
17.                   dhi          Agastya                    Bhraatrideva                           Purushoettama
18.                   yoe         Kausika                     Visvedeva                                Adhoekshaja
19.                   yoe         Vatsya                      Vishnu                                      Naarasimha
20.                   nah         Pulastya                    Vaasava                                   Achyuta
21.                   pra         Manduka                   Tushtaba                                 Janaardana
22.                   choe       Durvasa                    Kubera                                     Upendra
23.                   da          Narada                      Dasra                                       Hari
24.                   yaat      Kasyapa                      Brahma                                     Sree Krishna
[Gayatree-tantra insists that each letter should be contemplated upon: “Varnaanaam chintanam dhyaanam samyak paapapranaasanam]        
                                                                 *Devi   Bhagavatam   



‑-March 27, 2019

Comments:

Thank you very much.  Gayathri manthra is close to my heart. 
--Dr. Narayana Bhat


THRILLING REVELATIONS AND AMAZING TEMPLES

Please recall my discourse on Amazing temples and Thrilling Revelations. Here is an interesting information on the subject:

Raja Raja Chola’s love of Tamil is deified in the construction of Brihadeeswarar Temple.

Temple Tower (Gopuram) 216 ft.  Total compound   characters   in  Tamil 216. 

Sivalinga’s height 12 ft. Vowels in Tamil 12. The seat of Sivalinga 18 ft. Consonants in Tamil are 18. That is what Andal glorifies as “Sangatthmizhmalai muppadum tappaame 12+18=30” in the last pasuram “Vangakkadal kadainda madhavanaI Kesavanai” whom she   garlanded on Panguni Uttiram Day with the divine garland of 30 flowers that I described at length while describing month long celebrtation of Margazhi Festival in Tamizh Nadu and Buddhist Thailand..

The distance between Nandi and Sivalinga 247 ft. The total letters in Tamil 247.

The Tamil alphabet has 12 vowels and 18 consonants. These combine to form 216 compound characters. There is one special character (Aaytha ezutthu), giving a total of 247 characters.

The vowels are divided into short and long (five of each type) and two dipthongs. The consonants are classified into three categories with 6 in each category: vallinam - hard, mellinam - soft or nasal, and idayinam - medium. Unlike Devanagari, Tamil has neither conjunct consonants nor aspirated and voiced stops. Some scholars have suggested that in Sentamil (which refers to Tamil as it existed before Sanskrit words were borrowed), stops were voiceless when at the start of a word and unvoiced otherwise. However, no such distinction is observed by modern Tamil speakers.


--March 25, 2019
Comments:
Wonderful! Many thanks and regards.
--Dr. A.P. Sapthagireesan
Very good one, Thank You.
--Nashville Nagarajan


VARNA AND JATI IN VEDIC SOCIETY AND CASTE SYSTEM IN HINDUISM
Brihadaranyaka Upanishd says in the beginning it was indeed Brahman alone. It did not flourish being alone. It created Brahmana first. In Divine Society creation only Brahma and Agni were Brahmins. Indra, Varuna Soma, Rudra, Parjanya, Yama, Mrityu and Eesaana were the Kshatriyas among gods.   Vaiayas were the Vasus, Rudras, Adityas, the Visvedevas and the Maruts. He created then Soodra class   Poosha. Indeed this  Poosha (earth)  alone is Sudra. It is called Poosha for it nourishes all that exists. Brahma the Brahmana,    honored the Kshatriyas occupying a lower seat in the Rajasooya Yajna (sacrifice). The Brahmana is the source of Kshatriya. Therefore the king resorts to Brahmin only in spite of attaining supremacy in the sacrifice at the end of the Yajna. He who insults Brahmana digs his own grave. By doing so he becomes the sinner as one who slights his elder.
Brihadaranyaka Upaniṣhad  describes  in detail creation of divine society   to administer the universe in orderly fashion and classified them  into the four   groups called Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Sudra which  Vedic society later adopted into what we call the Varnas, in Sanskrit language, which represent the grouping of characters in human society in accordance with their knowledge and capacity for the purpose of coming together in a harmonious mold, for the purpose of the achievement of a single goal.   The intention of the universe is God-consciousness, or Self-knowledge. This urge of the universe towards the All-Self is what we call evolution. From every stage there is an upward urge towards the Self-realization of oneself in the Universal. So, whatever the stage of a particular manifested being be, whether it is human or subhuman or superhuman, from that particular stage there is an urge to go upward, vertically, as it were, towards a greater harmony and experience of integrality. This is what we know in science, today, as evolution. This is what we also call aspiration; this is what is called the moral urge; and this is what we call desire, in general. This is the pull of universal gravitation. All the groups of individuals have to work together, from the point of view of their own species at least, for the purpose of their ultimate good. The four 'Varnas' mentioned are the four capacities of individuals – the spiritual, the political or the administrative, the economic, and the working groups. The social groups among Divines are really not connected one with the other; they are individuals, of course.
How can anyone bring individuals into a harmony or a united formation? How can you ask many people to think singly? This is not possible, obviously. So, the Upaniṣhad tells us that God created what is called 'Dharma'. The law of integration is called Dharma; the law that binds multiplicity together in a harmony is Dharma; any cohesive force is Dharma; else there would be a split of parts into fragments which flee away hither and thither, without any connection among themselves. The parts of creation would apparently have no connection among themselves if Dharma were not to be there as a strong cementing force. We know there is always a tendency of things to meet together, to come together and unite themselves in some form or the other, for the purpose of a higher achievement. This tendency is present physically, vitally, subtly, grossly, socially, intellectually, ethically, spiritually, or whatever the way be – this uniting Law is called Dharma.
Dharma simply means the law of the Righteousness of the Absolute, and this Law operates in every realm of creation, even the lowest form of subatomic structures. Here, too, is the cohesive force working, bringing particles together into a single formation called atoms, molecules, etc. In higher forms of life it is organically visible as the living body, and then there is the social group, etc., all which are indications of the fact that the Supreme Brahman, the Absolute, is operating as an integrating Law, or Dharma, in and through all these manifested varieties, which apparently are disconnected from one another. Thus there is the creation of the groups of individuals, and the Law of Dharma at the same time manifested, to bring them together into a harmony. So, the whole creation is complete in itself. It is a perfect constitution which is laid down with all details, right from the top to the bottom, for all time.
Then Supreme Being created only Human beings on Earth as well as all other lower beings and   subjected them   also to the Law   of Dharma. Born on Earth, Mother of all Mothers, humans are born Sudra (a product of Pushan).  Manu therefore wrote: “janmanaa jaayatye Susdrah”, Everybody on Earth is born as a Sudra and only by self-effort attains the status of Vaisya, Kshatriya or Brahmin or Dwija.
Often mantras of Purushsukta are cited to prove that Brahmins originated from Mouth, Kshatriya from hands, Vaishya from thighs and Shudras from legs of God. Thus these varnas are birth-based. However nothing could be more deceptive. [brahmonsaya mukamaasaeet baahoo raajanyah kritah oorootadasysa yadvaisyah padbhyaam soodro ajaayata]
It is strange how every critic who talks so much  and criticizes the giant Virat Purusha being  partial in condemning Sudra to be born from his feet and Brahmana  from His mouth as described in one mantra of Purushasookta just ignored the latter Mantra that says “padbhyam bhoomih disah srotraat”--Earth was born from feet and directions from the ear.  Vedas describe Earth as mother of all mothers and says She is Parasakti or Parabrahman. If Earth is born off His feet why not then human?
Soul is timeless and never born. So soul can have no Varna. It is only when it takes birth as human that it has a chance to opt a Varna. Then what is meant by a Varna coming from one part of God’s body? If Soul did not take birth from God’s body, then does it mean body of soul is prepared from God’s body parts? But as per Vedas, even nature is eternal. And same atoms recycle among various humans. So it is technically impossible for anyone taking birth from God’s body, even if we assume God to be having a body.
Jaati
Jaati means a classification based on source of origin. Nyaya Sutra states “Samaanaprasava-atmika Jaatih” or those having similar birth source form a Jaati.
An initial broad classification made by Rishis is 4-fold: Udbhija (coming out of ground like plants), Andaja (coming out of eggs like birds and reptiles), Pindaja (mammals) and Ushmaj (reproducing due to temperature and ambient conditions like virus, bacteria etc.).
Similarly, various animals like elephant, lion, rabbits etc. form different ‘Jaati’. In same manner, entire humanity forms one ‘Jaati’. A particular Jaati will have similar physical characteristics, cannot change from one Jaati to another and cannot cross-breed. Thus Jaati is creation of Ishwar or God.
Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra are no way different Jaati because there is no difference in source of birth or even physical characteristics to differentiate between them.
Later, word ‘Jaati’ started being used to imply any kind of classification. Thus in common usage, we call even different communities as different ‘Jaati’. However that is merely convenience of usage. In reality, all humans form one single Jaati.
In Vedic culture, everyone is considered to be born as Shudra. Then based on his or her education, one becomes a Brahmin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. This completion of education is considered to be a second birth. Hence these three Varnas are called “Dwija” or twice-born. But those who remain uneducated for whatever reasons are not discarded from society. They continue as Shudra and perform support-activities for the society. [janmanaa jayate sudrah writes Manu]
 A son of Brahmin, if he fails to complete his education, becomes a Shudra. Similarly, son of a Shudra or even a Dasyu, if he completes his education can become a Brahmin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. This is pure meritocracy. The way degrees are accorded today, Yajnopaveet was provided in Vedic system. Further, non-compliance with the code of conduct for each Varna could result in taking away of the Yajnopaveet.
Existing institution of castes of Hindus in India is peculiar to India and is the most vital principle of Hinduism, dominating Indian social life, morals and thoughts. It consists essentially in the division of Hindu Mankind into about 3000 hereditary groups each internally bound together by rules of ceremonial preference and purity and externally separated by the same rules from other groups. The word caste is of Portuguese origin, ‘casta’. It is a system of rigid social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy and social barriers sanctioned by custom. 
May we all come under the shelter of Vedas and work together to strengthen the humanity as one single family!
Please go through the discourse:
--March 19, 2019

HAPPY SAURAMANA VILAMBI, HOLIEST AMONG SIXTY YEARS’ CYCLE
The year Vilambi is a birth year of Sri Rama in Thretha Yuga, The year Sri Venkateswara wed Padmavathi in Kali yuga - we are blessed to be in this yea
r still that comes once in  60 years. Most of us will be able to celebrate this holiest year as grand finale once in our life time and rare few like me twice in our lifetime.
His Holiness Sri Ahobila Jeeyar Swamiji has decided to celebrate this holy year performing Krathuvu yajna with chanting of Sri Ramayanam Uconsisting of 24000 slokas for 27 days including daily Nakshatra Homams at 3 divine locations in India while performing the yajnam.  Krathuvu is a “Maha Yajna” performed for the benefit of the humanity. The noble intent of performing Sri Rama Krathuvu is to learn and transform each one of us into a great personality like Sri Rama. In turn Serve All Beings as if Service to God” and make the world a beautiful place to live in by spreading love and equality.  “Jana Sevaye Janrdhanana seve” says a Kannada proverb that means Service to humanity is Service to GOD. Sri Ahobila Jeeyar Swamiji has given a clarion call to all the devotees across the world to come together and participate in this auspicious Sri Rama Krathuvu. 
Hindu American Temples May not be able to do such detailed Krathuvu but certainly can celebrate this day with Venkateswara Padmavati Kalyanotsava as well as Sita  Rama Kalyanotsava or a suitable Homam. In order to think of celebrating VILAMBI in a fitting manner in our temples I am releasing this E-mail in advance though planned it for Yugadi Eve.
South Indians believe that Hanuman was born in the Hindu Calendar month of Dhanus on Amavasya Day and his birth star is Mula nakshtra like that of Ravana that I have discussed  at length under Vedic astrology.  Our Religious scholars and astrologers have not come to any agreement about Hanuman’s Birth. North American Panchangam 2019 also says Hanuman Jayanthi is on December 26, 2019 but many American Hindu Temples   celebrate Hanuman Jayanthi on Purnima day after Rama Navami in order to please Ayodhyavasis and Sant Tulsidas Ramcharit Manas Bhaktas.  South Indians do Valmiki Ramayana Parayanam during Festivals of Dolls Season during  Kolu Navaratri and complete it on Vijaya Dasami Day while North Indians are busy in burning the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Indrajit. I do not know whether Sant Tulasidas has researched the Hanuman Jayanthi to be Purnima Day after Ramanavami as it is also believed in the North that Anjana shared the same pudding of Putrakameshti carried by Garuda that fell on her hands while on Tapas and as a result Hanuman was born. It is this logic that has guided North Indians to celebrate Hanuman Jayanthi immediately after Rama Navami.  This makes Hanuman brother of the other four to make Pancha Raghus  like Pancha Pandavas of later days. It is tough to understand   and also get convinced about all these though our worships are directed by Puranas and not Vedas! Puranas make worship colorful and dramatic and make Liberation (Moksha or Mukti) leisurely enjoying earthly pleasures and often sufferings too!
As Hindu Americans are still guided by the same sectarian views imported from India, they try to   keep both Southern and Northern origin Hindus Happy and therefore neither question these different views nor try to solve them. They are more focused on preservation of traditions brought with them from India than historic facts focused on Hindu global settlements, logistics and universal oneness though highly educated. Recent studies say Rama was a Dravidian King based on the serious study of Vedas in the South, well known Vedic scholars of ancient past coming mostly from South, ancient popularity of maritime trade of the South and link with the entire world, ancient Siva worship   even  before Indus Valley Civilization and popularity of Hinduism in the Far East with dominating Southern Culture even earlier to Harappa times (Ramani’s Blog). There are 33 Vedic tribes listed in the Rig Veda. Western Historians present and disperse towards the North, North East of India, Persia and Russia as if South never existed and we believe in it! One has to account for the presence of Sanatana Dharma in the Far East, extending to Australia and the spread in Europe, Africa, Americas and Mesa Americas. This was the work of Dravidians at first and later by the Vedic people!
Chandramana  Yugaadi (New Year’s Day) and Almanac (panchangam)   (Compilation for a discourse at Sri Ganesha Temple by   N.R. Sriniva...
nrsrini.blogspot.com

Wishing All Chandramana New-year Lovers  Happy,  Prosperous and Holiest  New Year!


RARE SLOKAS FROM PURANAS SENT BY COURTESY BY MURALIDHARAN IYENGAR FROM SINGAPORE  
In the early centuries of the Common Era, sectarian strife was a major issue between the followers of Shiva and the followers of Vishnu. With the advent of Advaita or non-dualistic philosophy, the differences between these two sects and many others have been partially reconciled. The unity of the major gods Shiva and Vishnu has become increasingly popular, and many temples now house the image of SIVA and VISHNU  Parivara (family and avatars).
The Hindu trinity is comprised of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the dis-solver. Brahma represents the creation of the universe, this world, and everything within it. There is no way to refuse that the creation of all that surrounds us, as well as ourselves is astonishing. Therefore Brahma does not find himself to be the subject of sectarian division. The argument instead revolves around the relative greatness of Vishnu, the guardian of Brahma’s creation versus Shiva, the one capable of destroying the entire creation and providing a blank canvas for Brahma to begin again. śivasya hridayam viṣṇur viṣṇoscha hridayam śivaḥ--Vishnu is the heart of Shiva; Shiva is the heart of Vishnu.
Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva is the Hindu trinity, also called the trimurti. The Supreme Spirit or Universal Truth, called Brahman, is represented in three forms, each corresponding to one cosmic function: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the transformer/destroyer)--Srishthi, Sthiti and Laya.
Because Hinduism is a collection of different traditions and beliefs, scholars believe Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva was an attempt to reconcile the doctrine of Brahman with different approaches to the Divine.
Unity with Brahman – which is personified as the Trimurti – is the ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy and practice. Today, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva as the Trimurti is rarely worshiped. Instead, Hindus typically worship one of the three as the supreme deity, and consider the others as incarnations of their supreme god. For example, Vaishnavism holds that Vishnu is the supreme god, while Shaivism believes that Shiva is supreme. Brahma, in comparison, has relatively few devotees as the supreme deity. In Puranas glorifying Siva it is through Him Parabrahman is worshiped upon and vice versa. Sakti in Sanskrit is feminine.  Hence the power aspect of  Prakriti (also feminine) of Purusaha is also symbolized as  feminine trinity Devis--Saraswati, Lakshmi,  Uma (Combined in one as Durga)  mentioned in  Veda mantras.  Later they have been made consorts of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in Puranas.  Many Vedic deities are addressed with the epithet as siva (auspicious) or inner dweller.  
In ancient texts, the three gods symbolize earth, water and fire:
  • Brahma represents earth. He is the originating power and creator of all life. One story claims he is the son of Brahman, while another says he created himself from water and seed.
  • Vishnu represents water, which symbolizes his role as the sustainer of life. He is the protector side of Brahman, known for upholding goodness and creation, and is identified with his incarnations like Krishna and Rama.
  • Shiva represents fire and is identified as the destructive power of the Trimurti. However, he is also viewed as a positive force that cleanses and destroys evil, paving the way for new creation and a fresh start.
Vedavyasa while editing Puranas by various authors focused on a particular deity and  has invariably introduced certain slokas (Hymns) that highlight that there is no difference between Brahma, Vishnu and Siva or their emanations  and worship to any one of them is in reality directed to Parabrahman only. Thus we see that Lord Mahvishnu claims in Brahma Vaivarta Purana that Lord Subrahmanya is Lord Vishnu Himself. But Lord Subrahmanya is considered equivalent to Lord Shiva thereby confirming the equality of Trinity and those infuse difference among the various forms are just confusing themselves and others (which can't be termed as a divine service, anyway!!).  Puranas declare that those who hold sectarian views and commit the grave sin belittling any deity comparing to their chosen deities held in esteem will be condemned in hell under severest conditions.  
“Hallucinations of differences among Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) are nothing but egoistic nonsense at the individual level and have nothing to do with our scriptures. In the last decade, we have seen tons of such citations and tons more to come” highlights  Muralidharan  Iyengar. Sri Muralidharan Iyengar of Singapore has done lot of research work on a number of Puranas to find these rare slokas of many deities that  depict the  equal status of all deities leading   us to Parabrahman. I have collected as many slokas as possible that he has been sending graciously to us over past few years. Please find my first collection of 60  slokas posted on   the blog in 3 postings: 1 to 20; 21 to 40;  and  41 to 60 as single posting was not possible.
On the lighter side Hindus are split into hundreds of sects frequently demeaning each other’s deity. In the Shiva Purana it says that Vishnu is Shiva’s podiatrist. In Vishnu Purana it says Shiva is Vishnu’s door-keeper etc. etc.  Shaivites reject Vishnu and his incarnations and Vaishnavites reject Shiva, Ganesha,   and everyone else.  Navagrahas are not worshiped by Vaishnavites being sub-deities.
There is actually a genre of devotional poetry called ninda-stuti — which is praising the deities through insulting them. We also call the gods by names which would horrify a person. So Ganesha for example is praised by being called eka-danta, pot-bellied, with ears like winnowing baskets, and a distorted face. Sani (Saturn) is called a dull, miserable, slow-moving cripple! The difference between humans and gods is the gods love the truth, whereas humans claim to love the truth but prefer lies when it comes to their egos! The Hindu gods all have a sense of humor and playfulness and practical jokes are enjoyed by them. So that’s the reason why they don’t strike people with bolts of lightning for abuse and disrespect. It is like the parable of the dogs and the elephants. The dogs bark hysterically but the elephants graciously move on.




--March 16, 2019

Comments:
Thanks a lot for sharing. 
--Dr. Rekha Pattenayak

ONLY THE INFINITE CAN BLESS US WITH TRUE HAPPINESS
Please do not miss to listen to Webinar-145 ONLY THE INFINITE CAN BLESS US WITH TRUE  HAPPINESS--Guidance from Sanat-Kumāra in Chāndogya Upanishad. Chandogya Upanishad says elsewhere that this Sanatkumara is Skanda that is Guruguha who even taught his father Lord Siva. In his exposition of Bhuma  Vidya  Skanda says The great Infinite alone is Bliss, there is no bliss in the small finite”. This
    "Happiness (Bliss) is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” says Aristotle.   The Sanskrit word Ananda is often translated as Bliss to mean   perennial joy. Happiness is temporary and momentary.  It is human nature to seek always short-lived instant pleasure and not perennial joy. This is well illustrated by a small story by Ramakrishna Paramahamasa:
"At the doors of large granaries are placed traps containing fried rice (Moori) to catch mice. The mice, attracted by the flavor of the fried rice, forgets the more solid pleasure of tasting the rice inside the granary, and fall into the trap. They are caught therein and killed. Just so is the case with the soul. It stands on the threshold of Divine bliss, which is like millions of the highest worldly pleasures solidified into one; but instead of striving for that bliss, it allows itself to be enticed by the petty pleasures of the world and falls into the trap of Maya, the great illusion, and dies therein".
The magnitude of this Bliss in terms of our human understanding of happiness is well described in Taittareeya   Upanishad:
In the Taittiriya Upanishad Aaanda has been described as bliss par excellence which is many hundredfold more than the happiness one derives from any worldly act.  Taittiriya Upanishad says Brahman is the one that gives joy to us, the blissful Self that dwells within the lotus of the heart because of whom we live and breathe, the cause of our very existence.   Tataittiriya Upanishad   gives an interesting description of the measure of bliss (Aananda) that a person well-versed in Vedas and unaffected by Kaama would attain to. Let there be a noble youth with wisdom and good learning who is resolute and strong; the happiness he would feel if the whole world and wealth therein belongs to him is the measure of human bliss. Hundred times of this measure of human bliss is the bliss of human Gandharvas; hundred times thereof is the bliss of celestial Gandharvas; hundred times thereof is the bliss of the manes who belong to the eternal world; hundred times thereof is the bliss of devas born in the world of devas; hundred times thereof is the bliss of Karmadevas; hundred times thereof is the bliss of Devas; hundred times thereof is the bliss of Indra; hundred times thereof is the bliss of Brihaspati; hundred times thereof is the bliss of Prajaapati; hundred times thereof is the bliss of Brahma. This is same as the bliss of an enlightened person who is not felled by Kāma. We need not break our heads on the puraanic characters mentioned here; the aim of the description is to glorify the bliss that would accrue to a man who is enlightened and who has got rid of all Kaama (passion or desires).
Swami Chidannda will be enlightening us on this True Happiness called Ananda or Bliss which the rat missed in the story settling for few   fried grains leaving the granary. Please go through my detailed discourse on the subject that includes a note on True Happiness by another Swami Chidananda of Paramartha Niketan of Rishikesh, India that I circulated to you also separately.

 --March 16, 2019


BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ARYAN DRAVIDIAN INVASION MYTH
Please go through Ramani's Blog in the internet to have a better understanding of Aryan-Dravidian Invasion Theory Myth by different authors. “History based on early Western historians as taught in schools in India presents and disperses towards the North, North East of India, Persia and Russia. One has to account for the presence of Sanatana Dharma in the Far East, extending to Australia and the spread in Europe, Africa, Americas and Mesa Americas. This was the work of Dravidians at first and later by the Vedic people” says Ramani in his blog.
Please also recall my references to Adi Jaganntha Temple in Thiruppullani, Dasaratha's and Rama's worship there, advice of Rama to Vibhishana--aradhaya Jagannatham in Valmiki Ramayana, mention of Andhra, Chera, Pandya kingdoms by Sugriva in Ramayana and the existence of Sabari Malai in Kerala. The problem is Western history as taught in schools in India today only focuses on the North as if South did not exist beyond Vindhya. This is also the opinion expressed by Vincent A Smith in his History of India who also says very little is known on the early history of South India.
Soundaryalahari stanza is given below. It contains the word Dravida sisu. Now who is Sankara referring to as Dravida Sishu in  Soundaryalahari:    

Tava stanyam manyE tuhinagirikanyE hrdayata: paya:pArAvAra: parivahati sAraswatamiva / dayAvatyA dattAm dravidasisurAsvAdya tava yat kavInAm praud’AnAm ajani kamaneeya: kavayithA //
The Milk of your Breasts, O daughter of the Mountain, I think is as if from heart there flowed an ocean of the milk of poesy, when the Dravida child tasted this as you gave it to him in compassion, He became the poet laureate of the master poets.  
When Adisankara   went to argue with Mandanamisra about his advaita philosophy where when asked who he was, he replied "Dravida sishu".  Mandanamishra lost the arguing and was appointed the first guru of Shringeri Math.
Hindu communities of long standing exist in South Africa and South America and throughout the South Pacific, not to mention the vibrant communities that sprang up in the United Kingdom and the United States in the latter half of the past century.
How should we then approach the phenomenon of studying Hinduism? 
(a) Focus on intellectual enrichment: By spreading to new regions and by encountering other faiths and cultures, diaspora Hinduism enriches its own potential as well as contributes to other living religious traditions. Dialogue, not essentiality, is the hallmark of diaspora Hinduism. Precisely when emphasis shifts from identities to ideas, does true intellectual growth occur!
 b) Consider its continuous reinterpretation: By empirically tying Hinduism—or any other religion—to a geographic location and/or a historical period like Harappa or Indus Valley Civilization, and especially to an unchanging and infallible Ur-text, we run the risk of fundamentalism.
c) Studies using ancient DNA have been rewriting prehistory all over the world in the last few years and in India, there has been one fascinating discovery after another.
d) David Frawley’s deeper research into Vedic texts emphasizes the southern origin of the Vedic people and the maritime nature of Vedic culture, with its spread from the Sarasvati region, that   contains special studies of the connections of the Vedic people with those of the ancient Middle East and Europe and an examination of the role of linguistics with extensive references and research.


Indus V​alley Civilization is Dravidian
The term Dravidian coined by Robert Caldwell, who was a Christian Missionary with the Agenda of propagating Christianity much like Mueller has played/is playing havoc in understanding the ancient History of India.
The term Dravida was used by the Vedic texts to indicate a group of people living south of the Vindhya Mountains, Caldwell used this term to indicate an Ethnic group and paved a way to divide India on the base  of Ethnicity.
Then came the sophisticated attempt of dividing by proposing Aryan Invasion theory, which now stands discredited.
Please read my post The Fraud called Aryan Invasion.
While Max Mueller, another well masked missionary took the route of planting deliberate misinterpretation of Vedas, though he did some good job, to confuse ancient Indian History (please read my articles on Max Mueller). Robert Caldwell took the Tamil Language to distort History by paving the way for misinformation about Tamils, Dravidas and Sanatana Dharma.

Indus valley Timeline has made historians running in circles.
If one accepts Aryan Invasion Theory, you have to accept that there was no presence of Vedic Dharma in the South; there were animosities between the Aryans and the Dravidas: the culture of these two were mutually exclusive; you cannot explain the advanced culture in the South nor can account for the numerous archeological finds that indicate a close connection between the two: you find it to date Kings and Eras.
But facts reveal themselves if one takes India as a unit refer to literature of All Indian Languages and foreign  literary references about India from Plato, Strabo and others.
DISPLAYS:
In "Hinduism"
In "Hinduism"
In "Hinduism"
 THE FACTS:
Rama’s ancestor was a Dravidian and ruled Dravida Kingdom.
Ravana was from the South and was a Dravida.
Shiva worship preceded in the Dravida Desa much before the Vedic period.
Valmiki, who compiled/composed Ramayana, was a Tamil poet.
So were Sage Agastya, Parashurama, Gautama, Rishyasrunga….
Rama’s ancestor Sagara of Kosala Kingdom married a Dravidian princess.
Krishna attended Tamil Sangam.
Krishna, Arjuna married Pandyan Princesses and had children.
Sahadeva and Balarama visited South in their pilgrimage.
Madurai Meenakshi’s father Malayadwaja Pandya fought along with Pandavas in the Kurukshetra battle of Mahabharata.
Chera king Perunchotru Udiyan Neduncheralaathan provided food for both the Pandava and Kaurava armies during Mahabharatha war.
Kulothunga Chola’s son in law built Konark Sun Temple.
Rama, Sita and Hanuman among others of Ramayana visited many Shiva and Vishnu temples in the south.
List is endless.
Now more evidence.
Tamil Brahmi script was found in Saraswathi valley.
Tamil King Sibi, ancestor of Rama ruled from the North, where he had his second capital.
He built the Thiruvellarai Temple, near Srirangam, Tamil Nadu for Vishnu as Pundarikaksha.
Tamil is found among the Brahui people in NWFP area even today.
‘The Indus Valley civilization (2,600-1,900 BCE) located both in Pakistan and India is often identified as having been Dravidian. Cultural and linguistic similarities have been cited by researchers Henry Heras, Kamil Zvelebil, Asko Parpola and Iravatham Mahadevan as being strong evidence for a proto-Dravidian origin of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. The discovery in Tamil Nadu of a late Neolithic (early 2nd millennium BCE, i.e. post-dating Harappan decline) stone felt allegedly marked with Indus signs has been considered by some to be significant for the Dravidian identification.….
Yuri Knorozov surmised that the symbols represent a logo-syllabic script and suggested, based on computer analysis, an underlying agglutinative Dravidian language as the most likely candidate for the underlying language.  Knorozov’s suggestion was preceded by the work of Henry Heras, who suggested several readings of signs based on a proto-Dravidian assumption.….
Linguist Asko Parpola writes that the Indus script and Harappan language are “most likely to have belonged to the Dravidian family”.  Parpola led a Finnish team in investigating the inscriptions using computer analysis. Based on a proto-Dravidian assumption, they proposed readings of many signs, some agreeing with the suggested readings of Heras and Knorozov (such as equating the “fish” sign with the Dravidian word for fish, “min”) but disagreeing on several other readings. A comprehensive description of Parpola’s work until 1994 is given in his book “Deciphering the Indus Script’
Images credit.
There are 33 Vedic tribes listed in the Rig Veda.
Western History presents and disperses towards the North, North East of India, Persia and Russia.
One has to account for the presence of Sanatana Dharma in the Far East, extending to Australia and the spread in Europe, Africa, Americas and Mesa Americas. This was the work of Dravidians at first and later by the Vedic people.
-- March 23, 2019


SPURT IN SPIRITUALITY--TIME TO SPEREAD SANATANA DHARMA UNIVERSALLY
Please see the changing phase of USA where people are favorably disposed towards Sanatana Dharma turning inwards and practicing yoga and meditation, thus bringing more meaning into their daily life in the message just received from Yogapedia and Awakening Movements. That makes them more spiritually inclined than being just religious probably from SBNR group thinking.
MESSAGE FROM YOGAPEDIA TO HINDU REFLECTIONS
The Yogapedia Podcast is there to help you navigate life’s biggest questions through the lens of yoga. Listen to insightful discussions with master teachers, leading experts, doctors, researchers and practitioners as they share all the tips, secrets, and special knowledge you need for a healthier, meaningful life. The ancient teachings of yoga offer extraordinary solutions for navigating many of the critical issues in our modern landscape. Through intimate conversation our expert guests share their personal relationship to yoga, the discoveries that defined their path and the insights that brought meaning into their everyday life.

Yogapedia's editorial team is dedicated to writing and curating authentic yogic knowledge from around the globe. Their intention is to help seekers turn within and connect with the Self (Ātman) through shared understanding of the philosophy and practice of yoga.    

Yogapedia is launching the first episode of The Yogapedia Podcast with a very special guest: MC YOGI, a renowned Yogi and musician, who also goes by the name Nicholas G Giacomini. From traveling to India to study with gurus to living and learning with many American yoga masters, MC YOGI soaked in the knowledge that would revolutionize his entire life and put him on the path to healing, wholeness and peace.

MC YOGI is a revolutionary who draws on the power of music, yoga, art and activism in a new genre of conscious hip-hop. In this conversation, we dive into MC YOGI’s journey into yoga. A master storyteller, he shares with humility, great wisdom and humor - and spontaneously breaks into poetry and rap.

Today, MC YOGI is an international hip-hop artist and one of the most well-respected yoga teachers in North America. Yet, his journey to success took strong will and direction. MC YOGI was a juvenile delinquent, who was sent to live at a group home for at-risk youth, was arrested for vandalism, and got caught up in a world of drugs and chaos. At 18, fate brought him to his first yoga class. After discovering yoga, MC YOGI devoted himself to the practice. 

In 2008, he created an inspiring video in support of Obama for the election and he and his wife, Amanda, were invited to the White House by Michelle Obama to teach yoga and become Global Health Ambassadors.
Here is another message from  ​Rev. Connie L. Habash, MA, LMFT  in the present context:
”At those times when we doubt ourselves and our emotions are "negative," it's easy to spiral downward.  We can believe that we aren't good enough, that we "don't have it" (whatever "it" is), that we have nothing to contribute.
Those are nothing more than thoughts - they aren't your reality.
I watched my thoughts and emotions flow through me, creating this "mood" of doubt and unease. And I remembered that I'm not any of those thoughts or emotions.  I am that which watches them.  A shift began to take place.
If we give ourselves just a few moments to remember the Truth that we aren't the experiences of the thought and emotion - we have those experiences and can witness them - it can be enough to create positive change.
I reminded myself that it's not "me" that does the writing. As I allowed something else to come through me, the writing happened.  Each of us can practice allowing something Greater to express through us.  What would it be like to trust that flow?
When I trust in that flow, beautiful things begin to happen.  They aren't always mind-blowing and profound.  Letting go of expectations, I find that what comes through is enough.  I open to receive it and feel filled within.
Had I allowed my "mood" to determine who I was and what was possible, everything could have shut down.  I'd go watch TV or play boggle on my phone and tune out, "waiting" for this "mood" to pass. But when I stepped back and watched it, letting go of judging or pushing away, and recognized that it didn't define me or what was possible, a whole world opened up in that moment.
It can for you too. This brings me to the subject of this month's Awakening Self Spiritual Community, coming up this Friday, March 8th from 7:30-9pm.  We will be exploring "The Difference between truth and Truth."  It was true that I was experiencing a "mood," but I held to the greater Truth of Who I Am.”
Here is yet another thought to turn inwards --aatmana vindate premam- Realization of True Love  that is GOD comes from turning to your Inner-net from John Smaalman: "Humanity is on the verge of an enormous breakthrough in consciousness, in awareness, that will release untold new information into every heart that chooses to open to it about your ongoing spiritual evolution.  This moment was instantly and divinely planned when you chose to undergo the experience of separation, because God, in His infinite Love for you, immediately willed that you have the perfect route out of the experience of separation and back to full awareness of your Oneness with Him.  As you have so often been told it is your natural state, and it is a state from which you have never departed, despite all the apparent evidence to the contrary."

Hindu Americans should be aware of this sudden spurt in Spiritual Awakening leaned towards Sanatana Dharma and Vedanta Religion.   They should strongly promote the same through their religious practices adopting themselves fully and not to continue with the sectarian based worships and rituals as is  today and as seen in  our temple traditions imported from India just to survive hoping to save our children but not succeed.  So Uttishthata, jaagrata, charaiveti charaiveti sanghacchadvam samvadadvam. You should know their meaning by now as your Loadstar!
Our progressive spiritual thinkers feel thus:

“The Mandirs have to play a significant role in the growth of the Hindu community in terms of its capacity to uphold Hindu Dharma.” -- SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI (www.arshavidya.org)

“We need to make temples not just a center of rituals and congregation but lighthouses of philosophy and knowledge, which are the basis of Hindu Dharma.” -- SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR (www.artofliving.org)

“Creating an environment where the youth understand, appreciate and love their Hindu culture is a crucial need today, as is uniting all Hindu temples under one umbrella.” -- SWAMI CHIDANANDA SARASWATI (www.parmarth.com)

 Spirituality is not just sitting in lotus posture and meditating X number of hours in a dark room. Spirituality doesn’t take you out of the world but allows you to be in the world in such a way that every minute, every moment you are achieving excellence, because the fullness of who you are, your intention, attention, sincerity and commitment is there. Spirituality enables keeps you connected to the depth andtruth of yourself so that you can truly bring the fullness of yourself to every mome​nt. Life and excellence are not just about connecting to the internet and getting the fastest speed but we must remember to connect with the innernet and get the right direction" says Sadhvi Bhagavati.
--March10, 2019

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, MARCH 8, 2019
Shaesta Waiz, an Afghan-American professional pilot, has been flying solo around the world to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) among girls. She shared her inspiring story with schoolgirls in Kabul of how she achieved her ambitions as the daughter of an Afghan immigrant.  
"Let’s make sure women and girls can shape the policies, services and infrastructure that impact all our lives. And let’s support women and girls who are breaking down barriers to create a better world for everyone."
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres
THINK EQUAL, BUILD SMART, INNOVATE FOR CHANGE
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
The 2019 theme Think equal, build smart, innovate for change focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.
The achievement of the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions, particularly when it comes to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
Innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities, yet trends indicate a growing gender digital divide and women are under-represented in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. It prevents them from developing and influencing gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society. From mobile banking to artificial intelligence and the internet of things, it is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.
Echoing the priority theme of the sixty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63), in 2019 we look to industry leaders, game-changing start-ups, social entrepreneurs, gender equality activists, and women innovators to examine the ways in which innovation can remove barriers and accelerate progress for gender equality, encourage investment in gender-responsive social systems, and build services and infrastructure that meet the needs of women and girls.
On 8 March 2019, join us as we celebrate a future in which innovation and technology creates unprecedented opportunities for women and girls to play an active role in building more inclusive systems, efficient services and sustainable infrastructure to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and gender equality.
Hindu Reflections has focused on the importance of the role of women on Social and Religious   Hindu Way of Life not only in raising kids and shaping their destiny and serving the family as   Sahadharmini (equal partner),  but also politically  and religiously  guiding and leading the  people for a better life. We have today many women Hindu Spiritual Gurus in India. There were many Vedic Scholars like Maitryi, Gargi, Uma and host of others mentioned in the Upanishads.  In Vedic culture they went through the Upanayana ceremony and went through Vedic studies under an able Guru.  Today   we hear women being prohibited from certain temples devoted to Puranic deities and rituals and agitation going on.  I wonder why Hindu American Temples do not treat this day as Special Religious Event Day like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day? Our society is still male chauvinistic!  All over the world struggle by women for equality status in social, religious and political life is being witnessed. UN is very much alive to the problem and has an ambitious program to be completed by 2030. Please go through the various discourses delivered in the past:
--March 8, 2019

NYEPI THE FESTIVAL OF SILENCE OF BALINESE HINDUS  
No Vehicles, No Crowds, No Internet: Balinese Hindus Start Saka New Year with ‘Day of Silence’
(by Swarajya Staff - Mar 07 2019)

Balinese Hindus celebrate the Saka (Balinese calendar) New Year today (Thursday, 7 March 2019) with their airport closed, no vehicles on the road, no crowds on the beaches, and internet shut down, from 6 am today to 6 pm. Nyepi Festival of Silence  is commemorated every Isakawarsa,  a day reserved for self-reflection as people meditate and fast. Anything that interferes with the process is avoided. On the public holiday, the lights are kept dim with no entertainment or pleasure; no travelling; and, for some, no talking or eating at all.
 The usually bustling streets of the famous tourist destination in Indonesia are empty and the only people seen outside are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.
Although the tourists are free to do as they wish inside their hotels, activities are restricted outside. With the only airport in Bali remaining closed, only emergency vehicles responding to life-threatening conditions are allowed. It is an opportunity for us Balinese Hindus to restart life with a pure heart.  
While the night before Nyepi is celebrated with noisy processions of giant scary figures symbolizing evil spirits, the night after also sees social activity picking up quickly, as families and friends meet to perform certain religious rituals together and ask for each other’s forgiveness.
DETAILS OF FESTIVITIES
The last day of the year includes processions of Bhuta (demons, above), followed by Nyepi, the festival of silence. Most Hindu Balinese villages make ogoh-ogoh, demonic statues made of richly painted bamboo, cloth, tinsel, and stereo foam symbolizing negative elements or malevolent spirits or even characters from Hindu mythology. After the ogoh-ogoh have been paraded around the village, they are burned in the cemeteries although many are displayed in front of community halls for another month or more and sometimes even purchased by museums and collectors.
  1. First, The Melasti Ritual is performed 3–4 days beforehand. It is dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa. The ritual is performed in Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belonging to several temples, also to acquire sacred water from the sea.
  2. Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create a balance with God, Mankind, and Nature. The ritual is also meant to appease Batara Kala by Pecaruan offering of live animal sacrifice. Around sunset the "Pengrupukan" ceremony begins in the house compounds with the noisy banging of pots and pans and bamboo tubes along with burning of dried coconut leaf torches to drive out the demons.
  3. Third, the Nyepi Rituals are performed as follows:
    • Amati Geni: No fire or light, including no electricity
    • Amati Karya: No working
    • Amati Lelunganan: No travelling
    • Amati Lelanguan: No revelry/self-entertainment
  4. Fourth, the Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 a.m. and continues to 6:00 a.m. the next day.
  5. Fifth, the Ngembak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all Hindus to forgive each other and to welcome the new days to come.
  6. Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed after all the Nyepi rituals are finished.
 Related festivals in India
Many Hindus in South Asia observe similar day as New Year on April 5, 2019.   The Hindus of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa (Marathi: गुढी पाडवा). The Sindhis, people from Sindh, celebrate the same day as Cheti Chand, which is the beginning of their calendar year. Manipuris also celebrate their New Year as Sajibu Nongma Panba on the same day. The Hindus of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka  celebrate it as Yugadi. It is called Chandramana Yugadi.
--March 7, 2019

Comments:

Mani and I were in Bali several years ago and we experienced just how VERY Hindu the place is, Hindu island in a Muslim sea. While we didn't experience Saka (Balinese New Year) we witnessed numerous manifestations of Hindu culture, in juxtaposition to the hedonist
tourist environment that Bali is known for.

--Dr. Galen Spencer


SPIRITUAL VIGILANCE ALL-NIGHT IN DARKNESS ON MAHASIVARATRI

DHANYÁSHTAKAM BY SANKARACHARYA

On Shiva Ratri, the night of Shiva, one makes the effort to remain awake, searching for the ever-discerning light of immortal consciousness within him.  If one is successful to be   vigilant thus with clean heart and focused mind, he is sure to be a  blessed person.  In 8 verses, Adi Sankaracharya paints a vivid pen picture of a blessed person. God realization is the highest state of blessedness. Anybody blessed by knowing Para Brahman can attain bliss. By coming out of 'I' and 'my' and by Atmavichara (Self-inquiry) one can rise to a higher level.
“These eight verses extolling the blessed ones reveal various levels of discrimination to be arrived at by the knowledge of Truth that frees one from time. At each step the resulting understanding and outcomes are also told. In the process this work shows us what are the real blessings in life. It ends with an account of the world view of one whose knowledge is complete” says Swami Prayag Bhodananda of Arsha Vidya Gurukul.
Tajòánam prashamakaram yadindrinyánám Tajòeyam yadupanishatsu nèshcitártham
Te dhanyá bhuvi paramárthanishciteháh Shesástu bhramanilaye paribhramanti.(1)
That alone is knowledge which brings about tranquility of the senses. That alone is to be known which has its significance established in the Upanishads. They alone are blessed whose aspiration is firmly set on knowing the Supreme Truth. Others are only whirling round (being caught) in an eddy (in the form of worldly life) or (living) in an abode of delusion.
Ádau vijitya vishayánmada moharága- dveshádishatrugaïamáhrutayogarájyáh
Jòátvá matam samanubhüya parátmavidyá- kántá sukham vanagruhe vicaranti dhanyáh(2)

Blessed are they who have conquered at first the attraction for the sense-objects and also the host of enemies in the form of conceit, infatuation, attachment, aversion etc. Thereby they win over the kingdom of yoga which is contemplation on the Supreme. They move about in the abode of forest, enjoying the company of the beloved in the form of knowledge of the Supreme-Self, having a clear understanding of their path of pursuit.
Tyaktvá gruhe ratimadhogatihetubhütám Átmecchayopanishadartharasam pibantah
Vètaspruhá vishayabhogapade viraktá Dhanyashcaranti vijaneshu vimukta sañgáh(3)


Blessed are they who are sipping the juice of essence of the Upanishads, at their free will without restraint. They have abandoned all sensuous enjoyment at home, which is the cause of one's downfall in life. Being free from desire and no attraction for enjoyment of worldly pleasures, they move about in solitude, with a sense of release from bondage.
 Tyaktvá mamáhamiti bandhakare pade dve mánávamána sadrusháh samadarushinashca
kartáramanyamavagamya tadarpitáni kurvanti karmaparipáka phaláni dhanyáh(4)


Blessed are they who realize that the Kartá (doer of action) is different from the Self and resign the fruits of actions to that Kartá. They look upon all alike and remain the same both towards honor and dishonor since they have given up the feeling of `I' and `mine' the two shackles that tie down the individual.
Tyaktvaishaïátrayamavekshitamokshamárgá Bhaikshmrutena parikalpita dehayátráh
Jyotih parátparataram paramátmasamjòam Dhanyá dvijá rahasi hrudyavalokayanti(5)


Blessed are those twice-born, who in solitude visualize within their bosom the Supreme Effulgence, called Paramátman. Having given up the three desires, they seek the path of salvation, maintaining their physical existence, by means of nectar of alms.
Násanna sanna sadasanna mahanna cáïu Na strè pumánna ca napumsakamekabèjam
yairbrahma tatsamamupásitamekacittaih Dhanyá virejuritare bhavapáshabaddháh.(6)


Blessed are they by whom the Brahman is contemplated with one pointed attention in the following way.
`It is not That which is not, nor That which is, nor is It the combination of both. It is neither the big nor the subtle, nor is It the female or the male or the neutral. It is the one source of all'. Such people shine (with glory) while others remain imprisoned by the shackles of worldly life.

 Ajòána pañka parimagnamapetasáram Duhkhálayam marañajanma jarávasaktam
Samsára bandhanamanityamavekshya dhanyá Jòánásiná tadavshèrya vinishcayanti(7)

Blessed are they who realize that the bondage of worldly life is ephemeral and cut off that bond with the sword of knowledge and remain firm. They came to understand that this worldly life means, to be caught in the mire of ignorance, devoid of anything worthwhile, abode of sorrow and associated with birth, death and old age.
Sántairananya matibhir madhurasvabhávaih Ektavanishcita manobhirapetamohaih
Sákam veneshuviditátma padasvarüpaih Tadvastu samyaganisham vimrushanti dhanyáh(8)


Blessed are they who ponder well over that Reality all the time in the forest. They are associated with people who are at peace within, whose attention is not diverted, and who are of sweet nature. They understand the significance of the word Átman with the conviction in their minds that Reality is one and remain free from infatuation.
May I being vigilant  having   wiped out  my sin, becoming sinless, freed from the quality of Rajas, freed from the defect of Rajas of the mind, being freed from all defects proceed  to the world of Brahman climbing the region of heaven!   Such a blessed person shares eternal joy with Brahman   in His abode.
--March 6, 2019
PRAYING TO MAHESVARA AS PARABRAHMAN ON MAHASIVARATRI
sHere is a message from Murlidharan Iyengar from Singapore for Mahasivaratri: “I am delighted to share an exquisite prayer on Lord Maheshvara taken from Sri Kurma Puranam, Upari Vibha, Chapter 5. The Upari Vibhaga is otherwise known as Ishvara Gita (there is yet another Ishvara Gita in Varaha Puranam). Though this hymn is taken from Chapter 5, the greatness of Lord Shiva and his cosmic form are explained in multiple chapters.
This hymn was sung by the sages when Lord Ishvara appears in the sky in front of them in the combined form of Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra during his cosmic dance- with Lord Vishnu on this left side. After the prayer, Lord Ishvara further explains that He is the root of this universe and all manifestations including that of Lord Brahma and Lord Narayana are indeed His forms to perform various duties in the subsequent chapter.

sarva-lokaika-nirmAtA sarva-lokaika-raxitA | sarva-lokaika-saMhartA sarvAtmAhaM sanAtanaH || 6-2 ||
sarveShAM eva vastUnAM antaryAmI pita hyayaM | madhye cAntaH sthitaM sarvaM sarvaM nAhaM sarvatra saMsthitaH || 6-3 ||
Meaning : I create, protect and destroy all the worlds. I am omnipresent in all beings but all these things do not define me.
...
yo.api nArAyaNo .ananto lokAnAM prabhavAvyayaH | mamaiva paramA mUrtiH karoti paripAlanam || 6-14 ||
Meaning: One who protects this universe as Lord Narayana is just a form (Murty) of me. 
...
yA ca shrIH sarva-bhUtAnAM dadAti vipulAm shiryam | patnI nArAyaNasyAsau vartate madanugrahAt || 6-31 ||
Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Narayana, bestows wealth to beings due to my will and blessings.
...
ahaM hi bhagavAn IshaH svayaM jyotiH sanAtanaH | paramAtmA paraM brahma matto hyan na vidyate || 6-51 ||
Meaning: I am indeed the Bhagavan, self resplendent, Isha, and Paramatma. There is none/nothing beyond me.

Can anything be more pellucid than these? Mind you, this is given in a Purana which is termed Vaishnavite Purana. This provides chapter and verse to the fact that the hallucinations of differences among Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) are nothing but egoistic nonsense at the individual level and have nothing to do with our scriptures. In the last decade, we have seen tons of such citations and tons more to come.

May we pray to Lord Shiva on Mahashivaratri day with this epic hymn and May Lord Shiva bestow us the true knowledge and wealth!

May I draw your specific attention in the above: “Can anything be more pellucid than these? Mind you, this is given in a Purana which is termed Vaishnavite Purana”.  I gratefully acknowledge and appreciate his timely dispatch and thank him on your behalf.  Do you see anybody with Namam (tripundra) worshiping Siva, whom we have not understood, or anybody doing Abhishekam on Siva or Ganesaha with Purushsaooktam?  Coming from a Vaishnavite who conflates with my religious ideas, it is highly commendable.  The attachment seems to be wrongly sent. 

Sectarian fight seem to be major problem in India and the Far East while in the West we are focused on survival of  Hinduism  itself among major  religions of the immigrant country!  induism itseitself1Anyhow, though our friend has taken lot of   trouble to search through all Puranas and other scriptures to enlighten us  time and again that  the Trinity aspect of Brahman as male and female, all directs only to “Devo Ekah” the one GOD that I repeatedly  had explained. Here ereeHereHhone has to only look into Sandhyavandana Ritual   which all Dwijas who boast as Brahmins are obligated to perform instead wading through several Puranas and sectarian focused hymns. The others who walked out of it called themselves Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and practiced this ritual for some time, then gave it up and joined birth claimed privileged Brahmins who do not perform the ritual, and also joining their female counter-parts who also discarded the Vedic wisdom.  All those who never looked at wisdom of Vedas went by Manu’s advice “Janmanaa jaayate Sudrah”--don’t use your brain but muscles.
Why is Gayatri Mantra so popular in Vedas? For this you have to look into MNU. Whatever may be the details of worship like Sandhyavandana rituals, the Supreme is worshipped through the Gāyatrī. Please go through the attached material explained from MNU.  Please refer to Veda mantra “Ojoci, sahoci, balamasci…….” which we all chant without understanding during Sandhyavandana that inspired to mandate Upanayana ceremony, wearing of sacred thread as a Sacrament  and Upakarma ceremony a day for atonement. These Veda mantras were meant for all, to spiritually advance towards liberation but unfortunately in course of time became a caste privileged possession based on birth dictated by Orthodoxy.
In Gayatri Mantra 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, Thou art my all”--“Ojoci, Sahoci, BalamacI……….”
So here Gāyatrī conceived as non-different from Brahman is eulogized as the various excellences and attributes listed above. It has been said in the mantra that 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. Similarly Vedas eulogize Agni as Durga in Durgasukta.
Are we worshiping Siva as Parabrahman (DEVA or GOD) or as Siva a sectarian Deva with tailor-made usual meaning? Why not Vaishnavites join individual Abhishekam on Mahasivartatri Night understanding the true meaning and focusing on Linga symbolizing Trinity or as Salagrama as in Bhuvaneshwar? Siva means Sunya that is Vishnu who is also Ananta, Infinity.
Trayambakam yajaamahe sughandim pushti vardhanam; urvaa-rukmiva bhandanan mrityor muksheeya maa-mritat"-- I worship Trayambakam (one who has three eyes or one in whom the three letters A+U +M (the mystic monosyllable "OM") reside, one in whom, reside the three worlds "Bhoo" "Bhuva" and "Suvaha" or in whom the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Saama) reside, one of very sweet fragrance and one who augments, for nourishment! Do release me from the bondage of death to immortality like the cucumber that gets released from its stalk. Our philosophic system recognizes two kinds of detachment. One is complete and total detachment which is compared to a ripe mango. When the fruit becomes mellow it cuts its connection or bondage with its stalk. This is the manner in which the ascetics (sanyasis) detach themselves from attachments. The other is comparable to the Cucumber (Kakri Dosakai, Vellarikai, Kaakadi) which though fully ripe still retains its connection with the creeper without severing itself from it. This is the state of a Grihasta or a person with family attachment.
Mrityunjaya mantra is a prayer by a householder or a person detached, yet attached somewhat to mundane things, who wants detachments while being under bondage of attachment and at the same time seeks salvation, freedom from mortality. In other words, one need not become an ascetic to seek salvation at the feet of the Lord though a sure way to success!
--March 3, 2019
Comments:
Sincere thanks for sharing timely knowledge.
--Dr. Sapthagireesan
Very well explained, but all our priests, so called Brahmans, well versed individuals, take us away from our surrender to that ever pervading consciousness. 
--Bindu Shroff

ALL RELIGIONS ARE NOT THE SAME ON VIEWS OF DEATH AND LIFE AFTER
In Katha Upanishad, Nachiketa considered within himself, and said:  When a man dies there is the doubt: some say he is; others say, he is not! Very few religions say he is on his journey and on his up-hill task; often he comes back disappointed and restarts his journey but there is always hope to reach the summit; but all other religions  say he is not and are also not sure where and how he has ended his journey.    Those who continue the journey can be in union with God and be immortal. The secret of Immortality is to be found in purification of the heart, in meditation, in realization of the identity of the Self within and Brahman without.  But others say: “All human beings (and no other living beings) shall die and be resurrected on the date of Last Judgment, and the Creator who is outside the Cosmos shall visit these resurrected souls and allot them into the eternal bondage of either heaven or hell.  There is no chance for their return and reschedule the journey.
WESCHATOLOGY (Theory of Death)
This story from Kaṭha Upanishad is a broad explanation of how Hinduism views death. This gives a complete exposition of how a man decides his own course, as beautifully explained in the Bhagvad Gita:
‘uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet |  ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ’ (Bhagvad Gita 6:5)
Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself, for the mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the Self.
The word Atma here denotes body-mind-soul complex. In the Yoga system, the mind and the conditioned soul are especially important.  The purpose of the Yoga system is to control the mind and to draw it away from attachment to sense objects. The mind must be so trained that it can deliver the conditioned soul from the mire of nescience. In material existence one is subjected to the influence of the mind and the senses. In fact, the pure soul is entangled in the material world because the mind’s ego which desires to rule it over material nature. Therefore, the mind should be trained so that it will not be attracted by the glitter of material nature, and in this way the conditioned soul may be saved. One should not degrade oneself by attraction to sense objects. The more one is attracted by sense objects, the more one becomes entangled in material existence.  It is also said:
Mana eva manushyaanaam kaaranam bandha mokshayoh | bandhaaya vishayaasango muktyai nirvishayam manah ||
For man, mind is the cause of bondage and mind is the cause of liberation. Mind absorbed in sense objects is the cause of bondage, and mind detached from the sense objects is the cause for Liberation. Therefore the mind that is always engaged in Supreme Consciousness is the cause of supreme liberation.  
“Goal of Hindu and yogic thought is Moksha, which is not simply going to a heavenly world, but the liberation of our inner consciousness from time, space and karma, taking us beyond all need for rebirth in the realm of Samsara. Your true nature is the boundless light of pure consciousness beyond body and mind, which are but your outer instruments” says David Frawley.
“Vājashravasa, desiring a gift from the gods, started an offering to donate all his possession that is called as ‘ SARVA DAKSHINA’. But Nachiketā, his son, noticed that Vājashravasa was donating only the cows that were old, barren, blind, or lame; not such as might buy the worshiper a place in heaven. Nachiketā wanting the best for his father’s rite, asked: “I too am yours, to which god will you offer me?” After being pestered thus, Vājashravasa answered in a fit of anger, “I give you to Death (Yama)”.
So Nachiketā went to Death’s home, but the god was out, and he waited three days without any food or water. When Yama returned, he was sorry to see that a Brahmin guest had been waiting so long without food and water.  In Indian culture guests are believed to be equal to god and causing trouble to god is a great sin. To compensate his mistake, Yama told Nachiketā, “You have waited in my house for three days without hospitality, therefore ask three boons from me”. Nachiketā first asked for peace for his father and himself. Yama agreed. Next, Nachiketā wished to learn the sacred fire sacrifice, which also Yama elaborated. For his third boon, Nachiketā wanted to learn the mystery of what comes after death.
Yama was reluctant on this question. He said that this had been a mystery even to the gods. He asked Nachiketā to ask for some other boon, and offered many material gains.
But Nachiketā replied that material things will last only till tomorrow. He who has encountered Death personally, how can he desire wealth? No other boon would do. Yama was secretly pleased with this disciple, and elaborated on the nature of the true Self, which persists beyond death. The key of the realization is that this Self is inseparable from Brahman, the supreme spirit, the vital force in the universe. Yama’s explanation is a succinct explication of Hindu darshana, and focuses on the following points:
The sound Om! is the syllabus of the supreme Brahman;The Atma, whose symbol is Om is the same as the omnipresent Brahman. Smaller than the smallest and larger than the largest, the Soul is formless and all pervading;The goal of the wise is to know this Ātmā; The Ātmā is like a rider; the horses are the senses, which he guides through the maze of desires; After death, it is the Ātmā that remains; the Atman is immortal; Mere reading of the scriptures or intellectual learning cannot realize Ātmā; One must discriminate the Ātmā from the body, which is the seat of desire; Inability to realize Brahman results in one being enmeshed in the cycle of rebirths. Understanding the Self leads to moksha, or liberation--Thus having learned the wisdom of the Brahman from Yama, Nachiketā was freed from the cycle of births.
 It is for good reason that this story is often considered to be the essence of Upanishadic wisdom. Death ought to liberate a human being and make him become One with the Truth.  Parā Vidyā, or knowledge of the transcendent, obliterates the line between Purusha and Prakriti and death facilitates this obliteration of identities, as in Sāṃkhya; or as Samādhi in Yoga.
Death in the Abrahamic Religions is the route to an eternal bondage, as opposed to liberation. In keeping with the concept of linear/super-linear Time, and 2-valued binary Logic, concept of   earlier reincarnation is replaced by resurrection. All human beings (and no other living beings) shall die and be resurrected on the date of Last Judgment, and the Creator who is outside the Cosmos shall visit these resurrected souls and give them into the eternal bondage of either heaven or hell. This is also a state of inequity, as a person hardly has the opportunity to correct his mistakes. The Book rewards or punishes a man not necessarily for his freely willed actions, but for his beliefs. Creationism and Determinism are close allies. In some extreme cases like Al-Ghazali, the Time is metaphysically broken from instant to instant so that Allah is busy producing events every instant, and destroying them the next instant. This is the ultimate in Determinism. The binary of consciousness vs. reason; and necessity vs. free will dictate everything. God/Allah/Yahveh does not care for your freely willed action, or reasoned choices. If you have followed the Word, and done right by the Diktat, you get an eternal reward — which is in the form of an eternal bondage to pleasure or pain. So the death in the Abrahamic Religions happens because:
1. There is only one life; 2. Death is the route to eternal heaven and hell; 3. Heaven and hell is a reward of loyalty; 4. A believer alone has the right to heaven; 5. A non-believer is mandated to go to hell; 6. Upon death, the body and soul rests in peace (RIP) till the Last Judgment Day; 7. Everyone is resurrected on the Last Judgment Day; 8. Their accounts of piety and sin are read out and they are sent to heaven and hell; 9. The world ends and God remains in his abode; while everyone else remains bound to his heaven and hell eternally.
One need not be too well versed in science to realize that this is the natural outcome of Time in a straight line, a 2-valued binary Logic, and the finality of the Word of the Book.” Says Sanjay Dixit.
In this confused and disturbed world fighting and killing in the name of religion some Wise are trying to convince  us    ‘All religions are the same’.  Kathophanishad and Gita say  “it is totally wrong” as seen above as Religions either partly reflect  Sanatana Dharma or moved away from it including Hinduism.
--March 3, 2019
Comments:
Thanks for putting me back on your mailing list. I do appreciate your informing me about Sanatana Dharma. So much of what finds its ways into my in-box these days in JUNK!

--Dr. Galen Spencer Hull


PANCHADASAANGA SANYASAYOGA OF SANKARA
May I draw your attention to the following Mantras from Mahanarayana, Kaivalya and Mundaka Upanishad:
Na karmana na prajayaa dhyanena tyaagenaike amritatvamaanasuh | parena naakam nihitam guhaayaam vibhraajate yad yatayo visanti || Vedantya-vijnaana-sunischitartaah sanyaasyogaat yatyah suddhasatvaah | te brahmaloker tu paraantakaale paraamritaat parimuchyanti sarve ||.
That immortality which sages attain, that immortality which is stationed in Paramapada (parama vyoman) which is beyond heaven--is not attainable by rites (performed for gaining various results like Asvamedha, Putrakameshthi,  Rajasuya etc.),   nor by progeny nor by wealth. But it is gained by rare few (as Gita says) only through renunciation or self-surrender. The Recluses(Sanyasis) that are endowed with the decisive knowledge (Vijnana of Tattva, hita and purushartha) that is derived from Upanishads (Vedanta), whose minds are purified on account of  practicing Sanyasayoga  become freed from all bonds, by attaining Paramatman in the abode of Paramatman (sayujya) after the fall of their final body.
Even among hermits (those that have renounced the world there are two kinds. Those that perfect Bhaktiyoga attain the world of four faced Brahma and at the close of the life-time of Brahma (Brahma lives for 100 divine years or two Prarardhas. We are in second-half of 100 years   as we say in Sankalpa--dviteeya Prarardhe) becomes freed from that conditional immortality (saalokya or saameepya).  But the other class of hermits who practice Sanyasyoga attain sattva-suddhi (even transcending meritorious deeds and becoming gunaateetas as Gita Says)  and  attain Primary immortality (Sayujya). MNU refers to all these three states--Saalokya,  Saameepya  and Saayujya in its Veda mantras  that I had explained (salokyamaapnoti; sayujyamaapnoti)
What is this Sanyasayoga mentioned in various Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita?
Gita Talks about Tyaga, Sanyasa and Satvika Tyaga.  Sanyasa means complete renunciation of Doership, Ownership, and   Selfish-motive behind an action.  Tyaga means renunciation of selfish attachment to the fruits of all work. Thus a Tyagi who thinks that he or she is doing all works just to please God will always remember Him. Tyaga is the best Sadhana (spiritual pursuit) and often identified as Nyasa. But Sanyasa  is perfection of even Nyaasa and so called Sam-nyaasa or Totality of Nyasa.  According to Gita Sanyasa does not mean living in the forest, or any secluded place outside the society.  It is the state aspiring to be Jivanmukta,   enlightening the world while living with the world.  “sanyaasah tyaaga ityuktah  saranaagatirityapi”--Tyaaga means self-surrender. Even Bhaktiyogis should adopt Saranagati as a means of perfection of Bhaktiyoga.
Research findings of Sringeri Shankarmath says the Song Celestial was originally a Yoga-Upanishad which was later Vaishnavized.  There is in Chhandogya Upanishad, an earlier text  to Gita, a reference to Krishna-Devakiputra who was the disciple of Ghora Angirasa. In Bhagavadgita, Krishna is mostly represented as a teacher of great wisdom and erudition; he figures as Yogi. The Bhagavata records that Krishna sat up every morning for meditation merging himself with transcendental self. Krishna in all possibility was a historical character, and was a philosopher who harmonized the sankhya-yoga with the brahmavada of the Upanishad. Bhagavadgita is a text, perhaps the earliest belonging to the devotional school of the Bhagavata.    Gita heavily depends on Upanishads that are much older to Bhagavadgita. Realizing the legacy of Yoga in Bhagavad Gita,   Advaita Ashram  of Ramakrishna Math as well as Gita Society name all 18 chapters by different kinds of Yoga. The last chapter 18 is named as Moksha-Sanyasyoga.
As a spiritual aspirant focused on Advaita, Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita I would like to call it Mukti-Sanyasayoga. With no reservation everyone recognizes Sanyaasayoga distinctly in addition to the popular Jnanayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Karmayoga and Rajayoga. A sanyasayogi becomes perfect in yoga (Yogasamsiddha) says Gita. Rajayoga is also called Kriyaa- yoga founded by Sage Patanjali and also popularly known as Ashtaangayoga of Patanjali that I have explained in detail before. In my own thinking Moksha and Mukti are different with scuttle difference. The word Moksha consists of two words Moha+kshaya that is getting detached from all kinds of desires that lead to Mukti or Liberation to ultimately merge with the Supreme, that is Saayujya. No doubt as many say one attains saalokya like Brahmaloka  and sameepya, be  in the vicinity of Brahman by Moksha and the four kinds of Yoga  but Saayujya, to be one with Brahman is possible only with Sanyaasaayoga that is practiced by rare few that Gita merntions, That is why I consider Advaita, Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita are all to be thought together as progressive all-inclusive and not exclusive-thinking, Dvaita being the latest.
I may not be wrong if I say Sankara is the only one who gave proper meaning and independent status to Sanyasyoga mentioned in various Upanishads and Bhagavad   Gita that others explain away with conventional four Yogas. Sankara’s  Panchadasaanga  Sanyasayoga consists of--Yama, Niyama, Renunciation (Tyaga), Non-speaking (Mauna), Place (Desha), Time (Kala), Asana, Mulabandha, Balance of Body (Dehasamyam), Fixing of the Gaze (Drik Sthithi), Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Atma-Dhyana, and Samadhi are the various limbs of this Yoga in order.
Specifically, Shankara taught his Panchadasaanga Sanyasyoga in his important short work Aparokshanubhuti. Aparoksha refers to the knowledge gained by direct perception in consciousness itself, which is beyond both reason and sensory perception. Anubhuti is the experience of that from moment to moment as the ground of one’s own being.
I am not sure whether Sankara has seen Tejobindu Upanishad but he has definitely reviewed MNU. All four Bindu (Beads of Wisdom) Upanishads along with Yogopanisahad are minor Upanishads focused on Yoga. “Whatever was left over to be mentioned in respect of Karma, Upasana and Jnana after the recital of the Samhita and Brahmana is brought together in this miscellaneous work. The commencement of the work with description of Paramatman and the conclusion of it eulogizing Sanyaasa which is said to be the Knowledge of Brahman entitles it to the name of an Upanishad” says Sankaracharya reviewing MNU. Among the four Bindu Upanisahads Tejobindu Upanishad is solely devoted to this Panchadasaanga Sanyasayoga as seen from below:  
Everything is of the nature of Sat-Chit-Ananda, existence-consciousness-bliss, asserts Ribhu. Sat-Chit-Ananda is the imperishable essence of all and everything. In a certain sense there is,   no such thing as "thou", nor "I" nor "other", and all is essentially the absolute Brahman,  In the deepest analysis there are no scriptures, no beginning, no end, no misery, no happiness, no illusions, no such thing as arising out of gods, nor evil spirits, nor five elements, no permanence, no transience, no worship, no prayer, no oblation, no mantra, no thief, no kindness, nothing is really Real except existence-consciousness-bliss.
 Renounce greed, delusion, fear, pride, anger, love, sin; Renounce the pride of the Brahmin descent, and all the rubbish liberation texts; know no fear, nor lust, nor pain, nor respect, nor disrespect any- more; Because Brahman is free from all these things, the highest goal of all endeavor.
The three stages of Panchadasaanga Sanyaasayoga are Dhaarana, Dhyaana and Samaadhi.  In the first, one rises above body-consciousness; in the second, the mind is so concentrated that one ceases to identify with it either. Samaadhi or “complete union” is more a goal than a stage, though it too is state of consciousness in which one must learn to operate.
Eknath Easwaran translates these verses differently, as follows: Brahman cannot be realized by those, who are subject to greed, fear, and anger. Brahman cannot be realized by those, who are subject to the pride of name and fame, or to the vanity of scholarship. Brahman cannot be realized by those, who are enmeshed in life's duality. But to all those who pierce this duality, Brahman gives himself through his infinite grace. (Wikipedia)”
Please go through the detailed description on the subject by Yogamasater Padmabhushan David Frawley.
--March 2, 2019
  Comments:
Thank you for your email. Very nice. I heard these from my father and mother separately on the various marghams u mention here. In the Abhayambhika series Sri Muthuswamy Dhikshidhar refers these padavis. 

--Bala from Atlanta


MESSAGE FROM YOGAPEDIA TO HINDU REFLECTIONS
Please see the changing phase of USA where people are favorably disposed towards Sanatana Dharma turning inwards and practicing yoga and meditation, thus bringing more meaning into their daily life in the message just received from Yogapedia. That makes them spiritually inclined than being just religious.
The Yogapedia Podcast is there to help you navigate life’s biggest questions through the lens of yoga. Listen to insightful discussions with master teachers, leading experts, doctors, researchers and practitioners as they share all the tips, secrets, and special knowledge you need for a healthier, meaningful life. The ancient teachings of yoga offer extraordinary solutions for navigating many of the critical issues in our modern landscape. Through intimate conversation our expert guests share their personal relationship to yoga, the discoveries that defined their path and the insights that brought meaning into their everyday life.
Yogapedia's editorial team is dedicated to writing and curating authentic yogic knowledge from around the globe. Their intention is to help seekers turn within and connect with the Self (Ātman) through shared understanding of the philosophy and practice of yoga.    
Yogapedia is launching the first episode of The Yogapedia Podcast with a very special guest: MC YOGI, a renowned Yogi and musician, who also goes by the name Nicholas G Giacomini. From traveling to India to study with gurus to living and learning with many American yoga masters, MC YOGI soaked in the knowledge that would revolutionize his entire life and put him on the path to healing, wholeness and peace.
MC YOGI is a revolutionary who draws on the power of music, yoga, art and activism in a new genre of conscious hip-hop. In this conversation, we dive into MC YOGI’s journey into yoga. A master storyteller, he shares with humility, great wisdom and humor - and spontaneously breaks into poetry and rap.
Today, MC YOGI is an international hip-hop artist and one of the most well-respected yoga teachers in North America. Yet, his journey to success took strong will and direction. MC YOGI was a juvenile delinquent, who was sent to live at a group home for at-risk youth, was arrested for vandalism, and got caught up in a world of drugs and chaos. At 18, fate brought him to his first yoga class. After discovering yoga, MC YOGI devoted himself to the practice. 
 In 2008, he created an inspiring video in support of Obama for the election and he and his wife, Amanda, were invited to the White House by Michelle Obama to teach yoga and become Global Health Ambassadors.

PERSONALITY INTEGRATION PRE-REQUISITE TO PERENNIAL JOY
Swami Chidananda  explains how   Upanishads besides their central teaching, which is Self-knowledge that sets a man free,   do supply precious guidance on how we may get  rid ourselves of bad habits, negative emotions and unhealthy ways of living.  Drawing our attention to the dialogue of Nachiketas who wanted to know as to what happens to the soul after death with Yama the Lord of Death, he quotes four mantras from Kathopanishad, emphasizing Chitta suddhi  (purity of mind) and Personality  Integration as prerequisites that paves the way to illumination of Brahma Vidya or Knowledge of Brahman. While Gita talks about divine and demoniac natures  in  the whole Chapter 16, Kathopanishad enlightens us on personality integration  in Section II (Valli) of Chapter 1. These two topics therefore need full explanation as discourses. I have talked to in-depth on the earlier subject and this discourse  deals with the inter-related subject Personality  integration  needed to know Brahman and realize Brahman for eternal joy (Sreyas).  Incidentally it also discusses the benefits one gets through Personality Integration to lead a pleasant (Preyas) life.

Personality Integration in Western Thoughts is the synthetic unity of all personal traits. All the mental traits—intelligence, emotions and sentiments, impulses, volitions, native and acquired reactions, must be organized and integrated into a unity. The uniting of all mental traits into per­sonality is called integration.

“For the Wisdom Traditions, the True Self is our true nature and deepest essence as the one Absolute Reality – called by such names as Brahman, Dharmakaya, Buddha-Nature, Shiva, God, Allah, Ein Soph Aur  (a term used in Jewish Kabbalah to summarize the manifested universe as it emanates from Consciousness),  as well as others. Awakening to this Absolute Reality has been the focus of the non-dual mystical traditions of the East, such as Buddhism, Vedanta Hinduism, and Kashmir Shaivism. These traditions offer a path on which one awakens to the true nature of one’s consciousness being the ultimate reality of infinite radiant consciousness arising as the entire Cosmos. (In a different sense we could say that developing a deep connection with this Absolute Reality has been the focus of the theistic mystical traditions too, such as mystical Christianity, Sufism, and Kabbalah. These traditions teach a path on which one can come into deeper and deeper relation with the presence of this divine reality in the world.” says Wilber a psychologist of modern timers.

Kathopanishad coveys the following message in  seven mantras: Know that the Self is the rider (Jivatman), and the body is the chariot; that the Intellect (Paramartman) is the charioteer (driver) and the mind (the organ of perception) the reins.  The   senses, say the wise, are the horses; the roads they travel are the mazes of desire. The wise call the Self the enjoyer when he is united with the body, the senses and the mind. When a man lacks discrimination and his mind is uncontrolled, his senses are unmanageable, like the restive horses of a charioteer. But when a man has discrimination and his mind is controlled, his senses, like the well-broken horses of a charioteer, lightly obey the rein. He who lacks discrimination, whose mind is unsteady and whose heart is impure, never reaches the goal, but is born again and again.  But he who has discrimination, whose mind is steady and whose heart is pure, reaches for charioteer, reaches the goal  and having reached it is born no more. The man who has a sound understanding for charioteer, a controlled mind for reins—he it is  that reaches the end  of the journey, the Supreme Abode of Vishnu (Brahman) in his all-pervading aspect  (salokataam saaujyam aapnoti)

All kirtanas, and bhajans, japa and tapa, temple visits and feeding lavishly and indiscriminately others calling it  Annadanam are waste of time   and money  if the devotee is  not prepared to keep his mind always under control and thus  ultimately come to control in slow degrees the mad –on-rush of the sense organs!   Men of no self -control not only fail to reach the supreme state of joy and peace but also fall back into the sorrow-pit at the very center of birth and death. We, as individuals, are also free to build our lives upon the more enduring principle of living, such as honesty, mercy, love, tolerance and so on and live for the greater wealth of self-culturing and consequent inner-peace and joy.
Please go through the full discourse now posted on the Blog:
--March 2, 2019

Comments:
Thanks for the hard work that you have put in bringing out this great piece. Nachiketa is a character cherished by Swami Vivekananda and of course by all who aspire liberation.


HINDU RFEFLECTIONS ON INTERFAITH SEMINAR

Sri Ganesha Temple of Nashville conducted a seminar on Inter faith on last Sunday 17, 2019. In which I participated. Looking at the dais occupied by the six wise persons and not the blind  and listening to them I failed to understand who GOD  is  with my limitations as each one had  his own comprehension about  God and thought too they had different perceptions. Taking my thoughts to Vedas I looked at the analogy of Bull in Vedas where it is said that God appears as Bull roaring Kalpa (43200000000 years) after Kalpa with 4 horns, 3 feet, 2 heads and 7 hands (7 zero shaped) hinting the Kalpa years, occupying 4 directions, 3 worlds that includes 2 hemispheres and 7 continents where humans live delivering the WORD perceived differently as Om, Amen and Imin as the Moderator  informed us.
           Chatvari (4)sringaa trayo(3) asaya paadaa dve(2) seershe sapta hastaso(seven 0) asya | tridaa bhaddo vrisahbho roraveeti maho devo martyaa aavivesa (Rigveda)

The WORD conceived as the Bull possesses 4 horns 3 feet, 2 heads with 7 zero shaped hands. The Bull connected in three fold manner (three worlds) eloquently declares the Supreme as TIME. The Self luminous Deity has entered the mortals everywhere.

For all the changes and distortions that Sanatana Dharma has undergone in other countries during the past millennia   its presence is still there proclaimed through elements to be found in the religions that supplanted it. In the beginning the Vedic religion was prevalent all over the world.   Later over centuries, it must have gone through a process of change and taken different forms. These forms came to be called the original religions of these various lands which in the subsequent period--during historical times-- came under Buddhism. Christianity, or Islam as the case may be.

The seminar did not recognize this fact.     Jehovah means That I am (yah weh). Judaism took this idea    from “Aham Brahma Brahma  aham asmi”;Tad Ekam THAT ONE. ISLAM means Submission to the Supreme that is Nyasa or Saranagati. This has been explained by the ignorant as submission to the will of  God and that will  of God is to  destroy the infidels and so many who claim Islam as their religion resort to sword or gun.

Brahman is derived from the root brih to grow, to grow great which is undoubtedly only vridh in another form. If so, the English “word is ultimately the same as the Vedic Brahman even etymologically. Holy Bible says “In the beginning there was the Word The word was with God and the WORD was GOD”. The word GOD  has no root and formed by combining three capital letters G, O & D where G stands for Generation O for Operation and D for Dissolution and in that order of Creation, Sustenance and Destruction--Srishtht, Sthiti, Laya.

Rishis of mixed DNA came together on the river banks  of Sindhu sat together and raised their voices to the Supreme: “asato maa sad gamaya tamso maa jyotir gamaya mrityor maa qmritam gamaya’’ --lead me from Unreal to the Real, from Darkness to Light and from Death to Immortality.  They did not know what religion is and welcomed all that is beneficial to mankind from all parts of the globe to call it as Dharma.  The other name by which Hindus know the Supreme Being is Sathyam which is usually translated as Truth who are not familiar with Upanishads.  Sathyam consists of three syllables  Sat+thi+yam where sat stands for what is immortal, thi what  is  mortal and yam that which bias being regulated.
Those who gathered on Sindhu River banks had no knowledge of the word religion and later Arabs who found them on the river called them Hindus as they could not pronounce Sindhu and called their  Dharma Hinduism. They named their own spiritual following Muhammadanism named after Prophet Muhammad following Christianity named after Jesus Christ. Here again they were guided by Upanishads that says, Gurur devo bhava to name the religion after their preacher.  Then the name Muhammadanism was changed to Islam as they did not like the derogatory suffix --ism that was given to all religions by the Europeans that considered  them as bizarre and pagan. Thus Hinduism is the only religion with geographical name in the world.
The Founder of Unitarian Union of North East India (UUNEI)   Hajom Kissor Singh, arrived at a classic Unitarian theology entirely by himself late in the nineteenth century. He had no knowledge of Unitarianism.   The Khasi Unitarian movement he founded is now the third largest group of Unitarians or Unitarian Universalist in the world. There are 45 congregations with a total of about 10,000 adults and children. “We have so much to learn from our brothers and sisters in the Khasi Hills and elsewhere in the world. They have much to teach us about how our faith can express itself in different ways and yet remain true to our core values of human dignity, compassion, freedom and justice. If we are to be a thriving religious movement in this century, I am convinced we will do so by joining in partnership with Unitarians and UU’s from across the globe. In this new multicultural world we have much to learn from one another.” says Rev. Morales who was on a two-week journey across India to meet with human rights partners.
Unitarianism in the Khasi Jaintia hills is a middle path of the two prominent traditions of the area the Khasi Pnar tradition and the Christian Traditions. Pnar Tradition is essentially based on Sanatana Dharma and not the Hindu Religion as practiced today as described in the attached note. It believes in One God (devo Ekah) from which Universal Luminary Moses received Ten Commandments whom we worshiped as Aditya on Ratha Saptami day--Tasya bhasa sarvamidam vibhati -- All luminescent bodies emit light because of Him only. He outshines all.
 We are often tempted to quote the philosophy Vasudheiva Kutumbakam   not knowing its original intent. This was   a statement used by cunning jackal and crooked cat to exploit the sentiment of innocent  animals and birds  for their own selfish ends to lead an easy going life that was wrongly adopted by the later Maha Upanishad. This thought is more profoundly contained in the Veda mantras chanted by rishis who realized they and their all congregation are drawn from all kinds of mixed DNA races which today science has researched:
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.
[All people should live with one mind without enmity and this can be achieved only by the divine grace says the mantra]
Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam /
samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha juhomi //(X-191-3)
Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in union with the thoughts of the wise people! Sharing a common purpose; we worship as one.

Samaani vaa aakootih samaana hridayaani vah / Samaanam astu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati // (X-191-4)

United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings, collected be your mind, in the same way as all the various aspects of the universe exist in togetherness, wholeness.
[We should act in a manner with no ill-will towards others, causing no harm and causing no pain. Let us learn from the nature as to how to live in peace and exist together in harmony that pleases the Lord says the mantra]

We came full circle to the Rigvedic excerpt   “Let noble thoughts come to us from everywhere and all directions--aa no badranti kratavah yuantu visvatah” pointed out by Dr. Mahadevan, speaker on Hinduism.   So we must want them here.  And if we want to invite others in, we have to trust ourselves to appropriate them responsibly.  And if we so trust ourselves, we should appropriate with confidence and without apology and boldly propagate Vedanta Religion and Universal Oneness.

Comments:
Honestly, I thought it was waste of my time.  No depth, no direction and no conclusion. Learned nothing more than what I already know.
--Tarun Surti
I like it.
--AS Narayana


THINK BEFORE START FIGHTING ON ADVAITA, DVAITA AND VISHISHTADVAITA
During Adi Sankaracharya’s whirlwind tour of India, while he debated the scholars of the Hindu Philosophy and religion, he reached the holy city of Varanasi. He offered oblations to Lord Siva at the Viswantha Temple and prayed thus:
“O Lord Sankara! My first sin is that in spite of my knowing (and also teaching others) that God is beyond mind and speech, I have tried to describe you through the several hymns composed by me. This betrays lack of conformity between my thought and my word”
“Next, having been convinced of the scriptural sayings that God pervades and permeates everything in the manifested universe, I have been preaching this truth to one and all. Nevertheless, I have come to Varanasi to have your Darsana. This shows that my thoughts, word s and deeds are at variance with one another. This is my second sin.”
“Thirdly, I have a firm belief in the teaching of the scriptures that the one and the same Atma (Self) is imminent in all beings and there is no difference between the so-called Jivatma (individualsoul) and Paramatma (Supreme soul). While I have been proclaiming this Truth in all my discourses, I have now come here to stand before you as if we two are separate and different from each. Other. This is my third lapse. Hence I pray that I may be absolved of all these three sins, of which I am guilty”
It is interesting to note Sankara  gave scope for  sectarian walls as “Shanmata  Sthapaka” but towards  the end of his life in Bhaja Govindam went with the concept of “Devo Ekah” that is Vishnu. It is not that he turned a Vaishnavite here or Ramanuja promoted a Vaishnava God only. It is logical and practical to focus in our Samasara on sustenance aspect of Saguna Brahman that is Vishnu. Saguna (manifest) Brahman in his role of Brahma as creator has already done his job and pushed us to Samsara and rightly we do not worship him in Temples. We are handed over to Siva the dissolution aspect of Saguna Brahman who has to evaluate our performance either to hand over to Brahma again or push us up to be integral part of Brahman. This aspect is also not in our hands. Therefore our main focus only on Sustenance aspect looks significant.  Sankara therefore advised us to focus only on Vishnu and meditate on Him alone in Atma Bodha and Bhaja Govindam his last composition though he held different views before and repented before Lord Viswanatha for his three sins.  Ramanuja agreeing with Sankara advised all of us to surrender at the feet of Sriman Narayana promoting Prapatti and Saranagati.

After vehemently   promoting his Advaita Philosophy Sankara strongly advised his followers to worship Lord Vishnu in his Bhaja Govindam and Atmabodha as Para Brahman in his Saguna form as long as we have to live in this world and progress towards Liberation. Ramanuja continued the task which Sankara began towards the end of his life which Madhva Fine-tuned.I believe neither Sankara, nor Ramanuhja nor Madhva named their philosophies as Advaita Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita based on Brahma-sutras but their followers did and started fighting with each other.  It is the progressive development and thinking of Hindu Renaissance that is now firmly established in Bhakti Marga and Temple tradition. But this also over a period got degenerated with no focus on spirituality and moving away from Sanatana Dharma.

 Here our temples and Bhakti Marga have to lead the crowd as our spiritual leaders say:
“The Mandirs have to play a significant role in the growth of the Hindu community in terms of its capacity to uphold Hindu Dharma.” -- SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI (www.arshavidya.org)
“We need to make temples not just a center of rituals and congregation but lighthouses of philosophy and knowledge, which are the basis of Hindu Dharma.” -- SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR (www.artofliving.org)
“Creating an environment where the youth understand, appreciate and love their Hindu culture is a crucial need today, as is uniting all Hindu temples under one umbrella.” -- SWAMI CHIDANANDA SARASWATI (www.parmarth.com)”

"tasyah sikhaayaa madhye paramaatma vyavasthitah | Sa Brahmaa sa Sivah  sa Harih sendrah soaksharam paramah Svarat'”--Veda

Paramatman dwells in the middle of that flame. Although He is thus limited still He is the four-faced creator Brahma, Siva, Vishnu, Indra, the material and efficient cause of the Universe and the Supreme Self-luminous Consciousness.

Paramaatman is Narayana, the source of Jivas. He remains contracted in the heart for the benefit of the Jivas. He is the Creator, Protector and Dissolver (GOD) of the Universe. He is Svaraat because He is the only independent Reality causing all other dependent categories. He shines forever in His own glory. The Deities and   scriptural duties taught by mantras and Brahmanas have their finality in Him. Worshiping Him thus one attains Him. That is why we end our prayers   in all worships and rituals with the words "Narayaneti samrpayami" -Surrender at the feet of Narayana! 
--February 22, 2019

RATHA SAPTAMI AND SURYA NAMASKARAM
Ratha Saptami was celebrated on February 11, 2019 with Yogic salutation of Surya Namaskaram (obeisance to Sun god). Solar energy is recognized as a vital alternate renewable power source for addressing the global energy crisis, in case fossil fuels are depleted in the coming few decades. Moral values are on the decline daily with falsehood and deception practiced casually these days. Lord Surya is the very embodiment of Truth. He is the most visible form of Saguna Brahman. Moreover Upanishds and Gita say the Sun, Moon, Fire and Stars all shine because of Brahman—“tasya bhaasaa sarvamidam  vibhaati”. Praying to these luminaries is praying to Brahman alone.  Praying to Him can strengthen the power of truth within us and in practicing truth and fairness in dealing with the outside world
The Sun salutation is probably the most important of all Asanas in yoga , as it covers the largest range of bodily movements, energizing all our physiological systems and all the organs, spreading the solar light through all our limbs.    “The Sun, properly understood not merely as an outer but as an inner energy source, reflects the supreme light of Yoga both in our own hearts and in the world of nature around us” says Padmabhushan David Frawley. Upanishads describe Sun as the Vyahriti (emanation) of  Parabrahman,. I reproduce below some of the Veda Mantras in this context.
Aaditya is Parabrahman
MNU prescribes meditation upon the Sun as Brahamn and Narayana  as in Rigveda. The Golden Person described in the Mantras is the Supreme Lord who has favored man with three Vedas shining in the Sun. Therefore we have the first set of Mantras to meditate upon Brahman as the Orb of the Sun. Aditya can be explained  as Aadau Bhavah—the Lord who was in the beginning. Supreme Person not only has revealed the three   Vedas through the Sun, but also has given all that is necessary for the well-being and liberation of all creatures. So we have the second set of Mantras glorifying Sun as Sarvaatmaka, abiding in all Beings. We have the last set of Mantras to be employed for Japa by those who are incapable of performing meditation given in the other two sets of Mantra. This is like Sandhyavandana mantra.
                                         
Aadityamandala Prabrahma Upaasana Mantras
(Meditation Mantras for Parabrahman as the Orb of Aaditya)
Aadityo vaa esha etanmandalam tapati tatrataa richastadrichaa mandala(ga)m sa richaam loko atha ya esha etasmin mandale archir-deepyate taani saamaani sa saamnaam loko atha ya esha etasminmandalorchishi  purushastaani yajoo(ga)mshi sa yajushaa mandala(ga)m sa yajushaam lokah saisha trayyeva vidyaa tapati ya  esho antaraaditye hiranmayah purushah ||

Aadityapurushasya Sarvaatmaatmaka Pradarsana Mantras
(Mantras on Aadityapurusha  Depicting  as One who is  Abiding in All Beings)
Aadityo vai teja ojo balam yasaschakshuh srotraatmaa mano  manyur- manur-mrityuh satyo  mitro vaayur-aakaasah praano lokapaalah kah kim kam tatsatyamannmamrito jeevo viswah katamah svayambhu brahmaitadamrita esha
purusha esha bhootaanaamadhipatirbrahmanah saayujya(ga)m salokataam aapnot-yetaasaameva devataanaa(ga)m saayujya(ga)m saarshtitaa(ga)m samaanalokotaamaapnoti ya  evam veddatyupanishat ||
Aadityadevata Mantras
Ghrinihi surya aadityom archayanti tapah satyam madhu ksharanti tad brahma  tad aapah jyotee raso  amritam  brahma bhoorbhuvah suvarom ||

The Sun alone is verily all these—energy, splendor, strength, renowned, slight, hearing, body, mind, anger, seer, the Deities of Death, Satya, Mitra, Wind, ether and Breath, the Rulers of the world, Prajaapati, the Indeterminable One, happiness, that which transcends the senses, truth, food, span of life, liberation or Immortality, individual Soul, the Universe, the acme of bliss and the self-born Brahman.  This Person in the sun is eternal. He is the Lord of all creatures. He who meditates thus upon Him attains union with Brahman and lives in the same region of enjoyment with Him; he attains union, co-residence and like-enjoyment with these gods in their worlds. The secret knowledge is thus imparted.

Aaaditya, the Supreme Cause of the Universe, is the giver of light and water and is the source of all energy. He is denoted by the syllable Om.  Gods worship Him as Tapas and Truth. (Being worshiped thus) He grants bliss to the worshipers. (Or worshipers offer honey and sweet offerings to Him)That form of the Sun is Brahman. That is the pervading cause of all. That is water, fire, flavor, and ambrosia. The three Vyahritis (emanations) representing the three worlds and the Pranava representing the cause of the Universe denote that Brahman--Bhoor-bhuvas-suvar-om.

In the dawning ecological age, we are once again recognizing the spiritual powers at work behind the forces of nature, the most important of which is the Sun. We need to cultivate the external Sun not only as an energy source, but the inner Sun as a source of inspiration and meditation. This once more provides us a world view in which we can appreciate the spiritual teachings not only the Vedas, Yoga and Tantra, but of all solar traditions of truth and enlightenment, which have counterparts all over the world and many of which are undergoing renewal. The simplest thing to do is to greet the sun every day with the astrological mantra: Om Sum Suryaya Namah!” says David Frawley. Please go through his spiritually inspiring article “The Ancient Yoga of the Sun”.
--February 17, 2019

VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM IS NEITHER POLITICAL NOR RELIGIOUS BUT NEETISASTRA

“I call out Sadhguru also today for adding fuel to fire by saying Yoga is not Hindu…. hurt Santana Dharma and genuine seekers end up suffering at the hands of psychopaths”. Says Sree Maa from New Zealand disturbed by present day political struggles in India.
I love this statement by Sadguru on its face value as the word Hindu is a geographical name christened by Arabs and baptized by mainly by the BRITISH and other Europeans that has hurt the name of Sanatana Dharma and degraded it to HINDUISM where suffix “Ism” is derogatory as you find in in dictionary in contrast to “ity” (Christianity, Islam). No other religion is named after the land. So Yoga is much older and part DHARMA that is Sanatana and therefore not Hindu. We haves to protest and change the Name Hindu first and not Allahabad, Benares and Chennai?
Studies using ancient DNA have been rewriting prehistory all over the world in the last few years and in India particular, there has been one fascinating discovery after another.
The first one originated from the Zagros region in south-western Iran (which has the world's first evidence for goat domestication) and brought agriculturists, most likely herders, to India. This would have been between 7,000 and 3,000 BCE. These Zagros herders mixed with the earlier inhabitants of the subcontinent - the First Indians, descendants of the Out of Africa (OoA) migrants who had reached India around 65,000 years ago - and together, they went on to create the Harappa Civilization.
In the centuries after 2000 BCE came the second set of immigrants (the Aryans) from the Eurasian Steppe, probably from the region now known as Kazakhstan. They likely brought with them an early version of Sanskrit, mastery over horses and a range of new cultural practices such as sacrificial rituals, all of which formed the basis of early Hindu/Vedic culture. (A thousand years before, people from the Steppe had also moved into Europe, replacing and mixing with agriculturists there, spawning new cultures and spreading Indo-European languages).
Other genetic studies have brought to light more migrations into India, such as that of the speakers of Austro-Asiatic languages who came from south-eastern Asia.
According to Indian DNA studies only the spear-wielding fishermen of the Andaman Islands have no trace of the genetic mix that pervades the mainland. Proof that the only the thing that really could have stopped India’s ancestral populations from mixing was an 840-mile schlep to a remote tropical island.
Our sages were wise in not quoting Vasudhaiva kurtumbakam which itself is coined inspired by Vedas. They knew we are a mixed race after studying Vedas. To justify our modern Gurus and politicians quote Maha Upanishad which is a later Upanishad and not among the older 108 or Principal Upanishads. Later people called anything they want to name spiritual as Upanishad to give it the Vedic image. It is very dangerous for religious and spiritual thinkers to enter into politics. I do not talk about politics in my religious and spiritual discourses after migrating to USA. Ramakrishna once said religion has entered kitchen too in India. Today it has entered politics. Religious leaders can’t refrain from talking about politics and vice versa. In India Government controls Hindu Religion indirectly but afraid to touch other religions on political grounds.
I wonder those who quote Vasudhiva Kutumbakam for Universal Oneness believing it to be from Vedas. Instead they should quote the following:
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/ devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.
Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam / samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha juhomi //(X-191-3)
Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in union with the thoughts of the wise people! Sharing a common purpose; we worship as one.
[Vedanta Religion is universal. It did not promote walled religions. Bhagavad Gita later said these religion need bridges to connect to the Supreme. All rivers seek refuge in the vast Ocean. All religions seek universal Lord Brahman only who is ever expanding and indescribable to accommodate all]
Comments:
Very informative!
--AS Narayana
PERSONALITY INTEGRATION
May I draw your attention to the forthcoming discourse  announced below  by  Swami Chidanananda on  Personality  Integration (Webinair 143) on  Sunday,  February 17, 2019 drawing reference to 4 mantras  of  Nachiketa’s dialogue with Yama  focused on  Paramatman from Chhandogya  Upanishad  that I had also discussed in the past purely for their   spiritual content.  What I missed in my discourse was the Vedic  practical wisdom  conveyed in these mantras  when focused together,  which  practical wisdom leads to  a clean life getting rid of bad habits, human negative emotions and unhealthy living that are a pre -requisite to not only lead a happy life (Preyas) but also progress spiritually towards Eternal Joy (Sreyas). I have dealt at length in a separate discourse on Preyas and Sreyas and also discussed on the Parable of the Chariot in Chaandogya in my discourse on Ratha Yatra of Puri Jagannath elaborately.  Among the four mantras quoted by Swamij  the phrase Uttishthata Jagrata is very popular with all spiritual gurus  and political leaders that I have also repeatedly quoted and explained in different contexts. I have combined it also with Charaiveti Charaiveti another Veda mantra.
The inspirational mantra uttishtata jagraa was Swami Vivekananda's message to the Hindus to get out of their captivated state of mind by illusion. The mantra was meant as a call to his countrymen to awaken their "sleeping soul" and propagate the message of peace and blessings given by the "ancient Mother" to the world. "Awake" also denotes the awakening of one's real nature and the consequent ushering in of prosperity.
"Arise" was meant as a passionate call for national awakening to obtain political freedom for the country from the British and to not to "stop" until the "goal" was achieved. This was essential in the social, economic and political fields. "Arise" was also intended to mean to get out of the state of helplessness.   Swamiji also urged people to learn from Hindu sacred scriptures, which he felt contained all the instructions to arise out of the "hypnotism of weakness" and which indicated that no individual is inherently weak.  You may recall Swamiji once said Aatmanaa vindate veeryam that by turning to your inner-net (atman) you get out of your weakness to run to Internet (material world) for help (Sreyas). Later Sarojini  Naidu made this phrase her theme for a poem and someone for a  book too!
Gist of the Presentation:
Besides their central teaching, which is Self-knowledge that sets a man free, the Upanishads do supply precious guidance on how we may rid ourselves of bad habits, negative emotions and unhealthy ways of living. “Arise, awake and meet competent teachers to gain wisdom,” says1 Kathopanishad, giving us a clarion call for getting out of the slumber of spiritual ignorance. The same scripture points out2 how we slip into degradation by choosing PREYA, which is “what is pleasant but harmful,” and by not opting for SHREYA, which is “what is good though causing some discomfort”. The sacred work from Yajurveda exhorts3 us, “Unless we give up our wrong ways, the door to Self-knowledge will just not open!” The key to rise in life is to constantly re-educate our intellect (buddhi), which is our charioteer in the metaphor of life being a journey by a chariot4. The webinar will examine a dozen lines from the dialogue between Lord Yama and the young boy Nachiketā, which point to the need for personality integration, which paves the way to illumination.
 1 uttisthata, jāgrata, prāpya varān nibodhata (1.3.14)
2 preyo mando yogakshemād vrineete (1.2.2)
3 nāvirato duscharitād.. (1.2.24)
4 buddhim tu sārathim viddhi (1.3.3)
[Chapter number, valli number, mantra number] 
--February 15, 2019
Comments:
A timely article inspiring the people of Our India and an awakening to take by the whole human race. Thank you for all this strain you have undertaken.
--Purushothama Rao


SARAWATHI WORSHIP ON VASANTA PANCHAMI DAY

Across India, especially in the North and Eastern India, including Nepal, Vasant Panchami is the day when one of the cardinal goddesses of Hinduism, Devi Saraswati, is worshiped. This falls on the 5th day on the month of Magha during the time of the spring. This year it was celebrated on February 9, 2019 and immersion took place on February 10, 2019. Though you do not come across a sanctum for her in Hindu Temples based on unconvincing mythology, this day is celebrated as special religious event day in all temples and she is not a sectarian deity.
The origin of Saraswati worship is in the Vedas and has a very precise   exposition of her role and place in the spiritual universe says Rajarshi Nandy Saraswati.     Rajarshi, a sadhaka and adherent of the Sanatan Dharma, is a technical writer by training, and a spiritualist by passion, currently working as a Contributing Editor for SirfNews.com. Please go through his exposition of Saraswati as Mahasaraswati as attached.
As the age of Tantra and Puranas gained prominence, the triple Vedic goddesses Ilaa, Saraswati and Mahee became represented in the three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, or the three channels inside the subtle body, namely, ida, pingla and kundalini, where Saraswati became representative of the subtler sushumna, equivalent to the vanished river of Vedic era. Although we now associate Saraswati with learning or education, she is certainly not the goddess of fact accumulation which passes as knowledge these days. She is rather the inspiration of the artist aSsnd the creator, of the architect and poet, of the scientist, of all who stand at the forefront of the masterful application of human knowledge and potential. 
In Bengal, Saraswati is regarded as the Daughter of Siva and Durga. Her sister is Goddess Lakshmi and her brothers are Kartikeya and Ganesha. For Saraswati Pooja, books are placed in front of Saraswati, along with earthen ink-pots and bamboo quills. The ink is made from un-boiled milk, water and a pinch of red colored powder (vermilion) and silver glitter called avro.  The next day, before the Goddess is immersed in water, the Saraswati mantra is written on Bel leaves using the milk-ink with the help of quills. All children dip their bamboo quills into the earthen ink- pots and write Aum Sarswatyai Namah.   The Goddess is then immersed and the books are put back in their places.
Some scholars believe that the linking of Goddess Saraswati with Vasanta Panchami comes from the later day Brahma Vaivarta Purana, where Sri Krishna orders the worship of Devi Saraswati on this particular Panchami tithi. Artists, writers, students and just about anyone involved in any kind of creative endeavor seek benedictions of this form of the Divine Mother to enable them to excel in their chosen field of self-expression.
--February 10, 2019

VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM--IS IT A SLOGAN OF VEDIC WISDOM OR POLITICAL JARGON?
The slogan Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (VK) has been literally inscribed in stone, on the walls of the India’s Parliament House. Vasudhaiva kuTumbakam is often cited by politicians as an evidence of how the ancient sages had set for themselves, and for generations thereafter, the principles of an unconditional universal brotherhood. It has been generally taken for granted that VK is of unquestionable value, a traditional moral recommended by wise ancestors of how to deal with the world. We can notice the shloka being quoted uncritically not only by Hindutva ideologues in their writings and speeches but also popular religious leaders in their discourses without getting tired.
Contrary to the popular myths, the verse is neither located in Rigveda nor in Mahabharata neither in Manusmriti nor in the Purana-s. Thus far, we have seen the verse in the following Sanskrit sources: Hitopadesa, Panchatantra, certain compendiums of Chanakya and Bhartrihari, MahA-Upanishad, certain recensions of Vikrama-charita, and finally in the works of the great Kashmir poet Bhatta Udbhata. 
Teaching young pupils through entertainment must has been a successful practice in India. The discovery of this principle is to the credit of ancient Hindu-s and Hitopadesha is a shining evidence of the same. It was compiled by Narayhana Pandita in roughly 5th century of the CE either in Magadha or in Bengal, as a textbook for two young princes who being hard at studies were dropouts from the conventional schooling
In the Panchatantra story a cunning cat employed this slogan to attract birds to bring their young ones to a tree whole and to place the trust in an old Vulture so that it could have continuous supply of food without struggle. The birds finding some bones near the vulture one day inferred that their children had been eaten away by the old Vulture in whom they had placed their trust. Thus enraged the birds swiftly executed the vulture in no time. Although being innocent and a true well-wisher of the birds, he paid for the folly of giving shelter to the wrong kind. You can thus see how this has been repeatedly misquoted as a slogan of unity rather than trickery. Of course it is a very convincing cunning slogan for our present day politicians to misguide people.
--FEBRUARY 13, 2019

HUMAN CONNECTION IS VITAL IN INTERFAITH & UNIVERSAL ONENESS
People need emotional connectivity with other people. They need not only person-to-person interaction, but also a sense of trust and support from others.   The best place to find and nurture those relationships is the temple and get your human battery charged. This concept of human connection was strongly promoted by our Vedas and preached   by our sages which later developed as Hindu Philosophy “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” and “sarve janah sukhino bhavantu”.  Rigveda being the oldest text on dharma, spirituality and concept of religious worship, echoes the same in following mantras;
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)

Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.

[All people should live with one mind without enmity and this can be achieved only by the divine grace says the mantra]
  
Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam /
samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha juhomi  //(X-191-3)
Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in union with the thoughts of the wise people!  Sharing a common purpose; we worship as one.

[Vedanta Religion is universal. It did not promote walled religions.  Bhagavad Gita later said these religion need bridges to connect to the Supreme. All rivers seek refuge in the vast Ocean. All religions seek universal Lord Brahman only who is ever expanding and indescribable to accommodate all]

Samaani vaa aakootih samaana hridayaani vah / Samaanam astu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati // (X-191-4)

United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings, collected   be your mind, in the same way as all the various aspects of the universe exist in togetherness, wholeness.

[We should act in a manner with no ill-will towards others, causing no harm and causing no pain. Let us learn from the nature as to how to live in peace and exist together in harmony that pleases the Lord says the mantra]

 I believe these mantras influenced the Holy Bible also to come up with the following Psalm; “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! Psalm 133:1” The heading to this Psalm says that it is a song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. I guess   it describes the way how a worship place should be   that is living together in harmony as family members.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24, 25”. This verse also says that “this is becoming more important as the day of Christ’s coming gets closer”. That means today! This message is strongly voiced today by the Religious in USA,   as 40% among church goers say they do not believe in church and say they are SBNR.  Their churches and synagogues are progressively depleted and they wrongly resort to proselytization wherever possible!  Second generation Hindu Americans choose their life partners from Abrahamic religions mostly and also occasionally from other East Asiatic Religions or even from atheists compelled by the human instinct of love in USA. They and their children may not even come to temples and may join SBNR.
One time Jesus made this powerful proclamation to the disciples: I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it--Matthew 16:18. What he meant was a worship place drawing inspiration from the ancient Hindu Temples and worship pattern.
We may think of the internet as an example as powerful tool of Human Connection. Communications technologies — especially social media — have created an illusion of better connection with the world around us. Don’t get me wrong. I fully accept that it is a form of connection and indeed, a very powerful one. It certainly has its place. Following the philosophy of human connection, we create the news, make news on FB; no problem, no restrictions. This is great and it's our magnanimity. But also we must make sure that we are checking our own news!    We must remember at the end of the day we have to face our own book. The multivitamin every day that we must take is: meditation, no reaction and introspection. This multivitamin is the key to spiritual excellence. Life and excellence are not just about connecting to the internet and getting the fastest speed but we must remember to connect with the inner-net and get the right direction to post non FB.  The importance of service and living with the attitude of not "what for me" but rather "what through me," is becoming a tool and an instrument of the Divine will.  I think time has come for   all of us to work together to serve humanity to live in PEACE but not in PIECES.
I sometimes compliment atheists or SBNR who do not know what Spirituality is. Without an external framework in which they can express their naturally-occurring human spirituality, I think it a much more difficult path in life to follow than religious faith. Sure, you can make a god out of the laws of nature (as Richard Dawkins for example), but as a human being, I can’t really relate to Boyle’s Law about gases or Newton’s laws on motion any more than the “ether”  where I seek heaven.   The answer is therefore very simple. If you cannot commit to belief in a deity, then call yourself an “agnostic”, in other words, someone who just doesn’t know if God exists. The key is being open to the possibility. Actually, for me, the best definition of spirituality is this one: Spirituality is the art of the possible.
But don’t give up on worship places. It still offers human connection, infects you with motivation for love and good works, and allows you to be a part of something greater. I firmly believe best days of Hindu Temples focused on Vedanta religion are yet to come.
Spirituality and religion have been intimately linked throughout history of Sanatana Dharma. Acceptance of a deity brings with it a completely different perspective on life, where we are fully included in a vastly bigger plan for the universe and can even feel loved and special within that vastness. Choose the right deity and apt rituals and festivals to turn the focus on Devo Ekah  and Truth is One.
This reality is enshrined in the word spirituality itself which represents the spirit, soul or “breath” of a higher power within us. In other words, it has historically represented meaning and purpose in our existence, derived from an external and yet intimately loving divine source.
Whilst spirituality is not restricted to religious experience nor even to the existence of a supernatural force which influences our lives from another dimension, I want to suggest to you that Sanatana Dharma is the safest path through which to handle it.
 --February 9, 2019

INTERFAITH & FUSION OF FAITHS TO LIVE IN PEACE BUT NOT IN PIECES       

In the beginning the Vedic Religion was prevalent all over the world. Later over the centuries, it must have gone through a process of change (Fission) and taken different forms. These forms came to be called the original religions of the various lands which subsequent period--during historical times-- came under Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity or Islam as the case may be. Today we have many historical, cultural and scriptural evidences to substantiate the same. Realizing present day antagonism, confusion, quarrel and killings we want to think of their Fusion and back to the past glory of Vedic Religion! Swami Chidananda of Paramartha Niketan, Rishikesh says:   “Now is the time for us to take up a new global prayer, a new mantra, and a new song. Let its words be that of unity, may its harmony be that of all voices together. Let its crescendo be lasting peace. Today, the music begins, this is the music that the world needs today.” Let us live in peace but not in Pieces.

Let us not forget studies using ancient DNA have been rewriting prehistory all over the world in the last few years and in India, there has been one fascinating discovery after another. India’s leading genetic-research institute traces our geneticists to nearly all bloodlines back to two ancestral groups, one hailing from Africa, the other from Eurasia. These groups mingled, married and swapped gene. A mixture of their DNA can be found in nearly every person on the subcontinent today. That means we   are neither Aryans nor Dravidians as condemned or glorified!

Recently prominent Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth joined forces at Paramartha Niketan (Rishikesh) in a first ever, historic event on strengthening inter-religious collaboration of Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth.  A similar unity meet between Christianity and Islam took place in Nashville initiated by a Muslim Imam sometime back. A large number of foreigners who have come to attend the world’s largest religious congregation - Kumbh Mela - in India have adopted the Sanatan Dharma as their way of life. According to ANI report, they have adopted Sanatana Dharma to start their journey towards moksha (liberation), with many of them gathering information about dharma so they can spread the ideas in their respective countries after returning. Many of them, both men and women, can be seen with their heads shaved, sandalwood Tilak applied on their foreheads and offering prayers to the River goddesses, in celebration of the Dharmic way of life. Inspired by these recent great events the authorities of Sri Ganesha Temple have organized an interesting seminar promoting interfaith dialogues within and greater Nashville faith community to be held on Sunday Feb.17th  this year.

To be or not to be is the question challenging Hindu Americans, second generation onward. They have successfully overcome caste system. Their temples are open to all who respect Hinduism and follow the discipline of Hindu worship. They even promote it by temple tours and Hindu Heritage classes for Hindus as well as Non-Hindus. They try  to understand other religions and faiths visiting the  Synagogues, Mosques, Churches and Monasteries. Dr. Phil Goldberg says that this country is turning to be a Land of Yoga and Meditation. Padma Bhushan David Frawley promotes: “Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic knowledge can help, bringing a higher consciousness into the world and help us move beyond materialism and senate values - including beyond our new drug and sensory addictions in this information technology era. Each one of us can turn within and make transformation, as well as acting responsibly outwardly in society". We should therefore contribute our maximum here and train our youth to lead the country spiritually in Sanatana Dharma, may be in due course India too.
For this we should stop running to Hindus in India and examine what is needed to guide our future generation who are well exposed to science and highly educated.  We should consolidate  our worship  and  focus on few deities like Venkateshawra, Skanda Jagannatha   that we discussed in  the past suitable to all traditions and also be guided by the spiritual Gurus active in USA that are alive to the problem. Then   we should progressively turn spiritual and also guide others spiritually guided by the Vedic wisdom: Eko devah; aatmavat sarva bhooteshu;  sanghacchadhvam  samvadadvam etc.,  and our philosophy of vasudhaiva kutumbakam and sarvejanah sukhino bhavantu etc. Changes are needed in our worship pattern but that should be done respecting temple traditions that had attracted millions over centuries.
Please go through the revised and enlarged discourse in place of the earlier text sent:


--February 9, 2009

Comments:
 
Inspiring comments and the article.  like the theme "living in peace, not in pieces" Is it original from Swami Chidananda?--Dr. Vedavyas Bililyar
I read with a lot of interest the interfaith fusion article--please let me know who wrote this--is this a teen ager Hindu from Nashville who went to Chennai with a white American. Pl reply I need to know for my understanding. I am not sure if whites are not welcome in Indian temples. I find it hard to believe, however I do affirm the notion that Hindus are kindergarten in USA with regards to Sanatana Dharma practices in the US Hindu temples.--Dr. Srinivasa from Pittsburgh.
                
[Both mistook the article was written by Swami Chidananda the way I presented and the boy was also myself that I later clarified.]

EDUCATION AND WELL BEING--3

Please refer to the tele-discourse By Mr. Satyesh Bellur (Bengaluru) of FOWAI Forum on February 10, 2019

What makes my discourse on Samskaras most popular Among 14 categories of discourses on Hinduism? What makes my discourse on NISHEKA Samskara, Conception and Child-birth lead the rest among 372 articles posted on my blog? Only you can tell when you listen to the learned scholar from FOWAI Forum! I believe their approach to link them to Vedas and Upanishads instead of restricting to mere ritualistic details that your priests know very well and I know very little.

Hindu samskaras cover an individual’s entire life span from conception to funeral ritesNishekaadi smasaanaantakam”—from the time one is conceived in mother’s womb to the time when one’s body is offered to Agni. Nisheka (copulation) is a rite performed with sacrificial fire as the witness. Nisheka literally means sprinkling. This is the Hindu religious licensing ceremony for conception after the marriage ceremony. 

Though not a popular Samskara to-day this is mentioned as the very first Samskara, a Hindu has to go through. Its religious part is usually added on today as the concluding part of Grihapravesam ceremony, a part of marriage ceremony, among the orthodox or Brahmin community. Others make it a social event wishing couples a Suhag Rath, a beginning of First Good Night enjoyment of married couples together in privacy.

At the moment conception takes place, an immortal soul enters the universe for the first time. This unique human being is touched by the Divine and is a gift from the Creator. God places this beautiful gift into the womb of a mother for protection. In Hindu tradition when married couple think of a baby for the first time and desire to have successful union to fulfill their desire they first offer their prayers to God.  A couple enters Grihastaasrama Dharma on being married and get licensed to lead a lawful married life in the society. Their first desire to beget a child is considered as sacred act of charity   because such a conception also helps a soul to re-enter the world because of its past Karmas and eagerly waiting for a suitable abode. This charity initiated by the husband though interpreted as solely a charity by the husband, its religious benefits are equally shared by the wife who willingly and happily cooperates as Sahadaharmini or equal partner. The human born of that conception gets an entry to the world to work his or her way to elevate the soul in her or him and reduce the burden of past Karmas if not tempted to accumulate fresh karmas. Hence it is considered as an act of charity. Human pair copulates whenever there is a physical urge. But this union must be constrained and regulated unlike in animals. Animals multiply enormously during mating season but unlike humans they have very short span of life.  

Our sages realized while death was a journey for the soul birth was its return journey with the purpose of exhausting its Prarabdha Karma and elevate itself progressively. While they thought of several mantras (antyeshti) for elevation of soul on its onward journey, they also contemplated on several mantras welcoming back the soul which could find an abode through the help of the retas (semon) of a man in the womb of a woman.   We have seen several mantras from Upanishads and scriptures on Garbhadharana pleading to gods for its initiation and good progress for its safe and healthy delivery by way of Jaatakarma.  The sages were equally concerned about the growth and well-being of the child during its dependency on its parents before moving to a Gurukula for higher studies. Grihyasutras later regularized many Samskaras in which prayers were offered to gods for its healthy progress and initiation to Aparavidya (secular studies) and Paravidya (spiritual studies) to become a worthy citizen serving the society   while elevating oneself spiritually. These depended on the physical and psychological growth of the child.  These samskaras were performed at each turn of a child’s growth in human society. They also took care   to keep the society informed about the progress the child was making by way of rituals and celebrations. In their thinking the whole world visualized by them was one family—Vasudhaivaa Kutumbakam.  Influenced by the wisdom of Vedas Grihyasutras later codified and standardized   many sacraments.   Among them those pertaining to Balyaavastha or childhood are Jaatakarma, Naamkarana, Nishkramana, Annaprasana,   Mundan, Choulopanayana or Choti, Karnavedhi,  Vidhyaarmabha and Rajaswala (first menstruation of girls). 

Any Samskara must be performed at the right time to be absolved of sins.  Samskaras are   believed to wash away our past sins because our body, mind and speech are involved in the Samskara pleading for the divine help and being grateful. Samskaras from Jatakarma to Vidhyarambha   are performed by the father specifically for the sake of his child.  Rajaswala for girls is resorted to by only certain traditions and castes, purely a ladies’ function   initiated by the mother.  The good done by father and mother goes to protect the children say our scriptures. It is our duty in turn to do what our ancestors did to us by way of following  dharmic way of life and practicing Pitruyajna  as nitya karma.

Upanayanam is a samskaaram, in which the young boy is given the sacred thread and acquires the right to study Vedas. The young boy is initiated into Gaayatri Mantra. By this ritual, a young boy becomes eligible to begin the life of Brahmacharya, to reside in the Gurukulam away from his parents for a period of twelve years, and to study Vedas. Brahmacharya is the conduct by which oneattains or reaches Brahman (Self-realization). It is a movement towards God-realization or Atman. Brahmacharya is meant for both males and females. In the Vedic society, not only boys but girls also were initiated to Brahmacharya through the Upanayana samskaaram. According to Haarita Samhita, girls studied the Vedas and were known as Brahmavadins, women well versed in Vedas. This is still practiced in Kerala by some Brahmin communities.   The derivation of the word Upa-nayanam in samskrit language is "vedam gurum upa sameepam niyate yena karmana tat—those acts by which one is led near to the Veda and the teacher". In this ceremony the boy or girl receive their last meal from their mothe and leave for Gurukula similar to the Graduation Day celebration in Western culture when parents send off their kids for higher studies saying “you are on your own kid!”
Ojoci Sahosi balamaci bhrajoci devaanaam dhaamanaamaci viswamaci visvaayuh sarvamaci  sarvaayuh abhibhoorom gaayatrrem aavaahayaami saavitreem aavaahayaami sarsvateem aavaahayaami  chchandarsheen aavaahayaami gaayatriyaa gaayatree chchndo viswaamitra rishih savitaa devataagnirmukham brahmaa  siroe vishnur hridayah rudrah sikhaa prithavee yonih praana-apaana-vyaana-udaana-samaana sapraanaa svetavarnaa sankhyaayana gotraa gayatree chaturvimsatyaksharaa shatkukshih panchaseersha upanayane viniyogah ||

Oh Gayatree! Thou art the essence of strength. Thou art patience or the subduing power. Thou art physical capacity. Thou art splendor. Thou art 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 vanquisher of all that is hostile to us.   Thou art the Truth denoted by the Pranava OM. I invoke Gayatree into my heart. I invoke Savitri. I invoke Sarasvati. I invoke the meters, the Rishi and the Gods. I invoke the splendor of all the Gods. Gayatri is the meter of Gayatree; the Rishi is Viswamitra; the deity is Savitar. Fire represents the mouth; the four-faced Brahma, the head; Vishnu, the heart; Rudra, the crown of hairs. Earth, the source; the in-breath, the out breath, the diffused breath; the up-breath and the middle breath, and the breath.    Gayatri is fair in hue ands of the same family as Paramaatman attained by the Sakhyaas—the illumined sages. The deity Gayatri has twenty four syllables, comprised in three feet, six sheaths or cavities and five heads. It is employed in Upanayana Ceremony or the initiation into Vedic studentship says the Gayatri Mantra.

--February 8, 2019

ARE WE GOOD OR BAD--An angel and a demon both reside in us
Swami Chidananda in a discourse on “An angel and demon reside in us” based on the discussions between Lord Krishna and Arjuna in Chapter 16 of Bhagavad Gita  cites a Native American fable, an old Cherokee tale tells of a grandfather teaching life principles to his grandson: “A fight is going on inside me,” he says to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – it is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.  The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person too.”

Dr.  Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality describes someone with a double personality, each distinct and totally opposite. One side of a split personality may be amicable and easygoing, while the other side can be withdrawn or even violent. It is a myopic mindset of confining someone to being one or the other, good or bad, that has made it difficult and almost impossible for prisoners to be properly rehabilitated for re-entry into society. There is no perfect person in the world, even the celestial and most sacred person has his/her faults. Everyone is a mixture of good and bad choices. But these are the things which form us as people.
Hinduism says, but for a rare few all are born with both demonic and divine nature based on their karma in their last birth.  The manifestation of these qualities within us is based on the proportionate mixing of sattva (Virtuous), Rajas (egoistic) and Tamas (ignorant) characteristics called Gunas in them.  In divine people sattva dominates while in demoniacs Rajas and Tamas dominates, sattva being almost extinct. Rare few are born with sattva guna only with some sanchita karma (left over karma).
The divine and demonic qualities are described in chapter XVI. Hell is easy to enter and it has three gates—lust, anger and greed. The three Gunas are useful aids. The concept of three Purushas is excellent. But what matters really are the divine or demonic qualities in the individual which makes him significant and distinct. "Divine birth leads to Moksha and anti-divine to bondage". Deva literally means one who knows how to give and share. The other word which is used for deva in Sanskrit is Sura, one who is consciously in tune with the Supreme Spirit. Asura means the one who is not consciously in tune with the Supreme Spirit. Devas are endowed with divine traits that are 26 mentioned in slokas1-3. Asuras are endowed with demoniac traits and their behavior expresses the conscious misalignment with the Supreme Spirit. The nature of the divine good is marked by an acme of inner security and fearlessness. “By placing this quality of fearlessness at the head of the list, with the unsung music of sheer suggestiveness, the divine  Guru  is indicating that true ethical perfection in one is directly proportional to spiritual evolution attained by the individual” says  Swami Chinmayananda. “When divinity dawns, the human weaknesses vanish of their own accord as petals  drop off when the flower develops into fruit” says Ramakrishna.
Abhayam sattva-samsuddihr-jnaanayoega-vyavasthita-h | daanam damascha yajnascha svaadhyyaayas-tapa aarjavam|| (16-1)
Ahimsaa satyam-akroedhas-tyaaga-h  shaantir – apaisunam |  dayaa bhootaeshv -aloeluptvam maardavam hreer-achaapalam || (16-2)  
Teja-h kshamaa dhritihi saucham-adroehoe naati-maanita | bhavanti sampadam daiveem-abhijaatasya Bhaarata || (16-3)
Fearlessness, purity of heart (inner psyche), steadfast in the discipline leading to wisdom, inclination  towards sacrifice, studious in sacred learning, loving austerity, upright in conduct, not hurting any living being, truthful, patient (free from anger), ready to give up ones possession, peaceful, averse to talk ill of people, compassionate towards all beings, unruffled by desires (not wavering; fickle), ardent (earnest), forgiving, enduring (courageous), clean in body and mind, un-treacherous, and devoid of arrogance—the above   twenty-six qualities are of those endowed with divine virtues, says the Supreme Lord. He one that is born to divine destiny is distinguished by these qualities.  
  Dambhoe darpoebhi-maanascha kroeda-h paarushyam eva cha | ajnaanam cha-abhijaatasya Partha sampadam-aasureem || (16-4)
The one that is born to devilish (anti-divine) destiny has, as his traits, hypocrisy, pride, arrogance, anger, harshness, and ignorance(absence of distinction between good and bad). [The devilish or demoniacal (aasuri) nature is that which excels in rajas and tamas. Six attributes ascribed to them are of the nature of rajas and tamas]
To love the unlovable, to be kind to the unkind, and gracious to the ungracious is really divine. We should treat others in the same manner as we would like ourselves to be treated (Mahabharata). The manifestation of consciousness is different in different beings. Values may also create problem. Good and bad actions are sometimes based on end benefit or harm and not based apparent value. Therefore we must seek reconciliation with everything in the universe and everything will become friendly.
 Swami Chidananda is on my mailing list and occasionally graciously go through my discourses where I draw reference to cross cultures and various philosophies besides Hinduism and comments also. So his reference to Cherokee fable and Prof. Sapolsky did not surprise me! Here he draws our attention to the famous movie “Dancing with the Wolves” thereby wanting us to think about how to deal with demoniac and put them on the right path. Probably he might have recently come across my reference to Red Indians: “The ancient Bharatiyas settled in America are known to the world as Red Indians (A name perhaps given by Western discoverers who also invented the words HINDU and Indian). Generations of present Kaliyuga migrated from Bharat traveling through frozen sea between 20000 to 30000 years settled in the continent of America and were called Red Indians when they were found by explorers say the expert historians. Swamiji is very much alive with the problems and Hindu Americans and his practical and worldly wisdom is very appealing and timely to all migrant Hindus too.
Please go through my detailed discourse:

--February 2, 2019

INTERFAITH UNITY AND HARMONY AT A TIME OF GROWING GLOBAL STRIFE
Please refer to Interfaith Unity and Harmony under the auspices of Parmartha Niketan in 2019. While  Sree Maaji  from New Zealand is talking about bringing together all Hindu Traditions together  and put up a joint fight against Muslim atrocities and Christian active proselytization in India. I have focused on American Hindu worry of  not only  keeping its youth and future generation with Hindu Dharma values if not Sectarian and Multi-traditional Hinduism modelled after India. The time is ripe enough for Hindu Americans to progress towards Spirituality by modifying our temple worships, rituals and youth education in our Bal Vihars and also lead the country spiritually promoting Vedanta Religion as we discussed in detail before. It is heartening to note the elaborate efforts taken by Paramarth Niketan of Rishikesh while commemorating 150 Years of Gandhi Jayanti echoing the Rig Vedic spirit contained in the following Mantras.  Towards this Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji expressed “The essence of Indian culture, regardless of our religious tradition, is Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, the whole world is one family. This great event is bringing us together to re-emphasize our togetherness, to learn together and grow together. The future is in the hands of the youth and that is why we have called all our young sisters and brothers together today – from Gurukuls, Veda Vidyalayas and Madrasas to be taught, touched and transformed by the Dharmagurus and to join hands as One Earth Family for peace and togetherness." This advice from Sadhvi Bhagavati conflates with the thoughts of  Hindu Reflections that has been often bringing the following Rigverda message more effectively than Sahanaavavatu with which you are all familiar  and dismiss  it as a message related to the study of Vedas:
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam / devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the divines that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.
Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam / samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha juhomi //(X-191-3)
Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in union with the thoughts of the wise people! Sharing a common purpose; we worship as one.
[Vedanta Religion is universal. It did not promote walled religions. Bhagavad Gita later said these religion need bridges to connect to the Supreme. All rivers seek refuge in the vast Ocean. All religions seek universal Lord Brahman only who is ever expanding and indescribable to accommodate all]
Samaani vaa aakootih samaana hridayaani vah / Samaanam astu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati //= (X-191-4)
United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings and collected be your mind, in the same way as all the various aspects of the universe exist in togetherness, wholeness.]
Please go through the full text of the  report sent by Paramarth Niketan sent to Hindu Reflections: “Muslims, Hindus Unite at International Summit in Rishik. Sanatana Dharma expects every Hindu to Arise, Awake and Move Forward (uttishthata, jagrata, charaiveti charaiveti). Let us  carry  the above Rigvedic message in Body, Mind and Spirit  (kaayena vachaa mansendriyeiva) and contribute our might to promote  Vedanta Religion in USA to live in Peace but not Pieces!---
--January 27, 2019
COMMENTS:
I love it!
--Sree Maa
--Sri Kanth
I read with a lot of interest the interfaith fusion article--please let me know who wrote this--is this a teen ager Hindu from Nashville who went to Chennai with a white American. Pl reply I need to know for my understanding.

--Dr. Srinivasa from Pittsburgh


Unite at International Summit in Rishikesh

Two Day Inter-religious Summit & Two Day Training inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh), with the joint collaboration of KAICIID, the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance & Parmarth Niketan RISHIKESH:
Prominent Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth joined forces at Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh) in a first ever, historic event on strengthening interreligious collaboration of Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth. The historic event was organized by KAICIID the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), Vienna, the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and Parmarth Niketan as a show of interfaith unity and harmony in a time of growing global strife.

Acceptance, unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence are foundations upon which India’s democracy has been built, maintained and sustained. From the founding of India, Mahatma Gandhi and great patriots not only led the nation to independence, but also fought for the cause of peaceful and inclusive societies. India is striving assiduously to hold to these values, and recommits itself each year to fostering inclusivity and coexistence. As we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, the Summit came together to re-emphasize this vital process. Religious leaders have been crucial in addressing many challenges that have arisen and in strengthening ties within, between and among communities in India, resulting in a wealth of knowledge and experience with the potential to serve as guidance for each other, as well as other religious leaders. In this light, this two day Summit, from the 8-9th December, was held bringing religious leaders from the Hindu and Muslim communities to share their work and experiences, celebrate the peaceful ways societies embrace diversity, discuss challenges and potential solutions, highlight successes, and identify potential areas for concrete joint collaboration.

The gathering will also take dialogue into action through a two-day youth leader training at Parmarth Niketan from 9-10th December, during which young faith leaders and youth from faith-based organizations and intergovernmental organizations were trained to be champions of peaceful and inclusive societies. They will also learn hands-on practices to promote peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution.

The inauguration was graced by the presence of renowned faith leaders including: Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji - Muniji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Co-Founder of the GIWA, Acharya Bal Krishna Ji of Patanjali Yogapeeth, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasiji, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Pujya MM Swami Kailashanand Brahamchariji Maharaj, Pujya MM Swami Harichetnanandji, Haji Syed Salman Chisthyji, Gaddi Nasheen of the Ajmer Dargah Sharif, Maulana Abdul Hannan Qasmiji, Principal Deoband Madrasa, Maulana Kokab Mujtabaji, Maulana Lukman Tarapuriji, National President, Global Imam Council, Gujarat and many others (list of the faith leaders below). Joining the three-day event from KAICIID headquarters in Vienna, Austria and coordinating the leadership and dialogue training were Dr. Mohamed Safiullah Munsoor, KAICIID Program’s Director, Mr. Anders Franzen, KAICIID Senior Programme Manager for Asia and Africa and Ms. Renata Katalin Nelson, KAICIID Coordination Officer.

Pujya Swami Chiananand Saraswatiji said, “India is not merely a piece of land but a land of peace. We are the longest standing democracy that has provided refugee and home to people of all faiths. To me interfaith is when we enter into the common faith of our one humanity. We remember that we may worship our own but we must respect all. “KAICIID Programme’s Director Dr. Mohamed Safiullah Munsoor, expressed, “On behalf of KAICIID it gives me profound joy to be part of the Parmarth Niketan & Global Interfaith WASH Alliance launch of this event on Peaceful Dialogue, diversity, social co-existence. This partnership is important for us to enhance the Interreligious Dialogue within the Indian context. Together we are working to accomplish the noble goal of strengthening peace and harmony, which is the quintessential aspect of life of all religions and between and within communities. “Acharya Balkrishanji shared, "When we come together we pave the way to walk and work together. This is a great beginning in which we are coming together to share and live together in greater peace and harmony and this is the core values of our nation. We are all one." Imam Umer Ahmes Ilyasiji stated, “When Pujya Swamiji, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji and I first brought Gurukul and Madrasa children together at Parmarth Niketan we had a great purpose and intention behind it and that was that it would be the beginning of a nationwide revolution which will begin to shape a more peaceful and inclusive societies. These children from our faith institutions will be the future priests, Maulanas and muftis of tomorrow then there will be no conflict over Mandirs, Masjids or any place of worship because innately they will no longer see these as separate. I am so glad that today that seed is beginning to grow and the future of our nation is being shaped as we speak as these children watch our example and connect with each other.
“ Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji expressed “The essence of Indian culture, regardless of our religious tradition, is Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, the whole world is one family. This great event is bringing us together to re-emphasize our togetherness, to learn together and grow together. The future is in the hands of the youth and that is why we have called all our young sisters and brothers together today – from Gurukuls, Veda Vidyalayas and Madrasas to be taught, touched and transformed by the Dharmagurus and to join hands as One Earth Family for peace and togetherness.“ Haji Syed Salman Chisthyji, said “It is crucial that today the voices of peace, love and togetherness be amplified and spread not just those of violence, terror and separation. It is vital for our news and media share these dedicated efforts that are taking place across the nations and the thousands of year tradition.  There were so many other powerful and inspiring messages and speeches of the interfaith leaders. The event began with songs of peace and oneness from Gurukul and Madarasa children and concluded with beautiful music from renowned artists from Kolkata and a special laser music show on the theme of interfaith harmony and Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat (United India).

Pujya Swamiji added, “Now is the time for us to take up a new global prayer, a new mantra, and a new song. Let its words be that of unity, may its harmony be that of all voices together. Let its crescendo be lasting peace. Today, the music begins, this is the music that the world needs today.” “There was also beautiful and divine sharing and campfire in which young Hindu and Muslim children and their elders/leaders shared their experiences in a more intimate, loving environment with each other. Today was the second day of the Summit and first day of the training which included diverse and inspiring messages by more of the Hindu and Muslim leaders gathered together for the occasion in the green surroundings of the Parmarth Yoga Garden. There was a special pledge that reaffirmed the faith leaders commit for working together to abate climate change, plant more trees and protect our fast dwindling water resources. They offered sacred Rudraksha saplings to young Madrasa and Gurukul student as symbol of their commitment to instill these values of environmental preservation in the next generation. There was also a beautiful launch of the Hindi translation of the United Nations' Plan of Action to Prevent Atrocity Crimes, a holistic and comprehensive approach for faith leaders and faith actors to build peaceful and inclusive societies. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Imam Umer Iliasiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji had been part of the preparation of the Plan of Action with the United Nations Office of Genocide Prevention and the Hindi version was prepared by Parmarth Niketan and launched on the second day of the event.
--Interfaith harmony, Oneness, Love & Peace, Paramrtha Niketan  
HINDU AMERICANS NEED TO PROMOTE SANATANA DHARMA AND UNIVERSAL ONENESS BESIDES CONSOLIDATING ALL TRADITIONS
Here is a powerful message from Sree Maa, Spiritual Guru from New Zealand. The problems of those Hindus In South-East and Far-East Asia seems to be similar as these Hindus always look to India for their religious pursuits unlike Hindu Americans who had to sever connections with India losing their citizenship on naturalization. Their heart is always in India and after amassing wealth would like to take earliest opportunity to get back to India, where as Hindu Americans except the first generation blend with the major culture Christianity but still try to keep their Hindu Values if not Hinduism. The problems in the East are entirely different from the West except perhaps UK where Muslims and Hindus are in large numbers yet do not fight with each other for fear of very powerful Government supervision and control. Strangely unlike in USA and Canada they marry within their religious groups as choice is large, or they turned to India. Proselytization is not possible in UK controlled by the Government similar to North America. But the main worry is how to preserve Hinduism when their children more often than not choose their life partner from Christianity a process of natural extinction.
The fact that Hindus originate from an Intermixed DNA of many races that was halted from further mixing in the beginning of the first millennium gives lot of consolation to first generation Hindu immigrants whose children walk out of Manu Dharma and invariably choose their partners from Abrahamic cultures but yet agree to a Hindu wedding. Consoling to the situation first generation parents try to feel comfortable with their new family members. But their children by their wedlock have opened the Pandora’s Box and restarted the process of further remixing of DNA in their progeny. Parents’ next worry is how to keep their children and grand-children within Hindu Dharma and Hindu cultural values if they compromise with the new partnership. These Hindu youths even if married according to Hindu- Brahma Marriage (may be attracted by its colorful and luxurious ceremony) are not interested in Hindu Rituals and Worships and are even ready to join the so called fast-growing SBNR group in USA that does not know what Spirituality means that our Rishis taught in ancient India. They are attracted to some sort of Yoga and Meditation. Here temples in USA have to play their part for leading a spiritual life by the mixed faith couples with Vedic wisdom taught by our ancient sages to live as a family (vasudhaiva kutumbakam) in the world enjoying happiness, peace and prosperity. But unfortunately this is not happening as our temples go by the orthodox ritualistic traditions of India. Please go through the message of Sree Maa and understand the difference:
“As I keep saying actually it is Hindus who are in minority as they are divided because of their own beliefs and practices... Before they were divided by the evil of caste systems (Colonial British Manufacturing), they were already divided due to their own faith in either Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva. Further Lord Vishnu divided between Lord Ram and Lord Krushna and Lord Shiva seperated from his consort so further divided into Shakti worshippers. Further these are divided in muths, sects, sampradayas or Sanghs. Each doing their own thing... Following their Dharmic rules prescribed as per Vedas. For e. g Krishna followers of Mathura & Vrindavan few millions Few million followers Jagannath Shrinathji Bawa followers maybe few million Swaminarayan sampradaya followers few more millions. Do you get the gist?
Unless and until Hindus do not unite as Akhand Hindu Rashtra they won’t be able to fight their common enemy with their small groups. No point giving gyan to others and expecting them to submit to your Philosophy or Lord, Its time you change. Intellectuals have made it about Modi, Congress, BJP, RSS, Commies, Seculars, Liberals but they all know the fault is theirs first as they hate to unite and expect others to agree to their theories.... Wake up from the dream that Hindus are in majority.... Neither are we globally able to compete with Christianity or Islam and neither within India... This is an undeniable and undebatable truth 🙏--Sree Maa”
To be or not to be is the question challenging Hindu Americans, second generation onwards. They have successfully overcome caste system. Their temples are open to all who respect Hinduism and follow the discipline of Hindu worship. They even promote it by temple tours and Hindu Heritage classes for Hindus as well as Non-Hindus. They have also at present a golden opportunity to lead the country spiritually. Phil Goldberg says that this country is turning to be a Land of Yoga and Meditation. Padma Bhushan David Frawley promotes: “Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic knowledge can help, bringing a higher consciousness into the world and help us move beyond materialism and sensate values - including beyond our new drug and sensory addictions in this information technology era. Each one of us can turn within and make transformation, as well as acting responsibly outwardly in society". We should therefore contribute our maximum here and train our youth to lead the country spiritually in Sanatana Dharma, may be in due course India too.

For this we should stop running to Hindus in India and examine what is needed to guide our future generation who are well exposed to science and highly educated.  We should consolidate  our worship  and  focus on few deities like Venkateshawra, Skanda Jagannatha   that we discussed in  the past suitable to all traditions and also be guided by the spiritual Gurus active in USA that are alive to the problem. Then   we should progressively turn spiritual and also guide others spiritually guided by the Vedic wisdom: Eko devah; aatmavat sarva bhooteshu;  sanghacchadhvam  samvadadvam etc.,  and our philosophy of vasudhaiva kutumbakam and sarvejanah sukhino bhavantu etc. Changes are needed in our worship pattern but that should be done respecting temple traditions that had attracted millions





--January 26, 2019


EDUCATION FOR WELL-BEING

The WEBINAR 141, Education for well-being-2, will be presented by: Mr. Satyesh Bellur on Sunday January 27 2018.

Gist of the Presentation: Part 1 of this series dealt with an introduction about vedic tenets and its prescription for human well-being - shodasha samskāra, the 16 self purificatory vedic rituals. The first such samskāra, garbhādāna was discussed.

In this Part 2 and the Part 3 to follow later, the other 15 samskāras will be introduced. Why these are relevant and have the potential to enhance the human quality of life will be discussed.
Sathyesh Bellur continues his discussion “Why the sixteen Vedic Samskara are relevant and have the potential to enhance the human quality of life”  rH
 Hindu Reflections has discussed all these Samskaras at length which are very popular with the blog readers. Among the top ten % of the 370 articles posted on the blog the five most popular topics are:
1)          HINDU VIEWS ON CONCEPTION AND CHILD-BIRTH & NISHEKA KARMA (D)—31227 (7/14)      
2)       HINDU RITES FOR THE DECEASED PARENTS AND ANCESTORS (C) –14312 (11/11)
3)       MANGALYA DHARANAM & SUMANGALI KRIYA IN HINDU WEDDING (C)—5029 (9/14)
4)       UPANAYANA SAMSKARAM (C)—4376 (9/11)
5)       HINDU BABY SHOWER (C)—3495 (9/11)

Following discourses discussed in detail are posted on the Blog:
1. Hindu Samskaaras (Sept 2011)
2. Hindu Baby Shower (Sept 2011)
3. Upanayana (Sept. 2011)
4. Hindu Rites for the Deceased Parents and ancestors (Sept 2011)
5. Namakaranam Ritual--Hindu Naming Ceremony (March 2014)
6. Vivaaham—Hindu Braahma Sacred Matrimony (June 2014)
7. Hindu views on Conception and Childbirth, and Nisheka Samskara (July 2014)
8. Maangalya  Dhaaranam and Sumangali Kriya in Hindu Wedding (September 2014)
9. What do we learn from the Institution of Marriage in Hindu Ancient Culture? (September 2014)
10. Hindu Samskaaras performed by Parents on their children (July 2014)
11. What is Pancha Samskaara? (August 2015)

It will be beneficial to hear from the author about the potential to enhance the quality of life by going through these Vedic Samskaras.
--January 24, 2019

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THINK AND ACT
We have so many Gurus flooding FB and being Hindus we believe if GURUS say something it should be right. But always turn inwards and listen to your Inner-net and not all Gurus on Internet. I too write in FB but I am not a Guru.
Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in traditions simply because they have been handed down for many generations.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

But when, after observation and analysis, you find anything that agrees with reason, and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."
--January 22, 2019

Top of Form
You are a Trailblazer if not a GURU
-- Janaki Sridhar Kilambi
We learn lot of things from our elders. We should think about those things scientific way and conclude what is correct
--Sampath Aghlayam



THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE BY DAVID FRAWLEY
I have talked a lot in the past on eclipses. But here is an important message and advice from Padma Bhushan David Frawley to Americans who are at present are too much divided within the country. I believe Hindu Americans are not directly involved but cannot avoid when drawn to play their part.  His message is directed particularly to Hindu Americans to take the lead and guide the country spiritually by setting its own house in order: Phil Goldberg says that this country is turning to be a Land of Yoga and Meditation. We should contribute our maximum here and turn our youth to useful citizens than turning to drugs, conflicts and divisions within the country and lead the country spiritually may be in due course India too.
"Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic knowledge can help, bringing a higher consciousness into the world and helping us move beyond materialism and sensate values - including beyond our new drug and sensory addictions in the information technology era. Each one of us can turn within and make this transformation, as well as acting responsibly outwardly in society".

PLEASE GO THROUGH HIS FULL MESSAGE:
The total lunar eclipse of Jan. 20-21 2019 is astronomically speaking a great American eclipse, with the path of the eclipse going across the entire United States. This is rare event, particularly with the bright and large moon of winter closer to the Earth than normal and appearing blood red.
Eclipses in Vedic astrological thought are points of transformation, in which we can take our energy upward in a spiritual direction if we do our practices, but if we make no effort to do so, our energy will likely sink and become darkened and disturbed.
Eclipses reflect collective karma and color the astrological forecasts for the year. There are usually two sets of eclipses every six months, two lunar and solar eclipses yearly that may be partial or full. Total solar eclipses are rarer  than total lunar eclipses as the earth’s shadow that causes the lunar eclipses is larger in size than the moon’s shadow that is about the same size as the solar disc.
The nodes causing eclipses have long been imagined as the Dragon or Serpent’s head and tail, with the ascending node as the dragon’s head and the descending node as the dragon’s tail. In Vedic thought #Rahu or the ascending node relates to the future, new karma, desires, social and psychological disturbances, mass media influences, even epidemics – what are called the forces of Maya or illusion.
Eclipses of the Moon by Rahu, which is the current case, are yet more involved with the mind, the public and social affairs that the Moon relates to. Moon-Rahu combinations in the astrological chart may give positive psychic and healing powers if carefully worked with, but can cause nervous and mental breakdowns, drugs and delusions when afflicted.
EFFECTS OF THE ECLIPSE
For the current eclipse the exact Sun/Moon opposition occurs at 00:17 AM Jan. 21 East Coast and Washington DC Time. This places the Moon at 06 44 Cancer and Sun at 06 44 Capricorn, with Rahu at 02 22 Cancer and Ketu at 02 22 Capricorn. Notably the eclipse occurs in the tenth house of the Washington DC chart of that moment with 02 01 Libra rising. The tenth is the house of the government in astrological interpretation.
The eclipse occurs with the Moon in Cancer, its own sign, and in the favorable Nakshatra of Pushya ruled by Guru or Brihaspati, the priest of the Gods. This shows potential for disturbances at a spiritual level and religious conflict.
The Moon afflicted in the tenth house in its own sign shows political turmoil, confusion, deception and subversive influences.
SO IS THISD GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE MORE THAN ASTRONOMICAL EVENT? It occurs during the longest shut down the American government has ever seen, and a period great political division in the country, that some have likened to the prelude to a new civil war.
The United States currently runs one of the largest empires in history and sustains the most powerful military the world has ever seen with numerous bases in many countries. Some view America as a force of democracy and economic development for the world. Others see it as a force of neocolonialism. America’s recent wars of regime change stand out here, particularly as combined with America’s role as the world’s largest arms supplier.
Yet America’s role as the policeman of the world has not brought peace, as conflict and civil strife in the world has gone up, particularly in the Middle East. IS THE CURRENT DIVISION WITHIN THE COUNTRY A KARMIC RESULT OF TOO MUCH AGGRESSION OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY?
There is also a movement away from the dollar as the main current in world trade as part of an economic side of the American eclipse with recent major stock market losses.
Is the great American eclipse in the sky a foreboding of things to come, indications of new reality, a warning or omen? Clearly the United States needs to rethink its role in the world and find a way to bring more peace both outside and inside the country.
Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic knowledge can help, bringing a higher consciousness into the world and helping us move beyond materialism and sensate values - including beyond our new drug and sensory addictions in the information technology era. Each one of us can turn within and make this transformation, as well as acting responsibly outwardly in society.
--January 19, 2019

Comments:
Very interesting information for humanity.
--Dr. Hiranya Gowda



SPIRITUALLY MOTIVATED HINDU AMERICAN WEDDING FOR MIXED-RACE COUPLES
India’s leading genetic-research institute traces our geneticists to nearly all bloodlines back to two ancestral groups, one hailing from Africa, the other from Eurasia. These groups mingled, married and swapped genes. A mixture of their DNA can be found in nearly every Hindu today.   Neither knowing this background history nor having the parental guidance on Vedic wisdom, who   are mainly focused on materialism, modern Hindu American  youths have become open minded with their mixed DNA to plan  their own life without parental advice.    They select their life-partners invariably from Jewish/Christian Society, rarely from Asiatic Non-Indian Society but seldom from Islam disgusted with Al-Quid-a activities that Islam has not condemned sitting on a fence. Thus they have ruled out the conventional norms of Hindu conservatism that had put a halt on further genetics mix or pollution since the beginning of first millennium that one should marry within one’s own group based on Manu Dharma.    These  Hindu youths  even if married according to  Hindu- Brahma Marriage (may be attracted by its colorful and luxurious ceremony) are not interested in Hindu Rituals and Worships  and are even ready to join the so called fast-growing SBNR group in USA that does not know  what Spirituality means  that our Rishis taught in ancient  India. They are attracted to some sort of Yoga and Meditation. Here temples in USA have to play their part for leading a spiritual life by the mixed faith couples with Vedic wisdom taught by our ancient sages to live as a family (vasudhaiva kutumbakam) in the world enjoying happiness, peace and prosperity. But unfortunately this is not happening as our temples go by the orthodox   ritualistic traditions of India.
The fact that Hindus originate from an Intermixed DNA of many  races that was halted  from further mixing in the beginning of the first millennium  gives lot of consolation to first generation Hindu immigrants whose children walk out of Manu Dharma and invariably   choose their partners from Abrahamic cultures but yet agree to a Hindu wedding.  Realizing these facts first generation parents feel comfortable with their new family members. But their children by their wedlock have opened the Pandora’s Box  and restarted the process of further remixing of DNA in their progeny.  Parents’ next worry is how to keep their children and   grand-children within Hindu Dharma and Hindu cultural values if they compromise with the new partnership.   
It will be wise and advisable to keep such weddings as simple as possible drawing inspiration from Sri Rama’s wedding described in Ramayana without sacrificing Hindu Values. Essential aspect of Hindu wedding consists of  father of the bride giving away his daughter and entrusting to the hands of the bridegroom, parents of the groom happily consenting, jointly planning the wedding to be performed on an auspicious day and  time, administering  rules  to live as husband and wife  by an authority,  AHSP  (Authority  Holding Sealed Particulars) that we call as Saptapadi witnessed by close  friends and relatives, tying of the  knot  reinforced by additional knot from a sister welcoming the bride to their family in the presence  of divine fire or light (Jyoti), finger cuffed by rings mutually by each other to live together faithfully symbolically, declaration of the wedding by a Guru as a representative of the divine and finally blessing  by the  intimate crowd that acted as witness. Then follows dining and wining together with added entertainment with the gathered august assembly as Grand Finale! Such mixed faiths wedding, still retaining all essentials of Hindu way of life could be made simple and effective with perfection within the folds of Sanatana Dharma inspired by the simplicity and perfection of Sri Rama’s wedding with Sita briefly described in otherwise elaborate Ramayana where even   tying of the knot (mangalya dharana) was not there which is a later innovation by Tamils like the ring exchange Christians. In such marriages Holy Swastika will be an ideal pendant venerated by all faiths.   The ideal and holiest day for such weddings is Phalgun Uttar that needs no consultation with astrologers or horoscope.
This article describes the incidence of a  Spiritual wedding,  short and  precise but yet keeping all essentials of Hindu  Values completely endorsed by bride’s parents that called for no astrologer’s consulting, no priests and seeking no help from the temple and unexpainable divine guided. Solemnized by the mother who is the first God and also Guru such a wedding hopes the wedded couple would keep Hindu values throughout their life and lead a happy and prosperous life together. It also expects the couple to serve the community also promoting Hindu Values because the promise made to a mother and oath taken is the strongest to lead a life with moral values and cannot be easily given up. This also depends on how children are brought up with Hindu Values, Temple traditions to which they are exposed and the Spiritual education they receive in a migrant country though not born in India and  brought up amidst  major culture that influence their social life while  receiving secular education.           
Saptapadi essentially echoes the spirit of Rigveda mantras that directs to come together, speak together, worship together, act together to lead a happy contented progressive spiritual life.
Please go through the detailed article on the subject that describes a simple wedding keeping Hindu values that can be performed in any convenient hall as in India with or without a priest or astrologer and  with limited close friends.
--January 19, 2019
Comments:
Very interesting coming from someone as wise and well-read as you supporting it. Every time I read it, I am learning new things as well! I would love to save your final version.

---Santoh Venkatraman & Shanta



GRAND FINALE OF THAI FESTIVAL OF  TRIVAMBAVER--TRIBAVE  
I have completed explaining the full text of Tiruppavai and Tiruvembavai celebrated in Buddhist and Thai temples month long in the holy month of Margazhi and also its celebration as festival Triyampavai--Trippavai though they do not understand the meaning of these hymns and also do not know how to pronounce them properly. If they can do it why can’t we Hindus drawn from different traditions and languages that should raise no traditional walls? We have a lot to learn from Thais who draw our attention to the past heritage and culture of ours as well as the antiquity of Vedic culture and Sanatana Dharma through these month long celebrations.
Tamil Tiruppavai and Tiruvembavai are not ancient as Vedas. The authors of these Tamil hymns, Andal and Manickavachakar belong to an age much later than that of the Vedas and Epics. After their times Hindu empires rose across the seas. Even the Chola Kings extended their sway beyond the seas. More worthy of note than our naval expeditions was the great expansion in our trade and the increase with it our foreign contacts. As a result, people abroad were drawn to the Hindu Religion and culture. Among the regions that developed such contacts, South Asia was the most important. People in Siam (Thailand), Indochina, Indonesia and Philippines came under the influence of Hindu Culture. Srivijayasa was one of the great empires of the South-East Asia.
Even today a big festival is held in Thailand in December -January corresponding to the Tamil Margazhi, the same month during which Tiruppavai and Triruvembavai with devotion are sung that I have been communicating.   As a part of the celebration a dolostava (swing festival) is held. A remarkable feature of this is that, in the ceremony meant for Vishnu, a man with make-up of Siva is seated on the swing. This seems to be in keeping with the fact that Tiruppavai and Tiruvembavai contribute to the unification of Vaisahnavism and Saivism on which subject our friend Muralidhran is very much focused on research into Puranasa to find out rare mantras that dwell on this theme of unity otherwise sectarian in its vast narration that I have been sending to you periodically.
If you ask the people in Thailand about Pavai hymns, they will not be able to speak about them. It might seem then that there is no basis for connecting the Thai festival merely because it is being held in the month corresponding to the Tamil Margazhi. But the point to note is that the people of that country themselves call it Triyampavai--Trippavai.
Those who read the Bible today are likely to be ignorant about the Upanishads, but they are sure to know the story that can be traced back to them that of Adam and Eve found in Bhavishya Purana. Keeping these facts before us, let us take our mind back to three or four thousand years ago and imagine how a religion or culture would have changed after its passage to foreign land. It is in this context that we must consider the Vedic tradition. For all the changes and distortions that it has undergone in other countries during the past millennia its presence there is still proclaimed through elements to be found in the religions that supplanted it.
--January 13, 2019

I truly admire the wide spectrum of topics that you cover in your Emails.

 --Swami Chidananda of FOWAI Forum


Happy Pongal/Makara Sankranti - Rare Surya Nama Varnanam 


Greetings and Namaste. At the outset, may I wish you all a very Happy Pongal and Makara Sankranti, which marks the start of Uttarayana, northern trajectory of Sun. In Tamil there is a saying which means "when the Tamizh Month (Thai or Makara) dawns, it will bring solutions all the pressing issues and needs". May Lord Surya, through His Divine rays, bring abundance in all your endeavors.

As Makara Sankranti is an occasion to pay obeisance to Lord Surya, without whom the world will perish, I am delighted to share a 10-stanza stotram by Lord Brahma taken from Bhavishya Puranam, Saptami Kalpa, Chapter 71 titled Surya Nama Varnanam. Lord Brahma mentions that one who recites this thrice a day will get all the benefits He himself got when he recited before. It is essentially a collection of important names of Lord Surya.

May We also pray to Lord Surya to direct His Divine Rays at our inner darkness and egos and replace them with genuine knowledge, humility, tolerance, compassion and resolve to protect Sanatana Dharma in our humble ways! This is especially important in the current milieu of Hindu society. One the one hand there is an increasing interest in Hindu values and teachings outside of Hindu fold and on the other hand there is a serious and sustained attack of Santana Dharma by vested interest and the so-called liberals (intolerant people seeing everyone else as intolerant) and rampant conversions. 

It will be natural for ordinary folks to look up to the learned torch bearers of the Sanatana Dharma to close ranks, bury their silly differences, take actions to protect Sanatana Dharma by leading others. But unfortunately it is the exact opposite which is coursing through right now. The learned have been busy promoting sectarian views, quarreling on forms over substance and what not. They are like Rip Van Winkle still sleeping.

I am sure all of us read this story and it is going rounds in WhatsApp - A learned pundit showing off his knowledge on various subjects to an uneducated boatman while crossing a choppy river. When the boat capsizes, the boatman asks just one question, "Do you know swimming?" and the pundit says no. The same analogy can be applied to erudite scholars in Santana Dharma. If they can't comprehend a simple truth that a divided Sanatana Dharma house a fertile ground for conversion and therefore the extinction of Sanatana Dharma itself, it does not matter what other esoteric knowledge of scriptures they have - it is all utter waste. All philosophies are theoretical reflecting perspectives from one dimension. Multi-dimensional perspectives are possible and permitted in Santana Dharma and will of course be varied but can coexist and be complementary. All we need is empathy of other perspectives instead of abhorrence that arises from human ego.

May Lord Sun bless us all with divine knowledge!--Muralidharan Iyengar
--JANUARY 13, 2019


MAKARA SANKRANTI AND PONGAL

In Tamil Nadu Makar Sankranti or Sankranthi is known as Pongal. In Gujarat and Rajasthan Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayana. In Haryana and Punjab Makar Sankranti is known as Maghi.  Sankranti Punya Kaal is different for all countries and cities. Local periests and  astrologers decide on  Punyakaaa Muhurta.   Misled by astrologer many celebrate this Day as the opening day of Uttarayana Punyakala and wait for the Punyakala Muhurta. Please go through my detailed discourses on this sacred ritual dedicated to Sun as Aditya, Vyahrtiti of   Brahman celebrated in Vedas.

Sankranti Muhurta falls between Makar Sankranti moment and 40 Ghatis from it. We list this time as Punya Kaal Muhurta. Our holy scriptures suggest that 5 Ghatis duration after Sunrise  (if Sankranti happens after Sunset on previous day) and 1 Ghati duration after Sankranti moment (if Sankranti happens in day time) are highly auspicious. If this Muhurta is available we list it as Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta. Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta, if available, should be preferred over Punya Kaal Muhurta.

December Solstice / Winter Solstice (Uttarayana) occurs when the Sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.5 degrees so that North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the Sun. It happens every year on either December 21 or 22. The word “Solstice” is a Greco-Latin short form for “Sol (Sun) and Stacis (stays still)” This is a phase when the earth no longer tilts towards northward or southward but “stays still” and then starts to move southward or northward respectively again. At December Solstice Sun is directly overhead on the Tropic of Capricorn (Makara Vrutta) while in June Solstice Sun is directly on Tropic of Cancer (KarkatakaVrutta). In December Solstice period the daylight hours is shorter for those living north of the equator.

Makara Sankranthi is observed the day when Sun enters the zodiacal sign Capricorn. This marks the visit of Sun to the house of his son Saturn (Shani), who is the Lord of Makara Rashi (Capricorn). Ancient Romans celebrated this period as “Saturnalia” to honor Saturn who was an agricultural deity and there would be a thanksgiving ceremony as they enjoyed the abundance bounty of the earth. Saturnalia was a festival of light leading to the winter solstice, with the abundant presence of candles symbolizing the quest for knowledge and truth.
 
There is a common misapprehension that Makara Sankranti is the period when the Sun starts move towards North (Uttarayana). Our ancients have clearly stated the difference between Uttarayana and Makara Sankranti. At the start of the Shalivahana Saka Calendar (Indian National Calendar) this festival was celebrated on the December Solstice. But, since the Hindu Calendar is based on Lunisolar (officially recognized the date indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year hence the calendar slides at the rate of 1 day every 72 years away from Gregorian Calendar. Due to this slide Makara Sankranti is drifting away from December Solstice (Uttarayana) and will slide further. As a result of the slide Makara Sankranti could be celebrated in the month of June after 10000 years but the Winter Solstice (Uttarayana) would remain in December.   

Knowing these facts why our astrologers and religious pundits are bold enough to declare December 21 as Uttarayana Punyakala Day? Everyone says who is to b ell the cat?  They vehemently rejected the National Calendar brought out by National Calendar Reform  Committee set up by late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru that took care of these confusions and aligned it   with Gregorian Calendar. 

Whether it is celebrated in December or January or February this festival bestows immense joy on every living being. Sun is the symbol of light, equality and punctuality. Sun is impartial and never craves for any Prize, Price and Praise. This is the virtues that we humans have to imbibe from Sun.

Wish you all Happy Pongal that falls on the Tamil month of Thai. “Thai Pirandal vazhi pirakkum”--Life starts with Thai is the strong belief of all Tamils and they start searching for suitable boys for their girls in arranged marriages. Soon follows the mating season.  Modern girls turn amorous and start searching for boy-friends.

May this festival of Makara Sankranti, the symbol of Bright  Revolution bring in a new rejuvenating change and provide Bliss to one and all to lead a happy, prosperous and cheerful life.


http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-festival-named-after-food-and_8133.html

Hindus seem to have many self -created problems moving away from Sanatana dhrama and Vedic Culture projected by Muralidhan and cry  all the time wolf. For Hindu Americans the problem is not only how to survive amidst Abrahamic cultures but also spiritually lead them to live in Peace but not in Pieces guided by Vedic wisdom and the philosophy Vasudhiva kutumbakam, Also see how even Muralidaran thinks this day  is Uttarayana Punyakala day? Our Puranas as well as Vedas convey TRUTH is ONE. If it is Siva Purana that Truth is conveyed through Siva and likewise. But just to remind this fact every Purana has a sloka that tells Siva, Vishnu Brahama,  Devi are all the same Truth which our friend from Singapore  researches and sends. An enlightened does not need this reminder for he always thinks of Devo ekah only driven by the wisdom Isavasysam idam sarvam.



-- January 13, 2019


JANUARY FIRST--KALPATARU DIVAS--SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT DAY
Please refer to my yesterday's   E-mail on Radhika's prayer that is Jivatma's yearning to be with  Paramatman to be in perennial joy. I forgot to add that January 1 is Kalpatru Day for Hindus. You know Lord Jaganntha was worshiped as Kalpataru by  sages in Tiruppullani who were engaged in penance. Only at their request he appeared as archa -murti as  Chaturbhja Vishnu. Let us therefore dedicate this day to kalpataru and call it Kalpataru Divas   as I said before in my discourses, that is Spiritual Enlightenment Day, a day closest to Winter Solstice Day that is Uttarayana. The auspicious time is 3 p.m.
Observe 1st January as the Day of Sri Ramakrishna’s Self Revelation – Must not be a meaningless New Year’s Day to us.
~Upananda Brahmachari.
Bharat Mata, the only deity awaken to us – Swami Vivekananda.
The celebration of 1st January as a D-day (New Years Day) under Christian calendar is nothing but a sign of cultural slavery. The Christians through its English and Portuguese regime over 200 years put havoc upon our religion, culture, economy, self-respect and society as a whole. But still we celebrate 1st January in a very un-meaningful way which gives us only cultural pollution. Nothing more than that. But it can be observed in the way celebrating Kalpataru Diwas, which has a greater and un-doubtful significance upon us
Kalpataru Day also called Kalpataru Diwas or Kalpataru Utsav is an annual religious festival observed by monks of the Ramakrishna Math monastic order of Hinduism and lay followers of the associated Ramakrishna Mission, as well as the worldwide Vedanta Societies. These organizations follow the teachings of Ramakrishna, the 19th century Indian mystic and figure in the Hindu Renaissance.
The event commemorates the day on January 1, 1886 when his followers believe that Ramakrishna revealed himself to be an Avatar, or God incarnate on earth in the Cossipur Uddyan Vati where Bhagavan Ramakrishna was sheltered for a peaceful and better arrangements in His last phase of the treatment of his throat cancer. On this very day a unique miracle was happened in front of some of His fortunate disciples for the ultimate affirmation of His Good-hood.
One disciple, Ramachandra Dutta, explained that Ramakrishna had, in effect become Kalpataru (also called Kalpavriksha), the “wish-fulfilling tree” of Sanskrit literature and Hindu mythology. Dutta named the commemoration of this mystical event “Kalpataru Day” as a result. This event “carried meanings and memories of cosmic import for the disciples” and also prepared them for Ramakrishna’s death”, which occurred only a few months later, on August 16, 1886.
JANUARY 1st: THE DAY OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA’S SELF-REVELATION.
“‘I shall make the whole thing public before I go,’ the Master has said some time before. On January 1, 1886, he felt better and came down to the garden for a little stroll. It was about three o’clock in the afternoon. Some thirty lay disciples were in the hall or sitting about under the trees. Sri Ramakrishna said to Girish (Ghosh), ‘Well Girish, what have you seen in me, that you proclaim me before everybody as an Incarnation of God?’ Girish was not the man to be taken by surprise. He knelt before the Master and said with folded hands, ‘What can an insignificant person like myself say about the One whose glory even sages like Vyasa and Valmiki could not adequately measure?’ The Master was profoundly moved. He said: ‘What more shall I say? I bless you all. Be illumined!’* He fell into a spiritual mood. Hearing these words the devotees, one and all, became overwhelmed with emotion. They rushed to him and fell at his feet. He touched them all, and each received an appropriate benediction. Each of them, at the touch of the Master, experienced ineffable bliss. Some laughed, some wept, some sat down to meditate, some began to pray. Some saw light, some had visions of their Chosen Ideals, and some felt within their bodies the rush of spiritual power.”
[*Tomader ki ar boli ? Ami tomader sakalke ashirvad kori. Tomader sakaler Chaitanya hok !]
--From the Introduction to THE GOSPEL OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA, by Swami Nikhilananda
“Those words of profound blessing, untouched by the slightest tinge of selfishness, directly entered the devotees’ hearts where they raised high billows of bliss. They forgot time and space, forgot the disease of the Master and forgot their previous determination not to touch him till he recovered, and had the immediate feeling that sympathizing with their misery, and heart overflowing with compassion, had come down to them from heaven and called them affectionately to Him for protection, like a mother sheltering her children against all ills.”
--From SRI RAMAKRISHNA, THE GREAT MASTER by Swami Saradananda
 Actually Swami Vivekananda believed that Bhagavan Ramakrishna Parmhansh came to this world to save Hindu Dharma, when Hindus had already faced drastically an ethnic cleansing from 60 crore to a meager figure of 20 crore by the onslaught of barbaric Islam from the beginning of Islamic invasion in India and 2 crore of Hindus were converted to Christianity as accounted by Swamiji at the time of writing the Constitution of Belur Sri Ramakrishna Math in 1897.
Swami Vivekananda actually founded Ramakrishna Math and Mission with a missionary zeal to protect Hindu Society through freedom and revolution. Swamiji wanted to convert Muslims and Christians as patriot and the followers of Bharat Samskriti (Culture). He wanted a Social Change on the basis of Bharatiya concept of emancipation. Swamiji perfectly believed that Bhagaban Ramakrishna was incarnated as a savior of Hindu people from the onslaught of Islamic barbarism and Christian Conspiracy of Conversion. Obviously, Bhagaban Ramakrishna was his Master in all respect. And hence, we should observe 1st January as Kalpataru Day to protect our Dharma and Samskriti and must not celebrate 1st January as our Happy New Year!
--January 1, 2019

Your Emails are truly informative and inspiring. I am unable to read every one of them though. May Lord bless you with very good health and new energy to continue this good work!
--Swami Chidananda
January 5, 2019

KUMBHA MELA IS ONE OF THE MOST ANCIENT, YET STILL LIVING TRADITIONS OF INDIA’S GLORIOUS PAST.

The Kumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred pitcher) is the largest Hindu fair and/or festival and is truly the celebration of the divine nectar of immortality. It is the time when the alignment of the stars and planets, according to the Hindu calendar, is at its most auspicious for having a divine bath in the sacred waters of the holy rivers and for performing sadhana and meditation. It is the time when the saints, sages, rishis and sadhus come together to share their wisdom, their insight and their blessings with devotees who throng from all across the world. This year the Mela is expecting a record 150 million people from 72 countries.
The ancient city of Prayagraj, which was earlier called Allahabad, was renamed by the Yogi government in October this year on the request on the seers from different Akharas.
Massive preparations for the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 are underway as the date for the world’s largest spiritual congregation is moving closer. Dignitaries from 72 countries have arrived at Prayagraj to witness the preparations for the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” as recognized by the UNESCO.
The Kumbh Mela which takes place every twelve years at the ‘Sangam’, a confluence of the three holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati (now extinct) at Prayagraj is going to witness the never seen before celebrations. The city of Prayagraj is undergoing massive makeover ahead of the Mela. Under the “Paint my City Campaign” street art is being used to increase the aesthetic value of various sites at Prayagraj.
To facilitate the travel of the pilgrims visiting the Kumbh Mela, the Indian Railways has laid down various projects. 800 special trains are proposed to run during the Kumbh Mela from various stations of Allahabad district for the pilgrims coming to the Kumbh Mela.
Amusement parks and various fun rides will also be set up to make the Mela experience memorable for the little ones.
The Mela celebration which spreads over a period of about 55 days will have guests from all over the world. Around 5000 NRI are expected to visit the Prayagraj Kumbh this time.
The ancient city of Prayagraj, which was earlier called Allahabad, was renamed by the Yogi government in October this year on the request on the seers from different Akharas.
Kumbh Mela is a mass of Hindu pilgrimages where Hindus and people from different religion from various parts of country and across the world gather to bathe in the sacred river. It is one of the world's largest religious gathering. The   Ardha Kumbh Mela 2019 is going to be held at Prayagraj (Prayag) from January 14th, 2019 to March 4th, 2019. Below is the table mentioning the important dates of Kumbh Mela.  At Haridwar and Prayag, an Ardha ("Half") Kumbh Mela is held every sixth year; a Maha ("Great") Kumbh Mela occurs after 144 years
S.No.
Name of Festival
Date/Day
1.
Makar Sankranti
15-01-2019/Tuesday
2.
Paush Purnima
21-01-2019/Monday
3.
Mauni Amavasya (Somvati)
04-02-2019/Monday
4.
Basant Panchami
10-02-2019/Sunday
5.
Maghi Purnima
19-02-2019/Tuesday
6.
Mahashivratri
04-03-2019/Monday
Ardh Kumbh Mela - the mega holy event   is slated to start next month and is expected to attract close to 120 million people. The recently christened Prayagraj, headquarters of the North Central Railway, is the nerve-center of the event, which is expected to attract about 120 million people - or almost twice the population of Britain -- during the holy festival at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers at the Prayag.
In Prayagraj, hearing the word “Kumbh”, creates the picturesque vision of Triveni sangam in one’s mind. At the sacred confluence of rivers, huge multitudes filled with sense of devotion move like waves in the ocean. ‘Shahi Snaan’ of Akharas, chanting of Vedic mantras and elucidations of religious hymns in the Pandaals, proclamations of knowledge, Tatvamimansa by rishis, spiritual music, mesmerizing sounds of instruments, holy dip in the sangam with utmost devotion fills the heart of devotees with immense joy. Also, prayers are offered at many divine temples exhibiting the greatness of Prayagraj Kumbh.
The Kumbh Mela at Prayag is very different as compared to Kumbh at other places due to many reasons. Firstly, the tradition of long-term Kalpvas is practised only in Prayag. Secondly, the Triveni Sangam is considered as the center of the earth in few scriptures. Thirdly, Lord Brahma performed the Yajna here for creating the universe. Fourthly, Prayagraj is called the shrine of pilgrimages, but the most important reason is that the significance of performing rituals and tapas at Prayagraj is of highest among all pilgrimages and provides one with the highest virtue.

Maharshi Markandeya in ‘Matsya Purana’ told Yudhishtra that this place is specifically protected by all the Gods. Residing here for a month and practicing complete asceticism, remaining celibate and duly performing oblations for his deity and ancestors fulfils all the desires. It is believed that an individual who takes the holy dip in the sacred waters relieves his/her ten generations from the cycle of rebirth, and hence, achieving salvation. Moreover, it is said that just by providing services to pilgrims at Prayag during Kumbh will help an individual to gain redemption from temptation. Prayag is visited by tens of millions of pilgrims because these beliefs. Saints, ascetics and their followers pay their respect and perform various traditional rituals at Triveni sangam. The amazed devotees line up to watch the rituals being performed.

Ever increasing pressure of populace and expanding cities tend to engulf the rivers and events like Kumbh, graces the rivers with the profound status of creators of the world. There is a deeply enrooted feeling of devotion and faith flowing in the veins of every Indian since eternity.

After independence, various rules were framed resulting in few changes in organizing Kumbh Mela. The government made provisions for providing basic amenities to the pilgrims. The government upon realizing the importance of Kumbh and understanding the requirements of huge number of pilgrims visiting the Mela took multiple steps in public interest in order to facilitate the pilgrims. Importance was given towards providing security services, better traffic management, lighting and health facilities and ensuring the same. It is difficult to say who took responsibility for these amenities before government made provisions for the same. However, after passing the law, the responsibility of providing the basic facilities lies with the government. On the same lines, formation of Prayagraj Mela Authority 2018 is an important stepping-stone towards organizing the event of the scale of Kumbh. The formation of Prayagraj Mela Authority will ensure that the basic amenities are provided in Kumbh 2019 to the devotees visiting the Mela. For the Kumbh 2019, modern technologies are being deployed to enhance the ‘Divyata’ and ‘Bhavyata’ of the Kumbh. Gates based on various themes will welcome pilgrims and information boards will guide them to their destination. Huge pandals and tents will facilitate the stay of pilgrims and visitors. Various lighting arrangements have been made on the banks including façade lighting that will engulf the pilgrims in diverse colors. Also, different cuisines and gourmet food in the food courts shall satisfy the appetite of the pilgrims.


Comments:
Many thanks for sharing so much important information on Kumbh mela. I think originally the name was only Prayag. Allahabad name came to be used after Moghul invasions. Like so many other places viz Daulatabad, Aurangabad, Ahmedabad etc.
--Dr. Saptagireeshan

Thank you for your compliments. You are right. The Mughal's renamed names on many cities were continued even after Independence to catch Muslim votes. So also Madras that was renamed as Chennai. Perhaps Dravidian Movement of Tamil Nadu started this trend after dividing Madras Presidency! The   names given by Moghuls to ancient cities continued  without reversal that helped in catching minority votes under the guise of Secularism and wrong history of the past! But the most important thing is the Name HINDU itself christened by Arabs and baptized by British   which we pride and fight which is a geographical name peculiar to Hindu Religion; so also Indian, a Greek/British innovation. Pakistan changed its name on partition. We have lost Sindhu River to Pakistan. Hindu and Indu that comes from Hindu that gave birth to India are apabrahmasa (corrupted form) of wrong and shameful word Hindu.
--NRS

The Old Faiths including Modern Hinduism will Collapse. What will fill the Void?
Dr. Sant Gupta of HMEC draws our attention to the following news: The Old Faiths Collapse what will fill the Void?” He also worried about the erosion of Dharmic thoughts and practices and its consequences in India about which I have spoken at length and how American Hindus should avoid such a crisis. Unfortunately he has not spoken his mind on the subject being part of the present Hindu Mandir management based on traditions imported from India and not necessarily based on Vedic wisdom. Our philanthropists of first generation of immigrant Hindus like me think that their job is done by building more than 400 temples and running them with imported sectarian traditions, priests from India and also educating our children in Baal Vihar schools organized by them guided by local interests in colorful Puranas and catchy Hindu Mythology and Fine arts to sustain Hindu values and cultures in them. Old faiths will collapse in Hinduism also caught in the New Spiritual Wave and future generations with their inter racial married life may not even use temples except for Marriage and Anthyeshti if they still identify themselves as Hindus in USA.
Fortunately many say they believe in God and Phil Goldberg says “USA is becoming a nation of yogis whose orientation towards life and their orientation towards their spiritual life is very yogic. They may never set foot on a yoga mat, they may never do an Aaasana in their lives. They have a meditation practice and turn inwards in their approach to whatever they define as spiritual –- their relation to the universe and their development of an inner connection to something bigger than themselves". This should attract them to Vedanta Religion about which I talked a lot before. Should we not cash this situation to take them to Vedanta religion and through them others who do not believe in churches and synagogues?
The important material he brought to our attention in the long message runs as follows: “The Old Faiths Collapse what will fill the Fill the Void? The pews are emptying virtually everywhere in the higher-income world. The Catholic Church is divided and enmeshed in scandal, unable to prevent even historically cleric-dominated Ireland from liberalizing abortion. The once vibrant evangelical movement is losing momentum in the developed world while the more established Protestant and Jewish congregations are shrinking, some at a rapid rate.
Yet rather than an end to faith, this fading of religion may presage the radical re-invention of spiritualism. Just as Christianity replaced paganism at the end of the Roman Empire, rising new faiths—built around notions of social justice, the environment, and technology to extend life or even achieve immortality—may supplant the old ones.  
The decline of organized religion is clear. In 24 of 42 traditionally Christian countries, many of them in Europe, the Christian population is already shrinking, deaths among Christians already exceed births—a trend that Pew predicts (PDF) will accelerate. Only in Africa, where faith has tended towards fundamentalism, do Christian births seem likely to continue outnumber births. The Jewish population in Europe, meanwhile, is less than half of what it was in 1960.
White Christians now comprise less than half of the American population, with the relative size of white evangelical, mainline Protestant, and Catholic populations all declining rapidly in the latest Public Religion Research Institute poll. Overall, the percentage of Catholics attending church weekly has plunged 50 percent from 1970, to barely 20 percent today; infant baptisms are down by nearly 40 percent since 2000.
The departure from traditional houses of religion has been most pronounced among the young. While 24 percent of Americans overall say they are unaffiliated with a religion, 38 percent of young adults (aged 19 to 29) say so—and they are leaving religious institutions at a rate four times that of their counterparts three decades ago. (In Europe, over 50 percent of Europeans under 30 do not identify with any religion at all.)
As sociologists Robert Putnam and David Campbell explained in 2010’s sweeping American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, the young and churchless mostly “reject conventional religious affiliation, while not entirely giving up their religious feelings.”
The key here for the future of religion lies in the perhaps ironic fact that many of those who resist affiliation still consider themselves “spiritual”; two-thirds of unaffiliated Americans say that they believe in God or a universal spirit. The Pew poll shows that the share of Americans who describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious" shot up by half, from 19 percent in 2012 to 27 percent in 2017, while the share of those who call themselves "religious and spiritual" slumped from 59 percent to 48 percent
Increasingly, the young see religious commitment less a matter of belonging to a particular community, and instead one of pledging oneself, as an individual, to a particular spiritual viewpoint. Among the “upwardly mobile class,” we have entered, in the words of Wayne Clark Roof, author of the Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion, “the church of the solitary individual.” In America, secular Jews are fading; the Orthodox already constitute the majority of Jewish children in the New York metropolitan region.
Ultimately, the new religions, seeking to fill the void left behind by traditional faiths, offer little to families in search of moral instruction or guidance for how different kinds of people can get along. They have no answers for addressing the reality that almost all of us alive today, despite the scheming of the trans-humanists, eventually will die. A world without the old faiths may still be spiritually engaged, even hysterically so, but we may lose the lessons of community, sacrifice, discipline and faith that the old religions taught to bind our societies together.”
Hinduism is a more recent nomenclature given to a conglomeration of heterogeneous traditions and plurality of beliefs and worship with a long history of development from the Vedic (that which has originated from Vedas—the four ancient texts) which contain the core of Hindu Philosophy and beliefs of sacrificial religion through the worship of epic and Puranic heroes and personal deities, cults and sects, as well as philosophical system moving away from the monolithic tradition or structure based on a single system of beliefs and worships or single text as scripture. Our temple traditions are guided by this complex concept of Hinduism and is too complicated with its overemphasized ritualistic worship tradition to follow and will not suit the busy materialistic American Life to whom religion has become a pastime and socializing!
Grown up in a Christian dominated society our children mesmerized by the universal binding force of love invariably pick up their life partners from Christian/Jewish religion and rarely from Asiatic Buddhism and native Hinduism. Very rarely one is attracted to Islam as they have better choice in the free market and children of Islam are brought up with conservatism and hate policy. Even liberal minded Muslims do not openly condemn Al Quid-a being afraid of their own hate groups. Hindu youth though attracted to Hindu marriage initially will neither practice Hindu Dharma nor their children like go to temples. We are also confused by wrong History about our Vedic origin inherited from India taught in schools even today. Correcting our wrong history will open our eyes to get back to our glorious past when all religions sought after Sanatana Dharma which Swami Vivekananda projected as Vedanta Religion for the Future for All smashing all religious walls. Over-emphasized ritualistic Hinduism as is practiced today will not be attractive to these mixed religious couples for long unless we correct the situation. They will also join the band wagon of those in the Spiritual Market moving away from Hinduism. That will only be jumping from the fire to the deep sea. Here our temples have to lead the crowd as our spiritual leaders say:
“The Mandirs have to play a significant role in the growth of the Hindu community in terms of its capacity to uphold Hindu Dharma.” -- SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI (www.arshavidya.org)

“We need to make temples not just a center of rituals and congregation but lighthouses of philosophy and knowledge, which are the basis of Hindu Dharma.” -- SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR (www.artofliving.org)

“Creating an environment where the youth understand, appreciate and love their Hindu culture is a crucial need today, as is uniting all Hindu temples under one umbrella.” -- SWAMI CHIDANANDA SARASWATI (www.parmarth.com)”
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/ devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like the devas that sat together in the past in harmony to worship. [All people should live with one mind without enmity and this can be achieved only by the divine grace says the mantra]
Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam /
samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha juho
mi //(X-191-3)

Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in union with the thoughts of the wise people! Sharing a common purpose; we worship as one.[Vedanta Religion is universal. It did not promote walled religions. Bhagavad Gita later said these religion need bridges to connect to the Supreme. All rivers seek refuge in the vast Ocean. All religions seek universal Lord Brahman only who is ever expanding and indescribable to accommodate all]
Samaani vaa aakootih samaana hridayaani vah / Samaanam astu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati // (X-191-4)
United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings, collectted be your mind, in the same way as all the various aspects of the universe exist in togetherness, wholeness.
[We should act in a manner with no ill-will towards others, causing no harm and causing no pain. Let us learn from the nature as to how to live in peace and exist together in harmony that pleases the Lord says the mantra]
--January 6, 2019
--
SRI GODHA RANGANATHA KALYANOTSAVA CELEBRATIONS

Please refer to my daily dispatch of one Hymn (Psuram) from Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai with full explanation that will be completed on next  Monday when the holy month of Margazhi/Margaseersh  ends under the caption THIRUPPAVAI--THIRUVEMBAVAI IN THAILAND FESTIVAL OF TRIVAMBAVER--TRIBAVE. Here I was motivated by the month long celebration of Margazhi festival by Buddhist Thailand dedicating it to Thiruppavbai and Thiruvembavai.  I am   surprised Jet USA Inc. has decided to celebrate Godha Ranganatha Kalyanotsbvam in  Nashville  on January 19th as invited below. I believe we both are inspired by lord Krishna who says in Bhagavad Gita masanaam margaseershoham. This is  Andal kalyanam, author of  Thiruippavai with Ranganatha. Please participate and be the recipient of divine couple's grace. I am not sure whether they are with us and would have received these daily dispatches during this holy month.  May be some members of Jet USA is on our list? These are also sent to FB. May be this could  be  for consideration as an annual event  and  united  celebration at Sri Ganesha Temple drawing inspiration from Buddhist Thailand though appears  as Sectarian Tamil Tradition Festival. Andal is believed to be an Incarnation of Bhudevi and recovered from earth as  a child like Sita and so appealing to   all traditions. Please find below a message sent from Jet Inc. USA

Jai Srimannarayana! JET Nashville is honored and proud to invite everyone for Sri Goda Ranganatha celebration.   The program  will be conducted on 19th of Jan 2019, at Best Western Franklin Inn, 1308 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064. The program consists of Goda Ranganatha Aaradhana, God Procession and followed by many attractive perfromance by kids.  Click Here to Register

Key Highligths of the event. (04.30AM to 07:30 PM)
1. Sri Goda Ranganatha Kalyanam
2. Recitation by Kids
3. God Procession
4. Dance and Skit by Kids
5. Goda Ranganatha Aaradhan
6. Prasadam Distribution (Dinner)

Thank you and waiting for your participation.

Comments
Thank you for sending this every day.  I have been reading them and enjoying the explanations.
--DRL Anand
WE KNOW OUR WEAKNESS BUT UNABLE TO OVERCOME THEM

FOWAI: Flame Of Who Am I? and STEP: Society To Educate People  Presents by: Pujya Swami Chidanandaji , Sunday, January 13, 2019   a talk on  The face of Truth is covered by a gold lid Ishāvāsya Upanishad, mantra 15. The gist of presentation is:

“In a powerful metaphor, the Ishāvāsya Upanishad refers to the attractions and attachments of the world as a ‘gold lid’.  People are unable to break the barrier on the path of their spiritual journey, and are therefore stuck with the passing pleasures of the world that are accompanied by pain and insecurity.  Human effort seems to be necessary but divine grace alone finally can take the seekers across this barrier.

The webinar will examine the unenviable situation where “we know our weaknesses but we are unable to overcome them”--hiranmayena pātreṇa satyasya apihitam mukham.

Swamin Chidananda draws our attention  to Mantra 15 of Isavasya Upanishad in this  sacred month of Margaseersha (Margazhi) glorified by Lord Krishna stating “maasaanaam Margaseershoham” in Bhagavad Gita which we are celebrating all the month inspired by the Bhuddhist Thailand that needs no explanation. This is a month of Bhajans and prayers in India that is celebrated on its termination with Pongal festival in Tamil  Culture  dedicated to Food as  Vyahriti of Brahman (Annam na nindyaat,  annam  bahu kurveeta,  annam parichakshheeta) that also needs no further explanation but just a timely reminder. Mantra 15 to 18 of Isavasya Upanishad are concluding Mantras that draws our attention on Mantras for Prayers to be practiced by spiritual aspirants. Mantra 15 runs is described below. What makes it more attentive is these Mantras are meant to be recited on the last three days of the sacred moth of Margzhi along with Tiruppavai and Tiruvembavai that I will be sending. Today is Koodarai Vellum festival which our Sri  Ganesha Temple often celebrated as kooda aria vellam meaning   offering sweet  kichadi (ponmgal)  made sweeter with additional 50% jaggery and offered  to Andal and  devotees  made to enjoy  the festival. Of course they have now corrected it to koodaarai vellum meaning the lord who stoops to conquer his enemies--Lord Krishna who is Govinda referring to  Pootana and Dhenuka:
  Hiranmayena paatrena satyasyaapihitam mukham |
Tat tvam pooshannapaavrinu satyadharmaaya drishtaye | | 15 ||
The real face of Truth (Jeevaatman) is covered and kept hidden by the gold vessel. O Sun (Pushaan), the sustainer and protector of all life, please oblige  to  remove this deceitful gloss of covering  (clouding of the mind) for my sake, as I am wedded to Truth, as my whole outlook is based on Truth (realizing Self)  and is governed by Truth alone.
Here Soorya refers to that universal effulgence Brahman alone.  Perceiving Brahman is a function of Dharma and hence the usage of the term satyadharmaaya. In this verse a request is made to God to remove all the obstacles to one’s vision, the objection being the golden pitcher, the attraction of this material world which has contributed to hiding of the God’s glorious face. Sankara says it is the last prayer of a dying individual but the individual meant here is the ego-center. It is the last prayer of the active spiritual seeker in his meditation seat, then after, his thoughts are diverted to Supreme Being.
“Satyadharma mentioned here means ‘eternal truth’. What is this golden plate and why is it an obstruction to knowing the eternal truth? The golden vessel is the ever-enticing sensual pleasures provided by physical entities. Gold symbolizes that enticement. If we are carried away by this enticement, we would never be able to pursue the path of liberation. Pūṣan is the nourisher, the nourisher of physical endowments; obviously, he is responsible for the deployment of physical features that cause the said enticement. That is why the prayer for removal of enticement is directed to him; the prayer is to the effect that Pūṣan may make the endowments less attractive. This is just like removing the pricked thorn by another thorn.
The appeal in verse 15 is followed up in verse 16. The Pūṣan is entreated to employ the whole range of his reins (व्यूह रश्मिन् समूह – vyūha raśmin samūha) to contain the enticing features of this physical world supported by him, so that the aspirant may sight the real glorious Puruṣa within, who is nothing other than what he (the aspirant) really is. The implication is that the same principle (Puruṣa) pervades in all and he is attained on getting detached from the worldly entanglements of pleasure-pain and such other dual experiences.
Further, it is stated in verse 17 that the body will finally turn to ashes, while Prāṇa, which sustains life, is eternal (as it represents the ultimate principle of existence). Therefore, it is prayed that the thoughts about desires be extinguished.
Having thus laid down two paths (one of sensual pleasures and the other of enlightenment) to choose between, the Upaniṣad concludes the instructions with a prayer in verse 18 for being led in the right path. The prayer is directed to Agni, the omniscient Lord of all, for destruction of all deceiving evils. Agni is the symbol of knowledge and, therefore, the prayer directed to him implies seeking of enlightenment for distinguishing what is wrong and what is right. 
Let us also pray for being led in the right path leading to enlightenment.”--Kartik Sreedharan

--January 11, 2019

WE ARE ALL FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE WORLD THEN WHY WE FIGHT OR WANDER IN WILDERNESS?
The most recent study on this subject, led by geneticist David Reich of Harvard University, was published in March 2018 and co-authored by 92 scholars from all over the world - many of them leading names in disciplines as diverse as genetics, history, archaeology and anthropology.
The collective blood-lines at the Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, India’s leading genetic-research institute, pose a unique riddle for researchers. On the one hand, geneticists can trace nearly all bloodlines back to two ancestral groups, one hailing from Africa, the other from Eurasia. These groups mingled, married and swapped genes. A mixture of their genetic material can be found in nearly every person on the subcontinent today. Their finding, recently published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, made waves when it was revealed that genetic mixing ended 1,900 years ago, around the same time the caste system was being codified in religious texts. The Manusmriti, which forbade intermarriage between castes, was written in the same period, give or take a century. The study shows only a correlation between the early caste system and the divergence of bloodlines, and whether one caused the other is a debate better left to historians. Nonetheless, it puts a stake in the ground, marking the moment when the belief that one should marry within one’s own group developed into an active practice.
Studies using ancient DNA have been rewriting prehistory all over the world in the last few years and in India, there has been one fascinating discovery after another.
The first one originated from the Zagros region in south-western Iran (which has the world's first evidence for goat domestication) and brought agriculturists, most likely herders, to India. This would have been between 7,000 and 3,000 BCE. These Zagrosian herders mixed with the earlier inhabitants of the subcontinent - the First Indians, descendants of the Out of Africa (OoA) migrants who had reached India around 65,000 years ago - and together, they went on to create the Harappa Civilization.
In the centuries after 2000 BCE came the second set of immigrants (the Aryans) from the Eurasian Steppe, probably from the region now known as Kazakhstan. They likely brought with them an early version of Sanskrit, mastery over horses and a range of new cultural practices such as sacrificial rituals, all of which formed the basis of early Hindu/Vedic culture. (A thousand years before, people from the Steppe had also moved into Europe, replacing and mixing with agriculturists there, spawning new cultures and spreading Indo-European languages).
Other genetic studies have brought to light more migrations into India, such as that of the   speakers of Austro-Asiatic languages who came from south-eastern Asia.
According to Indian DNA studies the spear-wielding fishermen of the Andaman Islands have no trace of the genetic mix that pervades the mainland. Proof that the only the thing that really could have stopped India’s ancestral populations from mixing was an 840-mile schlep to a remote tropical island.
The majority of Native Americans are mostly of East Asian ancestry and also significantly of North Eurasian ancestry, what makes them partly connected not only with the Siberians (their closest “cousins”) and the Chinese, but also with the Europeans, mainly those living in northern latitudes (I say the majority because some of them come from later waves of Siberian immigrants, like the Athabaskan and the Inuit tribes).
Recently an ancient   Siva temple in ruins has been discovered in the dense forests of USA. Hinduism had been the religion of the world from the beginning of times. Today it is again spreading in all countries of the world as world religion. The ancient Indians settled in America are known to the world as Red Indians.  Generations of present Kaliyuga   migrated from Bharat traveling through frozen sea between 20000 to 30000 years settled in the continent of America and were called Red Indians say the expert historians.  Settling there they worshiped Siva says a research publication Sadathala.   Sivalingas are discovered in Italy, Ireland, West Asia, Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Africa etc.  Migration has been going on to and from  Bharat in  the ancient past.
We here in Puranas about wandering  sages  like Narada, Viswamitra, Kapila, Agastya and others as well as caravans moving with them to and from  Bharath. It does not seem right to claim that in the distant past our religion or culture was propagated in other countries through an armed invasion or through trade for that was a time when civilization itself had not taken shape there.  But due to this to and fro migrations and good-will sages the Vedic religion was prevalent all over the world. Later, over the centuries, it must have gone through a process of change and taken different forms. These forms came to be called the original religions of these various lands which in the subsequent --historical times--came under Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity or Islam as the case may be.
One  also wonders why all this migration was drawn into the Subcontinent called Bharat that was later called India, cut to a small size as is today.  It is here the concept of civilized society and culture emerged, regulated and ruled human society, developed by ancient sages divinely inspired that Vedavyasa codified as Vedas and Upanishads. To make them spicy and juicy he also compiled Puranas and Bhaghavad Gita as  Spiritual Marketing  means.
However, the real message that the new DNA research carries is an exciting and hopeful one: that only Bharatiyas have created a long-lasting Civilized Society and Culture from a variety of heredities and histories which we now pride as Vedic Religion and Vedic Culture and no others.
The genius of the Bharatiya civilization during its best periods has been inclusion, not exclusion. Unity in diversity is, indeed, the central theme of India's genetic make-up. This is evident from the following Veda Mantras.
Sangacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manaamsi jaanataam/ devaa bhaagam yathaa purve sanjanaana upaasate // (X-191-20)
Come together! Speak together! Let our minds be all of one accord like thedevas that sat together in the past in harmony to worship.
[All people should live with one mind without enmity and this can be achieved only by the divine grace says the mantra]
 
Samaano mantra: samiti: samaani samaanam mana: saha chittamesam /
samaanam mantramabhi mantraye va: samaanena vo havisha juhomi  //(X-191-3)
Let our speech be one; united be our voices! May our minds be in union with the thoughts of the wise people!  Sharing a common purpose; we worship as one.

[Vedanta Religion is universal. It did not promote walled religions.  Bhagavad Gita later said these religion need bridges to connect to the Supreme. All rivers seek refuge in the vast Ocean. All religions seek universal Lord Brahman only who is ever expanding and indescribable to accommodate all]
Samaani vaa aakootih samaana hridayaani vah / Samaanam astu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati // (X-191-4)
United be your purpose, harmonious be your feelings, collected  be your mind, in the same way as all the various aspects of the universe exist in togetherness, wholeness.
[We should act in a manner with no ill-will towards others, causing no harm and causing no  pain. Let us learn from the nature as to how to live in peace and exist together in harmony that pleases the Lord says the mantra]

It is this past history that prompted Ramakrishna Paramhamsa to come  sa with the following advice that   has   become the   guiding principal of Ramakrishna Mission: “I see people who talk about religion constantly quarreling with one another. Hindus, Mussalmans, Brahmos, Shaktas, Vaishnavas, Saivas, Christians all quarrel with one another. They haven't the intelligence to understand that He who is called Krishna is also Shiva and the Primal Sakti, and that it is He, again, who is called Jesus and Allah. There is only one Rama and He has a thousand names. Truth is  One; It is called by different names. All people are seeking the same Truth.....Everyone is going toward God. They will all realize Him if they have sincerity and longing of heart”-- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Neither knowing this background history nor having the parental guidance on Vedic wisdom who are materialistic,  modern  Hindu youth has become open minded in a mixed DNA Society of USA. They select their  life-partners invariably from Jewish/Christian Society, rarely from Asiatic Non-Indian Society but seldom from Islam  disgusted with Al-Quid-a activities that Islam has not condemned sitting on a fence. Thus they have over-ruled the norms  of Hindu conservatism that   one should marry within one’s own group based on Manu Dharma but not  directed by  earlier Vedic culture.  Such  married couples  though married according to present Hindu-way are not interested in Hindu Rituals and worship and are even willing to join the so called fast-growing SBNR group in USA not knowing what Spirituality means  which Rishis taught in ancient  India. Here in USA temples play a major role  for leading a spiritual life by the mixed faith couples  guided by Vedic  wisdom as developed by our Rishis which  does not prescribe any regimental religious following. That is why our spiritual leaders advice:
The Mandirs have to play a significant role in the growth of the Hindu American community in terms of its capacity to uphold Hindu Dharma.   We   need to make temples not just a center of rituals and congregation but lighthouses of philosophy and knowledge, which are the basis of Hindu Dharma. Creating an environment where the youth understand, appreciate and love their Hindu culture is a crucial need today, as is uniting all Hindu temples under one umbrella”--Spiritual Gurus from India active in USA.
It is for the American Hindu Society to rise to the need of the hour and  make not only the  life American  Hindus meaningful but also of others who are spiritually starved for we have a proven past   and history guided by wisdom of Vedas and Gurus  and  monasteries well-versed in them. 

Lot of archeological and scientific information is now available to know about our ancient past that would prompt to rewrite the History of India as well as understand our Vedic Cultural past that  makes Hindus often quote " vasudhaiva Kutumbakam".    You can find many of them on the Inernet. These are too voluminous to add here:   
  1.  The Antiquity of Vedic Civilization
  2. Origin of Jews is Bharat
  3. The Celtic – Vedic Connection
  4. Civilization At Least 8,000 Years Old, Not 5,500: Scientists
  5. Mayan Origins in Ancient Southern India
  6. How ancient DNA may rewrite prehistory in India
  7. How ancient DNA may rewrite prehistory in India
  8. What DNA Testing Reveals about India’s Caste System
  9. A Jewish New Year’s feast in Mumbai  
  10. See what Treasures we  Lost and yet Pride as Hindus 
--January 12, 2019

 THINKING OF MOTHER GANGA DURING KUMBHAMELA FESTIVAL
As I reported to you earlier Kumbha Mela celebrations are going with full vigor raising the cvoicwes to heaven “Ganga mata ki jai” .  Kumbha Mela is a mass of Hindu pilgrimages where Hindus and people from different religion from various parts of country and across the world gather to bathe in the sacred river. It is one of the world's largest religious gathering. The   Ardha Kumbh Mela 2019 started    at Prayagraj (Prayag) on January 14th, 2019 will be concluded on March 4th, 2019.   At Haridwar and Prayag, an Ardha ("Half") Kumbh Mela is held every sixth year; a Maha ("Great") Kumbh Mela occurs after 144 years.

What Makes people from all faiths come to this festival attracted by Ganges whom all Hindus venerate as   Ganga Maa!   In this context I would like to draw your attention to my E-mail sent some time in the past  may be un 2016:
“My parents believed in Balaji and named me SRINIVASAN and I believe in OM. Obama said USA is "one Nation, many Gods"   Hindu American Temples have implemented this new-found philosophy long before his existence and the name! You see in Hindu Temples besides cluster of Hindu divines and avatars, Buddha, Mahavir, Guru Nanak, Saibaba, Swami Narayan and Serpent God of pagan belief too. They respect Christians and Muslims who do not like idols and add the names of Allah and Jesus in their Bhajans unlike Cartoon Charlie. Sai Baba believers have richly drawn from World book of Prayers which is in my library too though I am not a Bhajan Singer in crowds. Hinduism believes in One God, many names, many religions and many ways of worship too. In USA they need not fear protogonists of  Sankaracharyas or many conservative Gurus or go by agama or Tantric worships. They are encouraged by its bold Constitution and amendment No.1, Bill of Rights and can say--We need to go the Hindu American  Way; We go by appropriate technolog;  and we need to go by appropriate religion to follow our  philosophy Vasudhaiva kutumbakam  under  the umbrella of  Sanatana Dharma.
Ganges worship in India demonstrates this philosophy as revealed by the article below by the editor IndiaDivine.Org. People of all religions visit Varanasi out of curiosity or faith as people do in   America visiting Hindu temples. Only they do not follow what goes on and indulge in side talks and no Hindu American tries to interfere or explain unless sought after. Ganges water carries all burnt sins and worships to its source of One Ocean of Earth called by many names as it encompasses a particular nation or spot on Earth. It makes no discrimination as to who takes a plunge in her bosom being a universal mother. I often think of all these and retire to solitude to meditate on Gayatri Mantra and OM.
Materialistic India Bares its Soul to the Ganges
 The Editor, IndiaDivine.Org
It is a scene which has repeated itself every day for more than three thousand years in this holiest of India’s cities – a place as ancient as Babylon or Thebes – which Hindus consider to be the beating heart of their religion.
While modern India rushes headlong to embrace many of the material aspects of Western capitalism – even Varanasi has an outlet of McDonald’s – standing on the ‘Ghats’ of Varanasi at dawn, it seems as if time is standing still.
All strands of society are on show – from an aged scholar who stands motionless up to his neck in the water chanting mantras to two young fisherman’s boys who, oblivious to the old man’s prayers, are noisily trading splashes just a few feet away.
For all the material changes of the last decade, India remains a deeply religious country, with more than 93 per cent of Indians believing in God according a major survey conducted this year by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in New Delhi.
However to speak to India’s new urban elite, like the young mobile phone company executives we met a week ago on the upper reaches of the Ganges, is to wonder whether India will follow Europe into Godlessness in the century to come.
When asked to talk about or explain their pujas and interaction with Mother Ganga, several could only shrug and answer “Well, that’s what we do”
It is a debate which pre-occupies many in India as old social structures are broken down by children who earn more than their parents and increasingly absorb the attitudes and mores of Western culture.
However Saurabh Sharma, a 49-year-old IT specialist who spent several years living in California before retiring to Varanasi, is among those who believe that the battle for India’s soul is far from a foregone conclusion.
“The Hindu religion will endure because of its capacity to reinvent itself and to assimilate new cultures and traditions,” he says, “Hinduism has shown over the centuries that it is a philosophy that can adapt to the times, but remain true to its heart.
“In Europe Christianity has become irrelevant because it is a fixed system, instead the West has embraced the ‘philosophy of more’ – more cars, more houses, and more holidays – but India has no desire to succumb to the European way.”
The interest in religion is not confined to the elderly. Among the devotees standing on the Ghats is 18-year-old Abhishekh Srivastava, a medical student at Varanasi’s university, who has been sent by his mother to cast an offering of flowers and sugar into the Ganges. Does he see any contradiction between his ancient religious faith and his modern scientific training?
“I believe in both equally,” he says, “I believe there has to be a balance between the rational world and the religious world.”
So does he believe, as per Hindu tradition, that a dip in Mother Ganga will wash away his sins?
“No, I believe that you have to be a good person. That if you have a pure soul by your words and deeds, then you will attain ‘moksha’ [enlightenment],” he adds. “My parents believe in [the Goddess] Durga but I believe only in ‘Om’ the infinite truth that lies behind everything in the world – we are both religious, but perhaps in different ways.”
The inclusiveness of the Hindu religion is everywhere on display in Varanasi where people come to ‘Ganga Ma’ for everything from saying their praying and cremating the dead to washing their underpants and pestering a living off the tourists.
As we walk the Ghat in the morning sun, a holy man invites us (for a fee, of course) to join him in prayer. Is it right, we ask the Pundit, that a Christian-born foreigner should join his ceremony which promises to deliver peace to our families?
“It makes no difference because to us God is one,” he says applying a crimson dot to our foreheads, “people of all faiths come to worship here because they believe in the centrality of God that will endure for eternity.”
After reciting his mantra, including several of Ma Ganga’s 108 names such as ‘destroyer of poverty’ and a ‘staircase to heaven’ we ask the old man whether he worries about the gathering forces of materialism in the new, urban India.
“I am not worried because every human being is created differently,” he says, “Some men want cars and money, others do not. A lamp may be a thousand watts or a single watt, but it is true, is it not, that both give off light?”
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